1979 Kelly Peterson 44 For Sale - Blue Yonder Yachts

1979

YEAR

US$ 60,000

PRICE

44 ft.

LENGTH

Kelly Peterson

BUILDER

Jump to DESCRIPTION

Jump to FEATURES

Jump to DETAILS

Jump to MEDIA

San Carlos, Sonora

1979 Kelly Peterson 44

In the mid 1970s, San Diego yacht broker Jack Kelly envisioned a different kind of heavy-displacement, full-keeled double-ender. Partnering with the brilliant naval architect Doug Peterson, they created the Kelly Peterson 44 Cutter. Introduced in 1976 and built until 1983, with more than 300 units completed, the Peterson 44 (frequently referred to as the Kelly Peterson 44) revolutionized the cruising world by demonstrating that a dedicated, ocean-capable passagemaker could also be an absolute joy to sail. Built primarily at the Yu Ching Marine yard in Kaohsiung, Taiwan at a time in history when quality of construction was high, this moderate displacement design proved that speed and safety were not mutually exclusive. It quickly established itself as a premier bluewater cruiser, turning heads in every port with its elegant, low profile lines and sweet sheer.

Renowned for balanced, forgiving handling, the Peterson 44 is heavy enough to maintain momentum through rough seas yet responsive enough to sail well in lighter conditions. Her effective sail plan, encapsulated lead ballast, deep draft, and comfortable motion make her a safe and confidence-inspiring offshore cruiser, reducing crew fatigue on long passages while delivering the stability and sea-kindly behavior serious voyagers value.

The generous and well laid out accommodation also makes the Kelly Peterson 44 an exceptionally comfortable liveaboard cruiser. Stepping inside, the traditional teak fitout provides a warm and welcoming ambience. To port is the dinette with seating for 4 in comfort on the neatly upholstered settees. The U-shaped galley is well appointed and ideal for preparing meals whilst at sea. Beautifully upgraded with new countertops (2022), it is complete with a Princess 3-burner gas stove with oven, Isotherm refrigerator and top-loading 12V fridge/freezer storage, stainless steel sink with hot and cold fresh water, and extensive storage for long stays onboard. The accommodation is ideal for cruising with friends and family, as well as living onboard. Aft is the generous master cabin with king berth on a newer foam mattress, extensive storage, access to the cockpit, and a full ensuite with toilet and vanity. The second private cabin is forward with a double V-berth, with a second full bathroom with composting head adjacent. There is also a single settee berth in the saloon ideal as a sea berth when on passage. Being a true Bluewater cruiser the vessel also features a generous chart table complete with VHF Radio, extensive electronics, and comfortable seat.

Outside, the Sunbrella spray dodger, Sunbrella bimini, and full set of clears protect the cockpit from the elements. Complete with a full set of updated cushions, this a great space to keep watch, entertain, or simply relax and enjoy the views in your favorite anchorage. This vessel has been sailed extensively, and is very well equipped for this with the hydrovane steering system, B&G electronics, furling genoa and jibs, and the telescoping whisker pole for light air sailing and downwind runs. There is excellent access forward around the wide side decks with raised bulwarks providing additional security. Up on the bow is the dual-direction windlass with the heavy 73-lb/33-kg primary Rocna anchor fitted on sturdy bow rollers for easy deployment with 250-ft of chain. Ready for cruising, the vessel also comes complete with a new 11-ft Zodiac dinghy (2023) with Yamaha 4-stroke 15hp outboard, excellent power generation from the solar and Balmar alternator, watermaker, and safety equipment.

This vessel is powered by a sturdy Westerbeke 60HP diesel engine with a history of recent servicing. Having been well maintained, it provides easy and reliable cruising at 6.5 knots. It also comes with a quality inventory of spare parts and tools, as well as fun extras such as a fishing gear, new stand-up paddle board, and two aluminum SCUBA tanks.

Owner’s description:

She has sailed the Sea [of Cortez] many times, and is a fairly well known vessel around Baja. She is a great boat. Ready to sail, just needs some minor cosmetic love. She is designed for someone to easily single hand, or a cruising couple, who can manage the boat’s systems and maintenance. She is balanced and heavy, and 100+ mile days are not uncommon

The current owner has sailed Key Lime Pie actively since buying her in 2019. Now that he has joined forces in sailing and in life with another sailor who also owns her own boat, they are moving onto her vessel and making Key Lime Pie available for the next solo sailor or sailing couple.

Conveniently located in the gorgeous cruising grounds of San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico, this comfortably updated bluewater boat is currently in dry storage, waiting to take you on the adventure of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to own a truly exceptional boat, ready to create lasting memories on the water.

Recent Work Completed

MAY 2026 – Bottom paint job
2023 – Topside paint job
2023 – Teak decks removed, re-glassed and sealed
2021 – Upper rebuild on engine
New wiring on most components

Upgrades

NEW 2023 – 11 ft. Zodiac with 15hp 4 stroke Yamaha
NEW Stainless Steel helm binnacle
NEW 2021 – AGM batteries for house bank (464Ah)
NEW 2024 – FLA starter battery
NEW 2023 – Starboard fuel tank replaced
NEW 2023 – PrecisionSails dacron mainsail
NEW 2023 – PrecisionSails 100% Jib on furler
NEW 2021 – Furling Staysail
NEW Jordan Series Drogue
NEW stand up paddle board
Newer bottom cushion fabric
Newer aft foam mattress

System & Equipment Highlights

Westerbeke 60hp engine with 120Amp Balmar alternator
All B&G Electronics (Chartplotter, wireless Wind indicator, T2 displays, Autopilot with helm remote)
Victron Energy Systems (Inverter/Charger, MPPT controllers for each solar panel)
SeaWater Pro 20gph Watermaker
Furuno AIS
Simrad Halo Radar
Hydrovane windvane
Custom Aluminum solar arch, with Starlink and Fishing Pole holders
In-mast Mainsail
Asymmetrical Spinnaker
Spare 135% Genoa
Fresh Water deck wash
AirHead composting toilet
74-lb/33-kg Rocna anchor
6-Gal Water Heater
Fishing pole holders
Aluminum stand up paddle board holders
x2 80L aluminum SCUBA tanks
Large inventory or spare items, fishing gear, etc.

This vessel is located in beautiful San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico, A short 250 mile drive on a safe 4 lane highway from Nogales, Az. San Carlos is a known boating destination/community, featuring breathtaking scenery, quiet anchorages nearby, great fishing, diving, two marinas, 3 haul out facilities and much more.

features

length: 44 ft. (13.41 m.)
price: US$ 60,000
builder: Kelly Peterson
draft: 6.33 ft. (1.93 m.)
max speed: N/A
beam: 12.92 ft. (3.94 m.)
cruising speed: 6.5 kn
built: 1979

Sail
Fiberglass hull
2 cabins
2 heads
sleeps 6

details

Dimensions

Builder	Jack Kelly Yachts/Yu Ching (TAIWAN)
Designer	Doug Peterson
Popular Length	44 ft / 13.41 m
LOA	43.83 ft / 13.36 m
LWL	38.67 ft / 11.79 m
LOD	43.83 ft / 13.36 m
Beam	12.92 ft / 3.94 m
Draft	6.33 ft / 1.93 m
Air Draft	62 ft / 19 m (SailboatData)
Ballast Weight	10,000.00 lb / 4,536 kg
Ballast Material	Lead
Displacement Weight	30,000.00 lb / 13,608 kg
Keel Type	Fin
Rudder Type	Skeg-Mounted
Hull Material	Fiberglass
Hull Shape	Displacement
Boat Class(es)	Center Cockpit, Cutter
Hull #	223
Flag	USA – US Coast Guard Registered Home Port: Channel Islands

Propulsion

Engine #1	1979 Westerbeke 60
Engine #1 Power	60 hp
Engine #1 Hours	8000-10,000 (approx.) – No hour meter
Engine #1 Type	Inboard
Engine #1 Fuel	Diesel
Engine #1 Drive Type	Direct Drive
Engine #1 Propeller	MaxProp Classic, Bronze, 3-Blade
Cruising Speed	6.5 kn @ 1800 RPM
Gal / Hr (Max)	0.9
Comments	From the owner: “Engine runs well. Burns a little oil. Could use preventative maintenance on lower end, but upper rebuild was completed in 2021. Documented maintenance and additions.”

Tanks

Fuel Tankage

x3 Stainless Steel/Aluminum – Total 110 Gal / 416 L

Starboard Fuel Tank replaced 2023

Port Fuel Tank not original

Water Tankage

x4 Stainless Steel – Total 140 Gal / 530 L

Holding Tankage

x1 Stainless Steel – Total 25 Gal / 95 L

Accommodations

Stepping below through the forward companionway reveals one of the most practical and comfortable interior layouts found in this classic center-cockpit cruiser. Rich teak joinery, a traditional teak-and-holly sole, and finely crafted woodwork showcase the quality Taiwanese boatbuilding that made the Kelly Peterson 44 a respected offshore cruiser. Natural light and ventilation are abundant throughout the vessel, provided by overhead hatches, dorade vents, and opening cast-bronze portlights.

Located amidships to port, the spacious U-shaped galley is designed with serious cruising in mind. The layout provides excellent security while underway, generous counter space, abundant storage, and room for substantial refrigeration and freezer capacity. A large double-basin sink and a Princess three-burner propane stove with oven make meal preparation comfortable whether at anchor or offshore.

Opposite the galley to starboard is a dedicated navigation station. Well positioned for easy communication with the cockpit, it features a comfortable seat, ample workspace, and houses the vessel’s primary electrical panels and navigation equipment, creating an efficient command center for passage planning and vessel management.

Aft to starboard, a private passageway leads to the owner’s stateroom. The spacious aft cabin features an exceptionally large wall-to-wall king berth, offering remarkable comfort at sea and plenty of room to sleep athwartships or fore-and-aft depending on conditions. Ample hanging locker storage is located to starboard, while a private ensuite head and shower occupy the port side. The owner’s cabin also benefits from its own companionway and sliding hatch, providing direct access to the cockpit along with additional light and ventilation.

Forward of the galley and navigation station, the main saloon follows a traditional and highly functional arrangement. A comfortable dinette to port accommodates four adults with ease, while the starboard settee provides additional seating for three. The settee can also be converted into a generous sea berth, making it ideal for offshore passages or accommodating additional guests. Forward of the saloon are a second head with shower and a spacious V-berth cabin for family or guests.

Ventilation throughout the vessel is excellent. The main saloon benefits from three overhead hatches and six opening portlights, while the aft cabin is served by two hatches and four opening ports, ensuring a bright and airy interior even in warmer climates.

Beneath the cockpit and accessible from the passageway is the engine and machinery space. At its heart is a dependable Westerbeke 60 diesel engine, a robust and well-matched powerplant that provides ample thrust and reliability for a vessel of this displacement.

# Cabins	2
# Heads	2
Types of Heads	Manual. AirHead compost toilet (forward).
# Berths	4
Types of Berths Available	V-berth, Double Berth, Settee Berth
# People Accommodated (Sleeping)	6
Comments	Newer bottom cushion fabric. Newer aft foam mattress

Galley

Fridge / Freezer	Isotherm Marine Refrigerator Top-Loading Built-in refrigeration (120vAC/12vDC) 2 modest-sized freezers in each fridge
Stove	3-burner Princess stove with oven
Fuel	LPG
Sink	Double Basin, Fresh Cold Water
Comments	Galley countertops updated in 2022

Electronics and Navigation Equipment

AIS Receiver/Transponder	Furuno FA70 (NEW 2024)
Autopilot	B&G NAC-3 Autopilot (NEW 2024) with T2 ram and helm remote
Chartplotter	B&G Zeus3 – 9″ Display
Cockpit Speakers	None
Compass	Ritchie
Depth Sounder	DST-200 Transducer
GPS	On Chartplotter
Knot Meter / Log / SOG	None
Radar	Simrad Halo20+ with 36 nautical mile range (NEW 2024)
Rudder Angle	B&G Triton² Digital Display Rudder position sensor (NEW 2024)
Stereo	MP3 with bluetooth
Salon Speakers	Polk Audio
VHF	Yes
Wi-Fi / Starlink	Starlink with elevated holder on aft arch
Wind Speed and Direction	B&G Triton² Digital Display on masthead / Bluetooth
Other	Forward Scan Sonar NEW masthead Bluetooth windvane (2024) NEW VHF/AIS antenna (2024)

Electrical Systems

Batteries	House: x4 Firefly 116Ah AGM batteries (NEW 2021) – Total 464 Ah Start: x1 Maintenance-Free Flooded Lead-Acid (NEW 2024)
Battery Switch	N/A
Battery Monitor	Victron BMV-712 Smart
Electrical System	12vDC
Inverter / Charger	Victron MultiPlus 12V \| 3000VA \| 120Amp Spare 50A ProNautic
Smart Regulator	5 x Victron SmartSolar MPPT 75/15 (one for each panel)
Solar Panels	5 x 200 Watt panels – Total 1000W Solar
Alternator	Balmar 120A with external controller
Comments	From the owners: “Most electrical has been updated with tinned wire and correct gauge.”

Sails & Rigging

Total Sail Area	Supports 1,011 sq.ft. (SailboatData)
Mainsail	In-mast Furling PrecisionSails Dacron 500 (NEW 2023)
Jibs / Headsails	PrecisionSails 100% Jib (NEW 2023) Genoa (NEW 2019)
Roller Furling	Yes – Jib and Genoa
Spinnaker Pole / Whisker Pole	Yes
Mast	Mast boot requires re-sealing (minor leak)
Winches	Manual
Standing Rigging	Replaced 2017. Inspected June 2026 – reported in operational condition.
Preventer / Boom Break	Yes
Lines Led Aft	Yes
Comments	All lines and sheets reported in good condition. From the owner: “Recent inspection of rigging. Recommend chainplates replaced within the next two years as preventative maintenance.”

Deck

The Peterson 44 features a low-profile center cockpit that remains pleasing to the eye and keeps weight low physically as well as visually. The long-fin keel with cutaway forefoot and afterbody reduces wetted surface for good light-air performance and provides a shorter turning radius. A full-size molded-in skeg supports the rudder and provides good protection during the occasional grounding. Protected also is the prop, mounted in an aperture between the skeg and the rudder. Displacement of 30,000 pounds (10,000 of this is buried in encapsulated lead ballast) gives the KP 44 an easy motion at sea.

On deck, a double-spreader cutter rig supports up to a thousand square feet of working sail. Key Lime Pie has notable updates to her rig, including all new standing rigging (2017), new topside paint job (2023), original teak decks removed and redone in glass (2023), new bottom paint job (May 2026), and she has a custom aluminum solar arch.

The center cockpit is intelligently laid out and accommodates a full-size dodger and canopy-style bimini. From the cockpit, two companionways, both protected by bridge decks, provide outside access to the fore and aft cabins. Each Kelly Peterson 44 was delivered with factory-installed bow rollers and a manual windlass, but Key Lime Pie has been thoughtfully updated with an electric Vetus windlass.

UPDATES

May 2026 – New bottom paint
2023 – New topside paint (Aqua Mist on hull sides, white on top)
2023 – Teak decks removed; deck redone with glass and sealed
2017 – New standing rigging
Custom aluminum solar arch
Custom stainless steel binnacle
Electric Vetus windlass

Anchors	74lb/33kg Rocna anchor with 250-ft of ⅜” chain Danforth (stern)
Windlass	Vetus
Bow Pulpit	Yes
Bow Rollers	Yes
Deck Lights	Yes
Deck Shower	Yes
Deck Washdown	Yes
Dinghy	11ft Zodiac (NEW 2023)
Dinghy Davits	None
Outboard	Yamaha 4-stroke, 15hp
Gates	Yes x2
Lifelines	Yes
Mast Pulpit	None
Navigation Lights	Yes
Rails	Teak
Spreader Lights	None
Swim Ladder	Yes
Swim Step	None
Comments	Stainless Steel helm binnacle (NEW) Aluminum SUP holders

Covers & Cushions

Dodger	Navy Sunbrella with Eisenglass
Bimini	Navy Sunbrella
Cockpit Covers	No data
Wheel/Tiller Cover	No data
Hatch Covers	No data
Cockpit Cushions	Yes
UV Strip on Headsail	Yes

Mechanical Systems

Bilge Blower	No data
Electric Bilge Pump	x2
Fire Extinguishing	x4
Fresh Water Cooling System	No data
Fuel Filters	Racor 500
Fuel Shut-off	No data
Hot Water Heater	6 Gal
Manual Bilge Pump	No data
Raw Water Sea Strainer	Yes
Sea Water Pump	Recently rebuilt
Thru Hulls	No data
Watermaker	SeaWater Pro 20gph watermaker (120v)
Windvane	Hydrovane windvane

Safety Equipment

Lifejackets	None
Lifesling	Yes
Life Rings	Yes
Life Raft	None
EPIRB	Yes
Flares	Yes

Additional Equipment

Pole holders, aft deck
Jordan Series Drogue (NEW)
x2 80L aluminum SCUBA tanks
Stand-up Paddle Board (NEW)
Spare raw water pump
Spare coolant pump
Lots of other spares, fishing gear, etc.

media

View the full photo gallery below.

Make an inquiry

From our gallery

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.

Financial and titling transactions are conducted in the US or Canada by licensed agents. An offshore purchase means great savings and the process is more hassle-free than you may think! Call for details.