Doug Peterson's design expertise shines through in this well-balanced 44-footer that emerged during the late 1970s IOR racing era. Built by Jack Kelly Yachts and Yu Ching in Taiwan between 1976 and 1983, the Peterson 44 Cutter represents a thoughtful blend of performance and cruising capability that attracted 200 owners during its production run. The cutter rig configuration provides excellent sail handling versatility, particularly valuable for offshore passages where changing conditions demand flexible sail plans. With a fin keel and skeg-hung rudder arrangement, the boat delivers responsive handling while maintaining directional stability in challenging seas. The moderate displacement of 30,000 pounds, combined with 10,000 pounds of ballast, creates a reassuring platform for extended cruising without sacrificing sailing performance. Peterson's design philosophy emphasized seaworthiness and speed, evident in the boat's respectable sail area to displacement ratio and favorable stability characteristics. The comfort ratio of 38.18 suggests capable motion at sea, while the capsize screening value of 1.67 indicates good offshore suitability. This makes the Peterson 44 an attractive choice for serious cruisers seeking a boat that can handle coastal exploration and ocean passages with equal competence, backed by the reliability of proven construction methods.
No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.
What is the Peterson 44 Cutter's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Peterson 44 Cutter has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 14.39. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Peterson 44 Cutter's comfort ratio?
The Peterson 44 Cutter has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 38.18. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Peterson 44 Cutter safe for offshore sailing?
The Peterson 44 Cutter has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 1.67. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Peterson 44 Cutter?
The theoretical hull speed of the Peterson 44 Cutter is 8.33 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Peterson 44 Cutter weigh?
The Peterson 44 Cutter has a displacement of 30,000.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 43.83 ft.
Who designed the Peterson 44 Cutter?
The Peterson 44 Cutter was designed by Doug Peterson, first built in 1976.