DeFever 44 For Sale - 1983

[catalinajack]

Offered for sale ($217,000) is our 1983 DeFever 44, Catalina Jack. We have owned her for eight years but we recently purchased a dirt house and are ready to move on to new adventures. We completed the Great Loop in May of 2019 and have cruised extensively before and after.

Catalina Jack has been extensively upgraded since purchase. The electrical system was completely redone by an ABYC-certified electrician, batteries relocated to a central location, new Magnum 2812 inverter-charger, new Balmar 100-amp alternators (externally controlled). Both heads have been refurbished with new Raritan Marine Elegance toilets and plumbing. The galley is equipped with an induction cooktop. She also comes with a terrific 11-foot center console skiff (Boston Whaler clone) with an EFI Suzuki outboard (20HP).

Follow the link to over 100 pictures, a seven-page document listing every important upgrade, repair, and feature the boat has to offer. Also included is a detailed repair and maintenance log.

The asking price, $217,000, may seem a bit over-priced based on other DeFever 44s that you may have seen for sale recently but after seeing the pictures and what we have done to improve this boat, you may find that the price is not out of bounds. Sure, you may find a less expensive DF44 but not one that will compare well with this boat. Catalina Jack is ready to cruise as she lies.

She is presently berthed under cover at Piney Narrows Yacht Haven in Chester, Maryland (Kent Island), central Chesapeake Bay. There is a yard 10 minutes away for the haul-out for the survey. We live nearby and can show the boat most anytime. This is a private sale, no broker’s commission will be paid. An escrow agent will be engaged to process the sale.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/121hxi7mQQLE2Pxm6q8kl5QwbB87GxB5j?usp=sharing

 

[proudsailor]

Had the privilege of being aboard Catalina Jack recently. Lots of impressive upgrades- lighting, heads, electrical, mechanical, etc. John is a detail guy and it reflects in this well found DeFever. Engine room is meticulous and well lit. We're unfortunately a year out from purchasing a boat, but if we were ready now, Catalina Jack would be at the top of the list!

 

[sparky66]

Defever 44's appear to be great boats, but I keep on seeing something I don't understand. The cockpit appears to be open to the elements because the roof stops short forward. Am I missing something? Is there usually an canvas enclosure to make it weathertight? Maybe someone that owns one can give a first-hand account of what this is like.

 

[RT Firefly]

Greetings,
Mr. C. VERY nice! Best of success with the sale.

 

[catalinajack]

Defever 44's appear to be great boats, but I keep on seeing something I don't understand. The cockpit appears to be open to the elements because the roof stops short forward. Am I missing something? Is there usually an canvas enclosure to make it weathertight? Maybe someone that owns one can give a first-hand account of what this is like.

I do not understand what you mean in that the cockpit is open. Are you referring to the upper helm? If so, yes, it is exposed but, yes, most owners enclose the upper helm with canvas/marine vinyl as is our boat. Some owners choose to have only a bimini top.

 

[sparky66]

I do not understand what you mean in that the cockpit is open. Are you referring to the upper helm? If so, yes, it is exposed but, yes, most owners enclose the upper helm with canvas/marine vinyl as is our boat. Some owners choose to have only a bimini top.

I am talking about this area:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/121hxi7mQQLE2Pxm6q8kl5QwbB87GxB5j

 

[sparky66]

Sorry, can't figure out how to properly attach image. I am referring to "Boat Deck 2" picture in your folder.

 

[catalinajack]

Sorry, can't figure out how to properly attach image. I am referring to "Boat Deck 2" picture in your folder.

Well, that is the boat deck where many folks store their dinghy. That is an area that would never be covered. I am uncertain as to why this would be a concern for you. It is common to any trawler that has a boat deck. The boat deck itself is the roof of the aft deck.

 

[sparky66]

Well, that is the boat deck where many folks store their dinghy. That is an area that would never be covered. I am uncertain as to why this would be a concern for you. It is common to any trawler that has a boat deck. The boat deck itself is the roof of the aft deck.

We still have a disconnect. Cockpit(aft deck) is normally covered. As I see it, when it is raining(and especially when windy), the cockpit will have water coming down through the steps opening and the areas between aft deck roof and flybridge.

 

[angus99]

We still have a disconnect. Cockpit(aft deck) is normally covered. As I see it, when it is raining(and especially when windy), the cockpit will have water coming down through the steps opening and the areas between aft deck roof and flybridge.

Sparky, what you are calling a cockpit is actually the sundeck on a 44; the area covered by the boat deck. The DeFever 44+5 has a true cockpit. There are various canvas enclosures or sunscreens that some 44 owners install but many prefer it to be open to nature. Much depends on where you boat.

 

[sparky66]

Sparky, what you are calling a cockpit is actually the sundeck on a 44; the area covered by the boat deck. The DeFever 44+5 has a true cockpit. There are various canvas enclosures or sunscreens that some 44 owners install but many prefer it to be open to nature. Much depends on where you boat.

So the sundeck is covered and blocks the sun, but if it rains you get wet?

 

[catalinajack]

So the sundeck is covered and blocks the sun, but if it rains you get wet?

No, for the most part the boat deck covers the aft deck except for the rather small opening for the ladder to the flybridge which is minor. I still don't get your concern. Besides, most boaters don't cruise when it is raining hard.

 

[sparky66]

No, for the most part the boat deck covers the aft deck except for the rather small opening for the ladder to the flybridge which is minor. I still don't get your concern. Besides, most boaters don't cruise when it is raining hard.

We often sit on the back deck when it is raining, but our boat has an enclosure(that is almost always on) from the radar arch down to the roof of the aft deck that covers up stairwell hole. With the bimini on the flybridge and the side curtains in place this keeps things dry down below. I have looked at a lot of the ads for these Defevers because they seem like a great next step for me, but everyone I have seen doesn't have any covers over that area. I was just wondering if there is something preventing that. Seem that many have a dinghy mount in that area that might preclude covers.

 

[mvweebles]

Sparky - I have owned and lived-aboard a Uniflity ACMY 42 that had a very nice flybridge and aft deck enclosure, and spent some time on a Defever 44. The Defever is significantly larger than the Uniflite so it's tough to compare - the aft deck is truly massive with a ton of covered space. Personal preference on whether or not to enclose based on where you use the boat. Personally, I would try to have as little canvas as possible due to storm damage, but that's just me. There is no reason you could not enclose the Defever exactly as you'd like.

While I liked my Uniflite, the Defever is 10x the boat. They are a great value given their size and construction. They may look sorta like a standard knock-off of a Grand Banks, but they are so much more. The Engine Room is very serviceable with plenty of space despite having twin engines. BTW - I have no connection to CaptainJack and have never been aboard their boat so I cannot speak to it specifically, just to Defever 44's in general.

I'd really encourage you to find a way to spend a bit of time on the D44. On this boat, you are doing yourself no favors by relying on internet impressions. There is very little similarity between your Uniflite and the D44.

Good luck

Peter

 

[catalinajack]

Sparky - I have owned and lived-aboard a Uniflity ACMY 42 that had a very nice flybridge and aft deck enclosure, and spent some time on a Defever 44. The Defever is significantly larger than the Uniflite so it's tough to compare - the aft deck is truly massive with a ton of covered space. Personal preference on whether or not to enclose based on where you use the boat. Personally, I would try to have as little canvas as possible due to storm damage, but that's just me. There is no reason you could not enclose the Defever exactly as you'd like.

While I liked my Uniflite, the Defever is 10x the boat. They are a great value given their size and construction. They may look sorta like a standard knock-off of a Grand Banks, but they are so much more. The Engine Room is very serviceable with plenty of space despite having twin engines. BTW - I have no connection to CaptainJack and have never been aboard their boat so I cannot speak to it specifically, just to Defever 44's in general.

I'd really encourage you to find a way to spend a bit of time on the D44. On this boat, you are doing yourself no favors by relying on internet impressions. There is very little similarity between your Uniflite and the D44.

Good luck

Peter

Peter, thank you for that clarification. In fact, our DeFever, when purchased, had canvas as you described, fully enclosing everything. Ee hated it and got rid of it. Far too much windage. But, yes, if one wants it enclosed, just pony up a bunch of boat units.

 

[sparky66]

Thanks guys, that clears up a lot of things for me. I haven't come across any Defevers on Lake Erie yet.

 

[Benthic2]

There is one for sale on Yachtworld that has a sliding cover to close the hole for the stairway.

 

[catalinajack]

Price reduced to $199,000. We are tempted to keep the boat but the first mate, her back, does not want to cruise Canada's heritage canals again. The locks would be a challenge for her. Our plan is to use the funds the upkeep funds to travel extensively in Europe. However, if she doesn't sell, well, we will find a way to enjoy cruising her in some fashion.

 

[warren]

We often sit on the back deck when it is raining, but our boat has an enclosure(that is almost always on) from the radar arch down to the roof of the aft deck that covers up stairwell hole. With the bimini on the flybridge and the side curtains in place this keeps things dry down below. I have looked at a lot of the ads for these Defevers because they seem like a great next step for me, but everyone I have seen doesn't have any covers over that area. I was just wondering if there is something preventing that. Seem that many have a dinghy mount in that area that might preclude covers.

hi , i think if you look at catalinajack's thumbnail or avatar on TF it has the full enclosure he said he removed, maybe an early photo?
cheers warren

 

[warren]

Offered for sale ($217,000) is our 1983 DeFever 44, Catalina Jack. We have owned her for eight years but we recently purchased a dirt house and are ready to move on to new adventures. We completed the Great Loop in May of 2019 and have cruised extensively before and after.

Catalina Jack has been extensively upgraded since purchase. The electrical system was completely redone by an ABYC-certified electrician, batteries relocated to a central location, new Magnum 2812 inverter-charger, new Balmar 100-amp alternators (externally controlled). Both heads have been refurbished with new Raritan Marine Elegance toilets and plumbing. The galley is equipped with an induction cooktop. She also comes with a terrific 11-foot center console skiff (Boston Whaler clone) with an EFI Suzuki outboard (20HP).

Follow the link to over 100 pictures, a seven-page document listing every important upgrade, repair, and feature the boat has to offer. Also included is a detailed repair and maintenance log.

The asking price, $217,000, may seem a bit over-priced based on other DeFever 44s that you may have seen for sale recently but after seeing the pictures and what we have done to improve this boat, you may find that the price is not out of bounds. Sure, you may find a less expensive DF44 but not one that will compare well with this boat. Catalina Jack is ready to cruise as she lies.

She is presently berthed under cover at Piney Narrows Yacht Haven in Chester, Maryland (Kent Island), central Chesapeake Bay. There is a yard 10 minutes away for the haul-out for the survey. We live nearby and can show the boat most anytime. This is a private sale, no broker’s commission will be paid. An escrow agent will be engaged to process the sale.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/121hxi7mQQLE2Pxm6q8kl5QwbB87GxB5j?usp=sharing

Congratulations that is a tremendously well maintained looking trawler with lots of sensible looking upgrades and improvements.
I assume you had professional help for most of the maintenance and updating. has this been one primary yard or do you have your list of favorite subs? You may not want to say but the cost of keep up this large boat has to be a factor for a new owner, my guess would be av. 10% of value per year?
Oh, so you fit under the 20' height limit of Trent-severn canada system?
cheers warren

 

[libertas]

Price reduced to $199,000. We are tempted to keep the boat but the first mate, her back, does not want to cruise Canada's heritage canals again. The locks would be a challenge for her. Our plan is to use the funds the upkeep funds to travel extensively in Europe. However, if she doesn't sell, well, we will find a way to enjoy cruising her in some fashion.

Wondering is she is still available. We will be in town for the powerboat show in October. Would love to see her if possible.

 

[catalinajack]

Congratulations that is a tremendously well maintained looking trawler with lots of sensible looking upgrades and improvements.

I assume you had professional help for most of the maintenance and updating. has this been one primary yard or do you have your list of favorite subs? You may not want to say but the cost of keep up this large boat has to be a factor for a new owner, my guess would be av. 10% of value per year?

Oh, so you fit under the 20' height limit of Trent-severn canada system?

cheers warren

Air draft is 18' 4" with antennae down. Why would you assume that I had professionals for "most" maintenance and updating? Updating, yes, maintenance some. Changing oil, swapping pumps, replacing water heaters, pretty much ho-hum for me.

 

[Ty1on73]

Catalina Jack- i am interested in taking a look at her. I live in Millersville, MD and I am available most late afternoon/evenings and on the weekends. I can be reached by text at 301-905-7270

Thanks,
Ty

 

[Bel]

She is beautiful, and obviously well maintained. I think that is value for money (having bought a 'cheap' one and spent almost half the purchase price on hidden defects..)

 

[CheckMateTim]

Link isn’t working. Still for sale ? I’m in Maryland and would like to see her when time permits if possible

 

[CheckMateTim]

Offered for sale ($217,000) is our 1983 DeFever 44, Catalina Jack. We have owned her for eight years but we recently purchased a dirt house and are ready to move on to new adventures. We completed the Great Loop in May of 2019 and have cruised extensively before and after.

Catalina Jack has been extensively upgraded since purchase. The electrical system was completely redone by an ABYC-certified electrician, batteries relocated to a central location, new Magnum 2812 inverter-charger, new Balmar 100-amp alternators (externally controlled). Both heads have been refurbished with new Raritan Marine Elegance toilets and plumbing. The galley is equipped with an induction cooktop. She also comes with a terrific 11-foot center console skiff (Boston Whaler clone) with an EFI Suzuki outboard (20HP).

Follow the link to over 100 pictures, a seven-page document listing every important upgrade, repair, and feature the boat has to offer. Also included is a detailed repair and maintenance log.

The asking price, $217,000, may seem a bit over-priced based on other DeFever 44s that you may have seen for sale recently but after seeing the pictures and what we have done to improve this boat, you may find that the price is not out of bounds. Sure, you may find a less expensive DF44 but not one that will compare well with this boat. Catalina Jack is ready to cruise as she lies.

She is presently berthed under cover at Piney Narrows Yacht Haven in Chester, Maryland (Kent Island), central Chesapeake Bay. There is a yard 10 minutes away for the haul-out for the survey. We live nearby and can show the boat most anytime. This is a private sale, no broker’s commission will be paid. An escrow agent will be engaged to process the sale.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/121hxi7mQQLE2Pxm6q8kl5QwbB87GxB5j?usp=sharing

Sold? I’m in Md. let me know?

 

[catalinajack]

Sold? I’m in Md. let me know?

Sold four weeks ago.