1985 MetalCraft 44 - SYLPHIDE
Her aluminum hull offers an ideal balance of efficiency and resilience, making her a dependable and economical choice for long-range cruising. In 1995, SYLPHIDE underwent a complete interior refit, transforming her into a highly functional and comfortable platform perfectly suited for extended journeys along the ICW, through locks and canals, and across inland waterways. She accommodates up to four guests in two private staterooms, each with its own head, while her low air draft—under 13 feet—allows for easy bridge clearance, a major advantage for serious cruisers.
Key Features:
•Exceptionally Low Air Draft (~11–13 ft) – Effortlessly clears bridges, opening up unrestricted cruising along the ICW, canals, and inland waterways
•All-Aluminum Hull Construction – Built from 5083 marine-grade aluminum to commercial standards for unmatched durability, corrosion resistance, and long-term structural integrity.
•Proven Long-Range Efficiency – Single Perkins diesel cruises at 7 knots while burning approximately 1 GPH, delivering an impressive 1,500 NM range.
•Complete Interior Refit (1995) – Thoughtfully redesigned for practical liveaboard and cruising comfort with a functional two-stateroom, two-head layout.
•Rare Pedigree from MetalCraft Marine – One of very few private yachts built by a renowned commercial and military builder, combining rugged capability with distinctive presence.
Boarding SYLPHIDE is easily accomplished via port or starboard gates, leading to wide, full walkaround decks. Underfoot, updated 3M nonskid decking provides secure footing, while a combination of aluminum and stainless-steel stanchions with vinyl-wrapped lifelines guide you safely forward to the bow. The foredeck is equipped with a sturdy aluminum pulpit and ground tackle, reinforcing the vessel’s purposeful, seagoing design.
Aft, the raised cockpit is both functional and inviting—protected by a newer Bimini top and thoughtfully arranged with removable seating, a teak table, and built-in propane storage integrated beneath bench seating. The transom leads to a teak swim platform via a boarding ladder, and a simple block-and-tackle davit system facilitates tender handling. The AB Inflatable tender is currently kept on its own lift at the dock and is shown separately in the photos.
Entering the cabin from the aft deck, you descend a few steps into a warm and practical interior finished with teak and ash sole throughout. The main salon offers a comfortable living space with a settee, built-in storage, and a high-low table that can be adjusted for dining or casual use. Large windows provide natural light and excellent visibility.
The galley is located to port in an efficient L-shaped configuration, featuring ample counter space, drawers, and lockers for extended cruising. Opposite to starboard is additional storage and systems access, arranged with functionality in mind.
Forward of the salon, the guest accommodations are well laid out for privacy and comfort. A forward stateroom offers a V-berth with storage, opening portlights, and an overhead hatch. Just aft of the stateroom, a separate stall shower is located to port, with an enclosed head to starboard—both featuring proper ventilation and practical finishes. Additional storage, a hanging locker, and a small desk/navigation area enhance the usability of this forward section.
The master stateroom aft is accessed via a separate companionway and features a centerline queen berth, generous drawer storage, hanging lockers, and built-in bedside cabinetry. Multiple opening portlights and an overhead hatch provide excellent natural light and ventilation. The ensuite head includes a vanity, sink, and additional storage, completing a comfortable and private owner’s space.
Climate control is provided via two zone reverse-cycle heat and air conditioning supplemented by a separate furnace heat system- making SYLPHIDE well-suited for a variety of cruising environments.
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- Additional information
- Saloon
Settee (recovered 2022)
Built-in lockers and storage
Attached table
Teak and ash sole
Galley
L-shaped galley up
Tile countertop
Large S.S. sink with separate drinking faucet
2-burner Force 10 propane stove with oven
Shadow II LPG monitor/control
Countertop pellet ice maker
RecPrar AC/DC refrigerator
Black & Decker Microwave
Coffee maker
Adjustable drop leaf table
Cuisinart rail-mounted grill
Entertainment Equipment
Vizio flatscreen tv
Weems & Plath brass barometer and thermometer
Accommodations
Aft Stateroom:
Centerline queen sized berth
Ensuite head
Built-in bedside tables with lockers
Teak louvered hanging lockers
Dresser with five drawers
6 x White cabinets with teak vanity
4 x Opening portlights
1 x Opening overhead hatch
Forward Stateroom:
V-berth with storage
Filler cushion
Teak louvered anchor locker
Net shelves
2 x Opening portlights
1 x Overhead hatch
Forward Companionway:
Hanging locker
Desk
1 x Overhead hatch
Full size stall shower with opening portlight to port
Head to starboard with vanity and opening portlight
Engine room access
Helm
Lower Helm:
Forward to starboard
Garmin GPSmap XSV multifunction display
Garmin Radar
Wagner SE-Autopilot Gen2
Standard Horizon Spectrum+ VHF marine radio
Standard Horizon hx150
B&G Network Quad (Speed/Depth/Temperature/Timer)
Wagner gimbaled compass
Engine gauges
AIS
Marinco Spotlight with D-pad and remote (New 2026)
Upper Helm:
Aft to port
Hydraulic steering
Ultraflex gear/throttle controls
Oil pressure
Engine temp
Tachometer
Removable Pompanette helm chair
Deck Equipment
Rocna anchor with 3/16 chain
Danforth auxiliary anchor stowed
Muir electric windlass with foot control retrieval
Aluminum pulpit with anchor roller
Stainless steel stanchions with vinyl wrapped guide wire
Aluminum safety rails aft
Aluminum decks with 3M EVA nonslip foam flooring (2024)
Port and Starboard boarding gates
Transom gate with S.S. ladder to swim platform
Teak swim platform
Collapsing swim ladder
Snap on hatch screens
Bimini (green)
Raw water washdown
2-panel windshield with opening vents
2 x Electric windshield wipers
Fenders and lines
Springfield captain’s chair
Folding mast (Air clearance: 24 ft up, 11 ft down)
Propane locker aft
Exterior table and chairs
Life-Sling
LPG locker bench seat
Mechanical Equipment
85 hp Perkins 4.236M Direct-drive diesel motor (2,729 hours on April 07, 2026)
Borg-Warner Velvet Drive transmission
Ultraflex cable gear/throttle
Hydraulic steering
Lasdrop dripless shaft seal
1 ¾ inch Stainless Steel shaft
Shaft saver
Thorden bearings
3-blade 24x11 bronze prop
2 x Dometic Reverse-cycle heat and air-conditioning
Furnace heat
Fuel pump and injectors (2025)
Racor 500FG fuel filter
Algae-X fuel polisher
Portable fire suppression throughout
2 x Bilge pumps with well pump seperator
Vacuflush head system
Nautilus MKII Desalinator watermaker
Assorted spare parts
Ameron Amercoat 235
Underwater exhaust
19.9 gal Hot water heater
Electrical Equipment
120VAC / 12VDC 60 Hz Ship’s power
Yanmar 2GM2OF + LSA41 alternator generator (299 hours on April 07, 2026)
50A Shore Power with 50ft cord
Acme Electric Isolation transformer
6 x ProEnergy BB AGM 6V house batteries
AGM engine start battery
Freedom Marine Freedom25 2500W inverter/charger (2023)
Heart Interface Link-2000-R
Alternator (Rebuilt 2026)
Build Description
Marine grade 5083 1/4in Aluminum plate hull
Marine grade 5083 3/16in Aluminum plate deck, house, bottom stringers, topside frames, and futtocks.
Deck beams and frames 1/4in Aluminum
Interprotect hull primer
Amercoat 235 epoxy midcoat
Antifouling hull paint
Above the waterline (hull, decks, and deck house) PSX 700 epoxy
Tender
2018 AB Inflatables Defender 10ft 6in (HIN: XMO51015A818) with a 2019 6hp Yamaha Four Stroke outboard
Block and tackle (stern)
Virginia Title
Broker Comments
SYLPHIDE represents a compelling alternative to traditional production trawlers, offering commercial-grade construction, exceptional efficiency, and access to waterways many vessels simply can’t reach. Her unique pedigree and thoughtful refit combine to create a capable, low-cost cruising platform with true character—ideal for an experienced boater looking to cruise differently, not conventionally. Rarely does a vessel with this level of build quality, range, and versatility come to market at this price point. - Pricing notes
- New to market