owning a catamaran

How To Afford Buying a Catamaran: Owners Lessons Learned

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The catamaran of your dreams has just shown up on Yachtworld.com. The only question now is where the money will come from to buy it. To help you navigate the options I have asked 100+ owners of catamarans how they purchased their catamaran and what they learned from it!

You can finance a catamaran from your savings, borrow against home equity, or take out a loan from a bank or specialist boat lender. You could also use your stock portfolio as loan collateral . A third way is to use a management program. Before you choose, listen to these owners’ experiences.

In many ways, financing a catamaran is similar to financing a car. The only difference is you may need to borrow more, depending on your choice of catamaran and your down payment. Keep reading as we explore what sailors experienced when they bought their cat.

Table of Contents

Owners Recommend: Use Your Own Savings

This is the number one recommendation I got, I might not totally agree, but this is what most of the respondents answered (~80%), and the main reason was this:

The lesson to be learned is never go into debt for a depreciating asset like a boat. Poll respondent #23

One of the better consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic is that the personal saving rate has increased significantly. At least amongst higher income groups. 

So, if you’re one of those people who have stashed away more of your money, those savings could be an excellent way to finance your catamaran. But be cautious: you don’t want to sink all your cash savings into this. You should ensure you’ll have more than enough for contingencies, especially in uncertain times. How much you should keep in cash savings will vary according to your circumstances and who you ask . 

If you want to understand the costs of the liveaboard lifestyle, I suggest that you read this article where I summarize the costs of living aboard a cat.

In general, aiming to keep around twelve months’ living expenses is sensible if you’re planning on using savings to fund a luxury purchase. That should give you enough leeway if you hit an unexpected financial storm and need to batten down the hatches. 

Saving our butts off to be able to buy it and not use a loan Respondent #56 and her very straight forwards explanation

If you can do that and still have a lot of excess cash in a savings account, using it to finance your catamaran may make sense. That’s because interest rates are so low at the moment, so your savings may not be keeping pace with inflation . Even though borrowing rates are also low, you’ll still pay more to borrow than you’ll earn on your savings. So, if you look at the lost interest as the cost of using your savings, it works out much cheaper than a loan. Or in other words:

I paid cash. If financing is an absolute necessity to buy your boat, you need to reconsider if you can really afford it. Poll respondent #36

Use the Equity in Your Home

If your home is mortgage-free or you have enough equity, financing your catamaran with a home equity loan can be a relatively cheap option. 

Some respondents considered this option but non actually did go through with it, the main reason seemed to be that instead of owning a house and boat, they sold the house and used the money to buy a boat. Gabo

Of course, it means your home is collateral for the loan, so you risk losing your home if you fail to make the loan repayments. 

However, because your home is security for the loan, you should get a lower interest rate than you’d get on an unsecured loan. Though you may have to shop around to get the best rates.

With this option, you’ll benefit from loan terms that are longer than what is usually given for unsecured loans; you may be able to choose anything from 5 to 30 years, depending on the lender. The term length helps to keep the monthly repayments down.

You should be aware that home equity lenders usually restrict the amount you can borrow. The limit is often to a maximum of 85% of your property’s value. That shouldn’t be a problem if you don’t have an existing mortgage. But if you do, your existing mortgage will reduce the amount you can borrow, and you’ll need to check how much you can borrow to ensure it’s enough to cover the cost of your catamaran.

Also, bear in mind that many home equity loans come with fees payable on closing. There may be other fees to take into account as well, like appraisal costs.

Still, shop around, and you can find home equity loans with no closing fees at both national and regional banks . It pays to do your research.

Unsecured Bank Loan

If you don’t have enough home equity or are uninterested in securing a catamaran loan against your home, another way to get your dream of catamaran ownership afloat is to go for an unsecured bank loan.

One important thing to consider when deciding if an unsecured loan is the amount you can borrow. Many unsecured loans max out at around $50,000, though $100,000 is available from some lenders.

Another factor to bear in mind is most unsecured loans have a maximum term of five to seven years. So, if you’re borrowing a large sum, this option can prove more costly than a secured loan. 

On the plus side, like a home equity loan, unsecured loans have fixed repayments, and you know what your monthly commitment will be from the start.

Another advantage is that you’re not using your home as collateral, so it’s not at risk if you fail to meet the repayments. Of course, you could end up with a poor credit rating if you miss repayments; thus it’s still crucial to make certain you can afford the monthly commitment.

If you go down the unsecured loan route, check your lender’s small print for hidden fees. Some lenders charge origination fees, which can add to the overall cost of the loan.

It’s also often helpful to have the option to prepay if you want. Yet know that some lenders charge prepayment fees that can effectively tie you into a loan and prevent you from refinancing it should you find a cheaper option. Again, just check the small print before signing on the dotted line.

An alternative to a standard bank loan to finance your catamaran is a boat loan. These are available from specialist boat lenders and other lenders.

How Does a Boat Loan Differ From a Bank Loan?

With boat loans, you can often use the boat you’re buying as collateral. That translates into potentially lower repayments because the lender has security for the loan in the shape of your boat.

Also, the loan terms are often longer than for standard bank loans, reducing the monthly repayment.

Many boat buyers prefer this type of secured loan over one secured on their home. That’s understandable since the consequences of losing your boat aren’t as dire as losing your home.

The option of a boat loan stirred up a somewhat emotional debate where there seemed to be two sides, one side saying it makes sense since you’ll be able to invest the cash you already have:

Line of credit. Pay interest only. Keep your money working for you. Respondent #87

And the other side presenting an interesting perspective:

I don’t think I could ever look at the horizon in my catamaran and fantasize about just keeping on going while flipping the bird to everything behind me with a bank loan on it. Kind of defeats the purpose for me. I would feel like I’m dragging my hook behind me!  Respondent #78 discussing the emotional aspect of taking a loan

Back to the loans! Some specialist boat loans require a downpayment. Meaning you won’t be able to borrow the total cost of the boat. A down payment may range from between 10-20%, and by putting in more capital upfront, you get the benefit of lower repayments.

Be aware, some boat lenders may have conditions around the type and age of the boats they’ll finance. There may also be minimum and maximum loan amounts. With some loans, there may also be fees to pay. Always check the lending terms carefully.

Examples of Available Boat Loans

One lender in the boat loan market is Bank of the West , through its Essex Boat Loan arm. Here are the main points to note about its boat loans:

• Its minimum loan is $10,000, with a maximum of $500,000.
• Interest rates are higher for smaller loans.
• There are down payment requirements that vary depending on the loan amount.
• It prefers a credit score of at least 700.
• There are processing fees to pay.

If you want fee-free options, they are out there if you shop around. For example, look at Truist , previously SunTrust:

• It will lend on new or used boats of 30’ (9m) or more.
• The minimum loan is $100,000.
• The maximum term is twenty years if you have a 20% downpayment.
• They’re one of the lenders that will take your boat as collateral.

If you’re not looking to borrow as much as Truist’s minimum loan, its online lending arm, Lightstream , fills the gap:

• It offers boat loans of between $5,000 and $100,000.
• Its maximum loan term is forty-eight months.
• There’s no restriction on the type or age of boat you can buy.
• It doesn’t take your catamaran as collateral.
• However, your credit score needs to be good to excellent to qualify for a loan.

These are just some examples of the boat loans available. As you can see, lender’s terms can differ significantly, so shopping around is vital.

Dealer Loan

If you’re buying your boat through a dealer, it’s worth exploring what help they provide on the financing front. 

They’ll have experience and knowledge of the boat loan market. Plus, the dealer does all the legwork. This saves you the time of researching available options yourself, making it a very convenient way to get finance for your catamaran. It can also be reassuring to have a hand to hold throughout the process.

Stock Portfolio Loan

If you’ve got a stock portfolio, you might be thinking about liquidating some or all of it to finance your catamaran–certainly a strategy worth looking into. However, if you have a substantial portfolio and want to keep it, consider using it as collateral for a loan. That means your portfolio is security for your loan. (Note: you need a substantial portfolio if you want to finance your catamaran using this type of secured borrowing.)

Some providers allow you to borrow up to 90% of the value of your holdings, but borrowing at such a high loan to value on this type of finance isn’t a good idea. That’s because if your portfolio value drops, you’ll have to reduce your borrowing to maintain the loan-to-value ratio below the provider’s maximum. 

If you don’t reduce the borrowing, the provider could sell some of your holdings, which means you won’t necessarily get the best price. There may also be tax implications from the sale. 

Indeed, this type of borrowing is not without risk, and it won’t be suitable for everyone.

If you decide to go for it, it’s sensible to limit borrowing to not more than 20% of your portfolio value. This should provide a comfortable buffer to protect against market fluctuations. But remember, even that’s not guaranteed.

Rent Out Your Catamaran

Renting out your catamaran once you’ve bought it is another option you can use to help finance the purchase. 

It pays for winter storage and summer dockage, a portion of the boat loan, maintenance. It gets me in the water more even [often]. Great for my taxes. Works for me Respondent #55

The idea is along the same lines as Airbnb. One site through which you can rent out your catamaran is Get My Boat .  It allows a boat owner to list their catamaran for short-term rental in return for a fee.

There are a couple of ways to do this. The first is for you to captain the boat during the rental period. The second is to offer bareboat charters where you hand over your catamaran for the agreed rental period.

With the first option, you’ll need to have the time to captain your catamaran for the whole of each rental period. 

If you don’t have that sort of time, the second option might suit you better. However, it does mean letting someone else take over your catamaran for the agreed period. So, you’ll want to ensure you have insurance to protect your investment.

Although renting out your catamaran means there’ll be times when it won’t be available for your own use, it’s up to you to accept or reject bookings. So you have some control over when you rent it out and the length of bookings you accept.

You’ll still need to maintain your catamaran and clean between rentals. If you do the cleaning yourself, that’s more of a time investment for you. But if you pay someone else to clean it, that’s an expense that will come out of your rental charges.

However, you can see how you can use this type of scheme to meet all or part of your monthly loan repayments. If you choose to finance your catamaran from your savings, it can provide a way to rebuild those depleted savings fairly quickly.

Whether you captain your catamaran or not, this option for financing your purchase will involve a good deal of your time. 

Use an Ownership and Management Program (Chartering)

Around 10% of the respondents said they have good experiences with chartering their cats as a way to stay within budget.

I charter with my boat. Makes the cost make sense Nathan (#86)

If you’re interested in financing your catamaran by renting it out but the time involved is off-putting, this option may be more suitable for you. The idea of an ownership and management program is that you buy your catamaran. Then you allow a company, like Navtours , to charter it out.

That company pays you a fee in return for the use of your boat. And they’re responsible for managing charters, marina fees, and maintenance costs.

The downside of this is that you lose some control over when your catamaran is available for your use. Though many companies should let you choose the type of management agreement you want.

For example, Navtours offers two options: One gives you access to your boat for twelve weeks of the year, the other requires you hand your catamaran over for a more limited time, allowing you to use it as you please for most of the year. 

With both options, you can generate an income from your catamaran. That income will be lower under the second option because it’ll be out for charter less of the time.

As with renting, you need to be comfortable with other people using your catamaran. However, with a program like this, you’d be entering into a contract for five years. With the last option, it’s up to you how long you continue renting out your boat. 

Things To Think About When Financing a Catamaran

However you choose to finance your catamaran, it’ll involve a significant outlay. Let’s discuss a couple of things you can do if you want to sail through the process smoothly.

What’s Your Intended Use?

If you choose to go with a boat loan, make sure that they allow you to do the things that you intend to do, some loans will have geographical limitations as to where you can go.

Some banks restrict your cruising grounds as they don’t want their collateral sailing away [for example] to Madagascar. Scott (#51)

Check Your Credit Score

As you’ve seen above, if you want a loan to finance your catamaran, you’ll need to meet lenders’ credit score requirements. 

Knowing your credit score in advance is important because it helps you rule out some lenders that you know will turn you down, saving you time on unnecessary applications. Also, hard lender inquiries on your credit file might hurt your score.

While some lenders ask for at least a good credit score, others may be less stringent. That’s why you should shop around. An average or even poor credit score needn’t sink your dream of owning a catamaran . If your credit score isn’t quite up to scratch, think about ways to improve it. For example, you could pay down debt to reduce your borrowings or to reduce your credit utilization .

Get a Boat Survey

You’ll need a survey if you’re taking a loan secured on the boat. Though, regardless the way you decide to finance your catamaran, this will be money well spent. Even if you go the unsecured route or finance your catamaran from savings or a home equity loan, a survey will give you peace of mind. 

Proceeding without a professional survey is risky. Remember, the catamaran of your dreams may look okay from the outside, but your untrained eye could miss potentially costly issues–a sure way to capsize your dream of owning a catamaran.

As you can see, if you’re looking at how to finance a catamaran, there are several options. Weigh them all up carefully and don’t go full steam ahead into anything. Take your time to steer a steady course through the available options to find one that suits you.

Remember, don’t use savings if it’ll leave you short of cash to deal with life’s headwinds. If you’re borrowing, shop around for the best rates and terms. In particular, give a wide berth to loans that tie you in with penalties for early repayment. Good luck and happy sailing!

And remember BOAT actually means Break Out Another Thousand! 😉

So what does it cost to maintain a catamaran?

• St Louis Fed: Personal Saving Rate
• Smart Asset: What is the Average Interest Rate for Savings Accounts?
• ING: US Inflation: The Only Way is Up!
• Santander Bank: What is a Home Equity Loan?
• Bank Rate: Best Home Equity Loan Loan Rates for April 2021
• US Bank: Home Equity FAQ
• Regions: A Quick Guide to Your Regions Home Equity Loan
• Bank Rate: Best Personal Loan Rates for April 2021
• Discover: A Quick Primer on Personal Loan Agreements, Terms, and Prepayment Penalties
• Bank of the West: The Essex Boat Loan Advantage
• Essex Credit: Boat Loan Rates
• Essex Credit: Boat FAQ
• Sun Trust: Marine Boat Loans
• Experian: What is a Good Credit Score?
• Youtube: Financing a Boat and What Works Best
• Wells Fargo Advisors: Securities-Based Borrowing
• Get My Boat: Boating Experiences Worldwide
• Boat Bookings: Bareboat Yacht Charter
• Boat Charter Insurance: Are You Looking for Marine Insurance That Protects You For Personal and Charter Use?
• Nav Tours: Yacht Ownership
• Experian: How to Improve Your Credit Score
• Experian: What is a Credit Utilization Rate?

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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“we will live on a boat, but only if you buy a catamaran” our kids declared their wish (in surprising consensus) from the deck of our monohull..

We had to deliver. And we did.

We sold our house, cleared all debt and bought a catamaran.

With our extremely limited budget , confusing time frame, in the height of the COVID pandemic, we made it work . Here is what we learned along the way, mistakes we made and our tips for you .

All human-generated, all based on our real, personal experience .

Here are all of our Boat Life posts.

1. Browse Catamarans

When searching for a boat, visit the obvious and popular websites, but think outside the box too . The best deals might be hidden treasures. Read browsing ideas below :

Boat shows are our favorite places to compare brands and models and grab essential boat gear at a discount.

We have attended both the Annapolis and the Miami boat shows and highly recommend them. Miami is a bit busier, but there is a wider selection. 

All the boats at boat shows were out of our price range , but this is how we decided we did not care for the angular Fountaine Pajot and the captain was too tall for most Lagoons. 

Boater’s Tip: Boat shows gather cruising communities and are excellent places to meet other boaters-to-be. 

Friends and neighbors

While looking for a catamaran, we had a bit of an unfair advantage. We had already lived on a boat for two years and had lots of boating friends. 

But boating friends can be found anywhere . Join the boating communities on Facebook, attend gatherings and before you know it, you will be invited to tour any boat.

Our catamaran was not listed for sale. We found it by asking a listing agent, who happened to know that it was for sale and connected us with the owners.

Boater’s Tip: Take a walk in a water-front neighborhood and ask a few people if they know of any neighbors selling their boat. 

How about some inspiration? 45 Epic Sailing Movies We Will Watch Over and Over… 85 Beloved Sailing Songs (and Karaoke). The Only Playlist you Need. 81 Best Sailing Quotes & Captions. Stuff Boaters Really Say.

For-sale-by-owner websites

A few websites offer listings of catamarans for sale by owner . We toured them all, while searching for our cat. 

Here are a few to browse:

• Catamarans For Sale By Owner – CatamaranSite
• Catamaran Sailboats for sale by owner – Boat Trader
• Catamarans For Sale By Owner | Catamaran Guru

YouTube is a great place to watch tours of various models . With boating becoming quite popular , many people document their adventures aboard their catamarans. 

Our YouTube Channel helped us sell our Privilege.

Pick a few channels closer to your kind of adventure (solo, couple, family) and follow them. We had a couple favorite channels, which we used to get some idea of boat life.  

Boater’s Tip: If sailing with kids, screen a few episodes to ensure they are kid friendly. People do all kinds of nonsense, to get a few extra “likes”.

Facebook Groups

Facebook groups are another great resource for finding catamarans. We had lots of responses, when we decided to sell ours. People are very active on these groups. 

Here are a few to join and start browsing:

• Catamarans for Sale | Facebook
• Catamarans For Sale by Owner – Worldwide | Facebook
• Catamarans For Sale Worldwide By Owners | Facebook

Brand Websites

Of course, the classic boat browsing Yachtworld is a great resource for finding catamarans. 

If you know the brand you like the most, you can also sign up directly with the manufacturer , they usually have a newsletter.

They will send you recent price drops . 

2. Choose the Right Boat.

When deciding on the right cat for you, budget does not always come first. Keep in mind the following:

Sabbatical vs indefinitely.

If you are making arrangements for just a few months, or a year of living on a catamaran, making the best out of the short time aboard is a must .

Reselling a catamaran after a year is much easier, than after five or ten. Look for a catamaran that requires as little work as possible (they all will require work ).

But do not rush into boat purchases. There are plenty for sale.

Boater’s Tip: Always add at least a couple of months to your cruising start date, and work backwards, when planning repairs and upgrades. 

Time before sailing away.

If you have time to buy a catamaran and fix it for a few months , or even a year, you will have time to finish all the work before you start cruising.

Any boat will require work, regardless of age and condition.

We were stuck with a monohull and a catamaran for a bit, which was not ideal, but we did not want to be rushed into buying a catamaran, just because we had no place to live. 

Boater’s Tip: Not being pressed for time will greatly reduce your initial cost and will grant you more negotiating power. 

Helpful money posts: I Don’t Think I Can Live Without… Think Again. How to Remove Suburbia Stuff and Travel. The Cost of Living on a Boat for our Family of Five

The time you plan to spend cruising and preparing the boat will influence your budget.

A well-outfitted catamaran, around 42-44 feet will cost you at least $250K , for an older boat (early 2000’s). For a 3-4 year-old boat, 46 feet or larger, prepare around half a million.

Catamarans are becoming more desired each cruising season, so they tend to hold their price .

We wanted a catamaran under $80 000, but we had no established end date for cruising. And the work it required pushed us back more than half a year. We lived in a boat yard for five months. 

Boater’s Tip: Catamarans are popular. You might be able to resell at a minimal loss. Or break even, if you are lucky. Or make money, if you are prone to miracles. 

We think that buying an older boat is better. New boats will have problems too, and repairs are waiting for you. Add these to the already high price tag. 

Older boats have been handled by a few captains, and might leave a surprising collection of half-finished upgrades, but they have proven themselves in the water .

Our buyer sent us the deposit and did not ask for a survey at all, because Joe was able to deliver the cat with a 7-day sail.

If the boat can handle that well and a family lived on it – what more can you ask for?

Ultimately, price is a defining factor for many new boat owners, taking new boats out of the equation fairly quickly. 

Boater’s Tip: The boaters might have a YouTube channel, so you can see the boat in action. 

We love Privilege, and we toured tons of boats (in our price range). Privilege offers the perfect compromise between comfort and performance.

Since we lived on and sailed a Privilege , we can attest to their cruising comfort and speed when needed, while keeping the crew happy . 

Lagoons and Leopards are the so-called production boats . They are very popular and offer a nice variety at more affordable prices. Speed-sailors call them “condomarans”…

Cruising life is over 90% at anchor, so where are you rushing to?

At the other end are the performance boats, Catana, HH, Outremer , and others. They are known for their speed, sometimes at the expense of the perfect 360 view (the salon sits lower). They are also more expensive.

Boater’s Tip: Production boats offer a greater variety of affordable choices. On the flip side, they are your classic chartered boats.

Buying a Chartered Boat.

Many of the so-called production catamarans are formerly charter boats , as the companies are updating their fleet. 

If the catamaran was managed well, buying a previously chartered boat is a good option. 

However, keep in mind that these boats are outfitted for a brief fun-in-the-sun vacation, not liveaboard life. You will probably need to spend money to outfit the boat for long-term cruising.

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We prefer to look for boats previously owned by a single owner. Especially families. Families tend to take care of their boats.

But, it might be hard to trace back all the owner s and all the repairs and upgrades they made. 

Boater’s Tip: If buying a boat off of charter, research the charter company and buy from a reputable and well-reviewed one. 

Stationary vs Cruising Lifestyle.

If planning to live at a marina, you can think of your catamaran as a small apartment . The boxy design of newer catamarans makes them excellent for living on anchor, or at a marina. 

If you plan to cruise a lot, you should consider the performance as well. Cruising comfort can make or break a dream.

We have seen it.  

Then again, if you have not sailed different cats, there is no basis for comparison. 

Boater’s Tip: Any passage, on any boat will make you seasick . Do not let that affect your decision.

Outfitting the boat.

If you are not planning on cruising much , then solar panels, water-maker and a good dinghy will not be too high on your list. These can all be added later. 

If you plan to leave asap, or want that one year of a perfect cruising time aboard, look for a catamaran already outfitted for blue-water cruising:

Ask and inspect for:

• Solar power
• Batteries age and condition
• Wind turbine
• Generator ( you do not need one )
• Navigation instruments
• Dinghy in good condition.

Our super low budget meant we had to upgrade all the systems. Unfortunately, we sacrificed cruising time for this.

Number of people aboard.

If sailing as a couple, or solo, a 38-40ft catamaran should be more than enough. However, if sailing solo, we believe a monohull is the way to go.

If living on a catamaran with a family , I would look for at least a 42 ft boat. They will still allow for a good layout and separation of space , while also offering comfortable cruising. 

With five of us aboard, our Privilege 42 worked great. 

Boating friends of ours chased their dreams on a 39ft boat. Spending 6 months on land, and the other 6 exploring the Caribbean and beyond. There are many ways to cruise. 

Boater’s Tip: Younger kids can share a cabin; some might decide to sleep in the salon. Older kids will be grateful for privacy.

Number of cabins, location of the galley , soft vs hard bimini, ease of handling the main sail and location of the helm/s – all matter in the long run. 

Do you want three or four (or five) cabins? On many cats, one of the hulls is an owner’s suite, with a cabin, a spacious bathroom and even a small nook for an office.

This layout might be easier to re-sell , especially if it is a smaller boat. Many young, or retired couples prefer this. 

We were looking for a 4-cabin layout, having three older kids . We wanted each to have their private space.

Fun fact – the only time our kids had separate rooms, was while living on a catamaran . All our land homes have been with 2, or 3 bedrooms. 

Another consideration is the galley – above or below. Below is not as popular, but frees up space in the salon. It is my preferred option and another reason why we love Privilege. 

The cockpit and the bimini cover are a big deal, if sailing in the tropics. Hard bimini offers much better protection from the elements.

No matter how well we coated our soft bimini to waterproof it, nothing worked for very long, against the torrential rains of the Caribbean.

Boater’s Tip: Think about reselling too. Many people like the galley above, hard bimini and an owner’s suite.

Captain’s height.

With Joe being 6’4”, I have to mention ceiling height. If you are not able to fit inside your own home, it will start bothering you .

To be fair, most guys have such a strong urge to sail the seas , that the clearance might not be bothering them too much.

Or, maybe, it was just my husband. 

Regardless of the boat size, the outdoors more than compensates for tiny indoor spaces.

3. Where in the World are the Deals?

The cheapest catamarans are in the Mediterranean , especially the south-east seas.

The best variety and options are in the US . The Bahamas and the Caribbean are also great shopping destinations.

You might think that a boat for sale in the islands is cheaper, because of the logistics associated with touring it.

However, many people would gladly fly to start their adventure in the islands, so these catamarans tend to hold their prices. 

Buying a boat in Europe might mean VAT (value added tax) of 20% must be paid on of the sales price. It only needs to be paid once , so it will be advertised in the listing. 

Boater’s Tip: The US has the greatest selection and the highest prices. Alternatively, negotiate the price down and have it delivered.

4. Broker or No Broker?

We have experience with both. We have purchased and sold with a broker. We have also purchased and sold by owner .

What should you do?

Buying with a broker.

Boat brokers have high commissions, so a good broker should be able to:

• Compare catamaran models and years,
• Spot potential money-pits,
• Know your wishes and priorities,
• Research the history of the boat,
• Negotiate prices,
• Send you photos,
• Offer a video tour
• Advise you on payment options
• Advise you on insurance options
• Handle all the logistics regarding haul-out, sea trial, boat touring.

A broker can be very helpful, if browsing boats hundreds of miles away from your home. 

We bought our first boat with a broker, because we had no idea what we were looking for. We also sold that boat with a broker, because we were very far from the Chesapeake at that time. 

Boater’s Tip: If you are completely new to boating, finding a trustworthy broker can be a sanity-saver. Ask in Facebook groups.

No brokers involved.

We purchased our second boat without a broker. We liked the process much better. And the savings even more.

If we buy another boat, we will bypass the brokers again. We used an agency for all of the deposits, paperwork and payment.

While it is definitely more work, you lay eyes on a lot of boats and learn how to trust/not trust sellers.

Expect a lot of driving (even flying) involved.

After seeing the first boat and realizing the photos online were of what the boat “can really look like”, we knew to ask for live video the following time. After stepping in a boat, which felt terribly wet, we knew what a wet boat left like. 

Boater’s Tip: Hire an agency to help you properly execute the sale. They handle all of the paperwork and transfer of funds.

5. Inspect Before You Pay.

Photos, videos and tours – it is all part of the buying process. Do not skip a step.

If you know what you are looking for, and have had boats before, buying a catamaran is not that much different from buying a monohull.

Speaking of comparing: Catamaran vs Monohull: Let’s Solve This (we Lived on Both).

Ask about the latest survey, the boat owner should have it. 

If you want your boat insured, you will need to have a survey. If you want to stay at any marina, at any point in time, you will need insurance. 

Since a survey sounds like a must-have, hire a professional who knows what to look for, and is familiar with the brand you are buying. Do not rely on your broker to find a surveyor, we made that mistake once. 

Boater’s Tip: Go on Facebook, find catamaran cruising groups and ask for surveyor recommendations. 

Expectations

Even if the survey comes back beautiful and you have as close to a turn-key boat as you can wish for, expect problems.

There is always something that cannot be caught during a survey. Work on a boat never stops.

Boater’s Tip: Fill your wallet with $1000 bills.

See the boat personally.

Always, regardless of location. Fly if you have to. I cannot tell you how many photos on the most reputable websites do not match the real condition of the boat. 

We drove all the way to Key West, Florida, to look at a boat, after multiple talks over the phone. For us the drive was from northern Virginia. 

We arrived to find a family who had turned the boat into a floating house, and we would have had to redo and rewire everything to be suitable for blue-water cruising.

If the boat is in a remote location, it is perfectly reasonable to request a video tour of the boat.

I recorded one when we listed ours from USVI. It also helped that we had a YouTube channel , so the potential buyers could see us cruising and living aboard. 

Boater’s Tip: Every other cruiser has a YouTube channel these days. Ask for it and watch their videos. 

Do not trust photos alone.

Look at photos with a grain of salt. Make that two grains. Photos are great to give you some idea of what the boat looks like.

If a broker is involved, you can breathe a sigh of relief. The photos should show the actual condition of the multihull. If otherwise, your broker should disclose that.

Questions to ask.

Here is a list of questions to ask the boat owner/broker :

• Why are you selling?
• What is the HIN (hull identification number)?
• What are the current projects to complete?
• Condition of the engines and any service done.
• Latest Haul-out and bottom paint.
• Latest rigging inspections.
• Has the boat ever been in a major storm?
• Where has the boat sailed?
• What conveys?
• Condition of the dinghy and title.
• Number of previous owners (if known).
• How many years owned?
• Ask to see the captain’s log.
• All information to transfer ownership for AIS, EPIRB, Satellite trackers, radio license (single-band, complicated), etc.

After gathering all the information, do your homework and use the HIN to research the boat’s history and title.

6. The Sea Trial.

A sea trial is always a contingency when buying a boat.

We had one with our monohull, but not with our catamaran, because we purchased the boat as-is, where-is.

Ours was already at a marina, in the water. Quite a lot of water, actually. A bit was inside one of the engine rooms.

Learning about boats, speaking with other boat owners and knowing what to look for can be invaluable in such situations.

In-water inspection.

Once the boat is in the water, open every bilge, check every valve. Test the pumps. Sure, easy to replace, but also one fewer thing to worry about. 

We found an entire roll of electrical tape holding one of the main cables, on top of the mast of our monohull. The surveyor never cared to check, and we did not know what we were doing.

Boater’s Tip: If possible, climb up the mast. It is hard to see everything from the bottom.

Test all the systems.

During the sea trial, raise the main sail, test the gib/genoa. If you can fly a spinnaker, even better. Although they take longer to take out and set up. 

Try to take a sailing class , or two before a sea trial.

Try to schedule the sea trial according to the wind forecast, if possible. Some beam and downwind sailing would really help you feel the movement of the boat.

Boater’s Tip: If bringing the entire family for this, select a good day for downwind sailing, that’s when catamarans really shine.

Prepare yourself and the crew.

If purchasing the boat as a family, expect everyone to feel seasick during the seatrial.

If people do not feel sick with all the excitement during the short cruise – great. Just know that it is normal and does not mean you are not fit to live on a boat . 

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes .

Here are a few helpful posts: 9 Sailing Outfits for any Season and Reason Comfortable Sailing Shoes for Every Boating Need Seasickness Sucks – 21 Tried and Tested Tips to Stop it.

7. Haul Out Inspection

You should have a haul-out inspection , unless you are buying it as-is, where-is. If so, you should dive and inspect the bottom yourself. 

Ask for proof (receipts) of the latest haul-out and the work that was done. Haul-out and bottom paint should be done every two years , ideally. 

If you are not familiar with inspecting for blisters, signs of delamination and such, find a good surveyor.

The person who was in charge of much of the work at our boat yard, in St. Augustine, was very skilled and gave us great tips. 

Boater’s Tip: Get a second opinion from one of the people at the boat yard. They work on boats every day.

9. Paying for the Catamaran.

That dream is going to cost money. A lot of money. Below are tips to save you some of it.

Negotiations

We are all for low-balling. Negotiate as much as you can. It might be irritating to boat owners, as it was for us , but it’s your hard-earned money.

You might lose a boat, or two, as did we, because others offered more. Don’t get caught in that game. New boats are listed for sale every single day. 

Negotiations work best, if you are not pressed for time, or living arrangements. If at all possible, leave enough time (at least a few months) to look for boats, negotiate and find the best one for you. 

Boater’s Tip: Many boats are sold at the end of the cruising season, so the owners would not have to deal with haul-out, storing and maintenance.

Putting down a deposit.

Expect to be asked to put down a deposit before you are able to have a sea trial. You should be able to go tour the boat without any financial obligation. 

If it is a good boat, at a good price, you might want to put down a deposit before touring the boat. Just make sure it is in writing. Or, if working a broker, a form should be provided. 

Paying with cash.

Paying with cash is a great option, to avoid interest.

It was one of our requirements, after we cleared all of our debt .

If paying cash, leave at least 5% of the boat value for unexpected repairs, in addition to the budgeted 10% and the funds for known repairs and upgrades. 

Boat “mortgage”.

If you are turning your boat into your primary residence, even if just for a year, or two, taking out a mortgage makes sense. 

Unfortunately, it is this trend, which keeps the catamaran prices high . We are not fans, but it is here to stay. 

Unlike a mortgage on a house, expect a higher interest rate, and no monetary return on investment, when you decide to sell. 

Having said that , can you put a price on the adventure of a lifetime?

Home equity loan.

If you need a loan, and a bit lower interest rate , a home equity loan might be the way to go.

It is how we purchased our first boat. 

You will have your home on the line, but it is easier to obtain such a loan, versus a boat loan. 

Boater’s Tip: Regardless of the type of loan you choose, leave enough cash for maintenance, upgrades and repairs.

Charter to own.

Quite a few chartering companies will allow you to have the catamaran for a certain portion of the year, while it is being chartered the rest of the time. 

Over a few years, you should be able to have a fully paid-off boat to take anywhere in the world. Not a bad deal.

We met someone who did that and was happy with his decision. 

On the flip side, you have to wait for a few years and those charter parties aboard can be rough on the boat.

Buying alone.

It is always easier to be the sole owner of the boat. Then every mistake you make is on you. Every decision you take will not be questioned by others (except for the crew).

Buying alone means all the expenses are on you, but so are the potential profits.

Boater’s Tip: Get a captain’s license and make money by offering charter trips, sunset cruises, Airbnb’s and so on. 

Co-owning a boat.

Co-owning a boat would make sense, if all you want to do is spend some time aboard as a vacation. Then all the co-owners would divide the time.

It certainly makes the dream a lot more attainable , and you will be able to afford a larger and nicer boat. 

The drawback of co-owning a boat is that when something needs to be fixed , or upgraded, it is not always easy for all the owners to agree. 

Boater’s Tip: Have a contract listing how the boat and repairs will be shared. Do not rely on friendships alone.

10. Costs of Owning a Catamaran.

Below are a few expenses to consider before you are sold on the 360 view. Views do sell 🙂

Plan to have insurance in the US . Possibly abroad as well.

Insurance premium will probably be around 2% of the boat’s insured value, per year. 

Keep in mind that the cost of having the boat insured in one cruising destination will be different from worldwide coverage. 

We carried insurance with our monohull, because Joe was still working and we spent a lot of time at marinas. Once we left the Bahamas, on our catamaran, we dropped insurance and assumed the risk of losing our boat.

Since we owned and insured assets in the US, our umbrella policy provided liability coverage worldwide. 

Boater’s Tip: You can buy local insurance in every country you visit, check with local marinas. It is usually cheaper.

Maintenance

Annual maintenance cost for a boat is usually around 10% of its value . However, this is maintenance cost, not upgrades. 

If cruising, every system aboard must be working properly, which means regular maintenance and fixing things before they break.  

A faulty valve can cause a boat to sink. Boat maintenance is a lot more involved than house maintenance. 

On the other hand, you are using and relying on all boating systems daily. This makes it easy to spot a problem and fix it early . 

Boater’s Tip: Buy spare parts and tools before you head over to small island countries. 

We purchased our catamaran for less than 50K , but we had to install new engines, change all the piping, solar panels, replace all of the electronics, navigation and the dinghy.

Along with the cost of haul out to sand, paint and add a layer of fiberglass on the bottom – that was way more than 10% of the cost. 

By the time we were done with everything, the boat was worth over 150K.  We saved a lot by doing most of the work ourselves.

Boater’s Tip: Leave labor-intensive upgrades for abroad, where cost of labor is a lot lower than in the US.

Catamaran-specific costs

When buying a catamaran, prepare for costs associated specifically with a multihull .

You will have two engines to maintain. Two hulls to paint. Two AC units to care for (if using). A lot more hatches to fix, when leaking.

That 360-degree view comes through curved (on some models) windows , which are a nightmare to replace.

Haul-out of a catamaran requires a wider boat lift, excluding many of the boat yards. 

Boater’s Tip: Don’t forget the trampolines, and spinnaker, which is such a thin, yet very frequently used sail. 

Registration and Taxes

Since both our boats were USCG documented, we are most familiar with US laws.

The boat must also be state registered.

We chose Texas as our primary residence, and registered our boat there. It does not matter if the boat will ever be in that state.

Do not forget the dinghy , it is a boat as well, and it will need to be registered. State laws vary.

Boater’s Tip: Use a traveling mailbox service as your permanent residency address, if you do not have one.

Buying a catamaran is super exciting. In many cases it is a requirement for a boating dream to become a reality. Because she said so .  

A catamaran will make an excellent family boat. It is safe, reliable and comfortable . 

Sure, a cat might cost as much as a house, but can you take your house around the world?

Let me know what your questions are, regarding buying a catamaran. Comment below. Please, be respectful, thanks.

Mina is the creator and owner of No Texting and Tacking. She is an award-winning author, a philologist, a registered nurse and a native Bulgarian. She turned into a travel blogger in 2018, when her family of five decided to sail and travel the world.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Catamaran

Table of Contents

What Are the Pros and Cons of Owning a Catamaran? 

Catamarans have been used in the fishing tribes of India and Polynesia since before written records were kept. However, the popularity of using them for recreation and sport is still relatively new. The demand for these boats is stronger than ever. So, what is it that makes catamarans an overwhelmingly popular choice in the sailing community? Better yet, are there any significant disadvantages to owning a catamaran? Let’s take a look at both sides of this conversation.

There are several pros to owning a catamaran. A few of these include:

●     Safety and stability

●     Speed

●     Resale value

●     How well they sail

On the other hand, there are a few cons that are attached to being a catamaran owner. They are:

●     Harder to find a place in a marina

●     More difficult to sail in deeper water 

●     Availability

These are just a few of the basic pros and cons of owning a catamaran. Let’s take a deeper dive into the advantages and disadvantages of these boats so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not a catamaran is the right fit for you and what you want out of your sailboat.

What Are the Pros of Owning a Catamaran? 

When it comes to the popularity of the different types of sailboats, you will see more catamarans than you will any other type of vessel. Catamarans make up over 90% of the multi-hull boats on the water. Unless you are in the market for a boat designed for speed and for sailing in deeper waters, you will more than likely be in the market for a catamaran. Why are they so popular? There are many different reasons why these boats are seeing a significant spike in their popularity.

Monohull sailboats tend to feel more cramped than multi-hulls. As far as multi-hull boats are concerned, none of them are more spacious than catamarans. They are probably the boat that comes to your mind first when you think of boats that are capable of hosting a large number of people. These boats have two large hulls that can accommodate up to 30 people at a time, depending on their size. The increased space, both on the deck and in the cabin, can also afford you a bit more privacy than you would get with other types of sailboats.

Safety and Stability 

Resale Value

Just like with any other large investment you make, the resale value of an asset will have an impact on whether or not you choose to make that purchase. For this reason, I have to list the resale value of catamarans as a huge advantage of owning one. We have already discussed how the demand for catamarans is currently at an all-time high. It is practically impossible to purchase a new catamaran, with most manufacturers having a waiting list upwards of one year long. This is why the resale value for catamarans is so high, and also why purchasing one is a smart investment.

Sailing Ability 

In addition to being one of the most stable sailboats on the water, that catamaran also sails significantly more level than other boats. This is because While most other sailing vessels heel between 35 and 45 degrees, catamarans only heel between 5 and 10 degrees. Because they can sit much more level on the water, they can provide a more comfortable sailing experience. This also makes normal activities such as reading or cooking are easier to accomplish on a catamaran than on any other type of sailboat.

What Are the Cons of Owning a Catamaran?

Just like there are going to be advantages to owning a catamaran, there are also going to be some disadvantages included in owning one. Although catamarans are the most popular type of multi-hull boat you can buy, they are not nearly as fast as a monohull. They are mostly designed and bought for lifestyle and entertainment purposes, while monohulls are primarily designed to be racing vessels because of their speed. With that said, what are some of the other cons that are often attached to buying a catamaran?

Looking to sail around the world? Here is what size catamaran you would need.

Docking space .

Perhaps the single biggest disadvantage to being a catamaran owner is that it can be difficult to find docking space for your boat. Because catamarans take a significantly larger amount of space to dock than single-hull sailboats, finding a space where it can be docked will prove to be a challenge more often than not. If you are planning on taking a trip, I would highly suggest calling potential docks in advance to see if they can accommodate your boat. Otherwise, you might be in for a disappointing trip.

Water Depth 

Availability 

Although the increase in the catamaran’s popularity makes it easier to find parts and accessories for your boat, it can be practically impossible to purchase a new catamaran directly from the manufacturer. If you are in the market for a catamaran, your only option could be to buy a used boat, as there are substantial waiting lists for new ones. Because the demand for these boats is relatively high, while the supply is fairly low, you are going to have to cope with the high price tag that comes with buying a used catamaran.

Conclusion 

Whether you are looking to entertain a group of people; cruise in shallower waters; find a safe and stable sailing vessel; or own a boat that is versatile, fun, and easy to sail, purchasing a catamaran is your best option in a sailboat. One particularly intriguing bonus to being a proud catamaran owner is that they have a much higher resale value than other boats, should you choose to sell it. With all of these advantages to owning one of these boats, there’s no wonder that the demand for them is at an all-time high.

However, it is not all smooth sailing when it comes to owning a catamaran. There are a few cons that come with being a catamaran owner. Perhaps the biggest disadvantage to sailing a catamaran is that many marinas have a difficult time accommodating them. They are also more expensive to Charter, and more difficult to sail than many other types of sailing vessels. Because the demand for catamarans is incredibly high, it is also harder to find one that is for sale. Still, if you are looking for a solid investment that is fun to own and operate, a catamaran will suit you perfectly.

Related Questions 

What are the differences between monohull and multihull sailboats?  The difference between a monohull boat and a multi-hull boat lies in the number of hulls that each vessel has. Monohull sailboats only have one hull, while multihull boats have two or three hulls. Catamarans and trimarans are both examples of multi-hull boats, which are better for hosting large parties on the water. Monohull ll vessels are primarily built and designed for speed and are much better for sailing in deeper water.

What is the best option for purchasing a multi-hull boat, a trimaran, or a catamaran?  The answer to this question depends on your sailing needs. If you are looking for a sailboat that is fun and easy to operate and can accommodate a large group of your friends, a catamaran would be a better fit for you. If you want a fast boat, comfortably accommodates a small family of four to five people, and is practically unsinkable, a trimaran would be a smarter purchase. However, because of their high resale value, catamarans are seen as a wiser investment.

Please note: This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Please consult a legal expert or medical professional to address your specific needs.

Aloha! My name is Shawn and I Love the Beach and Ocean! From surfing to beach sports to boating and fishing I like it all. More importantly, I Love the people I get to meet who also share a passion for the sand and surf. Living and growing up near the ocean my heart has always been connected to the beach and its lifestyle. I wish to share my experience with those around the world. Mahalo (Thank You) for visiting and enjoy your stay here on my site!

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Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Buy to let guide: owning and chartering a catamaran – everything you need to know about how to make it work

• Toby Hodges
• July 11, 2018

The organisers of the International Multihull Boat Show in La Grande Motte, estimate that somewhere between 900 and 1,100 catamarans were built last year.

Demand is raging, leaving manufacturers scrambling to increase capacity to meet it.

The benefits of catamarans are obvious: more living space, faster performance off the wind (and sometimes on it) and a stable platform for a more family-friendly experience.

Sailors the world over were also thrilled by the performance of the boats in the last two America’s Cups , while the circumnavigation endeavours of Thomas Coville, François Gabart et al have shown that multihulls are up to the rigours of the oceans.

Charter has been one of the catalysts for demand: the facility to pick a new or favourite cruising ground from Tahiti to the Med and try out a catamaran there.

“In our time we have seen the standard go from pretty basic 27ft monohulls to an expectation of 40ft+ monos and cats, with air-con and many more comforts,” says Julian Adams, yacht sales consultant for Sunsail and The Moorings.

“Today’s charterer can now enjoy the thrills of a performance sailing boat without having to compromise on comfort. The added stability of achieving great performance while remaining upright also opens a door to bringing non-sailing friends on trips, without the anxiety of a white knuckle ride.

“Our fleet has approximately 40 per cent catamarans currently, and the demand for catamaran purchase is now equal or greater than for that of monohulls,” he adds.

Charter ownership is attractive because you’re not responsible for the boat’s upkeep, and you can typically spread the costs of ownership more widely than you can with an outright purchase.

As first-time charter boat owner Julie Boyd explains below, you can swap weeks on your own boat for weeks anywhere the company has a charter base: “We can now sail in places that we would never have taken our previous boat.”

Location, location, location

Pick a location where you are interested in sailing, not one that you think will charter well. And don’t be put off by that old story about the Med being unsuitable for catamarans because of tight berths. Adams says: “Those smaller spots where space is at a premium are often as easily accessed by berthing your cat on a buoy or anchor and using your larger RIB to access the dock. With berthing fees as they are today, this has more advantages than one.”

The best advice is to charter with the company before you join their ownership programme – you’ll quickly see how well they take care of the boats and of their customers.

“Looking around their fleet of boats will tell a story about the level of damage they suffer and the standards of day-to-day maintenance,” says Neil Bingham of Sail Grenadines. “I would strongly recommend viewing a five-year-old boat as well as the new ones.” Maintenance is the crucial factor here. Of course, accidents happen sometimes, but a company with a good feel for its customers and a decent repair programme should be able to keep its boats in tip-top condition. Also, check who bears the upfront cost of maintenance – usually it’s the charter firm.

What programme?

Most charter companies offer different ways of paying for your boat. At one end of the spectrum you buy the boat outright and take an annual income (often guaranteed at between 7–9 per cent). You must have the capital available and commit to a four- to five-year contract. On the other hand, you can opt to pay a smaller proportion of the boat’s cost – typically 30-45 per cent – upfront, receive no income, then buy out the remaining value of the boat when the contract reaches term. This works out more costly in the end, but it is less capital intensive.

Sunsail and The Moorings even offer their owners a buyback option at the end of the contract, where the company pays you 20 per cent of the value to surrender the boat. “It’s popular because it avoids the final cash outlay, uncertainty of costs until sale and, in the EU, hefty VAT payment,” said Adams.

Dream Yacht Charter is another big operator with bases across the globe, including some less common destinations such as Baja California, Fort Lauderdale and Mauritius. As well as the more standard contracts, it offers a Performance programme, which gives boat owners exposure to two-thirds of charter income and access to tax benefits.

The downside is that you have to pay maintenance expenses. Dream also has a Crewed Yacht programme, suitable for boats over 45ft, where it will source the crew for you.

Does it pay?

Don’t expect ‘free’ sailing, but if you have the time to make full use of your 8-12 weeks of sailing each year, it should be much cheaper than chartering. And as you can see from the figures above, the cost of ownership is substantially lower than the upfront price of the boat.

Comparing the figures is useful – up to a point, but charter ownership is no commodity, and perhaps the best advice comes from Neil Bingham at Sail Grenadines: “It is important to choose a yacht or catamaran that suits you. This is an investment in leisure; the financial return is often not the most important thing you will get from a yacht partnership arrangement.”

Ocean Cat Sailors

Lucy van hove, la cigale , nautitech open 40 sailors.

Cruising round the world as a family has been a dream of Xavier and mine for decades – even before the kids came along! When we first started going out, we enjoyed sailing holidays in Europe on monohulls, but it was on honeymoon in the Grenadines that we fell in love with catamarans, chartering a Leopard, aptly named Two Purrfect.

When the opportunity came along to take a two-year sabbatical and follow this dream, the space that a catamaran afforded a family of five made it a logical choice. We wanted each child to have their own cabin, and there were also the other advantages, like the view from the galley when cooking, no roll and not having a keel trying to sink you in the case of a hull breach.

We also knew that we wanted a boat that paired aesthetics with performance rather than a floating caravan, which quickly narrowed the field for our selection. The Nautitech Open 40, with its sleek lines and good sailing record, was our preferred option. We had lusted after the Outremer, when looking round La Grande-Motte in 2016, but the maths of the Nautitech (80 per cent of the performance, 50 per cent of the price) made the choice a no-brainer.

We bought La Cigale in La Rochelle in September 2017, and set sail for the Canaries in October, negotiating fishing nets and tankers hugging the Iberian Peninsula.

In Las Palmas we joined the ARC Atlantic Rally. The seminars, support and tracking devices set us up for the ocean crossing, while the open cockpit of the Nautitech came into its own as a social hub, hosting impromptu parties that sometimes numbered more than 30 adults and children.

Since then we have taken on board that sailing around the world often just means fixing our boat in exotic locations. Some of this may be due to wear and tear, but in a new boat like ours it tends to be due to manufacturing faults. The scariest moment came on a night sail past St Vincent, when, in 30 knots of wind, we turned to take in another reef only to discover the wheel had totally stopped responding – the steering cable had snapped. We couldn’t open the engine compartment for repairs for fear of flooding from waves over the stern, and our Garmin autopilot was finding it impossible to cope on just one rudder.

On top of this we discovered that the handle of our emergency rudder was too long and was blocked by the helm seat. Luckily, our secondary Raymarine autopilot managed to cope on a single rudder, and we were able to steer safely into Rodney Bay, St Lucia, eight hours later, using our port and starboard engines.

We have had a couple more dramatic lessons along the way, such as don’t try to get wind by edging a gale; cats really don’t like it! Otherwise, it has been pretty much a case of plain, downwind sailing. In March we headed to Panama, crossing the Canal and the Equator in April – both epic maritime milestones, which we celebrated accordingly!

We are still pinching ourselves now to be in the Galápagos, preparing for our hop across the Pacific with a couple of other ARC families. Ultimately, we are heading to the Antipodes, where we plan to sell our boat before our sabbatical is over and we return to the UK. But the wind may change. Who knows?

Charter owner

Julie boyd, ciceron , lagoon 39, dream yacht charter.

We have been catamaran owners for the past 25 years. We kept an Edel 35 in Neyland, west Wales, sailing her to the Med after we retired, before we bought Ciceron, a Lagoon 39, last July. The Edel was fun to sail, but we decided to upgrade to a more comfortable boat with extra room for family and friends.

We were looking to buy a used Lagoon 380. We also decided that we were going to cut down on our time away from months to weeks. This would mean that the boat would sit unused in a marina for most of the year.

While we were discussing all this, we were offered London Boat Show tickets by Dream Yacht Charter, who kept in touch with us after we’d made inquiries some years before. Looking more closely at the owner-charter option, we decided that this would be an ideal way for us to fulfil our sailing desires.

We opted to buy Ciceron, based in Calanova, Mallorca, via the Dream Easy programme over five years. We paid 35 per cent of the cost of the yacht at the start and will pay another 25 per cent at the end. At that point we will either keep the boat, sell it, or put it into a charter programme and receive an income.

It is worth mentioning that the boat is of much higher specification than standard, including Yanmar 45hp diesels, 2,000W inverter, B&G touchscreen electronics, gel batteries and additional storage in the galley. We don’t receive an income with this programme, but nor do we pay any fees for berthing or management. We just pay a small turnaround fee when we use a boat.

During the five years, we get to sail our own yacht for 8–10 weeks per year in any of Dream’s bases across the world, such as Sardinia, Stockholm and the Seychelles. Being able to walk on board with a small bag to start our holiday, then walk away at the end without any maintenance or cleaning makes a pleasant change. We are very happy with our choice.

Report by Sam Fortescue

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How Much Does A Catamaran Cost?

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

‍ Catamarans are known to cost more than monohulls. But what do new and used catamarans cost, and what can you sell one for?

New cruising catamarans cost between $200,000 and $1,000,000, with an average price of about $500,000. Used cruising catamarans cost between $200,000 and $600,000. Small recreational catamarans, usually under 20 feet in length, cost under $50,000.

In this article, we’ll examine the average cost of new and used cruising catamarans. We’ll also showcase the average prices of small recreational catamarans, such as the famous Hobie Cat. Additionally, we’ll cover the factors that influence new and used catamaran prices and how to get a fair price on your next purchase.

We conducted a careful analysis of the new and used catamaran market and reported our findings in this article.

Table of contents

‍ Factors that Influence Catamaran Prices

Catamaran prices are influenced by numerous factors, namely size, and type. Large catamarans are, predictably, more expensive than small catamarans. But unlike monohulls, catamaran sizes don’t vary extensively. Prices differ substantially between large and small catamarans, and so do their uses.

This is because there are two main types of catamarans on the market, and they’re vastly different sizes. The large type is the cruising catamaran, which is almost never less than 30 feet in length or more than 50 feet in length. The other type is the recreational or racing catamaran, which has no cabin and rarely exceeds 30 feet in length.

Small Racing Catamaran Cost

Small racing catamarans are a niche market, and their prices are pretty consistent for specific makes and models. These vessels don’t have a cabin, so people don’t usually spend hundreds of thousands for them. They’re fun boats for people who enjoy going fast on the water during weekends and at regattas.

Factors that influence small catamaran prices are usually its condition, size, and make. The most popular racing catamarans, like Hobie Cats, sell for anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 depending on the size and condition. You can reliably find an open racing catamaran for less than $50,000, and usually around $10,000 to $20,000

New Cruising Catamaran Prices

Here’s where things get pricey. New cruising catamarans are some of the most expensive sailboats you can buy, second only to trimarans and other advanced aluminum and carbon yachts. New cruising catamarans never sell for less than $100,000, and the average price is around $350,000. A new cruising catamaran, depending on the length, can sell for up to $1,000,000.

New monohull sailboats are much less costly. A premium monohull built by a well-known manufacturer sells for between $175,000 and $250,000, with some outliers breaching the $350,000 mark. You can reliably expect a catamaran to cost almost double what a monohull of equal length does. That said, the additional comfort and unmatched speed are well worth the cost.

New Cruising Catamaran Cost Factors

What makes one new catamaran sell for $150,000 while another sells for $350,000? Other than size, there are a few factors that lead to such a dramatic price disparity for two seemingly similar vessels. The brand has something to do with it, but the design is the key element in pricing.

A basic cruising catamaran has few frills and utilizes standard hardware and sailing equipment. A high-end cruising catamaran in the same size and weight category has dramatically different equipment, automation, and even sailing characteristics. A high-end catamaran requires thousands of additional hours to design and develop hull shape, systems, and accommodation and thus costs significantly more.

And speaking of accommodations—the overall level of fit and finish below decks can contribute substantially to the price. High-end catamarans with central HVAC, advanced energy-saving systems, automation, and all the associated equipment add a lot to the initial cost. Additionally, high-end custom interiors require expensive materials and hours of specialized labor.

Basic cruising catamarans can be constructed and sold for little more than the price of a high-end monohull. This is because the accommodations and equipment used aboard are standard, and therefore not too disproportionately priced. Most cruising catamarans fall into this category, as they’re already quite expensive, to begin with without air conditioning, automatic sail controls, and carbon fiber masts.

Used Cruising Catamaran Prices

Used catamarans cost less than brand new models, but they still cost more than many brand new monohulls. The average price of an average-sized 40-something—foot used catamaran is around $250,000. Age doesn’t vary much, as these kinds of catamarans have only been popular since the 1990s.

The lowest price you’ll probably find for a used catamaran is about $100,000. At this price, you can get a smaller old catamaran or a vessel that needs work, like a new mast, new rigging, or hull repairs. This compromise is well worth it to some, who can save upwards of $50,000 by making repairs.

The priciest used catamarans typically top out at $700,000 to $1,000,000. These vessels, which range in size from 45 feet to 55 feet, are the cream of the crop and usually only a couple of years old. For example, a 45-foot 2019 Lagoon 450F with its advanced wave-piercing hull design and luxurious interior sells for around $550,000 to $620,000 used and sells for $635,500 new. As you can see, late-model catamarans suffer from very little depreciation.

Used Cruising Catamaran Cost Factors

The prices of used cruising catamarans vary wildly, as there are many more factors at play. The most significant pricing factor is the age of the boat. Newer and late-model catamarans built by respectable manufacturers cost almost as much as they do now, which is always in the $100,000+ range. This is limiting to many sailors who don’t want to spend a mortgage on a sailboat.

Older used catamarans are much more reasonably priced, and the condition is the primary factor. This includes the condition of the interior, rigging, and hull. Famous catamarans will cost more regardless of their age or condition, as these vessels have a large following due to some mystical characteristics like handling, speed, or seaworthiness.

Reputation plays a big part in the used catamaran world due to its relatively small size. Catamaran people know each other—and they all hang out on the same online forums. These people have an actual and quantifiable influence on used catamaran pricing.

Why are Catamarans So Expensive?

Many sailors wonder why catamarans cost so much more than monohulls. After all, it usually costs more to buy a 15-year-old 40-foot catamaran than a brand new 40-foot monohull. There are a few reasons for this, and it comes down to a combination of construction cost, demand, and ability.

Catamarans offer numerous undeniable handling benefits over monohulls. For one, they’re stable and dramatically increase passenger and crew comfort in rolling seas. They’re safe and easy to handle and very difficult to capsize. Additionally, they have much more usable interior storage and living space and accommodations for many people.

Catamarans have the upper hand with speed, as they aren’t bound by the restrictions of hull speed. Catamarans can sometimes travel at twice the speed of monohulls, which reduces costs and increases your practical cruising range.

Additionally, the cost to design, develop, and build catamarans is much higher than monohulls. Catamarans require careful engineering and strength of materials calculations, as the two hulls must be joined in the middle and also support the mast.

Catamarans use up much more material than monohulls, as they require two separate hulls with living spaces and an enclosed center cockpit area. The materials themselves are often higher quality, along with the additional cost of advanced and automatic winches, navigation systems, and controls throughout the vessel.

Design and materials alone can double or triple production costs for a catamaran, not to mention the expensive man-hours and skilled labor involved in the building process. The benefits catamarans provide to their owners keep prices high on the used market, and their limited production can never keep up with demand.

How to Tell if a Catamaran is Fairly Priced

How do you know if you’re getting a good deal on a catamaran, and what should you sell yours for? Many people consult catamaran dealerships and boat appraisers, which are a good “official” resource for boat pricing. That said, the online catamaran community shouldn’t be overlooked.

The forums are an excellent source of real-world expertise on catamaran pricing. As we mentioned previously, the ‘catamaran guys’ usually congregate online and keep track of the used catamaran market. Their consensus can help you figure out what a fair market price is—and what catamaran buyers are willing to pay. After all, they’re your target market.

Before asking, it’s a good idea to check the market yourself and see what other boats are listed and sold for. This can give you a ballpark idea of what to expect. On many boat trading sites, you can filter for sold listings and see what boats like yours recently sold for.

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

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Become the Confident Skipper of Your Own Sailboat

Things to consider before you buy a catamaran.

• Post author: Anns
• Post published: October 26, 2022
• Post category: Uncategorized
• Post comments: 0 Comments

Introduction

So you’ve decided to buy a catamaran. Congratulations! It’s an exciting purchase, and it can be a great way to spend time on the water with family and friends. Before you make any decisions about which boat to get or how much money to spend, though, there are some things to consider first—and they may not all be as fun as initially imagined. In this post I’ll walk through what those considerations are and how they might affect your experience once you get your new ride.

What is it you want to do with your cat?

• Are you interested in racing?
• Do you have skills and experience sailing?
• Do you want to live on the boat full time, or are you looking for a boat that can be trailered or launched easily?
• Will it be part of your lifestyle and daily life, or will it be just another toy?
• What are the costs of owning a catamaran?
• What is the cost of buying a catamaran?

If you have decided to buy a catamaran, there are several things that you need to do before purchasing your dream boat. First, determine how much money you can spend on this purchase because it will help in determining the price range of boats that are available for sale.

There are some additional costs associated with owning a catamaran apart from the initial cost of purchasing one; they include maintenance, insurance and fuel expenses which will vary depending on where you get your fuel from and what type of fuel it is (gas or diesel). Another thing to keep in mind when considering these factors is that if living aboard becomes too expensive then there might be other alternatives such as living ashore or staying at marinas instead where there may be cheaper options available to rent apartments or condos within walking distance from restaurants etcetera

How does this fit into your life?

You need to think about what kind of lifestyle you have and how much time you can devote to the boat. Are you a weekend warrior, who likes to spend his free time on the water? Or are you someone who wants to sail around the world for months at a time? You also need to consider how much money you can invest in it. Do you have enough cash on hand to buy a new catamaran that has all of its amenities built-in so that there’s no need for upgrades later down the line (or will this be just another thing tacked onto an already bulging wish list)? The answer may seem obvious, but sometimes people think they have more money than they actually do when purchasing large items like boats—so make sure before committing!

Finally, take into account whether or not maintenance is something that appeals to your nature as well as whether or not space is available where your boat will be kept most often (and if there’s room left over for other things).

Is this the right time for you to buy a boat?

Before you buy a catamaran, consider the following factors to make sure that this is the right time for you to buy a boat.

• Are my finances in order?
• Do I have enough time for sailing?
• Is there a market for my boat?

Where should you buy your catamaran?

There are lots of places you can purchase your catamaran from. Before you buy, though, it’s important to do your research and ensure that the dealer you choose is reputable. You want to make sure they have a good reputation in the community and offer all the support you need after purchase.

There are a few other things to look out for when buying a boat:

• Resale Value – If something goes wrong with your boat after purchase or if it stops working, then this is going to impact on its resale value. The more expensive boats will generally have higher resale values than those that cost less. This means that if anything goes wrong with them later down the line then there’s more chance of losing money on trade-in/sale compared with something cheaper which might be easier (and therefore less expensive) to fix/replace parts too!
• Warranty – It’s important that any warranty included with your boat covers everything from engine repairs through paintwork upholstery cleaning etc..

Before you think about buying a boat, carefully consider what you plan to use it for and how much time, money and effort you can devote to keeping it.

Before you think about buying a boat, carefully consider what you plan to use it for and how much time, money and effort you can devote to keeping it. Boating is a hobby that requires regular maintenance. If your job keeps you busy or if you are considering going out on the water during the weekends only (when most boaters do), then purchasing a boat might not be for you.

If however, you’re looking for adventure and excitement every weekend then maybe boating is exactly what would complete your life! There are many different types of boats available from yachts to fishing boats to speedboats even jet skis! It’s hard not too get excited about owning one because they all have their own charm but before making any final decisions there are some things that need consideration such as:

If you’re ready to take the first step towards buying a catamaran, we encourage you to contact us! We will listen carefully to your needs and help guide you through the process of finding the right boat for your lifestyle.

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13 Best Liveaboard Catamarans (For All Budgets)

If you want to enjoy long-term living on the water, a liveaboard catamaran can provide the perfect combination of comfort and adventure. However, buying and owning a catamaran can cost you a fortune. If you're not sure which one suits your budget, here are 13 of the best liveaboard catamarans on the market today, covering a range of budgets and lifestyles.

The 13 best liveaboard catamarans for different budgets are:

Nautitech 46 Open

Lagoon 450f, nautitech 46 fly.

If you're on a tight budget but still want to enjoy the liveaboard lifestyle, the Leopard 40, Lucia 40, and Lagoon 400 are some of your best options. If you have a slightly higher budget to live up to your dream life aboard, let's see which of these catamarans will suit your needs best.

• Low-budget liveaboard catamarans cost anywhere from $350,000 to $450,000, while high-budget options range from $1,000,000 to $2,000,000.
• The living space of the best liveaboard catamarans ranges from 77 sqm to 215 sqm, with the higher-budget options generally offering more space.
• Most catamaran models come equipped with one galley and multiple heads, with the number of heads ranging from 2 to 4.
• High-budget catamarans like Lagoon 52 and Catana 50 are built with advanced safety features such as a self-tacking jib and an automatic reefing system.

On this page:

Best liveaboard catamarans for all budgets.

When choosing the best liveaboard catamaran, there are questions you need to ask yourself such as:

• Are you planning to live aboard full-time or just part-time?
• Will you be traveling extensively or staying in one location?
• Do you plan to fish or engage in other water activities?

If you plan to sail around the world and are not sure what catamaran size is perfect for your goal , you can get some tips from this article.

You may also need to check your budget. Keep in mind that the purchase price is just one aspect of the cost of owning a catamaran. See how much it actually costs to buy and own a catamaran in this article.

You may also need to factor in ongoing maintenance, repairs, and other expenses, such as docking costs. Docking costs depend on the location of the marina and the actual size of your catamaran, but to give you an idea of how much it costs to dock a catamaran , here's an article that can help you.

The best liveaboard catamarans have these most important features :

Living space Look for a catamaran with an open layout, large windows, and plenty of natural light to create a spacious and inviting living area.

Galley and heads Choose a catamaran with a well-designed galley that is easy to use and has plenty of storage space. The heads should be spacious and comfortable, with a separate shower area if possible.

Performance and handling You might want to opt for a catamaran with a good sail plan and sailing controls that are easy to operate. If you plan to do offshore cruising, perhaps consider a catamaran with a shallow draft and good seaworthiness.

Safety and seaworthiness Choose a catamaran with sturdy construction and good safety features, such as handrails and lifelines. You might want to make sure also that the catamaran is designed for single-handed sailing if you plan to sail solo.

Estimated price range: $400,000 - $500,000

Living space inside Leopard 40

The Leopard 40 has a spacious interior with a modern and stylish design. It features four cabins and two heads, providing ample living space for up to 8 people.

The cabins are well-ventilated and well-lit, with large windows that offer panoramic views of the sea. The saloon is also spacious, with comfortable seating and a large dining table.

Galley and heads of Leopard 40

The galley is well-equipped with a large refrigerator, freezer, gas stove, oven, and plenty of storage space. The heads are also well-designed, with separate shower stalls and electric toilets.

Performance and handling of Leopard 40

The Leopard 40 has a sleek and streamlined design that allows it to move smoothly through the water. The twin engines provide plenty of power, and the boat is easy to maneuver even in tight spaces.

The boat also comes with a range of performance features, such as a large sail area, a self-tacking jib, and a full-batten mainsail.

Safety and seaworthiness of Leopard 40

The Leopard 40 is built to the highest standards of safety, with a strong and durable hull, high-quality rigging, and a range of safety features such as lifelines, handrails, and safety harnesses.

The boat also has excellent stability, which makes it very safe and comfortable to sail in rough seas.

Estimated price range: $450,000 - $550,000

Living space inside Lucia 40

The Lucia 40 is a spacious catamaran that offers plenty of living space for a family or a group of friends. It has a large saloon with a U-shaped sofa and a dining table that can comfortably seat six people.

The saloon is surrounded by large windows that provide plenty of natural light and a great view of the surroundings. The catamaran has four cabins and two heads, which provide ample sleeping space for up to eight people. The cabins are well-appointed and offer plenty of storage space.

Galley and heads of Lucia 40

The galley on the Lucia 40 is located in the saloon and is well-equipped with a three-burner stove, oven, fridge, and plenty of counter space for food preparation.

The two heads are located in each hull and are equipped with a shower, toilet, and sink. They are spacious and provide plenty of privacy.

The Lucia 40 is a performance-oriented catamaran

The Lucia 40 is a performance-oriented catamaran that is designed for cruising in comfort. It has a sleek and modern design that allows it to sail efficiently in a wide range of wind and sea conditions.

The catamaran is equipped with a full batten mainsail and a furling genoa, which provide excellent sail performance. The helm station is located on the flybridge, which provides excellent visibility and allows for easy handling.

The Lucia 40 is a safe and seaworthy catamaran

The Lucia 40 has a solid fiberglass hull and a structural bulkhead that provides excellent strength and rigidity. The catamaran is equipped with all the necessary safety equipment, including life jackets, flares, fire extinguishers, and a first aid kit.

It is also equipped with a comprehensive navigation system, which includes GPS, radar, and an autopilot, to ensure safe and accurate navigation.

Estimated price range: $350,000 - $450,000

Living space inside Lagoon 400

The Lagoon 400 offers ample room for passengers to relax and socialize. The main saloon is located on the same level as the cockpit, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience.

The saloon features a large dining table and comfortable seating, while the cockpit provides additional seating and a table for outdoor dining. The cabins are also spacious and comfortable, with plenty of storage space.

Galley and heads of Lagoon 400

The galley is well-equipped with a stove, oven, refrigerator, and sink, making it easy to prepare meals while underway. The heads are also well-designed, with separate shower stalls and electric toilets.

The Lagoon 400 has good sailing performance

This boat has a generous sail area, a powerful rig, and a light displacement, which allows it to sail well in a variety of conditions. The boat's twin hulls also help to reduce drag and increase stability, which makes it easier to sail in choppy seas or high winds.

The Lagoon 400 is also equipped with twin engines, which allow it to be easily maneuvered in tight spaces or when docking. The boat's shallow draft, which is one of the advantages of sailing a catamaran , also makes it suitable for exploring shallow waters or anchoring in secluded bays.

The Lagoon 400 is designed to be safe and seaworthy

The boat's twin hulls provide excellent stability, which reduces the risk of capsizing. See a detailed comparison between catamaran and monohull in this article.

The boat is also equipped with a range of safety features, including a solid fiberglass hull, watertight bulkheads, and a high freeboard, which helps to keep the boat dry and reduce the risk of swamping.

The boat is also built to withstand rough seas and strong winds, with a reinforced hull and high freeboard. It also features a range of safety features, including lifelines, safety harnesses, and an emergency tiller.

The Bali 4.0 is a catamaran that offers ample living space

The cockpit and saloon are on the same level, which creates a large open-plan living area. The saloon has a U-shaped seating area, which can comfortably seat six people, and a large table that can be lowered to create a double berth.

Galley and heads of Bali 4.0

The galley of Bali 4.0 is located aft of the saloon and is well-equipped with a three-burner stove, oven, refrigerator, and sink. The boat has four cabins, each with its own en-suite head and shower. The cabins are spacious and comfortable, and the heads are modern and well-designed.

Performance and handling of Bali 4.0

The Bali 4.0 has a self-tacking jib and a fully battened mainsail, which makes it easy to sail short-handed. The boat is also equipped with a Code 0 sail, which provides additional downwind performance. The boat's helm is responsive and easy to control, and the boat is stable and predictable in a variety of conditions.

Safety and seaworthiness of Bali 4.0

The Bali 4.0 is a seaworthy boat that is designed to be safe and comfortable in a variety of conditions. The boat has a high freeboard, which provides additional safety and protection from waves and spray.

The boat also has a solid foredeck, which provides additional safety when moving around the boat. It is also equipped with a full suite of safety equipment, including life rafts, life jackets, and safety harnesses.

Estimated price range: $500,000 - $600,000

Living space inside Bali 4.3

The Bali 4.3 has a large saloon with panoramic views, plenty of natural light, and a modern design. The saloon is equipped with a large U-shaped sofa, a dining table, and a chart table. The cockpit is also spacious and features a dining table, a sunbathing area, and a helm station.

Galley and heads of Bali 4.3

The galley and heads on the Bali 4.3 are well-designed and offer plenty of space and storage. It is located in the saloon and features a 3-burner stove, an oven, a large refrigerator, and plenty of counter space. The heads are located in each hull and feature a separate shower, electric toilets, and plenty of storage.

The Bali 4.3 is a fast and agile catamaran. It features a self-tacking jib and a square-top mainsail, which make it easy to handle and maneuver. The boat is also equipped with twin engines, which provide good speed and maneuverability.

The Bali 4.3 is a very safe and stable catamaran

The Bali 4.3 features a solid construction, a high freeboard, and a wide beam, which make it very stable and comfortable even in rough seas. The boat is also equipped with a number of safety features, including lifelines, safety harnesses, and life jackets.

Living space of Catana 42

The Catana 42 has a spacious interior layout with plenty of natural light and ventilation. The saloon and cockpit are integrated into one living area, which provides a comfortable and functional living space.

Galley and heads of Catana 42

The galley is located in the port hull and features a three-burner stove, oven, refrigerator, and ample storage space. The heads are located in the starboard hull, with one head serving as the owner's suite en-suite and the other serving the remaining three cabins.

The Catana 42 an excellent performer

The catamaran is designed to be fast and stable, with a high bridge deck clearance and a narrow hull-to-waterline beam ratio. It also has a large sail area, which provides good speed in light winds.

The Catana 42 is built with safety and seaworthiness

The boat is designed to be self-righting in the event of a capsize , and the hulls are foam-filled for added buoyancy. The boat also features a robust construction with a reinforced keel and rudder, making it suitable for offshore cruising.

Estimated price range: $600,000 - $700,000

Living space of Nautitech 46 Open

The Nautitech 46 Open is a spacious and comfortable catamaran that offers ample living space, a well-equipped galley, and multiple heads for convenience. The living area is open and airy, with large windows and plenty of natural light.

Galley and heads of Nautitech 46 Open

The galley is fully equipped with modern appliances and ample storage space, making it easy to prepare meals and entertain guests. The heads are also well-appointed, with modern fixtures and plenty of space for comfort.

Performance and handling of Nautitech 46 Open

The Nautitech 46 Open is a capable and responsive catamaran that is easy to sail and maneuver. The boat's twin hulls provide excellent stability and make it easy to handle in a variety of conditions.

The boat's rig is designed for performance, with a large sail area and a well-balanced design that allows for easy handling and excellent speed.

Safety and seaworthiness of Nautitech 46 Open

The boat is built to the highest standards of safety and durability, with a strong and sturdy construction that can withstand the rigors of offshore sailing. The boat is also equipped with all the necessary safety features, including life rafts, life jackets, and safety harnesses, to ensure that you and your crew stay safe on the water.

Estimated price range: $700,000 - $800,000

Living space inside Lagoon 450F

The Lagoon 450F is a spacious catamaran that offers plenty of room for living and entertaining. The saloon is large and open, with plenty of natural light and ventilation.

The cockpit is also spacious and comfortable, with a large dining table and seating for up to eight people. The cabins are well-designed and offer plenty of storage space, and the bathrooms are modern and well-appointed.

Galley and heads of Lagoon 450F

The Lagoon 450F has a well-equipped galley that is perfect for preparing meals while at sea. The galley features a large refrigerator and freezer, a three-burner stove, an oven, a microwave, and plenty of counter space. The heads are also well-designed and offer plenty of space and privacy.

Performance and handling of Lagoon 450F

The Lagoon 450F is a fast and stable catamaran that is easy to handle. The boat is powered by two Yanmar diesel engines, which provide plenty of power and speed.

The boat is also equipped with a high-performance sail plan, which allows for easy and efficient sailing.

The Lagoon 450F is designed to handle a variety of weather conditions

This boat is built to the highest standards of safety and quality and is equipped with all of the necessary safety equipment, including life rafts, life jackets, and emergency flares.

The boat is also designed to be self-sufficient, with a large water tank and generator, which allows for extended periods of time at sea.

Living space inside Helia 44

The Helia 44 has a spacious and well-designed interior that maximizes living space. The saloon features large windows that provide plenty of natural light and offer stunning views of the surrounding scenery.

The seating area is comfortable and can accommodate up to 8 people. The cabins are also spacious and well-appointed, with plenty of storage space and en-suite bathrooms.

Galley and heads of Helia 44

The galley on the Helia 44 is well-equipped and designed for easy use. It features a large refrigerator, a 3-burner gas stove, an oven, and a microwave. The heads are also well-designed, with separate shower stalls and plenty of storage space.

The Helia 44 is designed for excellent performance and handling

The Helia 44 has a powerful rig and a high aspect ratio sail plan that provides excellent speed and maneuverability. The boat also has a shallow draft, which makes it easy to navigate in shallow waters.

The Helia 44 is built to the highest safety standards

This boat has a solid construction that provides excellent stability and strength. It also features a range of safety equipment, including life rafts, EPIRBs, and fire extinguishers.

Estimated price range: $700,000 - $1,000,000

Living space inside Leopard 48

The Leopard 48 features a spacious saloon with a comfortable seating area and a large dining table. The saloon is surrounded by panoramic windows that provide plenty of natural light and stunning views of the surrounding scenery.

The catamaran also has a large cockpit area with a dining table and comfortable seating, perfect for outdoor dining and relaxation.

Galley and heads of Leopard 48

The galley on the Leopard 48 is well-equipped with modern appliances and ample storage space. It features a large refrigerator, a freezer, a three-burner stove, and an oven. The catamaran also has three heads, each with a shower, sink, and toilet.

Performance and handling of Leopard 48

The Leopard 48 is a high-performance catamaran that is easy to handle and maneuver. It has a powerful sail plan and lightweight construction that allows it to sail smoothly and efficiently even in light winds.

The catamaran is also equipped with a powerful engine that provides excellent speed and maneuverability.

Safety and seaworthiness of Leopard 48

The Leopard 48 is a safe and seaworthy catamaran that is designed to handle even the toughest ocean conditions. It has a sturdy construction and a stable platform that provides excellent stability and safety.

The catamaran is also equipped with modern safety features such as a GPS navigation system, a radar, and an autopilot.

Estimated price range: $600,000 - $900,000

Living space inside Nautitech 46 Fly

The Nautitech 46 Fly is a spacious catamaran that offers plenty of room for living and entertaining. The interior is bright and airy, thanks to large windows and an open floor plan.

There are four cabins and four heads, making it a great option for families or groups of friends. The salon is comfortable and features a dining area and a well-equipped galley.

Galley and heads of Nautitech 46 Fly

The galley on the Nautitech 46 Fly is well-equipped with a refrigerator, freezer, stove, oven, and plenty of counter space. There is also a double sink and a dishwasher. The heads are spacious and comfortable, with separate shower stalls and electric toilets.

Performance and handling of the Nautitech 46 Fly

The Nautitech 46 Fly is a pleasure to sail, with good speed and handling. The boat is responsive and easy to maneuver, even in tight spaces. The twin engines provide plenty of power and make docking and maneuvering a breeze.

The Nautitech 46 Fly is a safe and seaworthy vessel

The boat is designed to handle rough seas and strong winds, making it a great option for offshore sailing. There are also plenty of safety features, including lifelines, safety harnesses, and a well-equipped first aid kit.

Estimated price range: $1,000,000 - $2,000,000

The living space of Catana 50

The living space is designed for comfort and entertainment. The spacious saloon offers panoramic views and ample seating for guests.

The interior is finished with high-quality materials and features modern amenities such as air conditioning, a fully equipped galley, and plenty of storage space. It also has four spacious cabins and four heads, making it ideal for families or groups of friends.

Galley and heads of Catana 50

The galley on the Catana 50 is well-equipped with a large refrigerator, freezer, oven, and stove. The countertops are made of durable and easy-to-clean materials, and there is plenty of storage space for food and cooking utensils. The heads are spacious and feature modern fixtures and finishes.

The Catana 50 is designed for performance and speed

The catamaran's lightweight construction and high-tech materials make it fast and agile, while its twin daggerboards and rudders provide excellent maneuverability and control. The boat is easy to handle, even in challenging conditions, and offers a smooth and comfortable ride.

The Catana 50 is a safe and seaworthy vessel

The catamaran's hull design and construction are engineered to withstand the rigors of offshore sailing, and the boat is equipped with all the necessary safety equipment, including life rafts, EPIRBs, and fire extinguishers.

Need a complete list of safety equipment for your boat ? Here's an article that might be helpful for you.

The vessel also features a high freeboard, wide decks, and a sturdy rigging system, making it a stable and secure platform for sailing in all conditions.

Living space of Lagoon 52

The Lagoon 52 is known for its spacious interior and exterior living areas. The main salon is located on the bridge deck and features a large dining table, comfortable seating, and panoramic views.

The cockpit is also spacious and has plenty of seating for outdoor dining and lounging. The cabins are well-appointed and offer plenty of storage space and natural light.

Galley and heads of Lagoon 52

The galley on the Lagoon 52 is equipped with modern appliances and ample counter space, making it easy to prepare meals for large groups. There are also multiple heads on the boat, each with a shower and toilet, making it convenient for guests to freshen up after a day of exploring.

Performance and handling of Lagoon 52

The Lagoon 52 is designed for optimal performance and handling. It has a powerful sail plan and a lightweight construction that allows it to move swiftly through the water

The boat is also easy to handle, even with a small crew, thanks to its user-friendly design and advanced technology.

Safety and seaworthiness are top priorities on the Lagoon 52

The boat is built to withstand rough seas and harsh weather conditions, with sturdy construction and advanced safety features such as a self-tacking jib and an automatic reefing system.

The boat also has a spacious cockpit and wide decks that make it easy to move around and handle the boat in all conditions:

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Average Cost Of Owning a 40-Foot Catamaran Sailboat

Every boater or boat enthusiast knows that boats come in different sizes and forms. You have boats the size of a small speed boat to some as big as a 60-foot catamaran. And obviously, they would also have different price tags on them and different upkeep and maintenance costs. I mean, you don’t expect the price for a small speed boat and a 60-foot cat to be remotely equal now, would you? Moving to the topic at hand, how much will it cost to own a 40-foot catamaran boat? This is the question that should be on the mind of anyone planning to purchase one. When looking at the cost of owning one, you will have to consider a lot of factors, such as the cost of buying said boat, the cost of maintaining the boat, and living expenses and utilities on the boat.

Buying the Boat 

You should know exactly how much the boat you want to go for costs. There are different types and brands of 40-foot Catamaran Sailboats in the world from different designers, and all of them go for different prices. Therefore, you should research the boats and look for one that fits snugly into your budget. Here is a list of some decent 40-footer vessels and the price they will go for:

• The Bali 4.0: The Bali 4.0 is a modern marvel. She’s a 40-foot cat that combines the most attractive new characteristics of the modern cat, making it desirable. The 2016 model goes for about $391,247.
• The Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40: She is a lovely vessel with a very stylish interior design. She’s lightweight but is smaller in volume than her other models. The Lucia 40 comes in different versions like the Lucia 40 Equator with 4 cabins/4 bathrooms or 4 cabins/2 bathrooms and the Lucia 40 Maestro that has 3 cabins/3 bathrooms or 3 cabins/2 bathrooms. She is priced at around $390,043.
• The Lagoon 400S2: She has decent performance on water with a big interior volume and luxurious accommodation that is spacious enough for a couple to enjoy their sale. The 2016 model goes for about $429,000, while the 2015 model goes for about $335,900.                                                                                                  
• Leopard 40: She is heavier than other catamaran models, but it doesn’t make her any less classy. The bridge deck is lower than those seen on other cats, which allows for more buoyancy. The 2008 version cost about $250,000 while the 2006 version costs about $205,000.  

Please note that the prices listed for all the boats above are estimates, and they vary from dealer to dealer. Also, note that the age of the boat will have a considerable effect on the price.

>>Also Read: 10 Best Catamarans Under 40 Feet

Costs After Buying Your Boat

• Tax: Now, this is something you can’t escape. The amount you have to pay in tax is heavily dependent on the state you reside in. But irrespective of where you stay, there are 3 basic tax fees you have to pay: sales tax, use tax, and personal property tax.
• Insurance: You have to insure your boat just in case. A lot of factors affect insurance, like the age of the boat, length, value, and speed of the boat. For a catamaran sailboat, you need to get boat insurance.
• Fuel and diesel: The amount of fuel a vessel will need depends on the design and size. For example, a 50-gallon (190 litters) tank of fuel can propel a 3-foot sailboat for 300 miles (482.8 km) but will barely last a 40-foot cat going at high speeds for 33 miles (53.11 km). However, this cost depends highly on you based on how much you use the wind and your sails as a means of propulsion. 
• Mooring: Where you decide to dock your boat has a significant impact on your finances. Mooring is a time-based charge that is applied to all vessels for staying in a marina. The cost of mooring depends on a lot of factors, like where you decide to dock, the type of vessel you want to dock, and how long you want the boat to stay on the marina. For docking a 40-foot cat, you could spend $12,042 yearly in a popular marina with long waiting lists. The price drops for marinas with little or no waiting lists. Also, the bigger the boat, the more expensive the mooring fee will be. A lot of marinas offer additional services on top of the basic package. Of course, this will also incur additional costs. Another aspect of owning a cat that costs money is the maintenance of the boat. When the cat sets sail, it’s exposed to the harsh marine environment, which is detrimental in the long run to the boat. Hence, it is necessary for regular checks, repairs, and replacements to be done to the boat.

>>Also Read: 10 Best Catamaran Brands

Maintenance Costs to Consider

• Washing the vessel: washing the boat regularly is very important. Keep the boat neat and attractive.
• Cleaning the rails.
• Inspecting and washing sails of the boat, including fixing any tear or damage to the sail.
• Ventilation of the interior parts of the yacht.
• Maintenance of the boat plumbing system.
• Clearing the sewage tank.
• Regularly scrubbing up the barnacles that are stuck on the bottom of the hull. Do not forget to check for cracks and chips. Also, treat the bottom with anti-fouling coating polishing for the hull. You could hire professional divers to help with cleaning the bottom.
• Polishing the hull: You need to remember to polish or even repaint the hulls of the boat when the paint starts washing off or wears out. Before polishing, make sure to inspect the hull for any damage. 
• Do not forget to take care of the engine of the boat; always do regular checks on the oil level and clean the filter.
• Take care of the boat battery and replace it when the battery is out of commission.
• For the interior parts of the boat, the vinyl furniture in the boat has to be cleaned several times in a season. Also, remember to use the correct cleaners, or else you could cause more damage and incur more costs. To reupholster a piece of vinyl furniture, for example, would cost around $500 to $3,500.

You will also have to put enough money into the safety of the crew or the family aboard. You have to purchase life jackets, paddle horns and signal flares, marine binoculars, and waterproof materials in case of an emergency.

In addition, you will have to pay for basic utilities like electricity, cable, garbage disposal, and clearing out the sewage. In some cases, you might even have to pay for storage. However, you can’t really put a specific price for the above list because there are too many variables in place.

>>Also Read: Catamarans vs Monohulls: Which is Better a Better Sailboat For You?

Average Cost Of Owning a 40-Foot Catamaran Sailboat – Final Thoughts

In conclusion, owning a 40-foot catamaran sailboat might seem like an awesome and flush idea at the beginning. However, boat enthusiasts and prospective buyers out there should always keep in mind that there will always be additional costs that come with keeping and maintaining the boat so that it remains in its prime condition. Many brokers/people who sell boats would advise any prospective buyer to rent or charter the vessel for a while to get a feel for the responsibilities and work that comes with owning a boat before you finally decide to buy the boat. 

As you can probably imagine by now, there is not a clear answer to this question. However, the most accurate answer would be that  the cost of owning and maintaining a 40-Foot Catamaran Sailboat is around 10% of its purchase price. Meaning that if you buy a $300,000 catamaran, it will run you around $30,000 to own.

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

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How Big Is A Catamaran? (Here’s What You Need To Know)

Catamarans are rapidly growing in popularity as a recreational boat option, but many people don’t know what size catamaran to buy.

Whether you’re considering purchasing a catamaran for the first time or you’re a seasoned sailor looking to upgrade your boat, understanding catamaran size is essential.

In this article, we’ll give you an overview of catamarans, the benefits of owning one, different types of catamarans, factors that affect size, and average sizes of catamarans.

We’ll also discuss how to customize your catamaran and what safety and maintenance considerations you need to keep in mind.

Read on to find out everything you need to know about catamaran size.

Table of Contents

Short Answer

Catamarans come in a variety of sizes, ranging from small, single-person vessels to large, ocean-going vessels.

The length of a catamaran can range from 8-50 feet, with the average size being between 20-30 feet.

Bigger catamarans can have multiple cabins and berths and can even be used for overnight trips.

Overview of Catamarans

Catamarans have been around for centuries, and they are still widely used today for recreational and commercial purposes.

Catamarans are two-hulled boats that are typically powered by an outboard motor or sail.

They are usually made of either wood or fiberglass, and feature two parallel hulls connected by a bridge.

This design allows them to provide better stability and speed than traditional monohull boats.

Catamarans are also incredibly versatile, and can be outfitted with a variety of amenities to suit any type of voyage.

When it comes to size, catamarans come in a wide range.

The average size of a catamaran ranges from 16 to 50 feet, but larger vessels can reach up to 100 feet or more.

Smaller vessels are typically used for day trips and short cruises, while larger boats can hold up to 12 people and can be used for extended cruises.

Some larger catamarans even come equipped with kitchens, bedrooms, and other amenities for extended journeys.

No matter the size, catamarans offer superior stability and performance on the water.

They are also more fuel efficient than monohull boats, and can often reach higher speeds.

Catamarans are also often more cost-effective than monohulls, and can provide a great value for the money.

Benefits of Owning a Catamaran

The benefits of owning a catamaran are numerous.

For starters, they are incredibly stable, making them ideal for extended cruises on the open water.

They are also incredibly fast, with some speeds reaching up to 18 knots.

This makes them perfect for getting to your destination quickly and efficiently.

Additionally, catamarans are known for their spaciousness, making them ideal for larger groups looking to spend time on the water.

Many larger catamarans have luxurious amenities such as onboard kitchens and bathrooms, giving you all the comforts of home while youre on the water.

Finally, catamarans are incredibly fuel efficient, so you wont have to worry about spending too much money on fuel.

All in all, owning a catamaran can be a great way to explore the open water.

With their stability, speed, spaciousness, and fuel efficiency, they provide an ideal solution for those looking to spend time out on the water.

Whether youre looking for a small day trip boat or a large luxury vessel for extended cruises, catamarans come in a variety of sizes that are sure to suit your needs.

Types of Catamarans

Catamarans come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small recreational boats to large luxury vessels.

Smaller boats are typically used for day trips, while larger boats can be used for extended cruises.

Catamarans offer both stability and speed, and can be outfitted with a variety of amenities.

The most common type of catamaran is the sailing catamaran, which is characterized by its two hulls connected by a central deck.

This type of boat is typically used for racing, cruising, and fishing.

It has the advantage of greater stability than a single-hull boat, as well as increased speed due to its shallow draft.

Power catamarans are another type of vessel, which are usually motor-driven and typically used for recreational activities such as fishing, cruising, and watersports.

Power catamarans are typically larger than sailing catamarans, and they offer greater stability and speed than a single-hull boat.

Catamaran sizes can range from 16 feet to 50 feet or more.

Smaller vessels are generally used for day trips, while larger boats can hold up to 12 people and be used for extended cruises.

Smaller catamarans are more maneuverable, while larger vessels offer more space and comfort.

When selecting a catamaran, it is important to consider your intended use and the size of your crew.

Smaller boats are better suited for day trips, while larger boats are better for extended cruises.

Additionally, consider the amenities that you want on board.

Catamarans can be outfitted with a variety of amenities, from sleeping and cooking accommodations to entertainment systems.

No matter what type of catamaran you choose, you will enjoy the stability and speed of this unique type of vessel.

With a variety of sizes and amenities available, you can find the perfect boat for your next adventure.

Factors That Affect Catamaran Size

When it comes to catamarans, size does matter.

The size of a catamaran will have a direct impact on how it performs on the water, as well as the amenities it can offer.

There are a few key factors that can determine the size of a catamaran, including the number of passengers, the type of activities you plan to do, and the type of vessel you are looking for.

The number of passengers is one of the most important factors when it comes to determining the size of a catamaran.

Smaller vessels are generally best suited for day trips or short cruises with a limited number of passengers, while larger vessels can accommodate up to 12 passengers for extended trips.

The type of activities you plan to do also plays a role in what size catamaran you should choose.

If you plan to do a lot of sailing, a larger vessel with more space may be better suited for your needs.

On the other hand, if you plan to do more fishing or pleasure cruising, a smaller vessel may be better.

Lastly, the type of vessel you are looking for can also be a determining factor in the size of a catamaran.

If you are looking for a luxurious vessel with plenty of amenities, a larger catamaran is the way to go.

However, if you are looking for a more economical option, a smaller vessel may be more suitable.

No matter what size catamaran you are looking for, there are a variety of options available.

Knowing the key factors that affect the size of a catamaran can help you make the right choice for your needs.

Average Sizes of Catamarans

When it comes to the size of a catamaran, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

The average size of a catamaran ranges from 16 to 50 feet, with smaller vessels typically used for day trips and larger boats for extended cruises.

Small catamarans can range from 16 to around 40 feet, while larger boats can reach up to 50 feet and higher.

For general cruising, the popular sizes of catamarans range from 40 to 50 feet.

This size is large enough to comfortably fit a family of four or more, and can feature amenities such as a full galley, a spacious salon, and multiple cabins.

For day trips, smaller catamarans in the 16 to 40-foot range are usually the best option.

These boats are typically faster than their larger counterparts and can accommodate up to 12 people.

Smaller catamarans are also easier to maneuver and require less maintenance, making them ideal for short trips.

In addition to size, catamarans also come in a variety of styles and designs.

Some are designed for racing, while others are built for cruising.

Racing catamarans are usually smaller and lighter, with a focus on speed and agility.

Cruising catamarans are typically larger and more luxurious, with features such as air conditioning and satellite TV.

No matter what size you choose, a catamaran can provide you with a unique and enjoyable boating experience.

With its stability and speed, a catamaran is the perfect choice for a day trip or an extended cruise.

So, how big is a catamaran? The answer depends on your needs and preferences, but the average size is between 16 and 50 feet.

Customizing a Catamaran

When it comes to catamarans, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

The size of a catamaran depends on its intended purpose and the number of people it will be accommodating.

Smaller catamarans are often used for day trips and recreational activities, while larger vessels are often used for extended cruises and can accommodate up to 12 people.

When customizing a catamaran, there are a number of features you can select from to ensure your vessel is perfectly suited to your needs.

For example, you can choose from a variety of amenities such as air conditioning, a television, a kitchen, and a bathroom.

You can also select from a range of materials such as fiberglass, Kevlar, and carbon fiber.

In addition, the design of the catamaran can be customized to your needs.

For example, you may opt for a more luxurious catamaran with an open-plan design or a more practical catamaran with a more enclosed design.

The size of the hulls and the number of deck levels can also be adjusted to suit your needs.

Finally, the propulsion system of a catamaran can be customized to maximize its efficiency.

Outboard motors, inboard motors, and sailboats are all popular propulsion systems for catamarans.

Each type of propulsion system offers its own advantages and disadvantages, so its important to consider your needs before making a decision.

By taking the time to customize a catamaran, you can ensure that your vessel is perfectly suited to your needs and will provide you with the experience of a lifetime.

Maintenance and Safety Considerations

When it comes to catamarans, size definitely matters.

Not only does the size of a catamaran determine how many people it can accommodate, but it also affects the maintenance and safety considerations that go along with owning and operating one of these vessels.

Larger catamarans require more upkeep, including regularly scheduled maintenance of the hull, motor, and other components.

They also require more attention to safety, as bigger boats can be more difficult to handle in rough waters or high winds.

On the flip side, smaller catamarans require less maintenance and are more maneuverable, making them ideal for day trips or shorter cruises.

No matter the size of the catamaran, safety should always be a priority.

Before setting out on a voyage, make sure the vessel is properly equipped with life jackets, fire extinguishers, and other essential safety gear.

Additionally, all crew members should be familiar with boating safety protocols.

Knowing how to handle the vessel in adverse conditions is essential to staying safe on the water.

It is also important to keep an eye on the weather and be aware of any changes that could affect the catamarans performance.

For example, high winds can create choppy waters and make it more difficult to maneuver larger vessels.

It is always best to err on the side of caution and check the forecast before heading out.

Finally, it is important to be aware of the catamarans draft.

The draft is the depth of the water required for the vessel to float, and it is affected by the size of the catamaran.

Shallow waters require vessels with a shallow draft, while deeper waters require deeper drafts.

Knowing the draft of the catamaran is essential for safe navigation in any part of the world.

By taking into account the size of the catamaran, as well as the maintenance and safety considerations that come along with it, catamaran owners can ensure a safe and enjoyable voyage.

With the right preparation and knowledge of the vessels capabilities, catamaran owners can have a great time out on the water.

Final Thoughts

Catamarans are a great option for those looking for a reliable, stable, and speedy vessel.

With a variety of sizes available, there is sure to be something that will perfectly fit your needs, whether it’s for a day trip or an extended cruise.

With the right customization, maintenance, and safety considerations, you can enjoy the perfect catamaran experience.

So, if you’re considering buying a catamaran, now you know how big to make it!

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

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Buying a Charter Catamaran

• By Tim Murphy
• Updated: August 26, 2019

There’s one math problem that almost no boat owner ever wants to calculate: cost of ownership divided by actual days spent sailing. A stance of cheerful delusion might be the best way to accept the hard answer.

This is the problem charter yacht-ownership programs are designed to solve. If you talk with folks who’ve spent many years in the business of selling new boats into charter fleets and operating those fleets, you can expect to hear several cautionary themes: A sailboat is a depreciating asset; owning a charter boat is more a lifestyle choice than a financial investment; beware the aggressive tax-benefit pitch. Yet, by and large, they agree on this: If you love sailing and love traveling but you know that—for the next five years, at least—you won’t be able to devote more than four or eight or maybe even 12 weeks to it, placing a boat in charter will substantially offset the cost of owning it.

Consider this ballpark example from Dream Yacht Charter’s new Fractional Program, introduced this past fall. You put down roughly $200,000 for a 25 percent share in a new 45-foot Bali 4.5 catamaran. In exchange, for the five-year agreement, Dream Yacht covers all of the boat’s operating expenses (dockage, maintenance, insurance and so on), and you receive five weeks’ use on any similar boat at any of Dream Yacht’s 50 bases around the world. Every year of the contract, Dream Yacht sends you 5 percent of your buy-in price: $10,000 per year, or $50,000 over five years. Toward the end of the term, Dream Yachts lists the boat on the open market. If it sells before the end of the charter agreement, you receive your portion of the proceeds. If it doesn’t, Dream Yacht guarantees a 40 percent minimum buy-back value at resale, or $80,000. According to this math ($50,000 plus $80,000), by the end of the five-year term, you get $130,000 back from your original investment, and your total cost amounts to $70,000.

Now here’s where the sailing comes in. The average cost of chartering a Bali 4.5 is about $8,000 per week. The value of chartering a Bali 4.5 for two weeks per year over five years comes to $80,000; four weeks per year, $160,000; five weeks per year, $200,000. The takeaway: If you can go sailing for four weeks a year, with this program, you receive $160,000 in value for the $70,000 you spent. (And the ratio looks better still if you can get out sailing for five weeks a year.)

We’ve looked into the ownership programs offered by several of the major charter companies and charter-management companies around the world. These can be roughly divided into two categories: guaranteed income, or passive models; and variable income, or active models (in which you assume more of a role in managing your boat as a business). In addition, many charter companies offer other programs adapted to such special circumstances as crewed charters, fractional ownership, and special circumstances for particular countries. Each company has its particular quirks; we’ll aim to give an overview from which you can start your own conversations.

The Passive Model: Guaranteed Income

Full-scale bareboat chartering is just over 50 years old. Before that, you could always find a boat to charter directly from its owner or from a small mom-and-pop operation. But the business as we’d recognize it today began when Jack van Ost founded Caribbean Sailing Charters in Tortola in 1967. Dick Jachney soon followed with Caribbean Yacht Charters in St. Thomas, then Charlie and Ginny Cary started the Moorings in Tortola in 1969.

Jean Larroux has been with the Moorings, on and off, since 1976. Now the company’s yacht sales manager, Larroux is credited with creating the “guaranteed income” model that has become the most popular plan among the world’s largest charter companies.

“Before Ronald Reagan changed the tax laws in 1986, we used to sell basically only variable programs,” Larroux said. “But as the Moorings’ fleet grew, the appetite for boats was such that it was difficult with the variable program to find enough buyers. We sell 150 to 200 boats a year. So we found that to be able to sell that number of boats, we had to focus mainly on a program in which there was virtually no risk.”

The Moorings Guaranteed Income program works like this: You buy the boat and pay the registration fee. The Moorings leases it back for an agreed-upon term—more or less than 60 months, scheduled so the boat doesn’t come out of service during the chartering high season. During that period, the Moorings pays you 9 percent of the purchase price annually, broken into monthly installments. Those payments do not depend on how often your particular boat has been chartered. The company covers all operating costs: dockage, insurance and maintenance. As for sailing, the Moorings offers you as much as 12 weeks of chartering each year, depending on the season, and allows you to use any equivalent boat at any of the company’s bases. The only cost to you is a nominal turnaround fee to cover consumables (water, ice and fuel) each time you start a charter trip.

A ballpark example might look like this: You purchase a 50-foot Moorings 5000 catamaran for $1,000,000. You put down 25 percent and finance $750,000 for 15 years at 6 percent interest. Your monthly payment on the loan comes to about $6,300; each month, the Moorings pays you $7,463 for the lease. If you apply the entire fee to the loan each month, by the end of the term, you’ll owe $505,460. The Moorings estimates the boat’s resale value after five years at $580,000. And, as in our earlier example, the true value comes in sailing weeks—as much as $550,000 worth of chartering over those five years.

Nowadays, most large charter companies and some smaller ones offer a version of the guaranteed-income model. One constraint of this model is the charter company is likely to require that you spec out the boat for optimum charter appeal. If a 45-footer is offered with three cabins or four, for example, it’s likely that you’ll need to go with four. Compare companies.

The charter company you choose might steer you toward a particular make of catamaran. The Moorings sells mainly Robertson & Caine catamarans, branded as either Moorings or Sunsail boats. Dream Yacht sells Bali, Fountaine-Pajot and Lagoon. Horizon Yacht Charters sells Nautitech, Lagoon and Fountaine-Pajot. Navigare sells Fountaine-Pajot, Lagoon, Nautitech and Sunreef.

The Active Model: Variable Income

Before the advent of guaranteed-income programs, ­virtually all charter arrangements were on the variable-income model, and most companies still offer some version of it today. In this case, the costs and proceeds of chartering begin and end with your particular boat. It offers the flexibility for you to either use your boat more often—or use it less, and potentially make more money from it. It also gives you an active role of running your boat as a business, which might have tax implications. (There are no tax breaks for such passive investments as the guaranteed-income model.)

The Catamaran Company is a charter-management company that works exclusively on the variable-income model. Whereas guaranteed-income programs might dictate the way your boat will be laid out and appointed, CatCo offers its owners unlimited choice. “What is always going to charter best,” said Hugh Murray, CEO of CatCo, “is the boat you can put more people on for the cheaper price. So the income projections for an owner buying a four-cabin boat will be higher than for the owner of a three-cabin boat. But in a lot of cases, our owners are likely to want fewer weeks rather than more weeks.”

With a variable program, the boat owner covers all the costs of operating the boat, and the charter operator splits all the income from charters, with the larger portion going to the owner. Horizon Yacht Charters splits 80 percent (to the owner)/20 percent (to the company). CatCo splits 77 percent/23 percent. Dream Yachts and the Moorings split 65 percent/35 percent.

Typically, the charter operator sends the boat owner a statement every month, detailing the charter revenue and the boat’s expenses (docking, water, maintenance, turnaround, electricity, repairs, cleaning and laundry). This statement comes with either a check or a bill. “It goes both ways,” Murray said, “depending on what time of year their boat arrives in the fleet. If a boat arrives in December and starts chartering immediately, you’ll start to get good revenue. If your boat arrives in July, and there’s very little happening in August, September and October, you’re getting a bill.” On average, he says most owners see a return of 9 or 10 percent of the boat’s purchase price per year.

What about tax breaks? Jean Larroux told me that the Moorings does not actively market them as an incentive. “It’s marginal whether you’ll survive a tax audit,” he said.

Others I spoke to concur. “We do not market the tax benefits whatsoever,” Murray said. “If somebody wishes to do it, we’re happy to refer them to tax consultants.”

That said, each person I spoke to said they had some clients who were able to make tax benefits work with a variable program. “That’s exactly the difference between our guaranteed-income and our Performance programs,” said Eric Macklin, yacht sales manager for Dream Yacht Charter, referring to the name Dream Yacht gives to its variable-revenue model. The IRS, Macklin says, sets two benchmarks. The first is that the boat owner has to be “actively participating” in the business. The second is that the owner has to show the intention and the ability to earn a profit. As others do, he recommends working closely with a tax adviser first.

The takeaway is that a variable-revenue program might offer you more flexibility in every aspect of owning a boat in charter service: how you spec your boat, how often you use your boat, and how active you’d like to be in the business.

Alternative Models

While the guaranteed-income and variable-income programs are the most popular, ask the charter company about others too. At the top of the piece, we looked at one of these: Dream Yacht’s new Fractional Program, which allows you to buy into part of a boat. Most companies offer programs adapted to setting up your boat for crewed charters, with different levels of involvement from you in the hiring of crew and the marketing of the boat. Ask the Moorings about its Option to Purchase program for boats in such countries as Greece or Thailand, where strict citizenship laws apply; or ask Dream Yacht Charter about its Forward Sale program. Horizon Yacht Charters offers what it calls “the ultimate test sail.” You can charter a boat for up to a week; if within three months you decide to purchase a boat from them, they’ll deduct the cost of the charter from the purchase price.

Whether or not you put your boat in charter service, the reckoning of cost per use always works better the more you sail. But by starting with an honest estimate of how much time you’ll actually get to go sailing—particularly if it’s limited to something between four and 12 weeks a year—putting your boat into charter service might help you suspend the delusions and face the math more cheerfully. Even rationally.

Tim Murphy is a Cruising World editor-at-large.

Charter Companies and Programs

The following list is a selection of the charter companies that ­contributed to this article:

Dream Yacht Charter Horizon Yacht Charters Navigare Sunsail The Moorings

The following is a list of charter-management companies that contributed:

Atlantic Cruising Yachts The Catamaran Company CYOA Sail Caribe/Atlas Yacht Sales TMM/Tortola Marine Management

For more details, see Cruising World ‘s Owning a Charter Sailboat

Charter-Ownership Programs

The Catamaran Company: founded 1989; sells Fountaine-Pajot, Gemini, Lagoon and Nautitech cats, each spec’d by the owner. The charter-management operation has one base in the BVI, operating 31 boats at press time. Active model: variable income, based on your particular boat.

Dream Yacht Charter: founded in 2000; sells Bali, ­Fountaine-Pajot and Lagoon cats. Offers guaranteed-income, variable-­income, fractional and crewed-yacht programs. The charter company has more than 1,000 boats in service at 50 bases around the world.

Horizon Yacht Charters: founded 1998; sells Fountaine-Pajot, Lagoon and Nautitech cats. Guaranteed income or split-­revenue programs available. The charter company operates 120 boats at three bases in the Caribbean.

Navigare: founded in 2001; Offices in Sweden, Croatia and the Caribbean; Sells Fountaine-Pajot, Lagoon, Nautitech and Sunreef cats. Guaranteed-income or variable-income programs available, among others. The company operates 300 boats in nine countries, with a strong presence in Europe.

The Moorings/Sunsail: The Moorings was founded in 1969. Now, together with Sunsail, the company is owned by Travelopia, a travel company that comprises 50 brands, specializing in sailing, safaris, sports tours and Arctic expeditions. The Moorings and Sunsail sell catamarans built by Robertson & Caine in Cape Town, South Africa. These boats are branded according to their use: A 45-footer for private ownership is branded as a Leopard 45; for charter, a Moorings 4500 or a Sunsail 454. For a limited time, the Moorings is also selling Lagoon cats. Guaranteed-income or variable-income programs available, among others. The company operates 840 charter boats at more than 20 bases around the world. Every year it brings between 150 and 200 new boats into its fleet.

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Story by Andrew Holland / September 7, 2018

When you are starting your search for a catamaran, one of the first and most important questions you need to ask yourself in your search for the right catamaran is “What is my budget?” Usually, however, trying to answer this question will only lead to more questions on asking price, costs of dockage, repairs, offseason storage, insurance and any of the other costs that might come with boat ownership. To help put some of these items in perspective, we put together this guide to help you successfully determine a proper budget and to outline some of the costs you will incur after the purchase. However, if there is a consistent in yacht sales, it is in the inconsistency. Each yacht sale is an individual transaction with it’s own set of circumstances and it’s own story, so exact costs will vary in each transaction, however this cost outline attempts to provide you with a tentative guide on what to expect.

Asking Price vs. Sales Price

When of the most common questions we are asked from potential buyers is “How much can I expect the seller to negotiate off of their asking price?”. To the surprise of some buyers, there is no typical percentage that a seller will negotiate off their asking price. In some cases a seller may accept an offer at 50% of their total asking price, in others a seller may not be willing to negotiate off their asking price in the slightest. Now, does this mean that the boat that accepted an offer price at 50% off their asking was a better deal? Not necessarily. It may simply mean that this seller was drastically overpriced from the start and had to negotiate that far off of their asking price. Further, the seller that may not be negotiating off their asking price at all may have the boat at an asking price that is far below market value and is a tremendous value as is.

In the end, asking prices means very little. What is most important is the True Market Value of the given yacht according to market dynamics and the condition of the vessel. Determining the True Market Value of a given yacht can be done by having your broker perform a personal inspection of the yacht and having them compare the yacht to others currently on the market of a similar vintage while also factoring in the sold comparables for that particular make and model in the current market. After having this information, you should successfully be able to determine a True Market Value for the boat and feel confident in making offers.

It is important to understand that these sold figures and comparables are not available to the general public, so it is important to contact your broker to help attain the true market value of your vessel of interest.

Survey and Haul Out

After you have successfully placed a boat under contract, the first thing you will have to arrange payment for is the survey and haul of the boat.

Below is a cost breakdown of costs according to several surveyors we have used in the past in several locations to give you an idea of the general cost of the surveyor in these areas:;

Jonathan Sands Certified Marine Surveyor, Florida +1 (954) 881-5588

• Boats under 60 feet: $25 / foot
• Boats over 60 feet: Based on quote

Brian Stetler Certified Marine Surveyor, Florida +1 (561) 312-7544

• Boats under 42 feet: $22 / foot
• Boats over 42 feet: $25 / foot
• (price may increase based on age and complexity of boat)
• (price may increase based on travel expenses)

Peter Muir Certified Marine Surveyor, Florida +1 (877) 787-8398 Flat rate prices, unless quotes are being used for insurance purposes.

• Usual rate: $1,500 / day
• Smaller boat rate: $1,250-$1,350 / day
• Over 65 feet: $1,650 / day
• Over 80-90 feet: 2 days; $1500 / day

For insurance and bank surveys:

• Condition and Value (New Boat): $18 / foot
• Condition and Value (Old Boat): $20 / foot

Caribbean Marine Surveys Bill Bailey and Benson Baker Virgin Islands +1 (284) 494-2091

• Local old or new boat under 50 feet: $28 / foot
• Local old or new boat over 50 feet: $1,600 / day
• Non-local old or new boat: $1,600 / day + travel

Flying Fish Ventures Bob Goodchild Grenada +1 (473) 407-4388

For insurance purposes:

• Boats under 40 feet: $560
• Boats over 40 feet: $14 / foot
• More complex boats and older boats: Based on quote

Secondly, during the survey, you will need to arrange for a “Survey Short Haul” of the boat. For clarity, a Survey Short Haul is a brief haulout of the boat so that the surveyor is able to inspect the bottom for any damage or water incursion below the waterline. Below is a cost breakdown of several marinas in the United States and Caribbean.

Lauderdale Marine Center Florida +1 (954) 713-0333

• Up to 21 foot beam: $10 / foot
• Up to 30 foot beam: $20 / foot
• These rates are for up to 3 hours.

Broward Marine Florida +1 (954) 927-4119

• First Hour: $12 / foot
• Each Additional Hour: $175
• Maximum Beam of 27 feet

Georgetown Yacht Basin Maryland +1 (410) 648-5112

• First 30-40 minutes: $10.50 / foot
• Cost is situational and may vary
• Price may increase after first 30-40 minutes
• Maximum Beam of 30 feet

Grenada Marine Grenada +1 (473) 407-2090

• Rate by foot: $6.50 / foot + “In Sling Charge”
• Additional “In Sling Charge”: $150 / hour
• Maximum Beam of 33 feet

Nanny Cay British Virgin Islands +1 (284) 494-2512

• Rate by foot: $9 / foot
• With hull wash: $5 / foot additional charge
• Maximum Beam of 32 feet

Gambol Industries California +1 (562) 901-2470 Sliding scale based on boat length

• 38 foot boat: $343 – about $9.02 / foot
• 45 foot boat: $420 – about $9.33 / foot
• Maximum Beam of 40 feet

Additional Costs of Survey will include: Airfare, Lodging and Food for +/- 2 days

Yearly insurance on the boat will run on average at about 1.5% of the value of the boat. The cost of insuring a catamaran is based on hull value, location, and type of use of the boat. These rates include $1M liability and medical insurance.

Catamarans Insured for Private Use

In the Hurricane Zone (Florida, Bahamas, Caribbean) Annual insurance in this region will generally cost you 1.5%-1.7% of the hull value. Outside the Hurricane Zone (North of Florida) Annual insurance in this region will generally cost you 0.8%-0.9% of the hull value. California and Pacific Islands Annual insurance in this region will generally cost you 2.0% of the hull value. In the Mediterranean Annual insurance in this region will generally cost you 1.0% of the hull value.

Catamarans Insured for Charter Use

Insurance for a Chartering Catamaran will cost up to 2% on average.

Catamarans Insured for Ocean Crossings

Above rates apply, however there is an additional “One Time Crossing Fee” that will cost you $500-$1,000. Pacific Ocean crossings may raise your annual insurance rates. The yearly cost of dockage will be dependent on how often you are indeed at the docks. If you are able to anchor out, there is little to no cost involved. If you will be staying on the docks, the cost can rise dramatically and quickly. A quick suggestion to keep these costs down is to invest in a high quality dinghy that enables you to drop anchor and get into shore comfortably and quickly. A high quality dinghy will pay itself off in no time.

Yearly Service, Repairs and Winterization

The yearly service and repair costs of a catamaran can vary greatly depending on the age and condition of the vessel. This yearly guide only takes into account for yearly maintenance, and not necessarily major upgrades that may need to be made, or major issues that may be revealed during a survey.

The yearly service and repairs for a 2-5 year old boat in average to above average condition will run between $3,000 – $5,000. This cost includes yearly haul out, bottom paint, changing zinc anodes as well as other miscellaneous items that may arise.

Yearly Storage

Dependent on location you are storing the boat, yearly long term storage on the hard could vary greatly. The quotes below are provided by TMC partner, Grenada Marine.

• 0-120 days US $0.57 per foot/day
• 121+ days US $0.52 per foot/day

Read The Original

About Andrew Holland

• Seller's Guide To Yacht Sales
• How Much Will That Catamaran Really Cost Me?
• What Does Not For Sale In US Waters To US Residents Mean?
• Catamaran Depreciation

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Articles By Andrew Holland

• What are the Best Sails for a Cruising Catamaran?
• What is a Cracked Bulkhead?
• What Size Generator Suits my A/C Needs?
• How Should I Flag my Boat?
• What is an Offshore Closing?
• Can I Avoid Paying the Duty on my Boat?
• The Five Steps to Getting a Good Deal on a Used Catamaran
• How Do I Import and Pay Duty on a Boat?
• HOW MUCH WILL THAT CATAMARAN REALLY COST ME?
• INSURANCE TIPS
• GETTING THE BEST PRICE WHEN SELLING YOUR CATAMARAN
• SELLER'S GUIDE TO YACHT SALES
• WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VESSEL SURVEYS
• WHAT DOES NOT FOR SALE IN US WATERS TO A US RESIDENT MEAN?

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Your team delivered on every mark. You’ve got an amazing broker in Mark Wattrus and I’m confident you will have continued success moving forward together. He was available 24/7 whenever I had questions. We had a great initial visit on the boat and his marketing plan and photos were superb

I bought a yacht that I had never seen. I did this because I trusted my broker Andrew Holland. It was not an easy job for Andrew, as I am an experienced boat builder and owner of previous yachts, but work in West Africa. Imagine how hard it was to communicate what I was looking for. Andrew came up with exactly what I wanted. He dealt with time delays, all my questions at odd hours, and was there for the survey. He reported honestly and professionally. After buying the yacht, I arrived at the boat on a Sunday night, after dark, after travelling from West Africa to the Caribbean, and found it was better than expected. He never pulled punches and made me aware of shortfalls. I expected to spend my one month leave working on the boat, but actually spent less than one week, and was able to spend 3 weeks sailing – wonderful bonus.

Thank you Andrew for putting up with all my questions, all my worries and all my crazy out of the time zone concerns – you were totally professional, but also I know that if and when we meet up, it will be like a friend finally meeting. You are always welcome on Aseka.

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Outstanding company with professional subject matter experts. If I were to buy or sell cruising sailboat, particularly a catamaran, Andrew would be my go to broker.

I have been sailing since I was a child and attended Massachusetts Maritime Academy. But when my wife and I began the process of purchasing an ocean cruising/racing catamaran, I realized that this is a world unto itself. Obviously, we needed to find someone knowledgeable to help us make an informed decision. More importantly, we needed someone honest and willing to put our interests before his or her own. I was lucky to work with Phil Berman at The Multihull Company. He repeatedly shunned the fast buck, choosing instead to work the long road to connect us with the “perfect boat”. I would be glad to recommend Phil and his company to anyone planning to purchase or sell a performance sailing machine.

— Eric Boutiette

Andrew Hodgdon was our broker when we bought our 2018 Lagoon 450F in Antigua in April 2922. He provided great service and was very attentive to our needs. We would highly recommend Andrew and the Multihull Company.

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Advice of any kind is valuable only when grounded in hard-won expertise. It too, must be trustworthy. Trust and expertise define the heart and soul of The Multihull Company. We are a team of skilled professionals who thrive on providing expert, trustworthy advice and service to catamaran and trimaran sailors around the globe.

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Benefits of Catamaran Ownership: Everything You Need to Know

Discover the advantages of owning a catamaran..

Catamarans are one of the most-loved options when it comes to recreational boats. Unlike most boats which feature one hull–the bottom “shell” of the boat that lies on the water–a catamaran is a type of boat that has two parallel hulls. A very popular option among boaters, there are many advantages to cruising with–and owning–a catamaran. Besides their smooth ride and laidback feel, these boats are also more fuel efficient and faster than their monohull counterparts. Read on to discover all the benefits of owning a catamaran.

Due to their two hulls, which offer a wider base and better balance than monohull boats, catamaran boats are recognized for their stability. With a wide beam, the weight and displacement of these boats are better distributed, offering a smoother ride. There is also much less direct contact with the water, which also allows for a more stable ride since the effects of rough seas and waves are felt less. In the same regard, sailing catamarans do not tend to heel the way monohulls do when the wind fills their sails. All in all, a catamaran is better able to remain balanced on the water, regardless of the weather conditions. This makes them a good option for passengers who might be prone to seasickness, as well as families with young children (or older family members)–and generally anyone looking to enjoy a comfortable cruise.

Featured Catamaran: 82′ McConaghy Boats 2023 locate d in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and represented by Denison yacht broker Michael J. Johnson

Due to their lower drag–as a result of narrower hulls–in comparison to monohull boats, catamarans can often reach faster speeds. Another reason catamarans are generally faster is that they are usually lighter weight and also have lower wetted surface area, enhancing their speed. Because of this, catamarans can be a preferred option for cruising and racing. Denison yacht broker Mike Kiely , a long-time broker who knows all about catamarans, adds that, in particular, “sailing catamarans can sail half the speed of the wind, depending upon their angle.” Catamarans have a definite advantage on downwind sailing, especially.

Featured Catamaran: 85′ JFA 2018 NDSE located in Charleston, South Carolina and represented by Denison yacht broker David Johnson

Compared to monohull boats of the same length, catamarans often provide more space aboard. With two-hull’s-worth of space, the interior layouts aboard catamarans can be very spacious, using clever configurations to fit in more staterooms and other perks like extra closet space or a unique workspace. Because of their design, often cabins aboard catamarans have more headroom. The main salon is also often much more spacious than aboard regular monohulls since there is a vast open space across the beam, giving more room to gathering areas and entertaining spaces. All this can be great advantages for big families or a large party that needs more room to roam around onboard–especially for overnight stays.

Featured Catamaran: 38′ Excess 2023 STOCK located in San Diego, California and represented by Denison yacht broker Kurt Jerman

Catamarans can often enter shallower waters and anchorages since they usually have a smaller draft than monohull boats. While some monohulls can’t get close to shore–some even needing to anchor out in the water and tender passengers to land–catamarans can usually get right onto the beach. Some of the most fun of cruising on a catamaran is pulling up on the sand and hopping off the side–it’s a big part of the experience. Plus, the ease of access not only is more convenient but allows for more time to enjoy. The shallow draft is a great benefit, especially when traveling to tropical destinations where the closer you can get to the beach, the better. Catamarans can reach remote destinations that not all boats can navigate to.

Featured Catamaran: 60′ Sunreef 2021 GYPSY SOUL II located in Miami Beach, Florida and represented by Denison yacht broker Brian Ragsdale

In comparison to monohull boats, catamarans can provide a more relaxing and smooth ride since they are typically less impacted by waves and other choppy sea conditions. As mentioned, this stability adds much in terms of comfort onboard, regardless of whether the boat is power or sail. Passengers can walk around freely and crew can serve with no bumps in the road, literally. Beyond the comfortable ride delivered by catamarans’ doubled-hulled design and wide beam, there are other elements that make these boats so homey. For one, the wide open spaces, like those in the central living area, staterooms, and outdoor areas. Another element is the fact that all staterooms are on one level. This is especially comfortable for families with young children.

Featured Catamaran: 74′ Sunreef 2015 WILDBERRY located in Hollywood, Florida and represented by Denison yacht broker Alex G. Clarke

With narrow hulls that reduce drag and that aforementioned lower wetted surface, catamarans are often more fuel-efficient than their counterparts because they need less power to move through the water. These boats are known to be money savers when it comes to fuel. Fuel efficiency is an important factor in any boat purchase so this is an essential benefit.

Catamarans are a wise investment for buyers who plan to sell them in the future as they tend to keep their value well over time. For owners, the potential resale value can also be an added bonus when contemplating buying a catamaran versus a monohull boat, as, according to Mike Kiely, “they usually sell faster than monohulls…catamarans have a great resale value and a very low depreciation rate due to their popularity. “

Featured Catamaran: 60′ Horizon 2015 SANCTUARY located in Long Beach, California and represented by Denison yacht broker Steve Beck

Interested in learning more about catamarans ? Contact a Denison yacht broker  to get more information.

Speak with a Catamaran Specialist:

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The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Between a Sailboat or Catamaran for Your Sailing Adventures

C hoosing between a sailboat and a catamaran for your sailing adventures is a significant decision that depends on various factors, including your sailing preferences, experience level, budget, and intended use. Here's an ultimate guide to help you make an informed decision:

1. Sailing Experience:

• Sailboats: Typically require more skill and experience to handle, especially in adverse weather conditions. Ideal for sailors who enjoy the traditional feel of sailing and are willing to invest time in learning and mastering the art.
• Catamarans: Easier to handle, making them suitable for beginners. The dual-hull design provides stability, reducing the learning curve for those new to sailing.

2. Space and Comfort:

• Sailboats: Generally have a narrower beam and less living space. However, some sailboats may offer comfortable cabins and amenities.
• Catamarans: Wider beam creates more living space. Catamarans often have multiple cabins, spacious saloons, and expansive deck areas, providing a more comfortable living experience.

3. Stability:

• Sailboats: Monohulls can heel (lean) while sailing, which some sailors enjoy for the thrill but can be discomforting for others.
• Catamarans: Greater stability due to the dual hulls, providing a more level sailing experience. Reduced heeling makes catamarans suitable for those prone to seasickness.

4. Performance:

• Sailboats: Known for their upwind performance and ability to sail close to the wind. Some sailors appreciate the challenge of optimizing sail trim for efficiency.
• Catamarans: Faster on a reach and downwind due to their wide beam. However, they may not point as high into the wind as monohulls.
• Sailboats: Typically have a deeper draft, limiting access to shallow anchorages and requiring deeper marina berths.
• Catamarans: Shallow draft allows access to shallower waters and secluded anchorages, providing more flexibility in cruising destinations.
• Sailboats: Generally more affordable upfront, with a wide range of options available to fit different budgets.
• Catamarans: Often more expensive upfront due to their size and design. However, maintenance costs may be comparable or even lower in some cases.

7. Mooring and Docking:

• Sailboats: Easier to find slips and moorings in marinas designed for monohulls.
• Catamarans: Require wider slips and may have limited availability in certain marinas, especially in crowded anchorages.

8. Intended Use:

• Sailboats: Ideal for traditional sailors who enjoy the art of sailing, racing enthusiasts, or those on a tighter budget.
• Catamarans: Suited for those prioritizing comfort, stability, and spacious living areas, especially for long-term cruising and chartering.

9. Resale Value:

• Sailboats: Generally have a more established resale market, with a wider range of buyers.
• Catamarans: Growing in popularity, and well-maintained catamarans often retain their value.

10. Personal Preference:

• Consider your personal preferences, the type of sailing you plan to do, and the kind of lifestyle you want aboard your vessel.

In conclusion, both sailboats and catamarans have their advantages and disadvantages. Your decision should be based on your individual preferences, experience level, budget, and intended use. If possible, charter both types of vessels to experience firsthand how they handle and to help make a more informed decision based on your own preferences and needs.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Between a Sailboat or Catamaran for Your Sailing Adventures appeared first on Things That Make People Go Aww .

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8 Fascinating Facts About ‘Wayfinder,’ a 224-Foot Catamaran With a Helipad That Doubles as a Pickleball Court

Commissioned by one of the world's wealthiest men, this 224-foot cat doubles as a charter superyacht and support vessel. it's full of toys and tech., julia zaltzman, julia zaltzman's most recent stories.

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The aptly named Wayfinder —referring to a navigational tool—is a 224-foot aluminum multihull and only the second purpose-built catamaran support vessel in the world. (The first is its sistership Hodor .) Built in 2021 by Astilleros Armon, the vessel is the Spanish yard’s largest delivery to date.

The word on the street, or at least in the yachting community, is that the hardy-looking vessel was commissioned by Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates. Oliver Design, the Spanish studio that penned and outfitted the yacht’s interior, confirmed the unconfirmed owner is “one of the world’s wealthiest individuals.” The 10,800-square-foot interior includes crew and guest cabins, offices, a galley, a mess area, lounges and, like many support vessels these days, an infirmary.

With industrial exterior design and naval architecture by the Australian-based big-cat specialist Incat Crowther, Wayfinder pivots between a transatlantic charter yacht to a dedicated support vessel. Available for charter through Edmiston, its 2024 itinerary includes the Mediterranean, Baltic, Red Sea and Arabian Gulf for summer before heading to the Caribbean for winter.

Power is provided by a pair of MTU 16V engines that drive two Servogear controllable-pitch propellers to deliver a maximum speed of 21 knots. An impressive range of 5,500 nautical miles at 14 knots gives it the ability to do very long, oceangoing voyages.

Here are eight fascinating facts about one of the world’s most capable catamarans.

Upstairs, Downstairs

The upper deck accommodation is designed for charter guests when the boat is a superyacht and staff in support-vessel mode. Eleven en suite cabins, including nine single and two twins, sleep up to 12 guests. Twenty-two staff can be accommodated in the main-deck crew quarters. The yacht’s dedicated crew bring a range of experiences, from Master Mariners and dive instructors to royal yacht chefs and ex-navy engineers—plus a medic.

The yacht’s main deck is dedicated to a crazy selection of six tenders and myriad toys, including four Sea-Doos, a 39-foot Compass limousine that accommodates 16 guests and a 37-foot Munson Beach Lander that seats 17. There’s also an array of personal watercraft, paddleboards, Seabobs, and even an Explorer Icebreaker E-Jetboard. The bonus for serious scuba divers is the abundance of dive gear and even a decompression chamber. But unlike its sistership Hodor , the toy list doesn’t extend to a submersible.

Party Platform

Wayfinder ’s capacity to welcome up to 200 guests explains its frequent attendance at high society events, such as the Monaco Grand Prix and Cannes Film Festival. It’s another example of how the yacht’s large helipad comes into its own, capable of hosting a formally dressed crowd for drinks and canapes. According to Incat Crowther’s technical manager Dan Mace, that comes courtesy of the vessel’s catamaran hull, which provides 60 percent more deck space and 40 percent more volume capacity than other vessels its size.

Luxury Lounging

Wayfinder ’s large open aft deck has a commercially registered helipad (meaning it’s also available for charter use) and is used to bring guests on and off the yacht in style. There’s even a dedicated “heli-lounge” where guests can wait for the helicopter transfer. Located forward on the same deck as the helipad, and within easy reach of the yacht’s elevator, the lounge has a modern design.

Technically Gifted

While the vessel is all about having fun at sea, the helm is packed with a range of technical capabilities, from the integrated bridge to the yacht’s MARSS NiDAR long-range perimeter security and drone-detection system for guest privacy and protection. The catamaran hull is further enhanced by a Praxis dynamic positioning system for keeping the yacht in place at sea. On the inside, the layout is dedicated to service areas, including waste management, laundry, workshops and storage.

Pickleball, Anyone?

When not being used for guest transfers, the sky-blue helipad conveniently doubles as a full-size pickleball court, with side lounges for guests to watch from the side lines. To prevent balls from flying into the water, a temporary three-sided net wall is erected around the edge of the court. At night, the big heli ‘H’ lights up in neon green.

Seaview Gym

The beauty of a support vessel is the large amount of space available to carry equipment, toys, and tenders, but it also frees up space for wellness and fitness. On Wayfinder ’s lower deck, the foldout beach club doubles as a well-equipped oceanfront gym for workouts that come with million-dollar views. The gym gear includes an elliptical machine, Nordic spinning bike, weight benches, treadmill, rowing machine, and punching bags. Unlike other yachts with the beach club at the stern, the aft area remains free for swimmers or just relaxing.

Enviromentally Active

Built to the IMO’s latest Tier III emission guidelines, Wayfinder was designed to enhance sustainability. Its onboard treatment plant cleans all wastewater discharged to drinkable quality before being discharged. The yacht’s dry waste is also fully treated to allow the vessel to operate with a zero-discharge policy.

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Taiwan commissions 2 new navy ships as safeguards against rising threat from China

In this photo released by the Taiwan Presidential Office, Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen inspects the commissioning of two new navy ships in the northern Taiwan port of Suao on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. Taiwan has commissioned two new navy ships as a safeguard against the rising threat from China, which has been ratcheting up its naval and air force missions around the island that it claims as its own territory to be annexed by force if necessary. The pair of Tuo Chiang class corvettes completes the first order of six of the domestically produced catamarans with stealth capabilities. (Taiwan Presidential Office via AP)

In this photo released by the Taiwan Presidential Office, newly commissioned navy ships are seen in the northern Taiwan port of Suao on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. Taiwan has commissioned two new navy ships as a safeguard against the rising threat from China, which has been ratcheting up its naval and air force missions around the island that it claims as its own territory to be annexed by force if necessary. The pair of Tuo Chiang class corvettes completes the first order of six of the domestically produced catamarans with stealth capabilities. (Taiwan Presidential Office via AP)

In this photo released by the Taiwan Presidential Office, Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen, center, receives a model showing the newly commissioned navy ships in the northern Taiwan port of Suao on Tuesday, March 26, 2024. Taiwan has commissioned two new navy ships as a safeguard against the rising threat from China, which has been ratcheting up its naval and air force missions around the island that it claims as its own territory to be annexed by force if necessary. The pair of Tuo Chiang class corvettes completes the first order of six of the domestically produced catamarans with stealth capabilities. (Taiwan Presidential Office via AP)

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TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan has commissioned two new navy ships as a safeguard against the rising threat from China, which has been ratcheting up its naval and air force missions around the island that it claims as its own territory to be annexed by force if necessary.

The pair of Tuo Chiang class corvettes completes the first order of six of the domestically produced catamarans with stealth capabilities. The ships are relatively small, capable of carrying just 41 sailors and officers, but are fast and highly maneuverable and carry a range of missiles and deck guns aimed at countering larger Chinese vessels and rocketry.

Outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen oversaw the commissioning on Tuesday at the northern port of Suao, emphasizing her push to revitalize Taiwan’s defense industries, alongside extensive arms purchases and support from key ally the United States .

Tsai has also fast-tracked the production of trainer jets and the island’s first homebuilt submarines, sometimes pushing budgets for such purchases through the legislature against resistance from representatives of the opposition Nationalist Party, which favors eventual unification with China.

Ma Ying-jeou, the last president from the Nationalists, also known as the KMT, is reportedly planning a visit to China next month that could include a meeting with Communist Party leader Xi Jinping.

Taiwan was colonized by China in the 1600s but later taken over by Japan, before reverting to the Republic of China at the end of World War II. The sides then split again amid the Chinese Civil War in 1949. Xi has been building his military with an eye to consolidating China’s territorial claims throughout the Pacific, the South China Sea and along the contested high-mountain border with India.

China boasts the world’s largest standing military and biggest navy — with three aircraft carriers — but has not fought in a major conflict since its brief 1979 invasion of Vietnam. Since then, its military budget has ballooned to the world’s second largest behind the U.S., alongside a huge expansion of its economy, which is now showing signs of losing steam.

Most recently, frictions between patrol vessels from the sides near Taiwan-controlled islands just off the Chinese coast have renewed concerns about a conflict that could draw in the U.S., which is legally bound to ensure Taiwan can defend itself and considers all threats to the island as matters of “grave concern.”

While vastly outgunned, Taiwan’s military has been bolstered by new weaponry and an extension of the universal period of national service for men from four months to one year. Its air force, navy and missile corps also respond to near-daily incursions by Chinese ships and planes .

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry says it is on alert for a Chinese sneak attack, possibly targeting Tsai or Vice President William Lai, who will take over the top office in May . Both are despised as separatists by Beijing. Recent Taiwanese media reports have shown satellite photos of Chinese People’s Liberation Army training grounds including mock-ups of the neighborhood surrounding Taipei’s Presidential Office Building.

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said it detected nine Chinese planes and six ships operating around the island between Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning.

In Beijing on Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Cabinet’s Taiwan Affairs Office criticized live-firing exercises by the Taiwanese military planned for next month near the Taiwan-held island group of Kinmen just off the Chinese coast.

“Any provocative move Taiwan’s military takes is doomed to fail,” Chen Binhua said at a biweekly news conference.