Pacifica 44 – A True Cruiser’s Classic
Though no longer in production, the Pacifica 44 remains a highly respected and sought-after long-distance cruiser, especially among serious boaters doing the Great Loop, extended coastal voyages, or even the occasional offshore passage. Built in the 1980s and early 1990s, primarily in Taiwan for American and international buyers, the Pacifica 44 is a testament to a different era of boatbuilding—when long-term livability, seaworthiness, and simplicity took priority over trend.
Design and Layout
The first thing that strikes you about the Pacifica 44 is its timeless trawler profile: a high bow with forward rake, a low, protected deckhouse, and a generous flybridge perched above. It’s an honest boat, built with purpose. The hull is hand-laid fiberglass, with a long, full keel that provides stability, directional tracking, and protection for the running gear.
Two common layouts exist: the classic aft-cabin configuration and the sundeck sedan version, both offering two generous cabins, two heads, and ample outdoor space. The standard model has a raised pilothouse with dual side doors—perfect for single- or short-handed handling—and a lower helm with excellent visibility.
Below deck, you’ll find a warm, wood-trimmed interior, often finished in teak or mahogany, with thoughtful use of space. The master stateroom aft features a queen berth, generous storage, and a private en suite head. The forward guest cabin typically has a V-berth or island berth, also with its own head. Between the two lies a cozy saloon and either an up or down galley, depending on the model.
Despite its vintage, the Pacifica 44’s layout still holds up well against modern trawlers. Headroom is ample, berths are adult-sized, and there’s a surprising amount of closet and locker space, making this boat truly livable for long-term voyagers.
On Deck and Up Top
The Pacifica 44 offers secure, walk-around side decks with high bulwarks and sturdy stainless-steel handrails—one of its great strengths for serious cruising. The aft deck is covered and often used for outdoor dining or lounging, with access to a swim platform and a ladder for water access.
Up top, the flybridge is large, with room for a helm station, seating, and dinghy storage with a crane. Visibility is panoramic, and many owners retrofit full canvas and isinglass enclosures for all-weather use. The layout promotes easy socialising and great views whether underway or at anchor.
The forward deck includes a proper anchor platform with windlass, chain locker, and twin anchor setup, built for long stays at anchor and reliable holding in variable conditions.
Engine and Performance
Powering the Pacifica 44 is typically a single or twin diesel engine setup—most often Ford Lehman 120s, Perkins 135s, or Cummins 210s. While twin engines provide better close-quarters maneuvering, the single-engine versions are more common and are prized for their simplicity, fuel economy, and long lifespan.
At a cruising speed of 7 to 9 knots, the Pacifica 44 is remarkably fuel efficient, burning as little as 3–4 gallons per hour, with a cruising range of over 1,000 nautical miles thanks to its 500–600 gallon fuel capacity. It’s the perfect pace for those not in a rush—loopers, passagemakers, and those who want to savour the journey.
Handling is gentle and predictable. The full keel gives the boat a stable ride in beam seas, and while she’s not fast, she’s tough, capable, and gives a steady motion that makes long days on board comfortable.
Comforts and Systems
Given their age, many Pacifica 44s have been updated over time with new electronics, upgraded galley appliances, solar panels, inverter systems, and diesel heating or air conditioning. With good bones, these boats are highly modifiable and well-suited to off-grid cruising.
Most are equipped with:
Onan or Northern Lights generators
Pressure hot/cold water systems
Full-size refrigerators
Navigation electronics (modernised in many cases)
Large blackwater and freshwater tanks for extended stays
The engine room is spacious, well laid out, and generally allows easy access for maintenance—a key feature for those doing their own upkeep.
Strengths
Excellent value on the used market
Timeless, seaworthy design
Fuel-efficient and reliable
Comfortable for long-term cruising or liveaboard
Full walk-around decks and safe offshore layout
Things to Watch For
Age-related wear: electrical rewiring, soft decks, and old plumbing are common
Fuel tank corrosion (especially steel tanks)
Some boats may need repowering or refitting
Gelcoat blistering or wood rot in older poorly maintained examples
With a good marine survey and a bit of TLC, a Pacifica 44 can become a trustworthy floating home for decades.
Who It’s For
This boat is perfect for:
Liveaboards and retirees seeking long-term comfort
Great Loop cruisers
Coastal and intercoastal voyagers
First-time trawler buyers looking for big features at reasonable prices
It’s not for those who want to go fast or show off. It’s for those who appreciate stability, space, and simplicity—and who find joy in the slow, steady cadence of true cruising.
Typical Specifications (varies by builder and year)
Feature
Length Overall (LOA) 44 ft (13.4 m)
Beam 14 ft 6 in (4.42 m)
Draft 4 ft (1.22 m)
Displacement ~36,000–40,000 lbs (16,300–18,100 kg)
Fuel Capacity 500–600 gallons (1,893–2,271 L)
Water Capacity 250–300 gallons (946–1,135 L)
Engines Single or twin diesel (often Lehman, Perkins, or Cummins)
Cruising Speed 7–10 knots
Top Speed 11–14 knots (semi-displacement hulls)
Range ~1,000–1,500 nautical miles
Cabins 2 (master + guest)
Heads 2 with showers
Design & Layout
The Pacifica 44 typically features:
A raised pilothouse with excellent visibility, side deck access doors, and full instrumentation
A saloon with galley down or galley-up layout, depending on model
A master stateroom aft with private head and shower
A forward guest cabin (V-berth or island berth), also with private head
A spacious flybridge with seating, helm controls, and optional Bimini
Wide side decks with high bulwarks for safe movement around the boat
A large aft deck for entertaining or storage
The interior is traditionally finished in teak or mahogany, giving a warm, nautical feel. Most versions include air conditioning, diesel heat, a generator, and ample tankage for serious cruising.
Performance & Handling
While not a speedster, the Pacifica 44 is built for economy and range. Cruising at 7–9 knots, fuel consumption is often around 3–4 gallons per hour, making her ideal for the Great Loop, coastal cruising, or even offshore passages.
The hull offers excellent directional stability, and a full keel provides added protection for the running gear. In twin-engine versions, maneuverability is strong—even without thrusters—while single-engine setups are more fuel-efficient but benefit from a bow thruster in tight quarters.
Notable Features
Fuel-efficient and ocean-capable
Timeless trawler styling
Large covered decks and flybridge
Spacious interior for extended stays
Excellent value on the used market
Things to Watch For
Age-related wear: Many Pacifica 44s are 30–40 years old
Check for fuel tank corrosion, electrical system updates, and deck leaks
Many have been repowered—check engine hours and installation quality
Some interiors may need cosmetic updating depending on owner care
Who It’s For
The Pacifica 44 is ideal for:
Liveaboards or cruising couples
Boaters doing the Great Loop
Bluewater adventurers seeking a rugged platform
Those who value slow, steady, and reliable over flash and speed
Final Verdict
The Pacifica 44 is not just a boat—it’s a philosophy. It represents a slower, more deliberate way to travel the world’s waterways. With generous tankage, rugged construction, and all the features needed for long-term comfort, it’s a vessel built for those who value the journey over the destination.
For anyone seeking a dependable, characterful trawler at a fair price, the Pacifica 44 remains one of the finest examples of its kind—a classic cruiser that still earns its stripes, mile after mile.