1984 DeFever

1984 DeFever 44 Offshore Cruiser – Proven, Practical, and Ready for the Next Chapter

This 1984 DeFever 44 Offshore Cruiser is a classic long-range trawler designed by the legendary Arthur DeFever—renowned for building safe, seaworthy vessels that continue to attract knowledgeable cruisers worldwide. This particular hull has logged thousands of nautical miles through Central America, the Caribbean, and the Great Loop. I owned her from 2013 to 2018, and I've known her since then. She's now offered for sale on behalf of her current owner, a retired physician who made the difficult decision to part with her due to unforeseen health issues.

Built on a solid fiberglass hull with a deep full-length keel and protected running gear, this DeFever 44 is exceptionally capable in open water. Her displacement hull, paired with Naiad stabilizers, ensures a stable and comfortable ride, as well as impressive fuel economy on extended cruises.

Key Features:

The galley-up layout keeps the cook part of the conversation in the spacious salon.

Full-beam aft master stateroom with island queen berth, ensuite head, and abundant storage

Forward guest stateroom with V-berth and adjacent head

Walk-in engine room with nearly stand-up headroom—rare for boats this size

Expansive flybridge with excellent visibility and generous seating

Large covered aft deck, ideal for relaxing, entertaining, or carrying gear

Expansive, secure walk-around decks—a hallmark of DeFever design

Stabilized with Naiad fins for offshore comfort

Whether you're planning to live aboard, cruise the Great Loop, or head off to explore the islands, this DeFever 44 delivers the kind of comfort, durability, and pedigree few boats in this size range can match.

DeFever owners form a tight-knit, active online community, and with good reason—these boats are built to be used and appreciated. This is an excellent opportunity to own one of Arthur DeFever's most beloved designs at a very reasonable price.