Most express cruisers in the 40’ to 50’ range are pretty much the same in layout. The basic differences topside are at the helm and the companion seating to port, and below it's usually how big the second cabin is and whether or not it has two heads. Everything else is pretty much the same except for the details, quality, engineering, joinerwork, and warranty. The Windy 44 breaks the mold of a typical cabin for this size boat by adding three staterooms and two fulls heads.



BoatTEST COO Christopher Hughes stands by the three companion seats next to the helm seat on the bridge deck of the Windy 44.

In the case of the Windy 44 at the helm, you sit and drive. If you want to stand, then power back the sun roof and stick your head through it. To port of the helm seat there are three companion seats all facing forward, just as they should be. There is no bench seat along the port side so that a tunnel can be built below for headroom in the mid cabin.



The starboard guest stateroom with standing headroom at the foot of the bed.

Down below, as already mentioned, there are three staterooms. All are a bit on the snug side, but all have standing headroom at the foot of the bed so you can change cloths. Windy builds the cabins in several options so take your pick. And – there are two heads. These too are snug, but both utilize the round shower stalls which make the best use of space.



Compare this accommodations plan to anything else on the market and you’ll see why it won the Dusseldorf Boat Show of the Year award.

Windy is a leading European powerboat builder that has been in business since 1966. Located in Norway, the company builds 15 models from 25’ to 58’. With a seafaring history that stretches back at least 1,200 years, building seaworthy boats finished to high yacht standards is a given for Windy. In the country of Nanson, Amundsen and Heyerdahl, Norwegians would settle for nothing less.

Windy says its new 44 was designed with families in mind – “families who are not willing to sacrifice style and performance for space and comfort.” With a beam of 14’4”’ and the IPS drives, this express is one of the most innovative express cruiser designs we have seen in years.

Construction

The boat was built with vacuum injection molding of the hull, deck and all major GRP components which the company says has resulted in a lighter, more fuel efficient hull, and reduced carbon emissions. Windy says that the boat’s environmental footprint has been further reduced by the use of steamed ash instead of teak, and sustainably-sourced light oak in place of tropical wood interior and exterior finishes.

The boat displaces 23,000 lbs. and Windy says that the boat should have a top speed with the IPS 600s of between 36 and 38 knots. We have not tested the boat, but we’d sure like to. We’d like to cruise on her as well.



For more information, go to the Windy website…