C&C 44 Sailboats for Sale

Layouts on the Used Market

The standard C&C 44 layout sleeps up to seven, with a forward V-berth cabin and head, a main saloon whose U-shaped dinette converts to a double and settee to a single, a port U-shaped galley, starboard navigation station, and an aft cabin double with its own head. The standard version also carries a larger cockpit with more seating and a folding table, plus a raised reverse transom with swim platform and ladder. The Custom version strips to a simpler interior with fewer amenities and more storage, a flush transom, and only a deep-fin keel. Keel choice on the standard boat is centreboard or deep-fin; the centreboard is hydraulic and gives 5 ft 6 in up / 8 ft 6 in down, while the deep-fin runs 8 ft 3 in.

Equipment and Common Upgrades

On the used market these boats often carry a spinnaker, dinghy davits, radar, autopilot, and chartplotter as fitted equipment. The standard rig is a masthead sloop with 924 sq ft of sail; the Custom carries a taller rig at 1,000 sq ft. The original electrical combined 12-volt and 110-volt shore power, and the standard diesel is the Yanmar 44-hp raw-water-cooled unit. Brokerage examples frequently show owner-added navigation and deck gear in the often-seen tier rather than factory-standard only.

What to Inspect

Documented known issues from period testing should guide a careful survey. The helm seat was designed for racing and is uncomfortable for long cruising stints, a sign of the race-bred interior. The aft cabin showed poor ventilation despite five opening ports, and leeboards were recommended for offshore sleeping to avoid the wood side-paneling. Velcro-fastened ceiling light covers were not substantial enough to withstand heaving sailing without falling, and a galley garbage slot cut into the countertop chute fell undetected into its container during test. The aft genoa sheet track placement puzzled the tester, who never got a fairlead through the deck car to the turning block, and rig "pumping" was experienced a couple of times, suggesting running backstays be considered. Engine access is through the galley side panel or lower companionway steps.

Availability and Buyer's Takeaway

C&C 44s on the used market are typically found in the United States. For a buyer, the checklist is short and source-backed: confirm keel configuration and centreboard hydraulics if fitted; check aft cabin ventilation and port seals; inspect Velcro light covers and galley chute detail; verify genoa track fairlead and consider running backstays; confirm Yanmar raw-water cooling and tank shutoff access. A well-kept example rewards with a dry, seaworthy sea boat and flexible cruising-racing capability.