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44′ voyage – loaded and ready for new adventures.

44′ Voyage – loaded and ready for new adventures

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Fountaine Pajot Catamarans

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REDEMPTION is for sale. Major price reduction, now asking 325,000$. This award winning 2002 VOYAGE 440 Owner Version  is the only vessel to ever receive both the best cruising catamaran and best overall cruising sailboat awards in the same year! This vessel is extremely well built and boasts very good sailing performance. The independent judges were very impressed with the installation of all systems especially electrical and plumbing. A detailed owner’s manual is helpful with solutions to maintenance matters. If you are looking for a well cared for, superbly equipped cruising catamaran, do not overlook this opportunity. Located in Milford CT. USA

Note: this boat is not for sale to US citizens while in US waters.

Additional Specifications

Engine(s) Total Power: 80 HP SPECIFICATIONS: Designer Alex Simonis,Voogd and VOYAGE yachts Overall Length: 44.7 ft Waterline Length: 41 ft > Beam: 25.1 ft > Draft: 3.5 ft > Mast Height off DWL: 62 ft > Displacement: 20240 lbs Sail area: 1120 ft2 Water Capacity: 106 US Gal Fuel Capacity: 106 US Gal 2 x Engines: 40 Hp YANMAR Berths: 6

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Best Liveaboard Catamaran Sailboats

Best Liveaboard Catamaran Sailboats | Life of Sailing

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

December 28, 2023

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

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

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

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

Table of contents

Living on a Catamaran

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

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

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

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

How to Choose a Liveaboard Catamaran

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

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

Interior Layout

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

Tech and Convenience

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

How Much does a Liveaboard Catamaran Cost?

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

Best Catamarans to Live On

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

1. Manta 42

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

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

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

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

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

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

Quick Facts:

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

2. Nautitech 44

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Voyage 44

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. Privilege 435

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

6. Lagoon 380

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Best Liveaboard Catamaran Sailboats

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voyage 44 catamaran review

20 Performance Cruising Catamaran Reviews

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Catamarans are exciting and fast sailboats that offer some great features. With so many types and brands to choose from, it’s hard to find which is worth your investment. So, what are the top performance cruising catamarans ?

The best performance cruising catamarans are the Manta 42, Dolphin 42, Leopard 48, and Fountaine Pajot Elba 45. The McConaghy MC50, Privilege 435, and Nautitech 441 are also impressive models. The best offer optimal performance and can sail a 250-mile voyage easily.

Have you just begun your catamaran research but don’t know which to buy? Are you looking for a performance cruising catamaran that’s worth the investment? Let’s take a closer look at 20 performance cruising catamarans and what makes them the best.

The Top 20 Performance Cruising Catamarans

Catamarans are racing ships that have slowly been making waves in the cruising world. The design focuses on lightness and simplicity. Combined, these two elements ensure a faster ship and make them great for long distances.

The multiple hulls on the catamarans offer optimal water displacement, allowing them to glide through the water with much less trouble than single-hull boats. Because of their design, a catamaran’s performance will vary depending on the conditions you sail them through. The ocean and wind will play a significant role in how fast your catamaran will go as well as how smooth the ride will be.

When comparing catamarans for speed, there are four numbers you’ll want to consider:  

  • Bruce Number: The speed potential based on the power (sail-area) to weight ratio of the boat
  • Texel Rating (TR): A formula that will calculate how long it takes to sail any distance
  • Kelsall Sailing Performance (KSP): Potential speed of a vessel
  • Base Speed: The average speed of a boat over 24 hours of sailing

These numbers signify a cat’s performance so that you can pick the one that best suit your needs, whether you’re looking for a fast catamaran or not.

In addition to speed, your catamaran should have everything you need to be comfortable on your voyages. There should be plenty of living space for you and your crew or family members. When choosing the best catamaran for your needs, consider how much gear you will have with you on any given trip and if the ship you’re looking at has enough space for all of it.

The Manta 42 is a favorite of many sailors. Its beautiful design has a high bow and an incorporated curved crossbeam, the latter being unique and making the ship easy to spot from far distances and onshore.

Typically, aluminum crossbeams are used, and they allow for more movement in the bows. Since the Manta 42 doesn’t use aluminum ones, the ship is more susceptible to cracks in the bow caused by stress. However, the width of the Manta 42 makes the ship stable on the water, and the narrow hulls make it great for slicing through the water with speed and agility.

The Dolphin 42 has the best balance of performance and cruising comfort . What is truly special about these boats is that they come equipped with daggerboards . These bad ass features allow the ship to pull into just about any anchorage, including the shallow ones. 

The Dolphin is made with a foam core, which is designed to make the entire ship lighter. However, this doesn’t compromise the performance of the boat. It makes it perfect for cruising through the ocean with high-performance levels.

One thing to keep in mind is those convenient daggerboards. If the ship were to run aground, the hull integrity could be compromised. And if the daggerboards are removed or lifted, they will expose the rudders underneath. These features don’t ruin the ship’s functionality, but it’s important to note them just in case.

The Leopard 48 is a catamaran that you’ll definitely want to see. The design uses some of the best techniques to ensure optimal speed, weight, and cruising performance. The hulls are narrow — like most catamarans — and are built to reduce the amount of water that flows on the deck. It also reduces the amount of sea spray along the sides.

The Leopard 48 has two bulkheads (one in the bow and the other in the stern) designed to keep water out of the ship in an accident. It’s designed for long journeys, and the vessel comes with everything you could want for everyday living.

Fountaine Pajot Elba 45

The Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 is a fantastic powerhouse ship with luxury at its core. The living quarters of this catamaran are impressive and are sure to provide you with every comfort you could possibly want, no matter how long you sail it for.

The designers considered everything when designing this ship. They’ve simplified the prep work for the sails, making it easier than ever to get underway. The build of the Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 makes it fast when sailing or when under power. 

McConaghy MC50

The McConaghy MC50 is on the smaller side of catamarans in the McConaghy brand, but that shouldn’t disqualify it. This ship was designed with wide-open concepts and high bows. There’s no doubt it’s made for luxury but can hold its own in performance and speed departments.

Even with its luxury items (such as its full washing machine), this ship moves through the water gently. While it’s clearly designed for comfort, it’s still a relatively fast boat. However, there is a downside to the layout of the boat. The helms are much more exposed than other catamarans, which could be a potential safety hazard.

Privilege 435

The Privilege 435 is a catamaran designed to go long distances. It uses a heavy displacement so that the ship glides through the water with ease. The vessel is also built with a low-slung structure to help prevent winds. 

A slight drawback could be the heat buildup caused by the sun seeping in through the windows, as there aren’t any outside shades or ways to block the sun except for the internal shades. The other downside to this catamaran is that the Privilege’s bridge deck has low clearance . Other than that, the ship is an excellent option for those looking for a well-built cat.

Nautitech 441

The Nautitech 441 is another impressive catamaran to consider. The interior is slightly smaller than some others we have gone over, but don’t let that fool you. This boat is full of great features to make your trip comfortable and successful.

For example, the Nautitech 441 is equipped with a rain gutter situated around the entire coachroof. This gives you the option to collect the water for your freshwater tanks, or you can simply let it drain off the boat through the Y-shaped valve.

It’s a fast little boat that can use either the sails or fuel to reach 9 knots in moderate conditions. That’s not bad if you’re looking for a comfortable, decent-sized cruising ship with a bit of a kick.

The ICE Cat 61 is a catamaran designed and developed in Italy. The ship uses a carbon mast and is very easy to use.

The ship’s size and the power-to-weight ratio allow for reaching top speeds that isn’t possible with a monohull. The living areas are also large and are perfect for entertaining, making the ICE Cat 61 a great option to consider when shopping for your new catamaran.

The unique aspect of the Lagoon 440 is the engine. It doesn’t not have to run on diesel fuel because Lagoon offers a fully electric version. This is great for those who are looking for a more eco-friendly way to run their boat. This catamaran uses two electric motors, which are mounted on each hull of the ship, but the best part is that these engines are almost entirely silent.

The inside is just as luxurious as the engine is, designed with families in mind and for long-distance journeys. It’s a ship that would handle itself perfectly in deeper waters and even in harsh winds.

Antares 44i

The Antares 44i is a well-designed catamaran that is meant for long-distance journeys like most catamarans are. The layout is engineered to give you the best views throughout your trip, and the cockpit is fully equipped in the event you’re sailing single handed.

The motors are installed in a discrete location and are almost completely silent, allowing for outstanding performance without sacrificing your comforts. There’s tons of storage available as well for all of the gear that comes with sailing.

The Catana 50 has a well-built design that is meant for high speeds and effective sailing. The daggerboards help the hulls cut through the water with little trouble. There is also excellent storage for your gear located throughout the boat.

What is genuinely superior in this catamaran is the ability it holds to turn itself around with ease and speed. There is no struggle to reverse the ship and maneuver it around the dock. Walking around on the boat is easy enough, but the cockpit setup and helm are situated awkwardly, so it requires a bit of walk around to use all of the ship’s controls. 

The Voyage 44 is a performance cruising catamaran that is well-built for a bargain price. It’s something that you just can’t beat when looking for a new yacht because this ship has everything you could ask for.

It’s designed with day cruising in mind, but that won’t limit it to short distances. What’s also great about this boat is the amount of seating it offers, fitting 32 people comfortably. The ship is functional, and the layout is designed to make traveling onboard the vessel as simple and straightforward as possible.

Atlantic 42

The Atlantic 42 is a fan favorite. This loyal following stems from the Atlantic’s look and effectiveness, and consumers seem to love how easy this ship is to sail and how capable it is for deep ocean sailing.

The size of the Atlantic 42 is something fans of this catamaran love. It might look small from the outside, but the inside layout is well done and feels spacious. The cockpit location in front of the mainmast takes advantage of the rest of the ship’s structure, making it a more flexible design than some other catamarans available.

Outremer 45

The Outremer 45 is designed a bit differently from other catamarans because the hulls are narrower than usual. This helps make the Outremer 45 a fast ship, but it’s done for safety reasons as well. The narrower hulls will prevent the vessel from skidding on the water as much as other catamarans. It also reduces any pitching you might experience from flying through the water at top speeds.

The interior is smaller than many other boats in this article, but the design doesn’t sacrifice your comfort. The cabin has an open concept to easily pull the outdoor seating into the indoor living space, meaning it’s perfect for entertaining and comfortable living. 

The Bahia 46 is on the bigger side by catamaran standards. It’s designed by the brand Fountaine Pajot, which has been building catamarans for years. In fact, Fountaine Pajot is one of the leading brands in cruising catamarans.

The foam core’s overall design, the high bridge deck clearance , and the low center of gravity make this ship an excellent option for deep ocean sailing. It will hold its own on rough waters as well, and there’s also plenty of space for entertaining on the inside of the ship. 

The Prout 45 is an excellent catamaran to consider if you plan to sail with a limited crew. The positioning of the mainsail and the mast make it simple to use and easy to reach. Also, the mainsail itself is smaller than other ships and easy to handle.

The interior isn’t like some of the newer models. In new catamarans, the concept is more open and free-flowing between inside and outside. In the Prout 45, things are more traditional but still comfortable. Don’t worry; you still have plenty of room to entertain and plot your voyage.

Gemini 105MC

The Gemini 105MC is a unique catamaran. That’s because instead of being designed solely by the builder, it’s a collective effort from the builder and many sailors who used the vessel. They wrote in their suggestions to improve the Gemini, and the builder used the most relevant ones to build the newer models.

If you’re looking for a ship for a cross-ocean voyage, you may want to consider another catamaran. Due to the ship’s size and weight, it’s less likely to make it across the ocean. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not a great ship, and this vessel is perfect for sailing near the coast. 

The Gunboat 62 is the first catamaran of this brand. The Gunboat 62 is an older model, but it’s still considered one of the fastest. These ships were also the first to introduce luxury to performance cruising. 

The interior is slightly outdated, and technology has advanced since the brand launched these ships. However, this boat’s overall performance is unmatched, though there also isn’t as much space available for storage. 

Marsaudon TS5

The Marsaudon TS5 is one of the fastest catamarans available. It’s designed with panoramic views from the interior, and the ship speeds up quickly due to its lightweight design and shape.

The ship can be challenging to maneuver, which makes it better suited for experienced sailors. While the interior still has plenty of luxuries, it can be considered bare. The designers want to keep the ship light to increase its speed, meaning some comforts have been sacrificed, such as space in the living quarters.

Unlimited C53

The Unlimited C53 is a fast racing catamaran with all the comforts of a cruising ship. The design uses a new technique of connecting the two hulls at 1.3m above the waterline. This is unheard of in most catamarans, and this feature minimizes how the ship handles rougher seas.

The ship uses all of the necessary tanks and equipment to keep the boat balanced on the water. Perfect weight displacement throughout the vessel makes it ideal for racing and long-distance sailing. The interior is also spacious and provides all of the comforts you could need. 

In the end, the best performance cruising cat for you is going to come down to your personal preferences and what you want in a boat. Each catamaran on this list is going to provide you the best features you could ever imagine in a ship. Hopefully, the reviews of the top 20 performance cruising catamarans will help you find your dream boat!

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

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Multihull of the year

Boat test from the Multihulls World #58 (june/july 2001)

From a distance, anyone familiar with the Voyage 430 cruising catamaran (earlier known as the Norseman 43) will recognize the Voyage 440 as a direct descendent. 

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  • Sailboat Guide

Voyage 440 is a 43 ′ 11 ″ / 13.4 m catamaran sailboat designed by Alexander Simonis and built by Voyage Yachts.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

  • SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
  • D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

  • D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
  • LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

  • D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
  • LOA: Length overall in feet
  • Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

The Voyage 440 is a performance, luxury, bluewater cruising catamaran. The spacious galley up combines with the saloon and cockpit to form an exceptional entertainment area. All cabins have queen-size beds. The layout options offer either the Owners version with three queen-size cabins, and a choice of two or three head / showers; or the Charter version with four queen-size cabins, and four head / showers. The deck has been designed for safety and shorthanded sailing with all controls led aft to the coachroof winches. The 440 also features a generous performance sail plan. The ample deck and trampoline area allow for comfortable outdoor activities, and the large cockpit is shaded by a bimini with hardtop walkway aft. The traveler arch features a step-through to the dive platform.

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31-08-2009, 04:18  
Boat: EndeavourCat 30
4300/4500.

I'm looking for any firsthand experience with either of these cats and hopefully someone who has experience with both.

I am aware of their mechanical differences (i.e. Saildrives vs Shaft) and statistical (i.e. beam vs windage vs bridgedeck clearance).

I realize that I would be best served by taking an extended trip on each and making the comparison myself but I'm open to all your opinions. Feel free to pipe up with your feelings on maker differences (i.e. 4300 vs 4500).

I guess, what I am looking for is gut impressions, livability, and handling.

If it helps, we will be a of 4 (two adults + 2 children).

31-08-2009, 08:58  
, both have good systems and access to them. I think I prefer the Leopard(as we on them more), the layout is a bit motre spacious and I prefer the and trim, the Voyage is functional but feels that way too.
31-08-2009, 13:56  
Boat: EndeavourCat 30
. The Voyage is "wipe down" clean --- great for getting rid of . The Leopard has more finish trim.

What about line handling? I've read a few comments on the annoyance of the position on the Leopard 4300 -- you have to move well out of the to manage it.

And any comments on those "hatches" on the Voyage?
31-08-2009, 19:39  
Boat: Norseman 430, Jabberwock
and really aren't laid out for , but it suits us fine because sometimes we have a large crew (lot of kids)

We like the easy to clean surfaces. That Voyage operates these boats in their fleet brings any issues to the attention of the factory very quickly,to the benefit of all owners.

Not sure what question you have regarding .

How do you like your Edel ? We moved up from an Edel 35, which we liked very well.
01-09-2009, 08:04  
Boat: EndeavourCat 30
? Is it a layout issue --- i.e. 4 cabin/4 ? Is there something else.

The Voyage engine just seems small to me. I can understand how it is nice and secure (not likely to get ingress) but compared to the Leopard hatch it seemed small.

We love our Edel, inexpensive to maintain and operate. Best of all -- just 4 pieces of to varnish! As much as I like the look of exterior , I have no interest in keeping it up : ) Ours is a "leaner" produced by the now defunct Edel-Canada operation. I still think the company is very inovative and the features found in Edel products surpass many other manufactures. Edel (and the French in general) are not afraid to take some design chances.
01-09-2009, 09:33  
in the Moorings Charter fleet and sailed the 4300 and 4500 often. The first thing that needs to be mentioned is that the 4300 and 4500 are completely different boats. The 4500 is substantially larger and became the 4700 when the suger scoops were were made flatter and two feet longer. The 4300 went through the same change from the 4200 with the addition of the hardtop .
In the Voyage line there have also been several changes made. The 430 is quite a bit different from the 440 and the 440 built with the hardtop are different again and are actually 45 feet long. The are sometimes called 440 pluses or 450's. The extra foot was added to the bows giving the a better entry and a touch more sail area. They point higher then the older boats.
From a systems standpoint the Voyage boats are night and day better then the Moorings boats. The Moorings specs the boats as cheaply as possible. On the 4300 there is a very small house bank with around 350 amp hours. The Voyage boats have a 800 amp hour house bank tied to a 2500 watt and link 2000 management system. Both boats normally have 40 HP yanmars. The Moorings boats use the stock 60 amp alternators. They Voyage boats have the stock amps wired to the engine start and then add 2 balcor 120 amp alternators to charge the house bank. You can gang the house bank to the starter bank if ever needed by a switch at the . There are lots of other differences in specs. Feel free to me at and I will be glad to set up a call. I also know where a 2001 Voyage 440 can be picked up .

George
01-09-2009, 12:07  
Boat: Nordhavn 5740
. We choose a Voyage for many reasons, one being that we looked at Voyage cats that had been in charter for several years and they had held up very well. Better than any of the other charter cats we looked at. Perhaps a testament to the level of at the Voyage charter base as well as the quality of their cats.
03-09-2009, 20:22  
Boat: Norseman 430, Jabberwock
, but I'd say there will be "wasted" space or berths. We see it as berths that are there if you need them, but if you don't need them, the boat is bigger than it needs to be.

These "charterboats" are set up for maximum berths which reduces the locker space available for for long term voyaging. The 4 boats are really made for charter, and result in tiny heads. We have just 2, and that is more than adequate.

I haven't seen any need for a bigger engine hatch; it's big enough for the engine to be removed.

There are a lot of similarities between the Edel and Voyage; I think that is what attracted us to the Voyage.
04-09-2009, 08:59  
04-09-2009, 22:22  
Boat: EndeavourCat 30
Owners. But the nice big 2 head setup in the older 410's and Leopard 40's is just fine. Who really wants to maintain 4 toilets?
04-09-2009, 23:21  
Boat: now skippering Syd Harbour charters
44 (or even the 40 and now the new '41) or several Lagoons or what about another South African with the Admiral 40 or the luxury-fitted Aussie Perry 43...and others of course. So which did you emilinate and, if you don't mind commenting, why?

sailvi767, we emailled you about that "cheap" Voyage 440 you mentioned.
05-09-2009, 02:30  
Boat: EndeavourCat 30
"Pro" that makes any boat a hands down winner and no one "Con" that is a show stopper. That is where the compromise has to happen.

Second, we are a of 4 looking for a long term (5 year +) . The will not be sharing bunks unless we have temporary guests.

Third, I'm 6'2" and my wife is 5'10" tall.

Fourth, I want the boat to come in under $300K USD if at all possible. That may be unrealistic and we may need to push that to $350 but I really don't want to and I think there is lots of good product on the market for that kind of . As well, this market is not going to recover soon so there is more every day. Of course every dollar saved can be used for refit/toys.
40/42:

Pro
tax of 9.5% for us Canadians) with good visibility from the helm - one of the best Con
(no reefing, it's up or it's down) . Enjoy that at 90% humidity tag
:

Pro
space Con
?? 410)
:

Pro
Con
roof where the comes through to the interior) (everything is weak compared to the Manta)
:

Pro
Con
made of ???


Pro
space and cabins Con
in the galley - but hey, it will be my excuse for not being able to do dishes

Pro
Con
was right I will put some love into it.
:

I have to say that overall this boat really impressed me from a and finishing point of view. I just wish there were more available.

Pro
Con
and I don't even like them in my house, let alone having to run the to make soup. space comes at some expense

43' Owners:

Let me first say that if pictures boats, I would own an FP. I swear it, FP takes the best photo's ever. I must have drooled over them for months before I got on the boat. The shocker came when I actually saw one. I really, really wanted to like this boat but I couldn't do it.

Pro
in the hulls
Con (where do I begin)
with lack of shade compared to competion in the hulls I mention. Yup, they are going to leak. issues table. I smashed my toes on it, you will too. in it. Not going to be pretty. chain. That is going to turn into a mess. wide tramp really sags too. No matter how tight it is. issue or a build issue. with some major hull blister issue - maybe it was a on off.
40' Lavezzi:

Most of my comments from the Belize apply. This is a really, really, . If I was in this size I would have to give serious consideration to the Lagoon 38 becuase it feels about twice the size.

Pro
Con


I have not been on a Voyage but after seeing so many Simonis designed Leopards I'm sure it will be a contender. I like the Voyage owners 440 with two heads and the pilot berths. The saildrives should be very reliable. The wipedown interior should be super low maintenance. I like how the dingy sits on the aft (very solid there) and the cockpit and salon are both huge. Here is a little
  • Strength and pricing of the Leopards (can't deny they are proven)
  • Yanmar engines with shaft drives external to living space. Sail drives would be fine also.
  • Manta dingy davits
  • Lagoon flat decks and salon headroom
  • Voyage wipe down interior with a touch more wood for warmth
  • Solid glass below the waterline
  • 3 Cabin with 2 or 3 head
  • A little FP style for the soul
  • PDQ galley down with gas stove
05-09-2009, 03:04  
Boat: now skippering Syd Harbour charters
1200 doesn't have that great a sailing performance reputation -- I admit I've never sailed on one though -- and the 1160 seems to be catching a bit of the same 'drift'; the latter includes our first hand observations (albeit over short, several-hours only sails) as well as comments by some 1160 owners. The 1160 is nicely finished with some very clever ideas inside, but perhaps not a good boat unless you like your engines running.

Not specific to any vessel, we also find the sloping windows a negative for the heat they (and direct overhead sun) can produce inside the . Perhaps not a deal-breaker negative as you so correctly note the compromise(s) in every vessel, but a negative nonetheless. So we see plenty of vessels with various forms of shades rigged over their windows and ask...why can't they design that problem away, as do the Lagoons, FP, Leopards and perhaps others as well of course.

Isn't your posted video a Voyager?

Thanks again mate!
05-09-2009, 03:16  
Boat: Norseman 430, Jabberwock
05-09-2009, 05:48  
Boat: 1995 CATALINA 320 formerly Catamaran owner
MD2020's and was a bit nervous at first, since I was a huge 3 GM30F fan, but those Volvo's ran so smooth without any problems (including the sail drives). The new owners have recently taken her down to (from Central took 3 months) which included lots of motoring into windward (thornless path) then more sailing down the all the way to - and the engines still pur. Just had to replace one line along the way. So many nice cats out there and like you said, not one is 100% perfect. Hope this economy turns around soon so I can get back onto a . Only good thing about the sour economy is that there's some great deals out there.
 
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voyage 44 catamaran review

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10 Best Catamarans in 2024

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We gave our Sailing writers one job: Find the best and most popular catamarans and review them.

Our review team always considers durability, price, quality, and value in their reviews.

voyage 44 catamaran review

A catamaran is a sailboat that has a multi-hull design. It gives it more stability because it’s wider and that creates more livable space for more people.

Read about the best multihull boats in this article and learn which one is best for your voyages.

The biggest advantages of a multihull are:

  • Multihulls are usually faster than monohulls, especially on downwind runs, reaches and broad reaches. You can travel further per day and outrun inclement weather
  • They are more stable than a monohull. Sailing flat definitely has its advantages
  •  It is less tiring sailing a multihull
  •  More space!
  •  For cruising the draft is less than a monohull which means you can go into shallower water safely

Top 5 Catamarans in 2024

All the catamarans we've tested.

Lagoon Catamarans

lagoon-40-featured

Where to buy:

Where to buy lagoon 40:.

Lagoon has always enjoyed a sweet spot in the 38 to 40-foot catamaran market. The Lagoon 380 became one of the most popular cats ever, with nearly 1,000 hulls being produced over a 20-year run. The L400 and L39 attempted to tweak that popular design, but neither caught on to the extent the 380 did.

The new Lagoon 40 is turning heads for many reasons. The Lagoon 380 is officially off the Lagoon website, so it might finally be time for the torch to be handed to a new cat. And the 40 has just the right mix of modern features, small size, and affordability that many cruisers and families seek.

Here’s a go-anywhere boat that looks good, sails easily, and keeps you comfortable.

  • Naval Architects: Van Peteghem-Lauriot Prevost (VPLP Design)
  • Built: CNB Yards, Bordeaux, France
  • Exterior Designer: Patrick le Quément
  • Interior Designer: Nauta Design
  • Length Overall: 11.74 m/ 38 feet, 6 inches
  • Beam: 6.76 m/ 22 feet, 2 inches
  • Draft: 1.35 m/ 4 feet, 5 inches
  • Mast Clearance: 18.42 m/ 60 feet, 5 inches
  • Sail Area: 80 square meters/ 861 square feet
  • Engines: 2 x 29 hp Yanmar 3YM30 (upgradable to 45 hp)
  • Fuel: 2 x 200 liters/ 56 gallons
  • Fresh Water: 300 liters/ 76 gallons
  • CE Certifications: A10/B12/C16/D20

Things we like:

Things we don't like:.

Leopard Catamarans

leopard-42-on-water

Where to buy Leopard 42:

The Leopard 42 is the company’s replacement for the 40. It integrates several design elements that were proven on the new 50 and 45-foot models, including an upper lounge area atop the coachroof. The design also has the unique forward salon door that opens for direct access to the foredeck and a sun pad lounging area.

Like all Leopard catamarans, the 42 is not only comfortable to stay on, but it’s also fun to sail. All sailing controls lead to the compact helm. Everything can be handled from this one control station. The full-roach main and overlapping genoa provide plenty of power, and optional electric winches make sail handling a snap.

The Leopard 42 share company in the market for 42-foot cats with some very attractive boats–the Lagoon 42, the Bali 4.2, and the FP Astrea, to name a few.

  • Year Launched: 2021 (There have been several designs to carry the "Leopard 42" name)
  • Designer: Alex Simonis
  • Builder: Robertson and Caine, Cape Town, South Africa
  • Length Overall: 41 feet, 7 inches/12.67 meters
  • Beam: 23 feet, 1 inch/7.04 meters
  • Draft: 4 feet, 7 inches/1.4 meters
  • Mast Height: 67 feet, 10 inches/20.68 meters
  • Power: 2x Yanmar 45 hp diesel engines
  • Fuel: 158 gallons/600 liters
  • Water: 174 gallons/660 liters
  • Holding: 44 gallons/ 166 liters
  • Upwind Total Sail Area: 1,217 square feet/113.1 square meters

Catamarans-Fountaine-Pajot.com

Fountain Pajot 80 Catamaran Superyacht

Fountaine Pajot 80 Catamaran Superyacht Rear

Where to buy Fountain Pajot 80 Catamaran Superyacht:

Fountaine Pajot, one of the foremost builders of sailing catamarans, unveiled their biggest “ Super Catamaran ” ever: the Thira 80.

The release comes on the tail of an ever-increasing trend in the catamaran market—the bigger-the- better era . With Sunreef, Lagoon, and Gunboat all making boats in the 70 to 80-foot range, these companies clearly see a market for the catamaran superyacht.

Boats this size are easily comparable to a motor yacht of more than 125 feet long. The very wide beam provides cavernous interiors for more livable space. And they have plenty of room for the toys of the trade—tenders, jet skis, paddleboards, and more.

While sailing is always preferable, its 175 to 300-horsepower engines are more than capable of moving it on calm days. And it’s hard to beat the ride and comfort of a catamaran at sea, with its extra stability and lack of heeling in the wind.

So, is bigger really better? Let’s dive in and tour the new Fountaine Pajot 80 and all that she has to offer.

  • Length: 78.7 feet/23.98 meters
  • Beam: 36.4 feet/11.09 meters
  • Draft: 6.9 feet/2.10 meters
  • Displacement: 66.0 tons (approximate)
  • Sail area Main: 2,153 sqft/200 sqm Genoa 1,507 sqft/140 sqm
  • Power options: 2x 175-hp, 270-hp, or 300-hp

Kinetic Catamarans

Kinetic KC54

kinetic-kc54-on-water

Where to buy Kinetic KC54:

The Kinetic may be fresh on the scene of the Super Cats but it is on the cutting edge of the finest fast craft in terms of performance and latest technology while also having features, impeccable finishes and the amenities of stylish cruising.

This has been awarded the Cruising World Best Large Multihull 50ft and Above Boat of the Year 2022 as well as the Special Recognition Award – for Overall Excellence 2022 by Sailing Magazine. Said Gerry Douglas of Sailing Magazine: ‘This was the Tesla of sailboats…in terms of design and execution and technology, it hit all three of those marks. This boat is built without compromise’.

These catamarans are all-carbon construction, an aggressively lightweight construction and set up for short-handed sailing. Mast is coachroof mounted and there are options for centreboards and daggerboard. There are three steering stations (two outside aft on each hull, one inside right behind the working cockpit) to suit weather conditions and personal preference.

  • Length: 54 ft 2 in
  • Beam: 27 ft 7 in
  • Draft: Dagger Boards down 10.2 ft
  • Standard Rudder up 4.5 ft
  • Capacity: 3 or 4 double berths (6-8 persons)
  • Motor: 2 x Yanmar 4JH80 - 80hp Diesel SD80
  • Fuel Capacity: 264 gal
  • Mast height: 85.3 ft (above water)
  • Mainsail area: 1,102 sqft
  • Fresh Water tank: 264 gal

Xquisite Yachts

Xquisite X5 Plus

xquisite-x5-plus

Where to buy 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.’ To the bolts that are torqued to the 2 weeks spent with each new owner training them on systems – this is a strong product, well designed by Rudolf Jonker and built by Phoenix Marine incorporating all of Tamas Hamor’s ideas and experience. This really is a well thought out 53 ft cruising sailboat and is another South African-built catamaran loaded with important details, not only the visible ones.

The goal for Xquisite is to supply fully equipped catamarans for long-term live-aboard cruising with comprehensive lifetime service assistance for the owners.

There are so many features from the gutters to catch rain-water on the coachroof to footswitches for the electric winches at the helm. Solid handrails all around the deck for maximum security to the below deck running-rigging network! In terms of the design and construction much thought has gone into weight saving. There is no faulting the systems installations.

All lines lead to the helm through below deck channels that are easily accessible with winches well thought out. The helm is slightly raised to port under a bimini with a sliding fully-battened canvas roof that is easily raised and lowered. There is an overall ambiance of space and light in the berths and galley which opens onto the cockpit.

Sailing performance was impressive with its powerful rig – however a heavy, low-slung cruising cat with keels instead of boards to get to your destination in comfort and style.

See our complete list of the best catamarans here .

  • Length: 53 ft
  • Beam: 26 ft 2in
  • Draft: 4 ft 4’
  • Capacity: 3 double berths (6 persons)
  • Motor: 2 x 80 HP Yanmar
  • Fuel Capacity: 208 gal
  • Mast height: 78 ft 7’ (above waterline)
  • Mainsail area: 1,130 sqft
  • Fresh Water tank: 227 gal

McConaghy Boats

McConaghy MC60

mcconaghy-mc60-on-water

Where to buy McConaghy MC60:

The MC60 is the fastest and most luxurious flybridge catamaran. ‘Think next-gen fighter jet meets a New York style luxury loft apartment.’

McConagy boats was founded by John McConaghy in 1967 and in 2000 Mark Evans & Jono Morris embraced the opportunity to take over the country. They partnered with Tiger Group Investments and have grown from strength to strength – building the world’s fastest racing yachts , submarines, components for Formula One racing and developing solutions for architects, scientists and others. They have a proven track record on complex composite products which are lightweight, corrosion resistant, have design flexibility, durability and high strength.

In the MC60, designed and engineered with safety as priority, this performance sailing meets stylish living with only finest wood veneers and luxurious materials throughout – the wide saloon which offers a versatile but spacious living area, large windows and retractable glass doors aft, a galley well positioned best suited to socialising. The attention is to detail and innovation even in the storage solutions so that living space is maximised with semi-customisation of interiors too.  She is the perfect blend of sophistication and high tech.

Sailing is in utmost luxury, effortlessly and safely due to meticulous control of weight. She is much lighter than other similar length cats and can approach cruising speeds close to true wind. A professional crew are required. For sailing there are dual helm positions on the streamlined flybridge for best sight lines. The precise hull forms achieve optimum strength to weight ratio with careful use of carbon which means that under full sail she points upwind like a monohull. The M60 has push button centerboards that raise on impact automatically – certainly one of the safest offshore performance catamarans .

  • Length: 60 ft 04 in
  • Beam: 28 ft 2 in
  • Draft: 4 ft 7 in with centreboards up
  • 12 ft 4 in with centreboards down
  • Capacity: 2 double berths & 1 - 2 twin (6 - 8 persons)
  • Motor: 2 x 57 HP
  • Fuel Capacity: 123.19 gal
  • Mast height: 92.85 ft
  • Mainsail area: 2,034 sqft
  • Fresh Water tank: 123.19 gal

Sunreef Yachts

sunreef-80-on-water

Where to buy Sunreef 80:

Winner in the 2019 Oceanway China Yachts Award, the 2019 Yacht and Aviation Awards and claiming Best of Show Award in the 2020 Miami International Boat Show this mighty fine catamaran justly deserves all and more.  It is an all-round sailing leisure yacht for exclusive getaways, charter and transocean adventures and is set up for professional crew.

The Sunreef is built in Poland under management of Founder and CEO Francis Lapp who has been producing large vessels from 50-165 ft since 2002 and knows well what semi-custom cruising is all about.

The Sunreef 80 fuses contemporary design with its layout flowing easily one into another area in ultimate luxury. Custom finishes ensure that you have found your ultimate catamaran – the vast central lounging space with panoramic view opens both onto the bow and cockpit. The cleverly designed bridge deck and superstructure facilitates the superior comfort onboard.

The spacious 54sqm flybridge is the epitome of leisure – a jacuzzi, wet bar, barbecue and large sunpads with the main boom well clear overhead ! It also houses all the navigation. Plenty of relaxation and pleasure space.

The sail controls are well laid out for the twin helms with carbon masts built by Sunreef themselves. The rig is built for power on this well equipped and luxury sailing vessel.

The tall bow has a fine entry aimed at reducing drag while the hulls are designed to reduce drag too while having super volume to accommodate the luxurious cabins are airy and impeccable in style. The master cabin is located midships starboard and is an opulent space while the other cabins each have queen sized beds, spacious en-suites and unquestionable privacy.

  • Length: 80 ft
  • Beam: 37 ft 7 in
  • Draft: 7 ft 218 in
  • Capacity: 4 - 5 double berths plus optional crew of 3 (8 - 10 persons plus crew max of 3)
  • Motor: 2 x 280 HP John Deeres
  • Fuel Capacity: 634.01 to 1585.03 gal
  • Mast height: 2185 ft
  • Mainsail area: 2152.78 sqft
  • Fresh Water tank: 422.68 gal

HH Catamarans

HH50 cruiser

hh50-on-water

Where to buy HH50 cruiser:

The HH50 is a performance cruiser for the blue water with simple to use but intelligent systems, carbon construction and to top it all luxurious and spacious interior. She offers to best of all worlds – easy to manage sailing vessel which is robustly built, fully equipped and stylishly comfortable for your adventure.

The sailing systems and deck layout are designed for short-handed sailing with dual helm stations each giving the helmsman total sail control from either side and having excellent visibility.  The C daggerboards are curved and are fully retractable. Push button mainsheet and self-tacking jib are standard. Equal-to-Wind speed is normal, this is a performance sailing vessel.

The large saloon has a good sized galley and when at anchor the sail handling area converts easily to a comfortable forward facing seating area. The aft cockpit has an integrated wet bar and barbeque – perfect for al fresco entertaining or dining. Luxury queen size beds await in the cabins.

  • Length: 51 ft 8 in
  • Beam: 24 ft 41 in
  • Draft: 5 ft 43 in Board down
  • 10 ft 83 in Board up
  • Capacity: 2 double berths and 1-2 single (4 - 6 persons)
  • Motor: 2 x Yanmar 40HP
  • Fuel Capacity: 131.98 gal
  • Mast height: 75 ft 36 in
  • Mainsail area: 873.28 sqft
  • Fresh Water tank: 87.99 gal

Excess Catamarans

excess-11-on-water

Where to buy Excess 11:

This gem earned the title of Cruising World’s Boat of the Year 2021 impressing the judges with its allocation of space all the while offering superior sailing performance. All at a great price.

Using compact space effectively – effectively and seamlessly assimilating working and social areas in a thoughtful, pleasant, workable and innovative way. This is a sure winner for the Excess 11.

The Excess 11 is one of the smallest catamarans as well as the only large-scale production boat of this size, with comfort, space and thrilling sailing. She is comfortable in her simplicity and light style. It is very capable for long passages and meets the needs for life on board, built on the experience of previous models and designs.

Even with her smaller size she offers comfort on deck with a large open cockpit and twin helm stations.

Complete Excess 11 standard features list please email via website

  • Length: 37 ft 5 in
  • Beam: 21 ft 7 in
  • Draft: 3 ft 9 in
  • Capacity: 3 - 4 double berths (6 - 8 persons)
  • Motor: 2 x 29HP
  • Fuel Capacity: 106 gal
  • Mast height: 56 ft 8 in
  • Mainsail area: 592 sqft
  • Fresh Water tank: 79 gal

Bali Catamarans

BALI Catspace

bali-catspace-on-water

Where to buy BALI Catspace:

The BALI Catspace is the most successful catamaran in her class with the Catspace being the smallest of the BALI range, combining all the latest innovations in cruising. It was nominated for the Cruising World’s best boat of the year: Catamaran under 50 ft, 2022.

The Catspace was conceived by Olivier Poncin & designed by Lasta Design – combining all the latest innovations in cruising into a really neat vessel.

The sailing quality is not to be faulted for a catamaran of this size, the deck which is efficient for sailing allows smooth movement from the aft platform to the forward cockpit with lounge and sunbathing area. There is, in addition a full-comfort flybridge which has a safe relaxation area and a helm station which is designed for single/short handed use.

The 4 cabins each have private heads and the ability to open up the back end of the cats to create the indoor/outdoor platform is well planned and highly effective.

Complete Catspace standard features list

  • Length: 40 ft 39 in
  • Beam: 21 ft 59 in
  • Draft: 3 ft 91 in Boards up
  • Motor: 2 x 20HP up to 2 x 40HP
  • Fuel Capacity: 107.78 gal
  • Mast height: 58 ft 56 in
  • Mainsail area: 1,087 sqft
  • Fresh Water tank: 167 gal

Regatta In Indian Ocean, Sailboat And Catamaran. Helicopter View

Big ‘blue water’ Sailing

Blue water sailing refers to the open sea. Non-blue or pond sailing refers to inland waters and coastal areas.

The difference in specific design of a blue water or non-blue water vessel is for the ship captain’s visibility as well as based on the hazards of the area they are to be used.  A bluewater (offshore) catamaran is designed for voyages in very rough seas. They are usually 40ft or longer, designed to be very stable, carry heavy loads and very safe.  Ocean sailing has different dangers to coastal water with different challenges – sailing through storms, longer distances, more maneuvering space, night sailing – and more gear, better technology, skills and sturdier vessels are needed.

When sailing in confined waters it is important to have more reactive steerage, less maneuvering time, you do not need to store multiday provisions as you are more reliant on daytime sailing, do not need so much speed so have smaller sails and lower horsepower engines and perhaps the intention if for pleasure alone so one of the major considerations will be the  layout of the vessel.

For most sailors the choice of size is between 40-50 feet which is manageable for 2 persons with lots of room to spread out and entertain or have friends on board and that is easy to dock both in terms of space and cost.

Three Sailboats Racing In The Indian Ocean

First questions to ask yourself

First up consider these 5 points before you decide on your multihull model, length and manufacturer.

Will you be using your sailing vessel for coastal or blue water adventures? What is your primary objective and then: is this for family pleasure or entertaining or Charter?

For sailing

Must it be suited for single-handed sailing? What proficiency of sailing do I have/need? Degree of technology required? Equipment required?

Functional Use

How many berths do I need? How much privacy? Elegance, comfort and style – what is required? Space for ‘toys’?  If for charter or private use with crew – extra berths.

Your total budget must include the initial cost of the vessel plus survey, transport, upgrading of equipment, insurance, etc – there is a lot to consider. Would a second hand vessel be a consideration? What is the smallest I can go?

Annual Costs

What will my ongoing budget be for Insurance, berthing, maintenance, repairs, haul out fees, etc? This excludes any travel costs

Where do I want to berth my vessel? Or living aboard?

It is said that BOAT is an acronym for: Break Out Another Thousand!

Beautiful Catamaran On A Tropical Beach.

Review of Our Favorite 15 Multihulls 2024

With cutting edge technology and the strive for sail performance this was no easy task – there are many deserving vessels who deserve to be in the Top Reviews such as Privilege 510, Outremer 51, Knysna 500SE and the St Francis 50. There are also other models by manufacturers we have selected that have proven themselves over the years that may be a better size for you.

Here’s our listing!

Related Reviews

Read full review

Final Thoughts

Multihull vessels have a lot of the potential for creature comforts that motor yachts have without the constant thrumming of the engines. But they still require a modicum or rudimentary understanding of sailing.

There’s also a bit of maintenance required, but this is something–like having kids–that you figure out along the way.

Another popular boating segment is the power catamaran. Like their sailing counterparts, power catamaran boats have great living space, but without the need to understand sailing principles. Either way, both multihull markets look to be growing in popularity over the next many years.

The resale market for multihull ships also looks promising, so getting one, trying it out for a couple of seasons and selling it again is a possibility without losing too much on the purchase price.

Before you sign the cheque….

So you’ve located some a catamaran for sale that looks promising. It’s one of the models on the list here and you’re wondering if its in the best shape relative to the price. Here’s what you do:

Take time out to go and view it in person. Book yourself an experience aboard and head over to your closest marina and speak to owners (this may well help you create your shortlist too). Consider these points before purchasing:

  •       Pre-book buyer’s sea trials for your shortlist
  •       Select the perfect sailing vessel for you (and if it’s for your family make sure they agree too!)
  •       Used – get a certified hull survey, safety comes first
  •       Get annual insurance quotes
  •       Calculate dockage – purchase or rent a slip or dock
  •       Calculate monthly upkeep and maintenance
  •       Calculate extra costs like navigational devices & fittings
  •       Draft your own checklist
  •       Draft & sign off sale & purchase contracts
  •       Draft & sign off a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)
  •       Ensure you are satisfied 100%
  •       Execute payment and take transfer of ownership
  •       Register and insure your vessel

Check all necessary Stock is aboard – Sail away!

Pre-Departure Checklist

Some ideas for you –

  • Always pre-check the weather and wind conditions prior to any excursion on the water
  • Always know the tide table in your head, so you know what the ocean is doing at all times, incoming or outgoing tide, and what is the tidal range if you are in an ocean estuary or channel.
  • Check you have fuel, water, food and all the basics before loading passengers aboard, and follow these easy steps to ensure safety is first at all times.
  • Plan your upcoming voyage, does it feature high swells, rocky shores, and cold water
  • Check Safety equipment, making sure you have enough life jackets for all sea-farers
  • Check sails, sheets and lines. All sailing gear
  • Check your engines – Open fuel lines, check oil and spark plugs
  • Check fuel tank levels and have extra fuel aboard for an emergency
  • Start the motor, make sure water is coming out to cool the motor
  • Test both forward and reverse gears on the engine before guests board
  • Check that you have a working and full battery communications radio, with all correct channels programmed, and that all the vessel lights and electrics are in working order
  • Check for first aid kits , manual hand pump, paddles, lifejackets , additional lines, fresh drinking water and food for passengers plus some spare in case your voyage is longer than expected, necessary repair tools & kit and flags
  • Strap any equipment and gear down safely before you start to motor
  • If you have passengers boarding, ensure you give a proper safety briefing and point out where all the safety gear is on the vessel. Children should be included in the briefing and be secured properly before departure

Catamarans versus Trimarans

Trimarans have limited space in slimmer hull designs generally. This makes Catamarans with their comfortable open leisure space both above and below deck far preferred for leisure sailing.

On the plus side for Trimarans are their speed and seaworthiness.

How Safe are Multihull Boats at Sea?

Probably a close second in terms of questions asked. On a twin hull design the buoyancy is on the outer edges of the boat and their is greater stability and less rolling when drifting or trolling compared to a monohull.

Catamarans are safe in rough seas because of their wide stance which makes them stable with increased motion comfort and excess buoyancy due to lack of ballast. They are easy to maneuver and with high speeds that may help them outrun storms with skilled crew who know the vessel. A trimaran is the safest of multihulls with the 3 hulls, centering of its weight and anti-drift plan. The righting torque between a catamaran and trimaran is significantly different.

An important consideration is this – if your catamaran is anything longer than 45ft, unless specifically modified for single handed sailing, then it probably cannot be sailed alone. At some stage in your journey you may well have to sail alone – can it be done?

As Blue Water Sailing Vessels

Catamarans are more stable and fast and depending on conditions some can distance more than 200 miles in a day.

Cats usually sail faster than monohulls (standard) due to the weight of them and displacement, especially on a run or broad reach when the sails are perpendicular to the wind. There are many variables to consider.

Solo Sailing a Multihull

Most small and medium-sized cruising catamarans can be sailed single-handedly. The skill of the sailor with high tech equipment such as electric winches and powered sail control, layout (such as all lines to the cockpit, roller furling mainsail, autopilot, etc) and safety precautions make it an adventure not to be missed.

If your catamaran is longer than 45ft, unless specifically modified for single-handed sailing, you will not be able to safely sail it alone. Consider:

  • What the minimum length of the vessel would suit your needs to handle on your own
  • Layout planning is essential
  • Space you need
  • The bigger the boat means larger sails which will be harder to raise and repair
  • The bigger the boat means more power and speed – be comfortable with your vessel
  • Update your sailing skills

Finding the Right Size

It is a very personal choice but at the very least the advice would be to buy the smallest catamaran you think would meet your needs – this is because you have many other costs to consider and the bigger the vessel the more the costs of upkeep, dockage, space for crew.

A perfect size for blue water sailing (including around the world) is around 40 ft, small enough to be sailed by one person but big enough to provide safety and speed. The smallest size to consider to cross the ocean safely and in some comfort by consensus is around 30ft. Any smaller and you will possibly have the following problems as dealing with large seas the size of your vessel does count :

  • A smaller vessel is always pitching and yawing and this impacts the crew negatively over a long period of time or in crisis situations
  • Low bridge deck clearance due to the small size of the vessel
  • when sailing upwind the waves are projected with speed and force into the decks understand (between the pontoons) creating bridge deck slamming.  This vibration and noise impacts the crew and is very tiring – sailing downwind to prevent this may not be where you want to go
  • Not having enough space for all the supplies and equipment needed for a long passage
  • Alongside the problem of weight to be carried is the problem of distribution of this weight over the length of the vessel safely

Multihulls best for ponds, slow rivers and calm bodies of inland water benefit from having flat hulls to provide shallow draft with great deck space manufactured from aluminium or fibreglass. Make sure you take extra food and water and all safety supplies just in case of an emergency!

The question everyone wants to know – how much does it cost to live onboard?

There are many variables depending on your lifestyle, where you intend to cruise or berth and how much you want to travel aboard. A good estimate would be between US$2000-US$5000 per month for a family of 4, a little less for a couple/single person plus the maintenance cost of your boat which is on average 5-10% of the cost of the boat. The maintenance of your boat varies depending of equipment, age, condition and size.

What do I need to consider differently to live on-board rather than racing ?

Racing vessels are designed for speed and exhilaration and safe fun.

Living on-board requires space and comfort – space for storage, large-sized comfortable berths, living space, entertaining space, home-space! You need to know your long term goals and what your personal needs are – do you need a dedicated work area or desk space/permanent interconnectivity for work?

Generally cruising catamarans have wider hulls which give you more space as well as creating more drag which slows your boat down and is more costly on fuel.

Many used charter boats are seen as great purchases for living on-board, however make sure that they are suited for blue water sailing and not only for coastal water.

Here’s a list of the Top 15 best Multihulls reviewed in this article: 

  • Leopard Catamarans – 41 ft 7 in – Leopard 42
  • Balance Yachts – 48 ft 26 in – Balance 482
  • Kinetic Catamarans – 54 ft 2 in – Kinetic KC54
  • Xquisite Yachts – 53 ft – Xquisite X5
  • McConaughey – 60 ft 1 in – MC60
  • Sunreef Yachts – 80 ft – Sunreef 80
  • Leopard Catamarans – 50 ft 6 in – Leopard 50
  • Voyage Yachts – 57 ft 42 in – Voyage 590
  • Seawind – 52 ft 8 in – Seawind 1600
  • HH Catamarans – 52 ft – HH50
  • Fountaine Pajot – 39 ft 14 in – Isla 40
  • Lagoon-Beneteau Group – 38 ft 5 in – Lagoon 40
  • Excess Catamarans – 37 ft 2 in – Excess 11
  • Maverick Yachts of SA – 44 ft – Maverick 440
  • Chantier CATANA – 37 ft 5 in – Catspace

Frequently asked questions about Catamarans

This varies greatly, often defined used or new by the design, size, year and finish.  Quality vessels are built to last and retain market-related value if undamaged.

On average a 45-foot catamaran can range from US$250,000-US$1,000,000.

The fully loaded Isla 40 costs around US$527,000. The Balance 42 sail away price fully cruise equipped is US$1,450,000 while the Kinetic 54’s price tag approaches US$3,000,000. The modern styled Sunreef 80 costs around $6.2 million.

We think that the Seawind 1600 is, for its size and quality, a superb priced performance product at US$900,000.

One of the major benefits for a cruising vessel is to be able to enter shallower seas – catamarans have a shallower draft than monohulls and therefore a great appeal to folk for whom this is a major consideration. Most lagoons are only 6-8 feet deep in the South Pacific. The Caribbean and other areas where you have reefs to navigate and shallow sandbanks to cross to enter overnight anchor stops draft is a very important consideration. Always remember to read your tide tables and swell.

A catamaran is lighter on the water and therefore takes less energy to move, however they have 2 engines which drives up fuel costs. They are more fuel-efficient on flat water (compared to equal horsepower and number of engines) but in heavy weather the monohull’s hull design causes less resistance and therefore higher efficiency.

With lighter weight and high buoyancy generally they have low water drag by comparison to the displacement of a monohull of the same length.

The trampoline serves many purposes – primarily to allow water to quickly pass through, allowing the bow to rise and so preventing the vessel from flipping and they are ideal for pleasure purposes.

To sail around the world the vessel needs to be equipped for offshore cruising and have a heavy load capacity.

The bigger Modern blue water cats are built with this in mind – supplies, crew, technology and gear.

A bigger boat has many advantages such as speed (not only to travel longer distance in shorter time but also to outrun potential bad weather) and comfort space, space for crew and friends, storage space for supplies and fun equipment, etc.

It is important to balance price against comforts, maintenance and repair costs as well as any potential income from your vessel (chartering, Air BNB, hosting courses on-board, etc) – generally here the bigger your vessel the higher the potential for greater income.

The larger your vessel the higher your expenses are in all ways – from Insurance to berthing, maintenance, haul out fees and equipment.

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voyage 44 catamaran review

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voyage 44 catamaran review

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Knysna 440 Review: Upgraded St Francis 44

  • Post author By BJ Porter
  • Post date September 16, 2020
  • No Comments on Knysna 440 Review: Upgraded St Francis 44

voyage 44 catamaran review

In 2002 Knysna Yacht Company (pronounced “Knees-nuh”) set out to become a boutique builder for high quality, semi-custom catamarans. Building on the legacy of the South African catamaran industry, the company purchased the tooling for the Angelo Lavranos designed St. Francis 44 hulls. Then Knysna changed the cabin and interior layout and the weight balance to launch their own take on the cruising catamaran.

The Knysna engineers found that the St. Francis 44, a successful cruising design, still had room for improvement in areas of interior volume, cabin height and weight distribution. The original design had center engine placement in the hulls, but the Knysna team moved the engines towards the stern and added a small stern scoop to to increase sea kindliness and motion. Moving the engines aft gave the new team more space to work with mid-ships in each hull and gave the boat more lift in waves, offsetting the relatively low bridge deck.

voyage 44 catamaran review

Above the waterline, they increased the headroom from the original 6’2”, making the interior much more comfortable for taller sailors. Walking around inside, the Knysna 440 doesn’t feel cramped, though hulls are narrower than other boats in this class.

Behind the concept of the Knysna Yacht Company is the idea of a custom build-out for each customer. The buyer can choose from several workable options for cabin, hull, head and main saloon layouts, which they tailor to specific requirements. Each boat is a little different inside, both by design and customer choice.

voyage 44 catamaran review

The Knysna 44 we visited for this article has two galleys, which at first glance seems unusual for a cruising yacht. But she’s sailed by a couple who do not need the extra staterooms for children and many overnight guests, and the dual galley setup gives many nice options for life on board. Cabinet space and storage is large and well thought out, with some cabinetry shared between the spaces. Refrigeration is plentiful, and they can split cooking and cleaning tasks between the galley spaces. Entertaining on board is easy, and they can move dishes and gear out of the upper galley to deal with later.

voyage 44 catamaran review

Low Slung Performance

With a 24” bridge deck clearance, the Knysna 44 has taken a few slings and arrows from reviewers and commentators about how it is too low and will pound a lot. The real-world experience with the boat is different, according to owners. The boat we toured sailed from South Africa to Australia, then through Southeast Asia and on to New Zealand.

Most sailing between Australia and South Africa is East to West–from Australia to South Africa. To get more favorable winds going the opposite way, you dip down into higher latitudes into the Southern Ocean. That’s not a part of the world known for flat seas, and her owners say the Knysna 44 handled it without lots of pounding and slamming–no more than you’d see on any boats in the hairier places to sail!

voyage 44 catamaran review

The lower bridge deck also allows for a lower profile overall, reducing windage and side slipping. Performance-wise, this puts the boat in the middle with better upwind performance than many taller and heavier catamarans, but without the complexity of sailing high performance cats with dagger boards which consume interior volume. As a lighter boat, it responds to weight and loading and it will sail better when loaded to design specifications.

Looking under the bridge deck, Knysna has added some flanged surfaces to the bridge deck entry, to break up the shape of solid waves a little when they hit the hull. It seems to work, as one owner states he’s spent over 4,000 days on his boat without ever experiencing hard slapping and slamming from the lower bridge deck.

Construction

voyage 44 catamaran review

The Knysna 44 is a tough boat, their record in circumnavigations and in the Southern Ocean confirms this. Build with an Airex foam core, the hull is hand laid vacuum-bagged Vinylester, giving it high strength and lighter weight.

The Ownership Experience

When I asked the owners of this Knysna why they bought her over any other South African catamaran, the response was , in essence, “The Company.” Back in 2006 and 2007, when they were exploring boats to buy, it was a seller’s market and many catamaran makers had waiting lists and weren’t responsive to buyers who weren’t ready to put down a deposit. Economic changes shook up the industry, but Knysna was responsive and customer focused even before the downturn.

And twelve years later, the company is still there for them. If they call or e-mail with a question or concern, Knysna Yachts knows who they are, knows their boat, and is right there to help over a decade after the sale of the yacht. If they won the lottery for a new boat, these Knysna owners would go back to the same company for the management and support as much as the quality.

The Sailing Experience

The helm layout gives access to all sail controls so a single watch skipper can handle the boat without help. She’s easy to sail shorthanded, and you need an extra pair of eyes on deck more often than you need a second pair of hands. Next to the helm is access to a cabin where off-watch crew or the skipper can sleep and still be within earshot if help is needed on watch.

voyage 44 catamaran review

In ideal conditions (like broad reaching in twenty-five knots in normal seas) the boat can sustain eight to ten knots, though overloading can slow you down. Paired twenty-seven horsepower engines are enough to move this relatively light boat around seven knots.

The Knysna 440 is a well built, good sailing, and comfortable boat from a company which stands behind its work. Though every boat has compromises, the Knysna 440 makes some better tradeoffs to keep both performance and comfort good and competitive with any boat in its class.

  • Tags Catamaran Interviews , Catamaran Reviews

BJ Porter

By BJ Porter

Owner of Hallberg Rassy 53; world explorer.

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  • By Mark Pillsbury
  • Updated: July 7, 2016

voyage 480

As I stepped aboard the new Voyage 480 catamaran last fall, I thought, “My, it would be easy to keep this baby looking good.” The boat had just sailed across the Atlantic to make its North American debut at the U.S. Sailboat Show in Annapolis, Maryland, and to be honest, she didn’t look a bit worse for wear.

A little pre-show washdown had left the exterior gelcoat and stainless-steel hardware gleaming. Inside, composite paneling, acrylic counters, a rugged vinyl sole, and a distinct lack of woodwork to ding up blended into a Spartan but pleasant look that would be a breeze to keep spiffy.

That’s no coincidence, as it turns out. The same ­company that builds Voyage catamarans in Cape Town, South Africa, manages them for owners and services them for charterers in Soper’s Hole, Tortola, in the British Virgin Islands. By design, Voyage’s cats — four models ranging from the 480 to a 60-footer — feature practical layouts and easily handled sail plans. They come packed with creature comforts and gear that make them luxurious to vacation upon — but with as little downtime as possible, so they can earn their keep.

Voyage Yachts is a family-owned company that’s been building boats since 1994 to supply Voyage Charters, which opened two years later. About 40 percent of its boats are put to work carrying vacationers, and the remainder have been sold to private owners.

Boat of the Year judge Tim Murphy began his discussion of the 480 with a few of the things he liked, including the fact that the builders “did some nice things to keep weight out of the boat,” like using cored furniture and doors.

Murphy also praised the textured gelcoat panels used in the saloon and guest cabins, as well as the mainsheet handling system, which we’ll get to in a moment.

voyage 480

With catamarans, there’s a direct link between weight and performance. By using foam coring in the hulls, deck and cockpit bimini, and vacuum-­bag construction to control the flow of resin, the builder managed to produce one of the lightest boats we looked at — a displacement/length ratio of 116, the lowest of any of the cats, and less even than the performance cruisers we test-sailed. And they did it ­without eliminating amenities like built-in dive-tank ­storage; a front-opening fridge and top-opening freezer, stove, oven, microwave, and ice maker in the galley; indoor and cockpit tables; and a hardtop bimini over the cockpit that incorporates a composite ­traveler arch.

On that arch are ­attachment points on both sides to anchor two bridles that control the mainsail. By toying with the sheets, you can dial in sail shape no matter the conditions, as well as control the boom when jibing.

The 480’s helm station is built into the starboard side of the aft bulkhead and includes a two-person helm seat. Overhead, a sliding hatch in the bimini lets you stand and see over it or view the mainsail when seated; depending on your height, you may have to try a few alternatives for a clean sightline forward. That and the camber of the side decks would take some getting used to, I think.

What would feel quite like home are the comfortable indoor living spaces. King-size berths are featured in the four-cabin, four-head-and-shower layout (a three-cabin ­owner’s version is also offered). Aft ­cabins have in-line bunks; athwartship beds are located just forward of the mast, and there’s a single bunk perfectly sized for kids in each forepeak.

All up, the charter version of the 480 is $770,000, while the base price for a private owner’s boat is $572,000; the difference in cost is attributable to the long list of options available. Bottom line, if you’re looking to either own a cat of your own or put one in charter to pay the bills, the builder can work with you to make sure you have the right Voyage for your voyage.

voyage 480

Mark Pillsbury is CW’s editor.

  • More: 2011+ , catamaran , Coastal Cruising , multihull , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats , Voyage Yachts
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voyage 44 catamaran review

Voyage Yachts is a family run business based in Cape Town in South Africa, another multihull specialist from that part of the world. What an ecosystem for building catamarans they have on that coast!

This company has built its business up over the years hand in hand with Voyage Charters who are based in the Caribbean. Their boats are famously sturdy and a key part of the philosophy behind the design is low maintenance. The same group that builds the boat also run a charter fleet of Voyage Yachts, so if there is a problem, the feedback is quick and the design is improved- a very useful feedback loop. This is what a Prout 45 might have looked like if Prout was still around producing cruising cats.

Fast Cruiser They manufacture two sailing models: the 590 and their workhorse: the Voyage 480 which is an evolution of the earlier 450 and 500. This is a seaworthy, comfortable cruising catamaran with an eye on performance. If we were pushed, we’d put it alongside a Nautitech on the performance/comfort graph, with a higher end finish. Read our Lagoon 42 review to make a comparison of the finish level between this manufacturer and other higher volume production boats.

Photos: Voyageyachts.com

Like many of their compatriots, the Voyage team have spent many hours thinking up ways to keep the weight off their boats and maximise the performance for the length and volume. Foam coring is used in the hulls, deck and cockpit bimini, with vacuum-­bag construction techniques. This has allowed them to achieve an impressive  displacement/length ratios of 117, without losing any of the comforts that you would hope to see on a well kitted out cruising cat. And like many of the smaller South African builders, where you really win versus the production cats, is in the quality of the finish.

With all this attention to detail on the weight, the Voyage 480 is no slouch, and with her low slung profile she looks the business. The profile is sporty with her sleek lines and a low boom.

She packs some punch with a generous sail plan. The Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) on the 480 is around 23. To give you a comparison, the Lagoon 450 sits at around 20. Again, that puts her in a similar bracket as a Nautitech. She won´t compete against a Looping 50 on speed but sits more in the upper middle of the performance/comfort scale.

Well Organised 2 bridles control the mainsail which makes it easy to trim your sails and gybe safely. The helm is on the starboard bulkhead with plenty of room for two and a sliding hatch in the bimini lets you pop your head through it when the sun is out. Slide it shut for the fully protected position.

All of the main lines come back to twin winches on the coachroof by the helm and in general the running rigging is very tidy and organised with tail bags

In a fresh breeze (say 18 knots), you should easily see speeds in the early teens on this boat, especially if you keep the weight off, but that low bridgedeck clearance does mean that this boat is susceptible to slamming going into the weather, although they have improved this with the newer design compared to the 450.

Going upwind, she is a competent performer and will get you off a lee shore. You should see 8-9 knts even at a TWA of 45 degrees in a fresh breeze. Point 5 or 10 degrees lower to reduce your leeway and keep your VMG up.

Living Space

While many of the volume manufacturers are starting to look very similar on the layout front, the Voyage 480 is almost quirky – a breath of fresh air. They have evolved the earlier 450 and increased the length, and widened the hulls, with a higher bridge deck clearance. The finish can seem spartan down below (up top is cosy), but she wears well and cleans easily.

voyage 44 catamaran review

If you can find a Voyage 480 on the second hand market it is likely to have done its time in charter and will probably be the 4 cabin version. These are popular boats: they don´t come up often.

High Quality Finish It’s probably up top where the Voyage 480 stands out against the competition. In the saloon, there is a large horse-shoe sofa set around a dining table with a U/shaped galley to port facing forward with loads of working space.

It’s a cosy feel with a nav station aft and the finish is top end with a double sink, large burner & oven and some great wooden surround touches on the furniture. The Lewmar hatches let in plenty of natural light and help keep the interior well ventilated.

In the aft cockpit, you have a large swimming platform which looks fantastic at anchor, but I would worry about the safety at sea. When you have your tender tied down at the back, it feels more secure. But if you are diving with tanks off the back of the boat, or launching a kite surfer or a SUP,  it doesn´t get much better than this.

You raise and lower your tender with a crane (Boom Stinger) that extends out of the boom, and having the dinghy on the deck means that it is more secure than it would be on davits.

Going Green

Voyage are in the leading charge in the industry when it comes to eco options. They have been working with Finnish company Ocean Volt to provide ways for their customers to achieve low emission or even emission free sailing.

If you are looking for a higher quality finish in a catamaran that is quicker than the average, the Voyage 480 ticks a lot of boxes. She is a solid, seaworthy design that has evolved over the years based on feedback from Voyage Charters.

Technical Specification

Draft

1.1 m / 3.5 ft

D/L

117

SA/D

22.8

Power

2 x 45HP Yanmar

Water

400 L / 106 US Gal

Fuel

400 l / 106 US Gal

Sail Area

107 m2 / 1160 ft2

Beam

7.65 m / 25.1 ft

SA/D*

22.8

Length WL

13.56 m / 44.5 ft

Length OA

15.10 m / 49.5 ft

Displ.

10450 kg / 22990 lbs

Mast Height

20.80 m / 68.22 ft

Contact Katamarans

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  • Trawler Forum
  • General Discussion

Endeavour TrawlerCat 44 - user experiences?

  • Thread starter socalrider
  • Start date Apr 10, 2023
  • Apr 10, 2023

socalrider

I've become intrigued by a local version of this vessel - will try to get aboard to confirm that the space and layout works for us shortly. I'd love to know if anyone's had experience aboard one of these vessels in conditions similar to what we see in SoCal and up the Pacific Coast during normal summer coastal cruising season. It's a catamaran, but has a comparatively narrow 18'7" beam - curious how she performs going into our normal long period Pacific swell, and how she'd handle our roll-y anchorages compared to a monohull trawler or a beamier sailing catamaran. Comfort at anchor, less rolling underway, and improved speed and economy would be compelling reasons for an upgrade. On economy, I'm hearing reports of 3nmpg at 8kts slow cruise, and about 1.3nmpg at 15kts, which are quite good if true.  

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IMAGES

  1. Voyage 440 Catamaran Yacht Charter Details, Caribbean British Virgin

    voyage 44 catamaran review

  2. Voyage 440 Cruising Catamaran Sailing Video

    voyage 44 catamaran review

  3. Voyage 440 Catamaran Sold GIZMO by Just Catamarans Terry Grimbeek

    voyage 44 catamaran review

  4. 44' Voyage

    voyage 44 catamaran review

  5. Voyage 440 Catamaran Yacht Charter Details, Caribbean British Virgin

    voyage 44 catamaran review

  6. Voyage 440 (4Cab), SailingYacht, Catamaran, Voyage Catamarans

    voyage 44 catamaran review

COMMENTS

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  10. Boat Review by Multihulls World of: Catamaran Voyage 440

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  12. Voyage 430/440 vs Leopard 4300/4500

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  13. Voyage 440 Catamarans For Sale

    Voyage: Model: 440: Length: 44: Builder: Voyage Yachts (Capetown, South Africa) Designer: Alex Simonis: Construction: ... S/V Amanecer is a La Paz, MX based 2002 Voyage 440 Catamaran For Sale By Broker. Photos & Details Contact Catamaran Broker Contact Broker. S/V Amanecer is a 2002 Voyage 440 Owners Version with 3 + 1 Cabins. ...

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  18. Knysna 440 Review: Upgraded St Francis 44

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  21. Voyage 480

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  22. Voyage 480 Catamaran Review

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  23. Endeavour TrawlerCat 44

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