Better Sailing

Best Catamarans Over 50 Feet

Best Catamarans Over 50 Feet

All kinds of high-end luxury sailing you could ever imagine can be experienced on Catamarans Over 50 Feet. It just depends on the boat at hand. Why spend your holiday cruising or liveaboard on a monohull when comfortable catamarans exist?

A catamaran is quite different from a regular monohull. Catamarans are typically designed with two equal-sized hulls and derive their stability from their wide beam; unlike a one-hulled boat deriving stability from a loaded undersurface.

The average catamaran is 38-47 feet in size. Usually, they are equipped with four large cabins with double or queen-sized beds, each cabin having an in-suite head. These vessels, originally designed for fishing, have, over the years, evolved and have become very popular in recent years. Lately, many boatbuilders are focusing more and more on building large catamarans over 50 feet as more and more people are starting to liveaboard and put more emphasis on comfort and luxury than their sailing performance.

In 2011, the biggest catamaran ever was built by Pendennis Shipyard in the UK, at 145 feet in length! It is equipped with a trampoline, a jacuzzi and can accommodate 12 guests in 5 cabins. This boat is designed to accommodate all the luxuries and adornments that can be found on a watercraft.

Here are the best sailing catamarans over 50 feet, in no particular order.

Length: 50 Feet

Price: From $500k to $1.5 Million USD On the Used Market

Back in 2019, the Lagoon 50 was awarded the best multihull of Sail Magazine. A product of the world’s largest boat manufacturer Lagoon, established in 1984, is majorly famous for the design and construction of cruising catamarans, which infuse top-notch designs, upscale comfort, and great sailing performances to one’s boating experience. Every detail is carefully thought out to establish novel and spacious architecture with a homely ambiance.

It’s a perfect balance between the model Lagoon 450 and the lofty 52. The Lagoon 50 has an encompassing view, generous volumes with a self-tacking jib, and a shorter mast for easily simplified maneuvers. It has two cockpits, one large one facing the sea and the other for seating at foredeck or on a deck chair. The hulls being large enough to contain more than 2 cabins, you can have up to six cabins. Italian agency Nauto Design Studio set a standard for their innovative interior designs every time. This vessel boasts of a unique brand signature, providing increased performance and a detailed wood finish to be fitted for the owner. Unconventional lines are linked with luxury, versatility, and a layout of technical options to cater to everyone’s needs.

Lagoon 50 Catamaran

>>Also Read: Jeanneau 64 Review

Length: 52 Feet

Looking for something contemporary and luxurious? Lagoon 52 takes the cake in that way. This boat signified a new stage in the design of cruising catamarans. The Lagoon 52 is a product of the prolonged conversations between Lagoon’s customary VPLP, Nauto design agency, and the Lagoon design department. It comes in two versions: The Lagoon 52 FlyBridge, known as Lagoon 52F, and Lagoon 52 SporTop.

The combination of onboard comfort with its sailing performance is perfect and in sync. The wide side decks allow easy movement onboard. The cockpit and saloon also offer spacious living areas. The vertical bows of the boat have a diamond-shaped appearance with diagonal shaped hull and a lifting deck house.

The boat is easily accessible and safe thanks to the open rear skirts. Most of the features in this luxurious watercraft can be found in the aforementioned Lagoon 50. It has a perfect blend for its easy use, a comfy, elegant interior, amazing space, and lighting. You’re sure to get your money’s worth with the LAGOON 52.

Lagoon 52

Privilege Series 5

Price: Around $1-1.5 Million USD

At 50 feet, this boat is quite marvelous and a privilege to spend your time in as a cruiser or owner. The Privilège Series 5 is the world’s first 50 feet sailing catamaran. This vessel was built by Privilège Marine, a French company based in Les Sables-d’Olonne, France. They are famous for building premium luxury catamarans and designed by French Naval Architect Marc Lombard. The Privilège Series 5 is equipped with three or four double and a full-sized owner’s cabin located in the yacht’s center. It’s a lightweight boat at 48500 pounds and could go up to 52900 depending on the size.

It has great customization options, and it can be designed to suit the boat owner’s taste. The attention to detail on the boat is nothing short of perfection as the interior design, woodwork, safety measurements laid out by the boat’s design, aesthetics, ventilation, etc., was thought out good. The vessel’s finishing is really phenomenal as everything has a high level of craftsmanship.

Privilege Series 5

Leopard 50L

Length: 50 Ft 6 In

Price: Around $1 Million USD

The Leopard 48, which was launched in 2012, was one of the most popular cruising cats ever designed. But the design was beginning to become dated, even as new orders kept coming in. So, Robertson & Caine, who build the Leopard cats, set out to improve on what was already great. The new 50 was their answer and comes with many innovations that will make owners happy. We test sailed the 50L last winter in Florida. The L version has the optional lounge on top of the hardtop over the cockpit. Unlike some cats with flying bridges and lounges up high, the 50L doesn’t feel like a layer wedding cake.

The steering station is a traditional raised helm to starboard, and the lounge is just up a few stairs from there. The helmsman is in contact with those in the main cockpit and those in the lounge. Out sailing, we got the 50L up to 10 knots in a good breeze, so the boat is fast. It is also commodious and will make a very comfortable home for a family or a charter party.

>>Also Read: 10 Best Catamaran Brands

Length: 58 Feet

Price: From $450k To $1.5 Million on the Used Market

Leopard 58 is a superb layout from Leopard, skilfully modeled by award-winning designers Robertson & Caine. This extravagant catamaran is suited to the prolific and innovative catamarans that have made Leopard famous while still giving out fresh features and various design options.

This expansive FlyBridge takes space to a whole new dimension as it is larger than its siblings with their award-winning aspects. A Flybridge is basically a version of catamarans that affords you the luxury of outdoor space, come rain or shine. Leopard 58 is more about space, bragging about 750 square feet in just the saloon alone. It gives you amazing comfort and is naturally luminous. With an open plan layout, the galley available means the meal making and interaction will be easy. Highly recommended for a family outdoor gathering.

Leopard 58 - Best Catamaran Over 50 Feet

Price: Around $1 Million USD New ; Not many options on the used market since its a newer model

Popularly called the Seawind 52 because of its 52 feet size. The Seawind 52′ 1600 is designed by world-renowned architects Reichel Pugh. Like the Lagoon 52, it’s a perfect balance for onboard comfort and performance sailing and sea safety. Perfect for sailors or boat lovers who are looking for a little extra.

This catamaran sets a standard for offshore sailing because of its simple sailing methods, large open cockpit space, and twin protected helms. Equipped with a three or four-cabin design that affords the owner’s cabin expansive living space, great storage, high aspect riders, daggerboards, an elegant fit/finish, and infused carbon-reinforced construction.

Seawind 1600

Price: Around $1 Million USD New

The new Seawind 1600 has been in the works for a while and has finally arrived on the market. The Reichel Pugh design is a departure from the more conservative looks of the other Seawinds and embraces a very Euro-style with plumb bows, hard chines, a swept-back cabin, and a large open cockpit with helm stations on both sides. The boat is a pure performance cruiser that was conceived as a blue water voyaging boat for a family. At 52 feet, it falls within the size range that an experienced couple can handle, so it would make a great platform for a couple to explore the world. The 1600 like all of the Seawinds and Corsairs, are built in Vietnam.

Nautitech 542

Length: 54 Feet

Price: Around $1.2 Million USD New

Nautitech 542 is the typical example of offshore meeting first class. This boat has ideally tweaked fittings for smooth sailing under any circumstances. Furnished with a single wheel on its roof for perfect views of the boat and a comfy 2-person seat. The idea of this boat is mostly based on performance and quality. Asides from the positions of the helm, Nautitech 541 and 542 are very similar. Nautitech 542 is large and luxurious. The sail controls at the helm stations for easy sailing maneuvers and perfect for all weather conditions. The interior was designed by French designer Franck Darnet. Equipped with state of the art furniture and cabin experience, a sleek experience is assured.

Nautitech 542

>>Also Read: Best Sailboats Under 100k

Xquisite X5

Length: 51 Feet

Price: Around $1.5 Million USD

Once you have met your first Xquisite X5, you will never forget its absolute distinctive looks and almost space-traveling styling. The whole look of the boat, with its large reverse curving arches and cat’s eye windows, says right out loud that you need to pay attention. The boat itself is a very modern design with a classic and comfortable interior. It sails better than most of its peers in the 50-foot range and is set up cleverly so one watchstander can hand, reef, and steer all from the protected comfort of the raised steering station. Tomas and Sara, who build the boats in South Africa, are veteran cruisers and owned hull number one of the X5 line before taking over the company. Their attention to detail and the innovations they have incorporated into the boats all stem from their time living aboard and blue water sailing.

Privilege 615

Length: 61 Feet

Price: From $800k to $1.3 Million USD on the Used Market

When it comes to onboard luxury, Marc Lombard, who designed this catamaran, is an expert in that field. This lovely boat is in touch with the latest style, sporting a flybridge complete with two wheels and a broad sunbed suitable for the crew to relax the day away. The 615 is a combination of simplistic and superior design with an outstanding crew, results in the ultimate luxury Caribbean cruising experience. The impeccable elegance of the interior with a lavish owner’s suite and the boat’s perfect wood quality are two great reasons to make you get the boat. The freedom to choose a four or five-double cabin is another, depending on the size of the family.

Followed closely by its outstanding exterior, you’re sure to fall in love with it on sight, from the cockpit to the foredeck. With an impressive platform and lustrous profile, the Privilède 615 contradicts the volume and versatility of its interior. One wonders how they fit into the other, gives it a great ambiance.

Privilege 615 Cat

>>Also Read: Best Catamarans Under 200k

Balance 526

Length: 52ft 6in

Price: From $1.3 to $1.6 Million USD New

Multihull impresario, dealer, and broker Phil Berman (The Multihull Company) has sold more multihulls over the last 30 years than just about anyone. His latest project has been the development of the Balance line of performance cruising cats. The queen of the line is the Balance 526 that was introduced a few years ago and has proven to be a very successful player in the 50-foot plus segment of the cat market. Built in South Africa by noted composite experts, the 526 offers a well-conceived combination of great sailing performance and luxury living in a boat that can be handled by an experienced couple.

The boat has plenty of innovations, among them a helm that can be tilted up so you can steer from the raised helm station or tilted down so you can steer from the protection of the cockpit. Very cool. The design does not take any particular element to the “extreme.” Instead, Berman and his crew have sought to provide a boat that is truly well balanced in all aspects. And, they’ve done it.

>>Also Read: How Long Do Sailboats Last?

Length: 62 Feet

Price: From $700k to $1.7 Million USD on the Used Market

Manufactured in 2014, this luxury catamaran is ideal for those who enjoy watersports and healthy activities. It was designed by world-renowned designer Van Peteghem-Lauriot Prvost (VPLP) and built to top-notch quality with a focus on stability, performance, luxury, and spaciousness. The maximum capacity of this boat is 12 guests in 4-double and 2-twin cabins. The Sunreef 620 is the very first to feature a newly developed rig. From the large cabins, saloon, galley, and sail performance, the 620 is one boat you’d get a memorable experience on. As you can understand, this is a great catamaran over 50 feet to use as a liveaboard.

Sunreef 62 - Luxury Catamaran

Outremer 5X

Length: 69 Feet

Price: From $1.3 to $1.8 Million USD on the Used Market

The Outremer 5X is unlike any other in the yacht market as it is fast, sturdy, but luxurious all at the same time. Also, it possesses finely finished cabinetwork, spacious accommodations, and an excellent payload carrying ability. Modeled great agility to make even a single person handle any maneuver, its retractable high aspect ratio daggerboards assure a shallower drift giving access to the most remote of harbors.

When it comes to the interior, every Outremer model is trying to outdo the last in elegance, neatness, and modernity. She offers an unrestricted view and functional comfort. The port hull suite includes a king-sized bed, superb sea view portlight, an office, and a separate private entrance from the rear. It’s a semi-custom interior designed by VPLP in conjunction with Patrick le Quement. It won the ‘European Yacht of the Year’ and Cruising World’s ‘Boat of the Year’ in 2013 and 2014. This catamaran is as affordable as a luxury catamaran over 50 feet can get. Beautiful isn’t she?

Length: 51 Feet

Price: From $450k to $550k On the Used Market

Aimed at Blue-water sailors looking to sail fast and far, Switch 51 has proved itself and regarded in this day as a remarkable ocean cruising catamaran. This classic high-performance voyage was designed by VPLP and is said to combine a level of comfort, performance, and safety. It was built by Sud Composites in France with high tech materials. Sud initially built about 18 of these classic catamarans from 2001 to 2007.

Switch 51 hulls are built with vinyl ester sandwiched with a Klegecelle PVC foam core, thereby creating a hull light enough to be real quick and heavy enough to handle the ocean waves and swells. The saloon and galley are huge, with the cockpit spacious. The layout and accommodation are perfect for a small family with classic amenities aimed at making your stay on board a memorable one. This also a pretty affordable option in this category with prices on the used market as low as 450k.

Switch 51 Catamaran

>>Also Read: Best Sailboats to Live On

Final Thoughts

If you are looking for a large catamaran to either spend your summer vacation with your family or to liveaboard, this list of the best catamarans over 50 feet will point you in the right direction. Obviously, there are many options on the used market, but you should pick the one that you like best and fits your budget.

While the prices vary with their manufactured year, options, location, etc., buying any of the above-mentioned catamarans will certainly offer you state of the art onboard luxury and comfort. Why not try one of them out on your next boat cruise to see for yourself before you buy?

Peter

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

Related Posts

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Fishing Line for Trolling

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Fishing Line for Trolling

Lagoon Catamaran Review: Are Lagoon Catamarans Good?

Lagoon Catamaran Review: Are Lagoon Catamarans Good?

Best Inboard Boat Engine Brands

Best Inboard Boat Engine Brands

Are O’Day Sailboats Good? A Closer Look at a Classic Brand

Are O’Day Sailboats Good? A Closer Look at a Classic Brand

  • Buyer's Guide
  • Destinations
  • Maintenance
  • Sailing Info

Hit enter to search or ESC to close.

  • European Union
  • South Africa
  • Photos & Videos

Virtual Tour

Leopard 50

  • Cabins: 4 or 5
  • Heads: 4 to 6
  • Berths: 6 to 12
  • Showers: 4 to 6

SPECIAL OFFER

best 50ft catamaran

best 50ft catamaran

  • LOA: 50 ft 6 in / 15.4 m
  • LWL: 48 ft 11 in / 14.9 m
  • Beam: 26 ft 5 in / 8.04 m
  • Draft: 5 ft 3 in / 1.61 m
  • Mast Height: 77 ft 2 in / 23.52 m
  • Bridgedeck Clearance: 3 ft 5 in / 1.03 m
  • Engine: 2x 57 hp
  • Propeller Dimensions: 3‐blade 18in x 14in
  • Engine No. Cylinders: 4
  • Fuel: 243 gal / 920 L

EXTRA DETAILS

  • Bunk Dimensions:  View Leopard Range Bunk Dimensions
  • Headroom:  View Leopard Range Headroom Dimensions
  • Water: 185 gal / 700 L
  • Mainsail Area (Standard): 964 sqft / 89.6 sqm
  • Mainsail Area (Square Top): 1019 sqft / 94.7 sqm
  • Genoa Area: 688 sqft / 63.9 sqm
  • Spinnaker Area: 204 sqft / 2199 sqm
  • Code 0 Area: 970 sqft / 90.1 sqm
  • Code D Area: 1690 sqft / 157 sqm
  • Total Upwind Area (Standard): 1652 sqft / 153.5 sqm
  • Polars:  View Leopard 50 Performance Documents
  • Displacement: 41888 lbs / 19000 kg
  • Load Carrying Capacity: 15432 lbs / 7000 kg
  • Holding Tank Capacity: 45 gal / 170 L

DOWNLOAD BROCHURE

best 50ft catamaran

Related Boat Reviews

Leopard catamarans feature - passagemaker, leopard 50: a most hospitable boat, leopard 50 review by multihulls world, related blog posts, lifetime partners in work and play: kevin and elizabeth's owner profile, product profile: leopard 50, owner reveal and test sail of the leopard 50p.

Make an appointment for a boat show, a sea trial, or simply receive a phone call from our expert agents.

Other Leopard 50 Buying Options

Check for current availability of used Leopard Catamarans and new Leopard Catamarans in charter programs on our sister sites

Compare The Most Popular 50ft Production Sailing Catamarans

The chart below compares the specifications and prices with some of the positives and negatives of each catamaran. Some of the designs are huge in volume as well as have lots of entertainment areas inside and out while others are more performance oriented with much less interior volume and others are more pricey. We would love to hear your comments. .

2022 UPDATE: You will still find some great information below regarding 50ft-range catamarans, especially if you are in the market to buy one. But lots has happened in the range especially in the Performance Cruising Catamarans category since this post was written a few years ago. In addition to reading this article, be sure to read:

  • 2022 Performance Cruising Catamaran Comparison
  • We Bought a Performance Cruiser Catana OC 50

Estelle Cockcroft

Join our community.

Get the latest on catamaran news, sailing events, buying and selling tips, community happenings, webinars & seminars, and much more!

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

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

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

Recent Posts

First-annual virgin islands boating exhibition (vibe).

VIBE – It’s a Destination Boat Show! Join us May 10 – 12 at

BALI Catamarans Unveils The New Bali 5.8 Flagship

CATANA GROUP launches its 14th BALI CATAMARAN model, the BALI 5.8, for the brand’s

Love Stories At Sea…because it’s valentine’s day

Because it’s Valentine’s day, we wanted to celebrate all the couples that we helped

Your Go-To Resource for all your Catamaran Needs!

Check out our brochure to learn about all we have to offer and why

For more than 30 years, we have been a part of the catamaran community and created Catamaran Guru™ to encourage and educate all the aspiring sailing out there. We understand the dream of traveling the world by catamaran and created a one-stop-shop to make that dream a reality for you.

  • Stephen & Estelle
  • Testimonials

Get Started

  • Yacht Sales
  • Used Yachts
  • Charter Management
  • Boat as Business Programs
  • Seminars & Events

best 50ft catamaran

Best Catamarans Under 50 Feet (With Pictures and Prices)

best 50ft catamaran

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site.

Catamarans within the 40-50 ft (12-15 m) range are some of the hottest on the market, this is largely due to their offshore capabilities and amazing comforts. But what are the best catamarans under 50 feet?

The best catamarans under 50 ft (15.24 m) include the Leopard 50, Lagoon 42, Bavaria Nautitech 46, Fountaine Pajot 45, Beneteau Excess 15, and more. The Leopard 50 is one of the most expensive options on the used market, while you’re likely to land a bargain on the Beneteau Excess 15.

The rest of this article will take a closer look at the best catamarans under 50 feet. I will explain what you need to know about them, reveal price estimates, and ensure your future cat matches your lifestyle.

Table of Contents

What Is a Catamaran?

A catamaran is a wind-powered sea vessel made of two hulls. The hulls are separated with a deck in the middle which encompasses the saloon. Many sailors use catamarans for leisure because they make excellent vacation homes on the water. 

However, most catamarans are pricey. You can expect to spend between $200,000 and $1M for a vessel in good condition on the used market.

What Are the Best Catamarans Between 40 and 50 Feet?

The best catamarans between 40 and 50 feet include the following:

best 50ft catamaran

The Leopard 50 is the replacement for the Leopard 48. It sits at 50 ft (15.24 m) long, powered by two 57 hp Yanmar engines. Used models start at a whopping $800k.

The exterior of the vessel boasts endless high-end features. You’ll get a table, a sunbed, and a roomy lounge on the flybridge area of this boat. However, you can spice things up with shade awning and exterior speakers, though you have to order these separately.

best 50ft catamaran

Getting to the flybridge from the side deck is easy, thanks to the carefully designed floating stairs, masterfully fitted in. A signature design move from this brand is that the flybridge now links to the helm station on most of the models. 

Read my article to understand pros and cons of a flybridge!

The Leopard 50 is no different. The spacious lounge also acts as protection for the helm station behind the bulkhead. You’ll also get a clear line of sight and movement to the aft cockpit for a flawless journey. Passengers can move freely across the flybridge without interfering with the boom, which is in stark contrast to other catamarans similar to the Leopard 50.

best 50ft catamaran

Overall, the exterior design of the Leopard 50 is fantastic. It’s hard not to look at any further customizations as extravagance. On the inside, it’s no slouch either. You get a utility room, five independent cabins, and 6-12 berths. The vessel also boasts 4-6 showers onboard, and the interior décor features classy materials.

best 50ft catamaran

  • The 50 feet size ensures it has very wide interior spaces.
  •  It’s designed to sail well upwind.
  • The mechanical and structural composition makes it one of the most seaworthy boats in this range.
  • The boat design can be a bit sleeker, hence the slow sailing.
  • The model’s high boom can make it harder to operate the mainsail, this also moves the center of gravity up .
  • The Leopard 50 is a slow-moving ship in low winds.

The Lagoon 42 is the scaled-down version of the Lagoon 52 designed by Van Peteghem-Lauriot Prévost (VPLP). It measures 42 ft (12.80 m) and boasts two 42 hp Yanmar engines. Price-wise, expect to splurge between $620,000 and $850,000 on the used market. 

The two main features that distinguish this model from other popular Lagoon models are:

  • A relocated mast to ensure proper balancing of the gross weight and reduce pitching. 
  • A beautiful silhouette that gives the boat a unique look. The design is part of the exterior styling spearheaded by Patrick Le Quément.

The smaller boom and the self-tacking genoa make the Lagoon 42 a bit more compatible for short-handed sailing. You get lots of room in all the lounges across the boat—from the cockpit down to the saloon. There’s also excellent ventilation on the wide flat decks, thanks to the flush opening hatches. Access to the boom is simple, as the vessel has safe and sturdy stairs that lead to the upper deck and helm station.

With the helm station on top of the coach bulkhead roof, mobility and communication between the cockpit and saloon are a breeze. The interior of the boat has four cabins. The forward has beds that passengers can access from the side, while the aft options have an island bed.

  • The deck layout is one of the best you’ll find.
  • The single-level design from the saloon to the aft platform is an interesting deviation from the norm.
  •  Short-hand sailing is easy due to the self-tacking genoa.
  •  It’s one of the pricier options in the market.

The Lagoon 46 is another high-quality catamaran from VPLP with an overall length of 45 ft (13.72 m). It receives its power from two 45/57 cv CR engines, and it’ll set you back around $500,000 for a used model. The overall design is a refreshed approach that guarantees better performance than the preceding models. 

The first noticeable design change is the narrowed down water lines flared out inboard. This combination dramatically improves the volume on the inside of the boat. The results are a bit more pronounced on the cabins in the forward area, making it easier for you to have the same bed size on the abaft and front.

The Lagoon 46 also has a high-tech cradle-like davit system accompanied by a Bimini roof that’s a lot less weighty than what you’ll find on older models. The boat’s flybridge features a large enough area for sunbathing, connected to the two side decks directly. Meanwhile, the reserved storage space on the boat has also had a bump in this model.

With the mast located at the aft position at the top of the boat, it’s no surprise that there’s a self-tacking genoa on it. The interior décor of the ship looks as exquisite as the price range suggests. Most of the finishes are either Alpi or light wood oak, with rounded edges prioritized a great deal.

  • The accessible double-side beds in the cabins are an excellent addition.
  • The size of the vessel means there’s some limit to where it can safely pass while out on the water.

The Bali 4.1 is one of the lower-priced catamaran models in the used market today. It’s a 40 ft (12.19 m) vessel powered by two 20 hp engines and priced around $400.000 .

This design from Naval architect Xavier Faÿ and Lasta Design Studio improve upon the earlier 4.0 model. In other words, you can expect the best features from the older model and some improvements. 

This is a model known for its seaworthiness, meaning the foredeck space provides some rigidity and offers protection from water spray while out on the sea. Although some would argue that the solid deck forward of the mast could be an offshore issue.

If you want to better understand why solid decking might be an issue, read my article on w hat trampolines are and how they impact safety .

The boat’s saloon is large and protected by a glossy pivot door, and the deck has lots of space to accommodate sunbathers. The fore cockpit is large enough to fit a small crew without the space feeling cramped. Since it sits in an elevated position, the helming station delivers excellent visibility for sailors.

The windows are designed to open with a retracting or gliding mechanism, so you’ll enjoy excellent ventilation in most of the living areas on the boat. Some of the new features added to the Bali 4.1 include new bench seats in the back cockpit, large side lockers, a platform connection for the two hulls, and more. 

Overall, this is an excellent vessel you can count on to deliver a smooth sailing experience.

  • The foredeck offers incredible amounts of usable space.
  • It delivers less floating and a lot more stability.
  • The deck layout and deck camber are great and rid water quickly.
  • A solid foredeck makes for a more usable exterior area.
  • The Interior layout is excellent!
  • Boom might be situated too high for some sailors.
  • Quite a slow vessel.
  • Some sailors report issues with the “garage door style” saloon door leaking.

best 50ft catamaran

Nautitech 46

With the Nautitech 46, you’re sure to get nothing but pleasure, comfort, and elegance. You can expect to spend between $500,000 and $800,000 for this used 46ft (14.02 m) super vessel, with the two Volvo Penta engines combining for 80 hp of sailing power. The vessel architecture and design were handled by Marc Lombard and Roseo Design, respectively.

The catamaran has two models known as the Open and the Fly ( flybridge setup ). The Open variant is the “original” version. While the models are the same under the hood, the major difference lies in the deck variations. The Fly delivers a flybridge space for the passengers and captain, with unforgettable views in all directions.

best 50ft catamaran

The Nautitech 46 Open has a 4-cabin version that can carry eight people (great for summer rentals) and a 3-cabin version that’ll appeal to people that want an owner’s suite. The saloon’s design offers passengers picturesque views of the sea from a very comfortable sitting position. 

best 50ft catamaran

If you need table space for work or to organize navigation, you can find one carved out in the kitchen.

  • The interior design reflects the price and is of very high quality.
  • There are lots of clip-on-points and rails to ensure safety and easy movement around the vessel.
  • There’s a spacious engine bay that allows easy access to the engines thus reducing maintenance times.
  • The slender shape of the boat hulls causes a decrease in the living space.
  • There’s reduced visibility on the aft helm (open version).

Fountaine Pajot Elba 45

This 44 ft (13.41 m) vessel powered by two 40 hp engines made its grand introduction at the 2019 Cannes Yachting Festival. Since then, it’s grown in popularity, thanks to the bold and modern design which emphasizes cruising, relaxation, and comfort. You can buy one of these for around $500,000 to $900,000 on the used market.

The vessel is made of energy-emitting lines and inverted bows, which has dramatically improved the interior space. The helm station also features upgrades to improve the handling experience.

Not to worry; the cockpit doesn’t get the backburner in the comfort-centric design department. It’s very spacious, containing lots of storage spaces and direct access to the saloon. 

You can choose to install a Beach Club electric platform if you’d like to host parties from time to time. If you like to bring guests aboard, they’ll enjoy the relaxation spaces on the cockpit, lounge, and foredeck. Some interesting additions to the internal elements of the FP 45 are two refrigerators and a water maker that can produce 15.85 gal (60 L) of drinks per hour.

  • The living spaces on the catamaran are some of the best and largest in this range.
  • The fly lounge is an interesting design.
  • It’s sharp when traveling downwind and offers a good compromise between speed and comfort.
  • Performance suffers a lot in upwind sailing, and the fuel consumption increases significantly.

Designed by Christophe Barreau, the Catana 47 is another premium catamaran on the market today. It’s a 46 ft (14 m) durable vessel powered by two 40 hp Volvo engines. Going for around $750,000 on the used market, the Catana 47 is a light and strong vessel featuring a heavy infusion of carbon fiber. 

The Catana 47 retains some of the signature design moves the Catana Company is known for, including open helming stations, a performance-centric rig, and tall twin daggerboards. This model of the Catana runs a bit faster than the preceding model. That’s likely because Catana dropped its weight by around 1,500 lbs (680.39 kg). 

The vessel doesn’t skimp on space either. Both the crew and passengers on board will always have enough space to move around without bumping into someone else.

  •  The room space is excellent.
  •  Its speed is up there with some of the best in this class of catamarans.
  • High bridge deck clearance
  • You may need a watcher during docking due to the blind spot between the helming station and the opposite bow.

Seawind 1370

The Seawind 1370 is like a mash-up of the best features from the Seawind 1600 and 1260 designs with some further unique improvements. The 45 ft (13.72 m) catamaran is an excellent cruise vessel with warm and roomy living spaces. This makes the vessel an excellent option if you have a large family. The ship boasts two 40 hp Yanmar engines, and you can purchase a high-quality used one for around $700,000.

The catamaran can withstand heavy spray while in turbulent waters, thanks to the tough panoramic fashioned glass windows. The saloon opening from the cockpit features a tri-fold door. Once inside the cockpit, you’ll find a large transom lounge and a nice little bar that can also double as your cocktail joint.

The lounge on the saloon has enough space, and you can make more by simply folding down the table to transform it into a bed. You’ll find all the lines and controls in the helm station. The well-shaped hull offers high headroom in the cabins. Overall, the architectural design of this catamaran (made by Francois Perus) is one of the best in its class.

  • It’s comfortable enough for small families.
  • It’s very sturdy while on the water.
  • The volume and space on offer may not be enough for commercial applications

best 50ft catamaran

The Beneteau Excess 15 is one of the largest catamarans created by the Beneteau group. It’s a sleek, cruising vessel with two powerful 57 hp engines. The twin helm stations on the boat make it one of the few catamarans that sport this design approach. There’s an 80 hp dual-engine variant of the vessel. With those specs in mind, you can expect to spend $200,000 to $1 million on a Excess 15.

best 50ft catamaran

On the inside, the vessel has a roomy saloon, which can double as a mini room diner.  While there, the non-smoked bay windows guarantee a full view of the entire seascape ahead. The cockpit is large enough to hold a table that can seat eight people. Helmsman, in particular, will enjoy the Dyneema steering cables and the aluminum supports.

best 50ft catamaran

  • It’s a very stable seaworthy vessel.
  • The engine is powerful enough for the size.
  • It runs at a decent speed for a luxury boat.
  • The interior and exterior design screams comfort and prestige.
  • Since this is a luxury boat, it’s not the fastest in this class.

There are many excellent catamarans within the 40-50 ft (12-15 m) range. The options we’ve covered here are the best ones I have seen so far. Think about your unique needs before choosing any specific option. After all, some of these are more equipped for cruising while others are more useful as holiday boats with your family.

Don’t forget to consider other factors such as ease of control, harbor space, fuel type, and engine type. If you’re going with a used model, be sure to evaluate it thoroughly before you make a decision. It’s often best to get a professional valuation.

If you want to get my five cents on how to buy a boat i suggest you check theese articles out:

  • Buyers Guide
  • How to afford buying a catamaran
  • Seawind Cats: SEAWIND 1260 WON THE BEST CRUISING CATAMARAN UNDER 50 FEET 2019
  • MultiHulls World: 2019 BUYER’S GUIDE: Multihulls from 40 to 50 feet
  • The Boat DB: The best catamarans under 40/50 Feet

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!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

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

Recent Posts

Must-Have Boat Gear for Catamaran Sailors!

Sailing is probably the most gear-intensive activity I've ever done; there are so many decisions to be made about what gear to buy now, for tomorrow, and what to definitely never buy. The gear on...

6 Best Trailerable Trimarans For Bluewater and Coastal Sailing

Having a boat costs a lot of money, even when you are not using it, marina fees, etc. And once it is in the water most sailors never go very far from their "home marina" and sailing will be somewhat...

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

Multihull of the year

  • All the magazines

BUYERS’ GUIDE 2020: 45 to 50 feet

Avatar de Emmanuel van Deth

Article published on 22/11/2019

By Emmanuel van Deth

published in n°169 jan. / feb.

Multihulls World #169

Now this is the ideal length for cruising far and wide... but without the need for a professional crew. In this category, the largest manufacturers are at the forefront and are competing fiercely. But each model has its own personality: you’re sure to find the right multihull for you!

Create a notification for "Buyer's guide"

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

NAUTITECH OPEN 46 NEW :  Apart from the hulls, everything’s new!

At the recent Cannes Yachting Festival, Nautitech presented a totally redesigned version of their 46 Open, and also their 46 Fly. Usually, manufacturers undertake light restyling fairly often on their models, but it’s a different story here, with the 46: apart from the Marc Lombard hulls, which remain identical - even though the topsides will now feature larger openings - everything else has been redesigned and redrawn. The accommodation and deck layout are therefore new. The rig is now a little more powerful, gaining 2 m² (21½ sq ft) of sail area.

Builder: Nautitech Catamarans

Architect: Marc Lombard

Overall length: 13.79 m (45’3”)

Waterline length: 13.71 m (45’)

Beam: 7.54 m (24’9”)

Draft: 1.45 m (4’9”)

Displacement: 10.80 t (22,046 lbs)

Mainsail: 76 m² (820 sq ft)

Self-tacking jib: 38 m² (410 sq ft)

Engines: 2 x 40 HP

Diesel: 2 x 300 l (2 x 79 US gal)

Water: 2 x 300 l (2 x 79 US gal)

Price: € 455,000 ex-tax

SAONA 47 :  A safe and efficient catamaran

best 50ft catamaran

Between the Elba 45 and the Saba 50, Fountaine Pajot positioned a 47-foot catamaran, the Saona 47. The version we tried, with carbon mast, Dyneema rigging and membrane sails is particularly attractive... but even without these luxurious options, the Saona shows interesting potential. The silhouette is successful and the helm station as practical as it is comfortable. The seakeeping behavior felt safe: during our test, we faced a Mistral blowing at 50 knots. The 47 clearly benefits from the new standard of quality evident on board this latest generation and the creativity of Isabelle Racoupeau, in charge of interior design.

Shipyard: Fountaine Pajot

Length: 13.94 m (45’9”)

Beam: 7.70 m (25’3”)

Light displacement: 13.3 t

Draft: 1.30 m (4’3”)

Mainsail: 75 m² (805 sq ft)

Genoa: 52 m² (560 sq ft)

No. of cabins: 3 or 4

Water: 700 l (185 US gal)

Diesel: 2 x 470 l (2 x 124 US gal)

Engines: 2 x 50/60 HP

Price: € 546,779 ex-tax 

LAGOON 46 :  The aft-set mast does good!

best 50ft catamaran

A tough task for the Lagoon 46: replacing the 450 - the world's best-selling cruising catamaran with 746 Flybridge units and a hundred S versions launched. After the Lagoon 39 and 52 (which appeared in 2013), then the 42, 40 and 50, the 46 in turn continued with the aft-set mast. This catamaran has attractive volume and layout; the 46 also ensures good average speeds under sail with a family crew thanks to her modern, tolerant and fun-to-use sail plan. The mainsail/code 0 combination in light airs, and mainsail/solent in a breeze are very effective. If owners manage not to overload her beyond what is reasonable, they’ll be able to take advantage of everything she has to offer!

Shipyard: Lagoon

Length: 13.99 m (45’11”)

Beam: 7.96 m (26’1”)

Light displacement: 16.6 t

Mainsail: 87 m² (935 sq ft)

Self-tacking jib: 50.5 m² (545 sq ft)

Code area 0: 110 m² (1,185 sq ft)

No. of cabins: 3 or 4 double ...

Subscribe to Multihulls World and get exclusive benefits.

Did you like this article ?

Share this article

Most-read articles in the same category.

2024 Multihull of the Year Election - You’ll soon be able to vote for your favorite multihulls!

2024 Multihull of the Year Election - You’ll soon be able to vote for your favorite multihulls!

Who's Who - Mike Horn: “I fell in love with multihulls”

Who's Who - Mike Horn: “I fell in love with multihulls”

Catamaranscup - 34 charter catamarans setting out from Athens!

Catamaranscup - 34 charter catamarans setting out from Athens!

Miami & Florida - The American boating spirit

Miami & Florida - The American boating spirit

2023 Sail Buyer's Guide - Multihulls from 30 to 40 feet

2023 Sail Buyer's Guide - Multihulls from 30 to 40 feet

2023 Sail Buyer's Guide - Multihulls from 20 to 30 feet

2023 Sail Buyer's Guide - Multihulls from 20 to 30 feet

What readers think.

Post a comment

No comments to show.

Follow us on

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

best 50ft catamaran

CatamaranReviews.com

Lagoon 50 catamaran.

Winner of The Multihull of The Year Award 2018, the British Yachting Awards 2018, and the Sail’s Best Boat of The Year Award of 2019, the Lagoon 50 catamaran offers some thoughtful and innovative features. Some parts of the catamaran – such as the cockpit and the saloon – have been completely redesigned.

Table of Contents

DESIGN – INTERIOR & EXTERIOR

The interior design of the Lagoon 50 is a product of the Nauta Design while Patrick Le Quement and VPLP Design gave shape to its exterior. The Lagoon 50 catamaran, with its rich and dark Alpi Walnut plywood construction and UV varnish finishing, comes with three, four, and even six cabin layouts and provides a generous amount of volume and space.

The aft cockpit of the Lagoon 50 can be easily accessed through two low transom steps and houses a polyester table to port that can be extended to accommodate up to 10 people and folded away when not needed.  The seat is also removable and can be moved away when the table is extended. The aft cockpit itself has a galley, complete with its own countertops for drink and food preparation, a sink, a refrigerator and a few bottle holders. The forward cockpit has seats with two storage lockers underneath them and two trampolines.

Lagoon 50 catamaran has a large flybridge with a helm station which comes not only with a separate recreational area but also has storage space behind it. The helm seat at the station is spacious enough to accommodate up to 4 people, including the helm person, and the station is made comfortable by triple sun beds, back and knee rests behind the helm seat. The helm offers enough visibility for navigation to not be a problem but since the helm seat is right in the center, the view from directly behind the steering wheel is obstructed by the mast.

The helm station has an ideally angled dashboard, equipped with a B&G multifunction display and autopilot amongst other instruments. All the lines and the self-tacking jib sheets are managed with three Harken winches. There are also three integrated sheet bins to manage the sheets, a halyard and an electric drum to manage the continuous traveler sheet.

ACCOMODATIONS

In a three cabin version, the aft cabin of the Lagoon 50 catamaran has a double bed with lateral access and a drawer underneath, two bedside tables, and a shelf. There is enough storage space with a full-height locker, wardrobe, and bookcase. The deck hatch above the bed allows for ventilation and light. The aft bathroom has a manual toilet, a separate shower with Plexiglass door, multiple storage units and fixed window. The forward cabin and bathroom offer the same facilities but the owner’s suite is slightly more lavish with multiple bookcases, a sofa, a desk, its own bathroom with separate shower and toilet areas, and a walk-in closet.

Leveled with the cockpit, the saloon of the Lagoon 50 is a laid-back, comfortable living space that has plenty of room for entertaining guests or hosting a party. It is covered with a hard-top Bimini and houses a U-shaped sofa with a dining table and a fully-equipped chart table. The characteristic Lagoon vertical windows wrap around the saloon giving an almost continuous panoramic view while also maintaining the temperature and preventing the inside from heating up.  

Lagoon 50 also has a dedicated space for the navigation station which comes equipped with a B&G MFD, a VHF, and autopilot on a navigation desk covered in leather.

The galley is L-shaped and accessed through a sliding door. It has a four-burner gas stove and a gas oven, fully integrated sink with storage cupboards, shelves, drawers, and lockers. The galley also has a 190 liters, stainless steel drawer fridge. Between the living space and the cockpit, the galley has enough space for food preparation to be done by multiple people without coming in each other’s way and allows enough room for food and drinks to be stored. The drinks and such can be directly served through the window that opens into the forward cockpit.

ENGINE ROOMS

The two engine rooms of the Lagoon 50 catamaran house one 57 HP Yanmar diesel engines each with sail drives and folding propellers. The engine rooms are accessed through hatches that open up and aft so that they can be safely accessed from the cockpit without having to expose oneself on the steps. The engine rooms have enough space for maintenance checks.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

The overall length of the Lagoon 50 catamaran is 14.75 meters while the maximum beam is 8.10 meters. With the displacement of 19.9 tons, Lagoon 50 catamaran has an air draft of 26. 51 meters and a draft of 1.40 meters. It has a total freshwater capacity of 2 x 240 liters and a fuel capacity of 2 x 520 liters.

PRICE RANGE

The price of the Lagoon 50 catamaran varies from $650,000 to $700,000.

In conclusion, Lagoon 50 catamaran is an appreciable option for someone who wants to settle somewhere between the Lagoon 52 and Lagoon 450.The Lagoon 50 particularly wins because of the generous amount of volume and room it offers which grants enough privacy for a family to be comfortable onboard. The performance has also been optimized by a greater aspect ratio of the mainsail and the moving of the mast further aft. All in all, Lagoon 50 does justice to the price tag it comes with.

Lagoon 50 Specs

Make: lagoon, catamaran rating, lagoon 50 pictures, new catamaran reviews.

Leopard 43 Catamaran

Seawind 1600

Privilege 585 Catamaran

Privilege 585

Catamaran makes, new reviews, most popular.

  • ACHIEVEMENTS
  • MANUFACTURING

SAILING RANGE

Power range, introducing the, leopard 50 catamaran, the next generation of leopard catamarans.

Designed as a versatile replacement for the award-winning Leopard 48 (Boat of the Year 2012), the new Leopard 50 is an exciting new cruising sailing catamaran taking the best of Leopard Catamarans’ previous features yet boasting new innovations and design elements both on the exterior and interior.

With naval architecture by Simonis & Voogd Yacht Design, and with exterior and a fresh new look on the interior design by the world-class design team at Robertson and Caine, the Leopard 50 proudly ushers in the next generation of Leopard Catamarans’ style and functionality.

Leopard 50 Sailing

29+ Years of Production Expertise

While the exterior of the yacht has been enhanced, Naval Architect for Simonis Voogd Design, Alexander Simonis, tells us this:

“Most of the work has been done ‘under the bonnet’ so to say by advances made in the construction geometry of the new 50. To create the beautiful open plan layouts and the nearly 360-degree view from the saloon area while at the same time have a strong and stiff yacht which is not too heavy requires advanced engineering solutions.

The new Leopard 50 makes use of carbon-infused ring frames in the most critical areas to achieve this. This type of construction has been pioneered on the larger all carbon racing catamarans and is now successfully being applied in this Leopard cruising catamaran so that we can offer the best possible mix between comfort, space and performance.”

The perfect blend of comfort and style.

“Stepping onboard the L50 will reveal an interior that is contemporary in style, with a focus that blends aesthetic detail with functionality.

Cabins are more open and spacious than ever before thanks to widening bulkhead openings as much as possible. This is achieved by combining exotic materials with new modern construction techniques.

One can appreciate the sense of ease and comfort while moving throughout the boat. This is a product of our team’s passionate approach stemming from initial sketches, to detailed 3D models, and finally life-size replicas of each area where we physically and meticulously tweaked every single feature until we were 100% satisfied that we had the best product available.”

- Michael Robertson, Tampa Design Team

Leopard 50 Interior

The innovative flybridge on the Leopard 50 includes a lounge area, a sunbed and shade awning. Access to the flybridge is provided by floating stairs leading up from the aft cockpit. While under sail, passengers can move about the flybridge with ample headroom and never worry about interference from the boom.

The next generation of

LEOPARD CATAMARANS

She incorporates a heritage of Leopards spanning twenty five years of production expertise.

Leopard 50 Specifications

Engine Specifications

Sail specifications, load specifications.

  • 3 Cabin + Utility Cabin Layout
  • 4 Cabin Layout
  • 5 Cabin Layout

Leopard 50 Layout

Logo_Wave_Catamarans_Alternatywne.jpg

WAVE CATAMARANS

wave50 slider_edited.jpg

DREAMS  ARE CLOSER

Internet_Wave_50_110.jpg

Wave Catamarans has risen to the challenge of creating a catamaran where comfort and a spacious living area - features hitherto associated with larger vessels - may now be found on a 50-foot yacht. The WAVE 50 offers an astonishing ratio of usable space to length, giving its users in excess of 160 m2.

Thanks to Wave Catamarans Shipyard's wealth of experience, the WAVE 50 - a unique, state-of-the-art model - is not just a vision, it is now a reality.  Its perfect synthesis, where wonderful design meets cutting edge and user-friendly energy solutions, guarantees the perfect conditions to find calm and comfort on the water.

The WAVE 50, as the very first model in the new WAVE catamaran line, presents a previously unseen approach to design. The distinctive shape of the superstructure allows for an unprecedented amount of space in the lounge and the front cockpit - a rarity among 50-foot catamarans. The modern hull’s inverted bows with its elegant shape accentuated by sharp slits, in addition to the rigid roof spoiler on the upper deck, all enhance the WAVE 50’s inimitable slenderness.

Internet_Wave_50_055.jpg

COMFORT & SPACE

Rest is assured thanks to WAVE 50’s intelligent innovations. An abundance of space may be found where the lounge leads directly out to a huge front cockpit and an array of sunbathing nets on the bow – providing plentiful opportunities to relax and recharge. Stairs offer convenient access to the sun deck which comes fully-equipped with seating, an overhead projector, a refrigerator and a sizeable couch – it is here that one can catch the sun’s rays while discovering serenity and tranquillity under a sliding roof.  A comfortable bathing area can be found on a platform at the stern, indeed, time and tide will stand still as you luxuriate in the rear cockpit.

Dazzling panoramic views and a sense of space may be glimpsed through the tall windows which surround the lustrous living room. When moored in a picturesque bay, there is no better place to feel at ease while enjoying breakfast and dinner than the dining room with its ample sized table. The WAVE 50 SARA catamaran has a universal design layout, for both owner and charter use, which consists of a large living room with a galley on the main deck, and four guest cabins in the hulls – one of which is the more spacious master suite. Each cabin has its own bathroom and the cabin crew is set apart from the guest living quarters via a separate entrance. 

WAVE5.jpg

CUSTOM MADE

Wave Catamarans are custom-made designs. Each vessel is tailored to our customers’ unique and personal needs – a  reflection of the demands and quality that each may rightly expect. The world-renowned excellence, endeavour and know-how found in Poland, where the highest calibre of catamarans have been produced for many years – with the WAVE 50 now at its fore - has provided the skills and experience to design and develop this enchanting yacht. There are limitless opportunities to personalize the vessel: choose the finishing materials and technical equipment that you demand; customize the interior; decide on the layout that meets your own singular requirements. With remarkable ideas and a boldness in your vision, the closer we will take you to the cusp of your dreams.

Internet_Wave_50_032.jpg

The catamaran is equipped with a modern hybrid drive system which, together with its vast energy storage capacity, provides a myriad of opportunities for the autonomous function of the yacht's systems. An innovative energy management system which constantly monitors the operation of all devices, ensures safety and efficiency will never be compromised.

Designed and developed by Wave Catamarans, together with the Gdańsk University of Technology, the hybrid drive system provides three possible modes of operation:

Energy mode

The motor drive operates in generator mode. The electricity may be generated while sailing on the internal combustion engines or when parked

The internal combustion engines work in unison with the electric motors, to provide a boost in the power and speed of the catamaran or support the navigation of ports in more difficult weather conditions

Silent mode

The drive is provided entirely by electric motors, making it possible to swim in hushed silence and in a perfectly eco-friendly way

KOLO.jpg

 WAVE 50 CATALOG 

layout.jpg

Do you want to place an order or get more information? Just get in touch with us.

Wave Blue sp. Z o. O ul. Mrówcza 165C

04-768 Warsaw Poland

Thanks for submitting!

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

Cruising World Logo

Best Cruising Catamarans

  • By Cruising World Editors
  • Updated: July 1, 2021

multihulls

Cruising catamarans have been around for decades, but early models—often plywood and fiberglass vessels built by their owners from plans and kits, kept the boats on the fringes of mainstream sailing. That all changed, though, as big roomy cats were discovered by sailors who went off to charter in the Caribbean, where the multihulls proved their worth as comfortable liveaboard and party boats.

Today’s bluewater catamarans roam the globe, carrying families to exotic destinations across the Pacific and beyond. Just as with their monohull cousins, there is no best catamaran. Instead there is a wide variety of designs, ranging from small catamarans that offer the ease of maintenance a couple might enjoy to performance catamarans capable of easily knocking off 250-mile days. Today, the best catamaran brands offer a range of size models and layouts that can be optimized for an owner sailing with family and friends, or for the charter market, where there’s a demand for four, five and even six cabins worth of accommodations.

The most prolific catamaran manufacturers are in France and South Africa where yards include both large-run production builders and niche companies building fewer than 10 boats a year.

The best cruising catamarans offer good load-carrying ability and respectable performance. As with any sailboat , a modern catamaran’s design is a result of compromises. Daggerboards or keels? Galley up or galley down? Spacious owner’s cabin or extra bunks? There are lots of options to choose from—and that’s what makes looking at these sailboats fun!

Here, then is an eclectic A to Z list of some of the best catamarans that have helped shaped the evolution of how we live and sail on two hulls.

Antares 44i

Antares 44i catamaran

Now built in Argentina as a full-fledged, bluewater catamaran and cruiser that can be safely operated by a shorthanded couple or family crew, the Antares 44i features a fully covered cockpit with a quartet of big, standard solar panels recessed within the hardtop, one example of a yacht capable of long-range passagemaking.

Atlantic 42

Atlantic 42 Catamaran

Almost 30 years ago, yacht designer Chris White revolutionized catamaran design with the first in his series of Atlantic cats, the primary feature of which was the innovative mid-ship sailing cockpit forward of the main cabin. The smallest in the Atlantic line, the 42 remains White’s most popular design ever.

Bahia 46 catamaran

Fountaine-Pajot has built so many outstanding cruising catamarans that it’s difficult to narrow down any single boat, but we’ve always been fans of the good-looking, well-thought-out Bahia 46. At 46 feet, the boat is large enough for offshore forays and has plenty of volume; with its simple but powerful sail plan, it’s also an excellent performer.

Catana 471 catamarans

Beginning around 1996, the French builder Catana was one of the first companies to manufacture fully found cruising cats for private ownership, and this Christophe Barreau design, which enjoyed a nearly 10-year production run from 1997-2006, was emblematic of this first generation of safe, fun, long-legged offshore voyagers.

Click here to see more cats from Catana.

Catana 50 catamaran

When it comes to speed, light boats are fast ones. And if you wish to save weight, that means exotic modern materials like carbon. Catana now infuses the laminates of their entire production line with carbon fiber, and for this list, we’ve chosen the Catana 50 Carbon, one of the zippiest cats now crossing oceans.

Click here to read about a couple’s charter aboard a Catana 50.

Gemini 105M

Gemini 105M catamaran

Pioneering catamaran sailor, builder and designer Tony Smith launched the first of his 33-foot Gemini 105M’s (10.5 meters = 33′) in 1993, and soon after found a ready and willing stream of sailors enamored of the boat’s compact size, affordable price tag, and such innovations as the nifty lifting rudder and transom steps.

Click here to read about the Gemini Legacy 35.

Gunboat 62 catamaran

Built between 2000-2005, the Gunboat 62 firmly established the Gunboat brand: go-anywhere cats that applied race-boat technology to a world-cruising platform. Hull no. 1, Tribe, was built for company founder Peter Johnstone, who then spent a year-and-a-half cruising with his family, smiling all the way.

Kronos 45 catamaran

French builder Henri Wauquiez is best known for his long career building monohulls, but the Kronos 45 cat, which he launched in 1992, was ahead of her time. Classic lines, the aft “targa bar” over the cockpit, the louvered coach roof windows, even the distinctive stripes on her hull: the Kronos 45 remains timeless.

Lagoon 380 catamaran

No roundup of cruising cats would be complete without several Lagoon entries, and the best of that impressive bunch might well be the Lagoon 380. Originally launched in 1999, and revered for its combination of quality, volume and performance, with over 740 boats built the 380 is still going strong.

Lagoon 440 catamaran

Launched five years after the breakthrough 380, the Lagoon 440 was an evolutionary design that featured a raised flybridge helm station, a unique “gullwing” configuration below the bridge deck, expanded windows in the hull and much more. With 400 boats built in a 6-year production run, the 440 was an unqualified success.

Lagoon 620 catamaran

How big can a production cat, still operable by a short-handed crew, really be? The builders at Lagoon discovered that 62-feet hit a sweet spot in the marketplace, and have sold over 70 boats since its introduction in 2010. The centerpiece of this design is the sensational steering station atop the flybridge, with expansive views of the sea and sky.

Click here to see more cats from Lagoon.

Leopard 40 catamaran

With an unmatched pedigree – designed by premier multihull naval architects Gino Morelli and Pete Melvin, built by the prestigious Robertson & Caine boatyard in South Africa, and commissioned by chartering giant The Moorings – the Leopard 40 was, perhaps unsurprisingly, Cruising World ’s Import Boat of the Year in 2005.

Louisiane 37

Louisiane 37 catamaran

Based on the famous French racing cat Charente-Maritime, the Louisiane 37, designed by Joubert/Nivelt and launched by builder Fountaine-Pajot in 1983, was a light, fast liveaboard cruiser with full accommodations that represented a radical departure from the hefty British cats that preceded it.

Maine Cat 30

Maine Cat 30 catamaran

One of the more versatile and clever cats ever created, the central feature of the cool Maine Cat 30 is the open bridge deck/living room sandwiched between the hulls and canopied by a rigid, permanent hard top (the comfortable accommodations/ staterooms are stationed in the hulls). Ideal for a winter in the Bahamas but with the ability to sail offshore, it’s a boat for all seasons and reasons.

Manta 42 catamaran

Built in Florida and beloved by the owners of the over 120 boats built during the company’s existence from 1993 to 2009, the Manta Catamarans range included 38-, 40- and 44-foot cats. For this exercise, however, we’re heralding the original Manta 42, which won the Best Value Overall prize in CW’s 2001 Boat of the Year contest.

Moorings 4800/Leopard 48

Leopard 48 catamaran

Another Leopard/Moorings collaboration built by the wizards at Robertson & Caine (though this boat was designed by fellow South African Alex Simonis), the Leopard 48 was another CW Boat of the Year winner with all the contemporary bells and whistles: forward cockpit, flybridge helm station and solid hardtop dodger, just to name a few.

Click here to read more about the Leopard 48, and click here to see more images.

Nautitech 441

Nautitech 441 catmaran

The Best Multihull Under 45 Feet: So said the CW judging panel in the 2013 Boat of the Year competition, regarding the Nautitech 441. But what makes this versatile platform so intriguing are the different helm set-ups. The 441 employs a single wheel, to starboard, ideal for solo sailors, while the 442 has a pair of helm stations aft.

Click here to see more Nautitech Catamarans.

Outremer 5X

Catamaran

A state-of-the-art all-oceans cat that exemplifies how far multihull design has come, the 59-foot Outremer 5X was a winner on both sides of the Atlantic, taking top honors in the European Boat of the Year competition in 2013, and following up as the Best Full-Size Multihull in CW ’s contest a year later.

Click here to see more cats from Outremer.

St. Francis 50

St. Francis 50

The flagship of the proud St. Francis line – built in South Africa since 1990 to designs by local legends Lavranos Marine Design – the St. Francis 50 is another “luxury cat” that shares much in common with an earlier 48-foot sister-ship, but packs even more payload into its roomier lines.

Click here to read more about the St. Francis 50

Seawind 1000

Seawind 1000 catamaran

Founded by Aussie surfer and sailor Richard Ward in 1982, the 33-foot Seawind 1000 is easily the most popular cruising cat ever built in Australia (the company has since moved its manufacturing and management operations to Vietnam). Roomy and airy, these cats dot the coastline of eastern Oz.

Seawind 1160

1160 catamaran

If the Seawind 1000 was a minimalist approach to cruising cats, the 38-foot Seawind 1160 is the flip side of the coin, a full-fledged long-range voyager. Among the reasons it was named CW ’s Most Innovative boat for 2007 is the unique “tri-folding” door that stashes overhead to open up the saloon and cockpit into a spacious living area.

Click here to read more about the Seawind 1160.

Sunsail 384

Sunsail 384 catamaran

Every sailboat is a compromise, and in the case of the Sunsail 384 (also sold privately as the Leopard 38) that’s a good thing, because designers Morrelli & Melvin and builder Robertson and Caine got the balance just right with this relatively small catamaran. With four cabins, the 384 can carry the same size bareboat charter crowd as her larger siblings, but does so with a decided bounce in her step. Named CW’s Import Boat of the Year in 2010, you can gauge the success of the design by the grins on the crew as they barrel down Sir Francis Drake channel in the British Virgin Islands.

Victoria 67

Victoria 67 catamaran

The French design office of Berret Racoupeau drafted the lines of Fountaine-Pajot’s new flagship, introduced in 2013, a magnificent world-girdling voyaging catamaran. Like other giant cats launched in recent years, the boat features a sensational upper deck with all sail controls, helm and lounging stations.

Click here to see more images of the Victoria 67.

Wharram Tanaroa

Wharram catamaran

No list of influential multihulls would be complete without the work of James Wharram, and while Tangaroa wasn’t a production cat by any means, it showcases the British designer’s respect for ancient Polynesian craft. Wharram sailed this 23-foot-6-inch “double-hulled canoe” across the Atlantic in the 1950s, and sold countless plans for similar boats for decades afterwards.

  • More: Boat Gallery , catamaran , multihull , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats
  • More Sailboats

Balance 442 at dock

Balance 442 “Lasai” Set to Debut

Tartan 455

Sailboat Review: Tartan 455

Bali 5.8 rendering

Meet the Bali 5.8

Sailboat near Capraia Island

Celebrating a Classic

Blue Water Medalist Kirsten Neushafer with CCA Commodore Jay Gowell

Kirsten Neuschäfer Receives CCA Blue Water Medal

Sky sailboat

2024 Regata del Sol al Sol Registration Closing Soon

Bob Johnstone and Malinda Crain

US Sailing Honors Bob Johnstone

Bitter End Yacht Club watersports

Bitter End Expands Watersports Program

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

life-of-sailing-logo

12 Best Catamaran Sailboats

Best Catamaran Sailboats | Life of Sailing

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

December 28, 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

The best catamaran sailboats can easily clock 250-mile voyages, offer incredible performance, and have layouts that can be easily optimized for individuals, charter markets, and great accommodation. In essence, the best catamaran sailboats offer respectable performance and offer good load-carrying ability.

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

Table of contents

Best Catamarans

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

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

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

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

Fountaine Pajot Elba 45

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Antares 44i

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Atlantic 42

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gemini 105MC

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

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

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

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

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

Lagoon 450 F

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

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

This is a very safe 45 feet catamaran that's not just comfortable but also very luxurious. The deck layout is centered on an amazing flybridge, which has been redesigned and redefined to offer both the traditional and modern outlook. You can very easily access the bridge, engine controls, steering station in a matter of seconds. As a result, this boat is efficiently designed to give you the ultimate control of almost every situation while on the water.

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

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

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

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

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

Privilege 615

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

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

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

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

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

Related Articles

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

by this author

Best Sailboats

Most Recent

What Does "Sailing By The Lee" Mean? | Life of Sailing

What Does "Sailing By The Lee" Mean?

October 3, 2023

The Best Sailing Schools And Programs: Reviews & Ratings | Life of Sailing

The Best Sailing Schools And Programs: Reviews & Ratings

September 26, 2023

Important Legal Info

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

Similar Posts

Affordable Sailboats You Can Build at Home | Life of Sailing

Affordable Sailboats You Can Build at Home

September 13, 2023

Best Small Sailboats With Standing Headroom | Life of Sailing

Best Small Sailboats With Standing Headroom

Best Bluewater Sailboats Under $50K | Life of Sailing

Best Bluewater Sailboats Under $50K

Popular posts.

Best Liveaboard Catamaran Sailboats | Life of Sailing

Best Liveaboard Catamaran Sailboats

Can a Novice Sail Around the World? | Life of Sailing

Can a Novice Sail Around the World?

Elizabeth O'Malley

June 15, 2022

Best Electric Outboard Motors | Life of Sailing

4 Best Electric Outboard Motors

How Long Did It Take The Vikings To Sail To England? | Life of Sailing

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

10 Best Sailboat Brands | Life of Sailing

10 Best Sailboat Brands (And Why)

December 20, 2023

7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat | Life of Sailing

7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat

Get the best sailing content.

Top Rated Posts

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

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

IMAGES

  1. 2020 Lagoon 50 (50ft)-Sold Catamaran: -Vessel Summary

    best 50ft catamaran

  2. Best Catamarans Over 50 Feet

    best 50ft catamaran

  3. Best Catamarans Over 50 Feet

    best 50ft catamaran

  4. Best Catamarans Seawind 1600 50ft Best Large Multihull 2021

    best 50ft catamaran

  5. Lagoon 50 catamaran Walkthrough at Cannes 2017

    best 50ft catamaran

  6. Fountaine Pajot Saba 50

    best 50ft catamaran

COMMENTS

  1. Best Catamarans Over 50 Feet

    Length: 50 Ft 6 In. Price: Around $1 Million USD. The Leopard 48, which was launched in 2012, was one of the most popular cruising cats ever designed. But the design was beginning to become dated, even as new orders kept coming in. ... >>Also Read: Best Catamarans Under 200k. Balance 526. Length: 52ft 6in. Price: From $1.3 to $1.6 Million USD New.

  2. 2024 Boat of the Year: Best Cruising Catamaran Over 50 Feet

    Walter Cooper. It was perhaps fitting that Fountaine-Pajot and Lagoon Catamarans—two longtime pillars in the production catamaran community—came head-to-head for the title of best cruising cat over 50 feet for 2024. Talk about symmetry: Both boats measure in at about 51 feet. A nearly exact price point of just around $1.6 million.

  3. 2022 Boat of the Year: Best Cruising Catamaran (Over 50')

    2022 Boat of the Year: Best Cruising Catamaran (Over 50') A unique cruising cat with cool features galore and an impressive commitment to customer service, the Xquisite X5 Plus won the judges over and earned a victory. By Cruising World Editors. December 15, 2021. During and in the four days immediately following the US Sailboat show in ...

  4. 15 Best Catamarans in 2024

    Xquisite X5 Plus. 2022 saw the Xquisite X5 named the Cruising World magazine's Best Cruising Catamaran of the year - yet again (it won the Best Multihull over 50ft award in 2017) . As Ed Sherman said: 'There are 40,000 man-hours invested in this boat. And you can see it.'.

  5. 2022 Boat of the Year: Best Cruising Catamaran (Under 50')

    The 4.6 feature a solid fiberglass foredeck and lounge area that stays dry underway. Jon Whittle. At 40 feet, the Bali Catspace—the second of two boats from the brand entered in the 2022 BOTY contest—is the smallest offering in the Bali line, but judge Murphy found the open floor plan particularly alluring: "The living experience of being able to open up the back end of these cats so you ...

  6. Leopard 50

    Live out your sailing dreams aboard the Leopard 50. This catamaran is everything you envisioned, plus so much more. With a never-before-seen lounging flybridge of this size, the Leopard 50 incorporates the best attributes from its predecessor and 2012 Boat of the Year, the Leopard 48. Now, with even more living space and options, your journey ahead is boundless.

  7. 48-50ft Catamaran Models Comparisons

    48-50ft Catamaran Models Comparisons. We compare the specifications, dimensions, sail area, and pricing on the most popular 48-50ft catamarans in 2020. The Lagoon 50, Bali 4.8, FP Saba 50, and Leopard 50 are within a similar price range and dimensions, but there are major differences. Let's compare apples to apples to see how the match up.

  8. Compare The Most Popular 50ft Production Sailing Catamarans

    The more popular sailing catamarans in the 50ft range are Lagoon 52, Outremer 51, Leopard 48, Nautitech 542, McConaghy S49 and Fountaine Pajot Saba 50. The chart below compares the specifications and prices with some of the positives and negatives of each catamaran. Some of the designs are huge in volume as well as have lots of entertainment ...

  9. Discovery 50 review: This British bluewater catamaran could win over

    John and Caroline Charnley, the founders of Discovery Yachts, realised this over a decade ago when they commissioned Bill Dixon to design a 50ft catamaran for short-handed bluewater voyaging. It ...

  10. Mystic 50 Open Cockpit: The Ultimate Pleasure Cat

    The first open-cockpit 50-footer from Mystic Powerboats is at once outrageous and stunning. Let's get this out of the way right now. A 50-foot catamaran with 3,600-hp worth of turbine engines, six seats in the cockpit, no cabin, and a sticker price of $1.6 million is not a "rational" purchase. First, nobody actual needs—quite a ...

  11. Best Catamarans Under 50 Feet (With Pictures and Prices)

    The best catamarans under 50 ft (15.24 m) include the Leopard 50, Lagoon 42, Bavaria Nautitech 46, Fountaine Pajot 45, Beneteau Excess 15, and more. The Leopard 50 is one of the most expensive options on the used market, while you're likely to land a bargain on the Beneteau Excess 15. The rest of this article will take a closer look at the ...

  12. BUYERS' GUIDE 2020: 45 to 50 feet

    A tough task for the Lagoon 46: replacing the 450 - the world's best-selling cruising catamaran with 746 Flybridge units and a hundred S versions launched. After the Lagoon 39 and 52 (which appeared in 2013), then the 42, 40 and 50, the 46 in turn continued with the aft-set mast. This catamaran has attractive volume and layout; the 46 also ...

  13. Lagoon 50 Catamaran

    The overall length of the Lagoon 50 catamaran is 14.75 meters while the maximum beam is 8.10 meters. With the displacement of 19.9 tons, Lagoon 50 catamaran has an air draft of 26. 51 meters and a draft of 1.40 meters. It has a total freshwater capacity of 2 x 240 liters and a fuel capacity of 2 x 520 liters.

  14. Best Boats 2021

    Best Large Multihull 50ft and Above Seawind 1600. Seawind Catamarans' sleek new 52-footer, the 1600, is the flagship of the line and features a low-slung coachroof extending into a hard Bimini aft. Designed by San Diego-based Reichel/Pugh, the boat's hulls sport a pair of sharp plumb bows and hard chines running from the stems all the way ...

  15. Leopard 50 Catamaran

    Leopard 50 Sailing Catamaran, built by Robertson and Caine. MENU. 01 /05 Overview; 02 ... the new Leopard 50 is an exciting new cruising sailing catamaran taking the best of Leopard Catamarans' previous features yet boasting new innovations and design elements both on the exterior and interior. ... 50 ft 6 in LWL: 14.9 m 48 ft 11 in Beam: 8. ...

  16. Wave 50

    Wave Catamarans has risen to the challenge of creating a catamaran where comfort and a spacious living area - features hitherto associated with larger vessels - may now be found on a 50-foot yacht. The WAVE 50 offers an astonishing ratio of usable space to length, giving its users in excess of 160 m2. Thanks to Wave Catamarans Shipyard's wealth ...

  17. HH50

    The HH50 is for those seeking the perfect balance of performance and luxury in a size that can be easily managed by a couple. If you are looking for the ultimate blue-water capable catamaran, look no further than the 2021 "Boat of the Year," the HH50. Style. As with our HH55 and HH66, Morrelli & Melvin were brought into design the HH50.

  18. Best Cruising Catamarans, Sailing Catamaran Brands

    Gemini 105M Courtesy of Gemini Catamarans. Pioneering catamaran sailor, builder and designer Tony Smith launched the first of his 33-foot Gemini 105M's (10.5 meters = 33′) in 1993, and soon after found a ready and willing stream of sailors enamored of the boat's compact size, affordable price tag, and such innovations as the nifty lifting rudder and transom steps.

  19. New catamarans: 2021's most exciting launches

    The first CM46 is a full carbon racing version destined for an Auckland-based owner and is due to launch early 2021. The second boat (for Wadhams) has a more cruising-oriented spec. Prices ex VAT ...

  20. 12 Best Catamaran Sailboats

    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.

  21. Catamaran 50 boats for sale

    Offering the best selection of Catamaran boats to choose from. ... 2017 Catamaran Day Charter 50. US$299,000. ↓ Price Drop. US $2,340/mo. HAREL YACHTS | Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten (Dutch part) Request Info; 2005 Catamaran TS 50. US$631,475. US $4,941/mo. Raiatea Yacht | Tahiti, French Polynesia < 1 >

  22. The Top Catamarans of 2020

    Leen 56. The Leen 56 power trimaran is a long-range cruising multihull, perfectly capable of transatlantic voyages or living aboard in high latitudes. Built in a highly efficient, new hybrid composite panel system, this power trimaran has a range of 5,000 miles and may only be fueled up once a year. 3. Gallery.