Hylas M44 Reviewed at the Newport International Boat Show
At the Newport International Boat Show, editors from Soundings—Jeanne Craig (Editor) and Pim Van Hemmen (Executive Editor)—spent time aboard the Hylas M44 and came away impressed. The M44 represents a recent and notable expansion of the Hylas lineup, bringing the brand’s long-standing reputation for quality and finish into the world of motor yachts.
Hylas began as a sailboat company in 1985, launching with the H44, and over decades it built a strong reputation for craftsmanship and attention to detail. The M44 powerboat, introduced in 2018, is a modern evolution of that heritage. Designed in New Zealand for demanding coastal and offshore conditions, the model is marketed there as the Salthouse Corsair 44. Despite the different name, the Corsair and the Hylas M44 are effectively the same vessel, sharing construction standards, interior fit, and finish that owners of Hylas sailboats have come to expect.
Design Origins and Construction
The M44’s design roots in New Zealand reflect a focus on seaworthiness and practical layouts suitable for varied cruising grounds. Soundings’ editors highlighted the M44’s quality of construction and refinement, which mirror the company’s sailboat pedigree. The boat is built in Taiwan, where Hylas maintains production facilities that deliver consistent build standards across its models.
Recent Developments in the Hylas Power Series
Hylas recently completed and delivered its first M49 hull to Florida. The M49 is essentially a stretched version of the M44, extending the cockpit by approximately five feet. That additional cockpit space opens up flexible options for owners: it can accommodate a grill or barbecue, a dedicated cutting station for fishing and food prep, and in some layouts it can even house a day head for added convenience while entertaining or cruising. The company is also advancing its design pipeline, with a Doug Zurn–designed M58 currently on the drawing board, indicating ongoing investment in larger, longer-range motor models.
What Reviewers Noted
During the show, Soundings’ team emphasized the M44’s blend of yachtlike finish and practical motorboat sensibilities. Reviewers pointed to the attention to detail in joinery and hardware, the thoughtful arrangement of cockpit and deck systems, and the overall sense of a well-engineered vessel aimed at discerning owners who value both style and functionality. The link between Hylas’s sailboat craftsmanship and its motorboat offerings was a recurring theme in discussions with the editors.
Multimedia Coverage
Soundings produced a short video report featuring the M44, led by Art Director Briana Smith. The video captures the boat’s layout and highlights the features that stood out to the publishing team at the show. It serves as a visual complement to written reviews, offering prospective buyers additional perspective on what to expect from the M44 aboard and underway.
Practical Considerations for Buyers
For buyers considering a Hylas motorboat, the M44 represents a compelling option if you prioritize build quality and an interior and exterior finish that reflects a sailboat builder’s standards. The stretched M49 expands on those qualities by adding cockpit functionality, and the upcoming M58 points toward further growth in the Hylas motor portfolio. Potential owners should evaluate layout choices, cockpit arrangements, and optional equipment to match their cruising style, whether coastal cruising, day boating, or extended cruising with guests.
For more information about Hylas motorboats, consult the Hylas power yachts page on the manufacturer’s website or contact an authorized Hylas dealer to arrange a viewing or sea trial.