The Hylas 44 Sailboat
Specs & Key Performance Indicators

The Hylas 44, a classic centre-cockpit cruiser was designed by German Frers and built by Queen Long Marine of Taiwan, and has been popular among sailors since its introduction in 1984. With a spacious and comfortable interior, a fast and stable hull, and a versatile rig, the Hylas is a great choice for long-distance cruising and living aboard.

A Hylas 44

Published Specification for the Hylas 44

Keel & Rudder Configuration: Fin keel, Skeg-hung rudder
Hull Material: Fiberglass (GRP)
* Length Overall: 13.5 meters (44' 2")
* Waterline Length: 10.6 meters (34' 10")
* Beam: 4.1 meters (13' 6")
* Draft: 2.1 meters (6' 11")
Rig Type: Masthead Sloop
* Displacement: 10,124 kilograms (22,320 lbs)
* Ballast: 4,999 kilograms (11,020 lbs)

* Sail Area: 80.5m² (864ft²)
Water Tank Capacity: 302 litres (80 gallons)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 302 litres (80 gallons)
Hull Speed: 8.9 knots
Designer: German Frers
Builder: Queen Long Marine (Taiwan)
Year First Built: 1984
Year Last Built: 1993

* Used to derive the design ratios referred to later in this article - here's how they're calculated...

Options & Alternatives

There were a few variations of the Hylas 44 sailboat during its production run from 1984 to 1993. The main differences were in the keel configuration (deep or shoal) and the rig type (cutter or sloop). Additionally, the first thirteen hulls had an offset berth in the master stateroom, while the rest had a centreline queen.

In 1993, the addition of a swim step transom turned the Hylas 44 hull into the Hylas 45.5. Later, in 1996, the Hylas 46 was introduced as a fresh design, officially replacing the 44 and 45.5.

Sail Areas & Rig Dimensions

Sail Areas & Rig Dimensions

Where:

• “I” is measured along the front of mast from the highest halyard to the main deck. The main deck is where the deck would be if there were no deckhouse.
• “J” is the base of the foretriangle measured along the deck from the headstay to the mast.
• “P” is the luff length of the main-sail, measured along the aft face of the mast from the top of the boom to the highest point that the mainsail can be hoisted.
• “E” is the foot length of the main-sail, measured along the boom from the after face of the mast to the outermost point on the boom to which the main can be pulled.

Total Sail Area: 80.5m² (864ft²)

I (Foretriangle height): 16.8m (51'2")
J (Base of the foretriangle): 5.4m (17'9")
P (Luff length of the mainsail): 14.3m (46'11")
E (Foot length of the mainsail): 4.9m (16'1")

Published Design Ratios
The Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Sail Area/Displacement Ratio: 17.6
Ballast/Displacement Ratio: 49.4
Displacement/Length Ratio: 235
Comfort Ratio: 28.6
Capsize Screening Formula (CSF): 1.9

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The above design ratios are fairly typical for a moderate displacement cruising sailboat of this type and can be interpreted to provide an indication of such a vessel's likely sailing characteristics - however they have their limitations:

• The design ratios are static measurements which don't account for dynamic factors like wave action, wind gusts, or crew actions.

• They simplify complex interactions into single numbers, which can be misleading. Real-world performance is influenced by a multitude of factors that these ratios can't fully capture.

• The context in which the boat is intended to be used (e.g., coastal cruising vs. offshore racing) can greatly affect how these ratios should be interpreted.

In summary, while these ratios provide valuable insights into the theoretical performance characteristics of a sailboat, they should be used as part of a broader assessment that includes practical experience, sea trials, and expert advice.

Theoretical sailing characteristics of the Hylas 44 sailboat based on its design ratios:

• Sail Area/Displacement Ratio (17.6): This ratio falls within the range of 16 to 20, indicating that the Hylas 44 has reasonably good performance capability. It suggests that the boat is sufficiently powered to handle a variety of wind conditions, making it a versatile and enjoyable cruiser.

• Ballast/Displacement Ratio (49.4): A ratio of 40 or more translates into a stiffer, more powerful boat that can stand up well to the wind. With a Ballast/Displacement Ratio of 49.4, the Hylas 44 is quite stable and capable of maintaining its balance even in stronger winds, providing a steady and comfortable ride.

• Displacement/Length Ratio (235): This ratio places the Hylas 44 in the moderate displacement category (200-275). Boats with a moderate displacement are generally well-rounded, offering a good balance between speed and comfort. The Hylas 44 will require a reasonable amount of sail area to reach its design hull speed, making it suitable for extended cruising.

• Comfort Ratio (28.6): A Comfort Ratio between 20 and 30 indicates a somewhat lively motion associated with a coastal cruiser with moderate stability. The Hylas 44 is likely to provide a comfortable ride in coastal waters, with less pronounced motion compared to lightweight performance boats. It is well-suited for both coastal cruising and bluewater passages.

• Capsize Screening Formula (1.9): With a CSF of 1.9, the Hylas 44 is considered to have good blue water capability. The lower the CSF, the better the boat is at resisting capsize in rough seas. This makes the Hylas 44 a solid choice for ocean passages and offshore cruising.

In summary, the Hylas 44 is a well-balanced cruiser with good performance, stability, and comfort for both coastal and bluewater sailing. It offers a reliable and enjoyable sailing experience, capable of handling a variety of conditions while ensuring safety and comfort for its crew.

Here's what Sailing Magazine had to say about the Hylas 44...

More Specs & Key Performance Indicators for Popular Cruising Boats

30' to 35'

35' to 40'

40' to 45'

45' to 50'

50' to 55'

Over 55'

This article was written with the assistance of Gemini, a large language model developed by Google. Gemini was used to gather information, summarize research findings, and provide suggestions for the content and structure of the article.

Other sailboats in the Hylas range include:

The Hylas 42

The Hylas 46

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The Hylas 56

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