Home » Explore » Bluewater Sailboats » Bluewater Sailboat – Hylas 44
The Bluewater Sailboat Hylas 44, designed by German Frers, is a center cockpit offshore cruiser recognized for its superb appearance and build quality from Taiwan’s Queen Long Marine. Production began in 1984 and lasted eight years, terminating in 1992. Hylas 44s are particularly popular these days for their accommodation layout; her unique hull form takes her maximum beam far aft, allowing for a spacious rear cabin. You may find them on the market nowadays with different keel configurations (deep or shoal) and rigs that include cutter and sloops.
- LOA:44′ 2″
- LWL: 34′ 10″
- Beam: 13′ 6″
- Draft: 5’ 5″ (bulb keel), 6′ 6″ (fin keel)
- Ballast: 11,020 lbs.
- Displacement: 22,320 lbs.
- Sail Area: 864 sq. ft.
- Fuel Tankage: 80-100 US Gal.
- Water Tankage: 80-100 US Gal.
- Designer: German Frers
- Builder: Queen Long Marine Ltd.
- Year Introduced: 1984
- Year Ended: 1992
History
In the early 1980s, Queen Long Marine commissioned German Frers to construct two cruising yachts. In 1984, these were transformed into the racy Hylas 42 and the more “cruiserly” Hylas 44, which are now part of the well-known Hylas yacht line.
With Bill Stevens of Stevens Charters and then Dick Jachney of Caribbean Yacht Charters (CYC) purchased the majority of the boats, the Hylas 44 became famous among charter boat circles in the Caribbean. These Hylas yachts were also sold by private dealers across the world. CYC became the sole importer of new Hylas yachts in 1990. CYC had Queen Long add a sugar scoop stern to the 44 by 1992. They debuted a completely new German Frers-designed 46-footer in 1995, with a redesigned cabin trunk, deeper forefoot, and fully integrated swim platform. As of 2010, these 46 Hylas boats were still in production.
Above Deck
The hull of this Bluewater Sailboat is made of solid hand-set-up fiberglass by Taiwanese company Queen Long Shipyards. A remarkable stiffening network of full-length fore and aft stringers and transverse floors is used in the construction. The deck is made of balsa or Airex and is attached to the hull with stainless bolts and 5200. Chainplates are huge and connect to I-beams made of glass over stainless steel. Before developing the 44, Queen Long was already well renowned for their Kelly Petersons and Stevens 47s.
Below Deck
The accommodations are the most attractive feature. All 44’s have an offset berth forward and settee with a private head and shower. The main salon includes a dinette arrangement to port and a starboard settee. Leading to the master stateroom are dual walk-throughs, a tremendously popular feature. Along the port side are the master head and shower while the Sailboats Galley is along the opposite side. The master stateroom has a centerline queen on all except the first thirteen hulls which had a berth offset starboard side.
Performance
The Hylas 44 is not a dry boat. Because of the limited freeboard, a constant stream of water slides over the fine bow and back to the center cockpit when sailing offshore. Complete enclosures are frequently seen. She never pounds, but rather slices through the waves. She surfs downwind with her gorgeous beam at a 3.8 ratio.
Now you can also precisely calculate the expenses related to boat ownership to make smart choices based on your budget and sailing needs. Use this bluewater Sailboat Calculator to explore different options and make the best decision.
Quick Notes
Many Hylas 44s endured the rigors of the bareboat charter in the Caribbean. Caribbean Yacht Charters operated a buy and charter business from the British Virgin Islands. The owner saved money by leasing a new Hylas 44 from Queen Long for four years instead of purchasing it. It’s tough to identify the difference between non-chartered and chartered 44s. High engine hours, brows along the cabin trunk, and a Hylas emblem in the cockpit are all telltale clues. Queen Long chose to extend the 44 with a swim platform into the 45.5 late in manufacturing in 1992. This 45.5 has a unique deck mold. Owners then refitted 44s with swim platforms. These aftermarket 45.5s frequently have unusual difficulties.
If you are interested in learning more about the specifications and details of a sailboat, we recommend visiting the page Bluewater Sailboat data by Ocean Wave Sail. This page provides comprehensive information and is an excellent resource for anyone seeking detailed information about 1000+ sailboats.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.