Construction and Structure
Below the waterline the hull is solid-glass laminate, shifting to foam core from the waterline to the sheer, and the entire hull is vacuum-bagged; major partitions are likewise resin-infused vacuum-bagged and resin-infused structure. The deck is balsa-cored glass laminate laid up dry between two molds and then injected with resin, while the roof uses the yard’s proprietary molding technology. Hull and deck are bolted and adhered together. The result is a stiff, light structure with a clean internal finish, and the flat spec ratios confirm a boat built for volume and passage comfort rather than stripped racing weight.
Rig, Helm, and Handling
The cabintop runs straight onto a hardtop over the cockpit, and the elevated helm sits to starboard at the bulkhead with a bench wide enough for two. A cutout with its own sliding hatch gives easy access, and all sail-control lines except the halyards lead to a cluster at the helm, with the traveler mounted on the hardtop singlehander can reach everything while steering. That layout lets one person manage the boat, though the long reach from the helm to the traveler line stopper limits the helmsman’s direct control. There is space for a crew to crank the winch from the nearby starboard side deck. Visibility is excellent, with a 360-degree view and a high cabintop expanse that serves as a perfect lookout platform for threading coral or shoals. One awkward note: the vertical climb from foredeck to cabintop has no steps.
Under sail the boat is forgiving and quick. In a 10-to-12-knot Annapolis breeze she made 7 to 7.5 knots, tacked easily through about 90 degrees, and accelerated quickly out of the turns; tacking and gybing were simple with one or two crew. With both 30-hp Volvo saildrives turning at 1,500 RPM she turned smoothly in about 1.5 boatlengths and spun within her own length using opposite thrust. At 2,800 RPM she logged 8 knots and 74 dBA in the saloon, with a 3,000 RPM redline top speed of 8.5 knots. Testers noted a slight springiness in the wheel from the steering cables and some rudder kick when backing down.
Accommodations
The cockpit flows into the cabin at the same level through double sliding doors, a single-level layout that aids movement. Forward to starboard sits the nav station with a clear view toward the bows through the big saloon windows; abaft it is the galley, which faces aft. Interior furniture is plywood with sycamore veneer of good production-boat standards, and the light-colored wood reads modern, bright, and open—almost stark. The hull liner is a foam-backed plastic fabric. The dual-purpose saloon table mounts inside or in the cockpit and flips for a wood or laminate surface.
Two layouts exist. The four-cabin version is best suited to charter service, while the optional three-cabin dedicates the entire starboard hull to an owner’s suite. All cabins have ample headroom and low bunks that are easy to enter and exit.
Known Issues
The floorboards all lift for bilge access to through-hulls, but they creak when walked on. Testers also felt the helm area needs better line-tail stowage, and noted the springy wheel feel already mentioned under handling. The long traveler reach from the helm is a control limitation rather than a defect.
Refits and Ownership
Owners benefit from the lift-out floor system for servicing through-hulls and systems, though the creaking boards are a known annoyance. The CE Category A certification confirms the boat’s offshore rating. With 395-Ah house plus 100-Ah per engine, 105 gallons fuel, 140 water, and 60 waste, the systems baseline supports extended cruising. The evolutionary hull and deck construction methods should reward careful survey of the infused structures and through-hull penetrations.
The Verdict
The Orana 44 gathers a new hardtop design, improved helm station, pleasant interior, and good sailing qualities into a comfortable, swift cruiser that betters the Belize 43 lineage without abandoning it. She is a practical, well-mannered catamaran for couples or charter alike.
Pros
- Vacuum-bagged solid-glass hull below waterline with foam core above; infused partitions
- Single-level cockpit-to-cabin flow with excellent 360-degree helm visibility
- Singlehander-friendly sail control cluster; quick, predictable tacking and docking
- Three-cabin owner’s suite or four-cabin charter layout; bright open interior
- CE Category A; strong tankage and electrical baseline for cruising
Cons
- Creaking lift-out floorboards
- Long helm-to-traveler reach limits trim control from the wheel
- Springy steering feel; no steps from foredeck to cabintop
- Helm line-tail stowage inadequate per tester
