For many people "North European" boating is a euphemism for cold and wet boating. So it's a pity that that's what aft-cabin powerboats such as the 444 are primarily associated with.
For many people “North European” boating is a euphemism for cold and wet boating. So it’s a pity that that’s what aft-cabin powerboats such as the 444 are primarily associated with. They may cheat you out of the extra space provided by a flybridge but they offer a lot in return, such as a single deck space with no awkward climb to the flybridge, and easier and quicker access to the accommodation or the foredeck.
The low air draught 11ft 2in (3.40m) opens up the possibility of inland waterway cruising. And however well insulated the bulkheads, nothing comes close to the extra privacy offered by the separate aft cabin.
Apart from the basic advantages of the type, several elements make the 444 a particularly good example. Potential buyers could easily miss the high-quality engineering. After all, you’re unlikely to spot the huge, fire-retardant cables running to the lights, or to easily detect the strength of the construction. The mooring gear was good, and excellent low-Speed handling should make for stress-free berthing.
The engineroom suffers the usual drawbacks, with the fuel tanks and aft cabin conspiring to restrict space around the engines. And this is another boat where the helmsman is expected to perch uncomfortably on the edge of the seat to reach the wheel and throttles. But in general, the 444 is a well-sorted affair.
The most striking aspect of this boat is the interior. Camouflaged in conservative external attire, the vast open-plan interior is dramatic and innovative, but practical. I was really surprised to learn that our test boat 444 had been cruised extensively over the past three years, because it looked brand new inside. This is a testament to the quality of the build, and bodes well for resale values. Anyone in the market for something a cut above the average production powerboat would do well to consider the Atlantic.
DIMENSIONS
LOA 45ft 11in 14.0m
Hull Length 36ft 9in 11.20m
Beam 14ft 9in 4.50m
Draught 4ft 0in 1.22m
Air draught 11ft 2in 3.40m
Displacement 14.0 tonnes (light) 16.2 tonnes (loaded)
Fuel capacity 396 imp gal 1,800lt
Water capacity 148 imp gal 675lt
Engines
Twin Volvo Penta TAMD63P
370hp @ 2,800rpm
6-cylinder, 5.5lt turbo diesels
4-bladed propellers through a 2:1 reduction gearbox
23in diameter by 29in pitch
(585mm by 735mm)
RPM Speed Trim GPH MPG Range
1,600 10.0 2.0° 8.4 1.19 377
1,800 10.6 3.5° 12.4 0.85 271
2,000 11.1 5.0° 17.7 0.63 198
2,200 15.0 4.0° 19.5 0.77 244
2,400 18.8 4.0° 22.7 0.83 262
2,600 21.8 4.0° 28.0 0.78 247
2,800 24.0 4.0° 35.5 0.68 214
Range allows for 20% reserve 80% fuel, 50% water, 3 crew Sea state: 12in (300mm) chop. Wind strength: Force 2
Performance
Maximum Speed 24.0 knots
Maximum Range 214 miles @ 2,800rpm
Cruising Speed 18.8 knots
Cruising Range 262 miles @ 2,400rpm
Price from Price as tested
G902, 128 ex tax (approx £270,000 ex tax) G991, 490 ex tax (approx £297,000 ex tax)
Designer
John Bennett (1995)
Builder and supplier
Holland Boat BV, Suderseleane 15, 8711 GX Workum, Holland. Tel: +31 515 542361. Fax: +31 515 543111. Mobile: +31 653 352891.
Sound levels dB(A) Saloon Helm and Cockpit
Cruising @ 18.8 knots 76 73
Maximum @ 24.0 knots 80 77
