We are pleased to introduce the Rockport Marine 44’ Express. The RM44 utilizes a modern moderate-V, hard-chined hull shape with classic tumblehome, wood composite construction techniques, waterjet propulsion, and thoroughly modern mechanical and electronic systems while maintaining a distinctive classic look.
Designed for coastal cruising and day trips, the interior layout includes a private stateroom with island berth, head and separate shower, a lower dining settee that can be converted to a queen-size sleeping berth, galley, and wheelhouse with helm station and comfortable seating. There is a generous cockpit with bench seating accessed through removable doors. Because we are a custom builder, all of Rockport Marine’s yachts are fully bespoke. We anticipate offering interior styling ranging from simple painted flat panels to fully-varnished book-matched raised panels in an owner’s choice of wood species.
The hull planking will be four epoxy glued layers of wood with a sheathing of fiberglass cloth with a total thickness of 1-1/2”. Each layer will be oriented to maximize grain strength using vacuum bagging with West System epoxy resin to ensure the hull is a consistent solid laminate. In turn, the hull will be supported by laminated stringers, floors and structural bulkheads.
The standard propulsion package consists of twin Cummins QSB6.7 6-cylinder diesels each rated at 470hp @3,300rpm coupled to Hamilton Jet HJ322 waterjets through Twin Disc gears. Optional twin Volvo-Penta IPS500 drives are available as well as conventional propellers and shafting. Maneuvering will be done using Hamilton Jet’s BLUE ARROW (joystick) system, which is a complete electronic waterjet and controls package.