steel catamaran sailboat

• MILITARY PEDIGREE
• NEWS & MEDIA

THE ULTIMATE EXPRESSION OF PERSONAL INDEPENDENCE

Introducing Metal Shark Yachts. These highly advanced, industrial-grade oceangoing vessels defy convention while enabling a new level of worry-free exploration and adventure. Our all-aluminum, American-made catamarans offer global range and deliver self-sustaining independence for months on end, putting the world within reach. We invite you to explore the many benefits of these unique expedition vessels.

Our efficient catamaran hull designs deliver nearly twice the efficiency of a comparable monohull yacht, allowing you to cruise at 10 knots comfortably, cross oceans at 17 knots, and exceed 23 knots at sprint speed, all at efficient fuel burns with epic ranges.

Our knifelike catamaran hulls and wide stance reduce vertical ship motion and latitudinal rolling while underway, while a high tunnel and nacelle eliminate wave slamming. Integrated active ride control mitigates both roll and pitch. Use a stemmed wine glass at sea!

Stay at anchor for days, weeks, or months at a time, in comfort and safety, with an unmatched level of autonomy. Our enhanced stability, coupled with massive ground tackle and solar power, combine to create a solid, stable, self-sustaining island of independence.

A Metal Shark Yacht's wide catamaran footprint results in far more usable deck space, opening up myriad possibilities for entertainment areas as well as ample storage space for tenders, toys, and cargo. With a Metal Shark Yacht, you can take it all with you.

A key benefit of our catamaran hull design is a significant reduction in draft compared to conventional monohull vessels. Anchor in 8' of water, safely traverse the small cuts between islands, or let the boat dry out on the hard, without worry. Nothing hurts it.

Unlike traditional yachts with their dark interiors and limited views, a Metal Shark Yacht's elevated, open spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows give the feel of a luxury penthouse while allowing an immersive connection with the surrounding environment. See where you're going. Enjoy the view!

MODEL RANGE

M30 • 30 meters / 100', m48 • 48 meters / 158', m70 • 70 meters / 231'.

• BOAT OF THE YEAR
• Newsletters
• Sailboat Reviews
• Boating Safety
• Sailing Totem
• Charter Resources
• Destinations
• Galley Recipes
• Living Aboard
• Sails and Rigging
• Maintenance

Steel Boats: A Strong Alternative

• By Geoff Payne
• Updated: August 7, 2002

Adventure cruising down Chile’s exciting southern waterway, we chose to make a side trip up one of the many fiords. Like most, this one was uncharted. “Must be as deep as the hills are high around us,” Margaret and I agreed. The crew of an approaching local fishing boat waved enthusiastically as we tacked from shore to shore against a fine breeze.

Those fishermen were really waving their hands in the air at us. “Guess they’ve never seen a sailboat with such good windward ability,” I thought as we left them rapidly astern. If we hadn’t dusted them so completely, perhaps we would have seen their hands go down onto their heads and then over their ears. Full sail and at some seven knots of boat speed, 13 tons of Skookum plowed onto a pile of sharp glacial boulders lurking below the surface.

Was the boat holed due to this colossal blunder? Was the keel parted from the hull? Was the rudder torn off? Was that the end of our cruise? Well, there was a loud bang, we felt the cockpit rapidly rise then suddenly fall, but on we sailed, red-faced and with sails luffing to slow us down. Skookum’s full keel tapers down to a 2 1/2-inch-diameter solid-steel bar. That and the heavier keel plating probably made more impression on the rocks than the rocks did on us. A boat of other material could have sustained trip-terminating damage. Once again, my decision to build in steel had paid off.

Joshua, Williwaw, Damien II: These famous steel cruisers bring to mind high-latitude epic trips, often among ice. But steel is not just for extremist cruisers. As a matter of fact, the finest steel hulls are passing you by, indeed overtaking you under sail. Only you don’t realize they’re made of steel.

On Skookum’s cabin table is a small offcut from the hull plating. It’s often passed around among visitors aboard. “Sure is strong,” folks say, “but isn’t it heavy?” Skookum displaces 28,000 pounds, which is on the heavy side for a 40-footer. But there are respected fiberglass and wood designs of similar size that are heavier still.

They say lighter is faster; it’s true. When it comes to extended cruising, though, the rules are not that simple. A cruising family accumulates literally tons of weight aboard. A serious cruising boat easily could contain over 4,000 pounds of fluids, spares, tools, literature, outboards, and other provisions. That kind of weight stresses and hampers a lightweight craft. The modern steel-hulled cruising boat will be of generous displacement, proportions that will accept a large payload without loss of performance.

Your cruising boat must have good performance. It should tack smartly, carve along to windward at six or seven knots and surge before the trade winds, leaving a straight white wake. Any properly designed, medium- to heavy-displacement sailboat with a big spread of well-cut sails ought to have sparkling performance. (The 1970s saw some successful steel racers.)

Margaret and I have short-tacked slalom courses up narrow buoyed channels, eased sheets to race afternoon sailors, and logged some 180-mile days at sea in Skookum; all this with a displacement/length ratio of 450. That bit of weight in our steel construction equals a lot of comfort on the ocean — especially in rough weather.

No one doubts steel’s strength. It takes over 30,000 psi of force to deform it. Steel is an “orthotropic” material; that means it’s equally strong in all directions. Try to bend or rip a circle of steel any which way you like, it won’t give in any easier. A piece of wood will split down the grain. Wood is thus an “isotropic” material — stronger in one direction. Isotropic materials (including fiberglass, which has extra thickness roving here and there) are very efficient for boatbuilding because their strengths can be aligned to counteract predictable forces of water and wind. This results in a far lighter structure. Even though a piece of deck steel need only support your dainty weight, the minimum practical plating would still take thousands of pounds to pierce.

The end result in steel is an enormously strong structure. Skookum’s mast and rigging loads are so well resisted at deck level that our lee shrouds barely slacken, even under full sail and hard on the wind.

Of major concern to the designer of an all-steel sailboat is the weight of the steel superstructure. Don’t expect to find apartmentlike accommodations inside a steel-decked offshore cruiser, for that would raise the center of gravity unacceptably. The thickness of any framing also represents lost volume inside a steel hull. Used to good effect, it becomes valuable insulation, covered with paneling. Because structural bulkheads are seldom required in steel hulls, cabin layout can be very flexible. Free of constraints inside Skookum, I created a wide-open, bright and light-filled interior. Without fail, newcomers aboard remark upon how roomy the boat feels belowdeck.

Steel sailboat design has come a long way in recent years. Two aspects of the preceding paragraph have come under rigorous review as designers and manufacturers constantly come up with better steel craft. First, the superstructure need not be made of steel. Secondly, in some cases, the framing can be done away with.

Once upon a time a steel hull might have looked pretty much like a wood one under construction: ribs galore. To support large expanses of steel of minimum thickness and to keep it beautifully smooth and fair, light framing (transverse and longitudinal) is definitely required. Building a fair, curve-plated, round-bilged metal hull is a skill and an art — a task for the professional boatyard. However, if the curved cross section of a sailboat is approximated in straight lines, then the plating of the whole hull is considerably simplified. The fore-and-aft joint lines between plates are called “chines.” The smooth-looking sphere that is a beach ball is actually made up of once-flat tapered strips; each seam is a chine. Done right, a multi-chine steel hull is both easy to build and puts a sweet curve or two along the topsides of that vessel. But it’s a challenge on the drawing board. Done poorly, the chines appear sudden and awkward and make for a boxy looking sailboat.

Chines also introduce lines of strength into the hull (a bit like the way a floppy sheet of paper folds into a sound little aircraft). This has led designers to say, “Aha. Maybe we don’t need the frames!” Indeed it can be done, and there are plenty of such designs available. Chined, frameless hulls do require heavier plating, so there is no great weight savings. “Frameless” construction is a hotly debated topic among metal-boat designers and builders. In fact, Skookum’s chines are strengthened by longitudinal stringers, and floors in the keel provide transverse support. To completely forego all framing yet still adhere to responsible engineering principles would render a small boat heavy indeed.

Having mastered the multi-chine concept, designers and builders saw the opportunity to go one better: eliminate at least those chines visible above the waterline by introducing a “radius chine,” a narrow curved piece of steel that disguises any sudden turns in the plating. So long as that piece of steel can be cut from either a cylinder or a cone, the task is not too hard. In fact, the whole hull can be plated in “conically developed” shapes (frames required though). Steel boats like these are the ones sailing right by you looking like molded fiberglass.

Steel can be worked into nearly any shape imaginable. Clipper bows, canoe sterns, deep fin keels, tumblehome topsides, bowsprits or reverse transoms can all be achieved at commensurate cost. The skeg supporting the steel cruising boat’s rudder can be made so strong that the arrangement could hardly be considered vulnerable to damage by floating objects. Skookum’s stern even incorporates a welded tab and stopper arrangement to support the rudder in the event of the hove-to boat being thrown backward by a big sea.

Welding allows the creation of fabulous custom work on deck. Stainless steel bollards, chain plates, towing eyes, lifting lugs, vents and fillers can all be elegantly incorporated into the deck in an utterly waterproof manner.

Even the thinnest practicable steel plating (about 7/64-inch, or 12-gauge) is too heavy a material for a sailboat much less than 30 feet in length, hence you’ll find few really small steel cruisers. Any thinner plating creates problems with welding, maintaining a fair shape and corrosion tolerance.

Stock plans in steel for popular-size (35-foot to 45-foot) cruising boats generally show a medium- to medium-heavy displacement craft with average internal accommodation. These plans cost from $500 to $1,500, reflecting a wide variation in the amount of information given. Full-size templates for plating are even available with some designs. Very serious consideration should be given to the selection of the design: The one to two percent of the finished value of your project that you invest in plans could be 100 percent responsible for ultimate success…or disappointment. And you won’t find out until the first day’s sail. Designers’ work is best not to be messed with — generally it’s not on the page if it’s not important. A custom design in steel could run to 10 percent of the boat’s value.

Chined construction, a method that greatly simplifies hull plating, is an attractive option for amateur builders. With little more than a welding machine and good cutting and handling equipment, a steel hull can be backyard built. Once I had learned how to handle the long pieces of steel properly, I found the hull construction to be most rewarding. Sparks flew, there was smoke and grit, but in essence it was a bit like sewing: I made Masonite patterns for each strake, traced around them and cut the material to shape, tacked it onto the upside down temporary frame, then finally seamed it all together. Welding is so immensely and immediately strong that I was as convinced then of the boat’s colossal strength as I am now, 50,000 miles later. Full-strength welding meant I could carry out 100 percent corrections of occasional cutting errors.

What About Corrosion?** Talk of steel and the word “rust” comes up straightaway. Rust is a chemical reaction and salt water speeds it up, but not as much as you would think. Ice scraped the paint off Skookum’s waterline about a meter back from the bow. Although I didn’t get around to touching it up until nearly a year later, no major harm was done to the plating. What worried me more was rust inside the hull, in the hidden corners of the bilges. Only after four years of hard sailing did we remove the cabin sole (wisely, I made it all demountable) and after a thorough scrub, we found areas of scratched paintwork. Nothing serious, nor structural — just awkward to sand and touch up.

The steel deck, unlike the hull, is not only continually doused in salt water, but also trafficked and abraded. Anchors, chain, winch handles, harbormasters’ boots — they inevitably knock off paint. Very soon, out weeps a trickle of brown. But at least you can see it! Unlike rot or ultraviolet deterioration or osmosis, rust gives itself away practically the day it starts. It’s not difficult to remedy, just tedious.

On Skookum we have some nuisance rust spots that repeatedly need rubbing back and touching up. Repainting means a full four or five coats of touch up, so the process is a protracted one. In every case, these bits of rust around hatches, coamings, stanchions and winches could have been avoided had I done things differently in the first place. Companies well experienced in steel boat production have developed excellent detailing on deck.

Given that recurring rust problems occur on deck, and that a boat doesn’t sail upside down, why then not construct the deck of something else? It’s called composite construction and it’s commonplace. Strong plywood decks and cabins can be built over steel framing. Epoxy and fiberglass take care of the sealing and finish. Aluminum decks can be married to steel hulls. Composite construction has other merits, such as less weight and less magnetic interference. (Tons and tons of steel certainly have an effect on a compass. Our classic five-inch-diameter steering compass stands on its own binnacle and was some 20 degrees off upon installation. Standard correctors inside the unit reduced this to a known five degrees on east and west headings. Electronic compasses can have sensors placed inside the mast or on a radar post and thus removed from steel’s magnetic clutches.)

Corrosion comes in another and more wicked form: electrolysis. Put nearly any other common metal underwater near steel and a battery current flows. More often than not it is steel that loses the electrons. Little volcanoes of corrosion erupt on unprotected steel, and these inflict damage much faster than rust. Electrolysis is a threat to any kind of boat, but especially to metal-hulled ones.

All steel craft sport little zinc pads on the keel, rudder and propeller shaft. These “sacrificial anodes” corrode instead of the hull, so must be maintained. Corrosion vigilance is the price one must pay for the reassuring strength of steel.

The corrosion specter heavily devalues older steel boats, especially if a bit of the brown stuff is visible. Boats that have not had the protection of modern paint systems might be picked up, for a “steel.” If you’re planning to recondition an older steel craft, first establish if you can gain access to all the steel surfaces. Even then the cost of dismantling, preparation and recoating will be considerable.

Coatings Offer Excellent Protection** Rust and electrolysis can only get a grip on bare steel. Coatings have advanced in recent decades and offer excellent protection. One system coats the sandblasted steel with coal tar combined with epoxy. Another paint is substantially zinc. Or, the whole boat can be “flame sprayed” with aluminum or zinc — the ultimate treatment (see the “Save The Steel” sidebar, following). Most seagoing steel is protected mainly by epoxy paint. As many as nine coats go on — primer, high builds, hard and gloss coats (polyurethane). It’s a significant investment in paint, but very effective and attractive.

That little piece of plating that we keep by the cabin table to show visitors was cut out of the finished transom. The thickness of paint buildup seen in the cross section is impressive. In fact, we’ve taken to saying we’re sailing around the world in an epoxy boat lined with steel. These paints ought to last a very long time. As long as the steel remains coated, our boat is going to be around longer than we are.

One other coating proven on steel hulls is sprayed polyurethane foam insulation. About 1 1/2 to two inches of this closed-cell substance, sprayed inside from the turn of the bilge up and over the deckhead, transforms a clammy, tinny chamber into a quiet refuge, cozy or cool as required. It’s superb insulation that retains or repels heat, eliminates condensation, dampens deck noises and sticks tenaciously to (lightly painted) steel, keeping air and water from ever initiating interior rust.

There’s an image of steel boats being dank and clammy belowdeck. Perhaps those that are uninsulated are that way. In fact, the coziest and sweetest smelling cabins I’ve experienced have been aboard steel craft. The Mexican “lancha” drivers used to think we were “locos” to live inside a black steel hull…until they came below and found it to be airy and cool. Spray foam has kept Skookum comfortable to live in at all latitudes.

The Security Issue** Steel sailboats are over-engineered — for wind and water forces, that is. Can the vessel to which you entrust your family’s life be too strong? What if on a calm and sunny day you tied up, went into town, and returned to find the local ferry had T-boned your boat into a concrete wharf? It happened. That metal sailboat completed its circumnavigation — a bit dented, that’s all.

In or out of the water an all-steel sailboat with polycarbonate hatches also will be a formidable barrier to burglars, even bullets. If seacocks connect to metal standpipes extending above the waterline and shafts have metal stuffing boxes, then a steel craft might survive an internal explosion or fire. Charred, but still floating.

Our boat’s nearly invincible strength had to become our insurance policy in far southern latitudes — no underwriter would cover us. So why are we shopping around for coverage now that we’re back in busier, foggier waters? Afraid of being run down? On the contrary — with 13 tons of momentum, our pointy-ended boat could sink something 10 times its size. We need liability insurance.

With such strength and so solid a feel, by providing so smooth a ride, the well-appointed steel sailboat is a Mercedes Benz of ocean cruisers. Cost is not in the upper luxury level, especially if you are home-building, for which steel is well suited. Extra expenses for the rig and proper sail area to drive such a sturdy craft is why a performance, steel sailboat is not going to be the cheapest option. In value, appearance and performance steel cruisers are right in there with equivalent-size boats made of other materials. And if it comes to the c-r-u-n-c-h, they’re incomparably stronger.

Before next you stroll the marinas, put a fridge magnet in your pocket. Slide it on to some really pretty boats — you might just get a surprise. Marine steel craft have come a long way in recent years.

———————————————————————— After taking a couple of years off from cruising to build a house, to research a biography of yacht designer (and uncle) Alan Payne and to fill the cruising kitty, Australians Geoff Payne and Margaret Hough are planning to take Skookum next summer for a tour of the Canadian Maritimes and beyond.

• More: sailboat , Sailboats
• More Sailboats

A Gem in New England

Thinking of a Shift to Power?

TradeWinds Debuts 59-foot TWe6 Smart Electric Yacht

Sailboat Preview: Dufour 44

Good Bread for Good Health

Center of Effort

The Halfway Point: Sailing to Bermuda

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Email Newsletters
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

HOME / INDEX PAGE      SAILBOAT DESIGNS       POWERBOAT DESIGNS  

Better Sailing

Pros and Cons of Steel Sailboats

What is better, a Steel or a Fiberglass sailboat? This is a common question that does not have an easy answer. Both Steel and fiber have their advantages and disadvantages and depend mainly on the size and use that we will give to our boat.

Pros and cons of Steel boats versus fiberglass boats (Glass Reinforced Plastic or GRP):

Steel sailboat hulls are much stronger than fiber or GRP boats. In general, Steel allows stronger structures to be equal in weight. A Steel boat is much more robust, and its structure is more rigid, so a Steel boat will better withstand bumps and rubs. In the event of an impact, the Steel bends while a fiber boat breaks, this as long as it is not a very violent or large blow. Steel has a high ductility or ability to withstand permanent deformations without breakage, and in this way, a Steel boat can be stranded on a beach, resisting the chafing of these abuses.

Steel hulls, if the right alloy is used, resist saltwater corrosion better than steel boats and do not require any special paint. They also suffer from galvanic or electrolytic corrosion that can be avoided with a well-insulated electrical installation and placing sacrificial anodes. Fiber boats do not suffer the effects of corrosion, although they can be affected by the phenomenon of osmosis and suffer from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

Steel is a lighter material than fiber, this makes the construction of a Steel sailboat a lighter vessel. Therefore it will be faster and will need less power/wind to move the same distance as a fiber boat, which also means a lower consumption boat.

Manageability

Fiber boats being heavier are also more stable and solid at high speeds, and when the state of the sea begins to get choppy and complicated. A Steel boat at high speeds can feel more nervous and rough with a choppy sea.

Steel boats are louder than fiber boats, especially at high speeds and with bad seas. It is is a better transmitter of temperature, and therefore and if it is not well insulated in its construction with a thick layer of polyurethane or other insulators, it will be hotter in hot and cold places in the winter. Steel boats also suffer from condensation problems more than fiber boats. Therefore a fiber boat can be somewhat more comfortable than a Steel boat.

• Maintenance

Steel boats because of corrosion require greater maintenance, a problem to be monitored are the galvanic pairs of material, a corrosion effect that occurs when pieces of different metals are put together. We must be careful with the quality of any part or screw we use as it could cause us a serious problem. We must also clean the boat thoroughly with fresh water after each use.

Fiber boats do not have rivets, welds, or corrosion to worry about, although possible osmosis problems must be monitored every year, which, if not treated in time, can cause serious problems. However, osmosis problems with the new resins can be. They have palliated a lot with respect to helmets of 20 or 30 years ago. The anti-fouling that is a painting that is given to the live work of the boats to prevent different types of algae, barnacles, and snails from being embedded in the hull, is much more expensive for Steel boats than for boat fiber.

Small dents in a Steel boat are easy to repair, but when the damage is in large areas of the hull, repairs are more difficult and expensive than in fiber boats. Welding in Steel is a very specialized and complicated job, finding professionals trained to repair fiber is easier and cheaper. However, a large and partial repair in a fiber hull does not guarantee the original strength since the structural tension will no longer be the same at all points.

Fiberglass boats have a more beautiful, polished, and shiny finish. The surface finish of the Steel boats leaves the marks of the interior reinforcements marked. For these boats to look good, it is necessary to paint them with special and very thick paints. They are actually covered with putty to hide the inevitable buns and construction defects. This layer of putty must be polished by hand so that it is finished with a good finish and should be done in a controlled environment with dust extraction. It is definitely a complicated process, very expensive, and that greatly increases the price of this type of boats.

It is true that the GRP burns faster and easier, so in the event of a fire, a Steel boat will always be safer. Fiber or GRP boats are built with petroleum products and therefore are combustible. Also, before an impact with a rock, it is easier to make a waterway in a fiber boat than in a Steel one.

Residual Value

The wear and tear of fiberglass boats are greater over the years, exposure to sunlight and osmosis do not affect Steel boats. They also better resist the encrustation of seaweed and marine crustaceans. The greater rigidity and structural strength also make Steel ships stand up better over the years, and for all this, they depreciate less than fiber boats.

Fiber boats allow serial construction from a first mold or design, this leads to faster manufacturing and lower construction costs. For this and as we have explained before, Steel ships are generally much more expensive than GRP ships.

Pros and Cons of Steel Sailboats – Summary

In general, Steel allows for stronger structures, but it is much more expensive to build than in GRP. For small boats, which is the case of recreational boating, in which there is no need for large structural resistance, the GRP is undoubtedly a good choice. As the ship grows in size, the thing gets complicated, since the GRP is not able to give the required resistance to the ship without an already significant weight gain.

Peter is the editor of Better Sailing. He has sailed for countless hours and has maintained his own boats and sailboats for years. After years of trial and error, he decided to start this website to share the knowledge.

Related Posts

Why Do Sailboats Lean?

Best Sailing Certifications – Which Sailing Certification is Better?

Sailing In Retirement

How to Right a Capsized Sailboat

• Buyer's Guide
• Destinations
• Sailing Info

Hit enter to search or ESC to close.

• Yachting World
• Digital Edition

Why these extreme multihull concepts could be the future of catamaran design

• October 13, 2020

Holiday homes, restaurants, even cities may soon be coming to a quiet beach or harbour near you, reports Sam Fortescue

The €500m beiderbeck-designed Galileo2 concept catamaran takes multihulls to another level and is capable of berthing yachts up to 80m

As boats become ever more like homes on water, something else is changing: designers and builders have been turning their attention to the market for floating buildings. New concepts to emerge range from a thatched beach cottage atop a catamaran hull to an entire floating city, generating its own food and power. The one thing they have in common is they’re movable structures that can be parked wherever they can drop the hook. And soon they could be coming to a peaceful estuary near you.

There is an opportunity here, of course, to create additional living and leisure space in areas where the land is already choked with people. Imagine being able to moor a temporary holiday village off Bournemouth Beach, for example, or create a restaurant off Dartmouth without affecting the townscape.

But the flip side of the coin is that someone could park a large floating structure right in front of your sea view, or occupy a quiet, sensitive environment. Imagine, as sailors, falling asleep in a deserted anchorage and waking up with a throbbing beach bar right next to us!

Floating homes and docks are being designed to use Seafloatech’s eco-friendly anchoring system

“If a craft is movable and can drop an anchor, it would be classed as ‘any other vessel’ and would not need consent,” confirms Martin Willis, executive officer of the UK Harbour Masters’ Association. “But if it’s a commercial business, it’d be subject to the relevant regulation – there are no rights to come in and open a business in a harbour without the Harbour Master’s consent.” Alternatively, it may fall under MCA coding as a passenger craft.

In some parts of the world, floating structures are already quite common. Upscale luxury holiday resorts in Thailand or the Maldives, for example, offer floating villas. And soon you might expect to see whole floating marinas if you find yourself close to St Tropez. France’s recent move to protect crucial Neptune grass meadows in the Mediterranean means that anchoring off the town is severely limited for yachts over 24m.

To get round the problem, a company called Seafloattech has developed a system of screwing steel frames to the seabed to moor big structures on giant hydraulic shock absorbers. “We had a prototype size in place for six months in the Bay of St Tropez,” says managing director Lionel Péan, the French ocean racing star and past winner of the Whitbread Round the World Race . “It could accommodate up to 70 boats in a maximum wind of 42 knots, with up to 2.4m wave heights with no structural problems or injuries.”

Article continues below…

Black Cat 30: Daring catamaran concept promises superyacht luxury at 32 knots

There’s the sleek curve of the glass superstructure, the powerful rig and the all-carbon build. The huge aft deck, main…

The future of yachting: Smart technology for your next yacht

It’s becoming abundantly clear that to meet greenhouse gas emissions targets set out in the 2016 Paris Agreement, we’ll need…

Offshore developments

The hydraulics keep the marina on station despite the tide and help to counteract wave action. It is even possible to use the system to tether a boat or a home through storm-force conditions, insists Pean. “If you want to build something to resist a typhoon, for instance, you have to make special arrangements with the customer. It can be done, but it costs a lot. In the Med, you don’t need 5-6m waves resistance.”

Seafloattech itself will ultimately just licence the tethering system, but it is working with partners who envisage all manner of structures atop their platforms. There are swimming pools, beach clubs, superyacht berths, hotels and villas.

“We believe that the demographic surge will force the coastal states to really focus on offshore coastline development,” adds Pean. “I am for a two-fold operation including sanctuary areas and social offshore development zones. We think that Northern Europe will take some more time but as soon as we have some units up and running, it will happen quickly.”

Seafloattech has developed a steel tethering structure that is screwed to the seabed with hydraulic shock absorbers that can secure any number of floating homes. Standard versions can cope easily with Mediterranean weather conditions

Another French concern, Faréa, has taken a markedly different approach, developing a home that sits on two deep metal floats that also contain cabins. It is a simple catamaran, propelled by an outboard at the ‘stern’ and anchored with normal ground tackle at the ‘bow’. Navigation is slow and only for fine weather, but retractable centreboards mean it can be beached.

“They amount to 86m2 of space, with seven double cabins separate heads and bathroom and three terraces,” explains founder Christophe Roi. “They are self-sufficient in water and electricity, thanks to the oversized photovoltaic panels and fuel cells.”

A thatched roof multihull?

The original plan was for something more like a floating house, but feedback from insurers pushed Faréa towards a craft that meets category C of the Recreational Craft Directive. “It means they can stand up to Force 6 and 2m waves,” explains Roi. “What with rental prices so terribly high in England, I am certain that living on water should be a possibility.”

Original Faréa concept was for an economical floating home with a thatched roof, but later versions can meet RCD Cat C

A fully equipped F2C model would cost around €160,000 to install, he adds. With the average Newquay home costing £730,000, according to RightMove, he has a good point.

Alva Yachts offers more architecturally ambitious 45m2 holiday homes with an infinity pool and a terrace. Not self-propelled, costs range from €85,000 to €200,000 depending on finish. The fledgling German company is using its founders’ experience of building catamarans that run on renewable power to offer low-carbon homes.

“The floating homes are literally super luxury yachts without propulsion,” explains co-founder Mathias May. “The hull and ‘sails’ are made of composites, while energy consumption, supply and distribution is comparable to a solar yacht. We strive to be as efficient as possible to get rid of diesel gensets in remote areas. It is no coincidence that our first customer for such a project comes from the Maldives.”

This ocean resort features a number of Alva Yachts floating eco holiday homes costing from €85,000 to €200,000

Meanwhile, two Finnish companies have developed a series of even larger floating structures whose near-total self-sufficiency allows them to remain offshore indefinitely. Architects Sigge and builder AdMares have turned the world’s largest floating villa (all 6,000m2 of it) in Abu Dhabi into an autonomous boat capable of tackling waves up to 1.2m.

By fitting a wheelhouse and three Rolls Royce US 55 FP azimuth thrusters with a total 750kW output, the villa can move itself around the sheltered waters of the emirate. An anchoring system at each end of the platform is equipped with whopping 38mm chain and 1,575kg anchors.

Off nearby Qatar, the Finnish firms have been hard at work installing 16 floating hotels with a total of 1,616 rooms, aimed at providing temporary accommodation for the huge influx of football fans due for the 2022 World Cup. With four storeys including a lounging area and a restaurant, each hotel can simply be towed to a new location after the tournament. The only restriction is the 4m draught.

This Oceanix concept sees hexagonal clusters of floating homes linking up to become towns with net zero emissions

Floating towns

Several orders of magnitude further up the scale and you reach floating towns. Some concepts, like Oceanix, are very serious attempts to expand the boundaries of human habitation to ‘the next frontier’. It is a consortium of companies focusing on the UN’s ‘New Urban Agenda’ with a plan to build homes on pods clustered in hexagons, in turn clustered into larger hexagons, and so on, up to cities of 10,000 people.

Their vision includes parks, arenas, restaurants, offices up to three stories high and built-in docking for solar-powered watercraft. Energy is harvested from waves, wind, sun as well as algae bioreactors and more to create a net-zero consumer, while food is grown on and under the city.

“We believe humanity can live in harmony with life below water – it is not a question of one versus the other,” says CEO Marc Collins Chen. “The technology exists for us to live on water, while nature continues to thrive under. Floating cities by design embrace all types of marine activities, so they are complementary to existing activities like fishing and sailing.”

Nomadia is a multi-deck craft for 3,000 guests. An alternative to cruise ship holidays, it features an internal marina and even beaches

The initial sites envisaged for a city are all on the fringes of the Tropics, from Japan to Thailand, and the structures are designed to withstand Category 5 storms.

A more Eurocentric view comes from two designers of cities on boats. French naval architect Sylvain Viau has developed an outline for a triangular craft measuring 372m in length, with a jaw-dropping beam of 369m. Across 12 decks moving at up to 5 knots, some 3,000 guests can be accommodated, along with lecture halls, meeting rooms, restaurants, shops, manmade beaches and an internal marina capable of berthing ten 100ft yachts.

Fun and games afloat

These giant ‘craft’ are nothing to do with loving the sea or even respecting the enivronment. “People are not interested in the sea, they are interested in casinos, cinema, fun entertainment,” Chen explains. “In my imagination, you welcome everybody on board in a nice location. The platform doesn’t move during the season, only in the winter, when it’s time to find a new spot.”

With yards promoting designs such as this BlackCat 50m, superyacht multihulls look set to be the next very big thing

At anchor, giant inlets like gills down each flank would channel waves into a generator to produce energy. And when it’s time to move, the boat raises its 300-tonne anchor and blows out its ballast tanks to reduce its draught from 20m to 11m.

Germany’s beiderbeck designs recently made headlines with the publication of a €500m concept catamaran called Galileo2, capable of berthing yachts up to 80m, and offering a fold-down restaurant and an open-air amphitheatre cinema. With a nod at managing greenhouse gas emissions, this small floating town would be powered by gigantic fuel cells, and would pioneer so-called marine thermal energy in yachting.

“You can use the temperature difference between the deeper and surface water,” explains Timo Hartmüller of beiderbeck. “Obviously, you need to be in deep water, but we designed the yacht to stow a 1km long hose on board.”

Some of these floating titans may never make it off the drawing board, particularly in view of the way that coronavirus has decimated the cruise ship industry. But the current is running hard towards extending communities above the waves, and whatever you may think of these concepts, be they luxury pads or modest holiday cabins, expect to see more of them coming to a stretch of coast near you.

Mobile pontoon

Multimarine near Plymouth is nearing completion of a 108ft x 28ft motorised platform called the Gweek Pontoon, which the owner plans to charter out for use as a mobile regatta and watersports base.

It is fitted with an anchor and windlass, as well as three 200hp engines, and includes a built-in hydraulic slipway. It is built from foam-core vinylester laminate and carbon fibre for light weight and a trifling draught of just 100mm.

First published in the September 2020 issue of Yachting World.

Blue Coast 65 Sailing Catamaran

The Blue Coast 65 is a new, modern, fast and luxurious performance sailing catamaran for a smaller crew who want to enjoy worldwide cruising on all oceans.

Description

A dynamic "full-custom" design by our Naval Architect Jean-Jacques Coste, who has been recognized worldwide for his fast sailing performance multihull yachts for many years.

2 half-height helm stations provide sheltered positions. In bad weather, the yacht can be steered from the inside steering position in the saloon.

On the spacious flybridge with generous sunbathing areas and a dining area you can enjoy the sun, the steering positions can also be placed there as an option.

The very spacious main deck offers an enormously large, comfortable living area:

The forward cockpit area is directly connected to the saloon with a watertight door, the perfect place to find peace in port. 

The saloon with a comfortable lounge area and a fully equipped kitchen in a U-shape is a great place to be, with a bar counter in the middle with a retractable TV.

The shaded rear terrace is larger than the saloon and is probably the most popular place to dine, relax, welcome guests and friends. An outdoor kitchen can also be accommodated there.

On the cabin deck, a spacious master suite with bath and shower, a crew or single cabin that can alternatively be set up as an office or walk-in wardrobe, 2 guest cabins and a workshop offer a high level of comfort.

The forward storage compartments provide space for the washing machine, supplies, sails and equipment.

The layout of the flybridge, main and cabin decks can also be customized to suit your requirements.

Available with traditional diesel engines or with the innovative electric hybrid system "Green ECO Power".

Design according to your ideas

The design of the BLUE COAST 65 can be adapted to your ideas as you desire in terms of number and layout of cabins, interior fittings and furnishings.

Manufacturing your Yacht

Under the constant supervision of Catamaris ®  and Jean-Jacques Coste, your BLUE COAST 65 catamaran will be built in a certified shipyard in Europe with many years of experience in successfully manufacturing of numerous luxury yachts and multihulls.

Technical Specifications

Layouts of blue coast 65.

Sailboat Hulls: Steel Vs Fiberglass

Last Updated by

Jacob Collier

August 30, 2022

For decades, sailors and boat owners have been having hotly contested debates about the merits of steel hulls vs fiberglass hulls in sailboats.

The major benefits of boats with steel hulls are that they are very strong, durable, and can be repaired easily. On the other hand, a fiberglass hull offers your boat a smooth and sleek look that is very pleasing. They are also lighter, faster, and require less maintenance than steel boats.

Whether you are building your own sailboat or thinking of buying one, getting the right material for the hull is of paramount importance. Your choice of material should depend on consideration of multiple factors, including its durability, stability, maintenance, repairs, weight, comfort, safety, and cost.

We have a team of sailing experts who have spent decades on the water and have set sail on boats built of all types of materials available. So who better to walk you through the pros and cons of steel and fiberglass hulls?

Table of contents

‍ Steel Hull vs Fiberglass Hull: Top 10 Factors to Consider

Let us take a look at some of the major factors that can help you determine whether a boat with a steel hull or fiberglass hull will be a better choice for you.

Sailboats with steel hulls are much more durable and stronger than those with fiberglass hulls. Steel sailboats have a more rigid structure and are quite robust so they can better understand grazes, rubs, and bumps when out in the open water.

In case of impact, a steel hull will bend and may become dented; however, a fiberglass hull has a higher possibility of breaking. That’s because steel is more ductile and can withstand strong blows without losing its toughness.

Fiberglass is a lighter material than steel, making  fiberglass boats  lighter. Many people prefer this quality since it means that the boat will travel faster on water and will require less power and wind energy to move than a boat with a steel hull. This means lower fuel consumption and more savings. However, a fiberglass boat will be more prone to be buffeted by the winds since it is lighter.

Anti-Corrosion Properties

The sailboat manufacturing industry now uses state-of-the-art technology and makes use of the best quality materials to make the hull. Steel corrodes when exposed to the atmosphere. However, if the right alloy is used for making the hull, it will resist saltwater corrosion, without even needing special paint.

Steel boats also experience electrolytic or galvanic corrosion, but they can be avoided with the use of insulated electrical connections and sacrificial anodes.

Fiberglass does not corrode. However, it can still suffer from osmosis if the fiberglass had air bubbles at the time of lamination. This can cause water to collect in the void, forming blisters that can weaken the hull. Fiberglass may also become damaged from ultraviolet radiation.

Since steel boats are heavier than fiberglass boats, it means they are more stable on the sea, particularly if you experience choppy waters. A fiberglass boat, on the other hand, is lighter, and hence sailors may experience a rougher journey on choppy waters.

In addition, due to its extra weight, steel boats drift slower and more predictably, which is particularly useful for anglers.

Maintenance

Many steel boats require greater maintenance since they are more prone to corrosion. Galvanic corrosion can occur when two different metals are placed together. Hence, it is important that you ensure that high-quality materials, joints, and screws are used on the hull. It is important to rinse the hull with fresh water once it is out of the sea.

Fiberglass boat hulls do not have welds and rivets and you do not need to worry about the hull rusting. However, it can experience osmosis issues, which can cause serious problems if they are not treated in time.

Both fiberglass and steel boats require antifouling application to prevent barnacles, algae, and other sea organisms from sticking to the hull. However, antifouling can be more expensive for steel boats.

It is easy to repair small dents in steel boats. However, if the damage is extensive, it can be more complicated and costly to repair or replace large sections of steel hulls. Welding a boat hull is a specialized job that requires trained professionals.

It is easier to repair a broken fiberglass hull, but it may never have the same strength and durability as the original hull since the structural tension will not be equal at all points.

Fiberglass boats are made of petroleum-based products that are flammable. Hence, in case of a fire, they will burn easily and quickly. A steel boat is much safer since it cannot burn. In addition, a significant impact from an unidentified floating object can result in a breach in a fiberglass hull easily and open up a waterway into the boat that can cause it to sink. Steel, on the other hand, can withstand larger impacts without compromising the integrity of the boat.

Steel boats operate much louder than fiberglass boats, especially in turbulent seas at high speed. Steel is also a good conductor of heat and if it is not well-insulated during construction, it can become uncomfortably warm in the summer and cold in the winter. On the other hand, boats with fiberglass hulls do not transmit heat well and are more comfortable.

When it comes to aesthetic appeal, fiberglass hulls have a sleeker, shinier, and more polished look. Steel hulls often have marks of reinforcements on their hulls and they need to get a nice paint to look good. In most cases, steel hulls are covered with putty to hide any construction defects. This putty should be polished so that the boat has a nice finish and is done in a controlled environment to keep out dust.

As you can imagine, this process is complex, costly, and drives up the price of the boat.

It is easier to manufacture fiberglass hulls and mold them into more complex shapes. This can lead to faster production and lower construction costs. Sailboats with steel hulls are more expensive, as we mentioned before because  they require welding, heavy-duty grinding , and specialized cutting tools and are more labor-intensive.

When Should You Choose a Steel Boat?

Steel hulls are stronger, durable, and more impact-resistant than their fiberglass counterparts. Dents in steel hulls can be repaired easily and although steel is prone to corrosion, this can be managed by special paints, insulation, and some regular maintenance.

If you are deciding on a circumnavigation or want to go out on a long spree in the water, you need a solid and dependable boat that you can rely on when you venture into new territories.

A well-maintained sailboat gives you the confidence to enter into unfamiliar rocky coasts and reduce your worries about hitting UFOs. However, keep in mind that steel boats may be slower than fiberglass boats, particularly if they are smaller vessels.

When Should You Choose a Fiberglass Boat?

Fiberglass boats are generally prettier than steel boats since they have a smooth and polished hull. They also do not require protective paint on their hull since they are corrosion-free and hence quite low maintenance. In addition, they are lighter and faster than their steel counterparts and do not cost as much.

However, one big concern of a fiberglass hull is that it is not as strong as a steel hull. If the boat hits a hard object, the fiberglass may break, which can be dangerous on the open seas, particularly in choppy waters.

Still, fiberglass boats are an excellent option for racing and even long-distance cruising in areas that do not have sharp rocks.

The type of sailboat you choose depends on your sailing style and your needs. So make sure you consider all the factors before you invest in a steel or fiberglass boat.

Related Articles

Types of Sailboat Hulls

What Is a Sailboat Hull?

Born into a family of sailing enthusiasts, words like “ballast” and “jibing” were often a part of dinner conversations. These days Jacob sails a Hallberg-Rassy 44, having covered almost 6000 NM. While he’s made several voyages, his favorite one is the trip from California to Hawaii as it was his first fully independent voyage.

by this author

Learn About Sailboats

Most Recent

What Does "Sailing By The Lee" Mean?

Daniel Wade

October 3, 2023

The Best Sailing Schools And Programs: Reviews & Ratings

September 26, 2023

Important Legal Info

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.

Similar Posts

Affordable Sailboats You Can Build at Home

September 13, 2023

Best Small Sailboat Ornaments

September 12, 2023

Discover the Magic of Hydrofoil Sailboats

December 11, 2023

Popular Posts

Best Liveaboard Catamaran Sailboats

December 28, 2023

Can a Novice Sail Around the World?

Elizabeth O'Malley

June 15, 2022

4 Best Electric Outboard Motors

How Long Did It Take The Vikings To Sail To England?

10 Best Sailboat Brands (And Why)

December 20, 2023

7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat

Get the best sailing content.

Top Rated Posts

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. (866) 342-SAIL

© 2024 Life of Sailing Email: [email protected] Address: 11816 Inwood Rd #3024 Dallas, TX 75244 Disclaimer Privacy Policy

The ZEN50 is a game changer. World’s first series production catamaran equipped with a wingsail, it defines a new distinctive class of its own, where genuine zero-emission meets high comfort and performance, limitlessly. 

Designed from scratch for ZEN Yachts by award-winning naval architect Julien Mélot , this full carbon catamaran is the ultimate essence of technology driven, high performance and luxurious, eco-friendly leisure yachting. 

The blue water capable ZEN50 lightweight racing carbon hulls are combined with a huge solar roof for an unrivaled solar power vs. displacement ratio above 1:1 (18 kW / 17 tonnes), making this yacht completely energy self-sufficient. A revolutionary, fully automated, wingsail - by Ayro© - can be added as a range and speed extender. The yacht’s high capacity battery bank powers a powerful silent electric propulsion, allowing the ZEN50 to achieve 14 knots and maintain high continuous speeds in unrivaled safety and comfort, indefinitely… 

The ZEN50 is offered with or without wingsail and comes in 3 main different versions: Racer, Cruiser and Explorer, each dedicated to a different usage and owner profile. We use these versions as a basis to define a final, bespoke specification for each of our valued clients and ZEN Community Members. Scroll down for more details, specifications and prices.

1st WINGSAIL series production yacht in the world!

The OceanWings32 - by Ayro© - was initially developed for Team Oracle, for the America’s Cup 2010 in Valencia. Over years, it has further been developed and automated by VPLP and was installed on Energy Observer in 2019. Two years of field feedback have allowed the Ayro team to fine tune the algorithm commanding the wingsail. The ZEN50 is the first series production leisure craft to be equipped with this fully automated wingsail. It is controlled at the touch of a finger on screens, is automatically adjusted and has several safety modes and features. The two parts of the wingsail can be hoisted and lowered independently and with the simple touch of a button. The wingsail OceanWings32 is the ideal complement for the solar roof for those wishing to cruise long distances off-shore with zero-emissions.

Greatest ratio SOLAR POWER / weight on the market

At 17 tonnes lightweight and 18,000 W of peak solar power, the ratio of the ZEN50 is at over 1 kW per displaced tonne of water or beyond 1:1 which is far beyond any other blue water CE Cat A yacht in this size range. Lots of solar power for little water to displace is the strong and healthy foundation the energy self-sufficient ZEN50 is built upon.

Performance CARBON sandwich hulls

The hulls of the ZEN50 have been designed from a blank screen for ultimate efficiency - understand minimum drag or minimal energy consumption for a range of speeds from 6 to 10 knots. Their shape is aggressive, sharp and slender. Their reverse bows cut through water like a sword cuts through butter and their curvature is reminiscent of graceful dolphin bodies. These hulls are undoubtedly of the performance type and are built with the best available composites: Carbon fibre and Corecell™. The combination of high strength, low weight and performance design allow the ZEN50 to reach speeds of up to 14 knots.

INFINITE range at high CONTINUOUS speeds

With maximized solar and wind power and minimized energy consumption… the ZEN50 can sail continuously at speeds varying between 6 and 10 knots. Thorough simulations in various sea states and weather system have consistently shown the ZEN50 will be able to achieve performance catamaran speeds continuously without using a genset. With the ZEN50, the world is your oyster and the wildest destinations are within your reach with this self-reliant vessel!

True ZERO-EMISSION operation

The first ZEN50 unit, whose construction started in March 2023, will not be equipped with a genset at all and will not have any fossil fuels onboard. The ZEN50 energy system with its very large capacity 160 kWh battery bank, has been designed to function for days in complete safety with minimal solar energy harvest and no wind. It is perfectly safe with no backup genset and operates 24/7 without any polluting emissions.

NO FUEL , no costs

Naturally, requiring no fuel to operate day in day out is great news for the environment, it is also fantastic news when sailing into remote areas where fuel bunkering might be near impossible or where the fuel quality might be an issue. Finally, it also makes a massive difference in this yacht’s costs of operation. Imagine the hundreds of liters of diesel saved over just a week, the obsolete engine maintenance schedules, the clogged filters and dirty tanks from another age… Welcome to a new burden-free, energy self-sufficient era, welcome to clean and graceful eco-yachting, welcome to ZEN Yachts.

Highest SAFETY & reliability

At ZEN Yachts, we have made some design choices to attain energy self-reliance with the ZEN50 that reduces the habitable volume in the hulls, similar to performance catamarans. Where we have not and will never compromise is on safety. Our main voltage system is 48V making it perfectly safe to work on. The level of redundancy of the batteries and solar panels is 10! The main electrical architecture is split in 2 so that should anything happen on 1 hull, the entire vessel can still operate normally. There are 2 independent helm stations and the ZEN50 is packed with special safety features, nonsubmersible compartments and we can even offer an in-depth practical course on safety equipment usage and management. Sailing with the ZEN50 is not only exhilarating and clean, it is ultra safe!

Unrivaled space & COMFORT

The ZEN50 offers the speeds of a performance catamaran, the comfort of a large motor yacht and the simplicity of an electric car. No less than 2 large day beds, 3 dining areas for over 10 people, 1 professional galley and 2 wet kitchens, 5 heads, up to 4 double ensuite cabins, 1 bunk double and 1 single together with both saloon and dining areas converting into extra sleeping areas, this is simply unrivaled on a 50 ft. catamaran. Add an electric tender, dive compressor, satellite internet, 2 helm stations (cockpit and flybridge), a solar roof that converts into a gigantic upper deck to enjoy the most epic sunrises and sunsets, welcome onboard the ZEN50!

SPECIFICATIONS

Main particulars.

• Length Over All: 15.7m

• Beam: 8.4m

• Depth Molded: 2.7m at midship

• Displacement (light) : 17 T

• Draft (design): 1.3m (4.3ft) incl. keel

• Passenger Capacity: 12

• Berths: 12 (4 x double + 2 x single + saloon)

• Building Material: Carbon Fiber - Corecell™ composite

• Certification: CE Cat A - Unrestricted with 12 persons

Note: Some of the above figures may vary between versions

PROPULSION & ENERGY

• Propulsion: 2 x 50 kW brushless DC motors

• Main Battery Pack Capacity: 160 kWh Lithium

• Solar Roof Peak Power: 18 kWp

• Wingsail: Oceanwings® OWS 3.2 by Ayro©

• Backup Battery Pack Capacity (Nav/Com/Wing): 5 kWh Lithium

• Main System Voltage: 48V - Low voltage for total human safety

• Accommodation Voltage: 110V or 220V

SPEED & RANGE

• Max. Speed on e-motor only: 10 kn

• Max. Speed on e-motor & Wingsail: 14 kn

• Cruising Speed for continuous operation - solar only: 4.5 - 5 kn

• Cruising Speed for continuous operation - solar and wing: 6 - 10 kn

• Cruising Speed day time: 8 - 10 kn

• Range Over 24 h: 180+ nm

Note: These values may vary between versions and sea / weather conditions

EQUIPMENT INCLUDED - RACER VERSION

• Integrated power management system

• Solar power & energy storage system

• Electric propulsion system

• By-wire steering system

• Helm stations at cockpit & flybridge

• Galley counters, storage, sink, oven, stove, fridge, freezer

• 4 en suite heads with enclosed shower, toilet, sink & faucet (in each head)

• All cabin furniture (as shown in layouts)

• Aft deck fixed dining table and aft sofa with collapsible back rest (as shown in layouts)

• Fore deck day bed and lateral seats (as shown in layouts)

• Outdoor marine cork decking / indoor saloon natural bamboo decking

• All cushions In/Outdoor upholstered with Sunbrella® fabric

• 6 deck hatches

• 2 x 500 liter (2 x 132 gal) fresh water tanks

• 2 x 100 liter approx. (2 x 26 gal) fresh water tanks + 1 fresh water pump

• 2 x 350+ liter approx. (2 x 92 gal) holding tanks

• Railings, cleats and fore deck trampolines

• Mooring equipment: 33 kg Rocna® stainless steel anchor + 50 m stainless steel chain 10 mm + 150 m nylon rope + e-windlass

• Regulatory navigation equipment including navigation lights & mast

• 2 x chart plotter 16”; 2 x VHF with DSC button

• Regulatory Life Saving Appliances

• Critical spare parts kit

Note: The above equipment is for the Racer version. Cruiser & Explorer versions carry additional equipment

ZEN50 Solar Wingsail Electric Catamaran - Solar Roof Layout

ZEN50 Solar Wingsail Electric Catamaran - Flybridge Layout

ZEN50 Solar Wingsail Electric Catamaran - Main Deck Layout - Asymmetric D (subject to changes)

ZEN50 Solar Wingsail Electric Catamaran - Cabin Layout - Asymmetric D (subject to changes)

ZEN50 Solar Wingsail Electric Catamaran - Cabin Layout - Asymmetric E (subject to changes)

SOLAR & WINGSAIL

OCEAN RACER

Solar power & Wing, basic configuration, navigation, safety, fridge, etc.

EUR 2 150 000

WORLD CRUISER

Solar power & Wing, well equipped with A/C and water maker

EUR 2 400 000

ARCTIC EXPLORER

Solar power & Wing ultimate configuration with all available options

EUR 2 650 000

Solar power, basic configuration, navigation, safety, fridge, etc.

EUR 1 700 000

CONTINENTAL CRUISER

Solar power, well equipped configuration with A/C and water maker

EUR 1 900 000

TROPICAL EXPLORER

Solar power ultimate configuration with all available options

EUR 2 100 000

Ready to reserve your ZEN50?

Want more information .

My Cruiser Life Magazine

25 Best Sailboat and Catamaran Manufacturers (By Type)

Asking a sailor to pick the best sailboat brands is like asking a car enthusiast to pick the best sports car. Boaters are connected to their boats and share a personal attachment to them that goes beyond the practical. Boats are close to living things. For millennia, sailors have personified their vessels and labeled them “she.” Whatever pronouns you choose to use with your boat, there is no doubt that he or she will earn a special place in your heart.

So how does a humble writer go about breaking down the “best” sailboat manufacturers? Is it of all time? Or are only companies still producing boats today? We must set some limits, and they will no doubt seem arbitrary–but here they are.

First, we are dividing this list up to cover coastal cruisers, luxury monohulls , voyaging bluewater cruisers , cruising catamarans , and performance catamarans. Yes, there is some overlap between these categories. For example, many big “coastal cruisers” have crossed oceans, and many seawind catamaran brands are more than capable cruisers.

So what makes a boat “the best.” The best boat for you is not going to be the best boat for the next guy. There’s simply no way to define what the best manufacturers are going to be. The reason we chose these boats are specified below. It’s not arbitrary, but, at the same time, you don’t have to agree with them.

Finally, nearly all of the brands listed below have one thing in common—you can still buy a new vessel from their yard. In the world of boating, it’s not uncommon to purchase a vessel that has been out of production for decades. There are hundreds, probably thousands, of great manufacturers who went out of business during major economic downturns. Building boats is always a tricky business, but with the economy suffering no one buys new boats.

Table of Contents

5 best coastal cruiser sailboat makers, 5 best luxury sailboat manufacturers, 5 best voyaging bluewater cruising boats, 5 best cruising catamaran manufacturers, 5 best performance cats.

Coastal cruisers are entry-level sailboats built affordably so that nearly anyone can buy one. Another term that gets used is “production boat.” A production boat is designed to be mass-produced in an assembly-line-like factory for maximum cost savings.

The alternative is the custom or semi-custom built voyage yachts. Every element of the build is overseen by expert shipwrights. So the implication is that the production yacht has less quality—but this argument doesn’t always hold blue water if you can forgive the metaphor.

The manufacturers who make the most popular production coastal cruisers also make some larger yachts capable of crossing oceans. But one thing about these boats needs to be made clear—while some can be modified, improved, and outfitted to cross oceans, they do not leave the factory ready to do so.

And while some of them look very sharp, they do not contain the gorgeous hardwood joinery and craftsmanship that fills the hulls of hand-built yachts. These brands make their boats appealing to the mass market, and that market is not the voyaging bluewater cruisers or the luxury yacht.

So are they the “best sailboat brands?” If you’re looking for the best, most affordable coastal cruiser you can get, then yes—these are the best boats for you. However, if you’re looking for the best built, the best outfitted, or the best engineered or designed—then you’d best keep reading farther down the list!

Catalina Yachts

Catalina builds simple sloops ranging in size from fun 12.5 Expo dinghy to their 545 Flagship. There are more Catalinas in the world than any other types of sailboat . The company was founded in California in the mid-1970s.

Of the many wonderful models that Catalina has made popular, the Catalina 30 was an all-around winner. The beamy 30-footer has a cavernous interior that makes it a great entry-level liveaboard. The Catalina 38 is a popular racer/cruiser designed by none other than the famous Sparksman and Stevens (S&S).

Beneteau & Jeanneau

The French marine conglomerate Groupe Beneteau makes many different labels of boats, but their two most popular production sailboat brands are Beneteau and Jeanneau. They also make the Lagoon catamarans. 

Like Catalina, the company makes production boats at an attractive price. They are roomy and comfortable to stay on or even liveaboard. In addition, Beneteau’s are known for their distinctive lacquered wood interiors, which add an air of sophistication to an otherwise average boat. 

Beneteau has a long history. The company was founded in 1884 and has been building fiberglass boats since the mid-1960s. Notable models include the Beneteau Oceanis series, especially the models made after 1995. The most famous Jeanneaus come from the Sun Odyssey lineup.

Hunter Marine (Marlow-Hunter)

Hunter is another American builder and is Catalina’s primary domestic competitor. It is based in Florida and was formed in the early 1970s. Most Hunters have been racing boats or small trailer-sailors , but over the years, there have been quite a few larger liveaboard boats and long-range cruisers. They currently make boats from 15 to 50 feet long.

Dufour catamarans are another French company that makes larger cruising boats. The company was founded in 1964.

Bavaria Yachts

Bavaria Yachtbau is the largest German shipyard. The company makes sail and powerboats, as well as the French-made Nautitech catamarans. The company was founded in the 1970s and was acquired by US investors in 2007. Their monohull sail designs range from 31 to 57 feet long.

If the coastal cruiser category is reserved for the Fords and the Toyotas, let’s look at a few Cadillacs and Lexuses.

The boats below take things up a notch. These are beautifully designed boats with hand-built cabinetry and upgraded fixtures. They’re going to come with everything you need to cruise the boat in style.

Boats in this category are more likely to be built on a semi-custom basis. In other words, these yards might only be putting out a handful of boats per year. If you’re the first owner, you can likely visit and watch your sunreef yachts progress from fiberglass molds to rigging and launching.

Finally, the build quality of these yachts is generally exceptional. The designs usually come from the drafting boards of world-renown sunreef yachts designers, and their timeless beauty shines in every port they visit.

Morris Yachts

If you’re looking for a sailboat that’s also a work of art, Morris Yachts has the one you’re looking for. The company is based in Maine and produces semi-custom boats built to order. All boats are made by hand by expert craftsmen. Since it first opened in 1972, the company has made about 300 boats.

Their present offerings range from the M29 to the M42, but they have built hulls larger than that in the past. The most famous Morris boats, like the 36-foot Justine, were designed by renowned yacht designer Chuck Paine.

Island Packet

Island Packet has always made sturdy blue water cruisers with old-school looking (although technically updated) full keels. Some people may argue that IPs are production boats not quite worthy of the “luxury” title, but it is undebatable that the quality of their boats is above average.

Packets are built-in in Largo, Florida, near Tampa, and their shallow drafts and large living spaces make them perfect for living aboard in Florida or the islands. The first Island Packets rolled off the assembly line in 1980.

IP’s one-piece hulls do not feature the bolted-on keel and fractional rigs so common on many production boats now. Instead, you will find a robust design that is seaworthy and comfortable at sea.

Oysters are recognized worldwide as one of the most beautiful high-end cruising boats you can get your hands on. They focus on larger ocean-capable yachts with luxurious and cavernous interiors.

Oyster is a British yacht builder founded in 1973. Their claim to fame is the unique deck salon layout, which features large central windows around the living space that make the space feel much larger and more comfortable. The company is also known for its excellent attention to detail and outstanding build quality.

Hylas make sailboats ranging from 46 to 70 feet long. They are built in Taiwan by Queen Long Marine and were introduced in 1984. Most of their designs were created by renowned naval architect German Frers, although their first designs came from Sparksman and Stevens.

Tartan Yachts

Hailing from the Great Lakes port of Painesville, Ohio, Tartan has made sturdy and beautiful yachts since 1971. The company’s current lineup features everything from a tiny 24-foot day sailor to an ocean-capable 53-footer.

Tartans are set apart from other production boats by their beautifully crafted interiors. Thoughtful designs make these boats great cruisers and liveaboards.

Some boats are made as an accessible weekend cruisers for everybody, and some are exclusive showpieces that light up the harbor with their polished teak. Others are built tough to take on the elements at sea.

These boats are some of the best-built examples of marine engineering out there. These boats don’t come cheap, but that’s because their makers pay special attention to creating vessels strong enough to take on anything. They spend extra time making super-thick and strong hulls, and they use the best most robust equipment throughout the design.

The hull designs come from the drafting boards of world-renown naval architects. Their designs are heavy and built for a comfortable motion on big seas. In most cases, rudders are skeg-hung for extra security, and props are well-protected behind long keels.

These boat manufacturers routinely crop up on the lists of vessels that have circumnavigated successfully. These boats can cross oceans, and their crews never worry about their safety at sea.

Unfortunately, Texas-built Valiant Yachts ceased operations in 2011. The company built a series of canoe-sterned offshore sailboats from the drawing board of Bob Perry. The Valiant 40 is regarded as one of the best modern offshore sailing vessels. Many have circumnavigated, and the owners are a tight-knit group who love their boats.

Pacific Seacraft

Pacific Seacrafts are built in Washington, North Carolina. Many of their designs came from designer Bill Crealock, including the salty but comfortable PS 34 and PS 37. Other well-known models include the tiny 20-foot Flicka and the 24-foot Dana, both of which have serious offshore cred not given away by their diminutive statures. 

Pacific Seacrafts are hand-built and regularly recognized as some of the best sailboats available. Build quality and thoughtfulness in design are second-to-none.

Hallberg-Rassy

Hallberg-Rassy is a Swedish shipyard that makes very sturdy and capable bluewater cruisers since 1943. Over the years, the company has made everything from small 24-footers to the flagship HR 64. Their best-known yacht was the smaller HR 35 Rasmus, of which they built 760 hulls. The 44 and 50 are their most popular current models.

Amel is the French maker of extremely well-regarded and modern bluewater ketches. This once common rig configuration, with two masts, reduces sail size to keep the lines more manageable on larger vessels. They also allow for more sail configurations to suit a broader spectrum of ocean conditions.

Famous sailing YouTubers SV Delos sail an Amel. The motor boats are large and capable of any voyage you can imagine. They feature thoughtful designs, including fully motorized sail control and a comfortable and protected center cockpit.

Winner of many best boat of the year awards, Passport yachts make spacious and comfortable offshore sailing machines. The first Passports were launched in 1979. The company is based in Annapolis, Maryland. Some of their early models, which Bob Perry designed, are excellent used sailboat options. Today, the company makes boats from 48 to 61 feet long.

And now for something a little different—the sailing catamaran categories. Sailing catamaran brands have become wildly popular in the sailing world because they are so comfortable to live on and offer a significant performance advantage over monohulls. Whether tucked safely in a marina or living off the grid by a tropical beach, sailing catamarans represent a fantastic upgrade to boat life.

You can argue about whether sailing catamarans or monohulls are the best sailboats all day long. But there will always be a place for each one, and there will always be people who love one but not the other.

The best catamaran brands below are the big and comfortable ones that most people will consider the “best” ones to cruise and live on. However, there are two types of sailing catamaran sailors—those that choose these boats because they have wonderful living space and those that choose sailing catamarans for the performance. If you’re the second type of person, you’ll want to move on to the next section about performance catamarans.

Antares Catamarans

The Antares began life as the PDQ 44. It’s a stout sailing catamaran with a few uncommon features that set it above most cruising catamarans—it has a high bridge deck for smoother rides, and it features maintenance-free traditional shaft-drive engines. The company currently builds boats in Argentina and is launching a hybrid model for the 2022 model year.

Knysna Yachts

The Knysna 500 is one of the most beautiful sailing catamarans that you’ll ever lay eyes on. Unfortunately, there aren’t many of these semi-custom boats in the world. The factory in South Africa has only made about 100 of these boats, but they’re well worth taking the time to seek out. Their overall craftsmanship and attention to detail are unmatched in the sailing catamaran industry.

Nautitech Catamarans

The French-built sailing catamaran arm of Bavaria Yachts, Nautitech catamarans makes boats that blend beautiful living spaces and solid offshore performance. Current models range from 40 to 54 feet long.

This Australian manufacturer of fast cruising cats has focused on performance while offering comfortable sailing catamarans suitable for cruisers. The Seawind 1000, first offered in the 1990s, set the standard for the small, simple, yet capable cruising catamaran. They currently produce boats from 38 to 52 feet long.

The Big Three— Lagoon , Leopard , and Fountaine Pajot  

The three big names in cruising cats can’t be left out, but they aren’t particularly distinct enough to warrant individual shout-outs. Each company makes production cruising and charter sailing catamarans of average build quality. In car terms, these companies are making the Honda Civics of the sailing catamaran world. In monohull terms, these companies are Beneteau, Catalina, or Hunter.

Fountaine Pajot and Lagoon are French-built, while Leopard catamarans come from South Africa. All of the companies began gaining popularity in the late 1990s, and all of them are popular in the charter boat market. They all compete with one another closely, and their designs follow distinct trends. They often have functional layouts that are pleasant to liveaboard, but their build qualities are mixed.

One of the most common advantages that sailing catamaran companies want you to know about is their performance. Foot-by-foot, sailing catamarans are faster than monohulls. Regular cruising cats can still be sluggish in light winds, though.

But companies below take performance to another level. State-of-the-art rigging, sails, and weight-savings composites turn some of these boats into rocket ships. The vessels are big enough and outfitted well enough for voyages of any length. Many have circumnavigated. In short, these performance cats can move.

Catana is very similar to Lagoon or Fountaine Pajot—French-built charter sailing catamarans with lots of living space. However, the company’s designs feature retractable daggerboards instead of the more common mini-keels. This gives them better downwind performance and an advantage on big seas.

Regardless of the actual performance of the vessels, Catanas are built with sailing in mind. Aft helms provide a beautiful clear view of the sails and the conditions.

If you’re looking for a floating rocketship, Gunboat has your number. These carbon fiber-built miracles of space-age technology regularly zip along at speeds higher than the true wind. Carbon hulls and masts and the latest in rigging technologies make them tick.

They’re as fast as race boats but comfortable liveaboards, too. In their words, “Life is too short to sail a slow boat.” Since they opened in 2002, Gunboat has made fewer than 40 boats, ranging from 48 to 90 feet long. They’re made in La Grande-Motte, France.

The now-famous Outremer is featured on the YouTube channel Sailing La Vagabonde. It’s a fast boat. Current designs range from 45 to 55 feet long. Like all boats in this class, these are fast cats that still maintain enough space for comfortable living at sea. Outremers are built in France, and the company has been making performance catamarans since the 1980s.

HH Catamarans

Awarded several best boat the year awards by Cruising World and Sail magazines, the HH is a thoroughly modern take on the traditional cruising catamaran. More emphasis is placed on speed and performance, using daggerboards and super light composite construction. HH Cats are built in Xiamen, China. The company currently offers HH44, HH50, and HH88.

The sleeper of the performance cat category is Maine Cat, hailing from Lincolnville, Maine. Their boats are built lightweight with a focus on light air and upwind performance. Daggerboards are used along with simple, intelligent designs.

Of the boats on the performance list, the MC 30 is the smallest sailing cat offered. It features an impressive feature set, however, and a unique combination of traits. For one thing, these boats are designed to be straightforward and light instead of filled with luxuries. For more living space, the MC 41 offers speed and space with none of the frills. 

Matt has been boating around Florida for over 25 years in everything from small powerboats to large cruising catamarans. He currently lives aboard a 38-foot Cabo Rico sailboat with his wife Lucy and adventure dog Chelsea. Together, they cruise between winters in The Bahamas and summers in the Chesapeake Bay.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Between a Sailboat or Catamaran for Your Sailing Adventures

C hoosing between a sailboat and a catamaran for your sailing adventures is a significant decision that depends on various factors, including your sailing preferences, experience level, budget, and intended use. Here's an ultimate guide to help you make an informed decision:

1. Sailing Experience:

• Sailboats: Typically require more skill and experience to handle, especially in adverse weather conditions. Ideal for sailors who enjoy the traditional feel of sailing and are willing to invest time in learning and mastering the art.
• Catamarans: Easier to handle, making them suitable for beginners. The dual-hull design provides stability, reducing the learning curve for those new to sailing.

2. Space and Comfort:

• Sailboats: Generally have a narrower beam and less living space. However, some sailboats may offer comfortable cabins and amenities.
• Catamarans: Wider beam creates more living space. Catamarans often have multiple cabins, spacious saloons, and expansive deck areas, providing a more comfortable living experience.

3. Stability:

• Sailboats: Monohulls can heel (lean) while sailing, which some sailors enjoy for the thrill but can be discomforting for others.
• Catamarans: Greater stability due to the dual hulls, providing a more level sailing experience. Reduced heeling makes catamarans suitable for those prone to seasickness.

4. Performance:

• Sailboats: Known for their upwind performance and ability to sail close to the wind. Some sailors appreciate the challenge of optimizing sail trim for efficiency.
• Catamarans: Faster on a reach and downwind due to their wide beam. However, they may not point as high into the wind as monohulls.
• Sailboats: Typically have a deeper draft, limiting access to shallow anchorages and requiring deeper marina berths.
• Catamarans: Shallow draft allows access to shallower waters and secluded anchorages, providing more flexibility in cruising destinations.
• Sailboats: Generally more affordable upfront, with a wide range of options available to fit different budgets.
• Catamarans: Often more expensive upfront due to their size and design. However, maintenance costs may be comparable or even lower in some cases.

7. Mooring and Docking:

• Sailboats: Easier to find slips and moorings in marinas designed for monohulls.
• Catamarans: Require wider slips and may have limited availability in certain marinas, especially in crowded anchorages.

8. Intended Use:

• Sailboats: Ideal for traditional sailors who enjoy the art of sailing, racing enthusiasts, or those on a tighter budget.
• Catamarans: Suited for those prioritizing comfort, stability, and spacious living areas, especially for long-term cruising and chartering.

9. Resale Value:

• Sailboats: Generally have a more established resale market, with a wider range of buyers.
• Catamarans: Growing in popularity, and well-maintained catamarans often retain their value.

10. Personal Preference:

• Consider your personal preferences, the type of sailing you plan to do, and the kind of lifestyle you want aboard your vessel.

In conclusion, both sailboats and catamarans have their advantages and disadvantages. Your decision should be based on your individual preferences, experience level, budget, and intended use. If possible, charter both types of vessels to experience firsthand how they handle and to help make a more informed decision based on your own preferences and needs.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Between a Sailboat or Catamaran for Your Sailing Adventures appeared first on Things That Make People Go Aww .

eos 47 catamaran

Eos catamaran.

• www.eoscatamaran.com
• 5 place des Coureauleurs 17000 LA ROCHELLE

This story began in 2015, when Pierre-Henri Barbé decided to embark on the design of a catamaran that would combine performance and comfort. A reflection that stems from a personal dream of one day casting off on an ideal boat. It will be the EOS.

Designed by Christophe Barreau and Marc Lombard, renowned naval architects specializing in fast, seaworthy, light and comfortable cruising catamarans. Eos54 and Eos47.

Built in France (world leader in catamarans) by the F. Hervé shipyard (in La Rochelle), a guarantee of a high level of quality, optimizing the weight-to-power ratio in order to promote responsive sailing offering guarantees of safety.

EOS catamarans are intended for discerning sailors, amateurs and professionals alike, eager to rediscover the sensations linked to the finesse of the helm touch (including the tiller) of a sailboat capable of posting more than 15/20 knots at speed.

High-end deep-sea cruising catamaran, designed for long voyages or around the world. The Eos responds to the demand for a semi-tailor-made model for a living environment adapted to the wishes of its owners.

Buy EOS Catamaran

• Advertising

Customer reviews

• Netherlands
• United States
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom

EOS 54: A NEW EXTREME CAT

Leggi l’articolo in italiano

As shown by the birth of new brands and ideas, the world of multi-hull boats is very lively. Next September, at the Grand Pavois Boat Show of La Rochelle (on the French Atlantic coast), EOS 54 , the father of a new series of catamarans, will be presented.

At the moment, it is under construction at  Marsaudon Composites, a yard seated in Lorient, the cradle of the popular French offshore sailing.

Marsaudon Composites is among the leaders in this field; it has built, for example, IDEC II ( now Qingdao), the 30-metre-long trimaran which, steered by Francis Joyon, broke the around-the-world tour record in 2008 (57 days, 13 hours, 23 minutes and 6 seconds), Paradox and Zed 6 , respectively a trimaran and a TS42 catamaran which climbed the podium of Fastnet last year.

EOS 54 belongs to Classic range , that one dedicated to cruise boats, conceived for experts, private, charter companies and hard navigations. EOS is not a floating villa for comfortable cruises. It is a fast catamarans, exactly like Outremere, Catana and so on.

It will be available also in a Race version and, later, in motor and hybrid version.

EOS points to be a luxury catamaran, completely open to customization . Standard interiors have 3 cabins, but the yard has already prepared some versions with 2,4,5 and 6 cabins.

The project is by  Christophe Barreau (the same designer of TS42, very poplular in France). EOS 54 is 16.5 metres long with a displacement of 12-13 tons. It is made in infusion fiberglass with kevlar elements. It has thin hulls and a fixed keel and it is provided with automatic sensors to release all sails’ sheets. The helmsman position is central and riggings are all in the cockpit.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

You might be interested in

Ocean Alexander 35P, the Puro Series has been launched

PIRELLI 42 Special Edition 

Cayman 38.0 Executive Black Limited Edition: Ranieri International unveils a new jewel in Miami.

Solemar SE33: the new cabin RIB unveiled in world premiere

LUDOVICO EINAUDI AND GREENPEACE TOGETHER FOR THE ARCTIC

World Premiere: Rivamare, by Riva shipyard

To provide the best experiences, we and our partners use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us and our partners to process personal data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site and show (non-) personalized ads. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.

Click below to consent to the above or make granular choices. Your choices will be applied to this site only. You can change your settings at any time, including withdrawing your consent, by using the toggles on the Cookie Policy, or by clicking on the manage consent button at the bottom of the screen.

Subscribe For Latest Updates

Sign up to receive the best of Yachting News, sea trials, boat review and world premieres .

The only ADVERTISING FREE newsletter

Our Catamarans

Explore our models in a different way thanks to the virtual marina

Efficiency through design

A feel for the sea: sailboats first and foremost

When volume transforms to real space

Innovation as a foundation

• Smart Electric
• Virtual marina

• Sailing catamarans range

Catamaran Tanna 47

When the ocean becomes your playground

Length overall

Beam overall

Standard Power

Mainsail area

Featuring the largest owner's suite on a sailing catamaran of this size, it occupies the entire port hull with its own private bathroom.

Up to 10 guests and a full crew

An owner's catamaran, the Tanna 47 can easily accommodate two families or a large group of friends

Less than 14m long, she still has boasts an incredible amount of space for a yacht of this size. With outstanding daily range and performance, she provides the opportunity to long-distance getaways . With a lounge deck twice the size of her predecessor, the Tanna 47 catamaran sets the bar very high when it comes to relaxing and sharing wonderful times together! As a model without a flybridge, her silhouette remains slender, from her inverted bows to her tapered coachroof, and the whole catamaran is so comfortable that it would be a shame to deprive you and your friends of it.

Catamaran Tanna 47 in video

Tanna 47 : a sophisticated new sailboat (3D video)

Comfort feels even better when it is shared

With such a large capacity, comfort is a priority. Whether you’re enjoying an alfresco lunch in the cockpit or sharing a snack in the saloon, it’s important that everyone can easily find a space they can call their own . That’s when a fluid design truly supports socialising at its best.

Features Catamaran Tanna 47

Version Maestro

1 owner’s suite + 1 bathroom / 2 double cabins + 2 bathrooms

828.8 sq ft

559.7 sq ft

Displacement unloaded

Option Power

Fresh water tank

2 x 92 Gallons

Diesel tank

2 x 124 Gallons

Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design

Like the Aura 51, the Tanna 47 boasts an impressive array of solar panels – up to 9m² – all perfectly integrated into the wings of the roof. This contributes significantly to energy self-sufficiency for unrestricted comfort each day, which you will always appreciate, particularly on long cruises or relaxing at anchor .

Indoor & outdoor areas

Unique design and incomparable spaces.

With space for 6 to 10 guests, depending on whether you opt for the Maestro or Quartet version, the Tanna 47 is flexible enough to suit both a couple who desire their own space and families who like to entertain friends in comfort. Up to two additional crew members can also enjoy the same high standard of comfort.

Virtual visit

As if you were there….

Welcome aboard this exceptional yacht for a 100% immersive visit. Explore her interior and exterior living spaces in minute detail!

• Construction & Design
• Smart Electric technology

Waiting times for a Fountaine Pajot catamaran may vary according to the stage of your project, the model you want or your sailing area. Some Fountaine Pajot dealers have new catamarans ready to sail! Contact your nearest dealer HERE to ask about the availability of the catamaran of your dreams!

Visit your nearest Fountaine Pajot boat dealer to buy a new catamaran from our range. You will benefit from personalised advice through the Fountaine Pajot dealer network. Discover our network HERE

The price of a Fountaine Pajot sailing catamaran varies according to the size of the model chosen and your sailing project. Our dealers are at your disposal to guide you in your choice of fittings, packages and options to best suit your boat purchase project . You can find out the starting price of the catamaran of your choice on this page HERE .

Innovative, high-tech composite materials constitute most of the structure of our sailing catamarans: hulls, flybridge, decks, bulkheads and more. Fountaine Pajot has perfected a resin injection and infusion technique, an advanced technology that gives our boats all their robustness. Thanks to this expertise, we can make our catamarans considerably lighter while maintaining consistent quality . Injection also makes it possible to meet the most stringent environmental requirements, in line with the commitments of the Fountaine Pajot Group.

Sailing catamarans from 40 to 50 feet are built at the Aigrefeuille headquarters, a few kilometres from La Rochelle. Catamaran yachts from 51 to 80 feet are built in La Rochelle, France, where they benefit from a slipway.

It is essential to define your sailing program: define the size of the crew on board, the level of sailing knowledge, the sailing project and the target sailing area. Every project is different. Whether you want to enjoy a large Owner’s suite, invite many friends and family on board, or telecommute during your voyage, the Fountaine Pajot cruising catamarans can be adapted to suit your needs. Benefit from reliable, seaworthy and spacious catamarans! Find out more about our Owners’ testimonials here

The ergonomics of Fountaine Pajot catamarans have been designed to facilitate manoeuvring at the helm, enabling a small crew (2 persons) to manoeuvre the boat easily, both in port and at sea. The unique design of the helm station allows good communication between the aft cockpit and the Fly relaxation areas. Of course, your level of navigation will determine your ability to sail with two or more persons!

Our electric catamarans now feature a large surface area of solar panels, up to 2000 WC, perfectly integrated into the design of the coachroof. Combined with equipment such as wind turbines or hydro-generators, they compensate for the energy consumption generated by on-board use during cruising. Discover the benefits of the Smart Electric solution with 4 real-life cruise scenarios

The Fountaine Pajot range of electric catamarans is expanding, and now includes 3 Smart Electric models. The Astréa 42, Elba 45 and Aura 51 are now available in this version.

With the help of over 70 engineers, Fountaine Pajot has developed an in-house solution, 100% adapted to the use of its catamarans equipped with hybrid electric motors . All on-board production and energy expenditure flows are managed from a single console designed by our teams to offer a simple, designer user experience. The system we have developed enables us to give priority to the use of renewable energies at all times. Find out more here

13-meter sailboat

Interested in this model?

Your local dealer will be happy to advise you and give you more details about this model!

Experiences

A life of dreams, adventures and emotions....

Immerse yourself in the Fountaine Pajot experience through stories of adventure, news, webcasts, podcasts, press reviews, photo and video reports... Discover a little more about the pleasures of cruising and sailing catamarans!

08 Mar 2024

Alégria 67 – The Flagship Catamaran Star at the International Multihull Show – La Grande-Motte

How does Smart Electric technology work? Answer on video…

Smart Electric: a complete overview of this technology, its origins, how it works and its everyday benefits... #Broadcast

16 Feb 2024

The Thíra 80 nominated in the “Multiyacht” of the Year category by Multihulls World magazine

2022 owners’ rendez-vous | bound for Croatia

Highlights in photo and video, of these 4 days of cruising in catamaran.

08 Feb 2024

Discover the tanna 47 at the upcoming boat shows

Photo challenge 2022

Discover the 5 sailing catamarans photo challenge 2022 prizes

25 Jan 2024

A brand-new experience… Welcome to the new Fountaine Pajot sites!

2023 magazine

08 Jan 2024

Let’s set sail together on course for an exceptional year…

Multihulls World Magazine – Astréa 42

20 Dec 2023

Fountaine pajot wishes you all the best for the 2024

Ep.3 | Set a course for Martinique and Guadeloupe with a fun race

Ceylan and Alfie

Subscribe to the newsletter

Follow the adventures of Fountaine Pajot Owners, discover the latest news and upcoming events, and take part in the development of the Boat of tomorrow!

Compare models

Catamaran Isla 40

Hosting capacity

Motorisation

Technical information

User-friendly areas

Sunbathing Oui

Kitchen Non

Sunbathing Non

Discover the prices

Double rooms

Your contact details

One last step before reaching the next page & discovering the prices proposed & main options for this version! You'll then be able, to schedule a live chat with your local dealer to discuss all the options and configurations available for this model!

Your home port

Any questions?

No pack information currently available online for this Flagship model. We will get back to you directly. Thank you

Would you like to configure this model’s options or set up another model?

Make an appointment with your nearest dealer and choose the boat of your dreams.

• 0 Aucun produit au panier
• Petites annonces
• Fiches techniques
• Destinations

• Tous les magazines
• Cartes postales

Infos pratiques

• Le chantier : EOS CATAMARAN
• Financez votre Eos 47
• Articles autour du Eos 47

Spécifications Générales

Gréements et voiles, equipements, partagez cet article, les fiches techniques du chantier.

Les avis des lecteurs

Postez un avis

Il n'y a aucun commentaire.

Liens utiles

• Louez un Eos 47 , 
• Achetez un Eos 47 d'occasion , 
• Les petites annonces Eos 47 avec Catamaran occasions , 
• Découvrez le chantier EOS CATAMARAN et son Eos 47

Suivez-nous sur

Vous avez ajouté " " à vos favoris., vous avez supprimé " " de vos favoris., pour ajouter cet article à vos favoris, veuillez vous connecter..

Theater of Conquest: Moscow (Level 4 City Event)

The new Warpath game-mode Theater of Conquest: Moscow (Level 4 City Event) is coming soon with tons of new activities, maps, and rewards!

Theater of Conquest: Moscow

• New snowing city level 4 – Moscow
• Kremlin: This strategic place is the pinnacle of Glory in Moscow, and rests in the heartland of this territory.
• Forts: Forts enable either an attack DMG or DMG Resist Buff for Alliance Members. 4 Forts provide attack buffs and another 4 forts provide resist buffs.
• Settlements: Alliances can capture these to allow its members access to more exclusive Arms EXP and Ammo on the Black Market.
• Blockhouses: These defensive fortifications activate troop durability or troop firepower buffs (Four Blockhouses for each buff).
• Arms Factories: These Factories provide Alliance Members with a 5-star unit every 2 days after 12AM UTC.
• Gold Deposits: Collection sites where commanders can mine Gold.
• New achievement demonstration – seasonal medals, and so many more!

Theater of Conquest: Moscow Participation Processes:

The event takes place in 5 stages: Preselection, Matching, Warm-up, Conquest, and Reward!

Preselection Phase

Alliances in the same server undergo an intense contest for 8 days to decide who will qualify for the Conquest: Moscow.

The top 32 Alliances will be qualified for Conquest: Moscow. The number will vary due to different active player numbers in different servers.

The qualified Alliances will be locked that player cannot join or leave the Alliance, and the Alliance cannot disband. The locking state continues until the end of Conquest: Moscow.

Matching Phase

Your Adversaries will be selected from the qualified Alliances. Groups will be formed with 8 Alliances in each to enter the Conquest.

The matching will only take place within the same server for now.

Warm-up Phase

A Warm-Up Round is held before entering the Battle of Moscow, where alliances contend for alluring buffs.

Conquest Phase

The Warm-Up Round then closes as the War in Moscow kicks off. Alliance Members representing their League in the War can then enter Moscow to fight in the War.

Every 8 Alliances will be assigned into one match for the fights, but only one will win.

While the Conquest: Moscow is in progress, participating Commanders can move into Moscow from cities around the world for free, and can spend 1 Entry Permit to move back to the original city during this phase.

Reward Phase

After the Conquest Phase ends, all Commanders who participated will earn the new officer: Ivan Andreyevich Volkov (Winter Huntsman) , and his beloved dog Shemyaka.

The higher rank you and your Alliance have, the more rewards you will get.

Alliance leaders will be able to assign extra rewards to those who perform the best during Conquest: Moscow.

Download & Play Warpath PC

Avoid lags and battery-draining when doing prolonged combats. Bonus: Play multiple accounts easily !

Download & Play Warpath on PC

• 0 No item in your cart
• SUBSCRIPTION
• Classified Ads
• Technical Specifications
• Address book

• All the magazines

Practical info

• Builder : EOS CATAMARAN
• Test of theEos 54
• Finance your Eos 54
• Articles about the Eos 54

Specifications

Rigging and sails, share this article, technical specs from this builder.

What readers think

Post a comment

No comments to show.

Useful links

• Download the boat test of the Eos 54 , 
• Charter a Eos 54 , 
• Purchase a Eos 54 secondhand , 
• Classified ads Eos 54 in secondhand multihulls , 
• Discover EOS CATAMARAN and their Eos 54

Follow us on

Vous avez ajouté " " à vos favoris., vous avez supprimé " " de vos favoris., in order to add this article to your favorites, please sign in..

Builder : EOS CATAMARAN; Finance your Eos 47 Articles about the Eos 47 Specifications. Country France. Builder EOS CATAMARAN overall length 14.44m / 47'5'' Beam 7.52m / 24'8'' Displacement 11.50t / 25,353lbs. Naval architect Marc Lombard. Rigging and Sails. Mast height 21.30m / 69'11''

During our test of the Eos 54 catamaran (see Multihulls World no 153) we were won over by the rigor and intelligence of the concept of a seaworthy boat designed for ocean cruising.(...) 0 No item in your cart

Eos Catamaran conçoit, développe et fait construire deux catamarans "semi custom" de 47 et 54 pieds, d'un haut niveau de qualité de construction, marins, légers, et spacieux. Les catamarans EOS sont destinés à des navigateurs désireux de retrouver le plaisir de la navigation et du temps passé à la barre.

EOS catamarans are intended for discerning sailors, amateurs and professionals alike, eager to rediscover the sensations linked to the finesse of the helm touch (including the tiller) of a sailboat capable of posting more than 15/20 knots at speed. High-end deep-sea cruising catamaran, designed for long voyages or around the world.

EOS CATAMARAN. Discover the new Eos54, blue-water cruising catamaran, fast, light and comfortable. Manufactured by Shipyard Hervé (La Rochelle - France). NEW 2018: the brand-new Eos47, designed by Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group. This 47 foot catamaran is conceived for round the world sailing cruises, according to the same principles: light ...

EOS points to be a luxury catamaran, completely open to customization. Standard interiors have 3 cabins, but the yard has already prepared some versions with 2,4,5 and 6 cabins. The project is by Christophe Barreau (the same designer of TS42, very poplular in France). EOS 54 is 16.5 metres long with a displacement of 12-13 tons.

Information about the Catamaran sailboat 75352 for sale. Offer to buy Eos 47 75352 new for sale. Eos 47 is a Catamaran sailboat with 14.4 m in length and a Volvo D2-40 motor. Photos of Eos 47 on sale and features of the Eos 47 (Catamaran sailboat, 75352) that is on sale can be purchased from iNautia.com.

Eos Catamaran, designs, develops and builds with recognized shipyards two "semi custom" catamarans of 47 and 54 feet, of a high level of quality of construction, light, fast and spacious. The EOS catamarans are intended for sailors eager to regain the pleasure of navigation and time spent at the helm.

Lors de notre essai du catamaran Eos 54 ... Eos 47 est proposé en semi-custom, avec un ensemble carré-cockpit de plain-pied, un grand salon, une cuisine en U et une table à cartes en L, de 2 à 4 cabines doubles et la possibilité d'un ensemble cabine-salle d'eau en pointe pour skipper et hôtesse.

Less than 14m long, she still has boasts an incredible amount of space for a yacht of this size. With outstanding daily range and performance, she provides the opportunity to long-distance getaways.With a lounge deck twice the size of her predecessor, the Tanna 47 catamaran sets the bar very high when it comes to relaxing and sharing wonderful times together!

Eos Catamaran, in collaboration with proficient shipyards, designs, establishes, and builds two "semi-custom" catamarans of 47 and 54 feet that are light, fleet, and spacious, with an exceptional standard of construction quality. EOS Catamarans are designed for sail enthusiasts longing to recapture the thrill of sailing and time behind the helm.

Discover the technical specifications of Eos 47 EOS CATAMARAN, the boat review and all the classified ads for a pre-owned Eos 47 with Multihulls World. Eos 47 - Fiches(...) 0. No item in your cart 0. Aucun produit dans ma liste de voeux devise € $ mesure. m ft langue.

Full article is available in Multihulls World #153:https://www.multihulls-world.com/review/catamaran/eos-54-radiant-dawn-in-greek-mythology-eos-is-the-goddes...

47 POWER THE ALLIANCE OF COMFORT AND SPEED. 11 Length overall 14,23 m / 46'8'' ...

Saona 47; Salina 48; Saba 50; Marquises 56; Sanya 57; Ipanema 58; Eleuthera 60; Galathea 65; Alegria 67; Victoria 67; Taïti 60; Taïti 75; Taïti 80; Gemini Gemini 105 ... EOS Catamaran EOS 47; EOS 54; HH Catamarans HH 55; HH 66; JFA Yachts Knysna Equipment ...

Le chantier : EOS CATAMARAN; Financez votre Eos 47 Articles autour du Eos 47 Spécifications Générales. Pays France. Chantier EOS CATAMARAN longueur hors tout 14.44m. largeur 7.52m. déplacement 11.50t. architecte Marc Lombard. Gréements et Voiles. hauteur du mât 21.30m. grand voile 83m 2. foc 32m 2. génois 61m 2. gennaker 130m 2.

Embark on a captivating journey through the heart of Moscow with our immersive City Walk. ⚠️ Follow for more: https://www.youtube.com/@Real-Russia-4K-Walks F...

A very apt and carefully-designed engine installation, well forward in the boat to give better centering of weight as well as better protection for the motors against spray (inevitable with deck hatches!). Seen here with the access panel open beneath the. Preview of our test onboard the EOS 54 catamaran. Video: our test onboard the Eos 54 ...

🎧 Wear headphones for the best experience.For watching on a big screen 4K.In this video, we will take a walk among the skyscrapers of the Moscow City Intern...

Theater of Conquest: Moscow. New snowing city level 4 - Moscow. New buildings: Kremlin: This strategic place is the pinnacle of Glory in Moscow, and rests in the heartland of this territory. Forts: Forts enable either an attack DMG or DMG Resist Buff for Alliance Members. 4 Forts provide attack buffs and another 4 forts provide resist buffs.

N°194 mar. / apr. View all the magazines. Home; News; Subscribe from $3/month. SUBSCRIBE

The intensity of the underground heat island at the depth of neutral layer (30 m) is in average 5 °C, at some hot locations - up to 14.5 °C. The mean annual temperature can reach even +12 to +15 °C near subway stations or heating pipelines, which is 3-7 °C higher than background values ( Prosenkov, 1970).

Discover the technical specifications of Eos 54 EOS CATAMARAN, the boat review and all the classified ads for a pre-owned Eos 54 with Multihulls World. Eos 54 - Fiches(...) 0. No item in your cart devise € $ langue. ... Eos 47 40' to 50' Technical specs Eos 54 What readers think. Post a comment ...

• Bahasa Indonesia
• Slovenščina
• Science & Tech
• Russian Kitchen

Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

to our newsletter!

Get the week's best stories straight to your inbox

• What to do in Moscow City, if you’re not mega-rich
• Moscow after dusk: 10 places to drink, dance, and groove
• 5 things you must do in Moscow in 2018 between football matches (or without them)
• Sandwiched between Moscow and St. Petersburg: How to spend a perfect weekend in Tver 
• 24 or 48 hours in Moscow: Where to go and what to do in 2019

This website uses cookies. Click here to find out more.

THE 10 BEST Moscow Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in moscow.

• Boat Rentals
• Scuba & Snorkeling
• Fishing Charters & Tours
• Water Sports
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Waterskiing & Jetskiing
• Parasailing & Paragliding
• River Rafting & Tubing
• Dolphin & Whale Watching
• Speed Boats Tours
• Submarine Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3rd Transport Ring (TTK)
• District Central (TsAO)
• Garden Ring
• District Northern (SAO)
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Flotilla Radisson Royal

2. CheapRussia Tours

3. Sup-Club

4. Kite School Kiteclass

5. Akvanavt Diving Centre

6. Easy Russia Tour Guide

7. Moscow River Boat Tours

8. Erwin. Reka

9. Diving Center Crocus City Oceanarium

10. SUP Center

11. Lovely Russia Tours

13. Alfa Centr

14. MORE MOSCOW

15. Sup Outdoor

16. Capital River Boat Tours - Moscow Centre

17. Soho Sailing Style

18. Dive-Project

19. Diving Club Divers

21. S-cruises

22. Morskiye Volki

23. Kayak Moscow

24. Diving Center Crocodile

25. Insider Moscow Tours

26. Mosparokhodstvo

27. russian travel and tours

28. windschool.

30. FLOW Moscow

What travelers are saying.

• CheapRussia Tours
• Easy Russia Tour Guide
• Lovely Russia Tours
• MORE MOSCOW
• Insider Moscow Tours
• Flotilla Radisson Royal
• Moscow River Boat Tours
• Capital River Boat Tours - Moscow Centre
• Diving Center Crocus City Oceanarium