Design and Construction
Jeanneau deliberately gave the 44i a softer look. Cruising World observed that the boat clearly expresses Jeanneau’s rounded styling, inside and out, and combines sporty looks with comfortable spaces in a capable cruiser. The publication also described sporty looks and comfy spaces as defining this capable cruiser.
Radiused corners reduce the visual mass of the coachroof. The side decks aren’t especially wide for a boat of this size, but the walkway beside the cabin trunk is well defined and free of toe stubbers.
The cockpit is arranged for security and ease of movement. Behind the twin helms, both the sole and seats are radiused to give the helmsman purchase under sail. The seats lift to reveal deep lockers, with additional shallow stowage beneath the port bench.
Rig, Performance, and Handling
The Performance version is designed to provide more power and speed than the standard model. It pairs a taller mast with tri-radial Mylar/Taffeta sails from the Prestige series, a twin-groove furler, and a feathering propeller.
During a test of the standard boat in mostly light air, the 44i met expectations. She heeled little and responded promptly to the helm. When a brief 10-knot puff arrived, she reached 6 knots closehauled.
A 75-horsepower Yanmar drove the conventionally shafted hull effortlessly to hull speed. From full ahead, the boat stopped in little more than a boat length. At 1,500 rpm with the helm hard over, she turned within her own length. At higher engine revolutions, however, noise became noticeable below, and prop wash put considerable torque on the helm.
The cockpit’s length makes it necessary to move away from the helm to reach the mainsheet and traveler. The best route to the mast is by way of the shrouds.
Accommodations
Below, the 44i follows a contemporary layout that gives generous space to the sleeping cabins. In the three-cabin version, everything forward of the mast becomes the master suite. Its island berth is queen-sized through the hip area and is accompanied by a dressing seat, hanging locker, and en-suite head and shower. Further lockers sit above and outboard.
Aft, the hull’s ample beam is divided equally between two cabins. The layout offers a choice of mirror-image heads or a single head to port with a navigation station to starboard. The four-cabin version extends the same democratic division forward.
In the saloon, a U-shaped settee to starboard and a centerline seat provide room for six. The galley occupies the full port side, creating a large workspace for the cook. Pale “Fine Teak” cabinetry, rounded molding, Alpi veneer, and white hull accents help the central area feel open and bright. Overhead hatches and Jeanneau’s trademark portlights add light.
The navigation desk recesses into a flat surface that conceals a bottle locker. It lacks fiddles and has only a partial bulkhead, however, which can complicate later electronics mounting.
Deck Equipment and Cockpit
At the bow, a substantial stainless-steel fabrication carries two anchor rollers side by side ahead of the stemhead, keeping sharp anchors clear of the gelcoat. The starboard roller leads to a recessed windlass on the centerline. A bubble in the anchor-locker lid allows the chain to be hauled while the lid remains closed, although the open lid leaves little standing room on the bow.
In the cockpit, the soft contours provide comfortable seating both at rest and under way. The table sits on a molded plinth and opens to create an outdoor lounge, while still allowing room for opening ports above the aft berths.
The Verdict
The Sun Odyssey 44 I Perf. is a thoughtfully styled cruiser that combines genuine speed potential with a roomy, modern interior. Briand’s hull and the taller Performance rig give her a lively yet composed character in light to moderate air. The accommodations—particularly the forward master suite and full-length port-side galley—suit extended living aboard.
Soft-edged detailing and the twin-helm cockpit look contemporary rather than austere. There are compromises, though: engine noise and helm torque increase at higher revolutions, the open anchor-locker lid crowds the bow, and some sail controls require a trip across the cockpit.
Pros
- Taller mast and Prestige Mylar/Taffeta sail wardrobe provide more power than the standard 44i without sacrificing comfort
- Generous three- and four-cabin layouts, with a full-beam master suite forward and a large port-side galley
- Soft, radiused styling and twin helms with secure cockpit geometry
- Maneuvers tightly under power, stopping in little more than a boat length and turning within her own length
Cons
- Noticeable belowdecks noise and prop torque at the helm at higher engine rpm
- Open anchor-locker lid leaves little standing room on the bow
- Mainsheet and traveler controls require moving across the cockpit from the helm
- Navigation desk lacks a full bulkhead for straightforward electronics mounting
