The ideal yacht for 4! Tour of the Cranchi M44 HT

Built in Italy by Cranchi, the M44 HT measures 13.82 metres overall and combines a sports-cruiser profile with a sheltered, open-backed cockpit. Aldo Cranchi is credited with the hull, Centro Studi Ricerche Cranchi with the design, and Christian Grande with interior design and art direction. The current specification retains a two-cabin arrangement, twin diesel propulsion and CE category B certification.

The main deck places the helm forward to starboard, with a chaise longue and refreshment facilities to port. An electrically opening fabric roof within the hardtop allows the central cockpit to function as either a shaded sitting area or a more open-air space. Cockpit dining, an aft sunpad and a bathing platform provide separate outdoor uses, while the foredeck carries another sunbathing area. A compact stern garage accommodates a tender of approximately two metres on documented examples.

Below deck, the forward double cabin is complemented by an aft guest cabin and two bathrooms, including one en suite. A saloon dining area and an interior galley make overnight stays independent of cockpit cooking facilities. Five berths are advertised; an earlier boat test describes a third sleeping position in the guest cabin. The maximum passenger capacity of 12 is a separate figure from overnight accommodation and should not be interpreted as sleeping capacity.

The established higher-output installation uses two Volvo Penta D6-400 diesels, delivering 800 hp in total through sterndrives. Cranchi’s test sheet records 28.5 knots at 3,000 rpm with combined consumption of 92 litres per hour, and 35.5 knots at maximum tested engine speed. The corresponding published range at 28.5 knots is 291 nautical miles; it is an indicative test calculation, not a passage-planning allowance with a stated reserve.

The glassfibre-composite planing hull has a published dry displacement of approximately 10.9 tonnes and a draft of 0.96 metres. Fuel and fresh-water capacities are 940 and 300 litres respectively. Earlier examples also used twin D6-330 engines: a 2017 independent test recorded approximately 32 knots with that installation. Christian Grande’s 2017 restyling changed colours, fabrics, lacquered details and selected furniture without moving the principal bulkheads.

Later personalisation extends to exterior colours, upholstery, timber finishes and other materials through Cranchi Atelier. Documented equipment includes joystick manoeuvring, bow thrusters, generators, air conditioning, hydraulic gangways and teak cockpit surfaces, but these should be checked boat by boat rather than assumed standard. For coastal ownership, Cranchi also provides maintenance, refitting and storage services through its Adriatic and Sardinian facilities.