Design and Construction
The hull is solid fiberglass laid up with vinylester resin, while the deck has a balsa core. The Cambria 44 measures 45.92 feet overall and 36.33 feet on the waterline, displaces 28,600 pounds, and carries 11,500 pounds of lead ballast.
The keel combines a fiberglass shell with a protective skeg shielding both the propeller and skeg-hung rudder. A hydraulically operated centerboard reduces draft to 5'6" with the board raised. A deep-fin version drawing 7'6" was also offered for sailors seeking maximum stiffness offshore. The centerboard arrangement allows her to gunkhole in shoal water while still standing up and performing with the board lowered.
Rig and Sail Handling
The cutter rig uses aluminum spars and a keel-stepped mast with two sets of spreaders. Both the genoa and staysail have roller furling, while the mainsail uses slab reefing and lazy jacks—a straightforward system suited to offshore sailing.
The sail inventory includes a fully battened mainsail, 135% genoa, staysail, asymmetrical spinnaker, and storm jib. The winch inventory is equally comprehensive:
- Two Lewmar 65 self-tailing primary winches for the genoa sheets
- Two Lewmar 43 secondary winches for the staysail
- Two Lewmar 43 cabintop winches for halyards and reefing
- Two Lewmar 16 mast-mounted winches for the spinnaker gear
Wide, uncluttered side decks, high lifelines, and sturdy handrails make moving around the boat easier, while the balsa-cored deck keeps the cabin top quiet underfoot. Stainless-steel pulpits, stanchions, and cleats are fitted throughout.
Cockpit and Deck Equipment
The center cockpit is protected by a dodger and bimini and provides comfortable seating for the crew. The single-wheel helm includes the engine panel, autopilot, compass, and instruments.
At the bow, the ground tackle includes an electric windlass, anchor locker, twin bow rollers, and two anchors. Aft, there’s a swim platform with a ladder, along with an outboard bracket and davits for dinghy handling. The broad, protected deck plan makes the Cambria 44 a sensible platform for a couple or small crew setting out on long passages.
Accommodations
The Cambria 44 sleeps up to six people in three separate cabins. The aft owner’s cabin has a centerline queen berth, vanity, hanging locker, and ensuite head with shower. Forward, the guest cabin provides a V-berth, hanging locker, and access to a second head with shower. Amidships, a third cabin contains upper and lower berths and another hanging locker.
Large windows and hatches keep the main saloon bright. To port, a U-shaped dinette converts into a double berth; a settee sits opposite to starboard. Aft of the settee, the navigation station has a large chart table and instrument panel.
Opposite the navigation station, the galley includes a three-burner stove, oven, double sink, refrigerator, freezer, and ample storage. Teak woodwork and beige upholstery give the interior a warm, comfortable atmosphere.
Verdict
The Cambria 44 is a low-production, thoughtfully engineered cruiser. Her hydraulic centerboard balances shoal-water access with offshore composure, while the three-cabin interior provides serious cruising accommodations finished to custom-yard standards. She isn’t a boat you’ll see in every anchorage, but the examples afloat are complete, carefully considered vessels.
Pros
- Hydraulic centerboard provides a 5'6" shoal draft, while the 7'6" deep-fin version offers greater stability
- Three genuine cabins sleep six, with two full heads
- Solid-fiberglass hull with vinylester resin and a protected, skeg-hung rudder
- Comprehensive winch and sail-handling inventory for short-handed cruising
Cons
- Only eighteen were built; surveyor familiarity and spare parts can be scarce
- Centerboard hydraulics add another system to maintain
