2023 Sail Buyer's Guide

Multihulls from 40 to 45 feet
In this edition of our buyer’s guide, the third category is starting to get to the heart of the cruising multihull market, since the average new purchase size is now just a shade over 45 feet. Whether they’re designed for comfortable cruising or for racing, these units have two major advantages: they remain accessible in terms of handling and technical management, while being big enough to claim a certain level of comfort offshore.
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Emmanuel van Deth
Publié le 01/12/2022
Par Emmanuel van Deth
Numéro : 187
Parution : Jan. / Feb. 2023
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Multihulls World #187

BALI CATSPACE

Optimized for full-comfort cruising

 
 
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Although the Catspace was the smallest of the Balis until the announcement of the Smartcat, it is far from being the least ambitious: offers four cabins and ten berths in a length of just 40 feet. As a bonus, a gigantic flybridge, unusual in this size. On the lower deck, the areas are designed to be used to the maximum thanks to the integrated deck. However, careful construction allows the displacement to be kept to 9.4 t lightship. To fully enjoy cruising, Bali equips the Catspace with impressive tankage. And refrigerated volume is not to be outdone, at 9.35 cu ft (265 liters). This model, launched almost three years ago, is available in a three or four-cabin version. An excellent platform for family cruising, as we were able to experience for ourselves during a 400-mile test last summer.

Builder: Bali Catamarans
Architect: Lasta Design Studio
Interior design: Lasta Design Studio
Overall length: 40’4” (12.31 m)
Beam: 21’6” (6.55 m)
Draft: 3’11” (1.19 m)
Light displacement: 20,725 lbs (9.4 t)
Mainsail: 527/560 sq ft (49/52 m²)
Self-tacking solent: 323 sq ft (30 m²)
Engines: 2 x 20 to 30 HP
Fuel: 106 US gal (400 l)
Water: 200 US gal (760 l)
Price: € 365,290 ex-tax

www.bali-catamarans.com

DRAGONFLY 40

Three hulls, two steering wheels

 
 
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Since its first presentation at Düsseldorf in 2020, this folding trimaran has become the flagship of the Dragonfly fleet - the last model in this size was the 12 M, whose production stopped several years ago. The program assumed by Jens Quorning, its architect-builder, is offshore cruising - with the emphasis on ease of handling, high average speeds and optimized size for berthing or storage ashore anywhere in the world thanks to a width contained to 13 feet (4 m) when the trimaran is folded. Note that there are two steering wheels. During our test in Denmark back in June, we appreciated the performance of the 40, but also its comfort and the extremely meticulous finish. This model can be delivered in four versions: Touring, Ultimate, C Ultimate and C Performance. The two “C” versions are in carbon, making them over a ton lighter…

Builder: Quorning Boats
Length: 40’8”/46’6” (12.4/14.17 m)
Beam: 13’1”/27’7” (4/8.4 m)
Draft: 2’4”/7’3” (0.7/2.2 m)
Light displacement: 10,580 to 12,790 lbs (4.8 to 5.8 t)
Mainsail: 700/805/895 sq ft (65/75/83 m²)
Genoa: 355/410/474 sq ft (33/38/44 m²)
Gennaker: 1,185/1,505/1,615 sq ft (110/140/150 m²)
Berths: 6/8
Fuel: 40 US gal (150 l)
Water: 58 US gal (220 l)
Engine: 40/57 HP
Price: From € 658,800 ex-tax

www.dragonfly.dk

SEAWIND 1260

Really neat folding door!

 
 
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The 1260 adopts a famous Seawind specialty: the door separating the saloon and cockpit folds away into the roof in good weather, freeing up XXL-sized living space at anchor or while you’re sailing. Within the Seawind range, the 1260 is clearly oriented towards blue water cruising and remains a classic – a bit more dated, it does not adopt the modern design seen with the 1600 and 1370. The choice between different layouts is possible: galley ‘down’, or more traditionally, in the saloon. The 1260 can be delivered in three or four double cabin versions.

Builder: Seawind Catamarans
Length: 40’10” (12.45 m)
Beam: 22’4” (6.8 m)
Draft: 3’10” (1.16 m)
Displacement: 18,100 lbs (8.2 t)
Mainsail: 710 sq ft (66 m²)
Jib: 258 sq ft (24 m²)
Gennaker: 710 sq ft (66 m²)
Cabins: 3/4
Fuel: 127 US gal (480 l)
Water: 185 US gal (700 l)
Engines: 2 x 29 HP

www.seawindcats.com

ASTRéA 42

A great cruising machine

 
 
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This catamaran is the second in size in the sailing range from Fountaine Pajot after the Isla 40 and is a model now well-established in the cruising catamaran landscape: it has convinced charter companies and owners alike. The 42 is a beautiful cruising machine of reasonable size, is comfortable and technically accessible. Ease of use offshore, maneuverability in congested marinas, and attractive interior and exterior features: these are all assets for the Astrea 42, which adopts the latest generation Fountaine design. A model that’s perfect for a sabbatical year or a Mediterranean circuit. Agile enough to slip into those charming little ports and seaworthy enough to stream long blue wakes in the open ocean, the Astrea is a success.

Builder: Fountaine Pajot
Length: 41’3” (12.58 m)
Beam: 23’7” (7.2 m) Draft: 4’1” (1.25 m)
Light displacement: 28,000 lbs (12.7 t)
Mainsail: 753 sq ft (70 m²)
Genoa: 441 sq ft (41 m²)
Cabins: 3/4
Water: 2 x 92 US gal (2 x 350 l)
Fuel: 124 US gal (470 l)
Engines: 2 x 30/50 HP
Price: € 466,501 ex-tax

www.fountaine-pajot.com

LEOPARD 42

Forward door and lounge area

 
 
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In the spirit of the 45 and the 50, the Leopard 42 offers the best compromise between comfort and performance by keeping a powerful sail plan - overlapping genoa, square-topped mainsail (option) - and hulls with pronounced chines. Gone is the Leopard 40, with the 42 now giving even more. Launched just two years ago, this model has been designed to accommodate 8 people without restrictions thanks to its volume and its load capacity of nearly 4 tons. There’s the same generosity in terms of tank capacity. The 42 remains faithful to the forward door between the saloon and the foredeck, but offers a lounge on the coachroof, within reach of the raised helm station and with dedicated access. All sail maneuvers are accessible to the helmsman so as to facilitate short- or single-handed sailing. Inside, the yard has retained the concept of the galley being forward in the saloon and facing forward, as with the chart table. All berths (in 3 or 4-cabin version and the same number of bathrooms) are accessible from the sides.

Builder: Robertson & Caine
Architects: Simonis & Voogd Design
Length: 41’7” (12.67 m)
Beam: 23’1” (7.04 m)
Draft: 4’7” (1.4 m)
Displacement: 27,500 lbs (12.47 t)
Upwind sail area: 1,255 sq ft (116.6 m²)
Mainsail: 755 sq ft (70.1 m²)
Genoa: 500 sq ft (46.5 m²)
Engines: 2 x 45 HP
Fuel: 158 US gal (600 l)
Water: 174 US gal (660 l)
2024 price: € 499,000 ex-tax

www.leopardcatamarans.com

LAGOON 42

The pioneer of the previous generation

 
 
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The 42 marked a turning point in the Lagoon range: this was the model first featuring the aft-set rig, a generation ahead of the Lagoon 51 that saw the return of the overlapping genoa. With the 42, the ergonomics are still improving - especially the very successful centered navstation - and performance is on the rise. Tests under spinnaker in breezy conditions, although the boat was being handled by a professional crew in 28 knots with full mainsail and asymmetrical spinnaker, show an astonishing glide and passage through the water, with speeds of over 16 knots surfing, with video to back it up! Remarkable performance (and images) for such a comfortable 42-footer.

Builder: Lagoon
Length: 42’ (12.8 m)
Beam: 25’3” (7.7 m)
Light displacement: 26,675 lbs (12.1 t)
Draft: 4’1” (1.25 m)
Mainsail: 592/635 sq ft (55/59 m²)
Self-tacking jib: 376 sq ft (35 m²)
Code 0: 732 sq ft (68 m²)
Cabins: 3/4
Water: 79 US gal (300 l)
Fuel: 79 US gal (300 l)
Engines: 2 x 45 HP
Price: € 373,167 ex-tax

www.cata-lagoon.com

BALI 4.2

Proven front door

 
 
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This is the replacement for the 4.1! Bali clearly understood the interest of having a forward door and are now adding it to the list everything that makes up a Bali: tilt-and-turn door, flybridge, maximum deck area and large tanks - fuel, water, and refrigerators (11.5 cu ft/326 liters!). The 4.2, launched in February 2021, is certainly a leisure multihull, in the same spirit as the Catspace, though does carry a little more canvas. Ease of handling, shallow draft and plenty of room to laze around are perfectly suited to charter. But that’s not all: the manufacturer is planning a new optional space in the saloon, the “Club Corner” - a bar area with proper, comfortable armchairs.

Builder: Bali Catamarans
Architect: Xavier Faÿ
Interior Design: Lasta Design Studio
Overall length: 42’2” (12.84 m)
Beam: 23’2” (7.07 m)
Draft: 4’ (1.22 m)
Displacement: 25,130 lbs (11.4 t)
Mainsail: 540 sq ft (50 m²)
Self-tacking jib: 375 sq ft (35 m²)
Gennaker: 680 sq ft (63 m²)
Fuel: 169 US gal (640 l)
Water: 227 US gal (860 l)
Engines: 2 x 30/45 HP
Price: € 449,420 ex-tax

www.bali-catamarans.com

NEEL 43

The cruising trimaran reinvented

 
 
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The concept of a wide catamaran-type nacelle on a three-hull platform is NEEL-TRIMARANS (the yard keen to use all capitals). A great idea that has allowed the shipyard to build up an incredible reputation in just barely 10 years and to restore the good name of trimarans. The NEEL 43 is the smallest model of the range, having replaced the 45. More compact obviously than her big sisterships, the 43 will still have a high freeboard and a very similar nacelle in terms of design. The central hull adopts a pronounced rocker to be able to increase the volume. The load capacity is very impressive for a trimaran, reaching nearly 3 tons. One innovation: the use of bio-sourced and recyclable materials. During our tests last spring, we were won over by the pleasure of helming and the performance of this new model.

Builder: NEEL-TRIMARANS
Architects: Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group
Length: 42’4” (12.9 m)
Beam: 24’3” (7.4 m)
Draft: 4’11” (1.5 m) Air draft: 62’4” (19 m)
Light displacement: 19,850 lbs (9 t)
Upwind sail area: 1,098 sq ft (102 m²)
Mainsail: 630 sq ft (58.60 m²)
Solent: 467 sq ft (43.40 m²)
Engine: 50 HP Volvo saildrive
Price: € 450,000 ex-tax

www.neel-trimarans.com

DAZCAT 1295

A catamaran built for performance!

 
 
Darren Newton, the designer-builder of the Dazcat range, likes to validate his work by racing his catamarans, even those (such as the 1295) that are oriented towards blue water cruising. Designed to sail far and long-term with a short-handed crew, the 12.95 is also often the fastest in a race, even on a technical course. The designer and shipyard are very exacting on the weight calculations and weight centering. As with all Dazcats, each owner has a margin of customization according to his or her program. This is a most talented cat!

Builder: Multimarine Manufacturing Ltd
Length: 42’6” (12.95 m)
Beam: 21’4” (6.5 m)
Light displacement: 12,125 lbs (5.5 t)
Draft: 2’8”/6’7” (0.8/2 m)
Mainsail: 645 sq ft (60 m²)
Genoa: 323 sq ft (30 m²)
Spinnaker: 1,560 sq ft (145 m²)
Cabins: 2 to 4
Water: 132 US gal (500 l)
Fuel: 31 US gal (120 l)
Engines: 2 x 21 HP
Price: £ 850,000 ex-tax

www.multihullcentre.com

ORC 42

Athlete of the oceans

 
 
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Seven years after the launch of the first TS42 - and some twenty units sold - the Marsaudon Composites yard has reworked the deck plan, overall design and accommodation, to offer us the ORC 42 - TS have in the meantime become ORC. The displacement (a shade over 6 tons) is unchanged: this is half that of most catamarans of this length! And it is precisely the compact size, ease of handling and ease of maintenance that are also the assets of this superb machine. The ORC 42 is always fun to helm and performs well racing. The uncluttered styling of the layout, combined with meticulous ergonomics, does not prevent the cocooning feeling that is appreciated when blue water cruising.

Builder: Marsaudon Composites
Length: 42’10 (13.05 m)
Beam: 24’4” (7.42 m)
Light displacement: 14,110 lbs (6.4 t)
Draft: 4’11” (1.5 m)
Mainsail: 705 sq ft (65.5 m²)
Solent: 378 sq ft (35.1 m²)
Engines: 2 x 29 HP
Price: € 520,000 ex-tax

www.marsaudon-composites.com

MAX 42SC

With or without daggerboards, and a choice of diesels or outboards …

 
 
Max Cruise Marine, a builder based in Vietnam, is offering an attractive 42-foot catamaran. Inverted bows, narrow hulls at the waterline (3’5” / 1.05 m max hull width), carefully designed appendages (daggerboards or keels) and only 16,300 lbs (7.4 tonnes) announced as ready to sail: the Max42SC, with nearly 1,100 sq ft (100 m²) of upwind sail area, should prove to be very pleasant and fast to sail. For propulsion, the shipyard offers diesel or outboard engines. This catamaran can be delivered in separate kits, with a view to amateur construction. The manufacturer also offers two other catamarans of 44 and 48 feet - not to mention a 30-foot trimaran).

Builder: Max Cruise Marine
Overall length: 43’ (13.1 m)
Waterline length: 42’ (12.8 m)
Beam: 23’11” (7.3 m)
Draft: 21”/5’10” or 3’10” (0.54/1.77 m or 1.16 m)
Displacement: 16,975 lbs (7.7 t)
Upwind sail area: 1,060 sq ft (98.4 m²)
Mainsail: 730 sq ft (68 m²)
Self-tacking solent: 330 sq ft (30.4 m²)
Gennaker: 840 sq ft (78 m²)
Engines: 2 x 25 HP outboards or 2 x 30 HP
Price of the 3DM kit: US$ 181,000 ex-tax

www.maxcruisemarine.com

NAUTITECH 44 OPEN

At last, a new model!

 
 
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We’ve been waiting for a new model from Nautitech for a few years now - the first version of the 46 Open dated back to 2015. And the good news is that the French builder launched their Nautitech 44 Open just one year ago. A wise choice in terms of size: first because it’s right in the heart of the market, then because there are many 42 and 45-footers in the catalogs, but not so many 43 or 44-footers. We can see that there’s going to be a short coachroof, twin helm stations on the hulls, measured displacement and a lower boom to optimize the sail area: the yard looks to be maintaining course with a high-performance multihull – staying faithful to its 40 and 46 Open, and of course, Marc Lombard. Another innovation is the addition of a “smart room”, that can be a utility room/workshop, very useful when blue water cruising. A new 48 has also been announced…

Builder: Nautitech Catamarans
Architect: Marc Lombard
Overall length: 43’8” (13.3 m)
Beam: 24’2” (7.36 m)
Draft: 4’9” (1.45 m)
Displacement: 24,030 lbs (10.9 t)
Upwind sail area: 1,130 sq ft (105 m²)
Engines: 2 x 30 HP
Fuel: 2 x 66 US gal (2 x 250 l)
Water: 2 x 79 US gal (2 x 300 l)
CE Certification: A10/B10/C22/D22
Price: € 560,800 ex-tax

www.nautitechcatamarans.com

EXCESS 14

For the pleasure of sailing

 
 
Following on from the Excess 11, the new 14 validates the principle of total autonomy: no elements coming from Lagoon are used here. The emphasis has been placed on the pleasure of helming, with asymmetrical hulls, deeper appendages and a sail plan potentially boosted by a boom that’s almost flush with the bimini and large downwind sails secured to long bowsprit. Compared to the Excess 11, note the return of an overlapping genoa and a pivoting helm seat that is more functional (it is integrated into the mini-bimini) than the old folding seats.
The colors and materials are also a little more neutral than the flashier ambiance seen aboard the Excess 12 and 15.

Builder: Excess Catamarans
Naval architect: VPLP
Interior design: Nauta Design
Length: 43’9” (13.34 m)
Beam: 25’9” (7.87 m)
Light displacement: 28,220 lbs (12.8 t)
Upwind sail area: 1,324/1,453 sq ft (123/135 m²)
Code 0: 818/925 sq ft (76/86 m²)
Engines: 2 x 45/57 HP
Fuel: 2 x 53 US gal (2 x 200 l)
Water: 79/158 US gal (300/600 l)
Price: € 412,500 ex-tax -

www.excess-catamarans.com

ELBA 45

Semi-flybridge helm station

 
 
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The replacement for the Hélia 44 was launched in June 2019, and in less than four years this model fitting between the Astréa 42 and the Tanna 47, has already seen great success, with 150 units delivered so far. The Elba 45 incorporates the essentials of the new Fountaine/Racoupeau generation and in particular the semi-flybridge helm station with sail handling console. This arrangement is practical and ergonomic for use short-handed or when solo. The interior design is convincing, the light and ventilation well-designed, the clever volumes... as for the silhouette, it’s in the moment, so what more could you ask for? The 45, from a technical point of view, is also innovative with the form of the after end of the hulls helping reduce pitching movements. The revisited interior gives pride of place to daily life on board. The galley, for example, is a relaxed space, and gone is the chart table, whose use no longer felt relevant to the builder in these days of chartplotters and tablets.

Builder: Fountaine Pajot
Length: 44’2” (13.45 m)
Beam: 24’9” (7.55 m)
Light displacement: 30,865 lbs (14 t)
Draft: 3’11” (1.2 m)
Mainsail: 807 sq ft (75 m²)
Genoa: 527 sq ft (49 m²)
Cabins: 3/4
Water: 2 x 92 US gal (2 x 350 l)
Fuel: 124 US gal (470 l)
Engines: 2 x 50/60 HP
Price: € 624,271 ex-tax

www.fountaine-pajot.com

BALI 4.4

A forward door and maximum deck area

 
 
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Launched in January 2022, the Bali 4.4 replaces the 4.3 and the older 4.5. So, in the current range, it will sit between the 4.2 and the 4.6. This new model will feature all the innovations specific to the brand: rigid foredeck, opening windows, tilting saloon/cockpit door and fixed aft platform to optimize the available deck area of 946 square feet (87.9 m²). The 4.4 also adopts a forward door and a flybridge with a significantly lowered helm station. Inside, 3 or 4 cabins, a large L-shaped galley and a saloon that can accommodate ten people.

Builder: Bali Catamarans
Overall length: 44’3” (13.48 m)
Beam: 24’3” (7.4 m)
Draft: 4’2” (1.26 m)
Light displacement: 30,000 lbs (13.6 t)
Mainsail: 818 sq ft (76 m²)
Code 0: 797 sq ft (74 m²)
Solent: 452 sq ft (42 m²)
Fuel: 211 US Gal (800 l)
Water: 211 US Gal (800 l)
Engines: 2 x 40/57 HP
CE Category: A
Price: € 522,230 ex-tax

www.bali-catamarans.com

AVENTURA 45S

A new flagship catamaran to replace the 44

 
 
This new model announced for late 2023 is not simply a restyle: the Aventura Catamarans shipyard unveiled a proper replacement for their Aventura 44 at the International Multihull Show. Ultimately christened the 45-S rather than 43.5, then the 44-S, this Lasta Design plan manages to offer up to six cabins and four bathrooms thanks to companionways in the cockpit. This modern design catamaran, that’s now the largest model in the Aventura Catamarans sailboat range, also offers a large flybridge and a mid-height helm station, as well as a maneuvering station for sail controls. Its price - €487,000 before tax - is particularly well positioned, already earning the builder many firm orders from the presentation of the 3D views!

Builder: Aventura Catamarans
Architect: Lasta Design
Length: 44’3” (13.5 m)
Beam: 24’7” (7.5 m)
Draft: 4’7” (1.4 m)
Displacement: 26,235 lbs (11.9 t)
Upwind sail area: 1,238 sq ft (115 m²)
Price: € 487,000 ex-tax

www.aventura-catamarans.com

BALANCE 442

Movable helm station

 
 
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The latest addition to the Balance family was launched at the Royal Cape Yacht Club in Cape Town late March, before being validated during seatrials under sail at the beginning of April. A few months later, the 442 was presented to the public in the USA - we were able go for a test sail in Annapolis. Like her big sistership, the 482, the Balance 442 has “broken” bows, i.e. straight near the waterline then inverted as they approach deck level. This new model also features the famous mobile helm station already seen on the 526 - the low position allows the helmsman to be perfectly protected. Thanks to the 442’s contained displacement, she achieved averages of 12 to 13 knots and nice peaks that topped 15.

Builder: Balance Catamarans
Architects: Phillip Berman and Anton Du Toit
Length: 44’3” (13.5 m)
Beam: 24’11” (7.6 m)
Displacement: 26,000 lbs (11.8 t)
Draft: 3’10”/7’1” (1.16/2.15 m)
Air draft: 65’8” (20.01 m)
Upwind sail area: 1,205 sq ft (112 m²)
Engines: 2 x 29 HP
Fuel: 2 x 105 US gal (2 x 400 l)
Price: from US$ 915,000 ex-tax

www.balancecatamarans.com

SEAWIND 1370

A future best-seller!

 
 
Seawind, based first in Australia and then in Vietnam is well-known in the 35 to 42-foot market with more than 700 catamarans built. The relatively traditional design of the models has upturned by the arrival of the Seawind 1600, a much more modern boat. The 1370 drives the point home with very similar lines. Much lighter than most of her competitors, she is intended to be more powerful while being able to accept a large payload. The design is very contemporary with strongly inverted bows - a break with the smaller models - but the care taken with the interior ventilation, visibility, comfort at the helm and ease of handling are all part of Seawind’s DNA. Announced in July 2020, this new model has seen an excellent commercial reception: launch of the first model, much delayed due to Covid-19 and supply chain difficulties, is now imminent.

Builder: Seawind Catamarans
Overall length: 45’ (13.7 m)
Beam: 24’11” (7.6 m)
Draft: 4’3” (1.3 m)
Air draft: 70’10” (21.6 m)
Displacement: 24,250 lbs (11 t)
Mainsail: 860 sq ft (80 m²)
Genoa: 390 sq ft (36 m²)
Engines: 2 x 40 HP
Fuel: 158 US gal (600 l)
Water: 158 US gal (600 l)

www.seawindcats.com
Tags : 2023 Sail Buyer s Guide

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