- Mainsail
- Selftacking jib
- Gennaker
- Spinnaker
This Australian couple, initially with little sailing experience, have been documenting their journey around the world under sail since 2014. If you don’t already know them, it’s time to discover these celebrities that we love to follow…
What is the difference between the outremer 45 and the 4x, what are the latest innovations on the outremer 45, what is the payload of the 45', can you sail around the world in complete safety on a 45'.
Beyond building your boat, Outremer brings your dreams to life by being by your side at every stage of your project. To always better support you, we have created Outremer Services. This structure, integrated within Grand Large Services is able to meet all your needs, from the start of your project to the resale of your catamaran.
Seminars on the theme of blue-water cruising, training on land and at sea, charter, concierge services, refit, a network of approved partners around the world, OCM ™ e-maintenance and lastly brokerage. We offer complete and personalized support according to best fit your needs.
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From the legendary Outremer 45 to the acclaimed Outremer 55, not to forget the 51 and the 4X, you will find a wide range of Outremer catamarans to charter, depending on your model of interest.
At the 2014 boat shows, the 45ft range is the most popular catamarans right now. There are four production models on the market that seem to accommodate most families’ preferences. However, our clients have a hard time making a choice between them.
These sailing catamarans, even though similar in length, are different in significant ways, not only in look and styling but sail to power ratios, volume, and comfort. So, we have done a price and specifications comparison of the four most popular sailing catamaran models in the 45ft range, Bali 4.5 , Helia 44 , Lagoon 450 , and Leopard 44 .
This information below, should give catamaran buyers a clearer view of how these sailing catamarans compare. We have similarly spec’d out each of the four catamaran models and the price includes delivery to the US. The hot buttons for this type and size of catamarans are the forward cockpit, “sky-lounge” or sundeck, flush deck from aft cockpit to inside saloon area and aft cockpit extension. Based on this and the most important specifications, like displacement, sail area, length, etc., we made the chart below to get a good comparison of each catamaran’s features.
Bali 4.5 Catamaran by the Catana Group: 535,325 Euro | Lagoon 450 Catamaran: 502,474 Euro
Helia 44 by Fountaine Pajot : 515,940 Euro | Leopard 44 by Robertson & Caine: 448,262 Euro
*Based on 2014 Pricing
535,325 Euro | 515,940 Euro | 502,474 Euro | 448,262 Euro | |
44.88ft | 43.5ft | 45.10ft | 42.7ft | |
24.48ft | 24.3ft | 25.9ft | 23.9ft | |
4ft | 3.80ft | 4.3ft | 4.2ft | |
11.6t | 10.8t | 15.5t | 12.62t | |
151m | 115m | 134m | 123m | |
40hp and 50hp | 40hp and 55hp | 40hp and 55hp | 29hp and 39hp | |
211 gal | 124.2 gal | 264 gal | 185 gal | |
211 gal | 198 gal | 185 gal | 206 gal | |
Yes | No | No | No | |
200 liter/h | 60 liter/h or 180 liter/h | 100 liter/h | 63 liter/h | |
615 liter | 190 + 90=280 liter | 130+110=240 liter | 212 liter | |
2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
2 | 2 | 2 | Hinged door | |
6 | 10 | 10 | 8 | |
14 | 2 | 6 | 6 | |
Yes -10people | No | No | Yes -5 people | |
Yes | No | No | Yes | |
Yes | No | NO | No | |
Yes | No | No | No | |
10 people | 4 people | 3 people | No | |
8 people | 8 people | 6 people | 6 people | |
8 people | No | No | 4 people |
*These prices are estimates only and should be negotiated with each independent dealer OR catamaran buyers can consult with Catamaran Guru to negotiate on their behalf.
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How are the Power to Weight ratios calculated? These numbers don’t look right. For the Helia, for example, the sail area is 115m^2, whereas displacement is 10.5t. 115/10.5 = 10.95 (not 91). In all of my calculations, the FPs have better power to weight than lagoon or leopard.
I would like to thank Catamaran Guru forgiving an independent review with the pros and cons of each brand well done
You are welcome! It’s makes things a little easier for consumers when they are armed with all the facts!
Any chance of updating to include the Australian Seawind catamarans?
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The Catana OC 50 Catamaran, the latest addition to the Catana Ocean Class series,
For more than 30 years, we have been a part of the catamaran community and created Catamaran Guru™ to encourage and educate all the aspiring sailing out there. We understand the dream of traveling the world by catamaran and created a one-stop-shop to make that dream a reality for you.
If you want to enjoy long-term living on the water, a liveaboard catamaran can provide the perfect combination of comfort and adventure. However, buying and owning a catamaran can cost you a fortune. If you're not sure which one suits your budget, here are 13 of the best liveaboard catamarans on the market today, covering a range of budgets and lifestyles.
The 13 best liveaboard catamarans for different budgets are:
Lagoon 450f, nautitech 46 fly.
If you're on a tight budget but still want to enjoy the liveaboard lifestyle, the Leopard 40, Lucia 40, and Lagoon 400 are some of your best options. If you have a slightly higher budget to live up to your dream life aboard, let's see which of these catamarans will suit your needs best.
Best liveaboard catamarans for all budgets.
$400,000 - $500,000 | 78 sqm | 1 galley, 2 heads | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | |
$450,000 - $550,000 | 82 sqm | 1 galley, 2 heads | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | |
$350,000 - $450,000 | 78 sqm | 1 galley, 4 heads | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | |
$350,000 - $450,000 | 77 sqm | 1 galley, 4 heads | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | |
$600,000 - $700,000 | 105 sqm | 1 galley, 4 heads | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | |
$500,000 - $600,000 | 100 sqm | 1 galley, 4 heads | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | |
$500,000 - $600,000 | 95 sqm | 1 galley, 2 heads | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | |
$700,000 - $800,000 | 130 sqm | 1 galley, 4 heads | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | |
$700,000 - $800,000 | 106 sqm | 1 galley, 4 heads | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ | |
$700,000 - $1,000,000 | 186 sq. ft. | Fully equipped | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | |
$600,000 - $900,000 | 140 sq. ft. | Fully equipped | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | |
$1,000,000 - $2,000,000 | 161 sq. ft. | Fully equipped | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | |
$1,000,000 - $2,000,000 | 215 sq. ft. | Fully equipped | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
When choosing the best liveaboard catamaran, there are questions you need to ask yourself such as:
If you plan to sail around the world and are not sure what catamaran size is perfect for your goal , you can get some tips from this article.
You may also need to check your budget. Keep in mind that the purchase price is just one aspect of the cost of owning a catamaran. See how much it actually costs to buy and own a catamaran in this article.
You may also need to factor in ongoing maintenance, repairs, and other expenses, such as docking costs. Docking costs depend on the location of the marina and the actual size of your catamaran, but to give you an idea of how much it costs to dock a catamaran , here's an article that can help you.
The best liveaboard catamarans have these most important features :
Living space Look for a catamaran with an open layout, large windows, and plenty of natural light to create a spacious and inviting living area.
Galley and heads Choose a catamaran with a well-designed galley that is easy to use and has plenty of storage space. The heads should be spacious and comfortable, with a separate shower area if possible.
Performance and handling You might want to opt for a catamaran with a good sail plan and sailing controls that are easy to operate. If you plan to do offshore cruising, perhaps consider a catamaran with a shallow draft and good seaworthiness.
Safety and seaworthiness Choose a catamaran with sturdy construction and good safety features, such as handrails and lifelines. You might want to make sure also that the catamaran is designed for single-handed sailing if you plan to sail solo.
Estimated price range: $400,000 - $500,000
The Leopard 40 has a spacious interior with a modern and stylish design. It features four cabins and two heads, providing ample living space for up to 8 people.
The cabins are well-ventilated and well-lit, with large windows that offer panoramic views of the sea. The saloon is also spacious, with comfortable seating and a large dining table.
The galley is well-equipped with a large refrigerator, freezer, gas stove, oven, and plenty of storage space. The heads are also well-designed, with separate shower stalls and electric toilets.
The Leopard 40 has a sleek and streamlined design that allows it to move smoothly through the water. The twin engines provide plenty of power, and the boat is easy to maneuver even in tight spaces.
The boat also comes with a range of performance features, such as a large sail area, a self-tacking jib, and a full-batten mainsail.
The Leopard 40 is built to the highest standards of safety, with a strong and durable hull, high-quality rigging, and a range of safety features such as lifelines, handrails, and safety harnesses.
The boat also has excellent stability, which makes it very safe and comfortable to sail in rough seas.
Estimated price range: $450,000 - $550,000
The Lucia 40 is a spacious catamaran that offers plenty of living space for a family or a group of friends. It has a large saloon with a U-shaped sofa and a dining table that can comfortably seat six people.
The saloon is surrounded by large windows that provide plenty of natural light and a great view of the surroundings. The catamaran has four cabins and two heads, which provide ample sleeping space for up to eight people. The cabins are well-appointed and offer plenty of storage space.
The galley on the Lucia 40 is located in the saloon and is well-equipped with a three-burner stove, oven, fridge, and plenty of counter space for food preparation.
The two heads are located in each hull and are equipped with a shower, toilet, and sink. They are spacious and provide plenty of privacy.
The Lucia 40 is a performance-oriented catamaran that is designed for cruising in comfort. It has a sleek and modern design that allows it to sail efficiently in a wide range of wind and sea conditions.
The catamaran is equipped with a full batten mainsail and a furling genoa, which provide excellent sail performance. The helm station is located on the flybridge, which provides excellent visibility and allows for easy handling.
The Lucia 40 has a solid fiberglass hull and a structural bulkhead that provides excellent strength and rigidity. The catamaran is equipped with all the necessary safety equipment, including life jackets, flares, fire extinguishers, and a first aid kit.
It is also equipped with a comprehensive navigation system, which includes GPS, radar, and an autopilot, to ensure safe and accurate navigation.
Estimated price range: $350,000 - $450,000
The Lagoon 400 offers ample room for passengers to relax and socialize. The main saloon is located on the same level as the cockpit, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience.
The saloon features a large dining table and comfortable seating, while the cockpit provides additional seating and a table for outdoor dining. The cabins are also spacious and comfortable, with plenty of storage space.
The galley is well-equipped with a stove, oven, refrigerator, and sink, making it easy to prepare meals while underway. The heads are also well-designed, with separate shower stalls and electric toilets.
This boat has a generous sail area, a powerful rig, and a light displacement, which allows it to sail well in a variety of conditions. The boat's twin hulls also help to reduce drag and increase stability, which makes it easier to sail in choppy seas or high winds.
The Lagoon 400 is also equipped with twin engines, which allow it to be easily maneuvered in tight spaces or when docking. The boat's shallow draft, which is one of the advantages of sailing a catamaran , also makes it suitable for exploring shallow waters or anchoring in secluded bays.
The boat's twin hulls provide excellent stability, which reduces the risk of capsizing. See a detailed comparison between catamaran and monohull in this article.
The boat is also equipped with a range of safety features, including a solid fiberglass hull, watertight bulkheads, and a high freeboard, which helps to keep the boat dry and reduce the risk of swamping.
The boat is also built to withstand rough seas and strong winds, with a reinforced hull and high freeboard. It also features a range of safety features, including lifelines, safety harnesses, and an emergency tiller.
The cockpit and saloon are on the same level, which creates a large open-plan living area. The saloon has a U-shaped seating area, which can comfortably seat six people, and a large table that can be lowered to create a double berth.
The galley of Bali 4.0 is located aft of the saloon and is well-equipped with a three-burner stove, oven, refrigerator, and sink. The boat has four cabins, each with its own en-suite head and shower. The cabins are spacious and comfortable, and the heads are modern and well-designed.
The Bali 4.0 has a self-tacking jib and a fully battened mainsail, which makes it easy to sail short-handed. The boat is also equipped with a Code 0 sail, which provides additional downwind performance. The boat's helm is responsive and easy to control, and the boat is stable and predictable in a variety of conditions.
The Bali 4.0 is a seaworthy boat that is designed to be safe and comfortable in a variety of conditions. The boat has a high freeboard, which provides additional safety and protection from waves and spray.
The boat also has a solid foredeck, which provides additional safety when moving around the boat. It is also equipped with a full suite of safety equipment, including life rafts, life jackets, and safety harnesses.
Estimated price range: $500,000 - $600,000
The Bali 4.3 has a large saloon with panoramic views, plenty of natural light, and a modern design. The saloon is equipped with a large U-shaped sofa, a dining table, and a chart table. The cockpit is also spacious and features a dining table, a sunbathing area, and a helm station.
The galley and heads on the Bali 4.3 are well-designed and offer plenty of space and storage. It is located in the saloon and features a 3-burner stove, an oven, a large refrigerator, and plenty of counter space. The heads are located in each hull and feature a separate shower, electric toilets, and plenty of storage.
The Bali 4.3 is a fast and agile catamaran. It features a self-tacking jib and a square-top mainsail, which make it easy to handle and maneuver. The boat is also equipped with twin engines, which provide good speed and maneuverability.
The Bali 4.3 features a solid construction, a high freeboard, and a wide beam, which make it very stable and comfortable even in rough seas. The boat is also equipped with a number of safety features, including lifelines, safety harnesses, and life jackets.
The Catana 42 has a spacious interior layout with plenty of natural light and ventilation. The saloon and cockpit are integrated into one living area, which provides a comfortable and functional living space.
The galley is located in the port hull and features a three-burner stove, oven, refrigerator, and ample storage space. The heads are located in the starboard hull, with one head serving as the owner's suite en-suite and the other serving the remaining three cabins.
The catamaran is designed to be fast and stable, with a high bridge deck clearance and a narrow hull-to-waterline beam ratio. It also has a large sail area, which provides good speed in light winds.
The boat is designed to be self-righting in the event of a capsize , and the hulls are foam-filled for added buoyancy. The boat also features a robust construction with a reinforced keel and rudder, making it suitable for offshore cruising.
Estimated price range: $600,000 - $700,000
The Nautitech 46 Open is a spacious and comfortable catamaran that offers ample living space, a well-equipped galley, and multiple heads for convenience. The living area is open and airy, with large windows and plenty of natural light.
The galley is fully equipped with modern appliances and ample storage space, making it easy to prepare meals and entertain guests. The heads are also well-appointed, with modern fixtures and plenty of space for comfort.
The Nautitech 46 Open is a capable and responsive catamaran that is easy to sail and maneuver. The boat's twin hulls provide excellent stability and make it easy to handle in a variety of conditions.
The boat's rig is designed for performance, with a large sail area and a well-balanced design that allows for easy handling and excellent speed.
The boat is built to the highest standards of safety and durability, with a strong and sturdy construction that can withstand the rigors of offshore sailing. The boat is also equipped with all the necessary safety features, including life rafts, life jackets, and safety harnesses, to ensure that you and your crew stay safe on the water.
Estimated price range: $700,000 - $800,000
The Lagoon 450F is a spacious catamaran that offers plenty of room for living and entertaining. The saloon is large and open, with plenty of natural light and ventilation.
The cockpit is also spacious and comfortable, with a large dining table and seating for up to eight people. The cabins are well-designed and offer plenty of storage space, and the bathrooms are modern and well-appointed.
The Lagoon 450F has a well-equipped galley that is perfect for preparing meals while at sea. The galley features a large refrigerator and freezer, a three-burner stove, an oven, a microwave, and plenty of counter space. The heads are also well-designed and offer plenty of space and privacy.
The Lagoon 450F is a fast and stable catamaran that is easy to handle. The boat is powered by two Yanmar diesel engines, which provide plenty of power and speed.
The boat is also equipped with a high-performance sail plan, which allows for easy and efficient sailing.
This boat is built to the highest standards of safety and quality and is equipped with all of the necessary safety equipment, including life rafts, life jackets, and emergency flares.
The boat is also designed to be self-sufficient, with a large water tank and generator, which allows for extended periods of time at sea.
The Helia 44 has a spacious and well-designed interior that maximizes living space. The saloon features large windows that provide plenty of natural light and offer stunning views of the surrounding scenery.
The seating area is comfortable and can accommodate up to 8 people. The cabins are also spacious and well-appointed, with plenty of storage space and en-suite bathrooms.
The galley on the Helia 44 is well-equipped and designed for easy use. It features a large refrigerator, a 3-burner gas stove, an oven, and a microwave. The heads are also well-designed, with separate shower stalls and plenty of storage space.
The Helia 44 has a powerful rig and a high aspect ratio sail plan that provides excellent speed and maneuverability. The boat also has a shallow draft, which makes it easy to navigate in shallow waters.
This boat has a solid construction that provides excellent stability and strength. It also features a range of safety equipment, including life rafts, EPIRBs, and fire extinguishers.
Estimated price range: $700,000 - $1,000,000
The Leopard 48 features a spacious saloon with a comfortable seating area and a large dining table. The saloon is surrounded by panoramic windows that provide plenty of natural light and stunning views of the surrounding scenery.
The catamaran also has a large cockpit area with a dining table and comfortable seating, perfect for outdoor dining and relaxation.
The galley on the Leopard 48 is well-equipped with modern appliances and ample storage space. It features a large refrigerator, a freezer, a three-burner stove, and an oven. The catamaran also has three heads, each with a shower, sink, and toilet.
The Leopard 48 is a high-performance catamaran that is easy to handle and maneuver. It has a powerful sail plan and lightweight construction that allows it to sail smoothly and efficiently even in light winds.
The catamaran is also equipped with a powerful engine that provides excellent speed and maneuverability.
The Leopard 48 is a safe and seaworthy catamaran that is designed to handle even the toughest ocean conditions. It has a sturdy construction and a stable platform that provides excellent stability and safety.
The catamaran is also equipped with modern safety features such as a GPS navigation system, a radar, and an autopilot.
Estimated price range: $600,000 - $900,000
The Nautitech 46 Fly is a spacious catamaran that offers plenty of room for living and entertaining. The interior is bright and airy, thanks to large windows and an open floor plan.
There are four cabins and four heads, making it a great option for families or groups of friends. The salon is comfortable and features a dining area and a well-equipped galley.
The galley on the Nautitech 46 Fly is well-equipped with a refrigerator, freezer, stove, oven, and plenty of counter space. There is also a double sink and a dishwasher. The heads are spacious and comfortable, with separate shower stalls and electric toilets.
The Nautitech 46 Fly is a pleasure to sail, with good speed and handling. The boat is responsive and easy to maneuver, even in tight spaces. The twin engines provide plenty of power and make docking and maneuvering a breeze.
The boat is designed to handle rough seas and strong winds, making it a great option for offshore sailing. There are also plenty of safety features, including lifelines, safety harnesses, and a well-equipped first aid kit.
Estimated price range: $1,000,000 - $2,000,000
The living space is designed for comfort and entertainment. The spacious saloon offers panoramic views and ample seating for guests.
The interior is finished with high-quality materials and features modern amenities such as air conditioning, a fully equipped galley, and plenty of storage space. It also has four spacious cabins and four heads, making it ideal for families or groups of friends.
The galley on the Catana 50 is well-equipped with a large refrigerator, freezer, oven, and stove. The countertops are made of durable and easy-to-clean materials, and there is plenty of storage space for food and cooking utensils. The heads are spacious and feature modern fixtures and finishes.
The catamaran's lightweight construction and high-tech materials make it fast and agile, while its twin daggerboards and rudders provide excellent maneuverability and control. The boat is easy to handle, even in challenging conditions, and offers a smooth and comfortable ride.
The catamaran's hull design and construction are engineered to withstand the rigors of offshore sailing, and the boat is equipped with all the necessary safety equipment, including life rafts, EPIRBs, and fire extinguishers.
Need a complete list of safety equipment for your boat ? Here's an article that might be helpful for you.
The vessel also features a high freeboard, wide decks, and a sturdy rigging system, making it a stable and secure platform for sailing in all conditions.
The Lagoon 52 is known for its spacious interior and exterior living areas. The main salon is located on the bridge deck and features a large dining table, comfortable seating, and panoramic views.
The cockpit is also spacious and has plenty of seating for outdoor dining and lounging. The cabins are well-appointed and offer plenty of storage space and natural light.
The galley on the Lagoon 52 is equipped with modern appliances and ample counter space, making it easy to prepare meals for large groups. There are also multiple heads on the boat, each with a shower and toilet, making it convenient for guests to freshen up after a day of exploring.
The Lagoon 52 is designed for optimal performance and handling. It has a powerful sail plan and a lightweight construction that allows it to move swiftly through the water
The boat is also easy to handle, even with a small crew, thanks to its user-friendly design and advanced technology.
The boat is built to withstand rough seas and harsh weather conditions, with sturdy construction and advanced safety features such as a self-tacking jib and an automatic reefing system.
The boat also has a spacious cockpit and wide decks that make it easy to move around and handle the boat in all conditions:
You may also like, catamaran vs monohull in rough seas: which is better.
Catamarans and monohulls have different designs that affect how they handle rough sea conditions. In fact, they have an advantage over each other when sailing in …
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Quick answer is $300,000 to $600,000. But you could also pay as much as $1 million for a fully loaded catamaran like La Vagabonde’s brand new Outremer 45 or as little as $150,000 for a late 1990’s Prout 45 or Leopard 45. These prices are all considering you are asking about a catamaran in reasonable condition and with appropriate cruising equipment. Project catamarans could end up costing much less initially although very likely much more eventually as typically you pay a premium in sailing for the “refit experience.” The upside is a long escape working in a boatyard that allows you to escape from your wife and children if that is your goal. We do not recommend the approach and this website while offering a wide selection of catamarans prefers to advertise that are in good condition at great prices to our visitors.
Another budget aspect to consider is maintenance costs of a 45 foot catamaran. Here the typical assessment is you spend 10% of a catamaran’s value yearly to keep her in good condition at a safe mooring and with proper reserves for depreciation costs.
We answer this question here because oddly the 45 foot number is a common online search and common question we receive. The number 45 has long history in sailing as in the old days of monohull sailboats, the ideal cruiser was thought of as a 45 foot center cockpit. Technology has evolved and proved that two hulls are superior to one yet the 45 feet in length is a sensible universal constant. The reason? Certainly a 45 foot catamaran features a dramatic increase in interior volume as compared to old technology. We suspect that the 45 foot ideal length is more determined by cruising speed and comfort in a wide variety of offshore conditions as well as the size at which length is not a limitation in terms of docking or maneuvering requiring additional crew.
To further provide specifics on your options for a 45 foot catamaran please see example models below.
The highest volume 45 foot model in production currently. New style design with large accommodations, wide beam, and tall mainsail. Comes in flybridge and sport version with different helm configurations. This design is an evolution of the Lagoon 440. Prices range from $400,000 to $700,000 from an old charter 2011 model to a brand new owner’s version. See our Lagoon 450 specifications and a list current example for sale.
The classic Leopard 45 was built from 1997 to 2001 and should not be confused with the new version of the model by the same name. These are affordable ex charter catamarans with old school builds. Watch out for wet balsa coring like on any 20 year old cored hull catamaran. Prices range from $200,000 to $250,000. See our Leopard 45 page for more specifications and options currently for sale .
The Prout 45 model is the oldest fashioned model on this list and least expensive coming in at $150,000 to $250,000. These feature a cutter rig with two headsails and a very aftmost main mast. This headsail powered sailplan is very unusual for catamarans options at this size range. Please see our specifications for more information and for sale page for current examples for sale .
Made famous by Outremer’s special sale of an example to La Vagabonde stars. While at a base price it may be $700,000 when fully outfitted this boat nears $1 million USD. Performance oriented design with daggerboards and outboard helms with tillers. With the pricing and performance focus, this is a less common design.
Lying somewhere between the classic Prout 45 and middle aged Leopard 45, this older Privilege design ranges in price from $150,000 to $250,000. These were high end charter boats in their day with a very good reputation for build quality, performance, and interior fit / finish. See our Privilege specifications and examples for sale .
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The big-boat classes in the 2020 Boat of the Year competition presented some big problems for the judging panel. Take the Full-Size Cruiser 45 to 55 Feet fleet, with a quartet of extremely solid contenders across a wide range of price points and with different design briefs and objectives, ranging from versatile performance-style cruisers to a dedicated bluewater passagemaker. Decisions, decisions, decisions.
At $550,000, the Bavaria C50 packed a lot of punch into a 50-footer. “It’s billed as a family cruiser, and features twin helms and a single rudder,” judge Dan Spurr said. “The representative who presented the boat emphasized the division between the entertainment area and the cockpit and working areas, and that cockpit really resonated with me—for a bigger boat, it’s very efficient to sail.” The Bavaria also struck a chord with fellow judge Ed Sherman: “I’ve been watching the evolution of Bavarias since they first started coming to the United States, and they’ve come a long way. Everything about them is significantly better than the earlier boats, and you get a lot of features for the price. It’s a player in this group.”
From a value standpoint, the Elan Impression 41.5 left a strong, good impression on the judging panel. Judge Ralph Naranjo was particularly enamored with the overall build quality of the hull laminate. “It’s an ISO-approved Category A offshore boat; they did a really nice job with the vacuum infusion,” he said. “I was crawling in those aft lockers looking at the autopilot arrangement, and could see how well the deck elements and bulkheads went in. And the autopilot installation was great, with an excellent stainless-steel bracket that was bolted and cantilevered to catch both the deck and the bulkhead. The autopilot and rams have to take a huge amount of thrust or push/pull; they need to be in there securely. And they were.”
It was clearly going to take an outstanding vessel to sway the panel’s opinions. It turned out there was not only one other formidable yacht to choose from, but two.
“The Amel 50 is truly an oceangoing globe-trotter,” Sherman said, speaking about the latest, highly anticipated model from the long-standing stalwart French builder. “With a signature watertight forward crash bulkhead, a centrally located sea chest for easily isolating a leak and shutting it down, to a globally conscious shore-power system that can deal with 50 or 60 hertz and 120 or 230-240 volts, Amel has designed a boat that will have you covered wherever your travels take you. For those who want to cruise in luxury, this is the boat.”
“Amel has long been one of the only worldwide companies to offer what is essentially a ‘ready to cruise’ boat,” Spurr said. “The boat can be operated entirely from the security of the cockpit, which has a windshield and hardtop, like many solo offshore racers. Some of my colleagues didn’t like this feature, feeling it isolated the helm from feeling the weather. The boat is not inexpensive, but it also seemed to have the highest-quality finish.”
“To me, it’s more of a motorsailer than a traditional cruising sailboat,” Naranjo said. “Her performance under sail is somewhat limited by a fairly high displacement and a modest sail area. She is easy to handle, though, because of her power-assisted sail trimming and setting capabilities.”
Sailing prowess is never a debatable issue with X-Yachts, however, and after treating the judges to a world-class sailing experience, they ultimately decided that the X-Yachts X46 was the Best Full-Size Cruiser 45 to 55 Feet for 2020. (It was a back-to-back winning effort from X-Yachts; in 2019, X-Yachts’ X49 was also honored as the Best Full-Size Cruiser.)
“This was just a joy to sail,” Sherman said. “A performance sailing boat in every sense —very close-winded. It was everything I’ve come to expect from X-Yachts. They are put together by real craftspeople who take a great deal of concern in everything they do. So many little things. For instance, the wiring connections behind the panel board are all bent to 90 degrees and secured in place, and they hand-solder the solid copper bus links between the switches. This is all labor-intensive stuff that you just don’t see on most boats. They’ve always been known for using top-quality gear, and they certainly didn’t cut any corners here.
“X-Yachts are put together by real craftspeople who take a lot of pride in their work.”
“The epoxy resin they use in the layup is going to last forever, and the post-cure process is just top shelf,” Sherman continued. “I mean, what can I say? And I believe the pricing is actually pretty darn good. This boat costs $740,000, which is nothing to laugh at—it’s a significant amount of money. But when you compare it dollarwise to some of the other boats out there of similar lengths, you know what? It kind of stands out. And so, yes, I’m a fan. I’ve always been.”
“Like all X-Yachts, it has a unique feature in the construction, with a steel grid that sits on stringers with a balanced lifting point where you can actually lift the entire boat with a crane, with a strop that comes down through a hatch,” Spurr said. “The quality of construction all around seemed very good, with the keel actually bolted to the grid. Basically, we were told that you can’t lose the keel on this boat, which is pretty remarkable. And it’s really a handsome boat all the way around.”
Not to mention, when the final votes were cast, it was a winning one.
See All Winners:
2020 Boats of the Year
Other Winners:
The first time you spot them, those iridescent pearly islands rising out of the Indian Ocean, you get the hype. The Maldives is pure, unmitigated fantasy, a destination that’s become synonymous with high-end resorts, with overwater villas that cascade down to a sea so clear you can see rainbow fish nudging about by your feet, razor-sharp butler service and high-end dining. It’s no surprise that honeymooners and families looking for a luxurious fly-and-flop beach break flock here. Of course, since you’re usually cocooned on a private island resort, the savviest travellers know that choosing somewhere that offers chic accommodation with a wealth of sumptuous food and drink included is a wise decision because, let’s face it, keeping a mental note of how many pina coladas you’ve had is hardly relaxing. This is our pick of the best all-inclusive hotels in the Maldives. If you're looking for more recommendations, then check out our definitive list of the best hotels in the Maldives .
A sight to behold, surrounded by miles of sand peaks that slope gently into living gardens of corals and fringed by jungle vegetation, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is one of the best all-inclusive hotels in the Maldives. It's a 45-minute seaplane journey from the mainland and there are 221 villas here, not that you’d notice. In fact, even when it’s full, this place feels deliciously serene. The beach villas feel like mini palaces, yours and yours alone, with swaying palms and nattering terns for neighbours, all with their own pools and linen-draped cabanas to fall asleep to the lull of the sea. Most guests are on the deluxe all-inclusive package, which includes eating and drinking at almost all of the 14 restaurants and bars so you’ll never get bored, plus a complimentary mini-bar in your room, a 30-minute facial as well as heaps of watery activities like stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, daily guided snorkelling and a sunset cruise.
Price: From around $680 per night, based on two adults and two children under 15 sharing, on an all-inclusive basis
Everything you want from a tropical hideaway can be found at Ozen Reserve Bolifushi. For starters, the setting is ravishing – all butter-soft beaches peppered with towering bayan and palms and just a 30-minute luxury catamaran ride away from the mainland. Then there’s the gin-clear waters teeming with a trillion fat multi-coloured fish, manta rays and turtles thanks to the fact this is one of the few resorts wrapped in coral reef. Bag one of the ocean pool suites with slides that plunge you from your deck right into the sea. With one of the most generous all-inclusive packages in the Maldives that offers dining at all five restaurants, anyone on the Reserve Plan also has access to special themed nights, a minibar that’s refilled twice a day and one complimentary one-hour spa treatment for every four days of their stay.
Price: From around $1,800 per night based on two sharing, on the Reserve Plan
A Robinson Crusoe-style getaway awaits at Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa where Nemo-filled turquoise lagoons and powder-puff sands will make your heart leap. With just 80 villas, this is one of the more intimate resorts, but you’ll never tire of things to do. All rooms overlook that twinkling, breath-stealing Indian Ocean, where water and sky merge seamlessly. Everyone is on the all-inclusive package here which makes it feel utterly effortless with top-notch food on offer at all five restaurants – from locally-caught miso reef fish at Teppanyaki Grill to homemade tortellini at the spellbindingly romantic overwater restaurant Mediterraneo, all washed down with as much house Champagne as you wish. The ultra all-inclusive package includes complimentary guided snorkel trips twice a week, unlimited use of kayaks, paddle-boards, Hobie-cats and windsurfing. Do book in for a Balinese massage in the spa nestled among the trees or simply sit back on your villa’s deck and watch pods of dolphins soaring in the distance.
Price: From around $620 per night, on an all-inclusive package
Now, this is something special. The Maldives’ first solar-powered hotel is a coconut-forested beauty with just 15 villas arranged around a circular wooden walkway out to sea. Rooms have a distinctly Japanese style – designed by New York-based architect Yuji Yamazaki – with soothing wood, stone and reed-thatch, and fronted by a wide deck, plunge pool and ladder into the swirling blue sea. The all-inclusive package here is a game-changer – unlimited spa treatments, jet-skiing, deep-sea fishing, personal training, or feasts involving fine wines, not to mention food to make your belly sing -from light Japanese teppanyaki to Maldivian seafood curry, concocted by French chef Antoine Lievaux, who has worked for Joël Robuchon and Alain Ducasse. A cheese cellar and fine wines are included, too, which will impress even the hard-to-please. And, thanks to the 989 solar panels, there’s not so much of a hint of generator buzz, just the gentle sound of waves kissing the icing-sugary sandy shores.
Price: From around $3,000 per night, based on two people sharing, on an all-inclusive basis
This is the pinnacle of desert island living on a turquoise lagoon in Noonu Atoll, blanketed in racing-green jungle and ringed with neon-white beach. Life here is easy-breezy; you and your brood pedal-push around the sandy lanes on bikes, hang in hammocks on talc-soft beaches, skid down slides, splash about on technicolour reefs and watch dolphins race through iridescent baby-blue waters. The overwater villas have glass-bottom floors and pool decks with corkscrew slides. Come nightfall, make a wish as your sprawling roof retracts to the sight of a billion stars. The Soneva Unlimited package is an all-round winner with all restaurants and bars covered – from a meat-free outpost by Bocuse d’Or-winning Swedish chef Mathias Dahlgren to the garden-set idyll So Local – not to mention non-stop experiences including scuba diving and turtle quests plus daily laundry, room service and unlimited treatments in the treehouse-like Island Spa that has egg-shaped rooms linked by walkways floating towards a yoga shala.
Price: From around $6,000 per night based on two people sharing, on the Soneva Unlimited package
It doesn’t get more laidback fun than Lux* South Ari Atoll. All is driftwood prettiness, smart villas with vaulted white ceilings, grey wood-effect ceramic floors and tree-trunk furniture. There’s a mellow beach club vibe to the place, with bicycles to nip between the two bars at opposite ends of the three-kilometre-long island: one more chilled beside the pool, and the other, livelier, where you can dance barefoot to reggae on pods scattered across the sea or atop one of the giant inflatable golden swans. Those on the Maldives all-inclusive package enjoy meals at six of the restaurants as well as free ice-cream in the homemade parlour, not to mention Tattinger on tap. There’s stand-up paddle boarding yoga, an alfresco cinema, swimming with whale sharks (the friendly kind) and a red telephone box for free calls should you fancy making everyone back home green with envy.
Price: From around $1,050 per night based on two people sharing, on an all-inclusive basis
Understated, refined, and properly spoiling, it’s hard not to fall for Milaidhoo. This classic Maldivian island has a refreshingly contemporary twist – the 50 villas enlivened with deft decorative flourishes – from the vivid blue-on-blue accents to the curvaceous lines of the Beach Pool villas. Guides know the best snorkelling spots – where you’re most likely to find manta rays. Given the hotel’s location in Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with the world's highest concentration of manta rays, it won’t take long to spot one. Spend your days kayaking or lying horizontal on a hammock, occasionally waving a lazy arm for a glass of something chilled, happy in the knowledge that the all-inclusive package here covers almost all drinks and food, including a dinner at the Chef’s Table with live-cooking, three-course lunches and suppers in the ocean-facing restaurant. The signature restaurant, Ba'theli, serving Maldivian and trade-route-inspired dishes in three cleverly interlinked dhonis, is a show-stopper. Leaving is the only low.
Price: From around $9,390 per person, on an all-inclusive basis
Worth shouting about, Amilla is a game-changing all-inclusive hotel in the Maldives. The first and only resort in the Maldives to achieve Inclucare certification, this hotel opens its arms to travellers with mobility, sensory and cognitive needs offering everything from accessible seaplane chairs, deaf alert systems, beach wheelchairs, adaptive yoga and snorkelling to quiet, switched-off places for those who may need space away from the hubbub. As well as being inclusive for all with intensive staff training to cater for individual guest needs, this resort is a beauty, tucked into a forest where coconut palms tower above the screw pines and hibiscus, and flying foxes chitter and fuss in the canopy. There are bicycles to roam around on, an incredible lineup of F&B options – that’s eight restaurants – that will have anyone on the Dine Around programme rolling home a few stone heavier. The hardest decision of the day will be choosing which one.
Price: From around $1,500 per night based on two people sharing, on an all-inclusive basis
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Catamarans are quickly outstripping single-hull boats for long-distance journeys. They are more stable and comfortable , and some can travel more than 200 miles in a day. In today’s article, I have put together a complete (well almost) list of some of the best catamarans for circumnavigating the planet; the question is, which one is best for you?
The best catamarans for sailing around the world include:
These cats focus on speed, safety, and comfort for longer journeys.
This article will show you the seventeen best catamarans for long journeys, and why they’re the best. You’ll also learn some great tips on what to look for in a Catamaran and how to save money by buying a used catamaran. Let this list be a jumping-off point for your future research!
Pro-tip; here are the actual costs of maintaining a cat and here are considerations on how to circumnavigate .
Table of Contents
A catamaran is a double-hulled boat with a deck or cabin area in between (bluewater cat definition in this article ). The double hull design means that the boat rocks less, sits higher on the water, uses less fuel to sail, and can be sailed in shallower waters than a single-hulled boat without worrying about grounding.
Catamarans come in a variety of sizes and can be sail-powered or motor-powered and range from single-person sailing boats to family-sized yachts. Every catamaran design is different, and the twin-hull shape offers many ways to customize the layout of a ship.
Each boat on this list is a larger catamaran (+40ft, more on size here ), so if you’re going to sail around the world, you want lots of space for provisions and rest.
Of course, there are tons of technical specs for each of these boats, but I’m going to focus on the overall features of each of these catamarans, what makes them stand out, and why they would each be an excellent choice for a transatlantic journey.
The Antares 44i is an excellent option for sailing around the world and was explicitly designed for long-distance cruising. It performs well in any weather conditions, can be sailed easily by two people, and you’ll be able to sail long distances and live in comfort.
Although it can be easily sailed by a crew of two I believe that a true bluewater cat should be set up for single-handed sailing, more on that in another article .
This catamaran features a stateroom on each hull and a forward cabin with plenty of storage space. The living and entertainment features include a flatscreen tv and a high-end deck speaker system.
With this model, Antares dedicates itself to high-quality boats with optimal rigging and engine configurations.
Atlantic is no longer building this catamaran, but there are usually a few pre-owned boats on the market. You can also get it made custom if you love the design, but be prepared to spend more money on a custom boat (custom boat also gets custom problems ;)).
The Atlantic 42 is slightly smaller than some of the other catamarans on this list but is a seaworthy vessel. 42 ft is what most sailors I interview ( in this article ) said was the smallest cat to safely cross big oceans. It is also a decent size to counter the risk of capsizing (more on that here ).
It has a forward cockpit and pilothouse, which gives the owner a better use of space and makes the boat easier to navigate. With single-handed capability, one person can sail it easily and let the rest of the crew relax.
One of the best-praised aspects of the Atlantic 42 is its galley, more extensive than most 42-footers (12.8-meter) can offer.
One of the few 50 footers (15.24 meters) that can be sailed by just one person (many would of course disagree on this).
The Catana 50 is a catamaran worthy of an overseas journey. Its size adds to its stability on the open waters and its ability to sail straight through the choppy ocean and windy conditions.
The Catana is also incredibly spacious on the inside, with substantial cabins and showers. The biggest downside to the Catana 50 is its price, as it’s much more expensive than most of its competitors.
Catana also holds up well against some of the fastest cruising cats out there, here’s a list of the fastest cruisers if you are interested in that.
However, if you can find a gently-used Catana 50, you can rest assured that this boat will last!
The Dolphin 42 is unique because of the use of daggerboards instead of fixed keels. This upgrade means that the boat has some pretty decent upwind performance while at the same time being faster downwind.
Centerboards and daggerboards offer some interesting downsides compared to mini keels. This is an interesting discussion and I suggest you read another one of my articles if you want to deepen your knowledge a little.
These catamarans are some of the lightest on the market. Not many Dolphins were made, so they are relatively hard to find. However, if you want a small, lightweight boat capable of going great distances, the Dolphin 42 is an excellent choice.
The Fountaine Pajot Belize is another well-built cruising yacht. Its core is made of foam instead of balsa, which reduces the risk of structural damage due to a rotten core in case of water intrusion.
The design of Belize offers many options for customizability, with large open spaces and a combined saloon, navigation, and dinette area.
There are two styles of Belize catamarans for sleeping quarters. You can either purchase a boat with an entire primary suite on one hull or one with two cabins in each hull. The first option is great if you are sailing the world alone and not expecting many guests, as it increases the storage capacity.
Understanding what factors to consider when getting a cat can be hard, there are just so many of them (such as the daggerboard discussion above), I have tried to compile some of the most important in this article .
The boat also has wraparound windows to increase the sense of space in the galley.
Fountaine Pajot is one of the best sailboat manufacturers existing today, as their boats are well made and highly versatile. The Lucia 40 is no exception – it’s a smaller boat but has a lot of room for moving around and on-board living.
The living area is remarkably spacious on this catamaran for its size.
The galley and lounge easily accommodate 6+people. The Lucia 40 doesn’t disappoint when it comes to sailing either, as the narrow hulls slice through choppy waters with ease.
Most catamarans today are built to withstand rough weather but that doesn’t matter as much if the crew isn’t up for the task, I firmly believe that the most important thing a boat should consist of, is knowledge. Therefore taking online courses ( two free here ) or reading books ( my favorites here ) is imperative.
Gemini’s boats have been on the market for years and are solidly built for cruising. This boat is one of the most popular ever made, I personally would consider something different for offshore cruising, but since it has such a good reputation, I felt I had to add it to the list.
If you want to understand why I am hesitant to take this boat around the world, I recommend you read my article: What are trampolines on a catamaran?
The Gunboat 62 is a great catamaran and set the standards for the rest of the impressive Gunboat lineup. It’s sleek and spacious while being robust and capable of transatlantic journeys. You can easily travel the world in a Gunboat 62 with several people and not feel cramped.
The yacht was made for speed and power and remains one of the fastest catamarans on the market, even rivaling the newer Gunboat models. GABO
Although the earlier models of the Gunboat 62 weren’t designed for a lot of cargo, you can still find space for everything you need without compromise.
Lagoon catamarans are known for their reliability and ease of use. If you are considering a catamaran for the first time and are unsure about the technicalities of sailing, a Lagoon boat is a great option.
The Lagoon 380 is probably the smallest cruiser on this list, which makes it better suited for solo or couple sailing.
When I go looking to buy something, whether it be a boat, campervan, or whatever, I create a checklist and classify all the things I want either by NEED or NICE to have.
I believe the Lagoon 380 to be sub-optimal for my NEEDS, even though it does check a lot of NICE boxes, there’s a step-by-step article on the NEED and NICE method here .
There are several cabin options available on the Lagoon 380, but if you’re sailing by yourself, you can settle for three cabins and a larger galley and living space. With a smaller cockpit and broader side decks, the Lagoon 380 packs a lot of practicality and ease of sailing into a more compact catamaran.
If you like the idea of a Lagoon boat but want a little more space, the Lagoon 42 is the upgraded version of the Lagoon 380. With all of the same benefits, it comes with more space for cabins or storage, making it one of the best-selling Lagoons of all time.
The Lagoon 42 is also a faster cruiser built for strength. While it’s not the fastest on the market, it works well in choppy waters and windy conditions, making it great for the beginning sailor to go on a more extended trip.
Many people have completed an around-the-world sail with this ship.
Although there is a flybridge version, I would recommend the “open” version due to several factors, some including increased windage and a higher boom. More on flybridges pros and cons here .
For stability, safety, and durability, you can’t beat the Lagoon 42.
The Leopard 45 performs better with less storage weight because of the relatively low bridge deck clearance. If the boat is fully loaded, you could experience some wave pounding. However, the cockpit is open and airy, with devices that block the sun and provide maximum comfort while sailing.
The Leopard 45 is an incredibly beautiful boat, and has a strong reputation for excellent build quality!
Leopard catamarans are one of my personal favorites, as such I have written an entire article about the brand, so if you want to understand its pros and cons then here is the link . Gabo
Designed in South Africa, it features a high rear arch for extra support and very smoothly connected decks. The galley is large and open, and most Leopards offer a four-cabin plan. If you are traveling with another person, this boat is an excellent option for you!
The Manta 42 is another classic catamaran that you can buy used (at a decent price), as it is an incredibly seaworthy vessel. While still in production, the Manta was one of the most popular catamarans on the market.
It is still in high demand amongst circumnavigators. Buying a used Manta 42 usually means that you inherit some of the previous owner’s boat upgrades!
The Manta 42 also made it to my list of the 9 safest catamarans on the market ( link ).
This blue water cat can be sailed by one or two people, making it ideal for liveaboard couples or long-distance shorthanded sailing. The galley is in the saloon ( instead of in one of the hulls ), making the cabins below more spacious and better equipped.
Overall, the Manta is well equipped for sailing around the world.
Nautitech is an excellent brand of the catamaran, with several different designs per boat. The Nautitech 44 has a unique feature, you can have it with two options for steering: twin wheels or a single wheel.
The Nautitech 44 also features a cockpit on the same level as the saloon. The door between the two is more convenient than a hatch and dramatically reduces the risk of water damage during rain pour.
This is also the same boat that aeroyacht president Gregor owns, he has offered some great insights into Nautitech in the book Catamarans (amazon link )
Outremer is famous for being one of the fastest brands of catamarans on the market. If you need speed, the Outremer 45 might be the perfect choice for you. It has a top speed of 16 knots, which is higher than almost every other catamaran of its class.
While the Outremer 45 is known for speed, it doesn’t compromise on the quality of living.
You can settle into life on this boat with complete peace of mind. Even as a beginning sailor, the steering is simple and easy to use, and the autopilot is top of the line, so you’ll be able to sail across the ocean in an Outremer without issue.
A French-designed catamaran, the Privilege Serie 5 is one of the most comfortable 50-foot (15 m) yachts available. The unique cabin layout includes the master cabin in the boat’s center instead of in one of the hulls.
The Privilege Serie 5 is also incredibly easy to sail, despite its larger size.
The sails and controls lead to the helm, where the raised deck makes it easy to see all around the deck. If you want to cross the ocean with a full crew then the Privilege Serie 5 might be perfect for you!
The Seawind 1000 is the smallest boat on this list, measuring 33 feet (10 meters) long altogether. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s not livable. If you are sailing on your own or with a partner, there is more than enough space to live in the Seawind 1000, which includes the option of a centered cabin or two hull cabins.
Because it’s small, the Seawind 1000 is easy to handle. The mast and sails are all manufactured for extra stability and ease of use.
Overall, the Seawind 1000 is an excellent example of a simple, safe, and seaworthy catamaran.
Note: since this is a small catamaran it will also be more sensitive to heavy weather so trip-planning becomes even more important.
The Voyage 44 is one of the oldest cats on this list, having had its hay-day in the mid-1990s. However, this also means that a used Voyage 44 will be cheaper than a newer boat. If you can find a Voyage with previous responsible owners, you will inherit any upgrades and fixes that they’ve made on top of a very seaworthy boat.
The Voyage 44 has more storage and space than most cruisers of its size and is known for behaving very well in choppy waters.
This catamaran does its job well while providing adequate space for cooking, sleeping, and living aboard.
If you are planning to sail around the world, you need to be very careful about which kind of catamaran you decide to use. Many of the things you want in a boat really comes down to personal preference, so be sure you know what design preferences you want before you start shopping!
The most important thing to consider when buying a catamaran is how much space and cargo you need because the larger the boats are, the bigger the payload it can handle. Decide how long you want the ship to be and how much you’re taking with you.
It’s vital not to overload a catamaran, this will reduce performance and increase risk of unwanted behavior in heavy seas.
Most catamarans have options for a “Maestro” cabin placement, where one entire hull is the master suite, and the other cabins are located on the opposite hull.
Is the cockpit on the boat you’re looking at covered or open? This can make a difference on the high seas, especially during rainy weather.
The size of the ship also can affect how many people you need as a crew. If you’re traveling by yourself or with one other person, you don’t want to buy a boat that needs a larger crew.
If you don’t want to spend the money on a brand new catamaran, I don’t blame you. Several of the ships on this list are out of production and can only be found used. However, for circumnavigation, you do want a boat of high quality to keep you safe and dry until you make it to your destination.
When buying a suitably used catamaran, it’s essential to look at the refit history of the boat more than the year it was made. Catamarans are sturdy, and the general design has been the same for at least the past decade.
If you find a newer, larger, cheaper boat, you should look into its history.
Your best bet to save money while buying a catamaran will be to buy an older, probably smaller boat with an excellent refit history and no serious issues. It will still be an investment, and a sturdy used catamaran will serve you well.
No matter which catamaran you decide to buy for your journey, you’ll be able to sail safely and comfortably. Catamarans are great yachts for long-distance sailing, and the ships on this list are the best of the best. These brands are time-tested and ready to accompany you on an adventure around the world!
Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it helpful as you hopefully start your sailing adventures. Here are some resources that I use as a sailor that I hope you’ll also find helpful. These are affiliate links, so if you do decide to use any of them, I’ll earn a commission. But in all honesty, these are the exact things that I use and recommend to everyone, even my own family. Sailboats: If you’re looking for the best boat to suit your needs, I would recommend a catamaran. If you’re interested, I can show you the differences between catamarans and other types of sailboats .
Books: For getting started, I really like Cruising catamarans made easy . It is actually a textbook from the American sailing association; it is used to get a cruising catamaran certification. There are some other great books, and I have compiled a list of books about cruising catamarans that you will find useful.
Communication: Being out on adventures, whether it be sailing or climbing mountains, good communications are essential to being safe. I recommend two things Google fi (incredibly simple cellular data all over the world) and Garmin inreach mini (for text and voice in remote areas without cell coverage)
Sailing courses: Online sailing courses are great for beginners starting out their sailing career; it’s an efficient way of learning the basics of navigation, throttle controls, and maritime safety. I suggest starting with two free courses from NauticEd .
To see all my most up-to-date recommendations, check out this resource that I made for you!
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!
I like the efforts you have put in this, regards for all the great content.
Thanks Elisabeth I really appreciate the kind words 🙂
I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Cool.
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Must-Have Boat Gear for Catamaran Sailors!
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2022 saw the Xquisite X5 named the Cruising World magazine's Best Cruising Catamaran of the year - yet again (it won the Best Multihull over 50ft award in 2017) . ... On average a 45-foot catamaran can range from US$250,000-US$1,000,000. The fully loaded Isla 40 costs around US$527,000. The Balance 42 sail away price fully cruise equipped ...
Best seller in the under 40-foot category. In 1994, the Athena 38 came in between the Tobago 35 and the Venezia 42, two boats whose design it echoed - rounded lines, pug-nosed bows and a coachroof extension. Although it remains relatively lightweight, it is slower than the builder's previous models.
Photo via Leopard Catamarans. Leopard is a catamaran brand that's been around longer than many, having launched its first 45 back in 1997. But they started with sailing catamarans and just began adding powercats a decade later; today there are three offerings in the power line at 40', 46', and 53'.
The 4.6 feature a solid fiberglass foredeck and lounge area that stays dry underway. Jon Whittle. At 40 feet, the Bali Catspace—the second of two boats from the brand entered in the 2022 BOTY contest—is the smallest offering in the Bali line, but judge Murphy found the open floor plan particularly alluring: "The living experience of being able to open up the back end of these cats so you ...
2024 Boat of the Year: Best Cruising Catamaran Under 50 Feet. Perhaps the most competitive category in this year's contest was this class of four cruising cats. Each nominee was decidedly different from the others. The state-of-the-art technologies that go into each Vision 444 run a lot deeper than their stately, head-turning, modern styling.
Here Are The Best Catamarans Under 50 Feet. Leopard 50. Price: Around $1 Million USD on the Used Market. ... Length Overall: 45 feet 3 inches Length, Waterline: 45 feet Beam overall: 24 feet 9 inches Draft: 4 feet 9 inches Full mainsail: 818 square feet Self-tacking jib: 409 square feet
The Future of Cruising. Unmatched Space and Performance: The Leopard 46 maintains the Leopard legacy of spacious, robust cruising catamarans with superior performance. Experience the best combination of interior volume and sailing capabilities in its class. Seamless Integration: Enjoy a fluid connection between the aft cockpit and saloon ...
Made by Fountaine Pajot, the Saona 47 is a luxury catamaran that is 45.7 feet (13.94 meters) long. Designed by Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design, it has received several industry and maritime awards, including SAIL magazine's award for the best multihull cruising boat (40-50 feet). Features
The result is telling on the water, as it should be for any best catamaran contender, where you can log easy miles: we clocked late 7s upwind, reached in the late 8s and regularly averaged 9 knots ...
The best performance cruising catamarans are the Manta 42, Dolphin 42, Leopard 48, and Fountaine Pajot Elba 45. The McConaghy MC50, Privilege 435, and Nautitech 441 are also impressive models. The best offer optimal performance and can sail a 250-mile voyage easily.
The best catamaran sailboats can easily clock 250-mile voyages, offer incredible performance, and have layouts that can be easily optimized for individuals, charter markets, and great accommodation. ... This is a very safe 45 feet catamaran that's not just comfortable but also very luxurious. The deck layout is centered on an amazing flybridge ...
Here Are Some Of The Best Catamarans Under 40 Feet. Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40. Price: From 350k to 450k For Sale On The Used Market. ... Power: 45 hp. Prout Escale 39 - Best Budget Option. Price: Around 150k For Sale On The Used Market. The Prout Escale 39 was built in Essex, United Kingdom, in 1991. This cruising beauty was created by two ...
This large, luxurious 45 foot yacht is one of the top of the line Lagoon catamarans. Great for a group of up to 6 guests looking for plenty of space for lounging and entertainment. Because of its size, our Lagoon 450 includes a hostess for the week. They will help the skipper sail and dock the yacht in addition to taking care of the cooking and ...
Lagoon 380. The long-time best-seller from the world leader in catamarans, with more than 1,000 produced over almost 20 years from 1999. With its characteristic vertical windows, the 380 and its ...
The Outremer 4x is a stable and comfortable high-speeding cruising catamaran that performs ocean crossings and confronts any weather with remarkable ease. Named the European Boat of the Year in 2017, this 48-foot (14.6 m) bluewater cruiser sails faster than wind speed and attains maximum cruising speeds of 20 knots.. The 4x is an upgrade of the extremely popular Outremer 45, thus retaining ...
Aquila 36: This beefy 36-footer is an outboard-powered, express-cruiser-style catamaran. Lagoon Seventy 8 Powercat: A spacious design, this vessel fits the volume of a 130-foot-long monohull into just 78 feet of length overall. Horizon PC68: This cat has a stable ride, long range, volume to spare and intriguing layout options.
A legendary model. Easy to handle whether a beginner or expert. The Outremer 45 is a 48 ft catamaran. Easy to control from the helm station, everything is within reach and the clear view over the four corners of the boat guarantees perfect maneuvers, even single-handed. With its narrow hulls and light weight, the feeling of gliding, well wedged ...
Based on this and the most important specifications, like displacement, sail area, length, etc., we made the chart below to get a good comparison of each catamaran's features. Bali 4.5 Catamaran by the Catana Group: 535,325 Euro | Lagoon 450 Catamaran: 502,474 Euro. Helia 44 by Fountaine Pajot: 515,940 Euro | Leopard 44 by Robertson & Caine ...
Catana 42. Lagoon 450F. Helia 44. Leopard 48. Nautitech 46 Fly. Catana 50. Lagoon 52. If you're on a tight budget but still want to enjoy the liveaboard lifestyle, the Leopard 40, Lucia 40, and Lagoon 400 are some of your best options. If you have a slightly higher budget to live up to your dream life aboard, let's see which of these catamarans ...
The Best Multihull Under 45 Feet: So said the CW judging panel in the 2013 Boat of the Year competition, regarding the Nautitech 441. But what makes this versatile platform so intriguing are the different helm set-ups. The 441 employs a single wheel, to starboard, ideal for solo sailors, while the 442 has a pair of helm stations aft.
Some of the fastest cruising catamarans include the Gunboat 68 (35 knots), Outremer 45 (25 knots), ORC50 (25 knots), FastCat 435 (20 knots), TS 42 (35 knots), and Lagoon 440 (20 knots). Yet, there are many more cats that can reach 35 knots safely. If you are interested in knowing about the fastest cruising catamarans, I have you covered.
How much is a 45 foot catamaran? 5 Great Options. By Richard. September 30, 2020. No Comments. Lagoon 450. Quick answer is $300,000 to $600,000. But you could also pay as much as $1 million for a fully loaded catamaran like La Vagabonde's brand new Outremer 45 or as little as $150,000 for a late 1990's Prout 45 or Leopard 45.
Take the Full-Size Cruiser 45 to 55 Feet fleet, with a quartet of extremely solid contenders across a wide range of price points and with different design briefs and objectives, ranging from versatile performance-style cruisers to a dedicated bluewater passagemaker. Decisions, decisions, decisions. At $550,000, the Bavaria C50 packed a lot of ...
The first time you spot them, those iridescent pearly islands rising out of the Indian Ocean, you get the hype. The Maldives is pure, unmitigated fantasy, a destination that's become synonymous with high-end resorts, with overwater villas that cascade down to a sea so clear you can see rainbow fish nudging about by your feet, razor-sharp butler service and high-end dining.
The best catamarans for sailing around the world include: Lagoon 42. The Fountaine Pajot Ipanema 58. Manta 42. Catana 50. Dolphin 42. Gunboat 62. These cats focus on speed, safety, and comfort for longer journeys. This article will show you the seventeen best catamarans for long journeys, and why they're the best.