best 44 foot catamaran

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2024 Boat of the Year: HH44

• By Dave Reed
• December 18, 2023

On a cool late-October morning in Annapolis, Maryland, Sailing World ’s Boat of the Year judges stepped on board the gleaming red HH44 built by the Hudson Yacht Group in China. With them for the test sail was HH Catamarans president Seth Hynes and commissioning skipper Chris Bailet, who had tuned the rig and bent on the boat’s Dacron delivery sails. (The race sails were delayed in shipping.) It was their first time sailing the boat too, and like the judges, they were eager to see what it could do.

As the crew slipped dock lines and motored away in silence, the boat’s twin 10-kilowatt electric engines propelled the sleek catamaran through the mooring field in silence. If not for the sound of water gurgling from the transoms and the apparent wind blowing across the foredeck, the judges could barely tell they were underway.

The mainsail was then carefully hoisted inside the lazy jacks, and the halyard held firm with an innovative Karver KJ cone (a conical rope-holding device that acts like a restricter). They bore away and unfurled the non-overlapping jib, which snapped full, and the boat immediately accelerated. 

“Once we got going, it was 5, 6, 7 knots and then—boom—we’re right up to 10,” Stewart says. And with that they were laying tracks all over the Chesapeake Bay, making good pace on all points of sail, even without a reaching sail to deploy. (That too was stuck in transit.)

After two hours of straight-­lining, tacking, jibing, and enjoying the comforts of the interior in a 10- to 15-knot southerly and sharp Chesapeake chop, I extracted the judges from the boat and asked, “So?”

“Boat of the Year,” was veteran Boat of the Year judge Chuck Allen’s immediate response. “That thing is wicked.”

Greg Stewart and Mike Ingham confirmed with nods of approval and big grins. There was no need to debate any further: The HH44 had earned the first award of what will be more to come. This $2 million crossover catamaran is the performance sailor’s retirement race boat. [Editor’s note: The judges’ estimated price was based on an expected racing inventory and associated hardware, but according to HH Catamarans, the new 2024 pricing is as follows: The HH44-OC will start at $995K and is approximately $1.3m fully optioned with EcoDrive and sails). The HH44-SC will start at $1.45m and be approximately $1.6 million fully optioned with EcoDrive and sails.]

With a stated 37 of these 44-footers on order as of late October and a waiting list of three-plus years, HH44s will someday be scattered about in cruising grounds around the world, says Hynes. But it’s only a matter of time—and it will be sooner than later—before owners gather and give the racing thing a go.  

The HH44 is the smallest of the builder’s new lineage of hybrid-powered performance catamarans (there is a 52-footer in the works), so it is positioned as an entry point into big-cat sailing. This model does not require a professional captain or crew because simplicity and owner-operator considerations are prevalent throughout the boat, which is designed by young naval architect James Hakes, son of Paul Hakes, one of the company founders. Chinese entrepreneur Hudson Wang is the other “H” of HH Catamarans.

“It had a great groove upwind. The self-tacking jib was really easy to deal with, and for the mainsail it was just a few feet of ease on the mainsheet, adjust the powered traveler up to center, trim on and go.”

“James brought the hybrid idea with him, and Hudson was willing to take a risk and look at doing something kind of game-changing in the industry with our parallel-­hybrid approach,” Hynes says. Morrelli & Melvin was intimately involved in every performance aspect of the boat, from the appendages to the final hull profile.

“It’s a diesel engine with a shaft drive, and then independent of that is an electric motor with a belt to the shaft, so they’re really independent of each other,” Hynes explains.  

HH isn’t the first or only builder to use the system from Hybrid Marine, but Hake’s approach to the boat overall is inextricably linked to maximizing solar coverage, which means a clean roof and placing the helm stations down in the cockpit. To address the known challenges of cockpit steering in such catamarans, the steering wheels pivot inboard and outboard to allow for better forward visibility and communication with anyone on the foredeck dealing with sails, anchors or dock lines.

Placing the steering stations in the cockpit eliminates the tiered wedding-cake look of most big catamarans these days. More importantly, doing so allows them to lower the sail plan. “That allows for more sail area and less stress on the standing rigging,” Stewart says. “Plus, it looks so much better.”

There are 4,432 watts worth of solar panels piled onto the coach roof, which Hynes says has plenty of juice to get by off the grid, even in low-light conditions. “At full battery capacity, you can run the boat at full throttle using the two 10-kilowatt electric motors and get 7 knots of boatspeed for approximately two hours,” he says. “In light air, you can even keep your leeward electric motor running to build yourself some apparent wind. That’s what’s great about this system: You can sail quietly when no one else can sail at all.”

The port helm station is where a lot of the boathandling happens; there are powered halyard winches and a meticulous array of labeled jammers. Tails disappear into a deep trough forward of the pedestal. The wheels are sized just right, Stewart says. “Initially, I was steering from the weather wheel and I could see fine, and when I went to the leeward wheel, I could easily see the telltales. It had a great feel to the helm—light and responsive with no slop or tightness.”

In Allen’s sailing assessment of the HH44: “It had a great groove upwind. The self-tacking jib was really easy to deal with, and for the mainsail it was just a few feet of ease on the mainsheet, adjust the powered traveler up to center, trim on and go. There is some choreography to learn with the steering wheel, though. You have to move the wheel inboard to get better access to the sail and daggerboard controls during the tack. But once you’re done, you pop the wheel right back out to the outboard position. We didn’t have a screecher to really light it up downwind, but even with the Dacron jib and main, the boat took off. I was really impressed.”

One wish for Stewart would be a sliver of a coach roof window for quick sail-trim checks, but he understood the priority of using every inch of solar-panel coverage.

Not having a sail-trim window wasn’t an issue for Ingham, however. “Most of the time, you’ll trim it to your best guess, take a step outboard and up the stairs right next to the wheel, and check yourself on the trim. It’s all push buttons anyway, so you’re not having to reload a winch or anything like that every time you make an adjustment.”

Even as the morning’s fresh breeze abated, the boat continued to perform beyond expectations, Stewart says. “As we got down to 5 knots of wind, the boat was still quick through the tacks. We didn’t have to back the jib at all, and it sailed at good angles upwind. I was impressed with how well it tacked, and how well it tracked with only one daggerboard down.”

Stewart, a naval architect himself, also appreciated the boat’s modern styling and “sexy-looking profile,” especially the uncluttered interior. “It’s a nice departure from other similar-­size catamarans,” he says. “I like the styling—it caught my eye the very first time I saw the rendering. The transom angle and the reverse bow give it nice aesthetics and the buoyancy you need. The curved boards worked well and are integrated nicely on with the boat. Overall, it’s a great-looking package, and it would be a lot of fun to do some races on.”

“We will definitely end up racing in the Caribbean and doing some fun events for owners,” Bailet says. “The cool thing about this boat is you can take a smaller crew of friends and race competitively, and it isn’t going to cost you $50,000 in paid crew and housing. You can race this boat with three or four people, no problem. Doublehandling is pretty easy too, but if you really wanted to go banging around the buoys, with this boat it would be easy.”

• More: 2024 Boat of the Year , HH Catamarans , Print January 2024 , Sailboats
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44 Yacht Power Catamaran

Born of innovation and experience, the luxurious Aquila 44 Yacht Power Catamaran is a world leader in its class. Designed to be both a long-distance cruising yacht and a highly social platform, the highly experienced Aquila design and engineering team created the Aquila 44 Yacht to optimize performance.

Two Volvo Penta diesel engines are situated aft behind the living compartments reducing noise and vibrations. Bulbous bows increase the waterline for greater efficiency while reducing pitching moments. Multifunction displays, digital controls, joystick operation, engine monitoring displays, thrusters, and widely spaced main engines make operating the Aquila 44 Yacht easily accomplished by a single couple.

With an enormous amount of attention to detail and knowledge of how owners use their boats, both the exterior and interior spaces are perfected to serve those utilizations. The stairway from the flybridge to the foredeck gives safe, easy access to the ground tackle locker and forward cleats when anchoring or docking. Wide side decks and safety handrails are another example of the Aquila's commitment to owners’ and guests’ comfort and safety on the 44 Yacht model.

Available with a 3-cabin layout featuring a salon and galley with 360° views and an extensive flybridge, the layout of the Aquila 44 Yacht makes entertaining a crowd aboard easy. Boarding from the port or starboard swim platforms, guests step up to the aft deck with an al fresco dinette. The window partition between the aft deck and the interior galley lifts, and the countertop folds out to create a service bar. The galley is strategically placed between the aft deck and the salon and dinette on the main deck, making it easy to serve guests inside and outside. A summer kitchen is centrally located to attend to guests in the aft-mounted dinette, and those on the flybridge can enjoy panoramic views along with the operator while underway.

Customization options are available to meet an array of boating lifestyles.

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Aquila 44 yacht spotlight.

Evolution of a Classic

This ocean-going Catamaran is designed to go the distance. An exceptionally performing hull shape provides first in class stability and comfort. The Aquila 44 is available with a 3 cabin layout featuring a salon and galley with 360° views and Portuguese walkaround with forward access steps leading to an extensive flybridge.

Aquila 44 Yacht Power Catamaran Walkthrough

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A Fresh Evolution of Classic Boating Traditions

Specifications

• DOWNLOAD SPECS AND LAYOUTS

• Fuel tank 1,100 L / 290 GAL
• Water tank 680 L / 180 GAL
• Holding tank 240 L / 63 GAL

• 2X Volvo Penta diesel engines with V Drive gearbox - D4 225 hp / 165 kw

Aquila Models

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NEW 44 Open

All your dreams on board

A luxury catamaran built for your dream of sailing around the world

THE NAUTITECH STYLE AT ITS PEAK TO SEDUCE CRUISERS SEEKING PERFECTION

The 44 Open is the natural evolution of the Nautitech line, a new advanced design that redefines, once again, the standard on bluewater cruising boats.

Featuring a revolutionary interior layout, rigging upgrades for enhanced performance and a sharp look, the Nautitech 44 Open is on top of its class.

Nautitech 44 Open, explore your passion for adventure at sea.

A catamaran built by sailors for sailors

We aim to create a new improved design for the Nautitech sailing boat range while respecting the brand's DNA.

The 44 Open will naturally fit between the 40 Open and the 46 Open . This model initiates an evolution of our catamaran lines.

A new style with improvements oriented towards the needs of our sailors, whose valuable feedback were an important part of the multihull design process.

Our main goal was to make all maneuvers easy and safe for a small crew at sea. On this catamaran, everything is accessible, for a certain pleasure at the helm for the owners.

Marc Lombard, Architecte naval

Christophe CHEDAL ANGLAY, Designer

Film showcase

Bluewater cruising has its new wonder for your round-the-world sailing trip and long vacation at sea

A dynamic design, a marker of recognized performance

Sleek Hull Lines and an Inverted Bow, the all new Nautitech 44 Open

An Optimized hydrodynamic bottom and narrow hulls below the waterline combined with a stepped hull chines to widen the hull and provide spacious above the waterline. The hull with its inverted bow and forward rake ensures a balanced sailing boat.

Double helm station, a guarantee of safety and sensations

 An ideal position to have an unobstructed view of the sails and the sea whatever the speed, but also to keep an eye on the crew members in order to sail in complete safety. Centralized maneuvers at the stern to maintain the link with the crew and the conviviality in navigation.

Thanks to a shorter steering circuit, the reactivation of the bar will be amplified offering a pleasure at the helm without comparison.

Lower Main Sheet track location

 Easy to maneuver, visibility on the fittings from the helm station, this position offers many advantages. The performance of our catamarans is optimal thanks to the lowered position of the boom as close to the roof as possible which increases the efficiency of the mainsail in its lower part. The comfort is not without rest with a more accessible lazy bag.

A coach roof that evokes the world of ocean racing

 The modern design of the roof and its elaborate lines perfectly echo the lines of the hull. A subtle interplay of concave and convex shapes creates an unparalleled harmony.

A user-friendly and modular cockpit

 A unique living space aboard the 44 Open. A spacious cockpit connected to the galley that welcomes your guests into a friendly atmosphere during your trip at sea.

A relaxing space that calls for dreams

 A forward cockpit designed for lounging thanks to its large sunbathing area, the ideal place to enjoy a sunset or perfect your tan.

An innovative interior layout for a stylish & livable catamaran

Discover a unique living space that revisits the "Open" concept and offers a 360-degree view

of the outside and flows around the new bar area, that separate the salon from the Kitchen.

Sharing moments at every stage of the journey

The multifunction-raised countertop is the most iconic piece of that new 44 Open concept. Close to the mast and located at the center of the saloon, is where people will join together, discuss the route, and probably “elevate their dream” with enthusiasm.

Following the same concept, the sofa corner offers a cocooning and modular space for the children's nap as well as for night watches.

A redesign Kitchen Area

The best materials have been selected in order to offer a fully integrated galley, with redesigned finishes and equipment. The kitchen has an easy to clean acrylic resin worktop, integrating the sink and the cooking plates, with all the necessary comfort. An expanded fridge capacity featuring a double drawer fridge.

A Facing Forward Chart table designed for navigation

The 44 Open features an enhanced facing forward multi-function desk, used as navigation table, night watches or to work from your boat.

An owner's suite that will not leave you indifferent

Redesigned to combine privacy and maximized space. With a view of the ocean thanks to the large windows, and a constant supply of light.

Also enjoy a sofa corner to give you a moment of serenity.

An elegant and light-filled bathroom

Generous and functional volumes that will make you appreciate every moment in this bathroom worthy of the most refined hotels. To preserve your privacy, the toilets are separate and equipped with a dedicated hand wash basin.

Configuration options for your sailing boat

The 44 Open offers several configuration and layout options, including the new multifunctional technical room

A pleasant living space on board with plenty of storage space

An aft starboard cabin that has nothing to envy to the owner's cabin with its queen size bed and its beautiful opening on the outside.

Forward cabin, The Perfect Guest Cabin

Port or starboard depending of the chosen configuration, each guest can enjoy a bright and comfortable cabin to relax at any time of the day

Unique : a smartroom® that bends to your desires

Laundry room, workshop, storage space... My SmartRoom ® offers you everything in the same place. By replacing the starboard forward cabin with this multifunctional space, free your mind from space constraints and take on board all the equipment you need to live far away adventures.

Multiple configurations:

3 or 4 cabins, with or without My SmartRoom ® ,

the available configurations offer you a wide choice

to fit your needs.

• Without my smartroom®
• With my smartoroom®

Technical characteristic

A catamaran designed for blue water cruising

Ideal for demanding owners in search of adventure in comfort

Technical data 44 open

• Lenght overall 13.30 m / 43'8
• Beam overall 7.36 m / 24'2
• Draft 1.44 m / 4'9
• Displacement (mLC) 10.9 t / 24 035 lbs
• Sail area 105 m² / 1142 sq ft
• Engine D2-30 Volvo
• Fuel tank 2 x 250 l / 2 x 66 US gal
• Water tank 2 x 300 l / 2 x 79 US gal
• Ce Certification A.10 - B.10 - C.22 - D.22

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They talk about us

Nautitech 44 Open review : space and performance?

- by Yachting World on July 2022

" Offering space and a comfortable interior while keeping a cat light enough to perform is a tough brief. Does the Nautitech 44 Open deliver, asks François Tregouet ? "

Nautitech 44 Open. Sport and comfort in harmony

- By Yacht August 2022

"Great sailing characteristics paired with a lot of comfort and thoughtful details. The sporty Frenchman can combine good things. The first photos of the YACHT test"

Sailboat review : Nautitech 44 Open 

- By Cruising world August 2022 

" The Nautitech 44 Open is designed for sailors with distant horizons in mind."

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Get the latest news and information about our new model.

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Sailboat Review: Performance Catamaran Balance 442

• By Herb McCormick
• April 25, 2023

This February, I was on a powerboat off Anse Marcel on the French side of the Caribbean island of Saint-Martin when a fleet of fast performance-cruising multihulls set sail into the windy Anguilla Channel for the rally portion of the annual Caribbean Multihull Challenge . A pair of Balance 442 cats named Sage and Umoya , with reefed mains and drawing spinnakers, were blasting their way into the channel’s whitecapped waters, roiled by the 20-plus-knot easterly trade winds. 

Though they were practically the smallest cats in the fray, the 442s were more than holding their own against the bigger craft, which included a quartet of Balance 482s (including company president and founder Phil Berman’s In Balance ). Five months earlier, during our annual Boat of the Year contest, I’d sailed the very same Umoya in somewhat lighter air. Now I knew what the 442s looked like under sail in sportier conditions while hauling the mail: buoyant, sprightly and packed with horsepower. The yacht’s angular aesthetics are crisp, clean and, to my eye, quite fetching. There’s a deck-stepped mast and a working sail plan consisting of a big, square-topped fully battened mainsail and self-tacking jib; relatively narrow hulls with high freeboard and curved, wave-piercing bows that maximize waterline length; an integral sprit for the reaching and running sails; and a substantial coachroof topped with solar panels and accented by generous, tempered-glass windows. 

Balance Catamarans are built in South Africa, where almost 500 employees operate out of two separate facilities, building about 25 boats a year spanning several models. They all share, as Berman told me, a common purpose and the same DNA: They’re performance-oriented , liveaboard cruising boats that are bluewater capable and sail well on all points of sail. The carbon-infused daggerboards, a feature shared with every model in the brand, are largely responsible for their notable windward ability. 

The build, systems and layout are, at once, both complex and straightforward. The hand-laid hull and deck laminates are vacuum-bagged and employ a vinylester outer skin with a polyester inner skin sandwiching a closed-cell foam core with carbon reinforcements in high-load areas (and in the structural crossbeams). To keep the ­vessel as light as possible without compromising strength, the bulkheads and furniture are foam-cored. 

While the contemporary construction techniques and materials are decidedly high-tech, the power and charging systems aren’t especially complicated; Berman said that another overall goal was to keep the boats as simple as possible to sail and operate. For example, Ed Sherman, our BOTY judge who concentrates on systems, was somewhat surprised that the builder did not opt for the digital-­switching configurations so prevalent now across the industry. Still, he liked what he saw, perhaps even more so.  

“This boat is yet another variation of the ‘no-dedicated-­onboard-generator direction’ we are moving in. It uses integral engine-driven alternators—in this case, a pair of them—that create 48-volt power and run this power through Victron converters to run 24- or 12-volt appliances (or the 48-volt equipment just becoming available in the marine marketplace). Energy is stored in lithium-ion battery banks and can be run through DC/AC inverters to run 120- or 220-volt AC appliances. I see the future of onboard electrical systems on this boat.” 

The accommodations plans are also well-thought-out. At 44 feet length overall, and with the daggerboards to account for, this boat has less interior volume than you’d find on other production cats in this size range. But the Balance team maximized the space available, particularly with the big sliding-glass doors that, when open, incorporate the interior lounge, galley and salon with the cockpit. There’s a choice of four staterooms or, as we had on our test boat, three. In the latter setup, a pair of double-berth ­staterooms are to port (one with an athwartship berth forward and a fore-and-aft bunk aft) while a dedicated owner’s stateroom spans the hull to starboard. In either configuration, stowage is abundant. 

The deck also has nifty things of note: the dual mainsheet system that allows the boom angle to be fine-tuned, negating the need for a traveler; the taut, split trampolines forward that provide an excellent bridle system for the ground tackle centered between them; the grab rails on the coachroof top, serving as handholds and rain catchers; the dedicated winch forward for the spinnaker halyard or code zero; and the huge sail locker that can be accessed from the deck. The davit system also works well. Ullman sails are standard. For electronics, owners can choose Garmin or Raymarine kit.

It was under sail, however, that I truly began to appreciate the 442’s proportions, and came to realize what an ideal-size boat this is for a cruising couple. It’s large enough to address most any cruisers’ plans and itinerary, but not so big that you need to bring additional crew on board to go cruising. 

Our test sail was conducted in considerably more mellow conditions than those off Anse Marcel, but in a building southerly that topped out around 15 knots, there was more than enough breeze to strut the 442’s stuff. The VersaHelm that’s offered on every Balance lives up to its name: The convertible wheel can be locked down at cockpit level in inclement conditions, out of the weather, though thanks to those wide windows, there’s good visibility. Or it can be raised up to the elevated helm station to starboard, where a pair of winches and three sets of rope clutches serve the color-coded ­running rigging that’s all right at hand. The engine controls and instrumentation are mounted here as well, making this an easy boat to sail solo. 

We tacked upwind to gain sea room, gliding along at a pretty effortless 8-plus knots, then swapped the jib for the code zero, turned and burned on a broad reach, and easily topped 11 knots. That was clearly the cat’s sweet spot. It was evident that you could easily match that speed for miles and miles and, on passage, knock out consistent 200-plus-mile days. 

To sum up, what you get with the Balance 442 is comfort at anchor and performance underway. Sounds to me like it all balances out.

Balance 442 Specifications

Herb McCormick is former editor-in-chief of Cruising World and the yachting correspondent for The New York Times . The author of five nautical books, he’s owned several sailboats, including his current Pearson 365 and Pearson Ensign.

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Designing the HH 44

Paul Hakes (CEO & Co-Founder of HH) and James Hakes (HH Naval Architect) on how they and the team at HH Catamarans developed the all new HH44. Welcome to “Yachting Evolved.”

As part of our deeper dive of HH Catamarans , we’re going to cover their five-part mini series on their new, groundbreaking and disruptive performance catamaran: the HH44. HH are calling this “Yachting Evolved”.

We’re going to go take an in-depth look at some of the design features on this boat.

The HH44 has been designed as standard with electric propulsion and a Diesel Hybrid backup, 3,190 watts of solar, hydro power generation, swing helms, folding transoms, forward opening windows, 48 volt deck systems, shaft-drive folding propellers, pre-preg carbon fiber C-shaped daggerboards, and near wind-speed sailing performance.

This performance cruising has been designed from the ground up as an ECO yacht with electric hybrid power and has many new features: folding transoms, swing helms, great ventilation, gorgeous finishes, great sailing performance (being part of the HH catamarans family it has that racing pedigree).

These are no compromise boats built from carbon fibre which makes them light, comfortable and safe.

No Compromise Yacht Building

This no compromise philosophy has been evident at HH from the very start of their builds and goes right through the range which started with the HH66 , then the HH-50, the HH55 , a 77 and now even an 88 in construction: a true superyacht

All these boats benefit from strong lightweight construction and a race pedigree. The 50s and the 55s are the most popular to date because they can be owner operated while being great boats for a family who want to cruise around the world.

But the the 50 is still a big powerful boat. There is a market out there for people who want something a little smaller.

James Hakes, Naval Architect: “..the conversation turned to, well, how small should it be? It still needs to maintain the performance characteristics of an HH catamaran but we really needed to decide what goes into it. It still has to be a world cruiser. So we started with a couple or a small family. What do they need and what do they demand of an HH catamaran in terms of luxuries, amenities, space, the features and the equipment?”

This defined their starting point and then they looked at: – How much weight does that mean? – What sort of hull shape are we going to need to support that payload?

A world cruiser needs a good payload: that defined the waterline length they were looking at. The beam to length ratio sits roughly between 50% and 55%. So they took the HH50 and and shrunk it down, a natural design process to follow but it didn’t work out: it was too top-heavy.

Aft Swing Helms

The HH50 has the most spectacular helm stations you could want on a cruising boat, but that design just didn’t work on the smaller model.

So they started playing around with moving the helms into the aft cockpit and this morphed to the swing aft helms. Interestingly this is something that HH launched in 2014 with their very first HH66 swing helm and it worked well. It’s interesting that many competitors have claimed it as their innovation (!)

What they’re putting in the aft cockpit of the HH44 is an off the shelf product from Jefa that really works. It’s tried and tested and many monohulls and trimarans use it: essentialy a pedestal that can swing from side to side.

Why do it? Swing it inboard to get out of the weather, swing it outboard to look down the side deck with a clear line to your sails.

Moving the helms aft gave HH a lot of freedom and flexibility to restyle. They looked at sharp windows that fully open to maximise ventilation when needed. Since they lowered the helms into the aft cockpit they decided that they needed to make things really safe so one of the most striking features of the exterior of the boat are the transoms: something not seen before on other catamarans.

This is a big part of the design. For a 44 footer, the boat actually looks a bit bigger, a bit longer and a bit sleeker. HH noticed on their other boats that washboards across the transom were a popular option. These keep the cockpit safe for children and pets and keep out following seas. When Huson Marine (who own HH) were building the Gunboats 60s it was a popular choice back then.

So for the 44, they have designed something permanent that looks great and is functional. It effectively extends the boat. Typically in a 44-foot boat sailing in the ocean you’ve got your stern and your transom steps and while sailing that’s not usable space. On the HH44 you have livable, usable space all the way to the back of the catamran. It’s almost as if you have the space of a 48 footer. Fold down the transoms at anchor and the overall length does become 48 feet. It’s a unique design in the market

Solar Power and Low Boom Power

Also moving the helms into the aft cockpit opened up the coach roof for a world leading solar installation. The HH-44 comes with 3.2 kilowatts of solar power as standard. It allows them to lower the boom, lowering the center of effort of the mainsail, so you can put more power safely into your sails without heeling. They’ve lowered the boom so that you’re getting all this power down low, which is exacltly where you want it driving the boat.

Paul Hakes (CEO): “We set about it with the design philosophy that we’re creating a boat for years to come. This isn’t a boat that that is is going to be next year’s fad, this is going to be an industry leader and that’s why we I call it highly disruptive. It’s highly disruptive in its style, its design and its technology and will be a leader in the marketplace for many years to come”.

On groundbreaking technology, the biggest part of that are the eco drives. The HH44 has a parallel hybrid system: electric, quiet, fume-free propulsion at a good speed that piggybacks on reliable, trusted diesel technology. You just flick on the hybrid system giving you all the advantages of electric motoring with the reliability of diesel.

You get instant torque for maneuvering, hydro regeneration, so you’re generating electricity while you’re sailing and a big area to generate solar power.

HH are already building the first boat, infusing carbon into the first mold. Stay tuned for the next episode in the series.

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Best Liveaboard Catamaran Sailboats

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

December 28, 2023

Catamarans are an excellent choice for living on the water. Modern catamarans are more spacious than monohulls and provide all the comforts of home.

In this article, we'll cover five of the best liveaboard catamarans available on the new and used market today. We'll also cover how to choose the best and most comfortable catamaran to live aboard.

The best liveaboard catamarans are the Manta 42, the Nautitech 44, the Voyage 44, the Privilege 435, the Elba 35, and the Lagoon 380. These vessels are seaworthy, comfortable, and ideal for long-term living.

We sourced the technical specifications of these vessels from maritime records and directly from sailboat manufacturers. We also considered the opinions of sailors who live aboard these vessels and others.

Table of contents

Living on a Catamaran

Living on a catamaran has both advantages and disadvantages when compared to living on a monohull sailboat. That said, most of the challenges of living aboard a catamaran are mitigated on larger and higher-quality vessels.

Catamarans feature two hulls placed side-by-side and connected by a deck. As a result, the cabins are split between the two hulls, and you may have to go outside to get to the other cabin. Thankfully, most modern cruising catamarans have a center cockpit that connects the two hulls and often features living spaces.

Some vessels have facilities (such as the galley and table) in one cabin and sleeping areas in the other. However, some catamarans have sleeping and cooking facilities in both hulls. The configuration you choose depends on how many people attended live aboard and what layout you prefer.

Catamarans offer superior stability and motion comfort, which is a big advantage when living aboard. Overall, conditions under sail and in the harbor are likely much better aboard a properly-proportioned catamaran.

How to Choose a Liveaboard Catamaran

What qualities make a catamaran ideal for living aboard, and how do you choose the best boat? Attributes such as size and interior layout are the most important, but others such as fit and finish and seakeeping abilities should also be considered.

The best liveaboard catamarans range in size between 30 and 50 feet, width 40 feet being the comfortable average. In general, vessels smaller than 30 feet simply lack the space to include a practical interior layout.

Interior Layout

Interior layout is largely a matter of personal opinion. The most popular liveaboard catamaran features a spacious center cockpit with access to both hulls. Master bedrooms are often found in the stern and the bow of each hull, with heads in between and a galley in the center cockpit. Some catamarans feature one or more additional settees, along with storage in all areas.

Tech and Convenience

The majority of monohull sailboats were produced between the 1960s in the 1980s. This isn't the case for catamarans, as their popularity is more recent. As a result, you're likely to find considerably more modern amenities aboard. Everything from autopilot systems to bathtubs are available aboard newer catamarans.

How Much does a Liveaboard Catamaran Cost?

Catamaran prices vary widely based on age, length, and overall quality. Older vessels cost anywhere between $30,000 and $100,000. Newer and more comfortable liveaboard catamarans generally start above the $100,000 mark and extend up to $500,000 or more.

Best Catamarans to Live On

We chose the following six liveaboard catamarans based on size, interior amenities, handling, and price. These vessels are popular amongst liveaboard sailors and make exceptionally comfortable floating homes both in port and at sea.

1. Manta 42

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

The first vessel on our list is an exceptional cruising catamaran that's also a comfortable place to live. The Manta 42 can be found on the used market, and it features great handling and a spacious cabin.

Unlike most catamarans, which are built overseas, the Manta 42 was produced entirely in the United States. The Florida-based company produced these vessels in the 1990s and 2000s, and they proved extremely popular with offshore cruisers.

The Manta 42 is known for its stability, hull strength, and speed. However, its cabin layout is also smart and livable. Most Manta 42s feature an asymmetrical cabin layout. The cabin has two heads located in convenient places; one on the port side across from a master berth and one on the starboard side, which is easily accessible from the cockpit. It features three berthing areas and one large sitting area, with seating and storage throughout.

The Manta 42 also has exceptional storage capacity. The vessel stores 125 gallons of fuel and a whopping 100 gallons of freshwater. It also has generous gray and black water tanks to service both heads and the galley sinks.

Overall, the Manta 42 is an excellent choice for cruising liveaboards. It's a fast, nimble, and safe vessel with ample headroom and space throughout the cabin.

Quick Facts:

• 42-foot overall length
• Large master cabins
• Built for long-term living and cruising
• High storage capacity for fuel and water
• High hull strength
• American-built
• Production ceased in the 2000s, so equipment may not be up-to-date

2. Nautitech 44

{{boat-info="/boats/nautitech-44"}}

The Nautitech 44 is the obvious choice for the number two spot on our list. This well-known cruising catamaran has a unique Center cockpit design which makes it stylish and functional.

The futuristic cockpit of the Nautitech 44 allows the crew to enjoy ample ventilation even in wet conditions. This makes it ideal for living abroad in tropical climates where rain and heat often accompany each other.

Nautitech, which is a French company, continues to produce this model due to its popularity and excellent seakeeping abilities. Prices almost always exceed $100,000, both new and used, making it one of the costlier models on the list. For the price, you get a fine interior fit and finish along with the latest comforts and conveniences.

The Nautitech 44 is available in several cabin layouts. The most popular configuration features an expansive center cockpit with below-deck living spaces, along with three berthing areas and a galley. Additionally, most of these vessels feature a large master head and several smaller heads in each of the hulls. Access to each hull through the center cockpit is easy, and the headroom is excellent.

The Nautitech 44 is a fast boat, and it's great for offshore cruising. However, hull width was sacrificed for speed and handling. This means that the hulls are slightly narrower than some of the competition. That said, it doesn't seem to bother most Nautitech owners.

• 44-foot overall length
• Large center cabin
• All-weather control cockpit
• Great ventilation
• Ample room in the hulls
• Wide hallways
• Spacious heads
• Excellent seakeeping abilities
• Expensive on the used market
• No open cockpit

3. Voyage 44

{{boat-info="/boats/voyage-44"}}

Here's a popular and spacious catamaran with some unique characteristics that make it ideal for living aboard. The Voyage 44 is a wide and stable multihull sailboat with a large center cockpit and an attractive interior layout.

The cabin of the Voyage 44 is modern and airy, taking advantage of light colors and thoughtfully designed furniture to make the most out of limited space. This is conducive to a pleasant living environment that's also easy to clean. The center cockpit also features a large, full galley.

The center cockpit stands out, as the voyage 44s exceptionally wide beam gives it plenty of room for tables, sitting areas, and other amenities. The windows let in plenty of light, in the cabin is completely weatherproof.

Below decks, the Voyage 44 features up to six separate heads and several sleeping areas. The master head, located in the bow, is one of the largest available on sailboats of this size range. The vessel features up to eight individuals sleeping areas, which is remarkable for a 44-foot boat.

The Voyage 44 is an excellent liveaboard catamaran due to its wide beam and extremely spacious living accommodations. Out of all the boats on this list, the Voyage 44 is likely the best value overall as it's relatively affordable. The Voyage 44 may be the perfect long-term liveaboard catamaran under 50 feet in length.

• Unusually wide beam
• Full master head with two showers
• Very high speeds
• Sturdy construction
• Very large center cabin
• Eight sleeping areas
• May be too wide for some marina slips

4. Privilege 435

{{boat-info="/boats/privilege-435"}}

The Alliaura Marine Privilege 435 is a simple and elegant catamaran with a comfortable interior, smart design, ingrate offshore handling characteristics. This speedy vessel is constructed with some of the finest materials available, and the overall fit and finish are excellent. Behind the center cabin, the Privilege 435 features a strong fiberglass canopy to protect the crew from spray and son.

The majority of Privilege 435s on the market were built recently, so you can expect the latest navigation and safety equipment. Additionally, the vessel is efficient and includes amenities such as multiple heads, modern utilities, and easy access to the hulls through the center cabin.

The vessel features four separate bedrooms and enough bathrooms and showers for each person (or couple). The center Cabin is wide and features comfortable seating areas, along with a full galley with a stove and a fridge. Stepping inside the Privilege 435 is like stepping inside of a vacation house, and it feels purpose-built for long-term living.

The vessel is available in relatively high numbers, though its popularity means you're likely to pay top dollar. On the used market, the vessel sells for between $250,000 to $350,000 on average. This puts it on the upper edge of our price range. But for the price, you got a long-lasting and desirable catamaran that's ready to live aboard almost immediately.

The Privilege 435 is ideal for cruising liveaboards with families or sailors who need space for guests. The interior is very comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. It has several great spaces for entertaining multiple people. On short-to-medium voyages, the Privilege 435 should be adequate for up to eight or more adults.

• 43-foot overall length
• Full-size berthing areas
• Large center galley and sitting area
• Spacious interior
• Large showers
• Great offshore handling
• Expensive, even on the used market

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

The Fountain Pajot Elba 45 is a modern and luxurious cruising catamaran with a high freeboard and all the living amenities you'd expect. It's a high-caliber vessel that sails as good as it looks, and it's still produced by the original manufacturer in Europe.

The Elba 45 has one of the largest center cabins of any catamaran in its size range. It features a large settee, a full galley, and access to both hulls. The cabin layout is flexible, and you can order one of several different designs. One of the most popular is the classic 'mirror' layout, where each hull has two master berthing areas, a V-berth in the bow, and two separate heads.

However, other versions are available with attached bathing facilities and additional room for storage, cooking, and other activities. One of the unique features of the Elba 45 is the addition of a V-berth bow. This berth connects directly to the master Beds, which makes for a unique but flexible sleeping arrangement.

If purchased new, the Elba 45 will set you back around $430,000 to $450,000. For the price, you get the latest technology and the finest interior and exterior materials. This is important in the long run as the best liveaboard catamarans should be built to last.

The fit and finish of this vessel are ideal for those looking for a luxurious living environment. Its accommodations are closer to that of a luxury yacht than a sailboat. As a result, the Elba 45 is a great place to live long-term and entertain guests.

• 45-foot overall length
• Multiple layouts available
• Luxury fit-and-finish
• Four cabins
• Six full-size berths
• Luxurious amenities
• Additional V-berths in bow
• Highest build quality
• Upper end of the price range

6. Lagoon 380

{{boat-info="/boats/lagoon-380"}}

The majority of suitable liveaboard catamarans are over 40 feet in length. This is because it's difficult to fit comfortable accommodations in a smaller vessel. However, the Lagoon 380 is a notable exception. This 39-foot catamaran is one of the most comfortable vessels in its class, and it features a spacious interior and excellent design.

The Lagoon 380 is a newer vessel that features modern conveniences and adheres to high safety standards. Modern manufacturing techniques make this vessel stronger and easier to maintain than its older counterparts. Additionally, owners praise its sailing characteristics in both rough and calm weather.

The spacious center cabin features a full galley and sitting area with a notably wide walking room in between. It also boasts excellent visibility, which also increases the amount of natural light in the living areas. Additionally, the center cabin features easy access to the hulls, and the mirror layout provides comfortable accommodations for eight adults.

The interior space aboard the Lagoon 380 is almost indistinguishable from catamarans between 44 and 50 feet in length. The primary difference is that, instead of the traditional two heads per hull, the Lagoon 380 only features one. That said, the heads include a large shower and plenty of room to move around.

The Lagoon 380 is the perfect solution for sailors looking for big boat accommodations in a small package. Due to its shorter length, the Lagoon 380 avoids additional fees for docking and servicing vessels over 40 feet overall.

• 39-foot overall length
• Full galley
• Under 40 feet in length
• High construction quality
• Customizable options
• Great handling
• Fewer bathrooms than some similar vessels

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15 of our favorite 35 to 45-foot catamarans

Rather well-canvassed and above all quite light, this catamaran is reputed to sail well.

Curvy and convivial, the saloon is adjacent to a functional galley.

Fast for its size, the 381 is also pleasant to sail. Top speeds of 20 knots are on the cards!

The nacelle’s low volume and the narrow hulls lend themselves more to a small crew.

The 380 takes up the broad outline of the 410, which came out three years earlier…but offers engines accessible via rear lockers rather than under the berths.

The nacelle and its large vertical portlights offer an uninterrupted view and excellent protection from the sun.

Certain owners report top speeds of over 18 knots. Seawinds are fast!

The nacelle is occupied by the saloon alone; as a result, there is no lack of space at aperitif time!

An unusual silhouette, especially head on… But the marked longitudinal steps in the hulls keep the waterline beam moderate, and offer good performance.

Small floor area in the nacelle, but welcome vertical portlights to limit the greenhouse effect.

Well-canvassed, the Lavezzi is capable of averaging 9 knots during ocean passages – if the trade winds are present.

The triangular saloon table and the offset companionways guarantee easy movement around the bridgedeck.

The steering positions offer a good view of the sail plan.

At the cost of less than fluid movement around the boat, nothing is lacking aboard, and you can spend long months on the water.

Maximum freeboard for comfort in the hulls, but a tall rig so you don’t get stuck in light airs.

The owner’s version which offers the happy skipper a full hull, with a large bathroom and desk, is our preference. The companionway can even be closed, to cut oneself off from the bridgedeck.

The first examples, equipped with a non-overlapping jib, deserve a ‘real’ genoa, to pep them up!

Rounded saloon and athwartships aft berths: the designer Olivier Flahault presents some appealing and functional innovations.

51 four-cabin models as opposed to 13 private owner’s versions: it’s not easy to find a three-cabin boat!

All the Leopard 43’s berths are arranged athwartships.

Two innovations on deck: the builder has provided a forward cockpit and a raised steering position.

The vertical portlights provide an exceptional view of the sea, light and no greenhouse effect. At the price of debatable aerodynamics.

Thanks to its double 'steps', the Leopard 44 succeeds in keeping the hulls quite slim at the waterline.

With 2.12 m of headroom, the saloon is comfortable. And there is no lack of light, thanks to its generous portlights.

The sail plan, with its mast positioned well forward, clearly favors the mainsail.

The U-shaped galley inherited from monohulls is appealing in use: you are perfectly secure when the sea is rough.

Marc Lombard took great care to design rather slim hulls. A good point for performance.

Inside, we find once again the Privilege finishing quality and the very special atmosphere aboard these catamarans built for demanding owners.

This 45 is certainly a particularly fast catamaran, but it is also very safe in heavy weather.

The compact nacelle reduces the liveable volume. Ideal for lightening the boat and offering more trampoline area.

Article published on 21/06/2018

published in n°12 aug. / sept.

Second-hand is of course cheaper…and is often the opportunity to sail aboard a multihull which is ready to set off (again). From 35 to 45 feet, the budgets remain moderate, with some good opportunities. We have chosen for you 15 of the most well-known 35 to 45-foot boats, which will therefore be easy to re-sell when you return – if you choose to return one day…

Create a notification for "Buy a boat"

We will keep you posted on new articles on this subject.

Athena 38 Best seller in the under 40-foot category

In 1994, the Athena 38 came in between the Tobago 35 and the Venezia 42, two boats whose design it echoed – rounded lines, pug-nosed bows and a coachroof extension. Although it remains relatively lightweight, it is slower than the builder’s previous models. Its hulls are in fact appreciably beamier, and the freeboard is higher. It is thus perfectly suited to a long cruise in the West Indies or the Mediterranean, as a couple or a family. On the other hand, during long passages, it is a little lacking in length for a smooth passage through the sea. Nevertheless, its load-carrying capacity is appreciable for a catamaran of less than 40'. Pleasant under sail, easy to handle, this model quickly became a great commercial success – for both charter companies and private individuals – to such a point that it remained in its builder’s catalogue for almost 10 years. In 1998, the Athena was improved: we enjoyed a better view forward, thanks to a new steering position, directly inspired by the one on the Bahia 46. A solid platform was also provided, aft of the mainsheet track. This model’s strong points: great comfort, despite its modest size, easy movement both on deck and inside, and a particularly successful rounded saloon. The finishing on this model is clearly improved, compared to previous generations; just a few glued headlinings can be noticed here and there. 

The plusses: very liveable catamaran for its size, good performance, very pleasant bridgedeck  

The minuses: Not comfortable to windward in big seas, tiny hull portlights, small chart table 

Most of the boats are still in good overall condition. To be checked: sails, engines, electric circuit, standing and running rigging. For those who wish to set off, check the following points: forestay and gooseneck fixing points, and steering cables.

Comfort/Performance index:  7/10

Value for money: +++

Availability on the market: ++++

Technical specification

Builder:                                        Fountaine Pajot

Architect:                                     Joubert/Nivelt

Hull length:                                  11.60 m

Waterline length:                         11.30 m

Beam:                                          6.30 m

Draft:                                           1.00 m

Weight:                                        6 t

Windward sail area:                     88 m²

Mainsail:                                      50 m²

Genoa:                                        38 m²

Engines:                                      2 x 18 hp inboards

Material:                                      polyester sandwich

Production:                                  222 examples from 1994 to 2003

Second-hand price:                     100,000 to 130,000 euros exc. tax

Catana 381 It has everything a big one has!

In the Catana family, this model is particularly appealing. Firstly because it is the smallest - and ...

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The Power Catamaran Compilation

• By Yachting Staff
• Updated: December 21, 2018

Power Catamarans have been growing leaps and bounds in popularity, and, in lengths and widths. And for good reason. These cruise-centric yachts offer homelike livability for avid travelers, are fuel efficient and are fairly intuitive to run. Power cats are popular in the bareboat charter market too, for these very reasons.

Here, we take a look at 12 catamarans ranging from a cruising-couple-size 36-footer to a 78-footer for friends, family and some more friends. And there are myriad power options: outboards, diesel inboards, hybrid or even all-solar power.

Fountaine Pajot MY44

The Fountaine Pajot MY44 , a creation of Italian architect Pierangelo Andreani and French designer Daniel Andrieu, has a main deck that’s open from the aft-deck seating all the way forward to the starboard helm station. The sense of spaciousness is significant, for several reasons. First, four glass panels aft can all slide to port, creating an indoor-outdoor space with the aft deck and salon. In the salon, 32-inch-high windows extend for 12 feet down the sides of the yacht, with three sections per side, bringing in natural light along with the three forward panes that comprise the windshield. Finally, 6-foot-6-inch headroom provides vertical clearance, with a 21-foot-7-inch beam that adds interior roominess while keeping the yacht stable.

Read more: Fountaine Pajot MY44

Silent-Yachts 55

The ideas about which solar panels, electric motors, inverters and the like to use — and more importantly, Michael Köhler says, how to configure them — became the basis for the brand Silent-Yachts. The company offers 55-, 64- and 79-foot catamarans that run on solar-electric propulsion. The Silent 55 premiered this fall, and the 64 is sold out for the next two years, Köhler says.

Read more: Silent 55

Horizon PC74

As founder and director of The Powercat Company, a Horizon Power Catamarans distributor, Stuart Hegerstrom had long believed that catamaran builders needed to design their yachts to more stylish standards.

“The boats were very boxy,” he says, based on his years of experience with cats in the charter market. He and his partner, Richard Ford, asked Horizon to produce models that had high-end finishes and looked good inside and out.

The Horizon team brought in mega-yacht designer JC Espinosa to work with its own craftsmen. The result aboard the Horizon PC74 is a catamaran with exterior styling, layout and functionality that should appeal to private and charter owners alike.

Read more: Horizon PC74

The Aquila 36 is a departure from her sisterships in that she is an outboard-powered, express-cruiser-style catamaran, but she also adheres to MarineMax’s philosophies.

With a single main living level from bow to stern and a beam of 14 feet 7 inches, the Aquila 36 is like a bowrider on steroids. She has seating that can handle 20 adults for outings and barbecues, and there are two staterooms below, one in each hull, for family weekending. The staterooms have nearly queen-size berths, en suite heads, stowage and 6-foot-6-inch headroom.

Read more: Aquila 36

Lagoon Seventy 8 Powercat

Lagoon is a division of Groupe Beneteau, the world’s largest builder of sailing yachts, and the Lagoon Seventy 8 Powercat is a developmental sistership of its Seventy 7 super sailing cat. The Seventy series yachts are built at Construction Navale Bordeaux in France, which had to add a new yard to construct these catamarans because they require separate stern molds for the power and sail versions.

Read more: Lagoon Seventy 8 Powercat

Horizon PC60

To understand the Horizon PC60 power catamaran , you need to put aside preconceived notions about midsize yacht amenities. For example, main-deck master suites are the province of yachts over 100 feet length overall. Incorrect. This 60-footer has an elegant and spacious owner’s stateroom on the same level as the salon. If you want a 14-foot center console tender on a 60-foot yacht, you have to tow it. Wrong again. On the PC60, you hoist it onto the upper deck, no problem.

Read more: Horizon PC60

40 Open Sunreef Power

Sunreef is known for pushing the boundaries of catamaran design, incorporating four adjustable hydrofoils into a twin-hulled speedboat.

The Polish builder is one of several European builders (including Evo, Fjord, Wider and Wally) transforming the open ­day-boat category with creative designs. ­Beyond its hydrofoils, the 40 Open Sunreef Power ‘s cockpit has side “wings” along the aft gunwales that fold out at anchor, widening the beam from 17 feet to 22 feet 9 inches.

Read more: 40 Open Sunreef Power

Sunreef 50 Amber Limited Edition

Sunreef Yachts introduced its 50 Amber Limited Edition , with plans to launch just 10 hulls of the exclusive design.

The Sunreef 50 Amber Limited Edition will have a carbon fiber mast and boom, four layout options and numerous amber-colored elements, including the hull.

Read more: Sunreef 50 Amber Limited Edition

Lagoon 630 Motor Yacht

Fitted with the optional twin 300-horsepower Volvo Penta D4 diesels, the Lagoon 630 MY burns only 1.64 gph total at 6 knots, giving a theoretical range of 2,952 nautical miles with standard tankage of 793 gallons. Hull No. 1 had an optional 502-gallon tank, giving it transatlantic range.

Luxury, stability and economy are all hallmarks of Lagoon’s return to luxury motor yachts. If you can take a ride, it will be worth your time.

Read more: Lagoon 630 Motor Yacht

Fountaine Pajot MY 37

The Fountaine Pajot MY 37 easily accommodates the seafaring family with three- and four-stateroom options. In the three-cabin version, called ­Maestro, you’ll find an owner’s suite in the portside hull with a queen-size berth and en suite head. Two double-berth cabins and one more head are available for the kids. If your brood is bigger, the Quator setup features four double cabins with two heads.

The 37 is a traveler and can be powered with twin 150 hp or 220 hp Volvo Penta diesels. Top speed with the smaller engines is 17 knots, while it’s 20 knots with the bigger power plants. Interestingly, at 7 knots, the fuel consumption is the same, with either set of motors offering voyagers a 1 ,000-nm range.

Read more: Fountaine Pajot MY 37

Solarwave 64

Many yachts boast eco chops because they have a handful of solar panels that power the microwave or navigation lights. The Solarwave 64 , launched last summer, has the potential to run on sunshine alone. The vessel’s 42 solar panels generate 15 kW that are stored in batteries weighing about 1,300 pounds. They connect to electric motors.

Read more: Solarwave 64

Glider SS18

This British builder says it strives for design innovation and the Glider SS18 displays that DNA, the result of 8 years of research and development. She has a head-turning, catamaran hull form constructed from aluminum and composite materials. She is 60 feet LOA with a 17-foot beam, and has a relatively shallow 1-foot draft. Powered by quad Yamaha 300 hp outboards, she can reportedly reach 50 knots, and with her Stability Control System (SCS), should give a smooth ride while doing it.

Read more: Glider SS18

• More: aquila , Aquila Boats , Express and Flybridge Cruisers , Fountain Pajot , Glider Yachts , Horizon Power Catamarans , Lagoon , Power Catamarans , Silent-Yachts , Sunreef , Yachts
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13 Best Catamarans for Cruising (Buyer’s Guide With Prices)

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If you’ve spent many a pleasant weekend chartering or helming a cruising catamaran on the open sea, perhaps, just like me, you’ve started thinking about buying your own cruising catamaran . However, purchasing a cruising catamaran is no small decision; it’s essential to research the range of models to decide which will be best for you. 

Some of the best catamarans for cruising are the Sunreef 60, the Leopard 45, the Saona 46, the Manta 42, and the Antares 44i. A good cruising catamaran offers plenty of space, extended range and is optimized for comfort and safety. A cruiser is slower and less exciting to sail than a performance cat.

If you would like to own a catamaran, but your budget doesn’t stretch to purchasing a new one, look for a used, older model. You should also think about whether you’d prefer a power or sailing catamaran. This article explores the best cruising catamarans on the market and gives you an insight into what model will work best for your circumstances.

Are you looking for a specific price range or size? Check out my other articles, such as Best catamarans under 200k or 20 top performance catamarans!

Sunreef 60 (Power/Sail)

The Sunreef 60 is the epitome of luxury. It offers both powerful sailing performance and, with 60 feet (18.3 meters) in length, has an abundance of amenities for passengers. 

The Sunreef 60 has been commended by several industry experts, including SailWorld and YachtingWorld . Some of the best features of the Sunreef 60 include : 

• A large semi-open saloon that leads into the aft cockpit, the main deck, and the dining space 
• An aft hydraulic platform that can be used for water sports and sunbathing 
• A large flybridge that can house a pool, bar, and dining area 
• An aft garage that can be used as extra storage space 
• The ability to host up to 12 guests, with the owner’s cabin offering a spectacular front view 

The Sunreef 60’s sailing specifications are equally impressive. Some of the catamaran’s specs include: 

Power version:

• An advanced navigation system that allows the Sunreef 60 to operate both with and without a crew 
• A fuel capacity of 1585.03 gallons (6000 liters) 
• A water capacity of 211.34 gallons (800 liters) 
• A draft of 5.90 feet (1.80 meters)

Sail version:

• A fuel capacity of 463 gallons (1750 liters) 
• 2*110HP Engines

In 2020, Sunreef launched a variation of the Sunreef 60 – the 60 Sunreef Power Eco . This catamaran is equipped with a state-of-the-art solar power system and wind generators. Eco-responsible finishing materials have been used to construct several parts of the catamaran.  

Both the Sunreef 60 and the eco version are excellent sailing crafts built for luxurious, long-distance cruises. They are still in production, so you can order a new vessel from Sunreef 60 . Used Sunreef 60s can be found on TheYachtMarket.com . 

As the Sunreef 60 is such a high-end vessel, be prepared to pay a premium price for one – new or used. 

Sunreef 60 are priced between $1 488 000 and $2 914 000

Nautitech 47 Power or Nautitech 46 Sail

The Nautitech 47 Power is a sleek power catamaran, designed by Nautitech Catamarans and architected by Marc Lombard.

Catamaran enthusiasts applaud the Nautitech 47 for its short extended hardtop, modern navigation station, and excellent bridge deck clearance . This Nautitech 47 Power has similar attractive features, including: 

• A large saloon with a 360-degree panorama 
• Optimized hulls and an optimized hardtop 
• A comfortable navigation station area that can seat two 
• A spacious gallery with large benches for working on 
• A generous flybridge and cockpit that provides plenty of room for lounging 
• The flybridge can also be enclosed, protecting it from bad weather
• A lifting platform that can be lowered into the water to create a ‘beach’ in the middle of the sea
• Three cabins which can be converted into four depending on how many guests you are entertaining 

The Nautitech 47 Power was launched in 2018 and is based on the Nautitech 46 Sail. It employs modern cruising and technical features, including:

• A draft of 3 feet 11 inches (1.20 meters) 
• A fuel capacity of 2 x 170 gallons (2 x 645 liters) 
• A water tank capacity of 2 x 79 gallons (2 x 300 liters) 
• Two Volva Penta engines with a power of 225 HP

Nautitech 46 Sail offers :

• Two Volva Penta engines with a power of 40 HP
• A fuel capacity of 2 x 79 gallons (2 x 300 liters) 

The only potential drawback of the Nautitech 47 Power is that it has exposed helms. However, you can fix this with a bimini, which will incur an additional cost. 

If you’re interested in buying a Nautitech 47/46, visit NautitechCatamarans.com to find your nearest dealer. The dealer may offer you a sea trial where you can take the catamaran out to sea and judge its performance for yourself. You can also buy a Nautitech second-hand; browse YatchWorld.com to see some options. 

Leopard 45 (Sail)

The Leopard 45 is a luxury catamaran that is popular with both charter companies and private owners. Simonis-Voogd designed the external shell while Robertson and Caine did the internal interiors. As its name suggests, the Leopard 45 is 45 feet (13.72 meters) long. It has been recommended by Gregor Tarjan, author of ‘ The Complete Guide for Cruising Sailors ’ and the president of Aeroyacht Ltd. 

The Leopard 45 was launched in 2017 and carried forward some of the most popular features and design aspects of earlier Leopard models. For instance, the Leopard 45 has a flybridge lounge which includes space for a seating area, a sunbed, and a table. This feature won an award when it was included in the Leopard 50. Other positive attributes of the Leopard 45 include: 

• An increased aft area with floating stairs lead up to the cockpit
• The option to have three or four cabins depending on the number of guests you have 
• An open plan saloon and galley, adding to the catamaran’s overall spaciousness 
• A protected helm station 
• Hardtop lounge in the most recent models 

Some of the technical specifications of the Leopard 45 include: 

• A minimum draft of 4 feet 11 inches (1.5 meters) 
• A bridge deck clearance of 2 feet 9 inches (0.83 meters) 
• A freshwater capacity of 206 gallons (780 liters)
• A fuel capacity of 185 gallons (780 liters) 
• Two engines with 45 HP each 

A new Leopard 45 will be available for purchase directly from Leopard Catamarans in 2022. However, if you can’t wait or want one at a lower price point, consider buying a used one. A range of used Leopard 45s is available on YachtWorld.com . 

A Leopard 45 costs between $957 000 – $234 000

Lagoon 440 (Sail)

The Lagoon 440 is a catamaran recognized for its large interior volume, making it a popular catamaran for charter companies. However, the volume also makes it an excellent catamaran for families or owners looking to host large parties. Lagoon also made a power-cat version called the Lagoon 44.

At 44 feet (13.7 meters) long, the Lagoon 440 is relatively heavy. However, it has several functional advantages, including: 

• Four cabins with four en-suite heads 
• A bimini top 
• A cockpit with speakers and a shower that is easily accessible by guests 
• A large galley with potential for island top benches 
• Lazy jacks and a canvas catchment system that allows for easier sail handling 
• Additional storage space in the aft and cockpits 

Meanwhile, some of the technical specifications of the Lagoon 440 include: 

• A maximum draft of 4.3 feet (1.30 meters) 
• One engine capacity with a total power of 54 HP 
• Freshwater tanks with a capacity of 237 gallons (897 liters) 
• A fuel tank capacity of 172 gallons (651 liters)

While the Lagoon 440 has an excellent collection of features, it does have some drawbacks that users have noted. Some flybridge models of the Lagoon 440 have a high boom position that may make it difficult to access the sail bag. The saloon’s leading edge has a slight squaring, which may be challenging to get aesthetically used to. 

Despite these drawbacks, the Lagoon 440 is still a great option if you are on a strict budget. The Lagoon 440 had a six-year production run, where over 400 of the models were produced. As a result, several Lagoon 440s are always available in the second-hand market. Visit YatchtWorld.com to explore catamarans of this model that are currently for sale. 

A Lagoon 440 can be purchased at $290 000 – $525 000

Saona 47 (Sail)

Made by Fountaine Pajot, the Saona 47 is a luxury catamaran that is 45.7 feet (13.94 meters) long. Designed by Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design, it has received several industry and maritime awards, including SAIL magazine’s award for the best multihull cruising boat (40-50 feet). 

Launched in April 2017, the Saona 47 is relatively new on the market. As a result, it features a modern design and modern amenities. Some of the most enticing features of the Saona 47 include: 

• Several spaces for passengers to lounge and relax, including a large sunbathing area, a lounge deck, and an open plan cockpit
• A lift that can also be converted into a swimming platform
• A large galley with an island bench 
• Three cabins, with the master cabin having an en-suite bathroom. If you’re looking to charter it, there is a four-cabin version with space for a crew.
• Good visibility from the helm and the opportunity to engage with other passengers 

The Saona 47 also offers an excellent sailing performance. It has a carefully planned weight-to-value ratio, which allows for both speed and stability. Some of the technical features of the Saona 47 are: 

• A draft of 4.3 feet (1.3 meters) 
• A sail area of 828.8 feet (77 meters)
• A fuel capacity of 2 x 124 gallons (2 x 470 litres) 

To buy the Saona 47 new, you can lodge an inquiry on FountainePajot.com . However, you can also visit YachtWorld.com to see if you can find a used Saona 47.

A used Saona 47 may cost between $600,000 – $999,000.

Excess 12 (Sail)

The Excess 12 was launched in 2019 by Groupe Beneteau, the same group which designs Lagoon catamarans. The Excess range has been created for performance-oriented sailing vessels. The catamarans in the range have been applauded for their sailing prowess and their space. The Excess 12 was the first of the range and has been named the best cruising multihull under 40 feet by Sail Magazine. 

Designed by VPLP Design, the Excess 12 is considered a ‘sporty’ catamaran. It is 38 feet and 6 inches (11.74 meters). It has an open bimini and a light helm that gives it a feel similar to a monohull. Other attractive features of the Excess 12 include: 

• A cockpit with a retractable roof that allows for direct access to sunlight 
• The cockpit also has dining space for up to 8 people 
• Room for two to three people in the helm
• The option between three or four cabins 
• A high aspect rig ratio 
• An aft double steering station 
• Most areas of the Excess 12 are constructed with cedar and white blend woodwork and united windows, making for a beautiful, natural aesthetic

Reviewers of the Excess 12 note a minor drawback of the twin aft helm. Its location in the corner of the cabin can create a blind spot. Other than this, many of the sailing features of the Excess 12 are positively received. These include: 

• A draft of 4 feet and 5 inches (1.35 meters) 
• An upwind sail area of 82 meters (269 feet)
• A fuel capacity of 2 x 53 gallons (2 x 200 liters) 
• The freshwater capacity of 79 gallons (300 liters) 

If you’re interested in buying the Excess 12 new, visit the dealer’s page on ExcessCatamrans.com, or visit YatchtWorld.com to look for a secondhand model.

Manta 42 (Sail)

The Manta 42 is one of the most popular models from Manta, an older brand known for its high-quality catamarans. 

The Manta 42 was launched in the late 1990s and was in production until the late 2000s. It received the ‘Best Value Overall’ prize in CW’s 2001 Boat of the Year. Even though it is an older model, it remains a beloved model today and is an excellent option if you are on a tighter budget. 

Designed by Eric Lerouge, a French naval architect, the Manta 42 has a variety of attractive features: 

• Great sail to area displacement ratio, which makes for smoother sailing
• A spacious aft cockpit area that can be upgraded and customized to suit your own particular design needs 
• High bows and curved forward crossbeam make for a streamlined appearance
• Room for three cabins and two heads. The owner’s cabin has its own en-suite bathroom with a large shower. 
• Glass-enclosed cockpit
• The interior finish is made with maple and teak wood 

Meanwhile, some of the technical and sailing features of the Manta 42 are as follows: 

• A draft of 3.8 feet (1.2 meters) 
• One engine with a total power of 60 HP 
• Two holding tanks with a fuel capacity of 120 gallons (454 liters)
• The freshwater capacity of 100 gallons (379 liters)

If you decide to take the plunge and buy a Manta 42, you will become a member of the Manta Owners Association . This association connects you to other manta owners who offer advice and conversations about Manta maintenance and sailing. 

You cannot buy the Manta 42 new. However, there are plenty of used Manta 42 models available on YachtWorld.com . 

A used Manta 42 will cost you somewhere between $239 000 – $325 000

Antares 44i (Sail)

The Antares 44i is another older model that offers excellent value for money if you’re working with a lower budget. Its production began in Argentina in the late 2000s. This yacht was built with round-the-world sailing in mind, and it has excellent amenities from both a technical and passenger perspective. 

Some of the best passenger facilities the Antares 44i offers are: 

• An extended galley with plenty of storage space 
• Three cabins, with two at the hulls and one forward cabin on the port side 
• Stainless steel arch aft with plenty of space for dinghies 
• A cockpit with room for a BBQ and room for lounging 

While it is an older model, the Antares 44i still has plenty of modern sailing features and storage room, making it a great long-distance cruiser. Here are some of the attractive technical features: 

• A maximum draft of 4 feet (1.2 meters) 
• A bridge clearance of 62 feet (18.9 meters) 
• Two engines with a total power of 80 HP 
• Fuel tanks with a capacity of 120 gallons (454 liters) 
• Freshwater tanks with a capacity of 150 gallons (568 liters)

Today, the Antares Catamarans company has built a newer version of the Antares 44i – the Antares 44 , which you can consider if you want to buy a new catamaran. However, the Antares 44i continues to be a great option. You can buy a used Antares 44i on YatchtWorld.com . 

Price: $495 000 – $860 000

Catana 50 (Sail)

The Catana 50 is another older model that can hold its own against many more modern cruising catamarans. Like the Antares 44i, it is a more pocket-friendly option that doesn’t compromise sailing quality and passenger amenities. 

Catana is one of the world’s best catamaran producers, known for creating stable yet fast boats and for their quality finishes. Besides being produced by Catana, the Catana 50 has been architected by Christophe Barreau, a world class naval architect. Some of the best features that the Catana 50 boasts are: 

• A length of 50 feet (15 meters)
• Deep daggerboards allow for excellent windward performance
• Made with carbon fiber which allows for stability and speed 
• Hardtop over cockpit 
• Twin aft helm stations 
• Three cabins which can sleep 6 
• Satin oak interior finishes 

Meanwhile, the technical specifications of the Catana 50 include: 

• A draft of 4 feet (1.2 meters) 
• A bridge clearance of 23.7 feet (7 meters) 
• Two engines with a total power of 150 HP 
• Fuel tanks with a capacity of 227 gallons (860 liters) 
• Freshwater tanks with a capacity of 211 gallons (800 liters)

Catana does not produce the Catana 50 anymore. However, you can look for a pre-owned Catana 50 on the CatanaServices website or YatchtWorld.com . There are models of the Catana 50 available for secondhand sale across the world.

A Catana 50 will set you back somewhere between $644 000 – $692 000

Atlantic 42 (Sail)

Like the Manta 42, the Atlantic 42 is a smaller-sized catamaran. It is 42 feet (12.8 meters) long but is spacious and fuel-efficient. It was designed by Chris White , who specializes in designing high-performance catamarans.

The Atlantic 42 was in production in 1999 but boasts many classic features found in modern-day catamarans. The Atlantic 42 has been the recipient of Cruising World magazine’s Boat of the Year award. Noteworthy features in the Atlantic 42 include: 

• A high waist and forward cockpit 
• Custom aft deck allowing for easy access to the dinghy storage
• Interior design constructed with teak and holly wood
• Navigation station with space for two seats
• A secure, raised pilothouse that allows for excellent visibility in stormy weather 
• A galley with enough space for long-distance cruises 
• Two double cabins and two single cabins 

In addition to good passenger amenities, the Atlantic 42 has some excellent sailing specifications, including: 

• Water capacity of 80 gallons (302.8 liters) 
• Fuel capacity of 80 gallons (302.8 liters) 
• A bridge deck clearance of 62 feet (18.9 meters) 
• Engines with a total power of 58 HO 

The Atlantic 42 is no longer in production but can be custom ordered from Chris White designs . However, they can also be found on resale platforms such as YacthtWorld.com .

Price: $325 000 – $450 000

Seawind 1160 (Sail)

The Seawind 1160 is a long-distance cruiser produced by Seawind Catamarans , a leading catamaran manufacturer designing and building catamarans for over 35 years. 

This catamaran is available in two styles : the lite Seawind 1160 and the deluxe Seawind 1160. The deluxe catamaran operates with diesel sail drives that allow for excellent torque and fuel capacity. Meanwhile, the lite version works with outboard motors that reduce the catamaran’s overall weight. It also has more storage internally on the boat, and lower maintenance and replacement costs.

The Seawind 1160 has won Cruising World’s ‘Most Innovative Boat’ award in 2007. It won this award thanks to its tri-folding door, which opens the saloon and the cockpit to form a living or lounging area. Other significant design aspects and passenger amenities include: 

• Twin helm stations 
• 360-degree visibility from the cockpit 
• Grey wash and timber interior to make for a highly modern interior 
• Three cabins in the owner’s version of the catamaran with a queen-sized bed in the master cabin
• Hulls made of fiberglass 

Meanwhile, the sailing and design specifications of the Seawind 1160 are as follows: 

• A diesel fuel capacity of 95 US gallons (360 liters) 
• A freshwater capacity of 185 US gallons (700 liters) 
• A draft of 3 feet and six inches (1.1 meters) 

To buy a Seawind 1160 new, you can lodge an inquiry with SeaWindCats.com . However, you can also look for secondhand Seawind 1160s on websites like MultihullCentral.com .  

Price: $230 000 – $460 000

Bahia 46 (Sail)

Produced by Fountaine Pajot, the Bahia 46 has a sophisticated design that makes it an excellent choice. The Bahia 46 was also designed in conjunction with Joubert-Nivelt and Oliver Flahault.

Some of the stand out features of the Bahia 46 include: 

• Larger than usual hulls
• Daggerboards are strategically placed to minimize draft 
• A six post-bimini that can hold dinghies 
• Isolated engines that prevent passengers from being disturbed by the house and smell of the engines 
• Generous cabin area with an enclosed space that provides protection from severe weather
• A large cockpit with a dining space that can seat 10 

As well as offering excellent passenger and design amenities, the Bahia 46 has some attractive sailing features and specifications. These include: 

• A draft of 4 feet 3 inches (1.30 meters) 
• A fuel capacity of 100 gallons (378 liters) 
• A freshwater capacity of 220 gallons (833 liters) 
• Two engines with a total power of 80 HP

The Bahia 46 is no longer being produced. However, you can look to buy it secondhand on portals like YatchtWorld.com or SailTahiti.com . 

Price: $170 000 – $328 000

Aquila 48 (Power)

The Aquila 48 is a state-of-the-art power catamaran. While production of the Aquila 48 was discontinued in 2020, it is still an incredibly popular catamaran in the resale market.

The ambient and design features of the Aquila 48 include: 

• A hardtop flybridge made with stainless steel and with air conditioning 
• A forward cockpit with a removable table 
• The choice between a four or three-cabin version 
• A helm station with a canvas cover that offers weather protection 
• An expansive galley with room for a range of facilities, including a microwave, a fridge, and a double sink 
• Interiors finished with olive wood

The Aquila 48 is a power catamaran that allows for easy, stable, and fast cruising. Other specifications include:

• A maximum draft of 3 feet (0.91 meters) 
• Two engines with a maximum of 330 HP 
• A freshwater capacity of 103 gallons (389.9 liters) 
• Fuel tank capacity of 178 gallons (673.8 liters) 

You can buy the Aquila 48 second hand on websites like SiYachts.com or YatchtWorld.com .

Price: $550 000 – $699 000

Conclusion 

Depending on your budget and sailing style, there is a range of cruising catamarans you can choose from. Some of the best power catamarans include the Aquila 48, Sunreef Power, and Nautitech 47 Power. Meanwhile, some of the best luxury catamarans are the Saona 47 and Leopard 45. If you’re after an older catamaran that you can buy secondhand, the Manta 42, Antares 44i, and Lagoon 440 are excellent options . 

The next step in your catamaran journey is to see some of the models in their real-life glory. Contact some of the owners or dealers of these catamarans to see the catamarans up close and take them out for a trial! 

• AntaresCatamarans: Antares Brand 
• Catana Services: Pre Owned Boats 
• CruisersForum: Nautitech 47 
• Chris White: Atlantic 42 Catamaran 
• CrusingWorld: 40 Best Cruising Catamarans 
• Excess Catamarans: Excess 12
• FlagstaffMarine: International Awards and Nominations for 2020 
• Flagstaff Marine: Excess 12 
• Fountaine Pajot: Saona 47
• Leopard Catamarans: Model Availability
• MantaOwners: Manta Owners Association 
• Multihull Solutions: Award Winning Catamarans 
• Multihull Central: Seawind 1160
• Nautitech Catamarans: Nautitech 47 
• Robertson and Caine: Leopard 45
• SailTahiti: Catana 50 
• Sail Magazine: 10 Great Cruising Cat
• Sail Magazine: Boat Review – Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 
• SailWorld: 60 Sunreef Power
• Seawind Catamarans: History
• Staten Island Yacht Sales: Aquila 48 
• Sunreef Yachts: Eco Sunreef 60 Power
• Sunreef Yachts: Sunreef 60 
• YachtingWorld: The Sunreef 60 
• YachtWorld: Antares Boats for Sale 
• YachtWorld: Atlantic 42
• YachtWorld: Catana 50 for Sale 
• YachtWorld: Nautitech 47 Boats for Sale 
• YachtWorld: Leopard 45 for Sale 
• YachtWorld: Lagoon 440 for Sale 
• YachtWorld: Saona 47 for Sale 
• YachtWorld: Excess 12
• YachtWorld: Fountaine Pajot for Sale 
• YachtWorld: Aquila 48
• YachtWorld: Manta 42 Boats for Sale 

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

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This sexy looking cruising cat was designed for speed

At first glance at the 2D sailplan this 44-foot catamaran appears to be a stubby and kind of awkward looking cat. But don’t be fooled. Add the third dimension, the depth and the complex geometry of this cat is revealed and it is anything but stubby looking. But before I get into the meat and potatoes of this design I’d like to compliment and thank the builders who are also the designers for providing such a well-prepared package of design drawings. It’s very clear when you look at the drawings that those involved with this cat were really enjoying the design process. Unfortunately, to do this design justice I would need four pages. I’ll do my best with the space allotted.

This cat balances comfort against performance with an all carbon fiber build. The D/L at light ship displacement is 111. If you use the max load figure displacement this increases to 148. That’s quite a range. Using an individual hull the L/B is 9. The typical cruising cat today is designed for charter and tries to use the biggest rectangular footprint to cram as many accommodations in as possible. That’s fine if you are selling charter boats. But the downside is very moderate performance. This 44-foot cat has plenty of accommodation volume but it does not fill the entire footprint and that allows a much lower overall displacement translating to more boat speed.

The Achilles’ heel for a lot of cruising cats is the shoal-draft, low-aspect-ratio fixed keels. The HH44 attacks this with daggerboard fins built with pre-preg carbon that are arc shaped to provide both lift and extra righting moment. This is a huge advantage. The draft with boards down is 9 feet 10 inches and boards up is 4 feet 7 inches. The overall beam is 23 feet 5 inches.

There are numerous interior options and I get the idea that these boats are built with semicustom layouts. I will concentrate on the “August Release” layout. There are three double berth sleeping cabins. The forward cabin in the starboard hull is tight. The mirror image, aft double berths appear to be generous. The starboard cabin shares the head with the forward cabin. In the port hull the entire volume is used for sleeping cabin and head all the way forward with a large shower stall. On the main deck there is a galley aft to starboard. This galley has tons of counter space and will be a pleasant place to cook. To starboard there is an L-shaped dining area. Adjacent to the settee forward is a navigation station that will make any navigator happy. There is another L-shaped dinette aft on the “veranda.”

The deck is complex. That “stubby” house is faceted artfully to provide the headroom where needed while reducing overall bulk. It almost has the look of a stealth fighter jet. The wheels are pushed outboard and aft about as far as possible for great visibility forward. Lines are lead aft, under the deck, port and starboard to both wheels. Large bins are provided at each wheel for stowing the lines. There is a track for a self-tacking jib. There is a fixed sprit to get the downwind sails away from the headstay. The mainsheet traveller is on the cabinhouse top. 

Swim platforms hinge down from each transom. The dinghy  is carried on davits between the hulls. All deck hatches are flush type. There is room on the cabinhouse top for flexible solar panels that provide 3,190 watts. Another 550 watts of solar power is available from optional panels mounted on the davits. The solar panels will come in handy because this cat has a hybrid power system using twin Beta 30-horsepower engines located under the aft berths and lithium ion batteries with a Victron monitoring system.

As I anticipated I’m running out of “word count.” To quickly sum up, the rig is all carbon with a fixed mast and a square-topped mainsail for a SA/D of 28.62 if I use the Solent style overlapping jib as the working jib.

I would really love to have a ride on this exciting design.

LOA 49’9”; LWL 43’7”; Beam 23’5”; Draft board up 4’7”, board down 9’10”; Displ. 27,558 lb.; Sail area 1,349 sq. ft.; Fuel 146 gal.; Water 106 gal; Auxiliary twin 30-hp; SA/D 28.62; D/L 111; L/B 9

HH Catamarans

[email protected]

386-414-6700

www.hhcatamarans.com

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• Cabins: 3 or 4
• Heads: 3 or 4
• Berths: 8 to 11
• Showers: 4 or 5

Space reimagined. Built by Robertson & Caine and designed by naval architects Simonis Voogd, the Leopard 45 fully expresses the Leopard range, leaving no detail to chance. Combining an enhanced interior and a sleek exterior for which the brand is known, the Leopard 45 is the result of informed feedback from cruising clients and masterful production expertise spanning 25 years. Shortly after its debut in 2017, the Leopard 45 was awarded Boat of the Year honors, solidifying the company’s continuous innovation and commitment to the finest materials and building techniques. The exterior styling has evolved to include a hardtop lounge, first seen in the line’s award-winning Leopard 50. The lounge includes a seating area, a sunbed and a table. Here, the helm station remains protected and integrated into the cockpit of the boat. The Leopard 45 is available in a three or four-cabin layout all with private ensuite heads with their own designated shower area, providing the ultimate livability, comfort and movement for all onboard. The open-plan saloon and galley bring an openness with natural light that is conducive for gathering, preparing meals and charting tomorrow’s destination. Smart, ergonomic design and the latest technology come together in a larger forward cockpit, increased aft area, and entertainment package that delivers an uncompromised onboard experience. The Leopard 45 has won cruisers over for its exceptional build, sailing comfort and ease of handling. Discover new horizons and the freedom Leopard brings to everyone on board.

• LOA: 45 ft 0 in / 13.72 m
• LWL: 42 ft 11 in / 13.07 m
• Beam: 24 ft 2 in / 7.36 m
• Draft: 4 ft 11 in / 1.5 m
• Mast Height: 70 ft 0 in / 21.34 m
• Bridgedeck Clearance: 2 ft 9 in / 0.83 m
• Engine: 2 x Yanmar Diesel 45HP each
• Propeller Dimensions: 3‐blade 17in x 14in / 432 x 356 mm
• Engine No. Cylinders: 4
• Fuel: 185 gal / 700 L

EXTRA DETAILS

• Bunk Dimensions:  View Leopard Range Bunk Dimensions
• Headroom:  View Leopard Range Headroom Dimensions
• Water: 206 gal / 780 L
• Mainsail Area (Standard): 802 sqft / 74.5 sqm
• Mainsail Area (Square Top): 841 sqft / 78.1 sqm
• Genoa Area: 543 sqft / 50.4 sqm
• Spinnaker Area: 1789 sqft / 166.2 sqm
• Code 0 Area: 735 sqft / 68.3 sqm
• Code D Area: 1136 sqft / 105.5 sqm
• Total Upwind Area (Standard): 1344 sqft / 124.9 sqm
• Polars:  View Leopard 45 Performance Documents
• Displacement: 36156 lbs / 16400 kg
• Load Carrying Capacity: 10141 lbs / 4600 kg
• Holding Tank Capacity: 45 gal / 170 L

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• Toby Hodges
• October 6, 2021

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best bluewater multihulls for performance cruising

Outremer 51/55.

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

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

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

Read more about the Outremer 51 and Outremer 55.

Photo: Diego Yriarte

Seawind 1600/1370

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

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

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

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

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

Read more about the Rapido 50

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

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

Read more about the HH OC50

Balance 526

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

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

Photo: Christopher White

Atlantic 47

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

Read more about the Atlantic 47

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

Catana 53/Ocean class 50

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

Read more about the Catana 53

Best bluewater multihulls for pedigree performance

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

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

Read more about the Gunboat 48

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

Chincogan/Lightwave

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

Outremer 45 G. Danson

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

Best bluewater multihulls for family cruising

Photo: Nicolas Claris

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

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

Read more about the Lagoon 450

Photo: Guilain Grenier

Fountaine Pajot Saona 47

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

Photo: Tui Marine

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

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

Read more about the Leopard 45

Photo: www.jfromero.fr

Nautitech Open/Fly 46

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

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

Photo: Olivier Blanchet

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

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

Photo: Christophe Launay

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

Broadblue 385S

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

Photo: Christophe Breschi

Bali Catspace

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

Best bluewater multihulls for luxury cruising

Photo: Nico Krauss

Privilège 510 Signature

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

Photo: Jérôme Houyvet

Garcia Explocat 52

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

Read our review of the Garcia Explocat 52

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

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

Photo: Richard Langdon

Discovery Bluewater 50

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

Read more about the Discovery Bluewater 50

St Francis 50 MKII

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

Xsquisite X5

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

Best bluewater multihulls for size & speed

Mcconaghy mc52.

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

Photo: Florian H. Talles

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

Photo: Mike Jones/Waterline Media

Ocean Explorer 60

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

Kinetic KC54

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

Best bluewater multihulls for ultimate performance

Marsaudon ts4/orc 42.

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

Dazcat 1495

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

Dragonfly 40

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

Looping 45/Freydis 48

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

Swisscat 48

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

Schionning Designs

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

Best bluewater multihulls for pedigree cruising

The long-time best-seller from the world leader in catamarans, with more than 1,000 produced over almost 20 years from 1999. With its characteristic vertical windows, the 380 and its big brother the 410 made the purists scream when they were presented. But the 380 proved a pioneer of its kind. Safe bow volumes and light displacement (7,260 kg) helped its seaworthy behaviour. The high number of boats on the market makes this the most affordable bluewater cruising multihull for its size, even if price range is as wide as condition is variable.

Casamance 44/46

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

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Longreach 1200 – 600HP

Longreach 1400 – 460Hp & 500Hp

Longreach 1400 Hi-Performance

Longreach 1900 Expedition

Longreach 1900 Bluewater

About the LR1400

The new 1400 is built on a super-efficient displacement hull, developed with Powerplay’s 20 years of experience building power cats. The hull is optimised for minimal drag, with a reversed bow for buoyancy and extended waterline length forward, plus docking keels and a protected prop for beaching. Each boat can be built to meet AMSA commercial survey standards, to provide an additional layer of robustness and allow commercial operations if one chose to.

The Longreach 1400 blends an attractive mix of style with a super practical layout and configuration, designed in conjunction with cruisers to provide a genuine motor catamaran cruising alternative. Natural ventilation, large shaded living areas, easy walkway access to the forward deck, and construction efficiency

HELM & FLYBRIDGE

Up top the flybridge again has another huge entertaining area, wet bar and centrally located helm with twin helm seats protected by high quality clears forward. There is a 16″ touchscreen chartplotter and integrated fishfinder, engine management screen, Yanmar VC10 electronic controls and hydraulic steering. There is access to the forward deck via forward steps down to the Muir anchor winch which can be controlled from an electric chain counter at the helm also.

SALOON & COCKPIT

The Saloon features two large opening hatches forward for natural ventilation, with massive panoramic views from windows all around and cooled by 64,000 BTU air-conditioning throughout. The comfortable saloon lounge and dining setting looks onto a flat screen TV and 10 speaker sound system, but can convert into another bed with a telescopic table.

The galley opens out into the cockpit and features all of the appliances you would expect at home, including a large upright refrigerator with icemaker, dishwasher, convection microwave oven and of course stove tops.

INTERIOR CABINS

The owners master cabin features the huge king-sized bed, four hatches for natural ventilation plus air-conditioning, TV and a walk-in wardrobe for personal storage and an ensuite including a fresh water electric toilet.

While the guest cabins enjoy comfortable beds with large windows alongside.

Certificate CE Class A with Lloyds Scantlings

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