The EXP44
| Specifications: | ||
|---|---|---|
| LOA | 13.41 m | (44′ 0″) |
| LWL | 13.27 m | (43’ 6”) |
| Max Beam | 4.03 m | (13’ 3”) |
| Draft (up) | 1.22 m | (4’ 0”) |
| Draft (dn) | 3.00 m | (9′ 10″) |
| DSPL (sailing) | 11,340 kgs | (25,000 lbs) |
| Ballast | 4,082 kgs | (9,000 lbs) |
| SA (up) | 106 m2 | (1,143 ft2) |
| SA (dn) | 163 m2 | (1,753 ft2) |
Van Gorkom Yacht Design has a blue-water, pilothouse cutter on the drawing board. As with all design projects, there are always compromises to be made when balancing form and function, particularly when considering the mission statement of an “expedition” type yacht. Aluminum was chosen as the base building material, not only for its robust properties, but for its ease of construction. I’ve specified that all structural elements will be fabricated in 5086 aluminum for plating, and 6061 for extrusions. The “Erector Set” type of assembly, made up of precise water-jet cut parts, makes for cost-effective boat building by guarantying repeatability and reducing construction time. The hull, deck and internal structures are all engineered to ABS and ISO standards.
The chined hull form and slightly reversed sheer of the EXP44 is a development of VGYD’s second generation go-fast boats. The hull designs of our Mini 6.5 2G and the 2XS-30 incorporate the latest proven trends in hydrodynamic efficiency. These models carry a generous amount of reserve buoyancy, a moderate prismatic, and there’s a concerted effort to reduce the pitch moment. This philosophy, along with an additional emphasis on maximizing the waterline and interior volume, will result in a sea-kindly and comfortable yacht that I predict will be quick and efficient through the water.
The EXP44 has a minimum shoal draft of only 4 feet (1.22m), allowing it to comfortably anchor in most of the planet’s cruising grounds. However, sailing performance has not been neglected like in some of its European counterparts. The boat sports a high aspect ratio, hydraulically controlled, solid steel, rotating centerboard arrangement that projects from a ventral keel fin to a maximum draft of 9’ 10” (3.0m). In order to optimize the vessel’s righting moment, the primary fixed ballast will be made up of preformed lead ingots sealed into the fin. The integral structure of the skegs, along with the keel fin, form a tripod allowing the boat to be sit level on the hard. The skegs also provide damage protection for the rudder blades. The option of composite spade rudders is available for the cruiser looking for a little more performance.
Considerable thought was given to the sail plan and rig configuration of the EXP44 while balancing performance and user-friendliness. In terms of raw performance, the EXP44 has a Dspl/LWL ratio of 135, a SA/Dspl ratio of 21.4, and a Dellenbaugh Angle of 12, indicating the boat will not disappoint under sail, and with a motion that’s not too stiff or too tender. Controlling the sail plan will be relatively easy in most wind conditions as it is broken down into three working sails – a 95% jib, a staysail and a main. The mainsheet leads back through the boom, then down below to a Harken captive reel winch, giving the helmsperson push-button control of the mainsail. Both the jib and staysail have Harken roller furling systems for user-friendly control of the headsails. The asymmetric gennaker is deployed from the bow sprit on a roller furler for easy sets and douses. All control lines lead back to the cockpit, insuring the crew rarely need to go forward in heavy conditions. The rig features a deck-stepped aluminum mast, swept back upper and lower spreaders, and boom (carbon fiber spars are an option). The bridled backstay is controlled with a hydraulic, single-acting ram.
The contemporary styled raised salon and pilothouse not only complement the esthetics of this handsomely designed yacht, they allow for an unobstructed view of the outside world. The superstructure interacts seamlessly with the partially enclosed working cockpit, which provides heavy-weather protection for the crew, yet is expansive enough for entertaining or just relaxing. The cockpit opens up to twin helm stations and a walk-thru to the transom steps that allows easy boarding access as well as doubling as a swim platform. The radar arch not only accommodates an array of antenna, but doubles as a davit for a dinghy with an integrated lifting arm. Within physical limits, the voluminous interior can be customized to suit different use profiles as envisaged by the range of owners the EXP44 will attract. In the standard version, there’s a roomy stateroom forward and one to starboard and aft. There are two heads with showers, the fully equipped galley is to the port side of the salon, and there’s a raised dining area to starboard with panoramic views. The table and bench seats can be also converted to a spacious double bunk. The navigator sits forward of the dining area with commanding visuals of the course ahead. There’s plenty of stowage, as well as a day bunk. This area could also be for a washer/dryer unit and storage, or perhaps a work bench area. With a generous standing head-height throughout the boat, the possible interior layouts are many.
The EXP44 is powered by a Yanmar 80hp diesel engine and Sail Drive, giving the boat a cruising speed of around 8+ knots. There is clear access to the engine, port and starboard, by removing interior paneling. There’s also a soft patch in the cockpit sole incase the engine needs to be pulled. The two 95 gallon fuel tanks and a 10 gallon day tank give the boat a motoring range of approximately 600 miles at cruising RPMs. The Sail Drive “C” configuration positions the lower unit up behind the keel in order to protect it from flotsam and jetsam. It also has a retractable bow thruster for maneuvering in tight places. There is a 9.5kw diesel generator on board to fulfill all the house power requirements, supplemented by an array of solar panels that can be mounted on top of the pilot house. There is a 500 amp hour lithium iron phosphate battery bank with a backup AGM battery. Double-pole switching throughout the boat will eliminate the potential for stray current – a good thing on an aluminum boat. The boat will carry 120 gallons of potable water, although lesser tankage backed up by a water maker is an option.
The EXP44 has been featured in Professional Boat Builder: