best catamaran over 60 feet

13 Best Catamarans for Cruising (Buyer’s Guide With Prices)

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If you’ve spent many a pleasant weekend chartering or helming a cruising catamaran on the open sea, perhaps, just like me, you’ve started thinking about buying your own cruising catamaran . However, purchasing a cruising catamaran is no small decision; it’s essential to research the range of models to decide which will be best for you. 

Some of the best catamarans for cruising are the Sunreef 60, the Leopard 45, the Saona 46, the Manta 42, and the Antares 44i. A good cruising catamaran offers plenty of space, extended range and is optimized for comfort and safety. A cruiser is slower and less exciting to sail than a performance cat.

If you would like to own a catamaran, but your budget doesn’t stretch to purchasing a new one, look for a used, older model. You should also think about whether you’d prefer a power or sailing catamaran. This article explores the best cruising catamarans on the market and gives you an insight into what model will work best for your circumstances.

Are you looking for a specific price range or size? Check out my other articles, such as Best catamarans under 200k or 20 top performance catamarans!

Sunreef 60 (Power/Sail)

The Sunreef 60 is the epitome of luxury. It offers both powerful sailing performance and, with 60 feet (18.3 meters) in length, has an abundance of amenities for passengers. 

The Sunreef 60 has been commended by several industry experts, including SailWorld and YachtingWorld . Some of the best features of the Sunreef 60 include : 

• A large semi-open saloon that leads into the aft cockpit, the main deck, and the dining space 
• An aft hydraulic platform that can be used for water sports and sunbathing 
• A large flybridge that can house a pool, bar, and dining area 
• An aft garage that can be used as extra storage space 
• The ability to host up to 12 guests, with the owner’s cabin offering a spectacular front view 

The Sunreef 60’s sailing specifications are equally impressive. Some of the catamaran’s specs include: 

Power version:

• An advanced navigation system that allows the Sunreef 60 to operate both with and without a crew 
• A fuel capacity of 1585.03 gallons (6000 liters) 
• A water capacity of 211.34 gallons (800 liters) 
• A draft of 5.90 feet (1.80 meters)

Sail version:

• A fuel capacity of 463 gallons (1750 liters) 
• 2*110HP Engines

In 2020, Sunreef launched a variation of the Sunreef 60 – the 60 Sunreef Power Eco . This catamaran is equipped with a state-of-the-art solar power system and wind generators. Eco-responsible finishing materials have been used to construct several parts of the catamaran.  

Both the Sunreef 60 and the eco version are excellent sailing crafts built for luxurious, long-distance cruises. They are still in production, so you can order a new vessel from Sunreef 60 . Used Sunreef 60s can be found on TheYachtMarket.com . 

As the Sunreef 60 is such a high-end vessel, be prepared to pay a premium price for one – new or used. 

Sunreef 60 are priced between $1 488 000 and $2 914 000

Nautitech 47 Power or Nautitech 46 Sail

The Nautitech 47 Power is a sleek power catamaran, designed by Nautitech Catamarans and architected by Marc Lombard.

Catamaran enthusiasts applaud the Nautitech 47 for its short extended hardtop, modern navigation station, and excellent bridge deck clearance . This Nautitech 47 Power has similar attractive features, including: 

• A large saloon with a 360-degree panorama 
• Optimized hulls and an optimized hardtop 
• A comfortable navigation station area that can seat two 
• A spacious gallery with large benches for working on 
• A generous flybridge and cockpit that provides plenty of room for lounging 
• The flybridge can also be enclosed, protecting it from bad weather
• A lifting platform that can be lowered into the water to create a ‘beach’ in the middle of the sea
• Three cabins which can be converted into four depending on how many guests you are entertaining 

The Nautitech 47 Power was launched in 2018 and is based on the Nautitech 46 Sail. It employs modern cruising and technical features, including:

• A draft of 3 feet 11 inches (1.20 meters) 
• A fuel capacity of 2 x 170 gallons (2 x 645 liters) 
• A water tank capacity of 2 x 79 gallons (2 x 300 liters) 
• Two Volva Penta engines with a power of 225 HP

Nautitech 46 Sail offers :

• Two Volva Penta engines with a power of 40 HP
• A fuel capacity of 2 x 79 gallons (2 x 300 liters) 

The only potential drawback of the Nautitech 47 Power is that it has exposed helms. However, you can fix this with a bimini, which will incur an additional cost. 

If you’re interested in buying a Nautitech 47/46, visit NautitechCatamarans.com to find your nearest dealer. The dealer may offer you a sea trial where you can take the catamaran out to sea and judge its performance for yourself. You can also buy a Nautitech second-hand; browse YatchWorld.com to see some options. 

Leopard 45 (Sail)

The Leopard 45 is a luxury catamaran that is popular with both charter companies and private owners. Simonis-Voogd designed the external shell while Robertson and Caine did the internal interiors. As its name suggests, the Leopard 45 is 45 feet (13.72 meters) long. It has been recommended by Gregor Tarjan, author of ‘ The Complete Guide for Cruising Sailors ’ and the president of Aeroyacht Ltd. 

The Leopard 45 was launched in 2017 and carried forward some of the most popular features and design aspects of earlier Leopard models. For instance, the Leopard 45 has a flybridge lounge which includes space for a seating area, a sunbed, and a table. This feature won an award when it was included in the Leopard 50. Other positive attributes of the Leopard 45 include: 

• An increased aft area with floating stairs lead up to the cockpit
• The option to have three or four cabins depending on the number of guests you have 
• An open plan saloon and galley, adding to the catamaran’s overall spaciousness 
• A protected helm station 
• Hardtop lounge in the most recent models 

Some of the technical specifications of the Leopard 45 include: 

• A minimum draft of 4 feet 11 inches (1.5 meters) 
• A bridge deck clearance of 2 feet 9 inches (0.83 meters) 
• A freshwater capacity of 206 gallons (780 liters)
• A fuel capacity of 185 gallons (780 liters) 
• Two engines with 45 HP each 

A new Leopard 45 will be available for purchase directly from Leopard Catamarans in 2022. However, if you can’t wait or want one at a lower price point, consider buying a used one. A range of used Leopard 45s is available on YachtWorld.com . 

A Leopard 45 costs between $957 000 – $234 000

Lagoon 440 (Sail)

The Lagoon 440 is a catamaran recognized for its large interior volume, making it a popular catamaran for charter companies. However, the volume also makes it an excellent catamaran for families or owners looking to host large parties. Lagoon also made a power-cat version called the Lagoon 44.

At 44 feet (13.7 meters) long, the Lagoon 440 is relatively heavy. However, it has several functional advantages, including: 

• Four cabins with four en-suite heads 
• A bimini top 
• A cockpit with speakers and a shower that is easily accessible by guests 
• A large galley with potential for island top benches 
• Lazy jacks and a canvas catchment system that allows for easier sail handling 
• Additional storage space in the aft and cockpits 

Meanwhile, some of the technical specifications of the Lagoon 440 include: 

• A maximum draft of 4.3 feet (1.30 meters) 
• One engine capacity with a total power of 54 HP 
• Freshwater tanks with a capacity of 237 gallons (897 liters) 
• A fuel tank capacity of 172 gallons (651 liters)

While the Lagoon 440 has an excellent collection of features, it does have some drawbacks that users have noted. Some flybridge models of the Lagoon 440 have a high boom position that may make it difficult to access the sail bag. The saloon’s leading edge has a slight squaring, which may be challenging to get aesthetically used to. 

Despite these drawbacks, the Lagoon 440 is still a great option if you are on a strict budget. The Lagoon 440 had a six-year production run, where over 400 of the models were produced. As a result, several Lagoon 440s are always available in the second-hand market. Visit YatchtWorld.com to explore catamarans of this model that are currently for sale. 

A Lagoon 440 can be purchased at $290 000 – $525 000

Saona 47 (Sail)

Made by Fountaine Pajot, the Saona 47 is a luxury catamaran that is 45.7 feet (13.94 meters) long. Designed by Berret-Racoupeau Yacht Design, it has received several industry and maritime awards, including SAIL magazine’s award for the best multihull cruising boat (40-50 feet). 

Launched in April 2017, the Saona 47 is relatively new on the market. As a result, it features a modern design and modern amenities. Some of the most enticing features of the Saona 47 include: 

• Several spaces for passengers to lounge and relax, including a large sunbathing area, a lounge deck, and an open plan cockpit
• A lift that can also be converted into a swimming platform
• A large galley with an island bench 
• Three cabins, with the master cabin having an en-suite bathroom. If you’re looking to charter it, there is a four-cabin version with space for a crew.
• Good visibility from the helm and the opportunity to engage with other passengers 

The Saona 47 also offers an excellent sailing performance. It has a carefully planned weight-to-value ratio, which allows for both speed and stability. Some of the technical features of the Saona 47 are: 

• A draft of 4.3 feet (1.3 meters) 
• A sail area of 828.8 feet (77 meters)
• A fuel capacity of 2 x 124 gallons (2 x 470 litres) 

To buy the Saona 47 new, you can lodge an inquiry on FountainePajot.com . However, you can also visit YachtWorld.com to see if you can find a used Saona 47.

A used Saona 47 may cost between $600,000 – $999,000.

Excess 12 (Sail)

The Excess 12 was launched in 2019 by Groupe Beneteau, the same group which designs Lagoon catamarans. The Excess range has been created for performance-oriented sailing vessels. The catamarans in the range have been applauded for their sailing prowess and their space. The Excess 12 was the first of the range and has been named the best cruising multihull under 40 feet by Sail Magazine. 

Designed by VPLP Design, the Excess 12 is considered a ‘sporty’ catamaran. It is 38 feet and 6 inches (11.74 meters). It has an open bimini and a light helm that gives it a feel similar to a monohull. Other attractive features of the Excess 12 include: 

• A cockpit with a retractable roof that allows for direct access to sunlight 
• The cockpit also has dining space for up to 8 people 
• Room for two to three people in the helm
• The option between three or four cabins 
• A high aspect rig ratio 
• An aft double steering station 
• Most areas of the Excess 12 are constructed with cedar and white blend woodwork and united windows, making for a beautiful, natural aesthetic

Reviewers of the Excess 12 note a minor drawback of the twin aft helm. Its location in the corner of the cabin can create a blind spot. Other than this, many of the sailing features of the Excess 12 are positively received. These include: 

• A draft of 4 feet and 5 inches (1.35 meters) 
• An upwind sail area of 82 meters (269 feet)
• A fuel capacity of 2 x 53 gallons (2 x 200 liters) 
• The freshwater capacity of 79 gallons (300 liters) 

If you’re interested in buying the Excess 12 new, visit the dealer’s page on ExcessCatamrans.com, or visit YatchtWorld.com to look for a secondhand model.

Manta 42 (Sail)

The Manta 42 is one of the most popular models from Manta, an older brand known for its high-quality catamarans. 

The Manta 42 was launched in the late 1990s and was in production until the late 2000s. It received the ‘Best Value Overall’ prize in CW’s 2001 Boat of the Year. Even though it is an older model, it remains a beloved model today and is an excellent option if you are on a tighter budget. 

Designed by Eric Lerouge, a French naval architect, the Manta 42 has a variety of attractive features: 

• Great sail to area displacement ratio, which makes for smoother sailing
• A spacious aft cockpit area that can be upgraded and customized to suit your own particular design needs 
• High bows and curved forward crossbeam make for a streamlined appearance
• Room for three cabins and two heads. The owner’s cabin has its own en-suite bathroom with a large shower. 
• Glass-enclosed cockpit
• The interior finish is made with maple and teak wood 

Meanwhile, some of the technical and sailing features of the Manta 42 are as follows: 

• A draft of 3.8 feet (1.2 meters) 
• One engine with a total power of 60 HP 
• Two holding tanks with a fuel capacity of 120 gallons (454 liters)
• The freshwater capacity of 100 gallons (379 liters)

If you decide to take the plunge and buy a Manta 42, you will become a member of the Manta Owners Association . This association connects you to other manta owners who offer advice and conversations about Manta maintenance and sailing. 

You cannot buy the Manta 42 new. However, there are plenty of used Manta 42 models available on YachtWorld.com . 

A used Manta 42 will cost you somewhere between $239 000 – $325 000

Antares 44i (Sail)

The Antares 44i is another older model that offers excellent value for money if you’re working with a lower budget. Its production began in Argentina in the late 2000s. This yacht was built with round-the-world sailing in mind, and it has excellent amenities from both a technical and passenger perspective. 

Some of the best passenger facilities the Antares 44i offers are: 

• An extended galley with plenty of storage space 
• Three cabins, with two at the hulls and one forward cabin on the port side 
• Stainless steel arch aft with plenty of space for dinghies 
• A cockpit with room for a BBQ and room for lounging 

While it is an older model, the Antares 44i still has plenty of modern sailing features and storage room, making it a great long-distance cruiser. Here are some of the attractive technical features: 

• A maximum draft of 4 feet (1.2 meters) 
• A bridge clearance of 62 feet (18.9 meters) 
• Two engines with a total power of 80 HP 
• Fuel tanks with a capacity of 120 gallons (454 liters) 
• Freshwater tanks with a capacity of 150 gallons (568 liters)

Today, the Antares Catamarans company has built a newer version of the Antares 44i – the Antares 44 , which you can consider if you want to buy a new catamaran. However, the Antares 44i continues to be a great option. You can buy a used Antares 44i on YatchtWorld.com . 

Price: $495 000 – $860 000

Catana 50 (Sail)

The Catana 50 is another older model that can hold its own against many more modern cruising catamarans. Like the Antares 44i, it is a more pocket-friendly option that doesn’t compromise sailing quality and passenger amenities. 

Catana is one of the world’s best catamaran producers, known for creating stable yet fast boats and for their quality finishes. Besides being produced by Catana, the Catana 50 has been architected by Christophe Barreau, a world class naval architect. Some of the best features that the Catana 50 boasts are: 

• A length of 50 feet (15 meters)
• Deep daggerboards allow for excellent windward performance
• Made with carbon fiber which allows for stability and speed 
• Hardtop over cockpit 
• Twin aft helm stations 
• Three cabins which can sleep 6 
• Satin oak interior finishes 

Meanwhile, the technical specifications of the Catana 50 include: 

• A draft of 4 feet (1.2 meters) 
• A bridge clearance of 23.7 feet (7 meters) 
• Two engines with a total power of 150 HP 
• Fuel tanks with a capacity of 227 gallons (860 liters) 
• Freshwater tanks with a capacity of 211 gallons (800 liters)

Catana does not produce the Catana 50 anymore. However, you can look for a pre-owned Catana 50 on the CatanaServices website or YatchtWorld.com . There are models of the Catana 50 available for secondhand sale across the world.

A Catana 50 will set you back somewhere between $644 000 – $692 000

Atlantic 42 (Sail)

Like the Manta 42, the Atlantic 42 is a smaller-sized catamaran. It is 42 feet (12.8 meters) long but is spacious and fuel-efficient. It was designed by Chris White , who specializes in designing high-performance catamarans.

The Atlantic 42 was in production in 1999 but boasts many classic features found in modern-day catamarans. The Atlantic 42 has been the recipient of Cruising World magazine’s Boat of the Year award. Noteworthy features in the Atlantic 42 include: 

• A high waist and forward cockpit 
• Custom aft deck allowing for easy access to the dinghy storage
• Interior design constructed with teak and holly wood
• Navigation station with space for two seats
• A secure, raised pilothouse that allows for excellent visibility in stormy weather 
• A galley with enough space for long-distance cruises 
• Two double cabins and two single cabins 

In addition to good passenger amenities, the Atlantic 42 has some excellent sailing specifications, including: 

• Water capacity of 80 gallons (302.8 liters) 
• Fuel capacity of 80 gallons (302.8 liters) 
• A bridge deck clearance of 62 feet (18.9 meters) 
• Engines with a total power of 58 HO 

The Atlantic 42 is no longer in production but can be custom ordered from Chris White designs . However, they can also be found on resale platforms such as YacthtWorld.com .

Price: $325 000 – $450 000

Seawind 1160 (Sail)

The Seawind 1160 is a long-distance cruiser produced by Seawind Catamarans , a leading catamaran manufacturer designing and building catamarans for over 35 years. 

This catamaran is available in two styles : the lite Seawind 1160 and the deluxe Seawind 1160. The deluxe catamaran operates with diesel sail drives that allow for excellent torque and fuel capacity. Meanwhile, the lite version works with outboard motors that reduce the catamaran’s overall weight. It also has more storage internally on the boat, and lower maintenance and replacement costs.

The Seawind 1160 has won Cruising World’s ‘Most Innovative Boat’ award in 2007. It won this award thanks to its tri-folding door, which opens the saloon and the cockpit to form a living or lounging area. Other significant design aspects and passenger amenities include: 

• Twin helm stations 
• 360-degree visibility from the cockpit 
• Grey wash and timber interior to make for a highly modern interior 
• Three cabins in the owner’s version of the catamaran with a queen-sized bed in the master cabin
• Hulls made of fiberglass 

Meanwhile, the sailing and design specifications of the Seawind 1160 are as follows: 

• A diesel fuel capacity of 95 US gallons (360 liters) 
• A freshwater capacity of 185 US gallons (700 liters) 
• A draft of 3 feet and six inches (1.1 meters) 

To buy a Seawind 1160 new, you can lodge an inquiry with SeaWindCats.com . However, you can also look for secondhand Seawind 1160s on websites like MultihullCentral.com .  

Price: $230 000 – $460 000

Bahia 46 (Sail)

Produced by Fountaine Pajot, the Bahia 46 has a sophisticated design that makes it an excellent choice. The Bahia 46 was also designed in conjunction with Joubert-Nivelt and Oliver Flahault.

Some of the stand out features of the Bahia 46 include: 

• Larger than usual hulls
• Daggerboards are strategically placed to minimize draft 
• A six post-bimini that can hold dinghies 
• Isolated engines that prevent passengers from being disturbed by the house and smell of the engines 
• Generous cabin area with an enclosed space that provides protection from severe weather
• A large cockpit with a dining space that can seat 10 

As well as offering excellent passenger and design amenities, the Bahia 46 has some attractive sailing features and specifications. These include: 

• A draft of 4 feet 3 inches (1.30 meters) 
• A fuel capacity of 100 gallons (378 liters) 
• A freshwater capacity of 220 gallons (833 liters) 
• Two engines with a total power of 80 HP

The Bahia 46 is no longer being produced. However, you can look to buy it secondhand on portals like YatchtWorld.com or SailTahiti.com . 

Price: $170 000 – $328 000

Aquila 48 (Power)

The Aquila 48 is a state-of-the-art power catamaran. While production of the Aquila 48 was discontinued in 2020, it is still an incredibly popular catamaran in the resale market.

The ambient and design features of the Aquila 48 include: 

• A hardtop flybridge made with stainless steel and with air conditioning 
• A forward cockpit with a removable table 
• The choice between a four or three-cabin version 
• A helm station with a canvas cover that offers weather protection 
• An expansive galley with room for a range of facilities, including a microwave, a fridge, and a double sink 
• Interiors finished with olive wood

The Aquila 48 is a power catamaran that allows for easy, stable, and fast cruising. Other specifications include:

• A maximum draft of 3 feet (0.91 meters) 
• Two engines with a maximum of 330 HP 
• A freshwater capacity of 103 gallons (389.9 liters) 
• Fuel tank capacity of 178 gallons (673.8 liters) 

You can buy the Aquila 48 second hand on websites like SiYachts.com or YatchtWorld.com .

Price: $550 000 – $699 000

Conclusion 

Depending on your budget and sailing style, there is a range of cruising catamarans you can choose from. Some of the best power catamarans include the Aquila 48, Sunreef Power, and Nautitech 47 Power. Meanwhile, some of the best luxury catamarans are the Saona 47 and Leopard 45. If you’re after an older catamaran that you can buy secondhand, the Manta 42, Antares 44i, and Lagoon 440 are excellent options . 

The next step in your catamaran journey is to see some of the models in their real-life glory. Contact some of the owners or dealers of these catamarans to see the catamarans up close and take them out for a trial! 

• AntaresCatamarans: Antares Brand 
• Catana Services: Pre Owned Boats 
• CruisersForum: Nautitech 47 
• Chris White: Atlantic 42 Catamaran 
• CrusingWorld: 40 Best Cruising Catamarans 
• Excess Catamarans: Excess 12
• FlagstaffMarine: International Awards and Nominations for 2020 
• Flagstaff Marine: Excess 12 
• Fountaine Pajot: Saona 47
• Leopard Catamarans: Model Availability
• MantaOwners: Manta Owners Association 
• Multihull Solutions: Award Winning Catamarans 
• Multihull Central: Seawind 1160
• Nautitech Catamarans: Nautitech 47 
• Robertson and Caine: Leopard 45
• SailTahiti: Catana 50 
• Sail Magazine: 10 Great Cruising Cat
• Sail Magazine: Boat Review – Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 
• SailWorld: 60 Sunreef Power
• Seawind Catamarans: History
• Staten Island Yacht Sales: Aquila 48 
• Sunreef Yachts: Eco Sunreef 60 Power
• Sunreef Yachts: Sunreef 60 
• YachtingWorld: The Sunreef 60 
• YachtWorld: Antares Boats for Sale 
• YachtWorld: Atlantic 42
• YachtWorld: Catana 50 for Sale 
• YachtWorld: Nautitech 47 Boats for Sale 
• YachtWorld: Leopard 45 for Sale 
• YachtWorld: Lagoon 440 for Sale 
• YachtWorld: Saona 47 for Sale 
• YachtWorld: Excess 12
• YachtWorld: Fountaine Pajot for Sale 
• YachtWorld: Aquila 48
• YachtWorld: Manta 42 Boats for Sale 

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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What are the best bluewater multihulls for long term cruising? The one you own, or the one you can afford is the simple answer.

There is a wealth of proven designs to suit bluewater sailing and a variety of budgets. While we have focussed here on the best bluewater multihulls in production, we’ve also included some cracking pedigree multihulls which tour the planet and might occasionally pop up on the brokerage market.

If you can afford to, then pushing towards the 45-50ft length will buy you space, pace and that extra payload capacity needed to take all the items you’d want on your home afloat.

When looking at the best bluewater multihulls, the choice will come down to that perennial balance between comfort/space and speed/weight. Choosing a lighter weight performance design will obviously help you cover distance voyages more rapidly and potentially allow you to outrun weather systems. It means you can sail faster, with less sail up and less load and stress. But you’ll have to sacrifice some luxuries and need to be quite scrupulous about keeping weight down and centralised in order to maintain high average speeds.

For the majority of cruisers, however, it is the amount of space multihulls offer once you’ve reached your destination that really appeals. As well as the non-heeling living area and real estate they provide, they’re well suited to typical tradewind sailing .

If you’re considering your first or next multihull, we hope the following will serve as a taster.

Best bluewater multihulls for performance cruising

Outremer 51/55.

When you think of multihulls designed for bluewater cruising, Outremer will likely be one of the first names that comes to mind. Its heritage lies in building catamarans that can sail fast and are built strong enough to do laps of the globe.

The 51, the current version of which launched three years ago, is an archetypal example of what to look for in terms of blending speed and space is a dream design for a family circumnavigation.

The French yard’s new 55ft VPLP design may look boldly different from its past models, but the philosophy behind it remains the same. It is designed to match windspeed up to 12 knots and Outremer reasons that its ability to sail in 5 knots of breeze will allow it to sail for 95% of the time on a circumnavigation.

Read more about the Outremer 51 and Outremer 55.

Photo: Diego Yriarte

Seawind 1600/1370

For nearly four decades the Australian Seawind brand and its founder Richard Ward have been gearing catamarans around safe bluewater sailing, including performance, protection and ease of handling. Its Reichel Pugh-designed 1600, which launched three years ago, is an elegant looking cat with relatively low, long lines and some smart solutions for fast bluewater sailing.

Seawind also launches its new 1370 later this year, a staggering 60 of which have sold on plans alone.

This first 50 is built from a composite sandwich of basalt fibre, a cloth made from volcanic rock, and PET foam from recycled plastic bottles, which helps to reduce carbon emissions by nearly 50% when compared with traditional glassfibre methods.

This new 50 footer is perhaps a more appealing and practical prospect than Rapido’s previous 60 (with its significant fixed beam), particularly as the amas on this new model can fold to reduce beam to 18ft.

Infused carbon foam sandwich construction is used, along with beams, daggerboards and rudder in pre-preg carbon to keep displacement to 8,200kg.

Read more about the Rapido 50

This OC50 is designed as a more affordable cruising alternative, than the HH models which have preceeded it. This model targets ocean sailing.

It’s still stiffened and strengthened by carbon, but built in vinylester composites with a gelcoat finish. This adds an additional 300kg or so over a full carbon HH50, but cost savings are in the region of $400,000.

Read more about the HH OC50

Balance 526

The 526 launched four years ago, designed to suit short-handed sailors and families looking to sail long distances, hence it can carry large payloads and promises easy maintenance. It looks good too.

Berman’s Versahelm design is a key feature. The wheel cantilevers, allowing the helmsman to steer from outboard with clear sightlines or from the hardtop protection of the aft cockpit.

Photo: Christopher White

Atlantic 47

The A47 suits short-handed fast ocean sailing at an approachable size. Lengthening it to 49ft allowed for an aft cockpit. It is available as a sloop or with White’s patented MastFoil ketch rig – rotating aerofoil masts designed for easy short-handed cruising without sacrificing performance.

Read more about the Atlantic 47

A combination of sharp design from François Perus and high build quality brings plenty of appeal to this sporty Italian-built cat. The first example launched three years ago with a light displacement of 10.5 tonnes, thanks to an E-glass epoxy-infused build with carbon strengthening. The yard offers semi-custom construction and full hybrid packages.

Catana 53/Ocean class 50

Catana’s performance model from 2017, sports twin aft helms (which may not suit ocean sailors), reverse bows and carbon daggerboards. The high topsides help create good bridgedeck clearance and plenty of accommodation. Its new Ocean Class 50 seems more in the shipyard’s bluewater DNA. The light weight, and dynamic and modern shape with slim hulls and a relatively short nacelle suggests a seaworthy nature and high speeds.

Read more about the Catana 53

Best bluewater multihulls for pedigree performance

Veteran multihull designers Morrelli & Melvin designed this smaller model for the Gunboat range. It was built to be more manageable for an owner-driver yet still capable of up to 300-400 mile days.

The Gunboat 48 is something of a rare breed, just six 48s were built between 2004 and 2009. Oh, to have a spare €1.3m right now… one of them is actually on the market.

Read more about the Gunboat 48

At the start of the Millennium, Catana offered fully equipped boats as standard for long distance cruising. The Catana 471 or 472 (one or two helms respectively), represented at the time the optimum in ocean-going catamarans.

Chincogan/Lightwave

Tony Grainger has been drawing fast multihulls for 35 years, including racing trimarans and the Lightwave and Chincogan cruisers. The popular Lightwave 38 has admirable performance and comfort, and the Chincogan 52 (pictured) has the length to clock high average speeds.

Outremer 45 G. Danson

With its characteristic roof, narrow hulls and daggerboards, the Outremer 45 is a standout design which has become somewhat iconic. Despite a rather spartan interior, it has been a great success with fast cruising enthusiasts. On board, family ocean crossings at an average of 10 knots are the norm.

Best bluewater multihulls for family cruising

Photo: Nicolas Claris

The Lagoon 450 remains the most popular model in Lagoons already popular range. It exemplifies the VPLP/Nauta design partnership which has made these the very definition of modern mid-size cruising catamarans which can appeal to families and charterers alike.

Indeed the 450 marked the modern look of Lagoon and was the first with interior styling from Nauta. It originally launched over a decade ago as a flybridge design with central helming position (450F), before this ‘sport top’ option (450S) was offered with a starboard helm station and lower boom.

Read more about the Lagoon 450

Photo: Guilain Grenier

Fountaine Pajot Saona 47

The 47 has a modern shape, with straight bows and a reverse sheer line. It incorporates significant volume in the hulls below the bridgedeck to create room for the optional athwartships cabins. Cabin space is a prime selling point, particularly the owner’s suite to port, where there is also abundant natural light and headroom.

Photo: Tui Marine

Leopard Catamarans, together with designer Simonis Voogd and builder Robertson and Caine, produce the archetypal dual-purpose owner-operator or charter boat in their modern catamaran range.

Key features of the 45 are the amount of light in the saloon and the incredible volume and space on offer in the cabins above the relatively narrow waterlines. Vast social living areas include the flybridge, saloon and dual cockpits.

Read more about the Leopard 45

Photo: www.jfromero.fr

Nautitech Open/Fly 46

During the 1990s and noughties Nautitech earned a good reputation for its elegant catamarans. The 441 is a timeless example and the 44 can be credited with the ongoing trend in hardtop biminis. While its acquisition by Bavaria seven years ago helped Nautitech implement industrial build techniques, the French brand has retained its DNA at its Rochefort sur Mer yard.

The modern Marc Lombard designs have tall rigs with generous square-top mainsails. Twin wheels in the aft quarters of the Open 46 offer a direct feel on the helm, however those spending long periods in the tropics may prefer the shade of the bimini-equipped flybridge option. The layout is also open, with a saloon more outside than in. Styling is clean, modern and simple, and the standard of build and finish are good.

Photo: Olivier Blanchet

First impressions of the Neel 51 are sure to centre on its sheer size and space inside. But as you’ll see from our review of the Neel 43 on page 83, when you sail one overriding impressions quickly centre on its performance.

These trimarans are becoming a popular mass production-built option.

Photo: Christophe Launay

The Excess 11 packs plenty of potential as the smallest yacht offered by the big production yards. A little like the Lagoon 380 of old, it presents a good value new entry-level boat for genuine cruising in a more sporty, modern and enticing design. Some may argue against aft helms for ocean sailing, but those coming from monohulls will appreciate the more direct steering they offer.

Broadblue 385S

Broadblue is a UK brand which offers a distinct line of cruising and Rapier performance catamarans. Its staple 385 packs a lot of cruising comfort into its length, including generous tankage, and has been sailed all over the world. Broadblue built its first electric drive catamaran 12 years ago and offers the only all-electric production sailing catamaran under 40ft in Europe.

Photo: Christophe Breschi

Bali Catspace

For those looking for maximum volume within 40ft, it’ll be hard to beat the Catspace – although it is more of a holiday apartment than a traditional bluewater cruiser. Bali’s garage style sliding aft door does help offer an enormous amount of enclosed (or open) living space.

Best bluewater multihulls for luxury cruising

Photo: Nico Krauss

Privilège 510 Signature

The 510 is designed to take a serious amount of cruising gear – up to six tonnes of it in fact. The excellent helm station now has a fixed windscreen and all lines lead to hand. Finish quality including the electrical installation is first class and Privilege’s trademark, an admirable full beam (26ft) forward cabin, is sumptuous.

Photo: Jérôme Houyvet

Garcia Explocat 52

Garcia Yachts has cornered the market for series-built aluminium monohulls and multihulls in the last decade and this new Explocat 52 is sparking real interest. We ran a full test report in our February issue, describing it as a go-anywhere cat with an enticing combination of space, pace and rugged construction.

Read our review of the Garcia Explocat 52

Built in Argentina, the Antares 44 is the ultimate evolution of a model launched 21 years ago. Entirely dedicated to bluewater cruising, it is the yard’s only model and is constantly being improved according to owner feedback.

Time seems to have no hold on this boatyard and, against the trend, the standard equipment of the Antares 44 is extremely complete

Photo: Richard Langdon

Discovery Bluewater 50

This luxury Bill Dixon design may be a decade old now and into its third iteration, but the concept behind its original appeal remains. For those used to sailing high-end thoroughbred monohulls, here is an option to consider for a comparative level of build quality and fit out when moving to a multihull.

Read more about the Discovery Bluewater 50

St Francis 50 MKII

With this latest version of its original model, this experienced South African builder has optimised a catamaran cut out for the unforgiving seas of the Indian Ocean and the South Atlantic. The MKII allows for an increased load capacity, an important point in long distance cruising.

Xsquisite X5

Intelligent features on the X5 include the protected helm station with glass windscreen, integrated rainwater catcher, UV-protective glass and generous tankage.

Best bluewater multihulls for size & speed

Mcconaghy mc52.

The MC50 (now MC52) was the first and promises some high speed sailing, but it’s the open plan main living deck which will attract the majority. It incorporates an intelligent centreboard system, which hardly affects interior space, but arguably its exposed helms at the aft end of the flybridge will not suit serious ocean cruising.

Photo: Florian H. Talles

HH in Xiamen is building some really impressive large, luxury fast cats up to 90ft. This was its second model to launch, a high-end, high performance Morelli & Melvin design capable of rapid passagemaking speeds and enjoyable regatta sailing. Features include C-shaped boards and central or aft helms.

Photo: Mike Jones/Waterline Media

Ocean Explorer 60

If Nautor’s Swan made catamarans, they may look like this… The Ocean Explorer 60 uses the same designer in German Frers and some of the same builders who worked at the famous Finnish yard to produce this world cruiser. The resultant quality shines through. A new OE72 is due soon.

Kinetic KC54

A young company with plenty of experience, Kinetic produces custom fast ocean cruisers, which can occasionally race. Its 62 is a serious performance vessel with carbon hulls, rigs and rigging, daggerboards or centreboards. With fast bluewater cruising the goal, carbon is used to minimise weight so features/toys can still be added. The swim platform and hardware on the newly launched 54 weighs just 90kg, and the generous sized tanks are all in carbon too. Views from the saloon and forward cockpit also look special.

Best bluewater multihulls for ultimate performance

Marsaudon ts4/orc 42.

Few catamaran builders produce genuine performance cruisers at this ‘smaller’ size: this one is kept minimalist and light weight (around 6 tonnes) – the yard’s philosophy is ‘simplicity, then add lightness.’ The 42 is a cruiser-racer with the ability to outpace most yachts across the Atlantic, win a regatta and still offer some space for island hopping. Standard tankage is minimal however. Marsaudon recently rebranded its TS range to Ocean Rider Catamarans (ORCs) and has an ORC 57 in build.

Dazcat 1495

Dazcat builds fast, seaworthy cats from its Multihull Centre in Cornwall. The 1495 is a true ocean cruiser-racer, which is stiff and rewarding to sail, with direct steering linked to carbon rudders. The 1495 can hit 20+ knot speeds with relative ease, but it is the consistent high average speeds which will attract those looking to cover serious miles. Weight is centralised including engines, tanks, and systems all located amidships to help reduce pitching. Dazcat has a semi-custom build approach and creates all sorts of weird and wonderful craft for all abilities.

Dragonfly 40

Dragonfly trimarans are known for their high quality construction and ability to delight sailors with their ease of planing speeds. For those who can live without the space of similar length cats, the new flagship 40 is large enough to offer cruising space, while folding outriggers and retractable appendages mean you can dry out where others wouldn’t dare.

Looping 45/Freydis 48

These two designs by Erik Lerouge both offer a high-performance vision of ocean cruising. The Loopings were built individually and the Freydis in small series, and on both you can sail as fast as the wind in complete safety. Interior quality depends on whether finished by an amateur or by a shipyard.

Swisscat 48

An attractive combination of luxury, comfort and performance, the S48 is a stiff, go-anywhere premium cat that is easy to manage single-handed. The lightweight build (11t) is in epoxy infusion with carbon reinforcement.

Schionning Designs

Jeff Schionning has catamaran design in his blood. His designs exude performance and seaworthiness with flowing, even aerodynamic lines. On all tradewind routes you’ll find a G-Force (models from 12m to 23m) or an Arrow (12m to 15m) sailing more quickly than the rest. His latest venture is with Current Marine in Knysna, South Africa.

Best bluewater multihulls for pedigree cruising

The long-time best-seller from the world leader in catamarans, with more than 1,000 produced over almost 20 years from 1999. With its characteristic vertical windows, the 380 and its big brother the 410 made the purists scream when they were presented. But the 380 proved a pioneer of its kind. Safe bow volumes and light displacement (7,260 kg) helped its seaworthy behaviour. The high number of boats on the market makes this the most affordable bluewater cruising multihull for its size, even if price range is as wide as condition is variable.

Casamance 44/46

Between 44ft and 46ft depending on the year of construction and the length of its transoms, the Casamance was an impressive catamaran on launch in 1985. The design by Joubert/Nivelt offered good volume and load capacity. Of the 490 units produced, many joined the charter fleets. The exterior of the Casamance is dated, but the interior in grey ceruse oak has retained plenty of charm.

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2023 Power Buyer’s Guide - 30 to 40 feet

Article published on 28/10/2022

By Emmanuel van Deth

published in n°SP19 dec. / jan.

This category of ‘multipowers’ incorporates a wide variety of models - from the Open designed for shoal draft waters to the comfortable Cruiser that can accommodate you for weeks on board, or even the catamaran designed just for big game fishing. The common theme: all these models easy to handle thanks to their dual engines and their still modest size.

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Dismantlable and transportable

A dismantlable powercat can be transported on a simple flatbed trailer... as long as it is of reasonable length and light in weight. Naval architect Richard Woods was able to test the validity of the concept with his own Skoota 28: the Aegean 30 is a development of the Skoota 28, still for building in plywood/epoxy and dismantlable. The objective was to increase the beam - now close to that of a sailing catamaran - and the headroom while offering two additional berths in the hulls. The outboard motors make beaching easier and safer - no rudders and engine legs. Two 40 to 60 HP engines guarantee a cruising speed of 10-12 knots (16-20 knots top speed).

Architect: Richard Woods Design  Material: Epoxy plywood Overall length: 30’2” (9.20m) Waterline length: 289’ (8.85 m) Beam: 16’5” (5.00 m) Draft: 14” (0.36 m) Headroom in nacelle: 6’3” (1.90 m) Light displacement: 5,500 lbs (2.5 t) Laden displacement: 7,000 lbs (3.2 t) Engines: 2 x 40 to 60 HP outboards  Cruising speed: 10/12 knots Max speed: 16/20 knots

L925 SEMI DISPLACEMENT POWER CAT

Amateur or professional construction in plywood/epoxy.

New Zealand-based naval architecture firm Dan Leech is offering a number of power multihulls from 25 to 60 feet (7.5 to 18 m) for amateur or professional construction. Among them, the L925 is the perfect choice for relaxed cruising for a couple. This model is built in ½” (12 mm) plywood - the panels can be digitally cut - with glass/epoxy reinforcements. Its limited beam will allow you access to a marina slip without any noticeable extra cost. On the other hand, the gain in habitability and stability is considerable compared to a single-hulled motorboat. This kind of construction is very accessible to an enlightened amateur (4,000 hours of work were counted for the first model) all the more so as having outboard motors for propulsion considerably simplifies the technical aspects. Despite its semi-displacement hulls, the L925 is capable of making more than 20 knots with two 90 hp engines.

Construction: Amateur or professional Architect: Dan Leech Naval Architect Length: 30’4” (9.25 m) Waterline length: 24’9” (7.55 m) Beam: 11’ (3.35 m) Draft: 19” (0.48 m) - engines up Recommended engines: 2 x 90 HP outboards Cruising speed: 17 knots Max speed: 22 knots Fuel: 79 US gal (300 l)

ARROWCAT 320

Compact but luxurious.

The ArrowCat 320 is a successful model - now in its third generation. The smallest of the Arrowcat range, it features a luxurious finish - rare in compact powercats - such as a wooden steering wheel, or modern, full instrumentation on a carbon-look dashboard. Inside, the manufacturer has paid particular attention to the owner’s cabin. The 320 is powered by two outboard motors. The limited beam of 10 feet (3.05 m) allows the boat to be transported by road in certain countries such as the United ...

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2022 Boat of the Year: Best Cruising Catamaran (Under 50’)

• By Cruising World Editors
• December 15, 2021

During and in the four days immediately following the US Sailboat show in Annapolis, Maryland, the  Cruising World  judges inspected and sailed on 27 boats vying for recognition. Learn more about the boats in our  2022 Boat of the Year  »

The sweet spot for cruising catamarans, for most multihull sailors, is right there between 40 and 50 feet: manageable by a couple, not so large that finding a place to park or dock is prohibitive, and with lots more room to spread out and bring the toys and kids than a monohull of similar length. This year’s set of nominees features industry stalwarts Leopard and Fountaine Pajot—both of which have enjoyed plenty of success in previous Boat of the Year competitions—and a pair of relative upstarts from Bali, the cruising offshoot from French builder Catana. The former are all-around cats with plenty of versatility; the latter aim to cater more toward the cruising/liveaboard part of the equation. Choices, choices! It proved to be a challenging quartet of cats for the judging panel to evaluate and sort out. 

The larger sibling of the two Bali cats entered for BOTY 2022—all the Bali offerings feature an innovative “garage door” separating the saloon and cockpit, which when raised creates a seamless indoor/outdoor living space that has proven to be highly popular—was the 46-plus-foot 4.6. It’s yet another one of this year’s catamarans with the ever-popular flybridge that has become a design staple for many cat builders. Judge Tim Murphy found it a pleasure to sail. “On some of the other cats, you felt you were fighting the sail controls,” he said. “Not here. It’s laid out nicely. It has a double-ended mainsheet system with no traveler but control at both ends, so you’ve got a port and a starboard sheet, and I think that’s a fine way to control the mainsail. It’s arguably easier to jibe with that system than a standard traveler; you have good athwartships control throughout the maneuver. Bali cats are known for comfort, but this one sails well too.”

At 40 feet, the Bali Catspace—the second of two boats from the brand entered in the 2022 BOTY contest—is the smallest offering in the Bali line, but judge Murphy found the open floor plan particularly alluring: “The living experience of being able to open up the back end of these cats so you create an indoor/outdoor platform is terrific. I didn’t give it much thought until I chartered a Bali, and it was totally delightful. The sailing performance was actually fine, but it was that back porch that made the trip.”

Dream Yacht Charters has added more and more Bali cats to their fleets, and it’s easy to see why. With their vast interior space; plenty of amenities including air conditioning and multiple fridges, including ones that would not be out of place in any well-equipped household kitchen ashore; and surprisingly effective sailing prowess given their systems and accommodations, these boats are almost synonymous with the word “vacation.” Take the interior layout of the Catspace: It has four staterooms with private heads, the forward pair with berths aligned athwartships and the aft set laid out in a fore-and-aft configuration. It’s hard to imagine a better use of space for four couples or a family in 40 feet of waterline.

Yes, a 40-foot catamaran is a design challenge; it’s fairly easy to accommodate loads of features in a 50-foot multihull, but it’s quite another to include all the creature comforts and niceties in considerably less real estate. But Murphy felt that the Isla 40—another 40-footer like the Catspace, but this one from longtime cat leader Fountaine Pajot—pulled it off well. The Isla also had a tall order to fill in that it replaced a previous cat of the same size in the builder’s lineup, the highly successful Lucia 40. “The mission for this boat was described in thirds,” Murphy said. “Bareboat charter, crewed charter and private ownership. I think they’ve created a boat that accomplishes all those missions. The boat sailed well, but it was also laid out well. In fact, the owner’s cabin to starboard was superb, one of the nicest places on any boat we inspected. We toured a lot of much bigger boats that didn’t have that sort of space.”

But when all was said and done, the Bali Cats and the Isla ran into a juggernaut with the Leopard 42, which proved to be a powerhouse BOTY entrant. It’s pretty clear by now that the relationship between South African builder Robertson and Caine; their lone client, the Moorings; and naval architects Simonis and Voogd, who bring the Leopard brand to life, is strong and fruitful. And they have a wall full of BOTY award-winning plaques to prove it. It’s time to make room for another. The judges found much to like about the latest Leopard, including the offset steering station to starboard and the lounge space forward accessed via a front door in the saloon. But the Leopard sealed its victory with an awesome sea trial in which it overhauled and passed a popular new monohull that shall remain nameless. Cats can’t point? Wrong!

What put the boat over the top wasn’t just the sailing performance, which was obviously terrific, but also the tools with which to sail the boat, and its overall deck layout, all of which optimized the experience. Murphy said, “With the Leopard, you have visual eye contact from the raised helm station to starboard down into the cockpit, you’ve got a visual line of sight into the saloon, and you’ve got a pretty good visibility over the top of the cabin top everywhere. You had access to your main sheet right there where you needed it. This was one of the boats that had no traveler, but instead had a windward and leeward block on the mainsheet. I think that’s a fine system, I like the control you have. Jibing works fine and is easily controlled.”

It was one little thing in a series of them, all of which added up to a boat—the Leopard 42—that was the unanimous winner in the 2022 category of Best Cruising Catamarans (Under 50’).

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10 Best Catamarans Under 50 Feet

A catamaran is simply a water vessel or any sea vessel propelled by air and composed of two hulls. These hulls are kept apart with space and the middle, but they are held together by a frame situated above them. But you probably already knew that. You are here probably because you are looking for an ultra-luxurious catamaran that you can use either as a summer vacation home or as a liveaboard. However, be prepared; the best catamarans between 40 and 50 feet featured here are pretty expensive. But you were probably expecting that as well. 

Here Are The Best Catamarans Under 50 Feet

Price: Around $1 Million USD on the Used Market

The Leopard 50 comes as a replacement for the Leopard 48. Let’s assume we dropped from a helicopter onto one of these bad girls floating out on the Maldives, and we get to see the exterior outlook first.

Its outdoor is equipped like never before. With the flybridge space comes a roomy lounge, a table, and a sunbed. As an option, exterior speakers and shade awning can be made available upon order. 

It is easy to get to the flybridge from the side deck using the floating stairs that were masterfully fitted in. Like other Leopard Catamarans, this is no different in that the flybridge has active contact with the helm station. The roomy lounge also serves to protect the helm station at the back of the bulkhead. It also enjoys a clear path of sight and movement into the aft cockpit. Movement of passengers is allowed on the flybridge, without them ever having to worry about meddling with the boom, unlike many other sailboats that are often compared to the Catamaran Leopard 50. 

Although one can decide to customize the exterior design of this beauty, it will prove extravagant as it is already made fabulous to sate a wide range of choices. The hull is now restructured to have a more positive switched-up outlook.

A little is said about the interior modifications. Still, it is enough said to have 4 – 5 independent cabins, a utility room for liveaboard, and an options list that looks like it will not end. The heads are around 4 – 6, and the berths can be from half a dozen to a dozen. There are up to 6 and no less than 4 showers on the Catamaran 50.

Specifications of the Leopard 50

Size Measurements

Length Overall: 50 feet and 6 inches. Waterline Length: 48 feet and 11 inches. Beam Measurement: 26 feet and 5inches. Draft: 5 feet and 3 inches. Height of Mast: 77 feet and 2 inches. Bridgedeck Clearance: 3 feet and 3 inches. Displacement of the Leopard 50: is 45415lbs. Its Load Carrying Capacity Limit: is 11905 lbs. Holding Tank Capacity: is 45 gallons. Fuel Tank Capacity: 243 gallons

Mechanical Specs

Engine: Yanmar engines Rated a 2 × 57hp power this bad girl, and it runs on diesel. It could also be upgraded to 2 × 80hp Yanmar engines, which will see you easily pushing 9 knots on the water at about 2,500rpm. You can also choose to kill one of the engines and go at a comfortable 6 knots (not in a hurry but not lazy either) for fuel consumption to decrease.

Propeller Dimensions: 3 blades: 18 inches × 14 inches.

Number of Engine Cylinders: 4

Leopard 50 Pros

• It has a huge living space, a bungalow at sea.
• Incredibly seaworthy
• It can sail well upwind.

Leopard 50 Cons

• They are not sleek therefore indubitably slow sailing
• With a lighter wind, the speed drop is significant.
• A high boom can make finding your way to the mainsail a bit dicey in a seaway.

Price: Around $620,000 – $850,000 On The Used Market

The Lagoon has its Architecture designed by the dedicated Van Peteghem-Lauriot Prévost. It seems very similar to the Lagoon 52, but the two main features that can distinguish it from the other contemporary Lagoons are the

Relocated Mast, which was moved for the purpose of balancing the gross weight and minimizing chances of pitching.

A beautiful silhouette that gives it an exquisite look thanks to the exterior styling of Patrick Le Quément. These designers saw to the Lagoon 42’s compatibility with short-handed sailing and couples because of its smaller boom and self-tacking boom. 

There are very room lounges everywhere, from the cockpit to the saloon. The wide flat decks have flushing opening hatches that serve as great ventilators. It also has a very easy access to the boom and with very sturdy and safe stairs that lead both to the upper deck and helm station.

The helm station atop the roof of the coach bulkhead makes for a direct communication and mobility between the cockpit and saloon. The interior finishing is by Nauta Design and consists of up to 4 cabins, 3 at least. Each aft cabin is furnished with an island bed, while the forward cabins have beds that are accessed primarily from the side.

Lagoon 42 Specs

Length Over All: 42 feet Beam: 25 feet 3 inches Draft: 4 feet 1 inch Mast clearance: 67 feet 9 inches

Mechanical Specifications are:

Engine (standard): The Lagoon 42 is driven by 2 x 45 HP YANMAR 4JH45s. Its Fuel capacity: 79 gallons (+79 gallons in option) of premium diesel.

Other Specifics include:

Light displacement: 26,460 pounds Sail area: 968 feet² Self-tacking genoa: 395.5 feet².

Lagoon 42 Pros

• The deck layout is truly genius.
• A self-tacking Genoa which helps short-hand sailing
• It sports only one single level from the aft platform to the saloon: a structural “revolution”.

Lagoon 42 Cons

• It may not be readily affordable.

Price: Around 500k On The Used Market.

The Lagoon 46 has an increased volume and a relatively better performance than the 450. Looking at the hull alone tells the story of how VPLP saw that this dream could be achieved. The waterlines are narrowed down and flared out inboard, and this notably increases the volume of the inside, especially the cabins in the forward area. This enables for the same size of beds to exist front and abaft.

Also added to the new 46 is a state-of-the-art cradle-like davit system and a relatively less weighty Bimini roof. The flybridge has also an area large enough for couples sunbathing which has direct access to the two side decks. There is also increase in the reserved storage space.

The mast is now situated at the aft position of the top of the boat, a self-tacking genoa becomes a necessity, and thus this is made a basic feature. Nauta Design sees to it that the innards of the Catamaran Lagoon 46 does not look anything short of blessed, with most of the finishes either light wood oaks or Alpi and many rounded edges.

Lagoon 46 Specs

Size Measurements:

Length Overall: 45 feet 11 inches Beam: 25 feet 10 inches Draught: 4 feet 3 inches Displacement: 33,603 pounds Sail area: 1,323 square feet. Self-tacking genoa: 500 square feet. Square top mainsail (optional.): 866 square feet.

Mechanical Specifications include:

Engine (standard): 2 x 45 cv CR to 2 x 57 cv CR. Fuel Limit: 79 US Gallon Fresh Water Capacity: 79 US Gallon

Berths : are up to six-twelve.

Lagoon 46 Pros

• The innovation in the double-side accessible beds in a cabins is surely a huge bonus.
• For more comfortable maneuvering, this two engined catamaran is worth having.

Lagoon 46 Cons

• It goes without saying that there are some places your Catamaran might not safely pass in the waters because of its size.

Price: Around 400k On The Used Market

We are at the Bali 4.1 as we arrive at the saloon, which couldn’t be larger and gated by a glossed-over pivot door. These and some others are the modifications that made the Bali 4.0 a huge success. They continue to create a sensation in the Catamaran world with the Bali 4.1. As it is a boat known for its seaworthiness, its component foredeck space provides rigidity and serves to protect from spray. It sports a very large space that can accommodate people for sunbathing. Its fore cockpit is large enough to fit in a small crew comfortably without their bumping each other’s heads. Reviewers have described the flying bridge as a glad-handering platform, while the helming station is somewhat elevated.

For the sake of unhindered natural ventilation, its windows open either as the gliding or retracting kind. In other news, new features have been added to the Bali 4.1, like the large side lockers, the new bench seats in the back cockpit, and a platform that connects the two hulls, which is situated in the aft position. The design mastermind of the Bali 4.1 is the LASTA Design Studio, and the Naval architect is Xavier Faÿ.

Bali 4.1 Specs

Length Overall: 39 feet 8 inches Beam: 22 feet 1 inch Waterline length: 38 feet 1 inch Draft: 3 feet 7 inches Maximum upwind sail area: 1135 square feet Mainsail: 516 square feet Jib: 355 square feet

Mechanical Specifications include:-

Fuel Capacity Limit: 105 gallons Engines: 2 X 20 HP and can be upgraded to the 2 X 40 HP for making those extra knots count while at sea.

Displacement: 9.9 US ton Maximum displacement: 13.0 US ton Freshwater Capacity: 211 gallons

Bali 4.1 Pros

• It promises more stability and less floating.
• There’s obviously more space on the Bali than on many monohulls.

Bali 4.1 Cons

• It is very expensive to charter a Bali 4.1, sometimes 200% more than yachts of the same length.
• It is both expensive and hard to find a place in marinas.

Bavaria Nautitech 46

Price: Between $500k and 800k USD On The Used Market

The Bavaria Nautitech 46 promises nothing less than elegance, comfort, and pleasure. One of the worthy of note things about this Catamaran is that it comes in two models: The Fly and the Open. They’re basically the same thing but for cabin variations. The Bavaria Nautitech 46 Fly is the flybridge variant of The Bavaria Nautitech 46. The flybridge provides a roomy space for the captain and passengers and an excellent view of all directions. The Bavaria Nautitech 46 architecture was handled by Marc Lombard, and Roseo Design saw to its finish.

You can opt for this 46 Open as a 3-cabin version if you’d prefer an owner’s suite or as a 4-cabin version that accommodates 8 people, especially if you intend to rent.

There is an area in the kitchen that was specially carved out as a chart table space where you can comfortably organize your navigation without losing coordination. A very spacious, well-designed saloon that provides passengers with an all-round view of the delectable sea while reclining on the comfiest seating, possibly sharing the experience with a loved one.

Bavaria Nautitech 46 Specifications

Length Overall: 45 feet 3 inches Length, Waterline: 45 feet Beam overall: 24 feet 9 inches Draft: 4 feet 9 inches Full mainsail: 818 square feet Self-tacking jib: 409 square feet Mast Altitude Above Water Line: 75 feet 2 inches Unloaded weight (approximately is): 23,814 lbs

Mechanical Specifics Include:

Engine runs on diesel, and it is also sail-driven. Engine power: 2 x 40 Hp Volvo Penta to run the boat at 8.1 knots to 9 knots at full throttle. Fuel tank: 2 x 79 gal Water tank: 2 x 79 gal

Bavaria Nautitech 46 Pros

• The number of rails and clip-on points assures safety and allows for easy movement around the cat 
• Engine bays are spacious enough to allow direct access to the engines
• Quality interior design

Bavaria Nautitech 46 Cons

• The aft helm have reduced visibility, especially towards the opposite bow.
• Due to the slender shape of the hills, there seems to be a decrease in the living space below.

Fountaine Pajot 45

Price: Between $500k and 900k USD On The Used Market

Fountaine Pajot 45 was debuted at the 2019 Cannes Yachting Festival and popularly known as the Elba 45; its bold and modern style was indeed made for comfort, relaxation, and… you guessed right, cruising. Forged with inverted bows and energy emitting lines, which makes for large interior spaces. The helm station was also remodeled to increase the handling experience. Indeed, the Fountaine Pajot 45 was primarily crafted for comfort. The fact that this point is being reiterated says a lot.

The cockpit is the size of very spacious, runs into the saloon in a direct access, and provides lots of storage spaces. Also available as a variation is the Beach Club electric platform for night parties. Standard relaxation spaces are on the foredeck, lounge, and the cockpit. There is something striking about the FP 45 that’s rare; the two refrigerators of 50.1 gallons & 34.3/23.7 gallons capacities, also there is a watermaker that produces drinking water 15.85gal/hour for blue-water cruisers.

Fountaine Pajot 45 Specifications

Length Overall: 44.2 feet Beam: 24.77 feet Draft: 4.3 feet Main Sail Area: 796 square feet Genoa Area: 484 square feet Displacement: 30200 lbs

Mechanical Specifics include:

Engine: 2 × 40 Hp or an optional 2 × 50 Up available for upgrade. Diesel capacity: 124 gallons Freshwater capacity: 185 gallons

Fountaine Pajot 45 Pros

• Has one of the best and largest living spaces of catamarans in its class.
• The Fly Lounge is clever. 
• Pretty nippy sharp when with the wind, and it is a good compromise between comfort and speed.

Fountaine Pajot 45 Cons

• The consumption of fuel increases in an upwind sailing.
• Not positively popular for its performance upwind.

Price: Around 600k USD On The Used Market

After we went through the details and characteristics of this Leopard Catamaran, we concluded that is was indeed deserving of winning the Boat of the Year Award in 2017. Also, we wish to affirm of its astute value and penchant for satisfying all sailors of the deep blue.

The overseer of the architecture of this catamaran is the popular Simonis and Voogd Yacht Design, with all exterior and interior finishing expertly handled by one team at Robertson and Caine. This boat was built while putting a lot of cruiser reviews into consideration. The lounge (which wasn’t in the original design but now in the later editions) provides a sunbed for sunbathers, a seating space, and table for either working or eating. It is accessed from the aft cockpit by floating stairs situated by the side while avoiding any direct obstruction to the helming station. It is available on the 3 or 4 cabins variation and can take from 6 – 8 passengers comfortably. 

Leopard 45 Specs

Length Overall: 45 feet Length, WaterLine: 42 feet 11 inches Beam: 24 feet 2 inches Draft: 4 feet 11 inches Mast Height: 70 feet Bridgedeck Clearance: 2 feet 9 inches Genoa Area: 501 square feet Load Carrying Capacity: 10141 lbs Displacement: 32849 lbs Holding Tank Capacity: 45 gallons

Engine: is powered by 2 x Yanmar 45HP which runs on diesel. Propeller Dimensions: 3‐blade 17inches x 14inches Engine No. Cylinders: 4 Fuel: 185 gallons Water Capacity: 206 gallons

Leopard 45 Pros

• The helm position has good visibility and clearly assesses to the cockpit. The only flaw is the absence of some kind of barrier between the helm station and the sidedeck, apart from an armrest. We’d want a more robust and more reliable barrier for safety onboard.
• Due to the abundance of rails and attachment points, movements of persons around the boat are encouraged.

Leopard 45 Cons

• A tough nut to crack is the question concerning the forward-facing cockpit’s drain time in the event of large waves over the bows. (Leopard claim 45 seconds)

Price: Around $750k USD On The Used Market

The Catana 47 comes with the Catana signature tall twin daggerboards, open helming stations, and a performance-oriented rig. The Catana 47 is built light and strong with a lot of carbon fiber input, which is a new innovation from the Catana company as their older models contained less of carbon fiber. We also see that this Catana promises to run faster because it was made lighter than the previous Model by 1,500 lbs. What’s more, is that it can also carry more.

In terms of space, crew members do not have to worry about bothering the passenger guests on board because the deck and cockpit have space enough to perambulate without bumping into another person. The Catana 47 was built by Catana Catamarans and designed by Christophe Barreau.

Catana 47 Specs

Length Overall: 46 feet Length, Waterline: 45 feet 6 inches Beam: 25 feet 1 inches Draft: 3 feet 7 inches Berth: 6 feet 5 inches × 5 feet 6 inches (forward) 6 feet 5 inches × 2 feet 2 inches (aft) Fuel Capacity: 158 gallons Water Capacity: 177 gallons Displacement: 21,800 lbs Sail Area: 1,035 square feet 

Engines: it runs on 2 × 40hp Volvo (saildrive) Electrical: the house is rated at 920AH, and the engine is at 230AH.

Catana 47 Pros

• Has quality headroom and enviable roomy space.
• It is fast enough for a catamaran.

Catana 47 Cons

• There is a blindspot diagonally looking from the helming station to the opposite bow. During docking, a watcher will be needed to direct the skipper.
• The running rig is led to a single winch.

Seawind 1370

Price: Around 700k USD On The Used Market

This is a one of a kind 45-foot long cruise cat. Made from contributions of previous Seawind 1600 and 1260 designs, she features a high-performance hull design. However, the makers still managed to give it the balance of roomy and warm comfort and residing spaces that make it an ideal cruiser for large families. The glass windows are shaped in a panoramic fashion and well toughened up to protect against the spray and afore positioned navigation station.

The opening to the saloon from the cockpit is the tri-fold door. Inside the cockpit, there’s a large transom lounge and a nice little bar that can serves as a small cocktail bar. The large saloon’s lounge has enough space, and more can be created by folding down the table to make a bed. 

The helm station houses all the lines and controls, which are through below the deck. This cat’s architecture was designed by Francois Perus, a French native. While equipped with high headroom in the cabins due to the well-shaped hull, it’s unique also due to its flat decks and galley up.

Seawind 1370 Specs

Length Overall: 45 feet Beam: 24 feet 9 inches Draft: 4 feet 2 inches Headroom: 6 feet 9 inches Job/Genoa: 387 square feet Mainsail: 1,937 square feet Displacement: 24,250 lbs

Engine: is powered by 2 x 40 Hp Yanmar engines which run on diesel fuel. Fuel Capacity: 158.5 gallons Water Capacity: 158.5 gallons

Seawind 1370 Pros

• It is comfortable, especially for a couple or small family.

Seawind 1370 Cons

• The Seawind cuts down of volume & space in the cause of it being a better sailing vessel.

Beneteau Excess 15

Price: From 200k to 1 Million USD On The Used Market

Excess 15 is succinctly put, the largest Catamaran in the new Beneteau Group. What I find most interesting in the boat, apart from its comfortable cruising and sleek make, is the twin helm stations, each situated where the hull aft ends up. The designers of this Beneteau Excess 15 say it is for the purpose of heightening sailing pleasure on skippers and crewmen alike. 

We start this catamaran’s internal look, and we see first of all that the saloon, which can also serves as a mini room diner, possesses a 360° view of the entire land/seascape due to the non-smoked bay windows. Another feature is the beam which at 26 feet 3 inches can afford to house a cockpit that can contain 8 people to sit on its large table.

With titanium-style of aluminum supports and Dyneema control cords (steering cables) to positively effect the level of response and sensitivity of the feel of the helm. A catamaran that was built for cruising with the artistry invented for race boats and guardwired with fluorescent finer.

Beneteau Excess 15 Specs

Size Measurements: 

Length Overall: 48 feet 5 inches Length: 46 feet 11 inches Beam: 26 feet 4 inches Draft: 4 feet 7 inches Jib: 592 square feet Displacement: 42,018 lbs

Engines: are the 2 × 57 Hp or the 2 × 80 Hp variant. Fuel Capacity: 2 × 137 gallons Water Capacity : 2× 67 & 2 × 46 gallons

Beneteau Excess 15 Pros

• It has a of stability
• For what’s worth, she is a seaworthy vessel
• The Beneteau Excess 15 has prestige written all over it.

Beneteau Excess 15 Cons

• The Excess 15 is a luxury boat through and through, and one must be willing to sacrifice speed for it.

What is your favorite Catamaran Under 50 Feet? Let us know in the comments below.

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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Vote for your favorite aquarium!

USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Aquariums reveal the hidden wonders of the world's oceans, lakes, and waterways in fun, exploratory settings. The best aquariums also play a vital role in animal conservation by participating in rescue efforts and marine advocacy.  These 20 aquariums, nominated by a panel of experts, represent the best in the country for their high-quality exhibits and visitor interactions. Which aquarium would you most like to explore? Vote once per day for your favorite until voting ends on Monday, May 13 at noon ET. The 10 winners will be announced on Wednesday, May 22.  Read the official  Readers' Choice rules .

Aquariums reveal the hidden wonders of the world's oceans, lakes, and waterways in fun, exploratory settings. The best aquariums also play a vital role in animal conservation by participating in rescue efforts and marine...   Read More

Best Aquarium Nominees

Photo courtesy of Adventure Aquarium

Adventure Aquarium

Camden, New Jersey

Many surprises await visitors at the Adventure Aquarium in Camden, New Jersey. Among the aquarium's 15,000-plus aquatic critters in 2 million gallons of water are hippos, the world’s smallest species of penguin, and the world’s largest species of hammerhead shark. Guests can reach out and touch sharks, stingrays, sea stars, and horseshoe crabs. Live presentations and keeper interactions with penguins and hippos enhance the visitor experience.

Photo courtesy of Audubon Nature Institute

Audubon Aquarium

New Orleans, Louisiana

In downtown New Orleans on the riverfront, the Audubon Aquarium is home to thousands of animals, many endangered, ranging from penguins and stingrays to seahorses and jellyfish. It features the Amazon rainforest’s underwater habitats, a 4,200 square-foot Great Maya Reef exhibit, and the 400,000-gallon Gulf of Mexico tank. Another notable exhibit is an enlarged 13,000-gallon shark and ray touch pool with a 60-foot LED screen that highlights the diversity of the world’s oceans. 

Photo courtesy of Lance Childers

Downtown Aquarium

Denver, Colorado

Downtown Aquarium in Denver, Colorado, is home to more than a million gallons of underwater exhibits featuring over 500 different species of animals. Popular attractions include displays dedicated to marine life from ecosystems around the world, an interactive stingray touch tank, a 4D theater experience, and a regular calendar of lively mermaid shows performed in the aquarium restaurant. 

Photo courtesy of iStock / cbpix

The Florida Aquarium

Tampa, Florida

Florida Aquarium displays some 8,000 plants and animals from a range of fresh and saltwater environments, including alligators, sharks, seahorses, river otters, and free-flying birds. The Wetlands trail highlights regional life in a recreated mangrove forest, while the Journey to Madagascar takes visitors across the globe to observe a host of interesting animals — ring-tailed lemurs, hissing cockroaches, and frogs. At Stingray Beach, visitors are invited to touch stingrays and view sharks.

Photo courtesy of Georgia Aquarium

Georgia Aquarium

Atlanta, Georgia

The crown jewel at the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta is the Ocean Voyager exhibit, where guests can watch manta rays and giant schooling fish swim past a 23-foot-tall viewing window. Other guest favorites include a stellar penguin exhibit, as well as many marine mammals — beluga whales, bottlenose dolphins, sea otters, and California sea lions. They're also the only aquarium in the United States to house whale sharks.

Photo courtesy of Loveland Living Planet Aquarium

Loveland Living Planet Aquarium

Draper, Utah

You can see the world without leaving Utah at Loveland Living Planet Aquarium, which boasts exhibits featuring habitats and animals from around the globe. A 40-foot-long tunnel surrounds visitors with sharks, the Animal Encounters program offers interactive experiences with penguins and stingrays, and a virtual reality ride embarks on an undersea journey. Land animals include sloths, leopards, and Komodo dragons. 

Photo courtesy of The Maritime Aquarium

The Maritime Aquarium

Norwalk, Connecticut

Norwalk, Connecticut's The Maritime Aquarium is the only aquarium dedicated to Long Island Sound. Underwater displays include sharks, sea turtles, river otters, lobsters, and jellyfish. Visitors also have the opportunity to touch animals like stingrays, sharks, jellyfish, and sturgeon. 

Photo courtesy of Maui Ocean Center

Maui Ocean Center, The Aquarium of Hawaii

Wailuku, Hawaii

Explore the special connection between Hawaiian culture and the sea at Maui Ocean Center, The Aquarium of Hawaii. Exhibits include artifacts, traditional tools, and artwork dedicated to past and present life in Hawaii. The aquarium also offers thrilling experiences and attractions like a cage-free shark dive in a 750,000-gallon tank, snorkeling tours, a turtle lagoon, and a 3D humpback whale experience. 

Photo courtesy of Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey, California

Monterey Bay Aquarium sits right on the Pacific shore. Highlights include a three-story kelp forest tank, otherworldly jellyfish exhibit, and numerous touch pools where visitors can interact with sea creatures. Visitors can sometimes spot migrating humpback whales from the aquarium's ocean-view decks.

Photo courtesy of Mystic Aquarium

Mystic Aquarium

Mystic, Connecticut

The most popular residents at the Mystic Aquarium are New England's only beluga whales; guests can observe these gentle giants from above and below the surface. Animal interaction is the name of the game at the Discover Long Island Sound experience, while Sharks! features one of the ocean's most misunderstood animals. African penguins, bearded dragons, seals, sea lions, and several species of frogs also call the aquarium home.

Photo courtesy of National Aquarium

National Aquarium

Baltimore, Maryland

A rotating roster of fascinating educational programming ensures that there's always something new to see at National Aquarium in Baltimore. On any given day, you might find animal talks, feeding experiences, animal encounters, dolphin tours, or 4D films. The aquarium also offers dozens of exhibits dedicated to marine animals and their habitats. 

Photo courtesy of Vanessa Kahn/New England Aquarium

New England Aquarium

Boston, Massachusetts

Ranging from an Indo-Pacific coral reef to the Amazon rainforest, the twelve exhibits at the New England Aquarium display thousands of animals. Once the largest circular tank of its kind in the world, the venue's Giant Ocean Tank is 23 feet deep, holds 200,000 gallons of saltwater, and is home to hundreds of animals. And if you want to continue the fun outside of the aquarium, their Whale Watch excursion transports guests on a 4-hour guided catamaran tour of whales at a nearby marine sanctuary. 

Photo courtesy of Newport Aquarium

Newport Aquarium

Newport, Kentucky

Encompassing a million gallons of water and thousands of animals from around the world, the Newport Aquarium invites visitors to get up-close and personal with seahorses, sharks, stingrays, and more. The Amazon Tunnel allows visitors to walk along the floor of the Amazon River during its flooded season, while Shipwreck: Realm of the Eels offers visitors the opportunity to explore the setting of a sunken ship, home to hundreds of undersea creatures.

Photo courtesy of OdySea Aquarium

OdySea Aquarium

Scottsdale, Arizona

OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale, Arizona, is home to more than 65 exhibits with over 6,000 animals representing 370 species. Even the restrooms get into the action with windows in front of the sinks peering directly into the shark tank. Interactive programs include encounters with sloths and penguins, as well as an underwater diving experience. 

Photo courtesy of Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies

Gatlinburg, Tennessee

More than 350 species are represented among Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies' 10,000-plus aquatic residents. Shark Lagoon, with its moving walkways through underwater tunnels, is the aquarium's biggest and most popular attraction, but kids love the interactive penguin encounter, where they can come nose-to-beak with endangered African penguins.

Photo courtesy of Shedd Aquarium/Brenna Hernandez

Shedd Aquarium

Chicago, Illinois

When Chicago’s iconic Shedd Aquarium opened in 1930, it was the world’s largest aquarium; it was filled and replenished with seawater brought in by rail from the Florida Keys for four decades. Today, the 450,000-square-foot marble masterpiece contains 5 million gallons of water housing 32,000 creatures representing 1,500 species. The Abbott Oceanarium alone holds 3 million gallons, displaying beluga whales, dolphins, sea lions, sea otters, and other creatures from the Pacific Northwest. 

Photo courtesy of Doug Strickland / Tennessee Aquarium

Tennessee Aquarium

Chattanooga, Tennessee

Visitors to the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga trace the journey of water from the mountains to the sea within the aquarium’s two buildings. Guests enjoy meeting a broad array of wildlife, becoming immersed in ecosystems along the way. Alligators, otters, colorful freshwater fishes, and turtles by the ton can be found in the River Journey building, while visitors come face-to-face with penguins, sharks, jellyfish, flashlight fish, and lemurs, within the Ocean Journey building.

Photo courtesy of Texas State Aquarium

Texas State Aquarium

Corpus Christi, Texas

The Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi, the largest aquarium in Texas, offers a journey through land and sea including encounters with the fascinating wildlife of the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. Notable exhibits include a spacious jungle featuring flamingos, flying birds, and tortoises, and a deep-sea habitat, where visitors can get up-close and personal with sharks prowling among a sunken shipwreck. Additional exhibits give guests a captivating look at sea turtles, dolphins, otters, and other amazing animals, while stingray touch pools and a 4D theater provide even more interactive educational experiences.

Photo courtesy of Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

Virginia Beach, Virginia

You'll find thousands of animals and hundreds of species from rivers and oceans around the world at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. The center also offers a variety of exciting experiences including boat tours, toddler programs, virtual reality pods, an adventure park, and a rotating calendar of interactive programming. 

Photo courtesy of Wonders of Wildlife

Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium

Springfield, Missouri

Founded by Johnny Morris, CEO of Bass Pro Shops, his Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & Aquarium celebrates hunting, fishing, and stewardship of the land and water through over 1.5 miles of immersive galleries featuring 4D dioramas and a 1.5-million-gallon aquarium. Some 35,000 animals representing over 800 species are on display, including zebra sharks, sea turtles, and freshwater sport fish. Unique to the aquarium is its collection of historic boats used by Ernest Hemingway and Zane Grey.

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

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Melanie Reffes

Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in...   Read More

Melanie is an island girl at heart . Born in Manhattan, she now lives on the sunny island of Montreal and covers  the Caribbean for a variety of publications  including  USA TODAY 10Best, CaribbeanTravel.com and MarryCaribbean.com.  A journalist with a boatload of writer awards under her belt, Melanie's affection for the Caribbean started  young when her family vacationed in Puerto Rico.   An avid fan of spicy food,   Melanie enjoys the diversity of Montreal - especially during the warmer months -when she's not en route to the Caribbean. She  holds a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto. 

Molly O'Brien

Molly O'Brien is a Los Angeles-based freelance...   Read More

Molly O'Brien is a Los Angeles-based freelance travel journalist, who writes and edits for a variety of international travel and lifestyle outlets including Fodor’s Travel, Travel + Leisure, and Business Insider among others. She's lived on both coasts from Massachusetts to California and has so far made Greater Boston, the San Francisco Bay Area, San Luis Obispo, Barcelona, and Los Angeles her home.  Molly earned her journalism degree at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on the Central Coast of California and since then has worked professionally in the fields of hospitality and travel PR and most recently, as a freelance travel writer and editor. Molly especially enjoys covering feature profiles about interesting people doing interesting things such as chocolate making, beekeeping, wing-walking, and interesting destinations like under-the-radar wine spots, the best brewery towns, and lesser-known ski destinations.  She also loves to write about a boutique hotel with a good story. When she's not writing, Molly enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring new coffee shops and breweries, and of course, traveling.  Her favorite city in the world (so far) is Barcelona, Spain, but she loves traveling anywhere that offers sunny weather and ample hiking opportunities. She loves spending time in the mountains, enjoys connecting with nature through camping and glamping adventures, and is always up for learning about the world through fun, immersive experiences (and then sharing those stories!).  You can connect with Molly here:  Instagram: @metropolitanmolly Twitter: @Molly_A_OBrien Facebook: @MetropolitanMolly LinkedIn: @mollyannobrien www.metropolitanmolly.com

Tamara Gane

Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best...   Read More

Tamara Gane is an expert panel member for 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. She's based in Reno/Lake Tahoe and in addition to USA Today 10Best, her work has been published in Travel & Leisure, Fodor's Travel, The Washington Post, SF Gate, Houston Chronicle, Lonely Planet, and more.

10Best Editors

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original,...   Read More

USA TODAY 10Best provides users with original, unbiased and experiential travel coverage of top attractions, things to see and do, and restaurants for top destinations in the U.S. and around the world.