1981 Kelly 44Sold

$54,900

Used
We will let you know when another 1981 Kelly 44 is available in San Diego, CA

Boat in San Diego, CA 92106 US

builtBuilt in 1981
Year the boat was built
model

44

Boat model
engine

1 Engine (Perkins)

Engine type and count
length

44 feet

Overall boat length
fuel

Diesel

Fuel type
material

Fiberglass/Reinforced

Hull material
Nominal Length
44ft
Length Overall
44ft
Length at Waterline
28ft
Length on Deck
44ft
Beam
13ft
Max Bridge Clearance
60ft
Max Draft
6.5ft
Drive Up Draft
6.5ft
Displacement
30000lb
Ballast
10000lb
Cruising Speed
5kn
Range
500nmi
Fresh Water Tanks
128gal
Fuel Tanks
132gal
Holding Tanks
50gal
Hull Material
fiberglass
Hull Shape
semi-displacement
Engine 1
Engine Make
Perkins
Engine Model
4-154
Total Power
62hp
Engine Hours
550
Engine Type
inboard
Fuel Type
diesel
Engine Year
1980
Drive Type
direct
Propeller Type
3-blade
Disclaimer

The Company 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.

Accommodations

V berth forward with enclosed head/shower, storage cabinets and drawers. Salon next aft with dinette to port and settee to starboard. Storage under/behind settees and outboard. U-shaped galley on port with double stainless steel sinks, storage compartments in counters and storage outboard. Across from the galley is the forward facing nav station. Aft of nav station is a low-headroom passage with opening to engine room and storage that leads into the aft stateroom. Master stateroom has a centerline queen with ensuite head/shower, and storage.

Galley

Grunert engine driven refrigeration

Mini-fridge

Force 10 propane stove with oven and broiler

Black & Decker microwave oven

Coffee maker

Icemaker in mini-fridge

Pressure and manual fresh and sea water systems

Raritan 6-gal 12V and AC water heater

Double stainless steel sink

Electronics and Navigation

Wind speed and direction

Speed and distance logs

Depth sounder

Autopilot

Compass

GPS

Radar

VHF radio

SSB radio

Ham radio

Hailer

Clock and barometer

Sight glasses for fuel tank levels

CD/AM-FM radio with speakers

Vesper AIS and Si-Tex radar

Electrical

12V DC and 110V AC

(4) AGM house batteries (900 amp hrs)

AGM starter battery (45 amp hrs)

AGM windlass battery (90 amp hrs)

Battery monitor

Victron 2000 inverter/charger (new in 2020)

(2) 300-amp and (1) 75-amp solar panels

Shore power cord

Replaced main engine switch and engine wiring

Installed new electrical outlets with GPCI and new wiring

Deck

55-lb Delta anchor

45-lb CQR anchor

40-lb Fortress anchor with chain and 300’ rope

Powerwinch electric windlass

Bimini, dodger, deck and hatch covers, mainsail, toe rail and dinghy covers

2019 12’ Caribe dinghy (purchased new in 2022) mounted on rear davits

6hp Mercury 4-stroke outboard

Anchor and steaming lights

Deck light

Running lights

Search light

Spreader light

Tri-color light

Bow pulpit and rails

Lifelines and stanchions

Boarding gates

Dock lines and fenders

Swim ladder

Magma BBQ mounted on transom with 17” propane gas line

Dinghy davits

Outboard mount

Radar reflector

Windex

Propane tank storage under cockpit seat and spare tank on cabin trunk

Deck-mounted storage box on transom

Transom-mounted lifting crane for outboard

(3) Atkins-Hoyle cabin hatches with new Lexan and covers

Hull

 

Actual LOA: 44’

Last bottom paint – Jan 2023

No teak decks

New Marelon seacocks at aft head intake and at galley sink discharge (new location)

Glassed over old galley sink discharge and old watermaker intake locations

Sails and Rigging

Hydraulic boom vang

Wire standing rigging with mechanical Sta-lok fittings

Aluminum keel-stepped mast

Mainsheet traveler

Mast steps at base of mast

Whisker pole

Roller furling on Genoa and staysail

Winches:

 (2) Lewmar 55STs

 (2) Lewmar 44STs

 (1) Lewmar 40ST on mainsheet

 (2) Lewmar 40s on mainmast

 (1) Lewmar 20 on boom for reefing

Sails:

 Main

 Genoa (with roller furling)

 Staysail (with roller furling)

 Custom-made Island Planet asymmetrical sail (new) with ATM sock and rigging

Standing rigging replaced with Sta-Lok brand mechanical fittings and new rigging wire (date unknown) 

(2) Norseman brand fittings located at middle main shrouds

Replaced all six SS chainplates (port and starboard) and forward chainplate in 2014

New mainsail reefing lines installed 2023

Engine and Mechanical

Fresh water cooled engine

3-blade prop

Extra propeller

Extra shaft

Fuel filter

Lube oil storage/transport system

Raw water sea strainer

1.91 transmission ratio

Stove and engine fuel shut-off valves

Cockpit engine controls

Acoustic engine area insulation

Manual engine fire extinguishing

(1) manual and (1) electric bilge pump

Manual wheel steering

(2)Manual  heads with macerator

(3) stainless steel fuel tanks

(5) stainless steel water tanks

(1) 30-gal polyethylene holding tank

(1) 20-gal polyethylene holding tank

Spectra 8-gph water maker

Perkins diesel overhauled in 2015 (removed and serviced) including new gaskets, seals, all cooler hoses, Reverso lube oil pump, etc

Replaced rear main seal in 2023

Borg-Warner Velvet Drive transmission serviced in 2015 with new seals gaskets, etc

 

Safety

Life jackets

(3) fire extinguishers

6-man Elliot life raft stowed on deck (needs servicing)

Bell and horn

Emergency tiller

EPIRB

Flares 

Harnesses

Jack lines

Exclusions

All seller’s personal effects on board are excluded from the sale of this vessel.

Additional Information

Beautiful sailing boat. Fast and responsive. Feels safe on the open water even during rough seas or high winds.

Price History

DateEventPrice
8/27/25Price decreased$54,900(-6.9%)
8/4/25Price decreased$59,000(-14.5%)
6/28/25No change$79,000
6/27/25Price decreased$69,000(-12.7%)

Overview from around the web 1981 Kelly 44

Customers praise the 1981 Kelly 44 for its classic design and robust construction, highlighting its excellent sailing performance and seaworthiness

Many appreciate the spacious and well-thought-out interior, which offers comfort for extended voyages. Owners often mention the boat’s solid build quality and timeless aesthetic as key reasons for their satisfaction. Overall, the 1981 Kelly 44 is valued for combining traditional craftsmanship with reliable functionality, making it a favorite among cruising enthusiasts.

The Biggest Pros and Cons

The 1981 Kelly 44 is a classic sailboat known for its solid construction and timeless design. Here are some of the pros and cons of this model:

Pros

Sturdy Build: The Kelly 44 features a robust fiberglass hull, providing durability and stability in various sea conditions.

Classic Aesthetic: Its traditional lines and elegant design appeal to sailors who appreciate vintage style.

Spacious Interior: For a 44-foot vessel, it offers ample living space below deck, making extended cruising comfortable.

Good Performance: With a well-balanced sail plan and moderate displacement, it handles well both upwind and downwind.

Quality Craftsmanship: Built with attention to detail, many Kelly 44s have stood the test of time with well-maintained systems.

Cons

Older Systems: As a 1981 model, some onboard equipment and systems may be outdated or require upgrading.

Maintenance Requirements: Classic boats like the Kelly 44 often need regular upkeep to maintain their condition.

Limited Modern Amenities: Compared to contemporary designs, it may lack some modern conveniences and innovations.

Weight: The vessel’s moderate displacement can result in slower acceleration and a heavier feel under sail compared to lighter modern cruisers.

Made For

The 1981 Kelly 44 is designed for sailors who appreciate classic craftsmanship combined with solid performance. Ideal for experienced cruisers and enthusiasts seeking a sturdy, well-built sailboat with timeless design, this vessel offers comfortable accommodations and reliable handling for extended coastal cruising or weekend adventures. Its blend of traditional aesthetics and practical features makes it a great choice for those who value both style and seaworthiness in a midsize cruiser.

Contact Yachtfinders Windseakers

2330 Shelter Island Drive, Suite 207, San Diego, CA, 92106

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Address

2330 Shelter Island Drive
Suite 207
San Diego, CA 92106

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