A striking blond holding a microphone doesn’t often come in second in commanding attention. But such was the case at the Miami International Boat Show in February, when a winsome TV personality drew less notice than the black-shouldered boat she was unveiling. Little wonder. Cabo Yachts’ 44 Hardtop Express, which will launch this fall, was designed to command attention.
She’d better, since she’ll replace the Cabo 45 Express, a stalwart since she launched in 1997. The 44, designed by Michael Peters, , is slightly shorter and wider with more V at the transom – 16 degrees compared to 11.5. She’s also heavier than the 45 by about 13,000 pounds.
The 44 was designed to maximize interior volume, which Cabo claims is the largest in this class. Her master features rod towage cabinets to port and starboard, but if that’s not enough, the standard main-cabin layout features an “angler’s room” to starboard and aft of the head, dedicated to rod and tackle stowage. A Pullman berth is standard, but if you need more bunk space, Cabo offers an optional extra stateroom with an over-under setup. For even more bunk space, the dinette can convert to a sleeper.
The 44’s hardtop configuration is also different. A full-height windshield encloses the center helm on three sides; it’s set up Palm Beach style and there’s room on the dash for two 17-inceh monitors and an array of gauges. The hardtop itself features a hatch, integral lighting, and dedicated compartments for teaser reels and a stereo. Standard seating is an L-shape bench to port, with a bucket seat to starboard and the option for another bucket to port.
Another big point of difference is the 44’s mezzanine seating, a great palace from which to watch the action. There’s stowage underneath, an engine-access hatch, and a tackle center to starboard across the step-down.
Two macerated, insulated fishboxes are standard in the cockpit; the starboard one can hold an optional refrigeration plate or ice chipper. A standard 48-gallon livewell resides in the transom box.
The Cabo 44 Hardtop Express (Express 2.0 you might call her) is faithful to her predecessor but has enough enhancements to make people pay attention, no matter who’s standing alongside. PMY
Need to know
LOA x Beam: 47’7” x 16’6”
Weight (wet): 46,000lbs Draft: 37”
Tankage (gal.): Fuel: 800 Water: 100
Std. Power: 2/800-mph MAN R6-800s
Cabins: 1 master, 1 guest or angler’s room
Base Price: not available
- This optional custom tower is sitting atop the 44’s new enclosed, fully integrated hardtop, which has a dedicated teser-reel compartment.
- A fighting chair is optional. It mounts in the middle of the 86-square-foot cockpit.
- The 44’s hull sides are laminated with biaxial stitched fiberglass infused with vinylester resins for high strength with low weight.
- There are two 48.5-gallon (6.5 cubic foot) capacity in-sole fishboxes
- A seriously wide beam of 16’6” creates a more spacious interior. Check out the elongated galley positioned along the aft cockpit bulkhead
- The standard Palm Beach-style helm is on centerline and well aft. This position gives the captain a much better view of the cockpit, which is crucial when docking and backing down on a fish.
- This vessel’s only dedicated sleeping area is the forpeak master, which has two hanging lockers and two rod-stowage compartments, plus private access to the common head. There’s also a Pullman berth in the saloon.