beach catamaran sailboat

RS CAT16 – MORE FUN THROUGH BETTER DESIGN

Sparkling performance gives this modern beach and training catamaran the feel of a higher performance boat, yet it could hardly be easier to handle. Start with the main and jib – use the gennaker and trapeze to turbo charge the performance when you’re ready. The RS CAT16 has stability and space so you can enjoy the excitement alone or with family and friends. A new design protected system for joining the beams to the hulls gives increased stiffness compared to other rotomoulded polyethylene catamarans, with the added bonus of allowing the boat to be disassembled quickly for storage or transport. Durability : Convenience : Fun –  the hallmarks of the RS CAT16.

No. of Crew

Hull construction, no. of trapezes, sail area (m²), find out more, ready to buy, find similar models, international awards.

2014 Paris Boat Show Coup de Coeurs

2014 Sailing World Best Dinghy

2015 Paris Boat Show Coup de Coeurs

WHAT THE SAILORS ARE SAYING…

The RS CAT16, a triumph of rotomolding technology, is not just another plastic beach cat. It’s plenty high-performance. This is one for adults and kids alike to get hooked on the stoke that comes with two hulls.

The RS Cats were a huge success and the kids loved the thrill of catamaran sailing.

Roadshows , Land Rover BAR

Even under main and jib alone, the RS Cat 16 sizzled along, its wave-piercing bows doing their thing while a pair of laser-beam-straight wakes stretched out astern. A few minutes later, we hoisted the A-sail, and life became very satisfying indeed.

Sail Magazine, USA

With more breeze you’d be laughing, but what’s really amazing is the build and how well it’s all put together – amazing.

Sparkling performance with easy handling

• Easy handling and fantastic performance
• Practical features for novices and experienced sailors
• Concave deck creates secure sitting area
• Lift & lock – simple & secure rudder system
• Designed by innovative multihull expert Jo Richards and the RS development team

Singlehanded or family crew

• Exciting single-handed – plenty of space for the family
• Blast across the bay – picnic on the beach
• More fun – more exciting adventures

Storage and transport convenience

• Fast assembly & separation allows storage in restricted space
• Quick to rig – simple and robust
• Practical moulded-in handholds make moving the boat easy on shore

Greatest durability – lowest maintenance

• NEW – Hull & beam securing system without holes through the skin of the boat – no sealant required
• Beam and shroud bolts secure into stainless-steel bars in channels on either side of the hulls
• Exceptionally strong, simple and fast assembly – just 15 minutes using only one spanner
• RS Comptec PE3 construction– state of the art three layer rotomoulding system
• Toughest outer skin – middle foam layer for stiffness – strong inner skin
• RS process leads the way & enables additional thickness in high load areas
• Reduced overall weight for better sailing – every RS offers the best performance and most rewarding handling
• Built in buoyancy from thick foam layer
• Strongest fittings attachment – through-bolted rudder systems
• Virtually maintenance free

Safety features

• Toe straps above and below tramps to assist capsize righting
• Capsize righting line in under-tramp stowage bag
• Knife stowage under tramp
• Recesses in aft decks reduce volume and make it easier to “sink” a stern and right the boat from inversion
• Mast head float standard on all models

RS CAT16 Club

• Mainsail only – simple set-up
• Single trapeze

RS CAT16 XL

• Single Trapeze

RS CAT16 Accessories

• Launching wheels
• Road trailer
• Carbon fibre tiller extension
• Wind indicator
• Gennaker pack
• Twin Trapeze pack
• 2-part mast

SPECIFICATION

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Best Catamarans For Beginners (Liveaboard, Beach, Cheap and more)

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In this article, I will list the best Catamarans for beginners sorted into the following categories; Ocean sailing, Cheap sailing , Weekend sailing, Beach catamarans, catamarans for kids, and ends with a discussion of the specific demands for liveaboards.

There is no such thing as a “beginners catamaran,” but some boats are better suited for beginners than others. Such a boat should be cheap, easy to handle, and can be repaired on your own. Most boats are not like this, continue reading to understand why!

This article is intended to get you looking in the right direction for the perfect boat for your specific needs.

CHECK OUT BEST CATAMARANS UNDER 200k

Table of Contents

Best Beginner Catamarans for Ocean sailing

I have chosen boats around 40ft in length ( read this to understand why 40ft is the right size for an offshore catamaran). I have also looked into whether or not the boat is possible to sail singlehanded; I believe this to be an important aspect since sooner or later, parts of the crew will get seasick or in any other way unable to sail the boat. This makes it essential that it is possible to sail without assistance.

Another aspect to consider in this category; is the boat equipped with trampolines or a sold deck? this makes a world of difference when it comes to offshore and big wave sailing. A trampoline will shorten the time it takes from when the bows get buried under a big wave until all water is cleared off the deck, and the boat can sail again; this is very important so that you avoid pitchpoling and capsizing your boat.

READ MORE ON HOW TRAMPOLINES WORK!

The ease of maintenance should not be overlooked on a blue water catamaran , easy access to both engines while underway is an important safety aspect. If for example, you need to go outside and stand on the sugar scoops or hang off the stern (to access the engines), this might compromise safety and even risk a man overboard situation.

Living on a boat, which you will have to if you intend on doing long crossings, requires a lot of space for the crew and a lot of room for food, diesel, equipment, and tools. Having enough space to stand up and cook your food greatly enhances your living standards while sailing.

FOUNTAINE PAJOT LUCIA 40

Lucia 40 is known for being easy to sail; (many argue that this is partly due to the use of a low hanging boom which increases accessibility). On boats that use a flybridge, the boom is situated very high and can make handling difficult.

The visibility on this cat is excellent and thus increases the feeling of being under control since you can keep a 360 outlook on your surroundings.

The Lagoon 380 is the world’s most common cruising catamaran ; over one thousand boats have left the production facilities during its production time. This means it is a tried and true boat with a big community and, therefore, a lot of knowledge and experience that you can learn from.

It is a sturdy ocean crosser, which is still easy to handle due to its small size. The 380 is not a race boat, but it is very comfortable for its size, and it has a decent level of performance.

Since the Lagoon has been in production for so long (from 1999 to 2019 if I am not mistaking), then there are, of course, variations in design and performance depending on what year you choose.

The Leopard 44 is a very sturdy and well-built boat from South Africa; the exciting thing with this model is the forward cockpit. The forward cockpit is accessible through the central area, which means that you no longer have to go out and around to reach the bow; not only is this very practical, it also makes sense out of a safety perspective.

From the forward cockpit, you will have full visibility of what’s coming ahead of you, perfect for sunny days where you want to enjoy the excellent weather, but also maintain control over your surroundings.

FOUNTAINE PAJOT SABA 50

The Saba 50 is often spoken about as a fast boat where many sailors attest to regularly achieving speeds above 10kts and sometimes up to 13+. These speeds are attained through using a lighter construction where the cabin and deck are molded into a single part instead of several, bolted together. This design makes the boat lightweight and more robust.

In contrast to many other catamarans, and thanks to the fixed keels, the Saba 50 sails pretty well upwind, 

Best Beginner Catamarans for Weekend Sailing

The demands on a weekend sailing boat differ in many ways from an ocean-going vessel. Since usually coastal weather doesn’t include stormy seas and giant waves, the need for a trampoline is reduced, and a solid deck absolutely makes sense! 

Interior space on a coastal cruiser is less of a factor , yes it is nice to stand tall and cook, but most people can fully enjoy a few days of sailing without all the necessities of your house back onshore. Some even argue that this is the beauty of weekend sailing, to come back home and enjoy a warm shower and a big sofa.

Safety should always be the primary concern  when sailing, but when the risk of encountering storms is low, and a safe harbor is close, there are some gear and skills that are not as important as during an offshore passage.

Communications can many times be reduced to a single VHF  radio since you most often will have cellular reception on your phone, and while sailing close to shore, a life raft might also be of less significance. I want to point out that this is merely a guideline, and it is very much up to the captain of the boat to decide what equipment is necessary and what is not.

Having enough bridge deck clearance is fundamental on an offshore boat since heading upwind and having big waves slam into the boat will tire out the crew and increase wear on the ship. But sailing close to shore, you are more likely to encounter choppy bays and small waves, thus reducing the need for high clearance.

Gemini Legacy 35

The Legacy 35 is an American classic and offers some interesting and useful features. The small draft of only 34 inches opens up for coming really close to shore without damaging the boat. This can be very useful when trying to find your perfect spot that is not already filled with boats.

Since it is also very narrow, the boat can be put on a truck and moved to wherever you want it to go without employing special machines or trucks.

The small size also adds to reduce costs since you will be able to dock in a standard size slip and therefore pay standard slip fees.

The Endeavor is easy to handle and an elegant catamaran that fits the costal cruising mold perfectly. T he boat offers lots of inside and outside space to enjoy a day on the water. 

The boat easily sits six people, and each hull offers privacy from the other.

It employs trampolines instead of solid decking, which reduces weight and increases safety.

This is one of the few boats of its size and price range built with a solid fiberglass hull and not with a balsa core. Since there is no core that can get wet and start to rot, there is little chance of having to do hull repairs unless you wreck your boat on rocks or any other type of notable mishap.

The sloop rig also makes it easier for less physically able sailors to handle the sails, and for a boat of this size, the bridge deck clearance is ok.

Best Beginner Catamarans for Cheap Sailing

In boating,  most costs are in relation to the size of your boat . What I mean by this is if you are on a bigger boat, this boat will require bigger sails, sturdier standing rigging, more bottom paint, more space in the marina, and more massive machinery to haul you out of the water. All of this means higher expenses, so a critical factor when trying to sail on a minimum budget is to keep your boat size to a minimum. 

Check out  this article  on some in-depth information on how to choose the right sized boat.

Another aspect is  how much money you will have to spend on repairs . Most larger catamarans utilize a twin-engine system; this means a lot of benefits such as an extra engine if one fails, but it also doubles maintenance cost, and you will also have to  repair   two engines instead of one , something that sooner or later will happen. If you chose a smaller catamaran, there are options with single engines, such as the 26’Heavenly Twins or Prout Quest 31 listed below.

26 Heavenly Twins

Made contemporary famous by the youtube couple of the channel Sailing Kittiwake the heavenly twins is a small but very cheap boat. Kittiwake claims to have sailed and lived on this boat in the meds for under 700 USD a month, which I would argue is very cheap. You can find more info on how they did their calculations on their website.

The boat in itself is small, and that, of course, comes with some disadvantages, low bridge deck clearance, and a lot of banging heading upwind, the narrow beam making it rolly when wakes start growing.

A cool feature is the aft cabin, which is separate from the main cabin and creates a separate space aft of the cockpit.

Prout Quest 31

Buying the Prout Quest might initially be a little more expensive, but the robustness and standard to which it is built by is argued by many to be of greater importance in the long run. Prouts might be a little slammy going upwind, and they are definitely not the fastest, but if you are on a tight budget but still have big ambitions, then this might be perfect for you.

In comparison to the Heavenly Twins, the Prouts are considered more of a bluewater boat that can handle big seas. I might not be overly confident about that statement, but I believe it is a better fit for offshore adventure then the Heavenly Twins.

Price: USD 39 000

Catalac Catamarans have a slightly divided reputation. Some say they are way too small for any big ocean sailing, but some would argue it might be small, but it is so well built you can take it anywhere you want.

And maybe this is the reason why you still can see Catalacs crossing the Atlantic safely.

Compared to many other catamarans, the Catalacs are built with a solid fiberglass core below the waterline; this is great if you’re looking for an older boat since the risk of a crack in the fiberglass, making the balsa core rot doesn’t exist. 

The Catalac is nothing exciting when it comes to speed, but it does well on safety due to its low mast height and a wide beam. The pricing of a Catalac is usually much cheaper for something of the same age and condition.

Best Beginner Beach Catamarans 

Beach catamarans get their name from how they enter and exit the water, you guessed it! by pushing it off or up the beach. This is possible since the cat is made from lightweight materials, is small, and is configured with two hulls instead of one (a monohull).

Most beach cats consist of two pontoons fixed together by a frame covered with a trampoline instead of a solid deck. Usually, they are easy to assemble and disassemble, making it easy to transport the boat to and from the beach.

Beach Catamarans are very small boats made for water activities/sports rather than transportation as in the case of a “regular” catamaran.

Different types of Beach catamarans

Depending on your goals with the sailing there are different types of beach catamarans to choose from;

• Singlehanders  are designed to be enjoyed by a single sailor; they are also optimized to be handled safely without assistance. One significant aspect of sailing alone is that you will significantly enhance learning speed since you will have to do everything on your own. The apparent downside is that you will have no one on board to share laughs and ask questions.
• Family / Multiperson  are, just as the name implies, a vessel made to be sailed by more than one person. It is an enjoyable way to sail with friends and is an excellent way to learn from a more experienced sailor since you can have them on board and let them give you feedback in the moment.
• Beach catamarans for cruising  are usually slower but offer more space and can relatively comfortable seat, 2-6 crew members making it perfect for a family that wants to enjoy the water in a less intense way than sail racing.
• Catamarans for kids  are the smallest and lightest of them all. Some even encompass extra safety features as; no sharp edges and increased ease of maneuverability, everything needed for a small child to start sailing safely, and her parents feeling at ease.

Singlehanders  

Topcat k4x .

The TOPCAT k4x is lightweight(115Kg) and, therefore, suitable for beginners . Even though the price might seem high, as far as I can tell, this boat is of high quality and very customizable with a bigger sail area if wanting a little bit more sporty feel. 

The low weight also makes it possible to assemble, disassemble, and right a capsized boat without the need for extra help.

The boat is recommended for kids as young as ten all the way up to grandmas age.

Price: ~USD 9000

Even though this catamaran is longer than the K4X and allows up to four people on board, it is still possible to sail it singlehanded. T he K2X is a fast and reliable boat in the TOPCAT arsenal, and this particular model has increased buoyancy to allow for more people on board . 

Hobie Bravo

The Hobie Bravo is known for being one of the most simple and easy to sailboats there is, just perfect for this list 🙂 

In fact, the boat is so simple that it doesn’t even have a boom, only a mast, and two lines. Since it is also a rotomolded construction, which is very solid and robust, you don’t have to worry about breaking anything while beaching or docking.

Price: USD 4200

SPECIFICATIONS

• Length:  12′ / 3.65 m
• Beam:  4′ 5″ / 1.35 m

*Specifications from Hobie.com

Family / Multiperson

Just as the Hobie Bravo, the Nacra 500 does not use a boom, this makes it easy to assemble and more lightweight. The Nacra employes an automatic rudder system that folds up in case of collision.

With its almost 17ft, this is a somewhat bigger boat and, therefore, a little harder to handle, but on the upside, you will have more buoyancy and able to fit more people.

Price: USD 10 000

• Length: 5.0 M / 16.4 ft
• Beam:   2.44 M / 8.0 ft
• Crew Capacity: 1-4 / 1-4

Hobie Getaway

With its 17ft of length, the Getaway is a big catamaran suitable for up to 6 crew and family. The size of this catamaran makes for some excellent features such as extra storage . This cat is all about comfort, stability, and enjoying a day on the water with family and friends.

• Length Overall: 17 feet
• Beam: 7 feet 8 inches

Catamarans for Kids

A catamaran for kids should be small, easy to handle, stable, and allow the little sailor to make mistakes without risking severe injury. And most importantly, it should be fun to sail! Many parents think it is nice to have your kid on a catamaran where you can also join them in the same boat; this creates a team spirit that will make a strong bond between you and your child.

TOPCAT Chico

Chico is a small beginner catamaran that can be enjoyed by up to three little sailors. Since the hull is flat; it is straightforward to handle in tight spaces, perfect for a beginner wanting to learn in a safe and fun manner. 

Another cool aspect of the chico is that it has been designed to reduce sharp edges so that the kids are not in unnecessary risk of injury.

Hobie Catsy

This cat is easy to sail and easy to assemble, and just like most other Hobie’s, it is well built by one of the biggest beach catamaran producers you can find.

Price: USD 2500

SPECIFICATIONS  

• Length: 3.10 m / 10′ 2″
• Beam: 1.66 m / 5′ 5″

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

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Stiletto 27: The Beachcat Grown Up

S27: performance multihull meets trailerable, pocket-cruiser..

It’s hard to mistake the Stiletto 27s appearance-typically with blazing topside graphics and aircraft-style, pop-top companionway hatches. It’s also hard for the average sailor to appreciate the sophistication of the Stilettos construction-epoxy-saturated fiberglass over a Nomex honeycomb core.

Florida-based Force Engineering was formed to build the Stiletto in the late 70s. Forces then marketing director, Larry Tibbe, had been an aircraft account salesman for Ciba-Geigy, which manufactured Nomex. Nomex coring is used in a variety of aircraft parts (like helicopter blades), as well as the Stilettos hulls.

The 27, or Stiletto Classic, was offered in several versions. The Standard Stiletto had a mainsail, a nearly naked interior, and no options. The racing version, the Championship Edition, came with a few options like deck hatches, rubrails and removable berths, plus extra racing sails, winches, and a knotmeter. The Special Edition, the most expensive of the three, was equipped with pocket-cruising options like a galley, head, berths, carpeted interior, and running lights. The GT (Grand Tourismo) model came with daggerboards in each hull rather than a centerboard (as did the Stiletto 23 and Stiletto 30).

About 500 Stiletto 27s were built during the 10-year production run from 1976 to 1986, and most were Special Edition models; only six boats were GTs. However, like most older boats, custom buyer options and owner modifications over the years mean current Stilettos can vary widely in design details, deck hardware, sail options, rig sizes, etc.

Force engineers (and brothers) Ron and Andy Nicol bought the Stiletto brand in 1983 and continued to build new boats until 1986. After production ceased, the Nicols Stiletto Catamarans became a supplier of Stiletto parts and offered refurbishing and modification services. Recently, the Nicols partnered with the North Carolina-based Stiletto Manufacturing, which was founded by Jay Phillips to re-launch Stiletto boatbuilding. Stiletto Manufacturing has just begun producing the new Stiletto X-Series boats. (See Stiletto Foiler on Horizon accompanying this article on right.) Stiletto Catamarans, which continues to offer parts and services for the classic Stiletto models in Venice, Fla., will be regional distributors for the new X-Series boats.

Photos courtesy of Sail Stiletto and Ben Appel

Classifying Cats

Multihulls larger than 20 feet can usually be classified as cruising or performance boats. The cruising multihull is characterized by beamy hulls, with a cabin house across the bridgedeck, stubby rigs, monohull-like displacements, and spacious interiors. Their design priority is comfort. Performance multihulls feature light displacement, powerful rigs, and lean interiors. Custom ocean-racing trimarans fall into this latter category, as do a few production catamarans like the Stiletto 27.

The 27 has become a popular choice for owners looking for a more affordable option for multihull class racing. You’ll find active fleets of 27s racing in many parts of the country, but they’re likely most popular in Florida, the birthplace of Stiletto. In fact, the Stiletto Nationals are annually held in PSs homewaters of Sarasota, Fla.

While the Stiletto does offer ripping speed, its also a good family boat. Its trailerable and beachable, making it a fun platform for weekend camping trips aboard or exploring desolate beaches and sandbars with the kids. It doesn’t have the creature comforts of a typical cruising cat, but for a low-maintenance crew, it makes near-shore and inshore cruising accessible. It offers a stable ride and can easily accommodate six to eight people on deck. Its also a forgiving boat for new multihull skippers or sailing newbies; with only 9 inches of draft (centerboard up) and weighing only 1,100 pounds, there’s no need to worry about soft groundings as it can easily be pushed off the bottom.

Construction

Very few boats are cored with the Nomex honeycomb that make up the 27s hulls and bridgedeck. Sandwiching a core material between two layers of fiberglass laminate is not a new technique, but most boatbuilders use cores of balsa wood, Airex foam, or Klegecell foam. Core construction offers several advantages over single-skin construction. It is stiffer for a given weight, lighter for a given stiffness, makes the boat quieter, and reduces condensation.

Honeycomb is rarely used for boatbuilding because the molding procedure is far more sophisticated (and expensive) than with balsa or foam cores. Honeycomb can be made of several materials: paper, aluminum, and nylon. Using paper or aluminum honeycomb in boats is questionable because of their susceptibility to water damage should the cores outer laminate be breached. However, the Stilettos Nomex honeycomb core is made of nylon.

According to Stiletto, a Nomex honeycomb-cored panel, for a given weight, is stronger, stiffer, less brittle, and more puncture resistant than foam or wood cores. Nomex is also said to be impervious to water, so there is no water migration between the honeycomb cells should the outer skin be ruptured.

Getting the honeycomb to bond to the fiberglass skins isn’t easy. First, the fiberglass cloth must be pre-impregnated with epoxy resin. Most boat builders use polyester resin, which lacks the adhesive strength of epoxy, and saturate the fiberglass after it has been laid into the mold-a messy and inexact procedure. Pre-impregnated cloth, or prepreg, has an exact resin-to-cloth ratio, which means that the builder always has the optimum strength-to-weight ratio. Most boat builders must err on the resin-rich side when saturating cloth, which increases weight but not strength.

To cure the prepreg after layup, the mold was baked at 250 degrees for 90 minutes. At the same time, the fiberglass skins were vacuum-bagged to the honeycomb to ensure proper adhesion.

Most builders vacuum-bagging process entails laying a sheet of plastic into the mold and sucking the air out with a single pump. Force Engineering used a blotter to absorb excess resin and 16 spigots to distribute the vacuum, a more effective technique. When finished, each of the Stiletto 27s hulls weighed only 220 pounds and was impressively strong and stiff.

Unlike the high-tech hull and bridgedeck, the aluminum mast and crossbeams were built with conventional technology. All-up, the Stiletto weighed 1,100 to 1,570 pounds, depending on optional equipment.

Gelcoat cannot be used in the Stilettos molding process. Instead, each boat must be faired with putty and painted with polyurethane. Paint has the advantage that it will not chalk like gelcoat and is much easier to repair yourself, but it is more susceptible to nicks, scrapes and peeling, especially if improperly applied.

Except for the handful of GT models, the Stiletto 27 was designed with a single centerboard mounted on centerline through a slot in the bridgedeck. It is held snugly in place by a latticework of stainless-steel tubes designed to collapse in the event of a hard grounding. The airfoil centerboard on older models was made of wood, and chipped trailing edges were a common problem. Later boards were molded of fiberglass and more resistant to damage.

Some performance-minded Stiletto owners have done away with the centerboard all together, opting instead for a high-aspect daggerboard in each hull, with added bulkheads to support the daggers. This increases the boats pointing ability and boosts overall performance.

Few Classics still have the original aluminum spars and crossbeams. Common modifications on the 27s include moving the forward crossbeam forward 18 inches (increasing overall stiffness and adding sail area in the foretraingle) and extending mast heights three feet to accommodate a larger, square-top mainsail. Many of these modifications, along with the daggerboard refits, were carried out by the Nicols at Stiletto Catamarans.

The Stiletto 27 gets high marks for its rudders. They have strong aluminum heads and double lower pintles. To be beachable, a catamaran must have kick-up rudders; these kick-up systems often refuse to work when you need them most. However, the Stilettos rudders worked smoothly and positively on the boats we test sailed.

Trailerability

One of the Classics selling points is its trailerability. But while it is light enough to be pulled by a vehicle with a tow capacity of 3,500 pounds (stripped-down racing 27s may get away with only 2,000 pound capacity, but wed err on the side of caution), rigging and launching the Stiletto is not a simple chore. Owners say it takes several people (two to four) several hours (three or four). To shrink the beamy (13 feet, 10 inches) Stiletto down to legal highway trailering width (8 feet typically), both the Stilettos crossbeams and the trailer collapse. The compression tube that spans the bows must be removed for trailering, as must the dolphin striker beneath the mast step and the 125-pound bridgedeck.

To raise and lower the mast, the headstay is shackled to a short, pivoting gin pole mounted just aft of the trailer winch. The winch is used to pull the gin pole, which in turn provides leverage to hoist the heavy mast. Owners say that lifting the bridgedeck and manhandling the spar is next to impossible with just a couple. As long as you have the muscle, this clever system does work.

The Stiletto is a performance catamaran. In a breeze, owners report, she is as fast or faster than a Hobie 16. Most have been upgraded with genoas, drifter/reachers, and spinnakers. Many also sport deep reefs and storm jibs, required to keep the boat manageable in a blow.

According to owners, the Stiletto does not have some of the bad heavy-air habits of smaller catamarans. It is relatively dry to sail up to about 12 knots, does not hike up and fly a hull too easily, has no tendency to pitchpole, and does not get light as it comes off a big wave sailing upwind.

Like most cats, the Stiletto has a fully battened mainsail. The advantage is that it can have a much larger roach, and because the battens dampen luffing, the sail will last longer.

The Stiletto also has a rotating mast. The older masts have only athwartships diamond shrouds; the later 27s have an added third diamond extended forward to control fore-and-aft bend in a strong breeze. This three-diamond system is strongly welded together and a real plus for heavy-weather sailing.

Deck Layout

The Stiletto has a solid bridgedeck stretched between the two hulls aft of the mast, and a polypropylene mesh trampoline forward of the mast. You’ll find varying trampoline setups; some are laced with a series of hooks and others have bolt rope edges that slide into tracks on the hull and crossbeams.

The bridgedeck, which is where crew spends the most time, has no proper seats, but it does have molded-in benches running the length of each side of the bridgedeck. These are not the most comfortable for seating underway, but some owners have reported that using marinized beanbags for lounging is a practical option. Bridgedeck cushions were standard on the Special Edition, and many owners have added them over the years-some also have added a backrest for the helmsman.

A wire stretched between the bows forward of the headstay acts as a traveler for the optional reacher/drifter. Many owners have added roller-furling headsails and main halyard winches; headsail winches were standard on the Championship Edition but were an extra-cost option on the other models as sheet loads on such a light boat are not that high.

The Stiletto has a ball-bearing mainsheet traveler, but the original mainsheet setup had only a 6-to-1 purchase, which owners say is insufficient in a breeze; an 8-to-1 setup is recommended. The tiller extension passes behind the mainsheet, and the tiller crossbar is adjustable so you can align the two rudders. The jibsheets are led to ratchet blocks (Harken brand on our test boat) to make trimming easier.

The outboard engine bracket is hung off the aft crossbeam. Engines up to 18 horsepower are common on the 27s, giving motoring speeds of 12 to 14 knots, but a 6-horsepower outboard is adequate and more popular with racers.

The Standard Stiletto version is nothing but an empty shell below. The Special Editions original interior was completely covered-ceilings, overhead and sole-with marine carpeting. No doubt, most owners have removed the carpet by now, or at least replaced it.

The Stiletto has the narrow hulls of a fast catamaran, which means that its berths are only 31 inches wide (twin size) but are extra long (14 feet), with one in each hull. There is stowage space under the berths.

Stilettos were offered with an optional mosquito-tight bridgedeck tent. Owners have reported that the tent was bulky and cumbersome, so most have ditched it in favor of popup tents set up on the trampoline or DIY boom tents over an air mattress on the bridgedeck.

The Special Edition had a self-contained head under one berth and a small galley with a sink, a hand-pump faucet, and a two-gallon water tank. There was no standard mounted stove, but many owners keep a portable stove onboard, which is more practical for this boat in our opinion. The Special Edition was also the only model with standard running and interior lights.

Perhaps the most distinctive feature of the Stiletto is its conical, jet-fighter-looking companionway hatches. The canopies are vacuum-formed polycarbonate. These canopies can’t be cracked open like a conventional hatch, so it can get stuffy down below when its raining.

Conclusions

There is probably no production hull built in the U.S. with a better strength-to-weight ratio than the Stiletto. And although the design is 40 years old, the Nomex honeycomb fabrication is still impressive.

The Stiletto seems to appeal to the catamaran sailor hooked on fast performance, but who wants a boat that be taken places-either sailed to nearby weekend destinations or trailered out of state for a race or getaway. There are other options with more creature comforts for the multihull sailor who wants to weekend cruise, but few in this size and price range can offer the same speed performance and trailerability.

As PS contributor and former Stiletto 27 owner Drew Frye put it, How many $10,000, 40-year-old designs can top 20 knots with just Dad and a 10-year-old for crew, and then pull up to the beach so you can look for crabs with your kid?

If you’re considering a used 27, the ones in ready-to-sail shape run $15,000 to $25,000, but they hold their resale value. Replacement parts can still be bought from Stiletto Catamarans, and there is a very active and knowledgable owners group online.

The Stiletto 27 is certainly a niche boat-somewhere between beachcat and performance cruiser-but it serves that niche well, as its 40-year history can attest.

Thanks to its Nomex core and slick design, the Stiletto 27 is much lighter than most multihulls in its size range.

• Stiletto Catamarans
• Stiletto Manufacturing
• Stiletto Owners Group
• Stiletto Foiler on Horizon

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

I had a 27′ Stiletto. Took it to the nationals and trailered it everywhere. I would do it again, if my wife would let me

Get another wife!

I worked for Hawaiian Tropic and sailed the 23 and 27 for 9 years loved both . Sucks I had 2 stroke’s recently and have been looking in my area for one. Should get back pay soon watch out!

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Set sail for a wonderful time abord our 41' catamaran. Enjoy a two hour catamaran sail, where vibrant skies and gentle breezes create the perfect evening.

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Charter the entire catamaran for your special event! All our sails can be reserved as private events for up to 32 guests. Fully customizable up to four hours.

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Our crew is the heart and soul of our catamaran adventures, bringing together a blend of maritime expertise and genuine passion for the sea. Each member is dedicated to ensuring you have an unforgettable experience, whether it’s spotting dolphins, enjoying a serene sunset, or celebrating a special event. 

With their friendly demeanor and extensive knowledge of marine life and local waters, our crew is here to make your journey both safe and enjoyable.

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We recommend bringing a light jacket or sweater as it can get cooler on the water in the evening. Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning sunset and any wildlife you might encounter. Sunscreen and sunglasses are also advisable.

Sodas are included but no food. You are welcome to bring your own snacks and beverages, too! We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated. For private sails we do provide sodas and you can bring beer and wine. 

Yes, we offer private charters for the Sunset Tour Sail. This is a great option for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, family gatherings, and corporate events. You can enjoy the sunset in the privacy of your own group.

Yes, our catamaran is equipped with a clean and comfortable restroom for your convenience.

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Come explore the majestic waters of the emerald coast, catamaran sailing in the emerald coast sun..

Are you visiting the Destin, Okaloosa Island, Navarre Beach area and needing a little adventure in your life? This is what you're looking for aboard catamaran Destin Sailing Adventures. The boat is a Stiletto 27 Special Edition Catamaran, designed to provide maximum sailing pleasure and performance over a wide range of wind and sea conditions. Made for adventure and racing, so it offers plenty of excitement and comfort for any occasion. The boat is outfitted with a 20hp motor, so if the wind isn't blowing we can still get out and play! Charter comes with a local captain to take you to all the local spots, while you sit back and relax.   

We offer an array of private tours, cruises, and adventures at a reasonable price. The longer you book the more fun you can have and the more money you’ll save. These are private charters, so you won’t be with a huge crowd during these unprecedented Covid 19 times. Just you and the people you bring. Come explore Crab Island, Sunset cruises, Sailing lessons, Dolphin Tour, Snorkeling, Marriage Proposals, Birthdays, sightseeing tours, Anniversary celebrations, and more with us today.    

We are dedicated to making sure you have a great time while visiting the Emerald Coast. All trips include up to 6 Guests, Licensed Captain, cooler with ice, bean bag chairs, sound system, and a head (bathroom). Our Captain has 15 years of local experience racing/sailing along the Gulf Coast of Florida and more! Please contact us for special requests.

 One of the best catamaran sailing adventures Destin East Pass, Okaloosa Island, Santa Rosa Island, Choctawhatchee Bay has to offer!

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Worrell 1000 Race - Coming again in 2026

Worrell 1000

50th Anniversary - 2024

"The Spark that Lit The Flame"

~Join us again in 2026~

The 2024 event came to an amazing close May 24th, 2024 in VA Beach, with all the remaining 11 teams finishing within minutes of each other! Please see our Facebook Page for recorded videos of not only ALL of the finishes for each leg, but the Awards Banquet (in its entirety!) held Saturday, May 25th, 2024.

We already miss everyone involved, including our online community!!!!!! But don't fret - we've already begun planning the 2026 event.....Stay Tuned....

If it wasn't for that liquid-courage-fuelled bar bet between the Worrell brothers, the race would not be in existence. And although the first organized race wasn't until 1976, it was that fateful trip between Mike and Chris Worrell in October of 1974 that really lit a fire in Michael Worrell to make this race a world-wide sensation.

  “The Worrell 1000 Race” is an offshore long-distance beach catamaran sailboat race to be held in May 2024 in the Atlantic waters between Florida and Virginia Beach, VA. The race will cover approximately 1000 miles with overnight stops at multiple locations along the East Coast of the United States. The Organizing Authority (OA) for the 2022 Worrell 1000 Race will be “Worrell 1000 Race Reunion Race, Inc.”, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, (dba “Worrell 1000 Race”).

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Shadowcat reveals 73m "adventure" catamaran concept Catfish

Support yacht specialist Shadowcat has revealed a 72.8-metre catamaran concept known as Catfish. The design has been created in collaboration with Berlin-based T. Fotiadis Design, who recently shared a 140-metre trimaran concept with BOAT International . Naval architecture has been completed by Incat Crowther .

Catfish is characterised by wave-compensation davits which can handle operations in 1.5-metre seas, unlike monohulls "which are often limited to launch and recovery in harbour conditions". She can function as a support vessel for a larger yacht or an explorer vessel in her own right.

This "superior stability" is complemented by the ability to carry and deploy a custom 18.6-metre sportfish, three bespoke tenders, a seven-person Triton submersible and an EC135 helicopter from a certified pad and hangar. Commercial off-shore davit and crane technology, lifts and foldable decks would work to maneuver the extensive list of equipment, which also encompasses five Jet Skis and a 12.2-metre RIB.

A noteworthy feature is the "mariner's den", designed with a large fold out balcony, lounge, bar and gyroscopic pool table. A glass-enclosed submersible garage and various toys are visible through the lounge’s roll up door. Other highlights include a gym, a dedicated spa and a beach club. Accommodation is for 10 guests and 19 crew,

On the support side, Catfish is equipped with hospital facilities and a chamber room, diver room, fish station, fish freezer and bait and tackle shop.

The vessel is expected to reach a top speed of 21 knots, a cruising speed of 14 knots and a range of 5,000 nautical miles. Key numbers include a 15.5-metre beam, a draft of 2.45 metres and a volume of 2,200GT.

Further details will be revealed at this year's Monaco Yacht Show .

For those attending the Monaco Yacht Show, visit Stand DS103 to say hello to the BOAT International team.

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Explore the wildlife and views of Folly Beach on a private sail for just your group! See dolphins, pelicans, herons, osprey, egrets, and more.

Duration: 2 Hours or 3 Hours, Ages: All Ages, Capacity: 6 People

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Enjoy a two-hour sail that begins an hour or so before the local sunset. The sun sets over the marsh in brilliant colors and the best way to see one is from the deck of a quietly sailing catamaran.

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Group tours are great for bachelor and bachelorette parties, company outings, and church groups. We can sail to a nearby beach or raft up the boats together for a huge floating party platform.

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Power Boat Tours Aboard Osprey

Climb aboard our power boat Osprey for a private wildlife tour of the calm inlets, creeks and salt marsh behind Folly Beach!

• Hour Glass 1.5 Hours

Power Boat Osprey Sunset Cruise

Enjoy a two-hour tour that begins an hour or so before the local sunset. The sun sets over the marsh in brilliant colors, and the best way to see it is from the peaceful surroundings of the river and salt marsh behind Folly.

Public Day Sail & Dolphin Watch

See Folly Beach like Never Before! Sail Folly sails daily at 4pm from the Folly River boat landing located on Center Street. During the two-hour sail, we often see dolphin,

An Exclusive Folly Beach Sail Experience

During the two-hour sail, we often see dolphins, pelicans, herons, osprey, and egrets as well as other wildlife common to the Lowcountry. We can beach the cat at one of the nearby isolated islands and do some shelling or go for a swim.

By selecting the 3 or 4 hour options,we will have more time to explore, more time for stopping and swimming and shelling. Really put yourself on island time with an extended 4 hour private charter. With a half-day, there is plenty of time for a relaxing sail up the Stono River or over to Kiawah Island where we can beach the catamaran for a swim and then soak up some sun on the bow deck netting. Bring along a picnic lunch!

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Sets sail daily from the Folly River boat landing located on Center Street. Choose your time from the booking calendar.

CHECK OUT OUR REVIEWS ★★★★★

Tremendous romantic sunset sail. We had a spectacular romantic sunset sail last evening on Folly. We HIGHLY recommend Sail Folly. Captain Johnnie knocked it out of the park. He was on time, affordable, has great equipment with comfortable seating. He has tremendous knowledge without being overbearing. What a peaceful evening as we were surrounded by dolphins, herons & pelicans. Wow!. We'll be back for a half-day to see the Lighthouse next time!.

Surprise trip for my kids. I’m beyond happy with the decision to book with Sail Folly. It was a last-minute adventure for my younger 2 as we were visiting Fort Jackson for my older daughters graduation. I called and he was able to get us booked last minute. There was another couple that joined us and they were just as amazing as the one running the sails. We all had such a great time and will definitely be booking with Sail Folly when we come back to visit.

Best Part of Folly Beach. We had the most amazing time sailing with Captain Freeman today! He was personable, accommodating, fun, and so knowledgeable!! He brought us around to see dolphins, go swimming, and to check out a sand bar. We couldn’t be happier with our experience! We will be back again and will use Sail Folly for every single one of our visits. Thanks for everything! It has once again been the best part of our trip!

Sunset sail. My husband and I did an adults night out with my brother and sister-in-law last week. Booking was really easy and captain johnny was prompt in returning any questions we had. We really enjoyed sailing with Freeman despite the evening ending early. We were glad Freeman was watching the weather as a storm popped up, but he got us back in before it hit. Will for sure do this again on our next visit. Fun rare evening out for us. Thanks so much!