The Chicago Experience: 44' Fjord — Sleek Design, Open Sky, Unmatched review
Yacht · 44 ft (13 m) · Chicago
expert score
Key specs
- Builder
- Fjord
- Model
- 44 Open
- Length
- 44 ft (13 m)
- Guests
- 12
- Cabins
- 1
Verdict
The Fjord 44 Open is a striking, fast day yacht with strong pod-drive performance and easy close-quarters handling, but its open layout and limited accommodation make it better for day use than extended cruising.
Pros
- +Distinctive minimalist exterior design
- +Strong speed potential with twin Volvo Penta IPS propulsion
- +Joystick/pod-drive setup aids docking and low-speed control
- +Wide beam supports a stable, social cockpit layout
- +Shallow draft suits coastal use
Cons
- −Open-deck concept offers limited weather protection
- −Only one cabin and one head reduce overnight versatility
- −Fresh-water capacity is modest for longer stays
- −Comfort is focused more on day entertaining than liveaboard use
The Fjord 44 Open follows the brand’s signature design language: clean lines, low profile, broad side decks and a large open cockpit. It is a very modern-looking 44-footer, and the layout is built around social outdoor use rather than enclosed cruising space. Public listings and specifications show a length of about 44 feet, a beam around 13'11", and capacity for up to 12 passengers.[1][5][6]
On the water, the boat is positioned as a fast, responsive day yacht. Published specifications list twin Volvo Penta IPS engines, with standard and higher-output configurations depending on market and listing, and reported top speeds in the mid-30s to 40-knot range.[4][6][8] The IPS pod system and joystick control should make it notably easier to maneuver than shaft-drive boats of similar size, especially in marina conditions.[6][10]
Comfort and livability are the main trade-off. Most current specifications show only one cabin and one head, with fresh-water capacity around 295 liters, so it is not designed as a spacious family cruiser or weekender by offshore-yacht standards.[5][6][9] The value proposition is strongest if the buyer wants a premium, stylish open boat for entertaining and coastal runs; it is less compelling if overnight space and enclosed comfort are priorities.
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