Which catamaran is the best

Much thought has also gone into ergonomics and weight saving, stripping out and simplifying anything that is not essential. As an example, there are no hull linings, which saves weight and complication, but requires extremely neat moulding. The Seawind has been well received in the States, where the brand has a strong following, but these multihulls….

The boat can also be built with varying amounts of carbon to reduce displacement further. At the same time as announcing this design Marsaudon launched a rebranding of the range, which will now be known as Ocean Rider Catamarans or ORC.

To underscore the difference between these boats and the majority of catamarans in this size range a tiller has been incorporated in the logo. Tooling for the ORC 57 is under construction and the first boat is scheduled to be unveiled in September The founder of RS Sailing , Martin Wadhams, is a racing sailor who now spends more and more time cruising.

Martin and his wife, Amanda, enjoy sailing fast boats and have spent some time looking to upgrade from their Pogo Australian-based designer Jeff Shionning put them onto some fresh designs he has done for Current Marine, a new South African brand formed from an experienced team of composites experts at Knysna, between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth on the south coast.

It has been set up to build the new CM46 and CM52 in low-volume semi-custom production. On visiting the yard a year ago, Wadhams was impressed enough with the high tech builds to order the second CM He reports that the joinery is all laminated in, there is plenty of opportunity for layout customisation in three or four cabins and, owing to the lower labour costs in South Africa, pricing is keen.

Key features include daggerboards, fine bows, centralised weight of engines and tanks, and high bridgedeck clearance. The rig is also positioned amidships for optimum weight centralisation, while also helping to create a large foretriangle for flying a range of furling headsails. Aluminium or carbon spars and diesel or hybrid propulsion are offered.

Wadhams says there is good stowage space and payload capacity for comfortable liveaboard cruising. The second boat for Wadhams has a more cruising-oriented spec. Is this the most popular new design of ? Although the first of this new 45ft model is not due to launch until later in the autumn, there has already been a phenomenal uptake in orders. Nautitech is another catamaran brand located in France; I guess there is a pattern here.

They have built a reputation for designing catamarans that are robust, seaworthy, and capable of putting sailing back into the heart of the liveaboard experience without compromising on comfort. Anyone familiar with catamarans can quickly appreciate the innovative nature of a Nautitech cat design. The brand was also the first one to introduce the concept of liveaboard living, which combines the saloon and cockpit into one spacious, functional living area.

Nautitech offers new boats from 40 to 57 feet. The brand was founded in in France. They can provide luxurious liveaboard life beyond coastal borders.

Its elegant hull design ensures superb stability and comfort making then one of the best catamaran brands in the world right now. The company specializes in the design and manufacture of some of the best, and luxurious bluewater catamarans on the water.

Every new Privilege cat is built after multiple consultations between the shipyard and the owner. You can decide to either keep the catamaran in its pure and elegant look and also keep the cost as low as possible or to change it to your personal preferences and make it as high-end as you can afford. It also used to make shorted boats like the Privilege at 43 feet, but unfortunately, they are now focusing on larger yachts.

Gemini is one of the few catamaran brands that make its boats in the US. It is a subsidiary of Performance Cruising Inc. Honestly, Gemini catamarans might not be the most good-looking and luxurious, but they are affordable and sail well.

For that reason, they definitely deserve a spot on the list with the best catamaran brands. You can find a used Gemini cat in good condition in good condition from the early s, starting at around 50k and a newer model for as high as k. Overall this is a very affordable brand, and you will definitely enjoy one without breaking the bank. Seawind Catamarans is a catamaran designer and builder located in Australia, producing high-end performance cruising sail catamarans since The Seawind brand is especially good for people looking for a catamaran that is not overly luxurious or expensive and is probably looking for a more reasonably sized yacht; however, they do offer a couple of larger, more luxurious models as well.

Seawind offers new boats from 35 to 52 feet. Each catamaran, motor yacht, and superyacht they make is a custom vessel. The company was established in in Gdansk, Poland but a Frenchman and was the first brand to build a foot bluewater cruising catamaran. This brand has pulled all the stops when it comes to luxury and comfort.

Producing both power and sailing cats, here are our pick of the best catamarans Fountaine Pajot has to offer. Saona Exquisitely crafted, you can relax on the 9m2 lounge deck, or top up your tan on the sun lounger.

The weight-to-volume ratio of this yacht has resulted in exceptional stability and balance, meaning every sailing experience you get to enjoy will be an unforgettable one. Opt for the Ipanema 50 and choose between the classic version, where there is a saloon between the kitchen; or the lounge version, where the saloon and kitchen are broken down into two separate areas by a lounge and galley. Every single Lagoon catamaran offers plenty of luxury living space, mixed with performance sailing ability.

The deck and hull structures are vacuum injected; while the furniture is panels are created from reconstituted wood, in their bid to help with the environment. For more information on Lagoons please contact us. While there are so many Lagoon models to choose from, these are our top three:. Lagoon Providing the solution to the sailor of today, the Lagoon is favored as one of the best catamarans by many. Receiving a refresh in , the interiors have been designed for ultimate comfort, including a redesign of the dining room settees and an increase in indirect lighting due to changes to the ceiling.

Available in three different versions, with four, five or six cabins, the interior offers total comfort while sailing, without compromising on performance.

The sheer size of the flybridge provides extra living space, and the accessible cockpit means you can enjoy outstanding horizon views. But our favorite thing about this yacht?

The direct access to the sea from the main bedroom — just think of it as your own private beach! This power catamaran offers even more room, at 24 meters in length.

Customizable options on the flybridge include a jacuzzi or a folding dining table — perfect if you plan on bringing guests on-board.

The interiors are stylish yet refined, resulting in timeless designs. The Lagoon Seventy8 is ideal if you plan to embark on any long-distance cruising, with its fuel tank able to hold up 8, litres, equating to approximately 4, nautical miles. Enjoy limitless cruising on a Nautitech power catamaran. Their new line — which they introduced in — combines efficiency and power, without sacrificing plenty of space for socializing.

With every Nautitech catamaran built in France, and the interiors created in Germany, everything is finished to the highest of standards, making Nautitech one of the top catamaran brands around. An abundance of space means you can relax and unwind with friends and family, or take some time out for yourself, while enjoying the stylish interiors.

The trampoline offers the perfect spot for some sunbathing, or enjoy your afternoons snorkeling, swimming or diving. Explore the ocean on a Nautitech 46 in luxury and comfort. The interior of this catamaran is stunning: degree panoramic views, with lots of lighting and sumptuous seating that you can sit back and relax in. Nautitech The first new model in the range, it has the power to cruise for miles, at a speed of 22 knots.

Photo by yachthub. Many large producers, including Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot and Nautitech, are located in this area, sharing a vast pool of suppliers and subcontractors. Privilege Catamarans has been around for close to 30 years, and in that time the yard has gone through the usual ups and downs. Although it appears to be thriving again since its takeover by Hanse group.

In terms of build quality, the Privilege stands out from other cats in this article by virtue of its luxurious and opulent construction and finish. However, this fact also results in an additional displacement. That said, cruisers looking for a well-built, high-end catamaran will not go wrong with a well-maintained used Privilege She is also well proportioned and has a low-slung superstructure for low wind resistance.

Beware, though, that while this is pleasing to the eye, sailors who frequent the tropics may have problems with the amount of sun coming in through the large windows and the resulting heat buildup in the saloon.

Another area to be aware of is bridgedeck clearance, which is on the low side. Still, keep the boat light, and you will have a great cruiser. Not surprisingly, the high quality of the boat is reflected in the asking prices, which are typically a little higher than for a footer.

LOA 43ft 1in, beam 23ft 2in, draft 4ft 5in, displacement 18,lb light ship. Photo courtesy of theglobesailor. If you had to name the most popular catamaran on this list, it probably would be the Belize Design and ergonomics are clever, with the curvaceous layout of the saloon dominated by a spacious wraparound dinette and integrated nav area.

Some might find it annoying that the nav table faces backward, but this is a small price to pay for the practicality of its seat, which serves as part of the dinette. The flat decks are easy to walk on, but some traditionalists might balk at the round hatches, which only have one hinge. In my days as a Fountaine Pajot dealer, there were many complaints about leaking emergency hatches.

It is an easy fix, but should be noted. One of the things I like best about the boat is the fact it was one of the last models to be built in foam and not balsa. This greatly reduces the chances of wet core.

Bottom line: the Belize 43 is one of my favorites. You can also get good deals on older charter boats. LOA 43ft, beam 23ft, draft 4ft 3in, displacement 15,lb light ship. The Nautitech 44 will go down in history as one of the first subft catamarans with an integrated hardtop bimini.

Today nearly every catamaran manufacturer designs its cockpit biminis flush with the roof of the saloon, but in its day the Nautitech was a trendsetter.

Beyond that, the boat came in two versions, with owners having a choice between single-wheel steering against the bulkhead or twin wheels farther aft. The latter arrangement is preferred for sailors who want a better sailing sensation and a better view of the sails. It also has the added benefit of opening up the cockpit to the saloon without the hole in the roof required for a helm position. Even in heavy rain, the saloon door can be left open without the fear of water ingress.

Belowdecks, there were several layouts available, including one with four double and two single cabins for the charter market. What also stands out with Nautitech catamarans is the fact that, like their current models, the nearly year-old Nautitech 44s are built with moisture-resistant closed cell foam. Especially on a used boat that comes with no warranty, this is a manufacturing detail that should give buyers extra piece of mind. In sum: the Nautitech 44 is the perfect catamaran for a live-aboard couple that also welcomes occasional guests.

LOA 44ft 2in, beam 22ft 4in, draft 3ft 11in, displacement 19,lb light ship. Photo courtesy of Horizon Yacht Charters. If your main consideration is maximizing volume in a cruising cat, the Lagoon should by default be at the top of your list. For this same reason, this cat has proven to be one of the most successful charter and cruising multihulls of all time. The boat can be found in two configurations. Some might prefer the large flybridge version, others the bulkhead steering layout.

On the downside, some may find the aesthetics challenging, and certainly, the aerodynamics are affected.