The Antares 44
Proven Bluewater Excellence — 60+ vessels delivered worldwide since 1998
The Story
The Antares 44 traces its origins to the PDQ 44, designed in Canada and first launched in 2004. In 2009, production moved to Argentina under the newly formed 40 Grados Sur, where the boat has been continuously built and refined ever since.
What started as a respected Canadian design has become one of the most proven cruising catamarans in the world. Each generation has incorporated improvements based on real-world feedback from owners who sail these boats across oceans.
Four Generations of Refinement
The original production model in Argentina. Based on the PDQ 44 design with initial Argentine production adaptations. Established the manufacturing processes and team that continue today.
The "Grand Salon" version introduced a redesigned interior layout with improved living space, updated systems, and refined build quality based on five years of production experience.
The "Grand Touring" model brought further interior refinements, updated electrical systems, improved structural engineering, and modernized deck hardware and rigging.
The latest generation introduced vacuum-infused hulls, hybrid diesel-electric propulsion option, lithium battery systems, and continued refinements throughout the boat.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Length Overall (LOA) | 44 feet / 13.4 m |
| Beam | 22 feet / 6.7 m |
| Draft | 3.8 feet / 1.15 m |
| Displacement | 24,000 lbs / 10,886 kg |
| Engines | 2× 40 HP diesel (standard) / Hybrid option available |
| Fuel Capacity | 200 US gallons / 757 liters |
| Water Capacity | 200 US gallons / 757 liters |
| Sail Area (working) | ~1,100 sq ft / ~102 m² |
| Cabins | 3 or 4 cabin layouts |
| Heads | 2 |
What Makes It Special
Design and construction features that set the Antares 44 apart from other production catamarans
Shaft Drives
Inboard shaft drive propulsion rather than saildrives. More robust, easier to service, and better suited for long-distance cruising in remote areas.
Skegged Rudders
Protected rudders with full skegs for grounding protection and improved directional stability. A bluewater essential often missing on production catamarans.
Protected Helm
Enclosed helm station providing protection from weather while maintaining visibility. Practical for overnight passages and harsh conditions.
Cherry Cabinetry
Solid cherry wood interior joinery built by our in-house carpentry team. Real wood construction, not veneered particle board.
Vacuum-Infused Hulls
Since 2023, hulls are built using vacuum infusion for optimal fiber-to-resin ratios, lighter weight, and consistent laminate quality throughout.
Proven at Sea
Owners have completed circumnavigations, multiple Atlantic crossings, and logged over 40,000 nautical miles. The Antares 44 is tested by real ocean passages.
Proven by Owners
The Antares 44 is not a dock queen. It is sailed hard by its owners across the world's oceans. Notable accomplishments by Antares 44 owners include:
- 🌍 Multiple full circumnavigations
- 🌊 Numerous Atlantic Ocean crossings
- 📏 Individual owners with 40,000+ nautical miles logged
- 🏝️ Boats cruising in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Pacific, and beyond
- 🎥 Active YouTube community documenting their voyages
Hybrid Propulsion Option
The Antares 44 Hybrid combines conventional diesel engines with electric drive capability. This allows silent motoring in harbors and anchorages, regeneration under sail, and reduced fuel consumption on passages.
The hybrid system is fully integrated with a lithium battery bank and can be paired with solar panels and wind generation for a comprehensive energy management system.
Interested in the Antares 44?
Visit the official Antares Catamarans website for full details, or contact us to discuss building your own.
Interior Gallery