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Owning a classic boat usually means forgoing modern conveniences that make cruising more comfortable, but the Huckins Atlantic 44 belies this theory. With its enclosed pilothouse and three-level deck, the Atlantic 44 takes you back to a bygone era (remember the 20th century?), but comfort-oriented items bring you quickly up to date. Air conditioning helps you sleep on humid nights. A galley with a microwave, refrigerator, and stove facilitates meal preparation. And we hope we don't have to explain why we appreciate a head with a vacuum-flush toilet and a hot shower.
You can have the cabin arranged with single or twin staterooms forward. Our test model had the latter ($10,000). The port quarters include twin bunks and a hanging locker, and the forward master stateroom offers a queen berth with stowage and its own hanging locker. One shortcoming: You can't enter the lone head directly from the master stateroom.
The boat's mahogany steering wheel is surrounded by a full array of gauges arranged by function. Share the Atlantic 44's doublewide starboard helm seat with a friend. Passengers on the aft salon lounge have a great view through sliding windows. A removable hatch in the salon sole provides entry to the engine compartment. There's excellent access to the engines and mechanical accessories and ample headroom.
Some things have remained the same since Huckins began building boats in 1928, such as the unique Quadraconic hullform. This strakeless design starts with a deep entry forward that flares in concave sections as it runs aft, eventually flattening out at the stern. The design acquitted itself well in a two-foot chop, producing a dry, level ride. Our inclinometer never registered above three degrees.
