1981 Kelly 44Sold
$54,900
Boat in San Diego, CA 92106 US
44
1 Engine (Perkins)
44 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
44' Kelly Peterson 44 '81 "Bramasole"
BRAMASOLE is a well-cared for Peterson 44, with many upgrades. She is not a show boat cosmetically, but the bones are good, rigging is newer, engine has been rebuilt, and electronics upgraded. Peterson 44s have been the quintessential cruiser for many years, and will be for years to come.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
All seller’s personal effects on board are excluded from the sale of this vessel.
Beautiful sailing boat. Fast and responsive. Feels safe on the open water even during rough seas or high winds.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 8/27/25 | Price decreased | $54,900(-6.9%) |
| 8/4/25 | Price decreased | $59,000(-14.5%) |
| 6/28/25 | No change | $79,000 |
| 6/27/25 | Price decreased | $69,000(-12.7%) |
1981 Kelly 44 Video Tours
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.
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Meet the Broker

Address
Boat Location
Contact Yachtfinders Windseakers
2330 Shelter Island Drive, Suite 207, San Diego, CA, 92106


























