SportsCat 44

2001 SportsCat 44
Australian Built | Twin Yanmar 420HP Diesels | Extensive Upgrades

www.SportsCat.com

Offered for sale is this well-appointed 2001 SportsCat 44, an Australian-built high-performance power catamaran designed for efficient cruising, offshore capability, and comfortable extended living aboard. Built by family-owned SportsCat Construction on Australia’s Gold Coast—internationally recognised as a premier boat-building region—this model is known for its exceptional seakeeping, fuel efficiency, and proven blue-water pedigree. SportsCat vessels were produced in limited numbers, making them highly regarded among experienced owners worldwide. Notably, a previous owner successfully completed half the Great Loop aboard this very vessel, demonstrating its reliability and long-range cruising capability.

The SportsCat 44’s hull design has been extensively proven in offshore conditions, including long-range coastal passages through varied sea states. The result is a confident, stable ride with excellent performance characteristics. Powered by twin Yanmar diesels and Sea Rider surface drives by Levi (Italy), the vessel reportedly cruises comfortably at approximately 22 MPH and reaches top speeds of up to 32 MPH, making it equally well suited to long-distance cruising or fast coastal runs.

This SportsCat 44 has lifting strakes fiberglassed to the inside of the hulls, which improve lift, reduce drag, and enhance stability at higher speeds. They help the boat plane more efficiently, track better through turns, and provide a smoother, more fuel-efficient ride.

Surface-drive propulsion adds exceptional versatility, allowing the bow to gently touch the beach while keeping the stern in shallow water for easy shore access—ideal for island hopping and coastal exploration.

Sea Rider Surface Drives

The Sea Rider drives on this SportsCat 44 combine efficiency, performance, and ease of use. Their compact, streamlined design reduces stern protrusion, allows flexible engine placement, and eliminates the need for costly V-drives. The surface propeller is quiet and responsive at cruising speeds, while tunnel rudders and a semicircular propeller shield enhance maneuverability, protect the prop, and improve control in shallow or turbulent waters. Built for simplicity and reliability, Sea Rider drives provide safe, high-performance handling offshore and along the coast.

Yanmar 6LY2(M)-STE – 420 HP

This high-performance straight-six diesel engine mounts low in the hull for improved stability and weight distribution, delivering more power than a comparable six-cylinder without structural modifications. With an intercooler turbo, high power-to-weight ratio, and efficient high-pressure direct injection, it offers excellent endurance, fuel efficiency, and minimal smoke. Yanmar’s reputation ensures reliability, easy servicing, and strong offshore performance for demanding cruising conditions.

Key Features & Highlights

• Australian built on the Gold Coast

• Twin Yanmar 420 HP Diesel engines 6LY2(M)- STE(port) & STP(starboard)

• ZF 2-speed transmissions HSW 110 ATS

• Sea Rider surface drives by Levi (Italy)

• Cruise approx. 22 MPH / Top speed approx. 32mph

• Upper and lower helms with full controls

• Two staterooms / Two heads

• Four reverse-cycle air-conditioning units

• Extensive Garmin electronics package

• Hydraulic/electric davit crane for tender

• Onan 10.5 kW diesel generator (~1274 hours)

• Fuel burn at 26 mph 1 gal/mile

Engines & Propulsion

• Twin Yanmar 420 HP diesel engines

  • Port engine(STE): Original engine professionally rebuilt to zero-hour condition in 2022; currently less than 100 hours since rebuild

  • Starboard engine(STP): Replaced in 2016; approximately 1,100 hours

• Transmissions: ZF 2-speed gearboxes

• Drives: Sea Rider surface drives by Levi (Italy)

• All engine gauges replaced

Electronics & Navigation

• Twin Garmin 8610 and 8610XSV chartplotters at lower helm

• Upper and lower helm stations with full instrumentation and controls

Electrical & Systems

• Onan 10.5 kW diesel generator (1,274 hours)

• Two 30-amp shore power connections with cords

• Dual-bank battery charger

• On-demand hot water heater

• Four underwater lights(2025)

• Hydraulic/electric davit crane with mounting frame for tender

Interior & Accommodations

• Two-stateroom, two-head layout

• Master stateroom with private ensuite and individual air-conditioning control

• Master berth measures 5 ft 11 in wide at the head, 5 ft 3 in wide at the base, and 6 ft 5 in long

• Guest stateroom with double berth

• Three LCD televisions

• Two stereo systems with amplifiers and subwoofers

Galley

• New Vitrifrigo stainless steel refrigerator

• New two-burner induction cooktop

• Microwave oven

• Ice maker

Construction

• Designed and constructed to ABYC standards

• Molded fiberglass hull and deck

• E-glass quad-axial and bi-axial fabrics

• Isophthalic gelcoat exterior

Location

Currently located in Hampstead, North Carolina, this SportsCat 44 represents an excellent opportunity to own a capable, performance-oriented power catamaran with a proven offshore design and extensive recent upgrades.

Disclaimer

Beaufort Yacht Sales offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.