Cruising Catamaran
A floating apartment that barely heels
Twin-hulled cruising yachts with a huge saloon, private cabins in each hull and a level deck. They are a favourite for liveaboards, families and charter, and a strong choice for trade-wind passages.
Length 11–15 m (36–50 ft)
Typical price €150k–1M+ used
Strengths
- Sails flat, so less seasickness
- Massive living space and privacy
- Shallow draft for anchorages
Weaknesses
- Very expensive to buy and berth
- Marinas charge extra for the width
- Less feedback when sailing upwind
Ratings
5
9
10
6
10
8
0
6
7
7
10
Typical hull materials
Example models (11)
| Model | Length | Built | Hull |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leopard 42South African build, forward cockpit | 42 ft · 12.8 m | 2020s– | Fibreglass (GRP) |
| Seawind 1260Australian, easy to handle for a couple | 41 ft · 12.5 m | 2010s– | Fibreglass (GRP) |
| Gunboat 48High-performance carbon cat; very expensive | 48 ft · 14.6 m | 2010s– | Carbon / Advanced Composite |
| Lagoon 42Best-selling charter and family cat | 42 ft · 12.8 m | since 2016 | Fibreglass (GRP) |
| Lagoon 450Proven family bluewater cat | 45 ft · 13.7 m | since 2006 | Fibreglass (GRP) |
| Bali 4.2Open-plan saloon with a fixed forward door | 42 ft · 12.8 m | 2020s– | Fibreglass (GRP) |
| Fountaine Pajot Astréa 42French build, comfortable family layout | 42 ft · 12.8 m | 2019– | Fibreglass (GRP) |
| Excess 13Sportier sailing feel from the Beneteau group | 43 ft · 13.1 m | since 2025 | Fibreglass (GRP) |
| Outremer 51French performance cruiser with daggerboards and carbon reinforcement | 51 ft · 15.5 m | 2010s– | Fibreglass (GRP) |
| Privilège Signature 510Heavily built French luxury cat for long-distance cruising | 51 ft · 15.5 m | 2010s– | Fibreglass (GRP) |
| Catana 471Fast cruising catamaran with daggerboards | 47 ft · 14.3 m | 1990s–2000s | Fibreglass (GRP) |