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Reliance 44
Designer: Pierre Meunier  ·  Builder: Reliance Sailing Craft Co., Ltd. (Can)  ·  First built: 1972
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About the Reliance 44

Designed by Pierre Meunier and built by Reliance Sailing Craft Co. in Canada from 1972, this masthead ketch represents classic 1970s cruising philosophy with its traditional long keel configuration and substantial construction. With only 46 hulls produced, the Reliance 44 remains a relatively rare find among vintage fiberglass cruisers. The boat's generous displacement of 28,000 pounds and deep draft create a stable, seaworthy platform ideally suited for offshore cruising and extended passages. The long keel design provides excellent directional stability and tracking, though at the expense of maneuverability in tight quarters. The masthead ketch rig offers versatility in heavy weather, allowing sailors to reduce sail area while maintaining balance by dropping the main and sailing under foresail and mizzen. With a comfort ratio of 46.49, this design prioritizes seaworthiness and motion comfort over speed, making it an excellent choice for serious cruising couples or small families planning extended voyages. The moderate sail area to displacement ratio suggests predictable, manageable sailing characteristics rather than racing performance. The substantial ballast ratio contributes to impressive stability and the ability to carry significant cruising loads without compromising safety margins.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 44.33 ft / 13.51 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 31.42 ft / 9.58 m
Beam 11.67 ft / 3.56 m
Max Draft 6.16 ft / 1.88 m
Displacement 28,000.00 lb / 12,701 kg
Ballast 11,200.00 lb / 5,080 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 905.00 ft² / 84.08 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Long Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Ketch
Construction FG
Designer Pierre Meunier
Builder Reliance Sailing Craft Co., Ltd. (CAN)
First Built 1972
Number Built 46
Owner Reviews

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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
 162
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
 15.77
Ballast/Displacement Ballast to Displacement ratio shows what percentage of the boat's total weight is ballast. Higher values generally mean better initial stability and stiffer sail carrying.
30–35% — Typical cruiser35–45% — Stiff performance boatOver 45% — Racing oriented
 40
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
 402.99
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
 46.49
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
 1.54
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 7.51 kn
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
 0.94
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 1,310.16 pounds/inch
SA/Displacement (Calc) Calculated Sail Area to Displacement ratio using actual measured sail dimensions rather than reported values. More precise than the reported SA/Disp figure. 13.74
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 50.00 ft / 15.24 m
J (Foretriangle Base) 16.60 ft / 5.06 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 45.30 ft / 13.81 m
E (Mainsail Foot) 16.50 ft / 5.03 m
SA Fore 415.00 ft² / 38.55 m²
SA Main 373.73 ft² / 34.72 m²
SA Total (100%) 788.73 ft² / 73.28 m²
Est. Forestay Length 52.68 ft / 16.06 m
Mast Height (DWL) 55.16 ft / 16.81 m
Engine & Accommodations
Engine Type Diesel
Horsepower 40
Fuel Capacity 100 gals / 379 L
Water Capacity 200 gals / 757 L
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