44' Pearson Countess

1966 Pearson Countess 44 Ketch-Rigged Bluewater Cruiser

For sale is a classic 1966 Pearson Countess 44, a full-keeled, ketch-rigged bluewater cruiser with beautiful traditional lines, tremendous living space, and the kind of solid construction that made these boats respected offshore cruisers.

She is a true old-school cruising boat: heavy, strong, comfortable, and capable. She sails beautifully when balanced and is the kind of boat that can take care of her crew in rough weather. Solid as a rock, graceful under sail, and with the soul of a real passagemaker, she is the Countess after all.

This boat is not a marina queen or a turnkey showpiece. She needs work, updating, and cosmetic attention, but she has excellent bones and some major positives, including a nearly new Ford Lehman engine with only approximately five hours since installation. Exact horsepower and engine details to be confirmed.

She would be a great boat for someone who wants a serious cruiser, liveaboard, or offshore-capable project with major systems already in place.

Highlights

1966 Pearson Countess 44
Ketch rig
Full keel bluewater cruiser
Strong, solid construction
Beautiful classic lines
Spacious interior with excellent headroom, even for someone around 64
Wide companionway with only three steps down into the main cabin
Large, open deck with easy movement around the boat
Stainless lifelines all around
Self-furling jib
Good sails, not new or perfect, but usable
Monitor wind vane installed on the stern
Electronic self-steering
Velvet Drive transmission
Solar setup installed, currently capable of powering many household needs, with room for improvement
Six golf cart house batteries, approximately three years old
Two large start batteries, fairly new
Three-burner propane stove
Brand-new bimini framework, canvas still needed
Lots of natural light inside
Tremendous liveaboard and cruising potential
Engine and Mechanical

One of the biggest positives is the newly installed Ford Lehman diesel engine, with approximately five hours on it. Ford Lehman 2715E 120 horse power installed 2025 rebuilt