luxury catamaran reviews

9 Best Luxury Cruising Catamarans: Buyer’s Guide

luxury catamaran reviews

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Have you decided to take the plunge and buy a catamaran? Then, why not go all out and get one of the most luxurious catamarans available? By selecting a top-tier catamaran with awesome performance , you can enjoy the ultimate combination of style, comfort, and functionality to create unforgettable memories with family and friends on the open seas.

The best luxury catamarans include the 80 Sunreef Power Eco, the Lagoon Sixty7, the Fountaine Pajot Power 67, the Saona 47, and the Gunboat 68. Other premium cruising catamarans are the Aquila 79, the MC90, and the Catana 53.

These cruising catamarans all fall into the ‘luxury’ category thanks to their outstanding passenger amenities and impressive sailing features. They are typically larger than mid-range catamarans and can cruise at incredible speeds. This article is the complete buyer’s guide to luxury catamarans. It explores the features of some of the best luxury cruising catamarans on the market today. 

80 Sunreef Power Eco

This beautiful vessel offers luxury with a conscience. At 80 feet (24.3 meters), it is a large vessel that has been specially designed to ensure eco-friendly sailing. It was launched in 2020, designed to ensure silent, vibration-free cruising that does not disturb the ocean it cruises over.

The 80 Sunreef Power Eco has luxurious amenities that have been designed with the environment in mind. Some of the most note-worthing features of this vessel include: 

  • A solar power system that covers up to 2152.8 square feet (200 meters square feet) of the vessel allows a large amount of energy production
  • An ultralight battery bank that allows for silent cruising 
  • A watermarking and purifying water system that can create drinking water
  • Made with a variety of eco-responsible finishing materials 
  • Room for five cabins with six heads 
  • A hydraulic aft platform 

The eco-friendly features of this vessel do not compromise its sailing capability. Some of the most important specifications of this cruising catamaran are: 

  • A beam of 29.4 feet (12 meters) 
  • Four fuel tanks; two with a capacity of 1056.7 gallons (4000 liters) and two with a capacity of 1585 gallons (6000 liters) 
  • Four main engines, two with 180kW and two with 360 kW 
  • Two water tanks, each with a capacity of 211 gallons (800 liters) 

The 80 Sunreef Power eco is fully customizable if you buy it new from SunreefYachtsEco.com. You can choose from a wide range of interior design options and finishing materials. 

LagoonSixty7

The Lagoon Sixty7 is a stunning vessel that has been called “ a high-end Manhattan apartment on the water.” It has been designed for long-distance cruising and has been especially popular in the Asia Pacific region . At just over 66 feet (20.15 meters), it has been recognized as a vessel that allows for ‘ affordable luxury .’ 

While it may be a bit more pocket-friendly than other luxury cruising catamarans, the Lagoon Sixty7 does not compromise its features. Some of the most enticing features of this vessel are: 

  • A wide, remote control operated swim platform that connects the two transforms 
  • The choice of a galley up or galley down version with a 385sqft (36sqm) saloon offering 360-degree views
  • A sunken lounge in front of the saloon offers comfortable lounging space 
  • A raised deck with room for lounging or storing furniture
  • High quality, solid joinery the offers plenty of storage space 
  • The choice between three flybridge layouts: Standard, Sunbathing, or Tribu
  • The option to choose between 4, 5, or 6 cabins with a separate cabin for crew 

The Lagoon Sixty7 also has a range of high-end sailing features that will appeal to every sailor. These include: 

  • A beam of 32.11 feet (10 meters) 
  • A draft of 3.9 feet (1.15 meters) 
  • A fuel capacity of 4 x 363 gallons (4 x 1375 litres) 
  • A water capacity of 2 x 132 gallons (2 x 500 litres) 
  • The ability to reach a maximum of 19 knots 

If you are interested in purchasing the Lagoon Sixty7 new, visit Lagoon.com . You can also check Yachtworld.com to find a used Lagoon Sixty7 to buy. 

Fountaine Pajot Power 67 

At 67 feet (20.4 meters) long, this power catamaran has lots of space that houses a range of luxurious amenities. This catamaran has received several positive industry reviews , with a particular focus on its design and its long-range sailing capability. Designed by Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design, this model is the flagship of Fountaine Pajot’s motor yacht range. 

The Fountaine Pajot Power 67 is customizable; owners can choose from a range of interior designs, finishing materials, and amount of cabins. Some of the stand-out features of the Fountaine Pajot Power 67 are: 

  • A 387.5 square feet (36 square meters) cockpit that houses a galley and plenty of sunbathing spots 
  • A 344.4 square foot (32 square meters) flybridge with direct access to the saloon 
  • A foredeck with an optional jacuzzi add on 
  • The choice to include an owner’s cabin with a dressing room, a private head, and a walk-in shower 
  • Option to choose between three or four cabins in addition to the owner’s cabin 

This catamaran’s sailing specifications and prowess are equally impressive. Some of the core specs include: 

  • A beam of 32.38 feet (9.84 meters) 
  • A draft of 3.80 feet (1.15 meters) 
  • A standard power of 2 x 300 HP 
  • An optional power of 2 x 435 HP 
  • Fuel capacity of 105.6 gallons (400 litres) 
  • A freshwater capacity of 277.4 gallons (1050 liters) 

To purchase a Fountaine Pajot Power 67 new, visit FountainePajot.com . At present, there are no used versions of the Fountaine Pajot Power 67 available. 

Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 

The Saona 47 is a 45.7 feet (13.94 meters) long luxury catamaran produced by Fountaine Pajot. It is an elegant model that has been designed by Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design, a team of naval architects that specialize in high-performance catamarans. It has received several industry awards for its performance. 

There are two versions of the Saona 47. The Maestro version has an owner’s suite with its bathroom, two double cabins, and two heads. Meanwhile, the Quintet version has four double cabins, one single cabin, and five heads. Other amenities and features that you will find aboard the Saona 47 include: 

  • A beach club on the rear platform 
  • A 96.9 square foot (9 square meters) lounge deck with plenty of spots for sunbathing 
  • A saloon with a galley that has premium equipment and joinery 
  • Excellent visibility from the helm 
  • A lift that can be converted into a swimming platform right above the water

Meanwhile, the sailing specifications of the Saona 47 include: 

  • A beam of 25.3 feet (7.7 meters) 
  • A draft of 3.9 feet (1.20 meters) 
  • Standard power of 2 x 50 HP and 2 x 50 CV 
  • Optional power of 2 x 60 HP and 2 x 60 CV 
  • A fuel capacity of 2 x 124 gallons (2 x 470 litres) 
  • A fresh water capacity of 2 x 92 gallons (2 x 350 litres) 

To buy a Saona 47 new, visit FountainePajot.com . To buy a used Saona 47, visit YachtWorld.com .

Gunboat catamarans are known for their ability to reach high speeds while maintaining incredible stability. Designers of the Gunboat 68 have used aerospace design technology and lightweight materials to create a stunning, high-end vessel. It has been engineered by VPLP, who are known as the fastest naval architects. 

The Gunboat 68 is 68 feet (20.75 meters) long, which allow space for a range of amenities, including: 

  • An all-carbon composite frame that makes the Gunboat super lightweight and, therefore more easy to maneuver
  • A semi-customizable layout that allows owners to put their stamp on the vessels 
  • A galley located on the bridge deck with wrap-around countertops, and an integrated gas oven 
  • An aft cockpit with the option to add on a BBQ grill, an ice maker, or a drinks fridge 
  • The opportunity to choose between four, five, or six cabins with en-suite heads 
  • A central helm that allows for easy access to the crew as well as passenger facilities 
  • Furniture in the saloon and aft cockpit can be easily detached, which will enable you to change the interior design relatively easy 

One of the most enticing sailing features of the Gunboat 68 is its speed. Depending on the wind power, it can reach up to 30 knots . Other sailing specifications of the Gunboat 68 include: 

  • A bridge deck clearance of 3.3 feet (1 meter) 
  • A fuel capacity of 2 x 100 gallons (2 x 378 litres) 
  • A water capacity of 2 x 100 gallons (2 x 378 litres) 
  • A draft up of 3.90 feet (1.20 meters) 

If you’re interested in buying the Gunboat 68 new, visit Gunboat.com . These vessels are also available second-hand – visit Yachtworld.com to see if there are any used ones available.

St Francis 50 

St Francis Catamarans produce artisanal catamarans that are customized to suit the needs of each unique owner. The St Francis 50 is the flagship catamaran of the brand and is an elegant, luxury vessel. 

Some of the most enticing features of the St Francis 50 are: 

  • A bridge deck that is 32 feet (9.8 meters) above the water reduces wave slapping 
  • A cockpit that has been designed to have extra weather protection 
  • A spacious aft deck with stairs that lead to the foredeck, creating plenty of sunbathing and walking space 
  • Four cabins with plenty of storage space 
  • Each cabin has an attached head with a shower and vanity cabinets 
  • A U-shaped galley with room for a three burden stove and lots of prep counters. The galley also has a fridge, a chest freezer, and a dish dryer.
  • A navigation station with a built-in table and drawers 
  • A built-in retractable swimming ladder 

In addition to these core features, owners can choose their own interior design elements such as countertop finishes, layouts, and wood grains. 

The St Francis 50 has an overall length of 50 feet (15.25 meters). Other sailing specifications include: 

  • A maximum beam of 26.3 feet (8 meters) 
  • A draft of 4.2 feet (1.25 meters)
  • Capacity for 232 gallons (880 litres) 
  • A total water capacity of 360 gallons (1350 liters) 
  • A bridge deck clearance of 2.8 feet (0.85 metres) 

To purchase the St Francis 50, lodge an inquiry on StFrancisCatamrans.com . 

The Catana 53 is the latest catamaran in the Catana range of vessels. Launched in 2019, it is a 53 feet (16.2 meters) long ship packed with enticing features and luxurious amenities. Industry reviews applaud the Catana 53 for being both fast but also easy to handle. 

The Catana 53 has been designed in-house by the expert Catana team and relied on Marc Lombard as an external consultant. Noteworthy features of the Catana 53 include: 

  • An ample bridge deck clearance allows passengers to be comfortable even when the catamaran is traveling at high speeds 
  • The cockpit and the saloon are on the same level making for an extended lounge area with a relaxing day bed 
  • The saloon features an L-shaped settee that extends into the outdoor dining area, creating an open space concept 
  • Three, four, or five-cabin versions available 
  • Cabins filled with convenient features including a desk, mirrors, background LEDs, attached heads, and beautiful views of the sea beyond 
  • A large galley with an island countertop and a wine fridge 
  • Curved daggerboards that allow more room inside the hull 
  • Built with foam and carbon fiber that makes for a stable, but light vessel 
  • A built-in autopilot system, with a secondary autopilot control at the interior navigation desk 

The Catana 53’s sailing specifications make it an excellent choice for avid sailors. The specs include: 

  • A beam of 28.38 feet (8.65 meters) 
  • A draft up of 4.69 feet (1.43 meters) 
  • Engines with 2 x 60 CV or 2 x 60 HP 
  • Fuel capacity of 227 gallons (860 liters) 
  • A freshwater capacity of 211 gallons (800 liters) 

The Catana 53 is available for purchase from Catana.com . 

McConaghy 90

The McConaghy 90 or the MC90 is a massive catamaran. As its name suggests, it’s 90 feet (27.4 meters) long. It has been designed by Jason Ker , a designer with over 20 years of experience designing premium yachts. 

Thanks to its size, it is equipped with all the amenities you would expect to find in a luxurious home. Some of the stand-out features of the MC90 include: 

  • Space for five cabins plus separate cabin space for the crew
  • Individual seating and dining areas in the cockpit which flow into the interior areas
  • A well-equipped galley and multiple dining areas make this catamaran the perfect location for a party
  • The ability for owners to customize the interior design and the color of external design features such as the topsides, the pilothouse, and the sofas
  • Interior constructed with hand-painted surfaces and lightweight, premium wood 
  • Each catamaran has a Bureau Veritas classification for bluewater sailing 
  • Glass panels in the hulls and saloon add to the open floor plan 

The size of the MC90 does not slow her down. This catamaran can reach over 20 knots. Other necessary specifications of the MC90 include: 

  • A beam of 40.4 feet (12.3 meters)
  • An engine power of 2 x 220 HP 
  • A fuel tank capacity of 792.5 gallons (3000 liters) 
  • A freshwater capacity of 264.2 gallons (1000 liters) 

The MC90 is built on demand; register your interest on McConaghyBoats.com if you’re interested in purchasing one! 

Aquila 70 Luxury Power Catamaran 

This Aquila 70 is another large vessel that is the crowning catamaran of the Aquila range. It has carried forward some of the earlier Aquila models’ most popular features and has also included innovations based on customer feedback. 

The Aquila 70 boasts plush, versatile interiors. Some of the features of the Aquila 70 are: 

  • A large master suite with designer furnishings, intelligent appliances, and panoramic windows 
  • Aft with comfortable seating, a large beach area, and a swim ladder
  • Access to the foredeck from the flybridge creating more spaces for lounging 
  • High bridge deck clearance allows for comfortable sailing even at high speeds
  • Carbon fiber construction allowing for lightweight sailing
  • Plenty of different spaces for entertaining, including the Skydeck and the saloon 
  • Flexibility to choose between 4,5 and 6 cabins 

The Aquila 70 is a power catamaran, which means that it can travel at extremely high speeds. It can reach 27 knots when the optional engines are running. Other sailing specifications of this catamaran include: 

  • A draft of 4.8 feet (1.45 meters) 
  • A water capacity of 412 gallons (1560 liters) 
  • A fuel capacity of 1447.7 gallons (5480 liters) 
  • A draft of 4.9 feet (1.45 meters) 

The Aquia 70 is available for custom order on Aquilaboats.com .

Conclusion 

If you are planning on buying a catamaran, why not opt for one of the most luxurious ones available? If you’re after large, impressive vessels, consider the MC90, the 80 Sunreef Power Eco, and the Gunboat 68. If you’d like a slightly smaller but equally luxurious catamaran, take your pick from the Lagoon Sixty7, the Fountaine Pajot Power 67, and the Catana 53. You may also wish to consider the St Francis 50 and the Saona 47. 

The next step in your catamaran finding journey is to contact the dealers and take a few of them out for a trial run. 

  • AquilaBoats: Power Catamaran 70
  • BoatDB: Best Luxury Catamaran Brands 
  • BoatSales; Top 10 Catamaran Makes 
  • CrusingWorld: St Francis 50 
  • CataLagoon: Sixty7 
  • Catana: Catana 53 
  • Catamarans: Saona 47
  • FountainePajot: Power 67 
  • Gunboat: Gunboat68 
  • Katamrans: Gunboat 68 
  • Katamrans: St Francis 50 
  • Katamarans: Catana 53  
  • KerDesgin: Ker Yacht Design 
  • Luxuo: Lagoon Sixty7 Powercat Review
  • McConaghyBoats: McConaghy 90 MultiHullsSolutions: Award Winning Catamaran 
  • MultiHullsSolutions: St Francis 50 Boat Review 
  • MultihullsWorld: Lagoon Sixty7 Almost Affordable Luxury 
  • PassageMaker: Top Cats 
  • SailMagazine: 10 Great Cruising Cats
  • StFrancisCatamarans: Overview 
  • SunreefYachts: 80 Sunreef Power Eco 
  • YachtWorld: Lagoon Boats for Sale 
  • YachtWorld: Gunboat 68 

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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The best bluewater multihulls of all time: a complete guide

  • Toby Hodges
  • October 6, 2021

Toby Hodges and François Tregouet consider the best bluewater multihulls and look at the options for sailing the oceans in spacious comfort

luxury catamaran reviews

What are the best bluewater multihulls for long term cruising? The one you own, or the one you can afford is the simple answer.

There is a wealth of proven designs to suit bluewater sailing and a variety of budgets. While we have focussed here on the best bluewater multihulls in production, we’ve also included some cracking pedigree multihulls which tour the planet and might occasionally pop up on the brokerage market.

If you can afford to, then pushing towards the 45-50ft length will buy you space, pace and that extra payload capacity needed to take all the items you’d want on your home afloat.

When looking at the best bluewater multihulls, the choice will come down to that perennial balance between comfort/space and speed/weight. Choosing a lighter weight performance design will obviously help you cover distance voyages more rapidly and potentially allow you to outrun weather systems. It means you can sail faster, with less sail up and less load and stress. But you’ll have to sacrifice some luxuries and need to be quite scrupulous about keeping weight down and centralised in order to maintain high average speeds.

For the majority of cruisers, however, it is the amount of space multihulls offer once you’ve reached your destination that really appeals. As well as the non-heeling living area and real estate they provide, they’re well suited to typical tradewind sailing .

If you’re considering your first or next multihull, we hope the following will serve as a taster.

Best bluewater multihulls for performance cruising

Outremer 51/55.

When you think of multihulls designed for bluewater cruising, Outremer will likely be one of the first names that comes to mind. Its heritage lies in building catamarans that can sail fast and are built strong enough to do laps of the globe.

The 51, the current version of which launched three years ago, is an archetypal example of what to look for in terms of blending speed and space is a dream design for a family circumnavigation.

The French yard’s new 55ft VPLP design may look boldly different from its past models, but the philosophy behind it remains the same. It is designed to match windspeed up to 12 knots and Outremer reasons that its ability to sail in 5 knots of breeze will allow it to sail for 95% of the time on a circumnavigation.

Read more about the Outremer 51 and Outremer 55.

luxury catamaran reviews

Photo: Diego Yriarte

Seawind 1600/1370

For nearly four decades the Australian Seawind brand and its founder Richard Ward have been gearing catamarans around safe bluewater sailing, including performance, protection and ease of handling. Its Reichel Pugh-designed 1600, which launched three years ago, is an elegant looking cat with relatively low, long lines and some smart solutions for fast bluewater sailing.

Seawind also launches its new 1370 later this year, a staggering 60 of which have sold on plans alone.

This first 50 is built from a composite sandwich of basalt fibre, a cloth made from volcanic rock, and PET foam from recycled plastic bottles, which helps to reduce carbon emissions by nearly 50% when compared with traditional glassfibre methods.

This new 50 footer is perhaps a more appealing and practical prospect than Rapido’s previous 60 (with its significant fixed beam), particularly as the amas on this new model can fold to reduce beam to 18ft.

Infused carbon foam sandwich construction is used, along with beams, daggerboards and rudder in pre-preg carbon to keep displacement to 8,200kg.

Read more about the Rapido 50

This OC50 is designed as a more affordable cruising alternative, than the HH models which have preceeded it. This model targets ocean sailing.

It’s still stiffened and strengthened by carbon, but built in vinylester composites with a gelcoat finish. This adds an additional 300kg or so over a full carbon HH50, but cost savings are in the region of $400,000.

Read more about the HH OC50

Balance 526

The 526 launched four years ago, designed to suit short-handed sailors and families looking to sail long distances, hence it can carry large payloads and promises easy maintenance. It looks good too.

Berman’s Versahelm design is a key feature. The wheel cantilevers, allowing the helmsman to steer from outboard with clear sightlines or from the hardtop protection of the aft cockpit.

luxury catamaran reviews

Photo: Christopher White

Atlantic 47

The A47 suits short-handed fast ocean sailing at an approachable size. Lengthening it to 49ft allowed for an aft cockpit. It is available as a sloop or with White’s patented MastFoil ketch rig – rotating aerofoil masts designed for easy short-handed cruising without sacrificing performance.

Read more about the Atlantic 47

A combination of sharp design from François Perus and high build quality brings plenty of appeal to this sporty Italian-built cat. The first example launched three years ago with a light displacement of 10.5 tonnes, thanks to an E-glass epoxy-infused build with carbon strengthening. The yard offers semi-custom construction and full hybrid packages.

Catana 53/Ocean class 50

Catana’s performance model from 2017, sports twin aft helms (which may not suit ocean sailors), reverse bows and carbon daggerboards. The high topsides help create good bridgedeck clearance and plenty of accommodation. Its new Ocean Class 50 seems more in the shipyard’s bluewater DNA. The light weight, and dynamic and modern shape with slim hulls and a relatively short nacelle suggests a seaworthy nature and high speeds.

Read more about the Catana 53

Best bluewater multihulls for pedigree performance

Veteran multihull designers Morrelli & Melvin designed this smaller model for the Gunboat range. It was built to be more manageable for an owner-driver yet still capable of up to 300-400 mile days.

The Gunboat 48 is something of a rare breed, just six 48s were built between 2004 and 2009. Oh, to have a spare €1.3m right now… one of them is actually on the market.

Read more about the Gunboat 48

At the start of the Millennium, Catana offered fully equipped boats as standard for long distance cruising. The Catana 471 or 472 (one or two helms respectively), represented at the time the optimum in ocean-going catamarans.

Chincogan/Lightwave

Tony Grainger has been drawing fast multihulls for 35 years, including racing trimarans and the Lightwave and Chincogan cruisers. The popular Lightwave 38 has admirable performance and comfort, and the Chincogan 52 (pictured) has the length to clock high average speeds.

Outremer 45 G. Danson

With its characteristic roof, narrow hulls and daggerboards, the Outremer 45 is a standout design which has become somewhat iconic. Despite a rather spartan interior, it has been a great success with fast cruising enthusiasts. On board, family ocean crossings at an average of 10 knots are the norm.

Best bluewater multihulls for family cruising

luxury catamaran reviews

Photo: Nicolas Claris

The Lagoon 450 remains the most popular model in Lagoons already popular range. It exemplifies the VPLP/Nauta design partnership which has made these the very definition of modern mid-size cruising catamarans which can appeal to families and charterers alike.

Indeed the 450 marked the modern look of Lagoon and was the first with interior styling from Nauta. It originally launched over a decade ago as a flybridge design with central helming position (450F), before this ‘sport top’ option (450S) was offered with a starboard helm station and lower boom.

Read more about the Lagoon 450

luxury catamaran reviews

Photo: Guilain Grenier

Fountaine Pajot Saona 47

The 47 has a modern shape, with straight bows and a reverse sheer line. It incorporates significant volume in the hulls below the bridgedeck to create room for the optional athwartships cabins. Cabin space is a prime selling point, particularly the owner’s suite to port, where there is also abundant natural light and headroom.

luxury catamaran reviews

Photo: Tui Marine

Leopard Catamarans, together with designer Simonis Voogd and builder Robertson and Caine, produce the archetypal dual-purpose owner-operator or charter boat in their modern catamaran range.

Key features of the 45 are the amount of light in the saloon and the incredible volume and space on offer in the cabins above the relatively narrow waterlines. Vast social living areas include the flybridge, saloon and dual cockpits.

Read more about the Leopard 45

luxury catamaran reviews

Photo: www.jfromero.fr

Nautitech Open/Fly 46

During the 1990s and noughties Nautitech earned a good reputation for its elegant catamarans. The 441 is a timeless example and the 44 can be credited with the ongoing trend in hardtop biminis. While its acquisition by Bavaria seven years ago helped Nautitech implement industrial build techniques, the French brand has retained its DNA at its Rochefort sur Mer yard.

The modern Marc Lombard designs have tall rigs with generous square-top mainsails. Twin wheels in the aft quarters of the Open 46 offer a direct feel on the helm, however those spending long periods in the tropics may prefer the shade of the bimini-equipped flybridge option. The layout is also open, with a saloon more outside than in. Styling is clean, modern and simple, and the standard of build and finish are good.

luxury catamaran reviews

Photo: Olivier Blanchet

First impressions of the Neel 51 are sure to centre on its sheer size and space inside. But as you’ll see from our review of the Neel 43 on page 83, when you sail one overriding impressions quickly centre on its performance.

These trimarans are becoming a popular mass production-built option.

luxury catamaran reviews

Photo: Christophe Launay

The Excess 11 packs plenty of potential as the smallest yacht offered by the big production yards. A little like the Lagoon 380 of old, it presents a good value new entry-level boat for genuine cruising in a more sporty, modern and enticing design. Some may argue against aft helms for ocean sailing, but those coming from monohulls will appreciate the more direct steering they offer.

Broadblue 385S

Broadblue is a UK brand which offers a distinct line of cruising and Rapier performance catamarans. Its staple 385 packs a lot of cruising comfort into its length, including generous tankage, and has been sailed all over the world. Broadblue built its first electric drive catamaran 12 years ago and offers the only all-electric production sailing catamaran under 40ft in Europe.

luxury catamaran reviews

Photo: Christophe Breschi

Bali Catspace

For those looking for maximum volume within 40ft, it’ll be hard to beat the Catspace – although it is more of a holiday apartment than a traditional bluewater cruiser. Bali’s garage style sliding aft door does help offer an enormous amount of enclosed (or open) living space.

Best bluewater multihulls for luxury cruising

luxury catamaran reviews

Photo: Nico Krauss

Privilège 510 Signature

The 510 is designed to take a serious amount of cruising gear – up to six tonnes of it in fact. The excellent helm station now has a fixed windscreen and all lines lead to hand. Finish quality including the electrical installation is first class and Privilege’s trademark, an admirable full beam (26ft) forward cabin, is sumptuous.

luxury catamaran reviews

Photo: Jérôme Houyvet

Garcia Explocat 52

Garcia Yachts has cornered the market for series-built aluminium monohulls and multihulls in the last decade and this new Explocat 52 is sparking real interest. We ran a full test report in our February issue, describing it as a go-anywhere cat with an enticing combination of space, pace and rugged construction.

Read our review of the Garcia Explocat 52

Built in Argentina, the Antares 44 is the ultimate evolution of a model launched 21 years ago. Entirely dedicated to bluewater cruising, it is the yard’s only model and is constantly being improved according to owner feedback.

Time seems to have no hold on this boatyard and, against the trend, the standard equipment of the Antares 44 is extremely complete

luxury catamaran reviews

Photo: Richard Langdon

Discovery Bluewater 50

This luxury Bill Dixon design may be a decade old now and into its third iteration, but the concept behind its original appeal remains. For those used to sailing high-end thoroughbred monohulls, here is an option to consider for a comparative level of build quality and fit out when moving to a multihull.

Read more about the Discovery Bluewater 50

St Francis 50 MKII

With this latest version of its original model, this experienced South African builder has optimised a catamaran cut out for the unforgiving seas of the Indian Ocean and the South Atlantic. The MKII allows for an increased load capacity, an important point in long distance cruising.

Xsquisite X5

Intelligent features on the X5 include the protected helm station with glass windscreen, integrated rainwater catcher, UV-protective glass and generous tankage.

Best bluewater multihulls for size & speed

Mcconaghy mc52.

The MC50 (now MC52) was the first and promises some high speed sailing, but it’s the open plan main living deck which will attract the majority. It incorporates an intelligent centreboard system, which hardly affects interior space, but arguably its exposed helms at the aft end of the flybridge will not suit serious ocean cruising.

luxury catamaran reviews

Photo: Florian H. Talles

HH in Xiamen is building some really impressive large, luxury fast cats up to 90ft. This was its second model to launch, a high-end, high performance Morelli & Melvin design capable of rapid passagemaking speeds and enjoyable regatta sailing. Features include C-shaped boards and central or aft helms.

luxury catamaran reviews

Photo: Mike Jones/Waterline Media

Ocean Explorer 60

If Nautor’s Swan made catamarans, they may look like this… The Ocean Explorer 60 uses the same designer in German Frers and some of the same builders who worked at the famous Finnish yard to produce this world cruiser. The resultant quality shines through. A new OE72 is due soon.

Kinetic KC54

A young company with plenty of experience, Kinetic produces custom fast ocean cruisers, which can occasionally race. Its 62 is a serious performance vessel with carbon hulls, rigs and rigging, daggerboards or centreboards. With fast bluewater cruising the goal, carbon is used to minimise weight so features/toys can still be added. The swim platform and hardware on the newly launched 54 weighs just 90kg, and the generous sized tanks are all in carbon too. Views from the saloon and forward cockpit also look special.

Best bluewater multihulls for ultimate performance

Marsaudon ts4/orc 42.

Few catamaran builders produce genuine performance cruisers at this ‘smaller’ size: this one is kept minimalist and light weight (around 6 tonnes) – the yard’s philosophy is ‘simplicity, then add lightness.’ The 42 is a cruiser-racer with the ability to outpace most yachts across the Atlantic, win a regatta and still offer some space for island hopping. Standard tankage is minimal however. Marsaudon recently rebranded its TS range to Ocean Rider Catamarans (ORCs) and has an ORC 57 in build.

Dazcat 1495

Dazcat builds fast, seaworthy cats from its Multihull Centre in Cornwall. The 1495 is a true ocean cruiser-racer, which is stiff and rewarding to sail, with direct steering linked to carbon rudders. The 1495 can hit 20+ knot speeds with relative ease, but it is the consistent high average speeds which will attract those looking to cover serious miles. Weight is centralised including engines, tanks, and systems all located amidships to help reduce pitching. Dazcat has a semi-custom build approach and creates all sorts of weird and wonderful craft for all abilities.

Dragonfly 40

Dragonfly trimarans are known for their high quality construction and ability to delight sailors with their ease of planing speeds. For those who can live without the space of similar length cats, the new flagship 40 is large enough to offer cruising space, while folding outriggers and retractable appendages mean you can dry out where others wouldn’t dare.

Looping 45/Freydis 48

These two designs by Erik Lerouge both offer a high-performance vision of ocean cruising. The Loopings were built individually and the Freydis in small series, and on both you can sail as fast as the wind in complete safety. Interior quality depends on whether finished by an amateur or by a shipyard.

Swisscat 48

An attractive combination of luxury, comfort and performance, the S48 is a stiff, go-anywhere premium cat that is easy to manage single-handed. The lightweight build (11t) is in epoxy infusion with carbon reinforcement.

Schionning Designs

Jeff Schionning has catamaran design in his blood. His designs exude performance and seaworthiness with flowing, even aerodynamic lines. On all tradewind routes you’ll find a G-Force (models from 12m to 23m) or an Arrow (12m to 15m) sailing more quickly than the rest. His latest venture is with Current Marine in Knysna, South Africa.

Best bluewater multihulls for pedigree cruising

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 big brother the 410 made the purists scream when they were presented. But the 380 proved a pioneer of its kind. Safe bow volumes and light displacement (7,260 kg) helped its seaworthy behaviour. The high number of boats on the market makes this the most affordable bluewater cruising multihull for its size, even if price range is as wide as condition is variable.

Casamance 44/46

Between 44ft and 46ft depending on the year of construction and the length of its transoms, the Casamance was an impressive catamaran on launch in 1985. The design by Joubert/Nivelt offered good volume and load capacity. Of the 490 units produced, many joined the charter fleets. The exterior of the Casamance is dated, but the interior in grey ceruse oak has retained plenty of charm.

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12 Best Catamaran Sailboats

Best Catamaran Sailboats | Life of Sailing

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

December 28, 2023

The appeal of the catamaran sailboats in terms of speed , stability, and the ability to embark on long-range cruising has made them hugely popular with today's sailors. But what are the best catamaran sailboats?

Even though catamaran sailboats have become increasingly popular in the last few years, they have a truly rich legacy as one of the most sought after vessels for bluewater cruising.

Thanks to their incredibly wide beams and bigger daft, catamarans have become remarkably favorable for sailors looking to go for long-distance voyages, overnight cruising, and day sailing.

And if space is paramount for you when out there on the water, a catamaran sailboat is the only way to go as they offer extraordinary space to allow you to spend more time on the water with friends and family.

But even with all these amazing features, you're probably still wondering; what are the best catamaran sailboats?

Like their monohull counterparts, choosing the best catamaran sailboat can be quite overwhelming since there are lots of them out there. They come in a wide variety of designs and sizes ranging from small catamarans to huge ones.

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. In essence, the best catamaran sailboats offer respectable performance and offer good load-carrying ability.

That being said, here are some of the best catamaran sailboats that you can get your hands on.

Table of contents

Best Catamarans

{{boat-info="/boats/manta-42"}}

Even though many multihulls are no longer built in the United States these days, the Manta 42 is a true American-built catamaran that brings good living and good value into one package. Designed cleverly for easy handling, this American built catamaran is a great choice for a liveaboard cruiser for sailors looking to go for long-distance voyages. Thanks to its trademark high bows and an enormously curved incorporated forward crossbeam, this catamaran is easily recognizable even from a distance.

It is designed with a uniquely fixed crossbeam, which is very different from conventional aluminum cross beams that support the tension of the forestay. This fixed crossbeam allows for a little bit of movement thereby helping in absorbing enormous twisting forces of the bows. As such, you have to keep in mind that there may be resultant stress crack particularly in the bow area of the vessel.

All in all, the Manta 42 is a superb offshore cruising catamaran that offers a good sail-area-to-displacement ratio as well as plenty of space and accommodation. The cockpit area is refined, luxurious, and is designed with additional stainless pushpit contraptions to help in holding objects such as wind vanes, dinghies, and solar panels. The boat's quality in terms of performance and stability is the benchmark of what a catamaran should be.

Fountaine Pajot Elba 45

{{boat-info="/boats/fountaine-pajot-elba-45"}}

Recently named the "Boat of the Year" for 2019 by Cruising World Magazine and Sail Magazine, the Elba 45 is the latest model in the incredible line of Fountaine Pajot catamarans. This boat was designed to replace the outgoing Helia 44 and stands to be one of the most popular catamarans with Fountain Pajot having sold over 100 Elba 45 hulls long before even the first one emerged from production.

This French-built cat brings to the fore a well-thought-out, safe, and dependable features with 10% less drag, efficient motoring, top-notch performance, and high speeds. It's also designed with fixed stub keels and slightly aft-raked bows, which are all essential in enhancing windward performance; something that most catamarans struggle with.

To improve on safety, the keels of this amazing catamaran sailboat are glued into a particularly designed recess in the hulls. This is to ensure that there are no keel bolts that can rip out and put the boat in danger if the boat gets grounded or in the event of a collision. The rig is also ICW friendly and is a true representation of a standard catamaran setup.

This is, without a doubt, a modern-looking cruising catamaran that has a low-profile lounging space on its deck, high topsides and bows as well as a more pronounced reverse sheer that's essential in minimizing the bulk of the windows while creating additional and useful volume below. This is a true catamaran that occupies a sweet spot for those looking to sail along the bay or for those adventurous sailors looking to set sail for more ambitious offshore cruising plans.

{{boat-info="/boats/leopard-48"}}

With its fine design, straightforward systems, and easy handling, the Leopard 48 has everything it needs to be ranked among the distinguished category of the best catamaran sailboats. This is an excellent multihull that is structured with advanced materials, designs, and innovations that are meant to be fun, spacious, and comfortable.

Designed in South Africa by Simonis-Voogd, is probably the best design in the Leopard family of catamarans. Its two hulls are vacuum-bagged using balsa core to offer maximum firmness while ensuring that the weight is on the minimum. This is done by articulately regulating the level of resin in the layup. With such types of hull shapes, this catamaran sailboat is very fast and can consistently clock 12 knots of speed against the currents.

The boat is also designed with shallow keels as they're filled with closed-cell polyurethane foam that's of great importance in increasing buoyancy and preventing water ingress. To enhance the safety of the vessel, the stern and bow both have bulkheads that are essential in keeping out that water if the sailboat is involved in a collision.

The hulls of this boat are deep and narrow, particularly below the waterline. They also curve higher up to practically reduce the wetted surface area while offering enough deck space and plenty of room for accommodations. Its cockpit is another excellent feature thanks to its lavish spaces that give you the chance of kicking back and relaxing.

This boat is designed to offer superior livability, quick and easy to handle features, as well as enough space for friends and family. It is designed with beautiful lines and immense practicality for those who want to go on long cruising voyages.

Antares 44i

While many people often believe that voluminous cruising catamarans should be used as charter boats, the Antares 44i brings a very different perspective altogether. Designed in Argentina as a complete bluewater catamaran, this is a boat that's specifically built for private boat owners looking for a sturdy and well-equipped bluewater cruiser. This is an absolutely gorgeous catamaran that has a fully-equipped cockpit just to ensure that you can safely operate it even when shorthanded.

Like most catamarans, the Antares 44i is designed with features that allow for long-distance voyages. It comes with a minimum bridge deck clearance of 30 inches, which is essential in mitigating bridge deck slap. The helm station is designed to offer excellent visibility over the coach roof without having to perch the helmsman high above the cockpit.

If you're planning to make those long-distance cruising to exotic places, you'll appreciate this boat's layout. The galley is put down in the port hull so that it doesn't compromise the size of the galley and the saloon. The forward-facing navigation station is up there with the best and is up to offshore standards. And that's not all; the Antares 44i comes with good mounting points for electronics, a large table, comfortable seats, and provides brilliant visibility outside.

This boat is perfectly suited for extended offshore cruising and is a great reminder for anyone who thinks that all catamarans are charter boats and all offshore boats are monohulls.

{{boat-info="/boats/dolphin-ocema-42"}}

Designed by Philipe Pouvreau in northern Brazil, the Dolphin Ocema 42 is a truly unique catamaran sailboat that goes against the conventional norm of catamarans. It is equipped with daggerboards, which are essential in enabling it to point higher on the wind while reducing the wetted surface when running or anchoring in shallow surfaces. This, however, requires a higher level of expertise in sailing. This is because lifting the daggerboards higher up will expose the rudders while the daggerboards can also interfere with the hulls in the event that the vessel runs aground.

But even with that, the Dolphin 42 balances incredible performance and cruising comfort in a very compact package; something that is not very easy in bluewater cruising. That's why it's designed using a foam core to make it lightweight by reducing weight wherever possible. This vessel will most likely never let you down if you want to circumnavigate the bluewater on a high-performance boat that is safe and comfortable.

So if you've been looking for a real sailing catamaran that doubles up as a very comfortable liveaboard sailboat , look no further than the Dolphin 42.

{{boat-info="/boats/catana-50"}}

Regarded as the best built and most stylish cruising multihull, the Catana 50 is a very huge catamaran sailboat. Measuring about 50 feet long with a beam of about 26 feet, this is an amazing catamaran that will test your sailing skills as a single sailor or if you're planning to sail shorthanded.

This boat is designed with a rig that gives you the option of using either a screecher or a self-tending jib. This may seem complex since the sheets are led to winches near each wheel while all other controls lead to a centerline winch that's located in the cockpit. But even with that, this sailboat can be easily tacked once on the course.

This is a real performance-oriented catamaran with efficient hulls and rigs allowing for top speed. This vessel is also designed with a long waterline and a subtle underwater shape at the bow to help in increasing volume while minimizing wave drag. The stern platforms can help in stretching the waterline length while also providing easy access from a dock or a dinghy. The board trunks are also very strong and sturdy to protect the integrity of the hulls if a collision occurs.

In essence, this is a very modern catamaran that's designed to safely make long-distance passages with ease. It is subdued in terms of styling but this doesn't mean that it falls short as far as performance is concerned.

Atlantic 42

{{boat-info="/boats/atlantic-42"}}

Designed in 1993, the A42 has cultivated a legion of fiercely loyal fans thanks to its efficiency and aesthetic. This is the smallest of the Atlantic cruising catamaran line and is hugely popular with sailors thanks to its ease of handling, ocean-going capabilities, and superb use of space. From the forward cockpit, pilothouse to the sleeping cabins, and brilliant galleys everything about this cat is a true classic.

Unlike most catamarans, the Atlantic 42 is designed with a waist-high cockpit that's located forward of the pilothouse just behind the mast. It brings forth a solid construction thanks to the large metal girder-like bearers that run across the bulkheads. This helps the vessel in having the utmost strength, better air circulation under the engine, and a high level of flexibility as far as the size of the engine and its positioning is concerned.

Initially, the boat's style and its outlook were considered conservative but it soon became clear that it is built of high-quality materials and to last. The internal construction of the boat is impressive, to say the least. The exterior looks very beautiful and perhaps much more beautiful than most boats today. Its large aft cabin accommodation is a top drawer while the space separating en suite heads and shower compartments are considered a bonus.

{{boat-info="/boats/fountaine-pajot-bahia-46"}}

If you were to board the French-built Fountaine Pajot Bahia 46, you'll agree that the high-quality of workmanship, layout, and efficient use of space is quite exciting, to say the least. This cat remains very popular among sailors thanks to its easy handling features and incredible performance under the sails. Well, this may not come as a surprise to many of us given that the Fountain Pajot is known for building some of the most remarkable cruising catamarans out there that it can be quite overwhelming to narrow down to a single vessel, but the Bahia 46 simply stands out.

This vessel is designed with hulls that are broader than those of many other catamarans. It's also designed with centerboards and daggerboards that are meant to enhance its performance. These are essential in minimizing draft while ensuring reliability, generous bilge, and in helping to protect the rudders and propellers.

This boat is big enough to manage any type of serious offshore sailing. This is one of the best cruising catamarans for anyone looking for the right vessel for long-distance sailing. This vessel has a very more generous rig than most cruising catamarans, which is essential in enhancing its performance. The six-post Bimini is very strong and clean and can perfectly hold dinghies.

In terms of its look, the Bahia 36 is designed with gorgeous lines with the deck and hulls sculpted with lines that add a touch of elegance to the overall look of an already excellent catamaran sailboat.

Gemini 105MC

{{boat-info="/boats/gemini-105mc"}}

Whether you're looking for a comfortable catamaran vessel to take you for a weekend sailing trip or a long sabbatical vacation on the oceans, the Gemini 105MC is a very satisfactory liveaboard catamaran vessel that offers spacious accommodation, thoughtful design, and a stable cruising platform for anyone who wants to have some good time on the water.

Designed by the legendary Tony Smith, this is somewhat a sailing cottage. Like a land cottage, it is cozy, comfortable, and very safe. This is essentially a 35 feet catamaran that offers great value for any sailing looking for a reasonably-priced catamaran sailboat for the weekend or holiday cruising.

This boat is designed with incredibly slim hulls, which are teardrop-shaped with flat bottoms and smaller wetted surface area. This is to ensure that drag is minimized and to lead to more leeway under sail. Each of the boat's hull is designed with a kick-up centerboard is of great importance in enhancing the vessel's windward pointing capability. This boat also has its rudders raised to enable it to seamlessly cruise in shallow waters where most vessels would otherwise run aground.

The eccentric narrow beam, which measures about 40% of the boat's length, is very different from today's 50%. However, its low center helps in keeping its stable, upright, and of course, safe.

Lagoon 450 F

{{boat-info="/boats/lagoon-450-f"}}

If you're looking for a catamaran sailboat that offers prestige at its peak, look no further than the Lagoon 450. This cat is widely known for offering an all-around comfort without compromising its beauty, spaciousness, class, and elegance. This is an elaborate French catamaran that brings to the table fantastic craftsmanship while leaving nothing to chance.

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, which has been redesigned and redefined to offer both the traditional and modern outlook. You can very easily access the bridge, engine controls, steering station in a matter of seconds. As a result, this boat is efficiently designed to give you the ultimate control of almost every situation while on the water.

The spacious and luxurious interior of this boat is worth experiencing. The cabins and saloons are perfectly lit. We're talking about four to six cabins, eight to twelve berths, and up to four bathrooms. In essence, this boat can comfortably sleep eight to twelve people. This boat is designed to offer ultra-modern accommodations and amenities that come with little but amazing touches; all designed to make your life inside the catamaran enjoyable.

{{boat-info="/boats/gunboat-62"}}

An original performance catamaran cruiser from the iconic Gunboat manufacturer, the Gunboat 62 has truly cemented its place as one of the best catamaran sailboats to ever grace the oceans. Honestly speaking, this cat-inspired a whole range of other incredible boats including HH66 Catamaran and the Balance 526.

This is a boat that can perform admirably well in storms with a speed of over 35 knots despite being built using epoxy and E-glass with carbon-fiber structural components. It's designed with a distinct angular outline than most catamaran sailboats of its size and category. This is a vessel that was built for people looking to add more stuff and more gear for their voyages. In other words, you can have all the gear and equipment on this boat and still outperform a racing monohull of the same size.

Thanks to its lightweight feature, this vessel can sail upwind at speeds of over 17 knots and pinch up to 30 degrees. Just for comparison, the Gunboat 62 can tack through 95 degrees and still outperform the best racing monohulls. This boat is designed with a comfortable helm seat that offers 360-degree visibility as well as plenty of storage space, a functional working surface, and a luxurious cabin. Like many performance catamarans, the Gunboat 62 can attain about 20 knots if the conditions are right.

Privilege 615

{{boat-info="/boats/privilege-615"}}

Combining elegance, comfort, and style, the Privilege 615 is a lovely catamaran sailboat that seems to be always ready for a long offshore voyage. The roots of this incredible cat can be traced back to the 1980s when Philippe Jeantot opened up a boat-building company in France. As one of the best productions from the company, the privilege 615 sports a flybridge that comes complete with twin wheels, a sprawling sunbed, and other excellent features that will make your bluewater cruising a breeze.

Whether you want the charter version or a privately-owned version, the Privilege 615 is one of the most versatile catamaran sailboats. Step inside this vessel and you'll instantly notice the quality of the wood finish and the elegance of design. The advanced navigation station is not only ultra-modern but is perfectly stationed at a dedicated corner where you can control everything while still having a conversation with your friends and family.

This boat comes with multiple sleeping configurations to ensure that you and your guests can live aboard the boat for months on end. Although the boat appears like some sort of maze on the inside, you'll easily get used to it when you enter the forward section. That's not all; this boat has gorgeous lines that make the exterior beautiful just like the interior. Its sleek profile, incredible volume, and versatile interior make it one of the best catamaran sailboats out there.

There you have it; these are the best catamaran sailboats out there. It doesn't matter the one you choose, these cats will make your day out on the water and will serve you just right for your offshore voyages or for day sailing along the bays.

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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They are people who do what they say!

They are people who do what they say! The organization was perfect and I would especially point out the very high quality of service and knowledge of Nikos who provided us many very helpful advice to optimize and secure our sailing trip. We still all have in mind the beauty of this area and hope to be back again in the near future. If you are thinking about cruising in Greece I could not recommend them highly enough.

Date of experience : October 20, 2017

We had a terrific time! Highly recommended

We had a terrific time. Frank, Helena and Katherine could not have been better. Attentive to our every need and so much fun to be with. We would give them our highest recommendation.

Date of experience : October 14, 2017

Best deal ever

I was really impressed with the service given by George. He was always quick to respond and provided me all the information I needed. He offered a really nice catamaran at a very attractive price for us. I've shopped around in many places but George gave me by far the best deal out of all the vendors I inquired. We loved the catamaran and the service and entire experience was very pleasant. Travel details: week of August 22, 2017. Ionian sea, Bali 4.0 2017.

Date of experience : October 12, 2017

Katamarans

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A Definition

Catamarans are vessels (power or sail) with two parallel hulls of equal size. A catamaran gets its stability from a wide beam (some cats like Looping and the old Lagoons accentuate this).

catamarans - gunboat

In general, the ratio of length to beam is around 2:1. Some yachts are more narrow (e.g. the Outremer 51) and some are wider (such as the Nautitech 40). On katamarans.com, we focus on sailing cats.

Different to Monohulls

This is different from a monohull which gets stability from a ballasted keel. Catamarans typically have less volume in the hulls, a lower displacement and a shallower draft than monohulls of a similar length. The hulls slip through the water faster (less resistance), and a broader platform means that heeling and pitching are reduced. Less energy is lost generating a wake.

The Polynesians built the first multihulls.

At the bottom of the page, you will find a list of catamarans that we have reviewed on Katamarans.com. Browse by page, or filter the results using the search tool provided.

Where we have specific information on individual boat manufacturers, we will list them here.

Multihull Manufacturers

An A-Z of Builders

Atlantic Catamarans Chris White Chris specialises in the design of high-performance cruising catamarans and trimarans. Examples include the Atlantic 57 , the 47 and the 72. Chris White has developed some innovative designs such as the MastFoil rig – effectively 2 genoas for ease of handling.

Aventura Cruising cats that are built in Tunisia. The range includes a 37 and a 45-footer.

Balance Catamarans A successful South African brand that manufactures the 526, the 482, the 442 and others. There’s a long waiting list if you order one of these boats! These blue water cruising yachts have been designed to be fast, safe and can be sailed shorthanded. They are simple to maintain, carry a decent payload and are comfortable to sail and live aboard. It’s proving to be a popular combination.

Bali Launched by the Catana Group in 2014, Bali has become one of the most successful manufacturers of cruising cats in the charter and owner markets. They are known for innovative features like the aft pivoting “garage” door, solid foredecks and wide open living spaces. And big fridges. The Catsmart, the baby of the range at 38-foot and twin aft helms, was launched in 2023.

Catana Historically one of our favourite performance cruising catamaran manufacturers, they now focus more on their Bali brand. This company launched the Catana 471 back in the day, and its latest model is the 50-foot Ocean Class.

catana ocean class catamaran

Dazcat A UK-based performance manufacturer with many Fastnets under their belt. Along with Marsaudon, Dazcat produces some of the fastest-performance cruising catamarans on the market. They are now moving into the performance cruising market with their Ocean Cruiser 55 – a stunning design with a forward helm and two raised twin aft helms.

Excess Part of the Beneteau Group, Excess began building sportier designs than sister company Lagoon with lower booms and aft helms. They are targeting a similar market to Nautitech. They first launched the 12 and 15 in 2019 with adapted Lagoon molds. The newer models, the 11 (2020) and 14 (2022) are 100% Excess Designed.

Fountaine Pajot This French yard has been building catamarans since the launch of the Louisiane 37 in 1983 and is one of the most successful manufacturers in the market. They have evolved their designs over time using customer feedback and the latest technologies. Fountaine Pajot is leading the production yard development of eco-powered yachts with the Aura 51.

Gemini The Gemini Legacy 35 has been built in the US since 1981 (now Annapolis): a family-friendly cruising catamaran that continues to be popular. Over 1,100 have been launched. She is famous for her narrow beam, decent sailing performance and shallow draft. LOA 35’4″, LWL 33′, Beam 14′.

Grainger Designs Highly regarded designer of performance catamarans including the Raku Sailing range, from 32′ to 66′ LOA for fast efficient construction from Panel Kits.

Gunboat From Peter Johnstone to Grand Large Yachting, Gunboat is surely the biggest catamaran brand out there and a Gunboat 68 is on many people’s wish lists while they are filling out their lotto numbers. With Grand Large, they are going large with the launch of the Gunboat 80. They have also launched a 72′ flybridge cat and will be producing a Gunboat 70.

HH The 66, the 55, the 50, the 44 and now the 52. These luxury yachts, manufactured to a high standard, are snapping at Gunboat’s heels. The range goes from the HH44 to the HH88.

hh catamarans

ITACatamarans An Italian performance yard who have launched some great designs including the 14.99 (Yacht Design Collective) and the 15.49.

Kinetic Kinetic is building two luxury performance models: the 62 and the 54. Kinetic is a niche manufacturer from South Africa who is gaining a good reputation for product quality.

Knysna Yacht Company Another excellent boutique South African manufacturer who are most famous for the Knysna 500 SE .

Lagoon The market leader in catamaran production; they control over 30% of the market. They also compete with Sunreef in the luxury market working closely with VPLP.

Leopard Born from their charter partnership with The Moorings, Leopard is now one of the largest cruising catamaran manufacturers. Strong, sturdy cruisers from South Africa.

Lightwave Yachts Australian manufacturer of the Lightwave 46.

Marsaudon Composites Marsaudon is about speed with no compromise from the L’Orient yard. This range of French performance cats, from the 42 to the 57, is now marketed under the ORC brand (Ocean Rider Catamarans). The latest design was developed by Marc Lombard. In 2023 they ran into financial difficulties. Let’s hope they find a buyer.

orc 57 catamaran

McConaghy Manufacturers of luxurious multihulls from the McConaghy 55 to the 100.

Moon Yachts Polish luxury builder who has launched the Moon Yacht 60 (Sail & Power)

Nautitech The Nautitech range has an excellent blend of performance and comfort. They build a 40, a 44 and a 46, soon to be replaced by a 48-footer.

Ocean Explorer Luxury performance yachts built in Finland and designed by Germán Frers.

Outremer Fast cruising cats, these boats have been designed to travel long distances quickly and safely. The Outremer 51 is their most successful model but the 52, designed by VPLP is replacing that. The 45 is also popular thanks to “Sailing La Vagabonde”. The 55 is also selling like hotcakes.

outremer catamarans

O-Yachts Designed by Eric Lerouge and Dan Levy and built in Latvia, O-Yachts is a boutique shipyard building high-quality performance cruisers like the Class 6 and Class 4. The Class 6 is famous for its “Spine”.

Privilege A French luxury cruising catamaran manufacturer with a long history in the industry. Marc Lombard is an established partner in the design of this brand. Their closest competitor is probably Sunreef, but Privilege would argue that their yachts are better designed for long passages. If you want to circumnavigate without compromising on comfort, this is your yacht.

Prout The UK brand that arguably invented the cruising catamaran market, Prout went bust in the early noughties, but their yachts live on. The Snowgoose 37, Prout 45, Quest 33 and Event 34 are all popular designs. They are not the fastest (especially upwind), but they are solid, safe and sturdy cats.

prout 45

Seawind Cruising cats that sail, Seawinds are now produced in their factory in Vietnam. The range includes the popular 1260, 1600 and 1370 which have proven very popular with buyers.

Schionning Designs Schionning offers kits and advice to help you build your dream catamaran. Schionning owners either self-build or hand the design over to an affiliated shipyard such as Noosa Marine. These are highly customised performance catamarans such as the Arrow and G-Force Series. They are now based in Cape Town, South Africa.

Slyder A small German manufacturer who specialises in electric powered yachts.

Sunreef The market-leading luxury catamaran brand. Sunreef Yachts seem to be getting bigger and bigger, and they are investing heavily in Solar Power. It’s sunny in Dubai!

Vision Yachts Another impressive South African Yard that builds the elegant Vision 444, a blue water sailing catamaran that’s strong, sails efficiently, is spacious and forgiving: an all-round yacht pitched at the likes of Nautitech with a high level of finish and attention to detail.

Wharram Designs The classics. Unique self-build boat plans inspired by the canoes of the Polynesians.

Windelo Probably the market leader in eco-cats. Windelo takes a no-compromise approach to building their sustainable yachts including using innovative materials designed to minimise their carbon footprint. They have developed an impressive electric power management system for the 50 and the 54.

Top 10 – Best Catamarans

What are the ten best multihulls ever produced? This is a hard list to pull together and remember that these are our personal favourites. We could probably debate this all day. So, in no particular order:

Gunboat 48 Gunboat (now owned by Grand Large) doesn’t make sub-50-footers anymore. That’s a shame. Gunboat only made six 48s, they hold their value well.

Nautitech 40 Open We are biased here as we used to own one, but this 40-footer is a great sailor with lots of living space for the money. The newer 44 is a significant upgrade, but it was the 40 that moved the dial for Nautitech.

Marsaudon ORC 57 Wow factor 10! This is your boat if you want to sail fast and in comfort.

Lagoon 380 The Ford Escort of the catamaran world. Or should we say the Peugeot 208? Lagoon was never able to replicate its success in this size. Maybe the Excess 11 will take over?

Outremer 45 It was a close call between the 45 and the 55, but Barreau’s classic design nudges it for us. The 51 is also a great boat. We might switch this to the 52 if we get the chance to test one.

Prout Snowgoose 37 The classic that continues to cross oceans. Here is the catamaran you want to circumnavigate safely on a sub $100k boat. There are two versions, the original and the Elite. The earlier boat is the better sailor if you keep the weight off, but the Elite will soak up more weight.

Leopard 46 (2006) This Morrelli and Melvin design has aged well. These are solid and seaworthy boats that remain popular on the second-hand market.

Privilege 495 (2004) Marc Lombard nailed it with the 495. These are also still very popular on the second-hand market.

Catana 471 The high tide mark for Catana, in our opinion, along with the 431. Another great design from Barreau. Plus it’s very pretty.

Balance 526 A very popular South African blue water performance cruiser. There’s a long waiting list for these yachts and for a good reason. If you like a protected helm, the “Versa-Helm is an excellent solution.

Types of Catamaran

At katamarans.com, we group boats as follows:

Performance Catamarans Yachts that have been designed for speed with safety. Famous examples include the Gunboat 68, the Outremer 55 and the Atlantic 57.

Cruising Catamarans Yachts designed to maximise the living space while maintaining acceptable performance. Lagoon, Bali, Fountaine Pajot and Leopard dominate the market, but there is plenty of choice with other manufacturers such as Nautitech, (more performance), Excess, Seawind and Aventura.

Luxury Catamarans The “Mercedes S Classes” of the multihull world. Privilege, Sunreef and the larger Lagoons dominate here. Some of the performance brands are also luxury boats of course: Gunboat, McConaghy, HH and Kinetic are examples.

Classic Catamarans Designs that have gone down in history as classics, these boats are still sought after today. This section includes Prout, the older Lagoons, Catana and Outremer.

Custom Catamarans One-off designs and builds, either in the luxury or the racing sectors. for example Hemisphere: the largest catamaran ever built.

One of the more significant trends in the industry is the development of eco-friendly yachts. You can argue that all sailing cats are eco-friendly as they aim to be powered by the wind (most of the time), but there is much work to do in this area.

Eco Catamarans

Windelo leads the pack: they design and manufacture light boats that are designed to sail in 4-5 knots of wind, with electric engines for the marina, plenty of solar and hydro-power-generation and they use recyclable materials in the construction.

Other manufacturers who are working hard in this area include HH, Outremer, Excess, Fountaine Pajot and Sunreef.

Pros and Cons of Catamarans versus Monohulls

Catamarans have many advantages over monos. But there are some disadvantages too, of course. You can’t have everything.

✅ Higher cruising speeds. Generally speaking, a catamaran will have a higher Sail Area to Displacement ratio than a comparable monohull and will be faster at wider wind angles.

However, fixed keel cruising cats are not as efficient upwind, so your VMG will be lower (Velocity Made Good) going upwind. Dagger-board cats, however, can match or exceed monohull speeds upwind. Performance cats can sail at windspeed and even up to 1.4x TWS in some cases.

✅ More Living Space Perhaps the biggest advantage. Even performance cats with narrow hulls have a large living platform up in the saloon and cockpit. Monohulls cannot compete here.

✅ Less Heeling Catamarans do heel, but not to the same extent as monohulls. That means a more comfortable sail for everyone (notably less frequent sailors). Sailing flatter on long passages is less tiring.

✅ More Stable at Anchor. If you have ever sat on a catamaran anchored in a bay with a swell next to a monohull, this point needs no further explaining.

✅ Quieter Under Power On night passages, you can cruise on a single engine and keep one of the hulls quieter for whoever is off watch.

✅ Cruising in shallow waters With a shallower draft, you’ll be able to get into anchorages (in the Bahamas for example) that a monohull can only dream of. This is particularly true of daggerboard cats. With the boards up, your draft will be a metre or less.

✅ Manoeuvrability Most catamarans have twin engines (though not all). That makes them highly manoeuvrable in tight spots. Most cats can turn 360 degrees within their own length.

✅ The Nets One of our personal favourites. The trampolines are good for lounging, jumping off the boat, dolphin watching, you name it. Not all catamarans have nets, however.

✅ Sugar Scoops Getting on and off a catamaran with gear via the sugar scoops   is generally easier. That includes diving, swimming and so on. Although modern monohulls with swimming platforms are just as convenient.

❌ Larger Marina Fees Most marinas charge extra for catamarans versus the same-length monohulls. That is because they are beamier. The additional cost can be anything between 50-100%

❌ Higher Maintenance Fees. There are two engines. And two rudders. And more heads. And that all means more maintenance costs. At least you only have one mainsail!

❌ Less Efficient Upwind (Not always) Most catamarans are happiest on a beam reach or a broad reach. Thanks to their speed through the water, the apparent wind moves forward and sucks your catamaran along: they make their own wind. Close-hauled, most cruising cats do not point as high as a monohull. 55 degrees to true is probably your limit before you start sliding. This is not an issue on performance cats with daggerboards, however. The gap is most noticeable in lighter winds.

❌ Wave Slap This depends on the catamaran, but some designs (particularly older models with lower bridge deck clearances) suffer from wave slap, especially heading upwind into a chop.

❌ Different Motion Although catamarans are more stable than monohulls, they do have a different motion underway and one that not everyone likes. With no keel, they tend to pitch more and shorter boats tend to “hobby-horse”, if there is too much weight in the bow and aft.

45 feet seems to be the sweet spot when this becomes less of an issue. Good designs make a point of centralising the weight as much as possible. Dazcat and Outremer are good at this. You’ll notice that performance cats like Outremer and HH have long nets to keep the weight off the bow – this gives a more comfortable ride.

❌ Increased windage This is especially true of manufacturers like Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot. Sunreef also suffers from this. That’s the trade-off you make for more living space. If you look at some of the earlier Outremer and Catana designs, they look very low-slung compared to modern designs, almost like spaceships. Except there wasn’t much space inside the ship!

outremer 4x nets

What is the Fastest ever Catamaran? Strictly speaking, this would be Sailrocket 2, as it has two hulls (although she flies one most of the time). This speed yacht smashed the 500m world speed sailing record, hitting over 65 knots (75+ MPH) in Namibia in 2012. However, this boat has such a radical design that it’s difficult to pigeonhole her into one category.

A History of Catamarans

So who built the very first catamaran? The Polynesians and Micronesians used double-hulled craft in the 1700s and probably before to travel between the islands. James Cook spotted a number on his travels.

If we are talking about modern catamarans, which are more the focus of katamarans.com, we’d have to say that Californian surfer Hobie Alter can lay a claim, although Hawaiian surfer Woody Brown built an ocean-going catamaran called Manu Kai (“Sea Bird”) with the Hawaiian Alfred Kumalai in the late forties so we should probably give him the medal.

The Wharram Legend One man who towers above everyone else in this regard is Englishman James Wharram , who was inspired by Polynesian designs and built the first modern catamaran to cross an ocean. His 23’6″ yacht was called Tangaroa , and she made her first Atlantic crossing in 1956. Wharram then improved the design, launched Rongo, and sailed back to England via New York in 1959. “Two Girls, Two Catamarans” is an excellent account of his travels if you want to delve deeper into his story.

wharram catamarans

And it was UK companies that were at the forefront of the production multihull industry in the early days, notably with Prout. Their main competitor was a builder called Sailcraft (run by Reg White), who built the Iroquois 30 and 30 Mk II, and the Cherokee 35.

Catalac, another UK builder, was also building cruising catamarans from 8 to 12m at this time, and there were smaller yards building yachts such as the Heavenly Twins 26 and the Hirondelle 23. Tony Smith built trimarans called Telstars and later moved to the States, where he started Gemini.

France Of course, no history of 2 hull boats is complete without a mention of the French builders who now dominate the industry. A robust ecosystem developed along the Atlantic Coast to supply yachts for ocean races like the Route du Rhum that were attracting more and more interest.

The French boating industry signed up some of the top naval architects around, designers such as Marc Lombard , Gerard Danson, Erik Lerouge, Christophe Barreau, Michel Joubert & Bernard Nivelt, and Marc Van Peteghem & Vincent Lauriot-Prevost. They soon turned their hand to production catamarans fuelled by an eager market ready to sail to the French Overseas Territories in the South Pacific and a favourable tax law for boat owners.

Fast forward to today, and Lagoon controls around 30% of the production market, with Fountaine Pajot and Bali holding a decent slice of the rest.

South Africa South Africa has also developed into a manufacturing hub for multihulls. Several factors have driven this. Prouts were made here after the company went bust in 2001, and Robertson & Caine teamed up with the Moorings to produce a charter boat that helped develop a brand called Leopard.

The very first Gunboats were made in South Africa, spawning a highly successful performance ecosystem along the country’s south coast (Balance, Kinetic for example).

Future Manufacturing Centres And where is the future? All of these markets continue to develop, including the UK (with the likes of Dazcat and Broadblue), and new manufacturing centres are building up around the world in Tunisia (Bali, Aventura), Turkey, Italy (ITA Catamarans), Poland (Sunreef), Vietnam (Seawind), China and the Philippines (HH).

But I can’t see France losing their dominant position any time soon; they have too big a lead. Even Gunboat is French these days, you have to hand it to them, they are doing a great job.

Where does the word “catamaran” come from? Why do we call yachts with two hulls catamarans? The word comes from a Tamil word “கட்டுமரம்” which is romanised as “kattumaram”. A kattunaram is a Tamil single-hulled raft made from 3 to 7 tree trunks lashed together (often made from fibrous palm trees) used on the Coast of Southern India and Sri Lanka, but the word has evolved in English to mean any boat with two hulls.

Which is faster? A catamaran or trimaran? Generally speaking, a trimaran of similar length can hold more sail safely, so that they will be faster (on average). However, there is a space penalty to pay which is why catamarans dominate in the cruising and performance cruising markets. Some trimaran designs like Rapido and Dragonfly also offer folding floats which will save you money in the marina.

Which manufacturer holds the largest market share? Undoubtedly Lagoon, who has had great success over the years: they control more than 30% of the market. The competition is heating up, with Bali making significant inroads into the charter market and customer demand for owner-operated boats is drifting to more performance. Manufacturers such as Nautitech and Seawind are carving out a profitable niche between the two.

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I've been on 2 ultra-luxury cruise ships — endless caviar and free flights make the $685 per day worth it

  • The cruise industry's  new ultra-luxury ships  could be worth the expensive fares.
  • Wealthy cruisers get high-end amenities like complimentary flights, caviar, and wine.
  • Luxury small-ship cruising has becoming increasingly popular. 

Insider Today

Say goodbye to questionable lunch buffets and tiny, windowless cabins. On ultra-luxury cruises , travelers get mountains of caviar, roundtrip business-class flights, and floating Rolex stores.

When you think of a cruise, you might picture the giant ships run by companies like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian. On these family-friendly floating resorts, activities like go-kart tracks, waterparks, and virtual reality arcades are commonplace.

On smaller, more expensive cruises, these large and loud amenities are replaced with peace, quiet, and foie gras.

Cruises are generally considered an affordable vacation option, with necessities like food and a cabin included in the base fare.

luxury catamaran reviews

However, many mass-market cruise companies are increasingly following the budget airline model : Charge a cheap fare and pile up plenty of irresistible pay-to-play amenities.

Travelers could easily accidentally blow past their budget by the end of the vacation.

But guests luxuriate on high-end cruises, many of which are all-inclusive and don't have this problem.

luxury catamaran reviews

Sure, luxury cruises have a higher base fare. But you'll never have to reach for your wallet once on board.

That's about as stress-free as you can get with a vacation.

"I'd rather have a few empty beds and get the right guests at the right price," Michael Ungerer, CEO of MSC Group's new luxury cruise line , Explora Journeys, told Business Insider in 2023. "Most of [the amenities] are already included, so we don't have to upsell."

After going on two luxury cruise ships, I now understand why so many wealthy travelers are splurging on these vacations at sea.

luxury catamaran reviews

In 2023, I spent one night on Explora Journeys' Explora I while it was docked in New York and three nights on Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Grandeur while it sailed roundtrip from Miami. Both were complimentary non-revenue events for travel agents and media.

Seven Seas Grandeur's least expensive 2024 cruise is a seven-night roundtrip Miami voyage in December, starting at $4,800 per person — about $685 per day. (Travelers can book their own flights and pre-cruise hotels for a discounted fare.)

Meanwhile, Explora I's most affordable itinerary is a $3,030-per-person, 10-night November sailing from Barcelona to Bridgetown, Barbados.

Expensive? Yes. But on a cruise, money buys happiness.

luxury catamaran reviews

On both ships, the fare includes complimentary bottles of Champagne, WiFi, endless alcoholic beverages, and access to the spa.

With Regent Seven Seas, pre-cruise hotels, every on board restaurant, flights to and from the ship (business class if international), and most excursions are also included.

Ironically, a higher price means a smaller ship.

luxury catamaran reviews

The 922-guest Explora I stands at 813 feet and 63,900 gross-tons. The 746-guest Seven Seas Grandeur is smaller at 735 feet-long and 55,000 gross-tons.

To compare, Royal Caribbean's most popular and the world's largest cruise ship, the 7,600-guest Icon of the Seas , is a casual 1,196 feet long and 248,663 gross tons.

We’ll likely never see Icon of the Seas’ waterslides and theme park amenities across Regent Seven Seas' or Explora’s fleet.

luxury catamaran reviews

But small ships have two big benefits: exclusivity and the ability to fit in more desirable ports.

The Grandeur is scheduled to sail to destinations like Oranjestad, Aruba, and Castries, Saint Lucia, while Explora I is planned for Hawaii and Casablanca, Morocco.

Icon of the Seas is exclusively sailing in the Caribbean this year.

Luxury ships still have some traditional amenities like pools, restaurants, and bars — just with an upscale flair, of course.

luxury catamaran reviews

Instead of arcades, Explora I and Seven Seas Grandeur have cigar lounges.

Instead of a kid's playground, the latter has a quiet library.

Even the drinking water is better: No need to travel to Erewhon to sip on crystal-infused water. Just head to Explora I's spa instead.

The devil (quiet references to quiet luxury) is in the ships’ details.

luxury catamaran reviews

Explora I has the first Rolex store at sea. The Cartier boutique is right next door.

Up a few decks, travelers can workout at the Technogym Artis Line-supplied gym, where a treadmill costs $20,250 and an elliptical $15,500.

Meanwhile, Seven Seas Grandeur is decorated with 503 chandeliers and a $6 million art collection that includes several original Pablo Picasso pieces and a custom Fabergé egg.

As expected, the food on these luxury ships are comparable to Michelin-starred restaurants.

luxury catamaran reviews

Both floating five-star resorts have lunch buffets of raw seafood, lobster tails, and crab legs.

For dinner on the Explora I, travelers can dine on the six restaurants' wagyu tataki, grilled octopus, and aged prime rib with potatoes and caviar.

The Seven Seas Grandeur's five restaurants all serve some form of black truffle, sturgeon caviar, or foie gras.

luxury catamaran reviews

For a 10-night cruise, Regent Seven Seas says its new ship carries 1,200 pounds of lobster, 20 pounds of caviar, and 5,000 bottles of wine — the most pricey at $2,500.

Expensive food means expensive service: Like many high-end on-land restaurants, the hostess always offered me a black napkin when I wore dark pants.

Dinners of steak tartare, lobster, and wine were as commonplace as the scrambled eggs at the breakfast buffet.

luxury catamaran reviews

And, they're free, according to the laws of " girl math ."

By the end of my second night on the Regent Seven Seas ship, "I'm tired of eating caviar" went from being a joke to a serious statement.

If we're stereotyping, cruise ship bars can be less-than-luxe.

luxury catamaran reviews

But don't call Explora I's Lobby Bar, which looks like it came out of an actual hotel bar, "trashy." After all, its background music comes from the overhead Steinway piano.

Starbucks outposts are becoming increasingly popular on mass-market ships.

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But wealthy cruisers don't get to wake up with green siren-decorated cups of caffeine.

Instead, Explora I and Seven Seas Grandeur have their own coffee shops serving delectable espresso-based drinks and a separate afternoon tea service.

Like the lack of mediocre coffee, travelers on these fine ships will never be stuck in a tiny windowless interior cabin.

luxury catamaran reviews

The smallest stateroom on the 461-cabin Explora I starts at 377 square-feet and flexes high-end amenities like a Dyson hairdryer.

The 373 cabins on the Seven Seas Grandeur start a bit smaller at 307 square-feet. At least it comes with L'Occitane en Provence products.

Both options have walk-in closets, floor-to-ceiling windows, and balconies. That's unheard of in the cheapest cabin on most mega-ships.

But one of the most pleasant differences between ultra-luxury and mid-tier cruises isn't in the amenities or dining.

luxury catamaran reviews

It's the general ambiance.

Ultra-luxury ships aren't designed for cruising families with young children . The two ships didn't have cartoonish decor, loud lounges, or an unbearable number of children that could've kicked my fight-or-flight response.

Instead, the high-end vessels' common spaces were modern, mature, and relaxing.

If it seems like everyone you know has recently booked a cruise, you’d be correct.

luxury catamaran reviews

Popular cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Carnival have recently seen off-the-charts bookings.

The same applies to the industry's more niche and expensive peers — especially as travelers have increasingly splurged on luxurious vacations like small-ship cruising.

In February, Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Regent's parent company, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings , said demand for its luxury brands has been "very high."

After eating caviar and black truffles for every dinner on the Grandeur, I now understand why.

luxury catamaran reviews

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