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The Boat Galley
making boat life better
Published on January 23, 2021 ; last updated on November 7, 2023 by Carolyn Shearlock/Rick Marcarelli
I hear from many readers interested in small catamarans. Recently, the folks at www.CatamaranSite.com reached out to interview me about our experience cruising on our Gemini 105, Barefoot Gal and we began chatting about the various small catamarans on the market. One thing led to another and I’m pleased that Rick Marcarelli was willing to contribute a guest post sharing information comparing ten of the most popular small catamarans on the market.
When most buyers think of catamarans these days, they think of designs by Lagoon, Leopard, and Fountaine Pajot.
These are all fine vessels. But they were built to cater to the charter markets. And so they may not be the best boats for long-term, liveaboard cruisers.
The typical charter catamaran accommodates three or four couples sailing for one to two weeks in the Caribbean or Mediterranean. Usually they will provision once, sail a few daylight hours, eat out more than a typical cruiser, and anchor or moor for the night.
Compare that itinerary to the typical liveaboard cruiser.
Most cruisers spend over 90% of their time at anchor or a dock. They provision repeatedly and usually for many months at a time. Many cruisers rarely eat out at restaurants. And most importantly, cruisers sometimes sail non-stop through the night for multiple days or weeks when making a passage between cruising destinations.
The differences between charterers and cruisers cause them to desire different cabin layouts and amenities.
For charter boats, the focus is on several small cabins, each having its own accompanying head. They also have minimal storage space and enormous salons and cockpits.
Long-term liveaboards generally desire a large master cabin, fewer heads, and significant storage space. They are usually willing to compromise space for superior sailing performance to reduce passage making days and increase safety by avoiding severe weather.
Unfortunately for liveaboard cruisers interested in catamarans, the market is dominated by enormous, often very expensive, four cabin-four head charter models. In fact, our analysis of sales data suggests that about 38% of the market consists of Lagoon catamarans and over 50% are Lagoon or Fountaine Pajots. In addition, 90% of the market consists of catamarans over 38 feet in length. Please see the infographic.
While a majority of catamarans for sale are large, expensive, charter catamarans, our site’s traffic suggests that 40% of buyers are looking for smaller, simpler, affordable catamarans under 38 feet in length.
These are buyers like Carolyn was when she purchased S/V Barefoot Gal . And they are buyers who may be like you and are looking for something affordable that is suited to your liveaboard needs.
Consider widening your net. Here are some additional models to consider in your search:
Prout 37 Snowgoose
Lagoon 37 TPI
PDQ 36 Capella
Seawind 1000
Endeavour 36
Rick Marcarelli is the webmaster of CatamaranSite.com featuring cruising catamarans for sale by owner as well as educational articles. Rick is the owner of S/V Catalpa , a Catalac 8M based out of Merritt Island, Florida. The site also functions as the owner’s website for Catalac catamarans. If you are planning on buying a catamaran, CatamaranSite.com might save you a considerable amount of money and lead to years of happy sailing.
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January 31, 2021 at 5:58 pm
I would think draft on the fixed keel boats would be important to many who are considering cats.
Carolyn Shearlock says
February 1, 2021 at 12:49 pm
I’ll see if we can perhaps add that.
Richard says
February 9, 2021 at 11:03 am
Good addition. I have provided drafts to Carolyn, so please watch this article for that to be updated. Any questions or additional information you would like added please comment again.
Drew Frye says
February 20, 2021 at 11:46 am
The best way to look at speed ratings is the PHRF rating or other handicaps. I used to own a PDQ 32 and never found a Gemini I couldn’t pass rather easily on autopilot, so I don’t think it rates slow if well handled. Granted, mine was turboed a bit and carried a 120 rating.
Florida ratings, according to US Sailing
PDQ 32 135 Seawind 1000 137 PDQ 36 156 Gemini 105 MC 168 Snowgoose 250 The others rate around 130-145
And of course, this is only fast or slow within the class. Fast multihulls cruising (?) multihulls rate 0-60.
February 21, 2021 at 7:59 am
Thanks! Good info.
September 10, 2023 at 5:55 am
I have an Edel 35′. For their price, they are a good option, for this size of catamaran. They are not slow, by any means. Disadvantage: clearance under nacelle.
Erin Michaud says
February 23, 2021 at 10:22 am
Great info, we met an owner of a Catalac 9M in Key West Garrison Bight Marina a couple of weeks ago. His name is Eric & he moved his boat to the Boca Chica Navy Marina. I will send the contact info for Rick to him specifically for the Catalac boats! Thanks!
February 24, 2021 at 5:54 am
Catalacs are great boats. We saw a couple for sale around the time we bought Barefoot Gal but they were sold the same day they were listed so we didn’t get to even look at them.
January 6, 2022 at 11:32 am
Hello. I was wondering if you can identify this open catamaran which boasts a GRP cockpit with seating?
https://imgur.com/gallery/2wzUJmR
Bruce Bayne says
February 20, 2022 at 9:57 am
I noticed that the Privilege 37 and 39 were not mentioned in your 10 list of catamarans. Is there a reason? How do they stack up to the others with regard to speed and bridgedeck clearance?
June 6, 2022 at 10:44 am
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During and in the four days immediately following the US Sailboat show in Annapolis, Maryland, the Cruising World judges inspected and sailed on 27 boats vying for recognition. Learn more about the boats in our 2022 Boat of the Year »
OK, confession time. When the roster of nominees for the 2022 Boat of the Year awards was released, the contest’s team and judging panel couldn’t help themselves, and quietly put three check marks, little symbols of anticipation, alongside a trio of boats: the untamed cats that would vie for the title of best performer in their class. After all, both Balance and Seawind had entered the winner’s circle in previous BOTY competitions, and it was clear they’d have a serious contender for the throne in yet another player from cat-crazy South Africa, the Kinetic KC54. How’d it go? Let’s just say, nobody was disappointed. The conditions on Chesapeake Bay were ideal for putting the three nominees through their paces, and the trio of scalded cats all acquitted themselves superbly.
For 2022, if anything, the trend for flybridge catamarans is on a major upswing. New cats for 2022 from both Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot continued down that design path, putting an emphasis on living accommodations, not performance. But not aboard the latest Seawind 1600 , a brand originally built in Australia that is now produced in Vietnam. And that suits judge Tim Murphy just fine. “This boat was very dialed in,” he said, “and one place Seawind has always been innovative is with their helms. This one was really great; it was -outboard and aft with great visibility, sort of half-protected where you could step in and out. There was also good access to the boom and mainsail, which you don’t always see on cats. The deck layout was excellent, particularly the forward trampolines. Some cats have lacings with large openings where you can twist an ankle, but these were nice and tight.”
“Compared to other Seawinds that I’ve seen, I was just blown away with it in terms of what it could do and how it performed,” said Ed Sherman. “It’s a fairly conservative boat in terms of technology compared to some of the other boats in the same category, which depending on a potential buyer’s state of mind, could be either a good thing or a bad one. I loved the centralized winch aft which is where all the sail-handling takes place. It’s pretty brilliant for a short-handed crew, and it’s all in a very safe and easy-to-access location that a cruising couple can deal with without scaring the heck out of themselves.”
The Kinetic KC54 is a fresh entry in the cat universe, and we’ll let Tim Murphy get right to the point: “This is a fairly new company that was started within the past couple of years. My breath was absolutely taken away by this boat; it was spectacular. I think it was the best-built boat in the entire fleet. It’s an all-carbon boat, with a foam core, epoxy resin, all infused–fantastic. The whole boat felt integrated. You didn’t feel like there was a conflict between the forces in terms of accommodation versus performance.” With a price tag approaching $3 million, it perhaps should not be astonishing. That was a major factor in evaluating the boat, and while it did not win its class, the experts panel did present it with a Judges’ Special Recognition prize to honor the boat’s overall excellence.
“It was my personal favorite in this year’s contest,” said Sherman. The materials that were used are absolutely the highest quality available in our industry at this point, and it’s a very high-tech boat in terms of systems.” Gerry Douglas was also duly impressed: “This was the Tesla of sailboats. I think that that was their model. In terms of design and execution and technology, it hit all three of those marks. This boat is built without compromise, and what it cost was not an issue, they just wanted to do the best they could in every aspect of the boat. The construction was impeccable, the fit and finish was amazing. There are some very clever design things in the boat, but it all really worked seamlessly.”
With that level of competition, the Balance 482 had a tall order to overcome to win its class. And it did. “The sailing performance was excellent,” said Douglas. “The boat felt really good. The steering was terrific. The structure of the boat throughout was exemplary. Storage is really good. Visibility was good. Ventilation was great. There was even a rain collection system on the cabin top, which is the only one of the boats we looked at had that. It was very well concealed because the gutters formed a handhold going forward. The solar panel installation was also well done. The panels were encapsulated into a fiberglass tray that elevated the deck so the panels wouldn’t overheat. Very clever.”
The driving force behind Balance cats is Phil Berman, a world champ at racing beach cats who brought that passion to developing and marketing fully found cruisers. Judge Murphy knows him well: “Phil comes from a very strong view of wanting to see boats that have solid sailing performance. He’s also a strong proponent of daggerboard boats, which tends to be quick shorthand for the dividing line between cats that are more about payload versus cats that are about performance, but not so much where you’re going to fly a hull or break a rudder. There’s a balance within a boat that really performs that you can still live aboard.” A winning balance, it turns out, with the Balance 482 securing its position as the Best Performance Cruiser for 2022.
Disclosure: I am compensated for purchases made through some links on this site. Click for details .
Have you ever encountered one of those companies that one-ups itself all the time? If you haven’t check out Sea Eagle Boats. They seem to live by the motto Constant and Never-Ending Improvement.
That’s a work ethic I respect! Not only are they coming up with new designs, but they also improve on their tried and true. Some of their boats have been around for decades like the Sea Eagle 9 Inflatable Motormount Boat that’s been around for over 40 years.
In the Spring of 2021, they released the brand new FastCat 12. The first in the new FastCat line of inflatable boats with a catamaran-style hull design.
Now…!
Sea Eagle has released the brand new FastCat 14 Catamaran Inflatable Boat . This impressive boat is over the top! If you bought the FastCat 12, stop reading. You may get boat envy. This bigger badder version of the FastCat 12 may be the most stable inflatable boat on the market!
The Sea Eagle FastCat14 has a catamaran hull design that lifts this 14′ 4″ x 6′ 8″ boat up on top of the water to prevent the hull from slapping on the water. This creates a super-smooth ride for up to four people or 1600 lbs. This boat’s incredibly large deck is perfect for a fun day on the water.
The spacious deck space of the FastCat14 is designed for fishing, swimming, sunning, snorkeling, scuba diving, hauling gear, and extended camping excursions. They can even be used by filing crews. They are that stable!
The durable FastCat14 is also one of the most rugged inflatable boats on the market, made from a double layer of PVC-reinforced 1000 Denier fabric and fully constructed with drop-stitch technology for a high-pressure, rigid, dependable, stable, and high-performance boat.
The FastCat14 can be inflated and assembled in 30 minutes and it’s easy to pack up and stow away in almost any truck bed, SUV, or RV.
Other Sea Eagle inflatable boats that might interest you are the FastCat 12 , PaddleSki Inflatable Catamaran Boats , and Inflatable Sport Runabouts .
Related Content:
Table of Contents
Raft, Cataraft, Catamaran | |
Inflatable | |
Lakes, Ponds, Inshore, Bays, Rivers | |
Recreation, Fishing, Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Sunning, Swimming, Filming, Camping, Picnicking | |
Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced | |
4 Person | |
Paddle, Electric Motor, Outboard Motor |
(compare all inflatable boats)
139 lbs (111 lbs. with Hull only) | |
28 lbs | |
14′ 4″ | |
6′ 8″ | |
11′ 10″ x 5′ 3″ | |
4 Person or 1600 lbs | |
Approximately 72″ x 29″ x 15″ | |
Air | 4 (Bow, Floor, Port, Starboard) |
8″ Width Drop-Stitch Gunwales | |
6″ Thick Drop-Stitch Floor | |
18″ Length 6″ Thick Drop-Stitch Bow Rocker | |
4 Recessed, One-Way | |
30 Minutes | |
All Drop-Stitch Construction | |
Double Layer of PVC Reinforced 1000 Denier Fabric | |
Quadruple Overlapped Superior Glued Seams | |
20 hp (15″ short shaft, 125 lb. maximum weight) | |
10 hp outboard gas motor (up to 16 mph), 20 hp outboard gas motor (up to 23 mph) | |
13-15 psi |
For a wealth of additional information, check out the Sea Eagle FastCat Owner’s Manual .
Catamaran design.
The Sea Eagle FastCat14 has a catamaran-style hull design with widely spaced side tubes that create lift to reduce center floor friction on the water.
The catamaran design:
The Sea Eagle FastCat is made from a double-layer of PVC-reinforced 1000 Denier fabric that is drop-stitched together by joining the top and bottom of the floor and sides of the gunwales with tens of thousands of high-tensile strength threads.
The drop-stitch construction allows the boat to be inflated up to 15psi. This high-pressure improves performance and provides remarkable stability, buoyancy, and a rigid floor stable enough to stand and walk around on.
The reinforced double-layer protection allows the FastCat to bounce off rocks, logs, and other objects leaving the extremely durable boat unscathed.
With four separate air chambers, the FastCat14 adheres to the highest safety standards (NMMA and CE certified).
In the unlikely event of a chamber failure, the boat will easily stay afloat to ensure your safety and that of any passenger.
This rugged inflatable boat has full-length, underside rubbing strakes and side bumper guards for added protection from bumps and abrasions where the boat is most vulnerable.
The Sea Eagle FastCat14 has ten heavy-duty grab handles conveniently located to make carrying and portage a breeze.
There are 3 heavy-duty grab handles on the port, 3 on the starboard, 2 in the bow, and 2 in the stern.
The FastCat14 has two Universal Scotty Pads in the stern for optional Scotty accessories and two EZ-Attach Bench Seats each with four pre-drilled holes on each end to accept optional Scotty Universal Deck Mounts for four more Scotty accessory mounting locations.
Easily add rod holders, triple rod holders, cup holders, an anchor lock, bait boards, a camera mount, a transducer mount, and more!
Securely attaching the Quik-Cinch EZ-Attach Tandem Bench Seats is fast and easy as 1-2-3!
The custom removable transom improves the storability and portability of the FastCat14 by making it lighter and allowing a smaller folded profile.
Install the transom and attach an electric motor up to a 20 hp outboard and you are ready to glide across the water.
The transom provides the ability to attach an electric motor or up to a 20 hp outboard gas motor for speeds up to 23 mph.
The Sea Eagle FastCat14 is equipped with a canopy attachment system for attaching the optional Wide Sun & Rain Canopy . Protecting yourself and your passenger from the sun and rain has never been easier.
While the high-pressure structural strength of the FastCat14 provides a sturdy floor on which to stand, the non-slip EVA foam deck covering provides secure footing and improved durability.
The high-pressure structural strength of the FastCat14 improves balance, stability, handling, performance, buoyancy, and rigidity for standing and carrying gear and supplies.
The FastCat14 has an incredibly portable hull that will pack into almost any SUV, trunk bed, or RV for easy transport to and from the water.
Or leave it inflated and strap it to the top of your SUV, RV, truck rack, or a lightweight 18-foot bunk trailer with 12-inch high adjustable bunk risers.
You can set up your FastCat14 at the water’s edge or easily get it from your vehicle to water and back with an EZ-Cart or by use of its ten heavy-duty grab handles.
A seemingly endless list of optional accessories can transform the FastCat14 into the tailor-made boat of your dreams.
Whether you are out to do some fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, sunning, swimming, picnicking, or an extended camping trip, Sea Eagle Boats has designed the FastCat14 to be easily customizable to meet your every need.
Features | Deluxe Package | Swivel Seat Canopy Package | Honda Motor Package | 110w Solar Boat Package |
---|---|---|---|---|
FastCat14 Catamaran Hull | X | X | X | X |
Two FC14 Tandem Seat Kits | X | X | X | X |
X | X | X | X | |
X | X | |||
X | ||||
X | ||||
X | ||||
X | X | |||
X | X | X | X | |
X | ||||
FC14 Boat Carry Bag | X | X | X | X |
X | X | X | X | |
X |
The Sea Eagle FastCat14 Deluxe Package (Model Number FASTCAT14K_D) is the way to go when you have your own motor.
Its features include two tandem bench seats with Quick Release Seat Mounts, two paddles, a manual hand pump with a pressure gauge, a repair kit, and a boat carry bag.
The Sea Eagle FastCat14 Swivel Seat Canopy Package (Model Number FASTCAT14K_SWC) provides protection from the sun and rain.
It features include the Wide Sun & Rain Canopy, two tandem bench seats with Quick Release Seat Mounts, two paddles, a manual hand pump with a pressure gauge, a repair kit, and a boat carry bag. All you need is a motor.
It features include the Wide Solar 110 Sun & Rain Canopy, 110W self-charging solar panel, two tandem bench seats with Quick Release Seat Mounts, two paddles, a manual hand pump with a pressure gauge, a repair kit, and a boat carry bag. All you need is a motor.
Looking to have fun out on the water or get to your fishing spot fast? The Sea Eagle FastCat14 Honda Motor Package (Model Number FASTCAT14K_HM) is the way to go!
This package comes with the reliable Honda 9.9 hp 4-stroke outboard gas motor, Wide Sun & Rain Canopy, two tandem bench seats with Quick Release Seat Mounts, two Scotty rod holders, two paddles, an electric pump, a manual hand pump with a pressure gauge, a repair kit, and a boat carry bag.
Instructions and owners manual.
Looking to buy a FastCat? Checking out the Sea Eagle FastCat instructions and owner’s manual will give you valuable information for making your decision.
Instructions and Owner’s Manual for the Sea Eagle FastCat
These Sea Eagle videos demonstrate the ease of operating a FastCat14 . The boat’s inflation, setup, operation, breaking down, deflation, storing, and more are covered.
The Sea Eagle FastCat14 Catamaran Inflatable Boats have met the manufacturing standards of the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) for design, construction, and safety and have been certified by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) .
Sea Eagle Boats is a family-owned and run company located in New York. They have had a stellar reputation for making high-quality inflatable boats since 1968 and each of the boats in their lineup is a testimony to their excellence in the inflatable boat industry.
Sea Eagle Boats are lightweight, extremely durable, compact, easy to carry and transport, and above all fun! These inflatable boats pack down into carry bags and can be stowed as luggage when traveling or stored in a car, SUV, van, truck, RV, or yacht. You can get Sea Eagles to almost any body of water for leisure, recreation, fishing, tending, rescue, and more.
Sea Eagle Boats 4-Month Trial Guarantee: Try a Sea Eagle Risk-Free for 120 days! “If you’re not totally happy with your boat, just return it in good condition for a full refund of your purchase price .”
Sea Eagle Boats 3-Year Limited Warranty: 3-year limited warranty against any manufacturing defects.
Sea Eagle Boats 3-Year Extended Hull Warranty: In addition to the limited 3-year warranty, Sea Eagle offers a 3-Year Extended Hull Warranty to give you 6 years of total warranty against any manufacturing defects.
I went to Amazon to look for the cheapest kayak I could find and found the Intex Challenger K1. It normally retails for $170 but I bought it on sale for only $83.20! And it comes with a paddle, pump, and carry bag! So… Is it any good?
Universal kayak sail kits turn almost any kayak, canoe, or SUP into a personal sailboat without permanent modifications. Two boats in one!
The Sea Eagle FishSkiff 16 is the world’s only rollup 16′ Fishing skiff and the lightest 16′ fishing boat on the market! It’s made with drop-stitch technology from a nearly indestructible, double-layer reinforced, 1000 Denier material to provide amazing strength, durability, and rock-solid rigidity.
NRS has been around since the 1970s and has developed a reputation in the industry for building and selling rugged, reliable equipment built to the standards of the toughest outfitters and river guides. These same high standards have gone into the development of the NRS Big River Float Tubes and the NRS Wild River Float Tubes.
Disclosure: I am compensated for purchases made through some links on this site. Click for details. The longevity and…
The biggest difference between heavy-duty, river tubes and snow tubes are the bottom surface materials. Snow tubes have a glossy, heavy-duty, slick vinyl bottom where most river tubes have a reinforced, PVC mesh floor that would act like a cheese grater on snow stopping you dead in your tracks.
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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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
{{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.
{{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.
{{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.
{{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.
{{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.
{{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.
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C hoosing between a sailboat and a catamaran for your sailing adventures is a significant decision that depends on various factors, including your sailing preferences, experience level, budget, and intended use. Here's an ultimate guide to help you make an informed decision:
In conclusion, both sailboats and catamarans have their advantages and disadvantages. Your decision should be based on your individual preferences, experience level, budget, and intended use. If possible, charter both types of vessels to experience firsthand how they handle and to help make a more informed decision based on your own preferences and needs.
The post The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Between a Sailboat or Catamaran for Your Sailing Adventures appeared first on Things That Make People Go Aww .
In this aerial image provided by SailGP, the fleet races at the start of Fleet Race One, with a view of the Statue of Liberty in the distance, on Day 1 of the New York Sail Grand Prix sailing races, Saturday, June 22, 2024, in New York. (Simon Bruty/SailGP via AP)
In this image provided by SailGP, Spain SailGP Team helmed by Diego Botin competes on Day 1 of the New York Sail Grand Prix sailing races, Saturday, June 22, 2024, in New York. (Ricardo Pinto/ SailGP via AP)
In this aerial image provided by SailGP, USA SailGP Team helmed by Taylor Canfield sail past the New York City skyline on Day 1 of the New York Sail Grand Prix sailing races, Saturday, June 22, 2024, in New York. (Simon Bruty/ SailGP via AP)
Phil Robertson skippered Canada’s 50-foot foiling catamaran to finishes of fourth and second in the opening races of the New York Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix on the Hudson River on Saturday before a dying breeze forced the third fleet race to be abandoned.
Canada sits atop a crowded leaderboard with 16 points. Just five points separate the top seven teams in the 10-boat fleet in tech billionaire Larry Ellison’s global league.
Sunday’s two fleet races plus the podium race will be huge, with teams still scrambling for positions going into Season 4’s final regatta in San Francisco, which will culminate with the $2 million, winner-take-all Grand Final among the top three crews on July 14.
Nathan Outteridge’s Switzerland squad won the second fleet race and is second with 15 points, followed by Peter Burling’s New Zealand “Black Foils” with 14. The Kiwis, who lead the season standings, went 5-3 Saturday.
Giles Scott and Emirates GBR, who won the first fleet race, also have 14 points and are fourth. Three-time defending SailGP champion Tom Slingsby and Team Australia went 3-6 and are sixth with 13. Slingsby is a former America’s Cup champion and an Olympic gold medalist who will helm the New York Yacht Club’s American Magic in the 37th America’s Cup later this year.
Burling, the two-time reigning America’s Cup champion helmsman and a three-time Olympic medalist, came into the regatta with an 11-point lead over Spain, with the Aussies another point back.
The Kiwis are in a strong position to be on the start line for the Grand Final on July 14 in San Francisco and they could strengthen it with a good performance this weekend.
The third fleet race was abandoned shortly after the start when the wind dropped below 3.5 km/h. While there is no official lower-end wind limit, the conditions were deemed too light to ensure a fair race.
Robertson, a New Zealander, said the light, shifty winds and a strong current led to “extremely tricky” racing.
“There’s a lot of current as well, so the boat feels really horrible with current going in all different directions,” he said. “It’s frustrating at times. You’re not feeling fat and loose.”
Team USA, hoping for a strong showing on home waters, finished last in both races and have now finished 10th in five straight fleet races spanning the New York and Halifax regattas. However, the Americans are ninth overall because Germany started the regatta with a minus-four point penalty after hitting Australia in practice racing Friday and then had finishes of 8-9.
Bernie Wilson has covered sailing for the AP since 1991.
AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/sports
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Lightweight Construction. The XCAT hulls are made of an HDPE skin wrapped around EPP foam forms to create unsinkable but ultra-light hulls. Combined with the anodized aluminum frame and carbon mast, the XCAT weighs in at 165 pounds when rigged as a sailboat. The heaviest part of the boat are the hulls—at only 38 pounds each—which is lighter ...
Sail In the past four decades, more people have taken to the water on a Hobie catamaran than almost any other sailboat design. See where to buy . Rotomolded. Hobie's rotomolded sailing catamarans are super durable yet performance-oriented. There's a model for every skill level. Wave ...
The flagship sailing catamaran from designers Robertson and Caine, the Sunsail 454L combines all the effortless fun of multihull sailing with unmatched speed, stability, space, and comfort. These new additions to our dynamic fleet boast popular features including ambient underwater blue lights, a leading-edge water maker and an open-air upper-deck lounge for ample seating,...
Catalina 16.5. jlodrummer. Catalina Yachts are synonymous with bigger boats but they have some great and smaller boats too such as Catalina 16.5. This is one of the best small sailboats that are ideal for family outings given that it has a big and roomy cockpit, as well as a large storage locker.
The Sea Eagle Inflatable FastCat14™ Catamaran Boat is a rugged, dependable, rigid, high-pressure, all-drop stitch constructed, four-person, inflatable, runabout, family pontoon boat that still fits into a bag and provides the Smoothest Ride On The Water! No need for storage fees, maintenance fees, or heavy fuel prices. Accompanied by a 3yr Extendable Warranty, Free Shipping, and 120 Day ...
Gunboat 62. gunboat_catamarans. An original performance catamaran cruiser from the iconic Gunboat manufacturer, the Gunboat 62 has truly cemented its place as one of the best catamaran sailboats to ever grace the oceans. Honestly speaking, this cat-inspired a whole range of other incredible boats including HH66 Catamaran and the Balance 526.
Like all boats built by Catalina, this 16'4" boat has a huge self-bailing cockpit. Forward, there's stowage space and a waterproof hatch. ... Another long-lasting design with a great turn of speed and space for four on its trampoline is the Hobie 16 beach catamaran. More than 100,000 of these have been launched since 1969 when they made ...
Discover the smoothest ride on the water with the Sea Eagle FastCat™ Inflatable Catamaran Boat! The entire hull assembles in just minutes, is easy to pack up, fits into most any truck or SUV, can be launched anywhere, and will entirely change the way you view boats. ... 4 Person: Deflated: Approx 57" x 27" x 16" Apprx. 72" x 29" x 15 ...
This item: Sea Eagle FastCat Catamaran 2-4 Person Inflatable Boat-Rigid, High-Pressure, All-Drop Stitch, Easy Setup, Self-Bailing . $1,699.00 $ 1,699. 00. In Stock. Ships from and sold by Sea Eagle Boats. + Newport Trolling Motor Smart Battery Box Power Center with USB and DC Ports.
Affordable Catamaran Market. Unfortunately for liveaboard cruisers interested in catamarans, the market is dominated by enormous, often very expensive, four cabin-four head charter models. In fact, our analysis of sales data suggests that about 38% of the market consists of Lagoon catamarans and over 50% are Lagoon or Fountaine Pajots.
The 17-foot-4-inch Sun Cat, built by Com-Pac Yachts, updates the classic wooden cat with its fiberglass hull and deck and the easy-to-step Mastender Rigging System, which incorporates a hinged tabernacle to make stepping the mast a one-person job. If you want a personal sailboat ideal for solo sailing, the Sun Can is a great choice.
A catamaran is a sailboat that has a multi-hull design. It gives it more stability because it's wider and that creates more livable space for more people. ... A good estimate would be between US$2000-US$5000 per month for a family of 4, a little less for a couple/single person plus the maintenance cost of your boat which is on average 5-10% ...
The Sunsail 424 is a 4-cabin/ 4-head sailing catamaran with curvaceous lines, single level deck, spacious cabins and is fully outfitted with generator, and air-conditioning. The thoughtfully-designed interior is both spacious and stylish, delivering optimal onboard comfort when anchored or underway. The large sliding doors and expansive windows ...
For 2022, if anything, the trend for flybridge catamarans is on a major upswing. New cats for 2022 from both Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot continued down that design path, putting an emphasis on living accommodations, not performance. But not aboard the latest Seawind 1600, a brand originally built in Australia that is now produced in Vietnam.
Photo: Leopard Catamarans. Displacement: 14.5 tons Beam: 24ft 2in Draft: 4ft 11in Features: Forward-facing cockpit, 3 or 4 cabins, 8 to 12 berths, up to 4 heads, up to 5 showers, 2 45hp engines, 780L water capacity, 700L fuel capacity. The big unique selling point of this best catamaran for sailing around the world is the forward-facing cockpit - a shaded and well-ventilated area to relax ...
Lagoon 380. Small production catamarans aren't very common, so not too many choices are available until the 40' mark. That's what makes the Lagoon 380 so enticing. Currently the smallest—but also the most popular—of the Lagoon catamaran fleet, the 380 was launched in 1999 and well over 500 hulls have been built to date.
Our fleet includes top-of-the-line sail and power catamarans that are well-maintained and backed by our 4-hour service guarantee. A catamaran with four cabins comfortably sleeps four couples in double cabins or staterooms. Most catamarans, like The Moorings 4200, offer convertible lounges or saloons that transform into single or double beds.
The beach-launched Hobie 16 brought the sport to legions of speed-loving sailors. The catamaran's lightweight, asymmetrical fiberglass hulls provide lift and its dual-trapeze rig lets you and your crew member harness its sheer power. Now, 45 years and over 100,000 boats later, the Hobie 16 occupies a coveted spot in the Sailboat Hall of Fame ...
There are a wide range of Catamaran boats for sale from popular brands like Fountaine Pajot, Lagoon and Bali with 504 new and 1,433 used and an average price of $549,622 with boats ranging from as little as $67,808 and $6,414,450.
Set sail on an unforgettable voyage aboard The Moorings 4000. Designed by expert naval architects Simonis and Voorgd and constructed by world-renowned builders Robertson and Caine, this innovative sail catamaran sets the standard for contemporary comfort at sea. This 4 cabin layout has 4 double berths, 2 heads, and a convertible saloon.
These sailboats have a minimum total sail area of 218 square feet, a maximum total sail area of 3,630 square feet and an average of 954 square feet. Boat Trader currently has 217 catamaran sailboats for sale, including 108 new vessels and 109 used and custom yachts listed by both private sellers and professional yacht brokers and boat ...
The Sea Eagle FastCat14 has a catamaran hull design that lifts this 14′ 4″ x 6′ 8″ boat up on top of the water to prevent the hull from slapping on the water. This creates a super-smooth ride for up to four people or 1600 lbs. This boat's incredibly large deck is perfect for a fun day on the water. The spacious deck space of the ...
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.
Sailboats: Generally have a narrower beam and less living space. However, some sailboats may offer comfortable cabins and amenities. Catamarans: Wider beam creates more living space. Catamarans ...
For more multihull reviews and stories, subscribe for free to Multihull Power & Sail Good things come to those who wait, and sailing the HH44-SC confirmed the adage. Even under delivery sails—and only a main and genoa, at that—we fairly flew across the Chesapeake Bay on a breezy fall day after the U.S. Sailboat Show in Annapolis, where hull No. 2 had missed a debut on the docks by just days.
Phil Robertson skippered Canada's 50-foot foiling catamaran to finishes of fourth and second in the opening races of the New York Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix on the Hudson River on Saturday before a dying breeze forced the third fleet race to be abandoned. Canada sits atop a crowded leaderboard with 16 points.