DeFever 44 Offshore Cruiser
Built 1981–2007
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About the DeFever 44 Offshore Cruiser
Researched from public sources for this model. Any individual boat may have been modified or repowered — confirm before relying on any figure.
- Built
- 1981–2007
- Designer
- Arthur DeFever
- Length
- 43.75 ft
- Waterline
- 38.5 ft
- Beam
- 14.75 ft
- Draft
- 4.58 ft
- Displacement
- 44,000 lb
- Hull / keel
- full displacement
- Propulsion
- inboard
- Fuel
- 900 gal
- Water
- 350 gal
- Holding
- 60 gal
- Bow thruster
- often added later
Tank capacities — where the figures come from
-
Fuel 900 gal
“900 gallons of fuel” — owners' association, defevercruisers.comThe owners' club says the 44 typically carries this; some boats may differ.
-
Water 350 gal
“350 gallons of water” — owners' association, defevercruisers.com
-
Holding 60 gal
No builder or association holding figure found.
-
Water heater unknown
“Raritan 12 gallon water heater” — broker listing, curtisstokes.netOne listing only (Raritan 12 gal, possibly a replacement). The DeFever Cruisers design page has no systems details.
Tanks are often replaced or added on older boats — check the tank labels or a survey for yours.
Thrusters and steering — where this comes from
-
Bow thruster often added later
“This video shows the installation process of a bow and stern thruster on a 44' Defever Yacht completed at Seabrook Shipy” — search excerpt, youtube.com · “DeFever 44 Offshore Cruiser ... #floridabowthrusters #defever #bowthruster” — search excerpt, facebook.com · “Has anyone installed an external bow thruster on a 44 DeFever?” — search excerpt, trawlerforum.comTwo installers show bow thrusters being added to separate DeFever 44s (Texas 2014, Florida 2021), and an owner asks about adding an external one; no builder list was found.
-
Stern thruster unknown
“installation process of a bow and stern thruster on a 44' Defever Yacht” — search excerpt, youtube.comOnly one boat is known to have had a stern thruster added.
-
Steering unknown
“new owners of a 1990 DF 44 ... a fluid leak from the upper helm Teleflex Seastar system” — search excerpt (1990), trawlerforum.com · “The upper helm has ... hydraulic steering, full engine controls and gauges” — broker listing (1999), buy-a-boat.comAn owners' forum post (1990 boat, Teleflex SeaStar upper helm) and a 1999 listing both describe hydraulic steering, but no builder source was found. The SeaStar brand was seen on one boat only and may not be original.
Thrusters and steering are often replaced — check the units on your boat before ordering parts.
Nearly 150 built. Rare flush-deck layout (aft deck level with side decks) with a big covered aft deck, galley aft, full-beam master and walk-in engine room with workbench. Twin 135 hp Lehmans cruise 7-8 knots with about 1,500 nm range. Nearly 150 built (HMY).
Engines fitted
-
Ford Lehman SP135 — 135 hp, diesel, twin
standard
HMY cites twin 135 hp Lehmans cruising 7-8 kn; a 1988 boat is listed with twin SP135s.Sources: hmy.com · seacoastyachts.com
-
John Deere — 150 hp, diesel, twin
factory option
HMY names 150 hp John Deere diesels as the alternative to the Lehmans; model number not given.Sources: hmy.com
-
Caterpillar 3208 — 210 hp, diesel, twin
factory option
A 1991 boat is listed with twin 210 hp 3208s; a broker article also names the DeFever 44 among 3208-powered trawlers. Factory vs repower not stated.Sources: marinesource.com · murrayyachtsales.com
Boats of the same model can differ — check which engines yours actually has before ordering parts.
Generator
Broker listings show a mix: Onan 8 kW on one boat, Westerbeke 12.5 kW on a 1989 boat listed by several brokers, and Westerbeke 12.6 kW (1998). No two separate boats share a make and size, and no builder or review source was found.
Known problems for this model
-
Rusted, decommissioned aft fuel tank fuel
Owners report aft fuel tanks on DeFever 44s that rusted badly and filled with sludge, sometimes left unused or removed; ask whether every tank is in service and inspect for corrosion.trawlerforum.com
-
Teak deck leaks and soft spots deck
As with most Taiwan trawlers of the period, water trapped under teak decks can soak the core; check the low point of the side decks and the underside of the deck from the engine room.pacificyachting.com
Engines & parts
Ford Lehman 135 / SP135 (2725E) parts: good
Factory standard engine — you entered “Ford Lehman SP135”
Based on the later Ford 'Dover' 2725E 6.2 L naturally aspirated six (Ford built the Dover series 1982–1994, then Otosan/Dovertech to 2005). Parts are sold by the same Lehman specialists as the 120; American Diesel lists spare-parts sheets and Go2marine stocks cooling parts, heat exchangers and elbows for the 135. Do not assume 120 (2715E) and 135 (2725E) internals interchange.
Parts sources: American Diesel Corp, Go2marine (Ford Lehman parts collection)
Maker’s service schedule (14)
| Engine oil & filter change | 200 hrs | “Every 200 hours of operation ..... Change Engine Oil & Filter. And Transmission Oil.” — manufacturer (1987), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Fuel filters & water separator | 200 hrs or 1 yr | “should be replaced once each season or at least each 200 hours (which ever comes first) under normal conditions” — manufacturer (1987), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Raw-water pump impeller | 200 hrs | “Every 200 hours of operation ..... Replace raw water pump impeller.” — manufacturer (1987), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Coolant replacement & freeze-point test | 1,200 hrs | “Every 1200 hours of operation ..... Flush cooling system. Replace anti-freeze.” — manufacturer (1987), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Exhaust mixing elbow inspection | 200 hrs | “Every 200 hours of operation ..... Check exhaust components for leaks.” — manufacturer (1987), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Transmission fluid change Borg Warner gearbox | 200 hrs or 1 yr | “Change oil every 200 hours of operation or at least once each season under normal conditions” — manufacturer (1987), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Transmission fluid change PRM/Newage gearbox | 200 hrs | “After 25 hours running: Drain all oil from the gearbox and refill with one of the recommended lubricants.” — manufacturer (1987), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Transmission fluid change Twin Disc gearbox | 1,000 hrs or 6 mo | “The period between oil changes is 1000 hours of operation or 6 months, whichever occurs first.” — manufacturer (1987), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Check idling speed | 200 hrs | “Every 200 hours of operation ..... Check idling speed, adjust if required.” — manufacturer (1987), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Check coolant and oil hoses | 200 hrs | “Every 200 hours of operation ..... Check condition of all coolant and oil hoses.” — manufacturer (1987), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Check engine mount bolts | 200 hrs | “Every 200 hours of operation ..... Check all engine mount bolts.” — manufacturer (1987), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Replace thermostats | 3,600 hrs | “Every 3600 hours of operation ..... Replace thermostats.” — manufacturer (1987), marinedieselbasics.com |
| Replace Borg Warner transmission oil cooler Borg Warner gearbox | 1,200 hrs | “Suggested replacement time is at 1200 hours.” — manufacturer, img1.wsimg.com |
| Inspect drive damper | 2,500 hrs | “Inspect your drive damper if you have more than 2500 hours on the engine.” — manufacturer, img1.wsimg.com |
Service part numbers (9)
| Oil filter engines built before the 1987 change (original filter) |
Lehman 2N50 | “11 1 2N50 FILTER (Engine Oil Cooler Assembly D196/D197, SP90 / 135)” — manufacturer, marinesurveyorontario.com |
| Oil filter 1987-on engines (larger capacity, revised fitment) |
Lehman 2N53 | “DURING 1987 A NEW OIL FILTER OF LARGER CAPACITY ... THIS IS PART No. 2N53” — manufacturer, marinesurveyorontario.com · “Oil Filter 2N53 LM - P12-R105 P11-88” — dealer, lancingmarine.com |
| Fuel filter | Ford 6149717 × 2 | “2 ALL 2 6149717 FUEL FILTER ELEMENTS” — manufacturer, marinesurveyorontario.com |
| Raw-water impeller | Jabsco 1210-0001 | “Breakdown of 2C48 Pump ... 9 1 1210-0001 IMPELLER” — manufacturer, marinesurveyorontario.com |
| Raw-water pump kit | Jabsco SK239 | “Service Kit SK239 - Comprising Key 7/8/9/17” — manufacturer, marinesurveyorontario.com |
| Drive belt | Lehman 2B209 | “15 1 2B209 VBELT (Alternator Assembly D144, M/N)” — manufacturer, marinesurveyorontario.com · “Alternator Accessory Drive V-Belt 2B209 2B209 - P11-51” — dealer, lancingmarine.com |
| Air filter | Lehman 1F7 | “12 1 1F7 FOAM ELEMENT (Plenum Chamber / Air Filter Assembly D1125, SP135)” — manufacturer, marinesurveyorontario.com · “Air strainer to replace 2H75 & 1F7 (PF136) (Whilst stocks last)” — dealer, lancingmarine.com |
| Zinc / anode | Lehman EM21A | “25A 1 EM21A ZINC ANODE (Heat Exchanger Assembly D882/D883, SP135)” — manufacturer, marinesurveyorontario.com · “Anodes EM21A (Pack of 5) - - P11-18” — dealer, lancingmarine.com |
| Thermostat | Lehman 2C35 | “11 1 2C35 THERMOSTAT ... Modified / 12 1 1541317 GASKET” — manufacturer, marinesurveyorontario.com |
From the engine maker’s parts lists, or two independent parts dealers. Numbers change with serial number and get superseded — check yours before ordering.
Caterpillar 3208 (NA / T / TA) parts: good
Factory optional engine — you entered “Caterpillar 3208”
V8 introduced in the 1970s and discontinued in the late 1990s (Big Bear Engine gives 1999). Naturally aspirated versions run about 210 hp; turbo and turbo-aftercooled versions go up to 435 hp. Cat dealers still supply many genuine parts by serial number, and aftermarket in-frame/overhaul kits (pistons, rings, liners, bearings) are sold by Diesel Pro Power, Highway and Heavy Parts and others; complete remanufactured long blocks are also sold. The block is unsleeved from the factory but can be bored and sleeved during a rebuild.
Parts sources: Diesel Pro Power, Highway and Heavy Parts (Cat 3208), Big Bear Engine Company (3208 long blocks)
Common problems (3)
-
Aftercooler failure flooding the engine (TA models) cooling
The seawater-cooled aftercooler on turbo-aftercooled 3208s has aluminum parts that corrode; a failure can let seawater into the cylinders. Owners pull, clean, grease and pressure-test aftercoolers every 2–3 years and some replace them on a fixed schedule.trawlerforum.com · forums.ybw.com
-
Short life at high ratings / overloading engine
The higher-rated 3208TA engines last longer when run well below full power and propped so they can reach rated rpm; overheating or running at full load continuously shortens life.trawlerforum.com · trawlerforum.com
-
Overheating at high throttle cooling
Common causes owners check are clogged heat exchangers, thermostats, fouled keel coolers or restricted raw water flow, and faulty temperature senders.justanswer.com · facebook.com
Maker’s service schedule (20)
| Engine oil & filter change | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “Every 9000 L (2400 US gal) of Fuel or 250 Service Hours or Yearly ... Engine Oil and Filter - Change” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Fuel filters & water separator | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “Every 9000 L (2400 US gal) of Fuel or 250 Service Hours or Yearly ... Fuel System Primary Filter/Water Separator Element” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Raw-water pump impeller | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “Every 9000 L (2400 US gal) of Fuel or 250 Service Hours or Yearly ... Auxiliary Water Pump - Inspect” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Engine pencil zincs | 50 hrs | “Every 1900 L (500 US gal) of Fuel or 50 Service Hours ... Zinc Rods - Inspect/Replace” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Air filter / intake silencer | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “Every 9000 L (2400 US gal) of Fuel or 250 Service Hours or Yearly ... Engine Air Cleaner Element - Clean/Replace” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Valve clearance check / adjust | 2,000 hrs | “Initial 9000 L (2400 US gal) of Fuel or 250 Service Hours or 1 Year ... Engine Valve Lash - Inspect/Adjust” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Coolant replacement & freeze-point test Cat DEAC / conventional coolant | 1,000 hrs or 2 yrs | “Every 36 000 L (9000 US gal) of Fuel or 1000 Service Hours or 2 Years ... Cooling System Coolant (DEAC) - Change” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Coolant replacement & freeze-point test Cat ELC (extended life coolant) | 6,000 hrs or 4 yrs | “Every 216 000 L (57 000 US gal) of Fuel or 6000 Service Hours or 4 Years ... Cooling System Coolant (ELC) - Change” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Turbocharger inspection | 1,000 hrs or 2 yrs | “Every 36 000 L (9000 US gal) of Fuel or 1000 Service Hours or 2 Years ... Aftercooler Core - Clean/Test” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Turbocharger inspect | 2,000 hrs | “Every 72 000 L (19 000 US gal) of Fuel or 2000 Service Hours ... Turbocharger - Inspect” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Heat exchanger & oil cooler cleaning | 2,000 hrs | “Every 72 000 L (19 000 US gal) of Fuel or 2000 Service Hours ... Heat Exchanger - Inspect” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Injector test / service | 2,000 hrs | “Every 72 000 L (19 000 US gal) of Fuel or 2000 Service Hours ... Fuel Injection Nozzles - Test/Exchange” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Sea water strainer clean/inspect | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “Every 9000 L (2400 US gal) of Fuel or 250 Service Hours or Yearly ... Sea Water Strainer - Clean/Inspect” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Coolant SCA test/add | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “Every 9000 L (2400 US gal) of Fuel or 250 Service Hours or Yearly ... Cooling System Supplemental Coolant Additive (SCA)” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Hoses and clamps inspect/replace | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “Every 9000 L (2400 US gal) of Fuel or 250 Service Hours or Yearly ... Hoses and Clamps - Inspect/Replace” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Crankcase breather clean | 250 hrs or 1 yr | “Every 9000 L (2400 US gal) of Fuel or 250 Service Hours or Yearly ... Engine Crankcase Breather - Clean” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Thermostat (water temperature regulator) replace | 1,000 hrs or 2 yrs | “Every 36 000 L (9000 US gal) of Fuel or 1000 Service Hours or 2 Years ... Cooling System Water Temperature Regulator - R” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Marine transmission oil cooler clean/inspect | 1,000 hrs or 2 yrs | “Every 36 000 L (9000 US gal) of Fuel or 1000 Service Hours or 2 Years ... Marine Transmission Oil Cooler - Clean/Inspect” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Crankshaft vibration damper inspect | 2,000 hrs | “Every 72 000 L (19 000 US gal) of Fuel or 2000 Service Hours ... Crankshaft Vibration Damper - Inspect” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
| Jacket water pump inspect | 3,000 hrs or 2 yrs | “Every 108 000 L (28 500 US gal) of Fuel or 3000 Service Hours or 2 Years ... Water Pump - Inspect” — manufacturer, princessklubben.se |
Service part numbers (4)
| Fuel filter | Caterpillar 1R-0750 | “| Fuel Filter | 1R0750 |” — dealer, marineenergy.com.au · “Fuel Filter for Caterpillar 3208 Natural and Turbo engines 1R0750 Advanced Efficiency” — dealer, dieselpro.com |
| Zinc / anode heat-exchanger anode (10 mm); 2 on the 4W-9164 heat exchanger, 3 on the 7C-3114 heat exchanger |
Caterpillar 6L-2283 | “| Anodes on 7C-3114 Heat Exchanger | 6L-2283 | [CM6L2283] x 3.” — dealer, marineenergy.com.au · “Zinc Anode for Caterpillar Marine Engines 6L2283 NPT: 1/4”” — dealer, dieselpro.com |
| Zinc / anode 16 mm anode, starboard bottom of bonnet, 4W-9164 heat exchanger only |
Caterpillar 6L-2289 | “Anodes on 4W-9164 Heat Exchanger | 6L-2283 6L-2289 ... [TEC 02023] x 1. Starboard Side, bottom of the bonnet. 16mm” — dealer, marineenergy.com.au · “Zinc Anode for Caterpillar Marine Engines 6L2289 NPT: 1/2”” — dealer, dieselpro.com |
| Zinc / anode transmission oil cooler anode (if the cooler has one) |
Caterpillar 6L-2288 | “| Anode - Transmission Oil Cooler (If present on cooler) | 6L-2288 |” — dealer, marineenergy.com.au · “Zinc Anode for Caterpillar Marine Engines 6L2288 NPT: 1/2”” — dealer, dieselpro.com |
From the engine maker’s parts lists, or two independent parts dealers. Numbers change with serial number and get superseded — check yours before ordering.
Sources disagree on horsepower — left blank rather than guessed.
Model sources (9)
hmy.com · trawlerforum.com · pacificyachting.com · seacoastyachts.com · marinesource.com · murrayyachtsales.com · defevercruisers.com · curtisstokes.net · buy-a-boat.com
Other DeFever models
- DeFever 40 Passagemaker 1973–?
- DeFever 41 Trawler 1980–1995
- DeFever 48 Offshore Cruiser 1978–1992
- DeFever 49 Pilothouse (soft chine) 1977–2006
Researched from public sources. Spotted an error? The sources are listed above — tell us what they got wrong.