If you are looking for a comfortable, spacious and versatile sailing vessel, you might want to consider a cruising catamaran. Catamarans are multi-hulled boats that offer many advantages over monohulls, such as stability, speed, shallow draft and ample living space. In this article, we will introduce you to 10 of the best cruising catamarans on the market today, and help you decide which one is right for your needs and preferences.
What is a Cruising Catamaran?
A cruising catamaran is a type of sailboat that has two parallel hulls connected by a deck or a bridge. The hulls can be symmetrical or asymmetrical, and can have different shapes and sizes. The space between the hulls is called the nacelle, and it can house the cockpit, the saloon, the galley, the cabins and other amenities. The mast and the sails are usually mounted on the nacelle or on one of the hulls.
Cruising catamarans are designed for long-distance sailing and living aboard. They are typically equipped with engines, generators, watermakers, solar panels, wind generators and other systems that make them self-sufficient and comfortable. They also have large fuel and water tanks, as well as ample storage space for provisions and gear.
Cruising catamarans are popular among sailors who value comfort, performance and safety. They offer many benefits over monohulls, such as:
Stability: Catamarans have a wide beam and a low center of gravity, which makes them more stable and less prone to heeling and rolling. This means less seasickness, less fatigue and more enjoyment for the crew and passengers.
- Speed: Catamarans have less wetted surface area and less drag than monohulls, which makes them faster and more efficient. They can also sail closer to the wind and tack faster than monohulls. Catamarans can reach speeds of up to 20 knots or more in favorable conditions.
- Shallow draft: Catamarans have a shallow draft, which means they can access shallow waters and anchorages that are inaccessible to monohulls. This opens up more possibilities for exploration and adventure.
- Living space: Catamarans have a lot of living space both inside and outside. They have spacious saloons, galleys, cabins and bathrooms that can accommodate several people comfortably. They also have large cockpits, trampolines, flybridges and sun decks that offer plenty of room for relaxation and entertainment.
- Safety: Catamarans are generally safer than monohulls because they are less likely to sink or capsize. Even if one hull is damaged or flooded, the other hull can keep the boat afloat. Catamarans also have multiple escape routes in case of fire or emergency.
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10 Great Cruising Cats
There are many cruising catamarans available on the market today, each with its own features, specifications and price range. Here are 10 of the best cruising cats that you should consider for your next adventure:
1. Lagoon 42
The Lagoon 42 is one of the most popular cruising catamarans in the world. It was launched in 2016 and has won several awards for its design, performance and comfort. The Lagoon 42 has a sleek and modern look, with a distinctive curved coachroof that reduces windage and improves visibility. It has a spacious cockpit that connects seamlessly with the saloon through a sliding door. The saloon has a U-shaped galley, a large dining table and a navigation station. The Lagoon 42 has four cabins and four bathrooms, with an option for an owner's version with a larger master suite. The Lagoon 42 has a mast stepped further aft than usual, which allows for a larger foretriangle and a self-tacking jib. This makes the boat easier to handle and maneuver in all conditions. The Lagoon 42 also has a code zero sail option for extra speed and performance.
The Lagoon 42 is ideal for families or groups who want a comfortable and versatile cruising catamaran that can sail well in any weather.
Catamaran Lagoon 42
2. Leopard 45
The Leopard 45 is another popular cruising catamaran that was launched in 2016. It was designed by Simonis Voogd Design in collaboration with Robertson & Caine, the South African builder of Leopard catamarans. The Leopard 45 has a contemporary and elegant look, with a raised helm station that offers panoramic views and easy access to the cockpit and the saloon. The cockpit has a large U-shaped seating area with a table, a wet bar and a grill. The saloon has an L-shaped galley, a forward-facing navigation station and a lounge area with a sofa and a coffee table. The Leopard 45 has four cabins and four bathrooms, with an option for an owner's version with a larger master suite. The Leopard 45 has a rig with a square-top mainsail and an overlapping genoa that provide plenty of power and performance. The Leopard 45 also has an electric winch at the helm station that controls all the sails.
The Leopard 45 is ideal for sailors who want a stylish and spacious cruising catamaran that can deliver excellent performance and efficiency.
3. FountainePajot Elba 45
The Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 is one of the newest cruising catamarans on the market today. It was launched in 2019 and has already received rave reviews from critics and customers alike. The Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 has a sleek and dynamic look, with inverted bows that enhance speed and stability. It has a large cockpit that features a lounge area with sofas, a dining table and an outdoor kitchen. The saloon has an open-plan layout that includes a galley island, a dining area and a chart table. The Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 has four cabins and four bathrooms, with an option for an owner's version with a larger master suite that occupies the entire starboard hull. The Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 has a rig with a full-batten mainsail and an overlapping genoa that provide optimal performance and balance. The Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 also has an optional flybridge that offers additional space for relaxation and steering.
The Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 is ideal for sailors who want a modern and innovative cruising catamaran that can offer comfort and speed.
4. Bali Catspace
The Bali Catspace is another new cruising catamaran that was launched in 2019. It was designed by Olivier Poncin and Yann Chabaud, the founders of Bali Catamarans, a brand of Catana Group. The Bali Catspace has a unique and original look, with a solid foredeck that creates a large living area on the bow. It has a spacious cockpit that connects with the saloon through a tilting door that can be opened or closed completely. The saloon has a U-shaped galley, a dining table and a sofa bed. The Bali Catspace has four cabins and four bathrooms, with an option for an owner's version with a larger master suite that includes a desk and a dressing room. The Bali Catspace has a rig with a self-tacking jib, a code zero sail option, and an automated reefing system. The Bali Catspace also has an optional flybridge that features a sunbathing area, a helm station, and an electric winch.
The Bali Catspace is ideal for sailors who want a fun and functional cruising catamaran that can offer versatility and convenience.
5. NautitechOpen 40
The Nautitech Open 40 is one of the most successful cruising catamarans in its class. It was launched in 2014 and has sold over 200 units worldwide. The Nautitech Open 40 has a simple and elegant look, with a low-profile coachroof that reduces windage and improves aerodynamics. It has a huge cockpit that merges with the saloon through a sliding door that can be opened fully or partially. The saloon has a linear galley, a dining table, and a navigation station. The Nautitech Open 40 has four cabins and two bathrooms, with an option for an owner's version with a larger master suite that occupies one hull. The Nautitech Open 40 has a rig with a square-top mainsail, an overlapping genoa, and an optional gennaker. The Nautitech Open 40 also has two helm stations that are located on each hull, which offer excellent visibility and control.
The Nautitech Open 40 is ideal for sailors who want a fast and agile cruising catamaran that can offer simplicity and elegance.
6. Seawind1260
The Seawind 1260 is one of the most awarded cruising catamarans in Australia. It was launched in 2018 and has won several accolades for its design, quality, and performance. The Seawind 1260 has a classic and robust look, with a hardtop bimini that protects the cockpit from sun and rain. It has a generous cockpit that features a lounge area, a dining table, and a barbecue. The saloon has a galley-down layout that includes a fridge, a freezer, a stove, and an oven. The saloon also has a seating area with a sofa, a coffee table, and a TV. The Seawind 1260 has four cabins and two bathrooms, with an option for an owner's version with a larger master suite that has a queen-size bed, a desk, and a wardrobe. The Seawind 1260 has a rig with a full-batten mainsail, an overlapping genoa, and a screecher. The Seawind 1260 also has a patented tri-folding door that can open or close the cockpit and the saloon in seconds.
The Seawind 1260 is ideal for sailors who want a reliable and durable cruising catamaran that can offer flexibility and comfort.
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7. Outremer 45
The Outremer 45 is one of the most renowned cruising catamarans in France. It was launched in 2015 and has been praised for its performance, safety, and innovation. The Outremer 45 has a sporty and sleek look, with a reverse bow that enhances speed and stability. It has a minimalist cockpit that has a helm station, a seating area, and a table. The saloon has a galley-up layout that includes a fridge, a sink, and a stove. The saloon also has a dining area with a table and benches. The Outremer 45 has four cabins and two bathrooms, with an option for an owner's version with a larger master suite that has a double bed, a sofa, and a desk. The Outremer 45 has a rig with a full-batten mainsail, an overlapping genoa, and an optional gennaker. The Outremer 45 also has a carbon fiber mast and boom, which reduce weight and increase performance.
The Outremer 45 is ideal for sailors who want a fast and light cruising catamaran that can offer performance and safety.
8. Catana47
The Catana 47 is one of the most advanced cruising catamarans in the world. It was launched in 2010 and has been upgraded several times since then. The Catana 47 has a futuristic and aerodynamic look, with curved daggerboards that improve speed, stability, and maneuverability. It has an ergonomic cockpit that features a helm station, a seating area, and a table. The saloon has a galley-up layout that includes a fridge, a freezer, a sink, and a stove. The saloon also has a dining area with a table and chairs. The Catana 47 has four cabins and four bathrooms, with an option for an owner's version with a larger master suite that has a king-size bed, a sofa, and a dressing room. The Catana 47 has a rig with a full-batten mainsail, an overlapping genoa, and a code zero sail option. The Catana 47 also has a carbon fiber mast and boom, which reduce weight and increase performance.
The Catana 47 is ideal for sailors who want a cutting-edge and powerful cruising catamaran that can offer speed and comfort.
9. Antares 44
The Antares 44 is one of the most luxurious cruising catamarans in the world. It was launched in 2005 and has been refined and improved over the years. The Antares 44 has a classic and elegant look, with a solid bimini that covers the cockpit and the helm station. It has a cozy cockpit that features a lounge area, a dining table, and a wet bar. The saloon has a galley-down layout that includes a fridge, a freezer, a sink, and a stove. The saloon also has a seating area with a sofa, a coffee table, and a TV. The Antares 44 has three cabins and three bathrooms, with an option for an owner's version with a larger master suite that has a queen-size bed, a sofa, and a desk. The Antares 44 has a rig with a full-batten mainsail, an overlapping genoa, and an optional spinnaker. The Antares 44 also has a watermaker, a generator, a solar panel, and a wind generator that make it self-sufficient and comfortable.
The Antares 44 is ideal for sailors who want a comfortable and luxurious cruising catamaran that can offer quality and convenience.
10. Neel 51
The Neel 51 is one of the most innovative cruising catamarans in the world. It was launched in 2017 and has won several awards for its design, space, and performance. The Neel 51 is actually a trimaran, which means it has three hulls instead of two. The Neel 51 has a modern and spacious look, with a large central hull that houses the main living area. It has an expansive cockpit that features a lounge area, a dining table, and a sunbathing area. The saloon has a galley-up layout that includesa fridge, a freezer, a sink, and a stove. The saloon also has a dining area with a table and chairs. The Neel 51 has four cabins and four bathrooms, with an option for an owner's version with a larger master suite that occupies the entire central hull. The master suite has a king-size bed, a sofa, a desk, and a dressing room. The Neel 51 has a rig with a full-batten mainsail, an overlapping genoa, and a code zero sail option. The Neel 51 also has a flybridge that features a helm station, a seating area, and a sunbathing area.
The Neel 51 is ideal for sailors who want a spacious and innovative cruising catamaran that can offer stability and performance.
Conclusion
Cruising catamarans are great options for sailors who want to enjoy long-distance sailing and living aboard. They offer many advantages over monohulls, such as stability, speed, shallow draft and living space. They also come in different shapes, sizes and prices, depending on your needs and preferences. In this article, we have introduced you to 10 of the best cruising catamarans on the market today, and we hope that this will help you make an informed decision for your next adventure.
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