Lafitte 44 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Lafitte 44 was a departure from the "full keel" philosophy common in cruising boats of the 1970s. Robert Perry utilized a modified fin keel with a cutaway forefoot and a substantial skeg-hung rudder, a configuration he championed to provide a balance between tracking stability and maneuverability. With a displacement of approximately 28,000 pounds and a ballast-to-displacement ratio near 40%, the boat is exceptionally stiff and capable of carrying sail well into freshening conditions.

As noted in editorial retrospectives by Cruising World, the boat’s sailing characteristics are defined by its "sea-kindliness," a term referring to its predictable motion in a seaway. With a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) ratio of roughly 16.8, it is not a light-air flyer but possesses enough power to maintain high average speeds on long passages. Owners frequently report that the boat "finds its groove" at about 15 to 20 knots of wind, where the heavy hull slices through chop without the pounding associated with modern, flat-bottomed designs. The cutter rig provides a versatile sail plan, allowing the crew to reef down easily while maintaining a balanced helm.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the Lafitte 44 is a showcase of the artisanal wood craftsmanship that CHB provided during the "Taiwanese Ferrari" era of boatbuilding. The layout typically features a two-cabin, two-head configuration. The master stateroom is located aft, featuring a large double berth and private head, while the guest V-berth is forward. The salon is characterized by deep, hand-rubbed teak or mahogany finishes, often complemented by white overheads to prevent the space from feeling overly dark.

A notable design element is the "T-shaped" cockpit, which allows the helmsman to move freely while providing high coamings for passenger safety. Ventilation is a priority, with numerous opening bronze ports and large deck hatches. While the 44-foot model was the mainstay of the line, a larger sibling, the Lafitte 66, was also designed by Perry. The 66 shared the same DNA of a performance underbody paired with a luxury interior, though it was produced in much smaller numbers. Some 44s were customized with different galley arrangements—either linear or U-shaped—depending on the original owner’s preference for offshore security versus dockside entertaining.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Lafitte 44 has earned a "cult classic" status among blue-water sailors and is frequently cited in literature concerning world cruising. Designer Robert Perry discusses the Lafitte 44 extensively in his book, Yacht Design According to Perry, where he reflects on the model as one of his most successful balances of aesthetic beauty and functional performance. The boat is often compared favorably to the Valiant 40, another Perry design, though the Lafitte is generally considered to have a more refined, luxurious finish.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Lafitte 44 must account for the age of the vessel and the specific construction techniques used by CHB in the late 1970s and 80s.

• Teak Decks: Many Lafitte 44s were built with teak decks fastened with screws through the fiberglass laminate into a balsa or plywood core. Over decades, these screw holes can allow water to penetrate the core, leading to delamination and rot.
• Fuel and Water Tanks: Like many CHB-built boats of this era, the Lafitte 44 often came equipped with black iron fuel tanks. These are prone to internal corrosion and pitting, especially at the bottom where condensation collects. Replacing these tanks often requires significant interior dismantling.
• Chainplates: The stainless steel chainplates are a critical inspection point. Due to their age and potential exposure to salt water leaking through deck seals, they should be pulled and inspected for crevice corrosion.
• Osmotic Blistering: While the hulls are thick and robust, some vessels from this period in Taiwan have shown a propensity for hull blisters. A thorough moisture meter test and bottom inspection are essential.

Community & Resources

Owners and prospective buyers of the Lafitte 44 often look to the broader Robert Perry design community for technical support. While there is no longer a dedicated manufacturer's website, the Robert H. Perry Yacht Designers archives remain a primary source for original drawings and design specifications. Technical discussions are also common within the Perry Yacht Owners Association, which covers various models built in the same yards, including Babas, Pandas, and Tashibas.

The Verdict

The Lafitte 44 remains a premier choice for sailors who value traditional aesthetics and heavy-weather capability without sacrificing modern handling.

Pros:

• Exceptional Build Quality: The interior joinery is among the best of its era.
• Robert Perry Pedigree: A well-balanced hull that tracks beautifully offshore.
• Offshore Ready: Heavy displacement and high ballast ratio provide a safe, comfortable ride in heavy seas.

Cons:

• High Maintenance: Extensive exterior teak and aging systems require significant upkeep.
• Tankage Issues: Potential for costly replacement of original iron tanks.
• Performance Trade-offs: The heavy hull requires more wind to get moving compared to modern light-displacement cruisers.