The Islander 44 Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The Islander 44, a masthead sloop, was designed by William Lapworth and built in the USA by Wayfarer Yacht Corp.

An Islander 44 Cruising Yacht at anchor in Falmouth Harbour, Antigua, West Indies.The Islander 44

Published Specification for the Islander 44

Underwater Profile: Fin keel with spade rudder;

Hull Material GRP (Fiberglass);

Length Overall: 43'10" (13.36m);

Waterline Length: 32'6" (9.9m);

Beam: 11'0" (3.4m);

Draft: 5'10" (1.78m);

Rig Type: Masthead Sloop;

Displacement: 22,500lb (10,206kg);

Designer: William Lapworth;

Builder:  Wayfarer Yacht Corp (USA);

Year First Built: 1966;

Number Built: 10

Published Design Ratios for the Islander 44

1. Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 16.4

  • Less than 16 would be considered under-powered;
  • 16 to 20 would indicate reasonably good performance;
  • Over 20 suggests relatively high performance.

2. Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 35.6

  • Under 40: less stiff, less powerful
  • Over 40: stiffer, more powerful

3. Displacement/Length Ratio: 293

  • Under 100: Ultralight
  • 100 to 200: Light
  • 200 to 275: Moderate
  • 275 to 350: Heavy
  • Over 350: Ultraheavy

4. Comfort Ratio: 39.7

  • Under 20 indicates a lightweight racing boat
  • 20 to 30 indicates a coastal cruiser
  • 30 to 40 indicates a moderate offshore cruising boat
  • 40 to 50 indicates a heavy offshore boat
  • Over 50 indicates an extremely heavy offshore boat

5. Capsize Screening Formula: 1.6

  • Under 2.0 (the lower the better): Better suited for ocean passages
  • Over 2.0: Less suited for ocean passages

read more about these Key Performance Indicators...

Summary Analysis of the Design Ratios for the Islander 44

1. A Sail Area/Displacement Ratio of 16.4 suggests that the Islander 44 will, in the right conditions, approach her maximum hull speed readily and satisfy the sailing performance expectations of most cruising sailors.

2. A Ballast/Displacement Ratio of 35.6 means that the Islander 44 will have a tendency to heel excessively in a gust, and she'll need to be reefed early to keep her sailing upright in a moderate breeze. 

3. A Displacement/Length Ratio of 293, tells us the Islander 44 is clearly a heavy displacement cruising boat. You can load her down with all your cruising gear and equipment and it will hardly affect her waterline. Not an ideal choice for coastal sailing, but she'll come into her own on an offshore passage in testing conditions.

4. Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio of 39.7 suggests that crew comfort of a Islander 44 in a seaway is similar to what you would associate with the motion of a moderate bluewater cruising boat - a predictable and acceptable motion for most seasoned sailors.

5. The Capsize Screening Formula (CSF) of 1.6 tells us that a Islander 44 would be a safer choice of sailboat for an ocean passage than one with a CSF of more than 2.0. 

Recent Articles

  1. Used Sailboats for Sale in the Caribbean

    Jun 07, 23 01:51 AM

    Looking for used sailboats for sale that are capable of crossing an ocean? These cruising yachts are already in the Caribbean, but what are the risks and benefits of buying out there?

    Read More

  2. 'Shindig', a 40ft Bluewater Cruising Yacht for Sale

    Jun 04, 23 08:32 AM

    If you're looking for a unique Bluewater Cruising Yacht for sale in the Caribbean, then 'Shindig' is certainly worth a look...

    Read More

  3. Used Sailing Equipment For Sale

    Jun 04, 23 06:26 AM

    Here's where people with sailing equipment for sale advertise their stuff entirely free of charge. If you're looking for used sailing gear or other used boating accessories, here's where to find it!

    Read More