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Blue Gulf Catamarans

blue cat catamaran

The 43-foot Defender

Specifications, hull length.

43 ft (13.13 m)

14.1 ft (4.3 m)

DRAFT (INCL.PROPS)

1.8 ft (0.55 m)

2,425 lbs (1100 kg)

FUEL CAPACITY

583 gal (2,200 L)

FRESH WATER CAPACITY

79 gal (300 L)

HOLDING TANK CAPACITY

7.4 gal (28 L)

19,841 lbs (9000 kg)

QUAD 400 hp

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

  • Quad 300 HP Mercury Outboard inc. Rigging
  • Battery w/ Switch
  • Hydraulic steering
  • Aluminum Fuel Tank
  • Switch Panel
  • Stainless Steering Wheel
  • USB Outlet on Console
  • 2 Cup Holders on Console
  • Helm Seat Cockpit Lights (Set of 3)
  • Navigation Lights
  • Anchor Light
  • Stern Ladder
  • 4 Pop-Up Cleats

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT

  • Carbon Kevlar Hull
  • Liner Color
  • Stainless Steel Rub Rail
  • Fresh Water System
  • Electric Motor
  • S.S. Hand Bar
  • Transom Rod Holders
  • Carbon Fiber Cup Holders
  • Carbon Fiber Steering Wheel
  • Ultralon foam flooring
  • Flopbox to Bait Cooler
  • Removeable Cushion Forward
  • Underwater Lights
  • Electronics
  • Sound System

Whatsapp Call

+16012583228

Crewed Catamaran Charters

All inclusive | full crew.

Experience a yacht charter vacation like no other. Go where you want, when you want. All inclusive with your own Captain, private chef, and tour guide. Having a professional crew taking care of all of the details allows you to relax and enjoy yourself from the moment you step on board. A crewed yacht charter is a luxurious way to explore the Exumas, Bahamas while relaxing with your family and friends. Our crew will manage every aspect of your vacation to bring you a private and personalized charter experience.

All Inclusive Bahamas Yacht Charters

All of the work of running the boat and prepping the yacht for your vacation is handled by our crew. Benefits of having a professional crew include:

blue cat catamaran

  • Yacht Hostess
  • Gourmet food
  • Provisioning the yacht
  • Housekeeping
  • Yacht maintenance
  • Local knowledge
  • Cruising itinerary planning

Simply fly into the islands (we can help with this, too) and meet our crew. Once you’re aboard you’re on vacation!

For non-sailors, or perhaps even sailors who are looking to have a little less responsibility on vacation, a crewed catamaran charter in the Exumas is the perfect solution. From the moment you arrive in paradise to the moment you leave, you will be looked after like family. After your first cocktail, enjoy a chat with your Captain to work out the best itinerary for your group; everything from the amount of time you would like to sail each day, to the type of activities you all enjoy.

Your chef/hostess will be on board to look after you; from making sure you have enough drinks in the tropical climate, to preparing amazing meals tailored to your personal tastes. Our chef will be in touch prior to your trip date to ask about any allergies or dislikes and she will prepare a range of breakfasts, from tasty omelets to French toast. For lunch, depending on your sailing itinerary, you can either choose to have perhaps a Jerk chicken wrap if underway, or perhaps a lovely pasta dish to sustain you through the afternoon. Dinner al fresco at sunset is the best way. If you’ve managed to catch any fresh local fish, your captain and chef will prepare for you as one of your courses (depending on the size, of course!). For more food details, please visit our Sample Menu page. 

blue cat catamaran

To go along with this feast, you will have salads, appetizers, and other sides. Dessert could be something chocolatey and gooey; the best kind, or a cheese and fruit platter. We serve meals with a range of beverages, from healthy smoothies to wonderful wines.

Whether you want to take the helm occasionally, or not at all, or your goal for the week is to “discover sailing” the choice is completely yours. Having your own crew means that you can enjoy island-hopping the beautiful Exuma Islands worry-free.

Activities could be anything from sea scooter, wakeboarding, snorkeling, swimming and exploring uninhabited islands. If reading a book is your main vacation goal; you’ve come to the right place.

Our crew is super friendly and loves the Exumas. They will ensure that you have the best sailing vacation ever, and may even take you to those places that many other sailors would not know about.

Arrive as guests, leave as friends. 

Call us now with your dates and details and we will tailor-make the Exuma sailing vacation of your dreams. Or check rates and availability here .

Be extraordinary.

PROFESSIONAL CREW

PROFESSIONAL CREW

Included in your luxury yacht charter is the service of a USCG licensed captain and experienced first mate. Your crew will ensure your safety and take responsibility when sailing or motoring. Before your charter begins, the captain will assess your wants and desires and design the perfect itinerary for your vacation while always considering winds and weather.

PERSONAL CHEF

PERSONAL CHEF

Your personal chef will prepare and serve all your culinary delights on your charter. She will also provision the yacht to cater the menu and drinks for your specific needs. Gourmet meals , snacks, wine and standard bar are included. If there are any food allergies or dislikes, adjustments are made. Keto menu is also available. In addition to cooking, she will be your hostess and take care of your needs while you on board. 

RELAX, REJUVINATE, AND REVIVE

RELAX, REJUVINATE, AND REVIVE

The Exumas really are the perfect place to fill up your relaxation cup. Comb the beach for beautiful shells, gently sail between island stops, chill up topside in the fly bridge lounge, wade in the shallow turquoise water as you follow the soft sandy beach, sit in the shade and feel the breeze.

blue cat catamaran

Introductory Special

Book in November-December 2022 (holidays excluded) and take advantage of a price discount up to 40%!!! Three-Day charter from $9,000 and Five Day charter from $14,000. Use Promo Code 40-OFF .

Oh, the possibilities… Our Bahamas private yacht charter does not follow a cruise ship itinerary. All itineraries are custom designed by the Captain in collaboration with you. Itineraries are suggested only. Here are a few possible stops that we might make .

Ready to learn more?  We are here to help. Our hostess/chef, Betsy will gladly consult with you to answer all your questions and help plan your bucket list trip of a lifetime. Just give her a call.

Mobile    +1 BLUE CAT What’s App:    +1 601-258-3228 +1 601-258-3228 [email protected]

Call or text us

WE’RE HIRING DESIGNERS, NAVAL ARCHITECTS, AND PROJECT MANAGERS! CLICK HERE TO ENQUIRE DIRECTLY WITH OUR LEADERSHIP >

blue cat catamaran

DLBA COMMERCIAL NEWS

Blue gulf cat 43’ (13m): tested and proved.

August 5, 2022

In the last quarter of 2021, we worked with Blue Gulf Cat in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), providing them with some support in the hydrodynamic design of a stepped planning hull. Through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and our high-speed expertise, we were able to provide additional input into their creation of an efficient stepped hull, balancing safety and performance while operating close to the threshold of dynamic instability. We are gratified that we heard from them in late June this year as they tested the full-sized hull in the water with quad 350hp Yamahas. They achieved up to 73mph (63 knots) while carrying her 5,800kg (12,000 lbs.) of weight.

blue cat catamaran

Courtesy: Blue Gulf Cat

They said: “It’s having good longitudinal stability within the trim angle range of ‘2.5 degrees, and we don’t feel any porpoising throughout the ride, dynamic instabilities in running and turning as we expected with this geometry. We genuinely appreciate the work and the support you have done for us, and we are delighted to share this with DLBA. This information and the suggestions from both ends are validating the scenario and will be useful for the future designing, too. We are very pleased to work with you and are looking forward to future collaboration, too.” It’s so gratifying to see our contributions to our client’s work come to life. We look forward to additional collaborations with the team at Blue Gulf Cat.

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How can we help you, feel free to contact us.

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DLBA Naval Architects

860 Greenbrier Circle, Suite 201  Chesapeake, Virginia 23320 USA

Phone: 757-545-3700  |  Fax: 757-545-8227  | [email protected]

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Keep your finger on the pulse of the latest points of focus in naval architecture and engineering: subscribe to DLBA’s concise monthly newsletter. Within it, we briefly describe and picture our latest projects and concepts. We encourage feedback and seek to have our newsletter spark conversation regarding potential collaborations and further advancements as we share our passion for the industry.

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Best Liveaboard Bluewater Catamarans

Best Liveaboard Bluewater Catamarans | Life of Sailing

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

August 30, 2022

Catamarans are known for seaworthiness, but what sets a run-of-the-mill recreational cat from a full-blown liveaboard blue water cruiser?

The best production blue water cruising catamarans are the Manta 42, the Lagoon 42, the Leopard 45, the Lagoon 450, and the Prout 45. These vessels have excellent living accommodations and great sea keeping abilities.

In this article, we’ll cover five of the best liveaboard cruising catamarans, along with what sets them apart from similar vessels. Additionally, we’ll go over what to look for in a catamaran that functions both as a home and an offshore adventure cruiser.

We sourced the specifications listed in this article directly from boat design guides and the manufacturers themselves.

Table of contents

‍ Characteristics of Liveaboard Cruising Catamarans

Generally speaking, blue water catamarans that are suitable for offshore cruising and living aboard are between 40 and 50 feet in length. Some well-designed catamarans between 25 and 39 feet in length can also be used.

A good liveaboard cruising catamaran should have adequate berthing and galley facilities, along with an enclosed cockpit. Catamarans without enclosed cockpits, especially smaller vessels, aren’t spacious enough in the hull to accommodate good liveaboard facilities.

As far as cruising is concerned, the best Bluewater catamarans are designed for durability and seaworthiness. A vessel’s sea keeping abilities rely on more than just smoothness and speed. These vessels should be water-tight in key locations, positively buoyant, and equipped with all the right extras.

Factors that Increase Catamaran Seaworthiness

There are several additions that manufacturers commonly include with sea-going blue water catamarans. These include water-tight hatches, radar units, a backup generator, and a berth close to the cockpit.

The latter is particularly important, as the captain and crew need to be able to grab the controls in the event of a nighttime emergency.

Other add-ons, such as automatic winches and controls, are extremely beneficial to blue water catamarans. These devices allow the sails to be controlled remotely without the crew needing to walk on deck.

Cruising Catamaran vs. Bluewater Catamaran

Fundamentally, cruising catamarans and ‘blue water’ catamarans are one and the same. When companies classify a catamaran as a ‘cruising’ catamaran, they usually do so because of a few notable design features.

These include cruising accommodations such as large-capacity water tanks, large fuel tanks, onboard power supplies (like a generator and a battery bank; sometimes solar panels), and long-distance communication systems. Radar is another perk, and it’s available on most cruising catamarans.

Best sea-going Liveaboard Catamarans

We searched the market, researched specifications, and listened to the owner’s opinions to find the best sea-going catamarans on the market.

These vessels are also spacious and comfortable enough to live aboard, both at sea on extended voyages and in a marina. Here are our top picks.

1. Manta 42

The Manta 42 is a well-known and popular cruising catamaran with a reputation for seaworthiness and exceptional comfort for its size. This vessel, while on the smaller end for cruising catamarans, is quite seaworthy and handles well in all conditions.

The Manta 42 is powerful—it has a large sail area for its size, which gives it incredible speed in both low and high wind conditions.

The Manta 42 has an unconventional design feature that makes it stronger than the competition—and technically, more seaworthy than many larger and fancier catamarans. The feature we’re referring to is the Manta 42’s fixed crossbeam, which is stronger than typical designs.

The Manta 42’s interior is really well-designed and ideal for living aboard. The hulls feature large berthing areas, and the center cockpit area features a full-size marine galley and sitting areas. This vessel is popular with families, as there’s plenty of room for parents and one or two kids.

2. Lagoon 42

Here’s another 42-foot cruising catamaran with exceptional seaworthiness, shallow draft, and spacious accommodations. The Lagoon 42 is a modern and advanced sailing catamaran with numerous cruising features, such as a self-tacking jib and a flybridge.

This model has extensive sleeping capacity. Standard versions can sleep up to 12 adults, which is much more than many catamarans in the 40 to 45-foot range. The vessel also features four separate heads, which ensures privacy for guests and family members.

This vessel is designed for comfort, and therefore it's a bit beefier than some slimmer and less spacious models. It’s a heavy boat with a 25-foot beam, and it has excellent sea keeping abilities.

The primary drawback of the design is that its size and hull shape limits speed. But this isn’t as big of an issue on long voyages, and it’s still much faster than an equivalently-sized monohull.

3. Leopard 45

This premium catamaran is a bit larger and more comfortable than the vessels we’ve discussed so far. It’s a luxury catamaran with everything you’d expect for the half-million-dollar price point.

 This vessel shines on the open water where it can let out its sails and stretch its legs. The vessel is lightning fast in the right conditions, and it has an astounding 700-gallon fuel capacity for when the wind isn’t blowing. You can sail it, motor it along, or do both at the same time for even greater speed.

From the factory, the Leopard 45 sleeps around 12 adults at its maximum capacity or four couples in separate staterooms—each with its own bathroom and shower. The center cockpit is also quite spacious, and the vessel can be navigated from the flybridge above the central living area.

4. Lagoon 450

Here’s another 45-foot catamaran that comes from one of the world’s most respected catamaran builders. Lagoon, which is currently producing several catamaran models, is known for its high-quality material choice and construction.

The Lagoon 450 is a flybridge sailing catamaran. Its design is based on the best-selling Lagoon 440—a slightly smaller model that proved itself over years of use and countless miles sailed between owners. And though it’s only 45 feet long, this catamaran is massive both inside and out.

The vessel is fast and nimble, and it has excellent sea keeping qualities. Below decks, the surprisingly wide hulls have room for full-size staterooms both fore and aft. But what the Lagoon 450 is known for is its deck space. There’s a ton of room on the decks for hanging out, living activities, and entertaining guests.

The center cockpit of the Lagoon 450 is like something out of a luxury condo. The styling is impetuous and airy, and there’s more than enough room to prepare a full meal for ten people or more. The settee can double as a sea cabin, with more than enough room for a small crew.

5. Prout 45

Here’s a sleek and fast catamaran that’s a superior choice for cruising and living aboard. The Prout 45 debuted in the 1990s and was a huge success.

Impressively, over 2,000 individual Prout 45 cruising cats were eventually produced. That’s a lot for a production catamaran—especially a large 45-foot model with a hefty price tag.

This sea-going catamaran has unconventional features, including pointed monohull-like bows and a nearly flush cockpit.

The interior arrangement of the vessel is unconventional as well, but many owners eventually learn to prefer it. For example, oddities include a galley in one of the hulls instead of the center, where catamarans often keep such facilities.

This is a fast cruising catamaran with a very shallow draft. Three feet six inches of draft, to be precise.

This means that the Prout 45 is ideal for sailing in shallow locations, such as around tropical coral reefs and in areas known for sandbars. The draft of this vessel is much closer in depth to that of a 20 to 25-foot displacement monohull than to a full-size 45-foot catamaran.

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Yacht Cruising Lifestyle

Yacht Cruising Lifestyle

Everything fun you can do from your yacht

20 Blue Water Cruising Catamarans Under $100k

October 13, 2021 by Martin Parker 1 Comment

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The debate between single-hull sailboats and blue water catamarans has raged since the beginning of time, and it’s unlikely ever to end! Both types of yachts have dedicated followers who are unlikely to ever be swayed by the benefits of the other. A lot of this is based on misconceptions and the influences of the people around them, though. We recommend that if you’re considering a blue water catamaran, get in a few good hours of sailing through varied conditions before making a decision. 

What Makes Blue Water Catamarans Great for Cruising?

Stable platform s.

Bluewater catamarans offer fantastic stability, despite what you may hear from single-hull yacht owners. There’s no high lean angle when sailing into the wind and no need to strap everything down to prevent it from moving. Add to this little or no rolling when moored, and a catamaran is a lovely place to be.

Additional Space 

An excellent beam to length ratio is essential on bluewater catamarans, and a 40-foot yacht will usually have a 20-foot beam. That gives you a 20-foot bridge deck, plenty of space on the hulls, and even more space forward on the netting.

Cruising Speed

The amount of wet surface area on a catamaran is significantly reduced compared to a monohull yacht. Without the need for a prominent, heavy keel for ballast, the catamaran can easily outperform a single hull yacht.

Shallow Draft s

Shallow draft boats allow easy navigation through shallow waters and exceptional stability for maximum comfort. You are far less likely to make mistakes with tide height predictions when sailing on a cat. 

Enclosed Cockpit s

Bluewater catamarans virtually always have an enclosed cockpit. Not only does this shield you from the sun in winter, but the elements in winter making cruising far more comfortable.

Safety 

The enclosed cockpit makes sailing safer, plus of course, when you need to get out on the deck, the stable catamaran is not pitching and rolling.

Our Top Choices For Blue Water Catamarans Under $100,000

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Designed and built by Rajen Naidu, the Rayvin 30 is a 29.5-foot cruising catamaran built for comfort. With a draft of just one meter, there are few places you can’t go on the Rayvin. The hull is constructed of epoxy glass fiber, but carbon-kevlar has been used for added strength below the waterline.

Inside, you’ll find three cabins, plenty of space, and even a bath! These are great value blue water catamarans with excellent performance.

Prout Snowgoose 37

Photo Provided by: Gideon Fielding (Katamarans.com)

Probably one of the most well-known blue water catamarans available, the Snowgoose 37 was designed and built by Prout and Sons in the United Kingdom. With a displacement of 6 tons, this is not a light boat, but the 600 square feet sail area gives a healthy hull speed of up to 10 knots. Many people have completed a circumnavigation in a Snowgoose.

It has a cutter design, but the overhang is substantial, leaving it susceptible to bridge slam, particularly on a close reach.

Over 500 examples were built, with plenty available under the $100,000 mark.

Prout Quasar 50

Sticking with Prout, the Quasar 50 was the largest catamaran designed and built by the company. The company was still making the Quasar until its closure in 2020, so you can find plenty of examples.

Constructed with fiberglass, the cutter design has a displacement of 10 tons and a sail area of almost 1185 square feet, giving a maximum hull speed of around 14 knots.

It has to be said the Quasar is not a pretty boat, but it makes a perfect large cruiser.

Catalac 12M

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Catalac was a British boat building company owned by Tom Lack, hence the Catalac name. Over 600 examples of Catalac’s (9M, 10M, 11M, and 12M) were built. All around, they’re known as solid boats that handle well.

Designed as a sloop, the 12M displaces almost 9.3 tons. With a sail area of just 700 square feet, this cat offers a relatively slow hull speed of 9.5 knots.

An interesting point is the double thickness hulls, designed to withstand the North Sea weather.

Maldives 32

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The Maldives 32 is a more modern design by Joubert-Nivelt. It features a short overhang with a netting deck to avoid bridge slam, initially built by Fountaine Pajot in 1988. The Maldives has a light displacement of 3.3 tons thanks to the fiberglass and foam sandwich construction. Add in a sail area of 592 square feet, and the Maldives can cruise at up to 11 knots.

The Maldives 32 is an excellent basic boat readily available well under our $100,000 price point.

Edel Cat 33

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Thanks to the fiberglass construction, the Edel Cat 33 is another light boat, at just 3.6 tons and with a shallow draft of just 2.6 feet.

The Edel was designed by Yvonne Faulconnier and built by the Edel company in France, with the first bots being produced in 1985.

The 635 square feet of sail is enough for a good turn of speed for such a light boat without over-powering the hull.

A notable feature is the very short bridge hull, avoiding almost any bridge slam problems.

Endeavourcat 30

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Designed by Cortland Steck and built in America by the Endeavour Catamaran Corp, the Endeavourcat 30 is a lightweight 30-foot catamaran constructed using fiberglass with a foam core.

It has to be said; the Endeavourcat is not pretty, but you get a lot of space for your money. Another issue is the enclosed bridge deck, making this suitable for gentle cruising only.

The sloop-rigged catamaran is a good, reasonably priced starter boat for taking the first dip into blue water catamarans.

Island Packet Packet Cat 35

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If you are looking for comfort with a bit of style, then the Island Packet Cat 35 could be it. Designed by Robert K. Johnson and built in the USA by Island Packet, the Cat 35 makes the perfect boat for cruising the Keys.

The displacement of 6.25 tons gives the boat a solid, dependable feel, while the 2.6-foot draft allows you to explore water-restricted areas.

Inside there’re acres of room, but the fully enclosed bridge deck will cause issues in heavy weather.

Gemini 105MC

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The Gemini 105MC is a sloop-rigged boat designed by Tony Smith and built by Performance Cruising in the United States. It was in production for over 27 years, and they delivered over 1000 boats, so there are plenty available to suit most budgets.

An interesting design feature is a lifting centerboard, giving excellent stability when down but a draft of just 1.65 feet when lifted.

A displacement of 4 tons combined with 690 square feet of sail area gives the 105MC outstanding performance characteristics.

lagoon 380

With 760 examples of the Lagoon 380 produced, there are plenty on the market at reasonable prices. Built by Jeanneau, it is one of the most popular bluewater catamarans ever made.

The distinctive vertical windows offer maximum internal space, and it has a spacious interior, but the tradeoff is a displacement of 8 tons, so performance suffers a little. You can cruise comfortably at 7 knots, and with the short bridge deck, you won’t suffer too much bridge slam.

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If you can track down a Dean 365, it’s well worth a look. You can find these solidly built boats for $50,000 upwards. Designed by Peter Dean and built by his company, Dean Catamarans, they have an excellent reputation.

For a 36 foot boat, the 6-ton displacement is not light, but it does benefit from twin engines, and with the sloop rigging, it can sail downwind at up to 11 or 12 knots. With the genoa providing the main sailing power, sailing into the wind is not great.

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Sold as a self-build design, the Tiki 38 is a solid cruising catamaran designed by James Wharram. There are plenty available, but all will be different depending on the builder. With a displacement of around 6 tons, it’s not the lightest, and the cruising speed is about 5 or 6 knots.

With a ketch rig, using two 30-foot masts, the sail area is around 730 square feet, but you can also use a 530 spinnaker. The draft is shallow at 2.5 feet.

The Tiki makes an interesting – perhaps quirky choice.

Crowther Spindrift 40

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If you are more interested in performance than interior space, the Crowther Spindrift 40 could be an excellent choice. Designed by Lock Crowther, the Spindrift features narrow hulls, reducing the wet surface area and increasing your sailing speeds. The downside is a lack of space.

The sloop rigging gives you a total sail area of 791 square feet combined with a light 4-ton displacement, making the Spindrift excellent in light winds.

MacGregor 36

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Three hundred of the Roger Macgregor designed 36-foot boats were built, so there are plenty available. It’s built as a racing catamaran, so space is at a premium. There is only a trampoline between the two hulls, but the weight saving makes the displacement just 1.4 tons, and with the 534 square feet of sail, you can achieve speeds touching 28 knots.

Accommodation is restricted to the two hulls, but there are bunks for four people and a galley in the starboard hull.

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The Flica 36 was designed by Richard Wood is a proven design capable of crossing oceans. A displacement of 5 tons gives a good balance between speed and stability, and the cutter rigging allows for a main and two foresails.

The hulls have been made from ply and fiberglass, which accounts for the slightly heavier weight and strength. The bridge deck offers plenty of space with a small overhang but will suffer from bridge slam in heavier weather.

Mirage Yachts 37

Only a few of the open deck Mirage 37’s were produced, but consider them in your search. Designed by David Feltham and built by Thames Marine, the ketch-rigged boats are sturdy and safe.

At 7.3 tons, it’s heavy for a 36-foot cat, and the small sail area of just 548 square feet makes it slow, with a hull speed of only 7.4 knots. As a coastal cruiser, it certainly makes sense to give you a comfortable base for exploring.

Simpson 35 Wildside

The Simpson 35 Wildside is an excellent cruiser, with three double cabins, two of which are across the bridge deck. Roger Simpson is the designer, and he’s well known for his sturdy, reliable boats.

The Bermuda rigged sloop design features a fully covered bridge deck, so expect bridge slam if you sail in anything more than slight to moderate conditions. With a displacement of 5

tons, and a small sail area, the performance will never be exciting, but it’s okay for coastal cruising.

Gemini 3400

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The Gemini 3400 is the predecessor to the Gemini 105 mentioned earlier. If you can’t find a 105 at your price, then a 3400 is a good alternative. Although weighing the same as the 105, at four tons, the sail area is smaller at just 490 square feet, giving a reduced performance.

As with all Geminis, the 3400 features retractable centerboards for better tracking when on a close reach, without increasing the draft.

The 3400 was designed by Tony Smith and built by Performance Cruising in the US, who still produce catamarans now.

Seawind 850

Screen Shot 2021 10 13 at 12.03.31 AM 1024x517 - 20 Blue Water Cruising Catamarans Under $100k

Originally built in Australia by Seawind Catamarans and designed by Scott Jutson, the 850 is a 28-foot cat featuring fractional sloop rigging. At a relatively light displacement of 2.4 tons, the 350 square feet of sail gives good performance and comfortable cruising.

The short bridge deck overhang is filled with a trampoline, allowing the 850 to sail in rougher weather without too much bridge slam. The Seawind makes an excellent cruiser despite its 28-foot LOA.

Aventura 23.5

Our last catamaran is the smallest in the review. The Aventura 235 is just 23 feet long, has a light displacement of only 0.77 tons, and a sail area of 312 square feet. Two cabins offer four berths despite its diminutive size, making it a comfortable cruiser for a small family.

There are, of course, compromises, with just a single outboard engine on the centerline, and internal space is limited. But with its lightweight design, easy handling, and shallow draft of 1.8 feet, it is a perfect first step into catamaran ownership.

Blue Water Catamarans Are a Fantastic Budget Option

Remember: When buying a bluewater cruising yacht for less than $100,000, compromise is inevitable. 

The best advice for buying a boat is to be truly honest with yourself by defining your needs and separating them from your desires. 

Need more advice on buying great blue water catamarans? Get a conversation started on our community forum by leaving a question or comment!

If you found this article helpful, please leave a comment below, share it on social media, and subscribe to our email list., for direct questions and comments, shoot me an email at [email protected].

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July 2, 2022 at 2:52 pm

Surprised you don’t list the PDQ 32.

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17 Best Catamarans for Sailing Around the World

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Catamarans are quickly outstripping single-hull boats for long-distance journeys. They are more stable and comfortable , and some can travel more than 200 miles in a day. In today’s article, I have put together a complete (well almost) list of some of the best catamarans for circumnavigating the planet; the question is, which one is best for you?

The best catamarans for sailing around the world include: 

  • The Fountaine Pajot Ipanema 58

These cats focus on speed, safety, and comfort for longer journeys. 

This article will show you the seventeen best catamarans for long journeys, and why they’re the best. You’ll also learn some great tips on what to look for in a Catamaran and how to save money by buying a used catamaran. Let this list be a jumping-off point for your future research!

Pro-tip; here are the actual costs of maintaining a cat and here are considerations on how to circumnavigate .

Table of Contents

The Best Catamarans for Sailing Around the World 

A catamaran is a double-hulled boat with a deck or cabin area in between (bluewater cat definition in this article ). The double hull design means that the boat rocks less, sits higher on the water, uses less fuel to sail, and can be sailed in shallower waters than a single-hulled boat without worrying about grounding. 

Catamarans come in a variety of sizes and can be sail-powered or motor-powered and range from single-person sailing boats to family-sized yachts. Every catamaran design is different, and the twin-hull shape offers many ways to customize the layout of a ship. 

Each boat on this list is a larger catamaran (+40ft, more on size here ), so if you’re going to sail around the world, you want lots of space for provisions and rest.

Of course, there are tons of technical specs for each of these boats, but I’m going to focus on the overall features of each of these catamarans, what makes them stand out, and why they would each be an excellent choice for a transatlantic journey. 

Antares 44i 

The Antares 44i is an excellent option for sailing around the world and was explicitly designed for long-distance cruising. It performs well in any weather conditions, can be sailed easily by two people, and you’ll be able to sail long distances and live in comfort. 

Although it can be easily sailed by a crew of two I believe that a true bluewater cat should be set up for single-handed sailing, more on that in another article .

This catamaran features a stateroom on each hull and a forward cabin with plenty of storage space. The living and entertainment features include a flatscreen tv and a high-end deck speaker system. 

With this model, Antares dedicates itself to high-quality boats with optimal rigging and engine configurations. 

Atlantic 42

Atlantic is no longer building this catamaran, but there are usually a few pre-owned boats on the market. You can also get it made custom if you love the design, but be prepared to spend more money on a custom boat (custom boat also gets custom problems ;)). 

The Atlantic 42 is slightly smaller than some of the other catamarans on this list but is a seaworthy vessel. 42 ft is what most sailors I interview ( in this article ) said was the smallest cat to safely cross big oceans. It is also a decent size to counter the risk of capsizing (more on that here ).

It has a forward cockpit and pilothouse, which gives the owner a better use of space and makes the boat easier to navigate. With single-handed capability, one person can sail it easily and let the rest of the crew relax. 

One of the best-praised aspects of the Atlantic 42 is its galley, more extensive than most 42-footers (12.8-meter) can offer. 

One of the few 50 footers (15.24 meters) that can be sailed by just one person (many would of course disagree on this).

The Catana 50 is a catamaran worthy of an overseas journey. Its size adds to its stability on the open waters and its ability to sail straight through the choppy ocean and windy conditions. 

The Catana is also incredibly spacious on the inside, with substantial cabins and showers. The biggest downside to the Catana 50 is its price, as it’s much more expensive than most of its competitors. 

Catana also holds up well against some of the fastest cruising cats out there, here’s a list of the fastest cruisers if you are interested in that.

However, if you can find a gently-used Catana 50, you can rest assured that this boat will last! 

The Dolphin 42 is unique because of the use of daggerboards instead of fixed keels. This upgrade means that the boat has some pretty decent upwind performance while at the same time being faster downwind.

Centerboards and daggerboards offer some interesting downsides compared to mini keels. This is an interesting discussion and I suggest you read another one of my articles if you want to deepen your knowledge a little.

These catamarans are some of the lightest on the market. Not many Dolphins were made, so they are relatively hard to find. However, if you want a small, lightweight boat capable of going great distances, the Dolphin 42 is an excellent choice. 

Fountaine Pajot Belize 43

The Fountaine Pajot Belize is another well-built cruising yacht. Its core is made of foam instead of balsa, which reduces the risk of structural damage due to a rotten core in case of water intrusion. 

The design of Belize offers many options for customizability, with large open spaces and a combined saloon, navigation, and dinette area. 

There are two styles of Belize catamarans for sleeping quarters. You can either purchase a boat with an entire primary suite on one hull or one with two cabins in each hull. The first option is great if you are sailing the world alone and not expecting many guests, as it increases the storage capacity. 

Understanding what factors to consider when getting a cat can be hard, there are just so many of them (such as the daggerboard discussion above), I have tried to compile some of the most important in this article .

The boat also has wraparound windows to increase the sense of space in the galley. 

Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40

Fountaine Pajot is one of the best sailboat manufacturers existing today, as their boats are well made and highly versatile. The Lucia 40 is no exception – it’s a smaller boat but has a lot of room for moving around and on-board living. 

The living area is remarkably spacious on this catamaran for its size. 

The galley and lounge easily accommodate 6+people. The Lucia 40 doesn’t disappoint when it comes to sailing either, as the narrow hulls slice through choppy waters with ease. 

Most catamarans today are built to withstand rough weather but that doesn’t matter as much if the crew isn’t up for the task, I firmly believe that the most important thing a boat should consist of, is knowledge. Therefore taking online courses ( two free here ) or reading books ( my favorites here ) is imperative.

Gemini 105M

Gemini’s boats have been on the market for years and are solidly built for cruising. This boat is one of the most popular ever made, I personally would consider something different for offshore cruising, but since it has such a good reputation, I felt I had to add it to the list.

If you want to understand why I am hesitant to take this boat around the world, I recommend you read my article: What are trampolines on a catamaran?

The Gunboat 62 is a great catamaran and set the standards for the rest of the impressive Gunboat lineup. It’s sleek and spacious while being robust and capable of transatlantic journeys. You can easily travel the world in a Gunboat 62 with several people and not feel cramped. 

The yacht was made for speed and power and remains one of the fastest catamarans on the market, even rivaling the newer Gunboat models.  GABO

Although the earlier models of the Gunboat 62 weren’t designed for a lot of cargo, you can still find space for everything you need without compromise. 

Lagoon catamarans are known for their reliability and ease of use. If you are considering a catamaran for the first time and are unsure about the technicalities of sailing, a Lagoon boat is a great option. 

The Lagoon 380 is probably the smallest cruiser on this list, which makes it better suited for solo or couple sailing.  

When I go looking to buy something, whether it be a boat, campervan, or whatever, I create a checklist and classify all the things I want either by NEED or NICE to have.

I believe the Lagoon 380 to be sub-optimal for my NEEDS, even though it does check a lot of NICE boxes, there’s a step-by-step article on the NEED and NICE method here .

There are several cabin options available on the Lagoon 380, but if you’re sailing by yourself, you can settle for three cabins and a larger galley and living space. With a smaller cockpit and broader side decks, the Lagoon 380 packs a lot of practicality and ease of sailing into a more compact catamaran. 

If you like the idea of a Lagoon boat but want a little more space, the Lagoon 42 is the upgraded version of the Lagoon 380. With all of the same benefits, it comes with more space for cabins or storage, making it one of the best-selling Lagoons of all time. 

The Lagoon 42 is also a faster cruiser built for strength. While it’s not the fastest on the market, it works well in choppy waters and windy conditions, making it great for the beginning sailor to go on a more extended trip. 

Many people have completed an around-the-world sail with this ship.

Although there is a flybridge version, I would recommend the “open” version due to several factors, some including increased windage and a higher boom. More on flybridges pros and cons here .

For stability, safety, and durability, you can’t beat the Lagoon 42. 

The Leopard 45 performs better with less storage weight because of the relatively low bridge deck clearance. If the boat is fully loaded, you could experience some wave pounding. However, the cockpit is open and airy, with devices that block the sun and provide maximum comfort while sailing. 

The Leopard 45 is an incredibly beautiful boat,   and has a strong reputation for excellent build quality!

Leopard catamarans are one of my personal favorites, as such I have written an entire article about the brand, so if you want to understand its pros and cons then here is the link . Gabo

Designed in South Africa, it features a high rear arch for extra support and very smoothly connected decks. The galley is large and open, and most Leopards offer a four-cabin plan. If you are traveling with another person, this boat is an excellent option for you! 

The Manta 42 is another classic catamaran that you can buy used (at a decent price), as it is an incredibly seaworthy vessel. While still in production, the Manta was one of the most popular catamarans on the market. 

It is still in high demand amongst circumnavigators. Buying a used Manta 42 usually means that you inherit some of the previous owner’s boat upgrades! 

The Manta 42 also made it to my list of the 9 safest catamarans on the market ( link ).

This blue water cat can be sailed by one or two people, making it ideal for liveaboard couples or long-distance shorthanded sailing. The galley is in the saloon ( instead of in one of the hulls ), making the cabins below more spacious and better equipped. 

Overall, the Manta is well equipped for sailing around the world. 

Nautitech 44

Nautitech is an excellent brand of the catamaran, with several different designs per boat. The Nautitech 44 has a unique feature, you can have it with two options for steering: twin wheels or a single wheel.

The Nautitech 44 also features a cockpit on the same level as the saloon. The door between the two is more convenient than a hatch and dramatically reduces the risk of water damage during rain pour. 

This is also the same boat that aeroyacht president Gregor owns, he has offered some great insights into Nautitech in the book Catamarans (amazon link )

Outremer 45

Outremer is famous for being one of the fastest brands of catamarans on the market. If you need speed, the Outremer 45 might be the perfect choice for you. It has a top speed of 16 knots, which is higher than almost every other catamaran of its class. 

While the Outremer 45 is known for speed, it doesn’t compromise on the quality of living. 

You can settle into life on this boat with complete peace of mind. Even as a beginning sailor, the steering is simple and easy to use, and the autopilot is top of the line, so you’ll be able to sail across the ocean in an Outremer without issue. 

Privilege Serie 5

A French-designed catamaran, the Privilege Serie 5 is one of the most comfortable 50-foot (15 m) yachts available. The unique cabin layout includes the master cabin in the boat’s center instead of in one of the hulls. 

The Privilege Serie 5 is also incredibly easy to sail, despite its larger size. 

The sails and controls lead to the helm, where the raised deck makes it easy to see all around the deck. If you want to cross the ocean with a full crew then the Privilege Serie 5 might be perfect for you! 

Seawind 1000

The Seawind 1000 is the smallest boat on this list, measuring 33 feet (10 meters) long altogether. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s not livable. If you are sailing on your own or with a partner, there is more than enough space to live in the Seawind 1000, which includes the option of a centered cabin or two hull cabins. 

Because it’s small, the Seawind 1000 is easy to handle. The mast and sails are all manufactured for extra stability and ease of use. 

Overall, the Seawind 1000 is an excellent example of a simple, safe, and seaworthy catamaran. 

Note: since this is a small catamaran it will also be more sensitive to heavy weather so trip-planning becomes even more important.

The Voyage 44 is one of the oldest cats on this list, having had its hay-day in the mid-1990s. However, this also means that a used Voyage 44 will be cheaper than a newer boat. If you can find a Voyage with previous responsible owners, you will inherit any upgrades and fixes that they’ve made on top of a very seaworthy boat. 

The Voyage 44 has more storage and space than most cruisers of its size and is known for behaving very well in choppy waters. 

This catamaran does its job well while providing adequate space for cooking, sleeping, and living aboard. 

What To Look For in a Long-Distance Cruising Catamaran

If you are planning to sail around the world, you need to be very careful about which kind of catamaran you decide to use. Many of the things you want in a boat really comes down to personal preference, so be sure you know what design preferences you want before you start shopping! 

Size and Payload

The most important thing to consider when buying a catamaran is how much space and cargo you need because the larger the boats are, the bigger the payload it can handle. Decide how long you want the ship to be and how much you’re taking with you. 

It’s vital not to overload a catamaran, this will reduce performance and increase risk of unwanted behavior in heavy seas.

Cabin Placement  

Most catamarans have options for a “Maestro” cabin placement, where one entire hull is the master suite, and the other cabins are located on the opposite hull.

Cockpit and Protection From The Weather

Is the cockpit on the boat you’re looking at covered or open? This can make a difference on the high seas, especially during rainy weather. 

The size of the ship also can affect how many people you need as a crew. If you’re traveling by yourself or with one other person, you don’t want to buy a boat that needs a larger crew. 

Buying Used? 

If you don’t want to spend the money on a brand new catamaran, I don’t blame you. Several of the ships on this list are out of production and can only be found used. However, for circumnavigation, you do want a boat of high quality to keep you safe and dry until you make it to your destination.  

When buying a suitably used catamaran, it’s essential to look at the refit history of the boat more than the year it was made. Catamarans are sturdy, and the general design has been the same for at least the past decade. 

If you find a newer, larger, cheaper boat, you should look into its history. 

Your best bet to save money while buying a catamaran will be to buy an older, probably smaller boat with an excellent refit history and no serious issues. It will still be an investment, and a sturdy used catamaran will serve you well. 

Final Thoughts

No matter which catamaran you decide to buy for your journey, you’ll be able to sail safely and comfortably. Catamarans are great yachts for long-distance sailing, and the ships on this list are the best of the best. These brands are time-tested and ready to accompany you on an adventure around the world! 

Here are Some of My Favorite Catamaran Cruising Resources

Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it helpful as you hopefully start your sailing adventures. Here are some resources that I use as a sailor that I hope you’ll also find helpful. These are affiliate links, so if you do decide to use any of them, I’ll earn a commission. But in all honesty, these are the exact things that I use and recommend to everyone, even my own family. Sailboats: If you’re looking for the best boat to suit your needs, I would recommend a catamaran. If you’re interested, I can show you the differences between catamarans and other types of sailboats .

Books:  For getting started, I really like  Cruising catamarans made easy . It is actually a textbook from the American sailing association; it is used to get a cruising catamaran certification. There are some other great books, and I have compiled a list of books about cruising catamarans that you will find useful.

Communication:  Being out on adventures, whether it be sailing or climbing mountains, good communications are essential to being safe. I recommend two things Google fi (incredibly simple cellular data all over the world) and Garmin inreach mini (for text and voice in remote areas without cell coverage)

Sailing courses: Online sailing courses are great for beginners starting out their sailing career; it’s an efficient way of learning the basics of navigation, throttle controls, and maritime safety. I suggest starting with two free courses from NauticEd .

To see all my most up-to-date recommendations,  check out this resource  that I made for you!

  • Wikipedia: Catamaran
  • Cruising World: A-Z Best Cruising Catamarans 
  • Dreamy Yacht Sales: Four Best Catamarans for New Buyers
  • Atlantic Cruising: Good Cat/Bad Cat
  • Yachting World: Catamaran Sailing Across the Atlantic
  • Boat Affair: What is a Catamaran? 
  • Nautilus Sailing: Catamaran Sailing

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!

3 thoughts on “ 17 Best Catamarans for Sailing Around the World ”

I like the efforts you have put in this, regards for all the great content.

Thanks Elisabeth I really appreciate the kind words 🙂

I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Cool.

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22-07-2013, 06:25  
suited for cruising, and which small cat is best suited for this endeavor.

Thanks to all.
Henry & Elizabeth
22-07-2013, 06:54  
Boat: Mainship Pilot 34
is a nebulous term. Some think of it as 250 mile or less hops in the . I think of it is any 3 or more days out where forecasts can fall apart and big seas are then possible. True blue to me means handling anything short of a , certainly 60 kts winds.

With that definition, which is what you are really talking about, is more related to and beam than pure size. I sailed a 35' Cat with a beam of 15' and a really heavy of probably 18,000 lbs loaded. I felt reasonably safe on it, but wouldn't do a 3-5 day in it.

Even a 40' cat with an 18-20 foot beam would be problematic if it were light. Cats rarely due to simply heeling too far like you may have have experienced on a beach cat. They capsize when the leeward digs into a wave and they pitchpole. Length, beam and displacement are the only remedies for this as well as carrying conservative in a real blow like a storm sail.

David
22-07-2013, 07:13  
Boat: Nimble Artic 26
in a real blow like a storm sail.

What length, beam displacement gives the greatest for the least ?
22-07-2013, 07:18  
to a
.

Henry & Elizabeth (H&E)
22-07-2013, 07:27  
Boat: Nimble Artic 26
about a couple who tried to sail to in a 16 foot Hobie, but never made it and were never found.
22-07-2013, 07:28  
Boat: a sailing boat


Because many small, less expensive cats are old, you must make a proper full before you take one offshore. There are no points out there.

Search recent threads for that guy who believed he could take a small offshore. Something with 'zen' in it.

Found it, but read that thread too:




b.
22-07-2013, 07:38  
22-07-2013, 07:44  
Boat: ‘01 Catana 401
.
22-07-2013, 07:44  
Boat: Catalina 310
to do before you can ask the right questions.

"Smallest length" is a very subjective term. For instance, have crossed the Atlantic and further. The did a circumnavigation in a 36 foot catamaran with zero knowledge before leaving. The owner of took one of his smaller catamarans on a North with his son (and the rumor is that he said he would never do it again).

Why are you looking for smallest? Is it cost? Or ease of handling? Or the challenge of a small space? Or requirements?

You have said you want to know for doing a circumnavigation. Is this a trades circ or are you going to try and go north seas? Not all circ routes are equal.

For that matter, why a catamaran over a ?

Sorry to hit you with lots of questions, but without knowing more there is little usable information that can be provided. You will also find that vague questions like this get little response. A lot of seasoned CFers will ignore some of these questions.

If you are looking for a good place to start some , I highly recommend Capn Fatty Goodlander's book . I am about 2/3rds through this book and he gives a lot of great information for someone starting out their planning.

Good luck in your quest.

Fair winds,

Jesse
22-07-2013, 07:46  
routing.

Many have been round on smaller cats than that.

For my part though I would not want smaller than 44 feet or bigger than 50 feet for a couple.
22-07-2013, 07:47  
22-07-2013, 07:49  
Boat: 34' Crowther tri sold 16' Kayak now
22-07-2013, 08:01  
costs are a plus but wont kill the deal.

Ease of handling with crew if necessary is a must.

We aren't necessarily looking for speed, as there is no agenda or time limit in mind.

We want to do a winds circ.

E doesn't like the heeling in a mono so we are going with a cat.

Really, any size from 38 to 44 would , we just want to go small.

Capn Fatty's book has just been ordered.

H&E
22-07-2013, 08:20  
Boat: 38/41 Fountains pajot
systems, and a cat you can handle. Handling (both raising lowering, and or removing them) may be alot easier on a 38 than a 42. Also the bigger the cat the more the sails have and more caution needed when adjusting etc, just my 2C.
22-07-2013, 08:29  
Boat: PDQ 36 & Atlantic 42
a 40' catamaran in the , and sail to . In a four hour trip you will get a taste of what the Open Ocean is like. A cat that is smaller than 40' would be quite uncomfortable bashing to windward there, whil a 50 footer would seem serene.

I think that experience would show you what size you would need. However:

Almost nobody buys their last boat first.* Whatever you get is likely to start out straining your courage, endurance and pocket book, before becoming a guide to what you really want in a second boat. You have just succumbed to a malaise called "two-foot-it is". The only cure is to go for a six foot bigger boat. Then you get "six-foot-it is" with a longer gestation period. Observe that there are boats too big for Coastal sailing where you can duck into a harbor, and drift along the Inter Coastal Waterway where and air are limited.

Its true that many people can open a restaurant, but its wise to learn to cook first.

* Okay, Okay. some people around the world on their first boat ride, and some of them do it in really boats. Some people ride over Niagara Falls in a barrel. Somebody somewhere played Russian Roulette five times.

The rest of sail for the shear pleasure of sailing.
 
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  • Carbon Cat Dinghies Breaks the Mold for Traditional Tenders

Leave it to Larry Graff and his team at Aspen Catamarans to bring out a rigid dinghy that breaks the design mold for yacht tenders. That’s just what the new Aspen Carbon Cats do.

The new Aspen Carbon Cats are rigid dinghies with truly unique hull designs. They come in four versions, the T9, T10, T11 and T11C, which has a steering console. All can be powered by standard outboard motors or rowed.

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The hull shape is unlike anything you’ve seen before. The bow has a sharp fore foot that cleaves waves. Just aft, the hull shapes deflect spray away from the boat and you. Running aft, the hull develops a modified catamaran shape that adds buoyancy and stability.

This hybrid monohull-multihull hull shape is so unique, Aspen has applied for a patent.

To reduce weight and to make the cats easy to handle, they are made of a ultra-strong and light carbon laminates. This means you can hoist the dinghy into davits or drag it up a beach without too much effort. It also means that power requirements are roughly 35 percent less than for a standard rigid-floor, inflatable dinghy of the same size.

In sea trials of the prototypes, the 11-footer powered by a 9.9 horsepower outboard achieved a top speed of 21 knots. – at a remarkable good speed-to-horsepower ratio.

To make the new cats as durable as possible and to keep the mothership’s topside pristine, the dinghies’ gunnels are fitted with this foam bumpers.

Aspen offers stern wheels for the dinghies that make them as easy to move around dry land as a wheelbarrow. And, they have davit options available.

If you’re looking for a unique rigid, durable and fast tender that will keep your butt and the groceries dry, these new Aspen Carbon Cats are a very attractive option.

Read more here.

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Travel | Mount Dora’s CatBoat Adventure tour has…

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Subscriber only, travel | mount dora’s catboat adventure tour has guests driving a sporty two-seater boat.

A CatBoat Adventures tour led by Capt. Todd Voss takes guests on a water-based voyage across Lake Dora in Lake County. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

This is exactly where I found myself one recent sunny morning in Mount Dora — seated at the controls of a sporty, two-seater catamaran boat, with my girlfriend Karissa riding in the passenger seat, on a tour led by Capt. Todd Voss, our funny and fearless leader, for the excursion. The CatBoat Adventures tour , which launched from the Mount Dora Boating Center and Marina , took us flying across Lake Dora and through the scenic, peaceful Dora Canal that was teeming with Floridian flora and fauna.

A CatBoat Adventures tour led by Capt. Todd Voss takes guests on a water-based voyage on Lake Dora in Lake County on June 26, 2024. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Learning how to operate the small catamaran boats, which were powered by a 30-horsepower motor, was fairly intuitive, as we learned in a tutorial laced with dad jokes and comical quips. The captain’s seat, on the craft’s starboard side, had a throttle control on the driver’s right-hand side and a steering control on the left. Pulling the lever backward would cause the craft to turn left or forward to turn right.

Fun fact: These CraigCat boats , which are outfitted with bimini tops, bucket seats and a dry storage compartment, have been built in Orlando since 1990; the company is headquartered at a facility on Silver Star Road west of College Park.

After a quick demonstration and a few laps at idle speed near the Mount Dora lighthouse, Voss joined us on the water and announced on his walkie-talkie to our group of four boats that we would be traveling several miles across Lake Dora. Without hesitation, he pushed his throttle to the max, and we all followed suit, hair blowing in the wind. A grin immediately spread across my face, and it stayed there for the remainder of the two-hour experience.

A CatBoat Adventures tour led by Capt. Todd Voss takes guests on a water-based voyage on Lake Dora in Lake County on June 26, 2024. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

As we zipped across Lake Dora, Voss stopped to point out osprey nests and periodically checked to make sure the group had a good handle on how to drive the boats. Speeding across the lake with the throttle pushed to the max proved exhilarating, but entering the Dora Canal provided a serene, shady respite from the open sun with towering cypress trees and plenty of birds to spot — including a limpkin, great blue herons, anhingas, great egrets and more.

Cruising at a notch above idle speed, our time in the canal included a history lesson about the Indigenous people who once inhabited Central Florida, a quick water gun battle with the captain of another passing tour, bubbles and sing-alongs every time we passed under a bridge. Though I can’t be sure how each of the guides runs their tours, requesting Capt. Todd will ensure a similar, fun-filled time on the water.

A fellow CatBoat Adventures tour guide takes a shot at Capt. Todd Voss with his water gun in the Dora Canal in Lake County on June 26, 2024. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Side note: At the tour’s halfway turnaround point, there is an option for the driver and passenger to switch places carefully while following the tour guide’s instructions.

On our way out of the canal, we passed a small gnome garden and a curious, quirky dolphin statue embedded with a TV — “I once asked them what porpoise it served,” remarked our captain — before returning to the open lake, where we immediately saw seaplanes taxiing across the water and even taking off. This happened right as we were passing Tavares, “America’s Seaplane City,” where there was visible flight activity even on a random Wednesday.

A sea plane prepares to take off on Lake Dora near Tavares in Lake County on June 26, 2024. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

Venturing back across Lake Dora, we stopped to see interesting waterfront homes — complete with a sandhill crane flyover — and then made our way back toward the marina, zipping along at full speed until nearing the lighthouse once again. In the blink of an eye, our exciting, fun and informative two-hour journey on the water was over. If I could do it all again, I would in a heartbeat.

Find me  @PConnPie on Instagram  or send me an email:  [email protected] .

CatBoat Adventures start at $160 (before taxes and fees) when booked online. Tours launch daily (closed Tuesdays), typically at 10 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. from 148 Charles Ave. in Mount Dora. Boat drivers born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, must complete an FWC-approved boating safety course and receive an identification card due to recent changes in Florida law. More information: 352-325-1442 or catboattour.com

A great blue heron is perched in a tree as seen during a trip through the Dora Canal on a CatBoat Adventures tour in Lake County on June 26, 2024. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)

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