best 45 catamaran

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15 of our favorite 35 to 45-foot catamarans

Rather well-canvassed and above all quite light, this catamaran is reputed to sail well.

Curvy and convivial, the saloon is adjacent to a functional galley.

Fast for its size, the 381 is also pleasant to sail. Top speeds of 20 knots are on the cards!

The nacelle’s low volume and the narrow hulls lend themselves more to a small crew.

The 380 takes up the broad outline of the 410, which came out three years earlier…but offers engines accessible via rear lockers rather than under the berths.

The nacelle and its large vertical portlights offer an uninterrupted view and excellent protection from the sun.

Certain owners report top speeds of over 18 knots. Seawinds are fast!

The nacelle is occupied by the saloon alone; as a result, there is no lack of space at aperitif time!

An unusual silhouette, especially head on… But the marked longitudinal steps in the hulls keep the waterline beam moderate, and offer good performance.

Small floor area in the nacelle, but welcome vertical portlights to limit the greenhouse effect.

Well-canvassed, the Lavezzi is capable of averaging 9 knots during ocean passages – if the trade winds are present.

The triangular saloon table and the offset companionways guarantee easy movement around the bridgedeck.

The steering positions offer a good view of the sail plan.

At the cost of less than fluid movement around the boat, nothing is lacking aboard, and you can spend long months on the water.

Maximum freeboard for comfort in the hulls, but a tall rig so you don’t get stuck in light airs.

The owner’s version which offers the happy skipper a full hull, with a large bathroom and desk, is our preference. The companionway can even be closed, to cut oneself off from the bridgedeck.

The first examples, equipped with a non-overlapping jib, deserve a ‘real’ genoa, to pep them up!

Rounded saloon and athwartships aft berths: the designer Olivier Flahault presents some appealing and functional innovations.

51 four-cabin models as opposed to 13 private owner’s versions: it’s not easy to find a three-cabin boat!

All the Leopard 43’s berths are arranged athwartships.

Two innovations on deck: the builder has provided a forward cockpit and a raised steering position.

The vertical portlights provide an exceptional view of the sea, light and no greenhouse effect. At the price of debatable aerodynamics.

Thanks to its double 'steps', the Leopard 44 succeeds in keeping the hulls quite slim at the waterline.

With 2.12 m of headroom, the saloon is comfortable. And there is no lack of light, thanks to its generous portlights.

The sail plan, with its mast positioned well forward, clearly favors the mainsail.

The U-shaped galley inherited from monohulls is appealing in use: you are perfectly secure when the sea is rough.

Marc Lombard took great care to design rather slim hulls. A good point for performance.

Inside, we find once again the Privilege finishing quality and the very special atmosphere aboard these catamarans built for demanding owners.

This 45 is certainly a particularly fast catamaran, but it is also very safe in heavy weather.

The compact nacelle reduces the liveable volume. Ideal for lightening the boat and offering more trampoline area.

Article published on 21/06/2018

published in n°12 aug. / sept.

Second-hand is of course cheaper…and is often the opportunity to sail aboard a multihull which is ready to set off (again). From 35 to 45 feet, the budgets remain moderate, with some good opportunities. We have chosen for you 15 of the most well-known 35 to 45-foot boats, which will therefore be easy to re-sell when you return – if you choose to return one day…

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Athena 38 Best seller in the under 40-foot category

In 1994, the Athena 38 came in between the Tobago 35 and the Venezia 42, two boats whose design it echoed – rounded lines, pug-nosed bows and a coachroof extension. Although it remains relatively lightweight, it is slower than the builder’s previous models. Its hulls are in fact appreciably beamier, and the freeboard is higher. It is thus perfectly suited to a long cruise in the West Indies or the Mediterranean, as a couple or a family. On the other hand, during long passages, it is a little lacking in length for a smooth passage through the sea. Nevertheless, its load-carrying capacity is appreciable for a catamaran of less than 40'. Pleasant under sail, easy to handle, this model quickly became a great commercial success – for both charter companies and private individuals – to such a point that it remained in its builder’s catalogue for almost 10 years. In 1998, the Athena was improved: we enjoyed a better view forward, thanks to a new steering position, directly inspired by the one on the Bahia 46. A solid platform was also provided, aft of the mainsheet track. This model’s strong points: great comfort, despite its modest size, easy movement both on deck and inside, and a particularly successful rounded saloon. The finishing on this model is clearly improved, compared to previous generations; just a few glued headlinings can be noticed here and there. 

The plusses: very liveable catamaran for its size, good performance, very pleasant bridgedeck  

The minuses: Not comfortable to windward in big seas, tiny hull portlights, small chart table 

Most of the boats are still in good overall condition. To be checked: sails, engines, electric circuit, standing and running rigging. For those who wish to set off, check the following points: forestay and gooseneck fixing points, and steering cables.

Comfort/Performance index:  7/10

Value for money: +++

Availability on the market: ++++

Technical specification

Builder:                                        Fountaine Pajot

Architect:                                     Joubert/Nivelt

Hull length:                                  11.60 m

Waterline length:                         11.30 m

Beam:                                          6.30 m

Draft:                                           1.00 m

Weight:                                        6 t

Windward sail area:                     88 m²

Mainsail:                                      50 m²

Genoa:                                        38 m²

Engines:                                      2 x 18 hp inboards

Material:                                      polyester sandwich

Production:                                  222 examples from 1994 to 2003

Second-hand price:                     100,000 to 130,000 euros exc. tax

Catana 381 It has everything a big one has!

In the Catana family, this model is particularly appealing. Firstly because it is the smallest - and ...

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Compare The Most Popular 45ft Production Sailing Catamarans

At the 2014 boat shows, the 45ft range is the most popular catamarans right now. There are four production models on the market that seem to accommodate most families’ preferences. However, our clients have a hard time making a choice between them.

These sailing catamarans, even though similar in length, are different in significant ways, not only in look and styling but sail to power ratios, volume, and comfort. So, we have done a price and specifications comparison of the four most popular sailing catamaran models in the 45ft range, Bali 4.5 , Helia 44 , Lagoon 450 , and Leopard 44 .

This information below, should give catamaran buyers a clearer view of how these sailing catamarans compare. We have similarly spec’d out each of the four catamaran models and the price includes delivery to the US. The hot buttons for this type and size of catamarans are the forward cockpit, “sky-lounge” or sundeck, flush deck from aft cockpit to inside saloon area and aft cockpit extension. Based on this and the most important specifications, like displacement, sail area, length, etc., we made the chart below to get a good comparison of each catamaran’s features.

Bali 4.5 Catamaran  by the Catana Group: 535,325 Euro  |   Lagoon 450  Catamaran: 502,474 Euro  

Helia 44 by Fountaine Pajot : 515,940 Euro  |  Leopard 44 by Robertson & Caine: 448,262 Euro

*Based on 2014 Pricing

*These prices are estimates only and should be negotiated with each independent dealer OR catamaran buyers can consult with Catamaran Guru to negotiate on their behalf.

More Relevant Articles

• How Do The Most Popular 40ft Production Catamarans Compare?
• 50ft Sailing Catamaran Comparisons
• Four Most Popular Production Catamarans: How Do They Compare?

Estelle Cockcroft

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4 thoughts on “Compare The Most Popular 45ft Production Sailing Catamarans”

How are the Power to Weight ratios calculated? These numbers don’t look right. For the Helia, for example, the sail area is 115m^2, whereas displacement is 10.5t. 115/10.5 = 10.95 (not 91). In all of my calculations, the FPs have better power to weight than lagoon or leopard.

I would like to thank Catamaran Guru forgiving an independent review with the pros and cons of each brand well done

You are welcome! It’s makes things a little easier for consumers when they are armed with all the facts!

Any chance of updating to include the Australian Seawind catamarans?

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Best catamaran and multihull: We sail the very best yachts on two and three hulls

• Toby Hodges
• March 20, 2024

Toby Hodges takes a look at all the nominees and the winner of the best catamaran and multihull category in the much-anticipated European Yacht of the Year Awards

There are many categories in the  European Yacht of the Year  awards, from the best  luxury yachts  and  performance yachts  to the  best yachts for families  and event a  best specialist yacht category. But with multihulls rapidly increasing in popularity, the best catamaran and multihull category was possibly the most hotly anticipated.

The small number of entrants in this category in no way reflects the rich range or huge demand for multihulls. Many new models were launched by the big yards in the preceding years and they’re struggling to keep up with bulging order books.

However, these three shortlisted represented a choice pick of the latest fast cruisers and each, in their own very different ways, are responding to this insatiable demand for high end space and pace cruising.

Best catamaran and multihull

Best catamaran and multihull winner 2024 – outremer 52.

My highlight test of 2023? Sailing this Outremer 52 for 200 miles over two days and nights! Quite how such a large vessel, one that is capable of doing laps of the planet in true comfort, is also capable of providing such enjoyable sailing is the secret sauce that helps scoop this prize.

And it was pushed hard for this award by the disruptive HH. But the Outremer is such a well rounded, measured and thought out yacht for bluewater cruising at a reliable speed – it’s the full package, a dream boat for family bluewater sailing and arguably the French yard’s best and most refined model to date.

Designer VPLP was tasked with replacing the popular and well proven 51 with more comfort and stowage, while maintaining the performance. It says it took the best of the 55 (which won this award two years ago), and the best of the 51’s deck plan to create this 52. The result means too many good features to point out here, from the variety of helm positions, including a completely protected position inboard using the swing pedestal, to the well conceived spaces. I’d therefore recommend reading our full test report online or in YW’s June 2023 issue!

Neel continues to enjoy its cruising trimaran niche, using the wow factor of bridgedeck accommodation combined with the type of sailing enjoyment and feedback monohull sailors appreciate.

The impressive lightwind performance and direct feel of a Neel I am used to. But I don’t think I’ve ever been so surprised by the amount of cabins or space as I was on this 52. It’s available with four to six cabins plus the option for two crew cabins aft! Some of this maze works well, other areas, such as the forward cabins in the main hull not quite so well. Horizon and rig sightlines and some finishing also leaves room for improvement.

The HH44 seemingly manages to achieve the space and pace balance in a compact 45ft package, while also being one of the most innovative and exciting new production yachts I have sailed. From its looks to layout, to practical on deck solutions such as swing pedestals, side gates through the bulwarks and transom gates that double as swim platforms and boost cockpit security, it’s packed with fresh thinking.

And on the subject of ‘fresh’, the natural ventilation encouraged into the yacht through those massive forward facing coachroof windows which open – a feat made possible thanks to a stiff carbon composite structure – negates any aircon requirements.

With its deep carbon boards and tall carbon rig the HH44 is a powerful, reactive animal to sail. However, it’s the incorporation of the first parallel hybrid electric drive units which really makes this high tech high performance cat stand out. The electric motors are attached to the aft end of conventional diesel engines, not only providing silent power, but renewable energy through regenerative drives while sailing.

Best catamaran and multihull 2023

Best catamaran winner – nautitech 44.

If the very best catamaran delivers the ideal comfort to performance compromise, here’s a catamaran that seems to strike the perfect balance.

For those who cite a lack of visibility and protection as reasons not to choose this aft helm route, try sailing this first – direct steering brings so much more helming pleasure that you get the enjoyable feeling and communication more associated with a monohull. The attention to keeping weight low and central, vacuum infused vinylester build and a low coachroof and boom all aid this performance. The fine entry Lombard-designed hulls allowed us to properly point upwind at 8 knots (in 13), but it was the hands-on steering sensation that really stayed with me.

While there’s no real inside/outside boundary – the saloon bridges both – the Chedal-Anglay interior design works well. It is not as voluminous as some, but is certainly enough to be smugly comfortable at anchor, finished to a good quality, with walnut Alpi trim as standard. The layout option for a ‘smart room’ office/laundry/bunk room or stowage cabin is indeed really smart.

Out of all the multihulls nominated or sailed last year, this cat impressed me the most under sail. It’s the ideal size to go distance sailing, with good performance, low draught and space for family and friends. It had me dreaming.

Balance 482

I was drawn to the Balance 482, thanks to the combination of good looking modern design, high average speeds and, chiefly, the profusion of clever thinking and practical ideas that it brings. The South African build uses a foam core with E-glass laminate and cored furniture for a light weight of 11.3 tonnes, but also with the ability to take a generous payload.

An electric furler option combined with screecher sail helps offer effortless handling and fun sailing, although the 482 prefers a breeze in the double figures. Smart options such as load cells on the rigging, a bowsprit camera to monitor the anchor chain, plus engine room and mast cams all help for maintaining vigilance. Other features we like include the solar panels properly installed on raised brackets, raincatchers built into the coachroof, and how all sheets and lines are led to the helm station. But the prize solution is the VersaHelm, which allows you to swing the wheel inboard, close off the helm station, and stand watch and steer from a fully protected position.

Catana Ocean Class

The Catana Ocean Class is a bulky model which is geared more towards creature comforts than the higher performance of its predecessors. That said, it uses carbon in the structure and roof, foam cored furniture, the tanks are mounted low in the hulls and it has daggerboards and fine entry bows. The weight savings help it offer a massive 5.5 tonne cruising payload, plus there’s capacious stowage and large tank, refrigeration and laundry capacity.

Positioned between Lagoon and Outremer, the Catana echoes a bit of its sister brand Bali’s concept with its internal cockpit-cum-saloon layout while providing good ventilation via large sliding doors and opening windows. We liked how it’s easy to handle solo from one helm station, including the electric remote control of the boards, plus the layout of the galley and navstation.

Those chasing speed and helming pleasure should perhaps look to the C-Cat 48, as it’s as close to helming a fast monohull as a cruising cat is likely to get and one of the rare times we enjoyed sailing upwind in light breezes on a multihull! This is largely thanks to a lightweight, stiff build – the Comar yard has managed to save 1.7 tonnes over the first boat (9.5 tonnes light) and increased the draught of the curved daggerboards to 2.95m.

A carbon roof and rig comes as standard, as well as an epoxy hull, full carbon deck, bulkheads and compression beam. It is a little quirky with comparatively small volumes, but this François Perus design will outperform most other performance cats and monohulls of a similar length.

The Excess 14 shares that direct sensation you get from aft helms and some of the performance of the C-Cat, but in a more balanced, voluminous layout for cruising. The Excess 14 benefits from the research of VPLP’s Vannes racing office, where attention was focused on weight reduction, with savings particularly in furniture, on improved stiffness (PET foam cored sandwich for main structural bulkheads), and the efficiency of deeper fixed keels.

The result is telling on the water, as it should be for any best catamaran contender, where you can log easy miles: we clocked late 7s upwind, reached in the late 8s and regularly averaged 9 knots with gennaker in 12-15 knots. Clear glass windows give acceptable visibility from the helms through the coachroof and the comparatively minimalist interior. In short it offers a good mix of volume, reasonable performance and enjoyable sailing – see our full review last month.

Sailing performance was another key facet in the battle of the big cats from the big cat yards, Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot. Both models offer luxurious amounts of space for home from home comfort, as watersports bases for long term cruising.

The decision to push the mast to the front of the coachroof to allow for a larger genoa than its recent preference for self-tacking jibs has paid off on the Lagoon 51. It helped us sail efficiently into the waves (albeit not pointing too high) before clocking double figures reaching with the code sail in 15 knots.

The Lagoon’s large flybridge with dual access is a USP at this size that will be a hit or miss deal breaker for many. The 51 offers unrivalled accommodation volume in three, four or six cabins, and relaxation zones, and good circulation through these big spaces. Once again the jury applauds Lagoon for thoroughly testing the prototype model during a six month tour. Over 100 have already sold.

We saw in our December issue how the experienced owners of the Fountaine Pajot test boat choose to live and work full time aboard their Aura 51. It’s a design that promotes space, enough to take friends, family and crucially for them, all the toys to enjoy at anchor. Its capability of averaging 8-10 knots also appeals, although the single side helm and hydraulic steering result in scant connection to the sailing in light winds (the same applies to the Lagoon).

The fact the yard already offers this in a hybrid version and has an electric and hydrogen model in the pipeline could sway some, but the decision between the FP and the Lagoon will likely come down to preference between a central flybridge or offset bulkhead helm together with interior design and layout.

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Catamaran Elba 45

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The largest lounge deck in its category, capable of accommodating the entire crew, represents a new, additional living space where you can make even more unforgettable memories together.

Uncompromising focus on comfort

The Elba 45 catamaran changes the way you experience life on board, both at sea and at anchor.

Waterline length is often associated with a yacht’s performance . At 13.45m, the Elba 45 promises great average speeds, so you can sail even further. And width has a direct relationship with comfort. With a platform like this, our design team has imagined a multitude of dedicated spaces, each with its own purpose. Enjoy seamless freedom of movement between these spaces : wander between a chaise longue and a sun lounger for some solitutude or to share time with others. You choose where, when and with whom.

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Elba 45 : a cruising catamaran that exceeds your expectations

Where onboard socialising comes into its own

With its own space purely for sailing and managing life on board, the saloon has a chaise lounge, ideal for keeping watch or simply relaxing . The galley extends to the front, accentuating the views and sense of volume.

Features Catamaran Elba 45

Version Maestro

1 owner’s suite + 1 bathroom / 2 double cabins + 2 bathrooms

Mainsail area

Displacement unloaded

Option Power

Fresh water tank

2 x 92 Gallons

Diesel tank

124 Gallons

Berret-Racoupeau Design

Never before has the skipper been able to share their experience so closely with their guests. A generous U-shaped benchseat on the rooftop allows crew to join them while underway or stretch out on the sundeck at the foot of the mast. It’s a great opportunity to mix up the seating and find your favourite spot!

Indoor & outdoor areas

Unique design and incomparable spaces.

From the Owner’s version, where an expansive master suite fills the port hull, to the Quartet version with its convenient four cabins and bathrooms, the Elba 45 catamaran cruiser caters for every need. The forepeaks can also accommodate a berth on one side and a bathroom for a skipper.

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Waiting times for a Fountaine Pajot catamaran may vary according to the stage of your project, the model you want or your sailing area. Some Fountaine Pajot dealers have new catamarans ready to sail! Contact your nearest dealer HERE to ask about the availability of the catamaran of your dreams!

Visit your nearest Fountaine Pajot boat dealer to buy a new catamaran from our range. You will benefit from personalised advice through the Fountaine Pajot dealer network. Discover our network HERE

The price of a Fountaine Pajot sailing catamaran varies according to the size of the model chosen and your sailing project. Our dealers are at your disposal to guide you in your choice of fittings, packages and options to best suit your boat purchase project . You can find out the starting price of the catamaran of your choice on this page HERE .

Innovative, high-tech composite materials constitute most of the structure of our sailing catamarans: hulls, flybridge, decks, bulkheads and more. Fountaine Pajot has perfected a resin injection and infusion technique, an advanced technology that gives our boats all their robustness. Thanks to this expertise, we can make our catamarans considerably lighter while maintaining consistent quality . Injection also makes it possible to meet the most stringent environmental requirements, in line with the commitments of the Fountaine Pajot Group.

Sailing catamarans from 40 to 50 feet are built at the Aigrefeuille headquarters, a few kilometres from La Rochelle. Catamaran yachts from 51 to 80 feet are built in La Rochelle, France, where they benefit from a slipway.

It is essential to define your sailing program: define the size of the crew on board, the level of sailing knowledge, the sailing project and the target sailing area. Every project is different. Whether you want to enjoy a large Owner’s suite, invite many friends and family on board, or telecommute during your voyage, the Fountaine Pajot cruising catamarans can be adapted to suit your needs. Benefit from reliable, seaworthy and spacious catamarans! Find out more about our Owners’ testimonials here

The ergonomics of Fountaine Pajot catamarans have been designed to facilitate manoeuvring at the helm, enabling a small crew (2 persons) to manoeuvre the boat easily, both in port and at sea. The unique design of the helm station allows good communication between the aft cockpit and the Fly relaxation areas. Of course, your level of navigation will determine your ability to sail with two or more persons!

Our electric catamarans now feature a large surface area of solar panels, up to 2000 WC, perfectly integrated into the design of the coachroof. Combined with equipment such as wind turbines or hydro-generators, they compensate for the energy consumption generated by on-board use during cruising. Discover the benefits of the Smart Electric solution with 4 real-life cruise scenarios

The Fountaine Pajot range of electric catamarans is expanding, and now includes 3 Smart Electric models. The Astréa 42, Elba 45 and Aura 51 are now available in this version.

With the help of over 70 engineers, Fountaine Pajot has developed an in-house solution, 100% adapted to the use of its catamarans equipped with hybrid electric motors . All on-board production and energy expenditure flows are managed from a single console designed by our teams to offer a simple, designer user experience. The system we have developed enables us to give priority to the use of renewable energies at all times. Find out more here

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Catamaran Isla 40

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Best Cruising Catamarans

• By Cruising World Editors
• Updated: July 1, 2021

Cruising catamarans have been around for decades, but early models—often plywood and fiberglass vessels built by their owners from plans and kits, kept the boats on the fringes of mainstream sailing. That all changed, though, as big roomy cats were discovered by sailors who went off to charter in the Caribbean, where the multihulls proved their worth as comfortable liveaboard and party boats.

Today’s bluewater catamarans roam the globe, carrying families to exotic destinations across the Pacific and beyond. Just as with their monohull cousins, there is no best catamaran. Instead there is a wide variety of designs, ranging from small catamarans that offer the ease of maintenance a couple might enjoy to performance catamarans capable of easily knocking off 250-mile days. Today, the best catamaran brands offer a range of size models and layouts that can be optimized for an owner sailing with family and friends, or for the charter market, where there’s a demand for four, five and even six cabins worth of accommodations.

The most prolific catamaran manufacturers are in France and South Africa where yards include both large-run production builders and niche companies building fewer than 10 boats a year.

The best cruising catamarans offer good load-carrying ability and respectable performance. As with any sailboat , a modern catamaran’s design is a result of compromises. Daggerboards or keels? Galley up or galley down? Spacious owner’s cabin or extra bunks? There are lots of options to choose from—and that’s what makes looking at these sailboats fun!

Here, then is an eclectic A to Z list of some of the best catamarans that have helped shaped the evolution of how we live and sail on two hulls.

Antares 44i

Now built in Argentina as a full-fledged, bluewater catamaran and cruiser that can be safely operated by a shorthanded couple or family crew, the Antares 44i features a fully covered cockpit with a quartet of big, standard solar panels recessed within the hardtop, one example of a yacht capable of long-range passagemaking.

Atlantic 42

Almost 30 years ago, yacht designer Chris White revolutionized catamaran design with the first in his series of Atlantic cats, the primary feature of which was the innovative mid-ship sailing cockpit forward of the main cabin. The smallest in the Atlantic line, the 42 remains White’s most popular design ever.

Fountaine-Pajot has built so many outstanding cruising catamarans that it’s difficult to narrow down any single boat, but we’ve always been fans of the good-looking, well-thought-out Bahia 46. At 46 feet, the boat is large enough for offshore forays and has plenty of volume; with its simple but powerful sail plan, it’s also an excellent performer.

Beginning around 1996, the French builder Catana was one of the first companies to manufacture fully found cruising cats for private ownership, and this Christophe Barreau design, which enjoyed a nearly 10-year production run from 1997-2006, was emblematic of this first generation of safe, fun, long-legged offshore voyagers.

Click here to see more cats from Catana.

When it comes to speed, light boats are fast ones. And if you wish to save weight, that means exotic modern materials like carbon. Catana now infuses the laminates of their entire production line with carbon fiber, and for this list, we’ve chosen the Catana 50 Carbon, one of the zippiest cats now crossing oceans.

Click here to read about a couple’s charter aboard a Catana 50.

Gemini 105M

Pioneering catamaran sailor, builder and designer Tony Smith launched the first of his 33-foot Gemini 105M’s (10.5 meters = 33′) in 1993, and soon after found a ready and willing stream of sailors enamored of the boat’s compact size, affordable price tag, and such innovations as the nifty lifting rudder and transom steps.

Click here to read about the Gemini Legacy 35.

Built between 2000-2005, the Gunboat 62 firmly established the Gunboat brand: go-anywhere cats that applied race-boat technology to a world-cruising platform. Hull no. 1, Tribe, was built for company founder Peter Johnstone, who then spent a year-and-a-half cruising with his family, smiling all the way.

French builder Henri Wauquiez is best known for his long career building monohulls, but the Kronos 45 cat, which he launched in 1992, was ahead of her time. Classic lines, the aft “targa bar” over the cockpit, the louvered coach roof windows, even the distinctive stripes on her hull: the Kronos 45 remains timeless.

No roundup of cruising cats would be complete without several Lagoon entries, and the best of that impressive bunch might well be the Lagoon 380. Originally launched in 1999, and revered for its combination of quality, volume and performance, with over 740 boats built the 380 is still going strong.

Launched five years after the breakthrough 380, the Lagoon 440 was an evolutionary design that featured a raised flybridge helm station, a unique “gullwing” configuration below the bridge deck, expanded windows in the hull and much more. With 400 boats built in a 6-year production run, the 440 was an unqualified success.

How big can a production cat, still operable by a short-handed crew, really be? The builders at Lagoon discovered that 62-feet hit a sweet spot in the marketplace, and have sold over 70 boats since its introduction in 2010. The centerpiece of this design is the sensational steering station atop the flybridge, with expansive views of the sea and sky.

Click here to see more cats from Lagoon.

With an unmatched pedigree – designed by premier multihull naval architects Gino Morelli and Pete Melvin, built by the prestigious Robertson & Caine boatyard in South Africa, and commissioned by chartering giant The Moorings – the Leopard 40 was, perhaps unsurprisingly, Cruising World ’s Import Boat of the Year in 2005.

Louisiane 37

Based on the famous French racing cat Charente-Maritime, the Louisiane 37, designed by Joubert/Nivelt and launched by builder Fountaine-Pajot in 1983, was a light, fast liveaboard cruiser with full accommodations that represented a radical departure from the hefty British cats that preceded it.

Maine Cat 30

One of the more versatile and clever cats ever created, the central feature of the cool Maine Cat 30 is the open bridge deck/living room sandwiched between the hulls and canopied by a rigid, permanent hard top (the comfortable accommodations/ staterooms are stationed in the hulls). Ideal for a winter in the Bahamas but with the ability to sail offshore, it’s a boat for all seasons and reasons.

Built in Florida and beloved by the owners of the over 120 boats built during the company’s existence from 1993 to 2009, the Manta Catamarans range included 38-, 40- and 44-foot cats. For this exercise, however, we’re heralding the original Manta 42, which won the Best Value Overall prize in CW’s 2001 Boat of the Year contest.

Moorings 4800/Leopard 48

Another Leopard/Moorings collaboration built by the wizards at Robertson & Caine (though this boat was designed by fellow South African Alex Simonis), the Leopard 48 was another CW Boat of the Year winner with all the contemporary bells and whistles: forward cockpit, flybridge helm station and solid hardtop dodger, just to name a few.

Click here to read more about the Leopard 48, and click here to see more images.

Nautitech 441

The Best Multihull Under 45 Feet: So said the CW judging panel in the 2013 Boat of the Year competition, regarding the Nautitech 441. But what makes this versatile platform so intriguing are the different helm set-ups. The 441 employs a single wheel, to starboard, ideal for solo sailors, while the 442 has a pair of helm stations aft.

Click here to see more Nautitech Catamarans.

Outremer 5X

A state-of-the-art all-oceans cat that exemplifies how far multihull design has come, the 59-foot Outremer 5X was a winner on both sides of the Atlantic, taking top honors in the European Boat of the Year competition in 2013, and following up as the Best Full-Size Multihull in CW ’s contest a year later.

Click here to see more cats from Outremer.

St. Francis 50

The flagship of the proud St. Francis line – built in South Africa since 1990 to designs by local legends Lavranos Marine Design – the St. Francis 50 is another “luxury cat” that shares much in common with an earlier 48-foot sister-ship, but packs even more payload into its roomier lines.

Click here to read more about the St. Francis 50

Seawind 1000

Founded by Aussie surfer and sailor Richard Ward in 1982, the 33-foot Seawind 1000 is easily the most popular cruising cat ever built in Australia (the company has since moved its manufacturing and management operations to Vietnam). Roomy and airy, these cats dot the coastline of eastern Oz.

Seawind 1160

If the Seawind 1000 was a minimalist approach to cruising cats, the 38-foot Seawind 1160 is the flip side of the coin, a full-fledged long-range voyager. Among the reasons it was named CW ’s Most Innovative boat for 2007 is the unique “tri-folding” door that stashes overhead to open up the saloon and cockpit into a spacious living area.

Click here to read more about the Seawind 1160.

Sunsail 384

Every sailboat is a compromise, and in the case of the Sunsail 384 (also sold privately as the Leopard 38) that’s a good thing, because designers Morrelli & Melvin and builder Robertson and Caine got the balance just right with this relatively small catamaran. With four cabins, the 384 can carry the same size bareboat charter crowd as her larger siblings, but does so with a decided bounce in her step. Named CW’s Import Boat of the Year in 2010, you can gauge the success of the design by the grins on the crew as they barrel down Sir Francis Drake channel in the British Virgin Islands.

Victoria 67

The French design office of Berret Racoupeau drafted the lines of Fountaine-Pajot’s new flagship, introduced in 2013, a magnificent world-girdling voyaging catamaran. Like other giant cats launched in recent years, the boat features a sensational upper deck with all sail controls, helm and lounging stations.

Click here to see more images of the Victoria 67.

Wharram Tanaroa

No list of influential multihulls would be complete without the work of James Wharram, and while Tangaroa wasn’t a production cat by any means, it showcases the British designer’s respect for ancient Polynesian craft. Wharram sailed this 23-foot-6-inch “double-hulled canoe” across the Atlantic in the 1950s, and sold countless plans for similar boats for decades afterwards.

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Characteristics, technical specifications.

The ideal single-handed catamaran

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A legendary model

Easy to handle whether a beginner or expert

The Outremer 45 is a 48 ft catamaran. Easy to control from the helm station, everything is within reach and the clear view over the four corners of the boat guarantees perfect maneuvers, even single-handed.

With its narrow hulls and light weight, the feeling of gliding, well wedged in a comfortable seat with tiller in hand, is exhilarating.

But don’t worry if you leave the helm to the autopilot or if the wind gets stronger: the Outremer 45 is the most forgiving of catamarans. Peace of mind while cruising is non-negotiable on an Outremer, including on this single-handed catamaran.

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Ideal sailing ergonomics

All maneuvers are accessible from the helm station, located at the center of the boat. With a perfect view of the four corners of the catamaran and the sails, single-handed maneuvering is child’s play! After hoisting the mainsail on your own, using the electric winch in front of you, trimming and fine-tuning your sails with the mainsail and solent sheets, take the tiller, comfortably installed in the ergonomic seat, to enjoy unique steering pleasure. Returning to port, the engine controls and windlass are also within easy reach, guaranteeing seemless maneuvering.

Unmatched view of the horizon

The 360° view from the saloon and cockpit of this blue water catamaran provides exceptional visibility of the water and the surrounding environment, contributing greatly to onboard comfort. Aboard the Outremer 45, whether sitting or standing, inside or outside, the vision is perfect. A crucial factor for serene cruising! No need to climb on deck to scan the horizon, night watches will never have seemed as comfortable as at the chart table!

Easy access

The very low boom allows easy access to the mainsail, lowers the sail’s center of effort and optimizes performance and comfort at sea. Access to the coachroof is made simple with just one step near the mast, and even the youngest can take part in maneuvers under the watchful eye of the skipper. When it’s time to reef or stow the sail, no acrobatics are required, and you stay safe. All these well-thought elements make the Outremer 45 the ideal catamaran for either beginners or a single-person crew.

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« Sailing La Vagabonde » Elayna, Riley and Lenny

This Australian couple, initially with little sailing experience, have been documenting their journey around the world under sail since 2014. If you don’t already know them, it’s time to discover these celebrities that we love to follow…

Do you have any questions?

What is the difference between the outremer 45 and the 4x, what are the latest innovations on the outremer 45, what is the payload of the 45', can you sail around the world in complete safety on a 45'.

Beyond building your boat, Outremer brings your dreams to life by being by your side at every stage of your project. To always better support you, we have created Outremer Services. This structure, integrated within Grand Large Services is able to meet all your needs, from the start of your project to the resale of your catamaran.

Seminars on the theme of blue-water cruising, training on land and at sea, charter, concierge services, refit, a network of approved partners around the world, OCM ™ e-maintenance and lastly brokerage. We offer complete and personalized support according to best fit your needs.

Impatient, not sure you can invest in a new catamaran or simply curious? See our latest second-hand boats on offer. Please note that the demand is high, don’t wait to contact us.

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From the legendary Outremer 45 to the acclaimed Outremer 55, not to forget the 51 and the 4X, you will find a wide range of Outremer catamarans to charter, depending on your model of interest.

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How much is a 45 foot catamaran? 5 Great Options.

• Post author By Richard
• Post date September 30, 2020
• No Comments on How much is a 45 foot catamaran? 5 Great Options.

Quick answer is $300,000 to $600,000. But you could also pay as much as $1 million for a fully loaded catamaran like La Vagabonde’s brand new Outremer 45 or as little as $150,000 for a late 1990’s Prout 45 or Leopard 45. These prices are all considering you are asking about a catamaran in reasonable condition and with appropriate cruising equipment. Project catamarans could end up costing much less initially although very likely much more eventually as typically you pay a premium in sailing for the “refit experience.” The upside is a long escape working in a boatyard that allows you to escape from your wife and children if that is your goal. We do not recommend the approach and this website while offering a wide selection of catamarans prefers to advertise that are in good condition at great prices to our visitors.

Another budget aspect to consider is maintenance costs of a 45 foot catamaran. Here the typical assessment is you spend 10% of a catamaran’s value yearly to keep her in good condition at a safe mooring and with proper reserves for depreciation costs.

We answer this question here because oddly the 45 foot number is a common online search and common question we receive. The number 45 has long history in sailing as in the old days of monohull sailboats, the ideal cruiser was thought of as a 45 foot center cockpit. Technology has evolved and proved that two hulls are superior to one yet the 45 feet in length is a sensible universal constant. The reason? Certainly a 45 foot catamaran features a dramatic increase in interior volume as compared to old technology. We suspect that the 45 foot ideal length is more determined by cruising speed and comfort in a wide variety of offshore conditions as well as the size at which length is not a limitation in terms of docking or maneuvering requiring additional crew.

To further provide specifics on your options for a 45 foot catamaran please see example models below.

1. Lagoon 450

The highest volume 45 foot model in production currently. New style design with large accommodations, wide beam, and tall mainsail. Comes in flybridge and sport version with different helm configurations. This design is an evolution of the Lagoon 440. Prices range from $400,000 to $700,000 from an old charter 2011 model to a brand new owner’s version. See our Lagoon 450 specifications and a list current example for sale.

2. Leopard 45

The classic Leopard 45 was built from 1997 to 2001 and should not be confused with the new version of the model by the same name. These are affordable ex charter catamarans with old school builds. Watch out for wet balsa coring like on any 20 year old cored hull catamaran. Prices range from $200,000 to $250,000. See our Leopard 45 page for more specifications and options currently for sale .

3. Prout 45

The Prout 45 model is the oldest fashioned model on this list and least expensive coming in at $150,000 to $250,000. These feature a cutter rig with two headsails and a very aftmost main mast. This headsail powered sailplan is very unusual for catamarans options at this size range. Please see our specifications for more information and for sale page for current examples for sale .

4. Outremer 45

Made famous by Outremer’s special sale of an example to La Vagabonde stars. While at a base price it may be $700,000 when fully outfitted this boat nears $1 million USD. Performance oriented design with daggerboards and outboard helms with tillers. With the pricing and performance focus, this is a less common design.

5. Privilege 45

Lying somewhere between the classic Prout 45 and middle aged Leopard 45, this older Privilege design ranges in price from $150,000 to $250,000. These were high end charter boats in their day with a very good reputation for build quality, performance, and interior fit / finish. See our Privilege specifications and examples for sale .

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10 Best Catamarans for 2023

Table of Contents

Catamarans have taken the boating world by storm, becoming the fastest-growing segment, with both sail and power cats dominating the market. Some of the best catamarans have been launched in the past 12 months! Let us introduce you to five power catamarans and five sail multihulls, and then let us get you on the water with one! Here are the ten best catamarans for 2023 :

• World Cat 260 CCX 
• Four Winns TH36 
• Leopard 40 PC 
• Aquila 42 PC 
• HammerCat 45 
• Fountaine Pajot Tanna 47 
• Bali 4.4 

Balance 442

• Minicat 310 

Find the market’s hottest catamarans for half-day and full-day rent 

Power Catamarans:

World cat 260 ccx.

Image Source: https://worldcat.com/models/260cc-x/

The sixth model in the builder’s center console line , the World Cat 260 CCX , is compact but packed with features, including a wraparound U-lounge for relaxing or casting, a 30-gallon live well, a 120-quart insulated fish box and twin 200-hp outboards that draw on 180 gallons of fuel. This is a small but serious fishing machine.

Four Winns TH36

image source: https://www.fourwinns.com/new-era

The new Four Winns TH36 is the first outboard-powered catamaran introduced by the builder. The dual console design has a walkthrough windshield and room for 15 or more guests. Power is provided by twin 300-hp outboards upgradeable to 350s, making this runabout speedy and fun.

Leopard 40 PC

Joining her 46- and 53-foot siblings, the new Leopard 40 PC is a couple’s cruiser with many of the same features as the two larger models but on a much smaller (and for some, more approachable) platform. Engine packages range from 250 hp to 370 hp, and a top speed of 20 knots is expected.

Aquila 42 PC

Image Source: https://www.aquilaboats.com/news/42-yacht

The new 42 falls in the middle of the Aquila range and offers two staterooms, multiple sunbeds, a utility cabin , and numerous layout configuration options. She has engines from Volvo Penta and a spacious flybridge with steps that lead directly down to the foredeck for easy maneuvering.

HammerCat 45

Image Source: https://www.multihulls-world.com/news-catamaran-trimaran/hammercat-45-an-almost-unlimited-program

The new HammerCat 45 is versatile and can work as a sportfish platform, a dive boat, a day cruiser, or a superyacht tender. This center console has a hardtop and a Carolina bow and is built in epoxy and carbon fiber to keep weight down and performance up. Expect a 55- knot top end and a 30-knot cruise depending on the engine package selected. 

Sailing Catamarans:

Fountaine pajot tanna 47.

Image Source: https://www.catamarans-fountaine-pajot.com/en/sailing-catamarans/catamaran-tanna-47/

This French-built sailing cruiser has space in spades. The new FP Tanna 47 is based on (and shares a hull design with) her predecessor, the Saona 47, but clever tweaks have made this a whole new boat. The cabin house and deck have been revamped, the flybridge is 40% larger, the salon/ galley has gained storage options, and the helm is more ergonomic than before.

Video Source: bali-catamarans.com

Bali has captured the hearts of sailors who love lots of living space, large household-style appliances, and simplicity. Bali cats are unique for their combination salon/ cockpit layout, and the 4.4 joins her siblings in this groundbreaking design. With the touch of a button, a “garage door” lifts, connecting the indoors with the outdoors with minimum redundancy in living arrangements.

Image Source: https://balancecatamarans.com/balance-442/

Fast and packed with proven cruising features, the Balance 442 is the little sister to last year’s 482. Perfectly sized for couples, this boat was designed for distance cruisers by distance cruisers. There’s even an option for a large solar array to make living at anchor easy and just about carbon neutral.

Image Source: https://www.cata-lagoon.com/en/55

French catamaran builder, Lagoon, has introduced a new VPLP-designed cruising cat that you can test in charter soon. The Lagoon 55 slots just above the newly introduced 51and are offered as a large and comfortable flybridge model with up to six cabins to accommodate an overnight crowd. 

Minicat 310

Image Source: https://redbeardsailing.com/products/minicat-310

Not all cats are of the large, expensive fiberglass variety. An affordable multihull can be had in Europe’s Minicat 310 Sport, an inflatable beach cat weighing only 77 pounds and packing down into a single bag. This cat has sophisticated big boat features like roller furling, a fully battened mainsail, keels, and an attachment for a small outboard.

Find catamarans for rent— NEAR YOU

These models, representing some of the best catamaran brands on the market today, are pretty new, so there aren’t many out there yet, but if you get a chance to step aboard one, you won’t be disappointed. One way to potentially test one is via a peer-to-peer boat-sharing service like Boatsetter that pairs owners, who can offset boat ownership costs, with charters, who can enjoy luxury boats without the long-term commitment. 

Check out the hottest boats in the market at Boat Types , and scroll through Boat Guises to find your next boating destination . Keep your eyes peeled to catch one of these ten amazing catamarans on the water!

About Boatsetter 

Boatsetter is a unique boat-sharing platform that gives everyone — whether you own a boat or you’re just renting — the chance to experience life on the water. You can list a boat , book a boat , or make money as a captain . 

List. Rent. Earn— Only at Boatsetter

Zuzana Prochazka is an award-winning freelance journalist and photographer with regular contributions to more than a dozen sailing and powerboating magazines and online publications including Southern Boating, SEA, Latitudes & Attitudes and SAIL. She is SAIL magazines Charter Editor and the Executive Director of Boating Writers International. Zuzana serves as judge for SAIL’s Best Boats awards and for Europe’s Best of Boats in Berlin. 

A USCG 100 Ton Master, Zuzana founded and manages a flotilla charter organization called Zescapes that takes guests adventure sailing at destinations worldwide. 

Zuzana has lived in Europe, Africa and the United States and has traveled extensively in South America, the islands of the South Pacific and Mexico. 

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Leopard 45: A Comprehensive Review

The Leopard 45 is a great sized catamaran for cruisers, and is as popular as the rest of the Leopard range amongst charterers and liveaboard owners.

Leopard almost need no introduction. The South African boat builder has been producing catamarans for many years, and have a proven track record of building good quality production cats that are popular options for both the charter fleet and cruisers.

There are several good tours of this boat on YouTube, and so we are focussing our efforts on a review rather than a simple walkaround. As such, we have divided our analysis into five categories, each worth 10 points.

You, too, can score this boat based on your personal opinion- find out how to do so at the end of this post.

Safety and Design

This category looks at the safety and practical design of this Leopard 45. We consider the following factors:

• Liferaft position
• Helm position
• Safety features
• Practicality while on watch and underway

The locker which houses the liferaft lifts up and slides out, depositing the liferaft onto the aft deck. This was not a feature we were aware of at the time of filming, but have been since educated on- so apologies for not making mention of this in the video.

The helm position has good visibility, well connected to the cockpit with a hard top bimini overhead. The only issue was a lack of any kind of barrier between the helm position and the side deck, apart from an arm rest. We’d want a more robust and complete barrier for the purposes of safety on watch.

We were happy with the grab rails and attachment points, and the flush lockers and hatches on the decks make moving around quite safe.

We also have a question about how quickly the forward facing cockpit would drain in the event of large waves over the bows. (Leopard claim 45 seconds- but what happens if the swell period is 20 seconds?) There’s also a cover you can put over the forward cockpit that will prevent water from entering it to begin with- but this obscures your view from the inside navigation station (where, presumably, you’ll want to be if you’re in weather that’s rough enough to warrant the cover).

We’re scoring this boat a 7/10 for Safety and Design.

Build Quality

Let’s move on to the next category, which is build quality. We look at the following as part of our assessment:

• Hull construction
• Fittings and latches
• Steering mechanism
• Overall robustness

The steering mechanism was robust and the rudder stock was well braced. However, there was no self expanding foam in the conduits to reduce the chance of flooding in the event of water ingress or engine bay breach- with unskegged propellors and a sail drive, this is something that is a real possibility if you hit an underwater object with enough force.

The door to the forward facing cockpit was almost half an inch thick with a good rubber gasket and sturdy handles.

Inside the interior joinery was of good quality, although there’s room for improvement: the latches felt a little flimsier than on comparable models from other catamarans, and the drawer inserts were white melamine. The finish on some of the edges of the cabinetry was a little haphazard, although there were solid edgings on the high traffic areas. We believe that the veneers were alpi, rather than real wood (that’s what they appeared to be, but we’ve had no confirmation). We found the build quality to be above average, but not as high as we would have liked, and certainly not as high as older Leopards we’ve been on.

For build quality, we’re giving it a 6/10.

Interior Design

This category takes into account everything that makes a catamaran comfortable and pleasurable to live on. We look at:

• Guest accommodation
• Ventilation
• Shower access
• General layout and liveability

This is a big category, taking into account a lot of different aspects of living onboard.

One of Leopard’s signature features is the forward facing cockpit. Combined with the large aft cockpit, which has a big table and is well laid out, there’s plenty of seating options. The forward cockpit would be particularly pleasant at anchor where you would find it receives all the breeze, and would therefore likely be the most comfortable area to sit and relax. Certainly, it’s an incredibly popular feature and many other manufacturers are now incorporating a dedicated forward seating area into their designs.

Inside, the layout is a little different to most other production catamarans: the galley is situated forward, and the saloon aft. There’s also a forward facing navigation station, a feature that is occasionally forgotten about in modern catamarans but one we consider to be very important for keeping watch overnight (and during the day for that matter!).

The model we viewed does not have island berths in the aft cabins, although apparently this is changing for future builds. The interior aesthetic is light coloured veneer with grey bench-tops and accents, with plenty of natural sunlight and ventilation. Overall, it’s a lovely space.

Our score for Interior Design is 7/10.

Performance

• Length: 13.72 metres
• Draught: 1.5 metres
• Weight: 14,500 kg

We couldn’t find a polar diagram for the 45, so here’s a polar for the 46; we can assume performance will be similar.

Maximum speed is 12-14 knots at 110 degrees, and she can’t point higher than 55 degrees.

We’re therefore awarding her a 4/10, like most other non-performance production catamarans we’ve so far reviewed.

Value For Money

Base price is €459,000 and fully specc’d to a high blue water cruising standard the price is more likely to be €559,000.

The value for money is average, and we’re awarding this category a 5/10.

Our total score is 29/50.

While we liked certain aspects of the Leopard 45, we know this isn’t the boat for us (a fact that seems to have created a bit of an outcry amongst ardent Leopard owners!). The forward facing cockpit is not to our liking; we’d quite like a forward facing seating area, but not a deep cockpit that could fill with water while underway in rough seas. We don’t expect to have to deal with that sort of weather often, but we know that there are a couple of long passages in our future that may be more to windward and also where the weather can be a little inclement (ie, the passages between the Pacific islands of Tonga and Fiji and New Zealand). However, we really like the older, pre 2011 Leopards, and have not ruled out that option if we end up buying from the used market.

Submit Your Scores!

Now, YOU can submit your scores, which you can do via  this link !

Simply tick the box of the catamaran you wish to score (only videos we’ve already released will be available), then use the sliders to score each category, then click the VOTE button. Easy! (But if you need further instructions, you can find them  here ).

Make sure you leave a comment with your score and thoughts so we can keep the conversation going!

Nick & Terysa

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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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Best Liveaboard Bluewater Catamarans

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

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13 Best Liveaboard Catamarans (For All Budgets)

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

The 13 best liveaboard catamarans for different budgets are:

Nautitech 46 Open

Lagoon 450f, nautitech 46 fly.

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

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

On this page:

Best liveaboard catamarans for all budgets.

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

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

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

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

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

The best liveaboard catamarans have these most important features :

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

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

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

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

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

Living space inside Leopard 40

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

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

Galley and heads of Leopard 40

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

Performance and handling of Leopard 40

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

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

Safety and seaworthiness of Leopard 40

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

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

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

Living space inside Lucia 40

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

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

Galley and heads of Lucia 40

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

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

The Lucia 40 is a performance-oriented catamaran

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

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

The Lucia 40 is a safe and seaworthy catamaran

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

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

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

Living space inside Lagoon 400

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

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

Galley and heads of Lagoon 400

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

The Lagoon 400 has good sailing performance

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

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

The Lagoon 400 is designed to be safe and seaworthy

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

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

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

The Bali 4.0 is a catamaran that offers ample living space

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

Galley and heads of Bali 4.0

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

Performance and handling of Bali 4.0

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

Safety and seaworthiness of Bali 4.0

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

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

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

Living space inside Bali 4.3

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

Galley and heads of Bali 4.3

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

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

The Bali 4.3 is a very safe and stable catamaran

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

Living space of Catana 42

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

Galley and heads of Catana 42

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

The Catana 42 an excellent performer

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

The Catana 42 is built with safety and seaworthiness

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

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

Living space of Nautitech 46 Open

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

Galley and heads of Nautitech 46 Open

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

Performance and handling of Nautitech 46 Open

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

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

Safety and seaworthiness of Nautitech 46 Open

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

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

Living space inside Lagoon 450F

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

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

Galley and heads of Lagoon 450F

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

Performance and handling of Lagoon 450F

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

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

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

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

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

Living space inside Helia 44

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

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

Galley and heads of Helia 44

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

The Helia 44 is designed for excellent performance and handling

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

The Helia 44 is built to the highest safety standards

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

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

Living space inside Leopard 48

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

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

Galley and heads of Leopard 48

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

Performance and handling of Leopard 48

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

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

Safety and seaworthiness of Leopard 48

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

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

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

Living space inside Nautitech 46 Fly

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

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

Galley and heads of Nautitech 46 Fly

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

Performance and handling of the Nautitech 46 Fly

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

The Nautitech 46 Fly is a safe and seaworthy vessel

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

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

The living space of Catana 50

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

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

Galley and heads of Catana 50

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

The Catana 50 is designed for performance and speed

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

The Catana 50 is a safe and seaworthy vessel

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

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

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

Living space of Lagoon 52

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

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

Galley and heads of Lagoon 52

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

Performance and handling of Lagoon 52

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

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

Safety and seaworthiness are top priorities on the Lagoon 52

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

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

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Green Deals

Save $500 on popular rad power e-bikes, heybike spring sale starts from $999, plus friday’s other best deals.

Warm spring weather is being matched with a pair of e-bike sales today as we head into the weekend. We love Rad Power Bikes , and the brand is making their EVs even easier to recommend with $400 in savings across three different models as well as bundled $100 accessories. That sale is joined by some more rugged Heybike models starting at $999 and all of the other Green Deals you’ll find below.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course,  Electrek ’s best EV buying  and  leasing deals . Also, check out the new  Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories .

Spring sale discounts popular Rad Power e-bikes

Rad Power Bikes has launched a new  flash sale through April 10  that is taking  up to $400 off  three select e-bike models and also giving you one  free accessory  of your choice that is worth up to  $100 . The biggest discount is on the  RadRover 6 Plus High-Step model for  $1,199 shipped . Usually fetching $1,599 since the company lowered prices  across its lineup of models , this e-bike saw plenty of discounts over 2023, with most of them being limited-time flash sales that often brought costs down to $1,399. Since the new year began we’ve already seen one flash sale bring the cost down further to the current $1,199 low, with today’s deal coming in to repeat the trend as a 25% markdown off the going rate that lands at the lowest price we have tracked. You can learn more about this model by heading below or checking out our  hands-on review .

Equipped with a 750W brushless geared hub motor and a semi-integrated 672Wh battery,  Rad Power’s RadRover 6 Plus e-bike  is able to reach top speeds of 20 MPH and travels with a range of up to 45 miles on a single charge. It offers a variety of features like the 5-level pedal assist with a 12-magnet cadence sensor, and a full digital display that relays real-time information such as battery level, clock, odometer, speedometer, pedal assist settings, and even a wattage meter to keep track of the motor’s output. It also comes stocked with a pair of 26-inch by 4-inch puncture-resistant fat tires alongside water-resistant connectors and wiring harness for when your joy ride diverts off-road. The frame has been designed for maximum ergonomic comfort and solid handling – especially for riders at the bottom end of the height recommendation range.

You’ll also find the  RadCity 5 Plus Commuter e-bike  and the  RadWagon 4 Cargo e-bike  included in the sale as well, with both models sitting at a discounted rate of  $1,599 shipped . Both come equipped with a 750W geared hub motor alongside a 672Wh capacity battery that gives them a max speed of 20 MPH at a range of 50+ miles for the  RadCity 5 Plus  and 45+ miles for the  RadWagon 4 . Both models offer five levels of pedal assistance with a 12-magnet cadence sensor, and a wide array of features like a water-resistant wiring harness, integrated taillight with brake light functionality, an LED headlight, fenders for both wheels, an integrated rear storage rack, and a backlit LCD display that gives you a battery level indicator, speedometer, odometer, trip odometer, pedal assist level, and wattmeter. The RadWagon 4’s display also includes a USB port to charge your devices.

Rad Power’s  flash sale  will continue through April 10, with the discount being automatically applied in cart when you add one of the three above e-bikes and an accessory under $100. You can  browse through Rad Power’s included accessories here .

Heybike’s rugged e-bikes now start from $999

Heybike has launched a  spring sale through April 22  that is taking  up to $700 off  a selection of its e-bikes as well as giving you  $297 in free accessories  along with your purchase. One of the most affordable options of the bunch is the  Mars 2.0 Folding Fat-Tire e-bike for  $999 shipped . Down from its $1,499 price tag, it has seen far fewer discounts over the last year than older models like the original Mars e-bike. We have seen it included in a few 24-hour flash sales over at Best Buy, usually to $999 at the lowest, and we also saw it drop down to the $899 low back during February. Today’s deal comes in as a 33% markdown off the going rate and lands at the second-lowest price we have tracked – just $100 above the all-time low. We also recently reviewed  Heybike’s Horizon e-bike , the company’s latest release which you can learn more about  here .

The Mars 2.0 e-bike comes in four colors ( pumpkin orange ,  dusty blue ,  granite grey , and  leather black ) and equipped with a 750W (1,200W peak) rear hub motor alongside a removable 48V battery that can carry the bike up to 28 MPH for up to 45 miles on a single charge. You can customize your riding experience through its five levels of pedal assist modes or switch over to the 7-speed gears while the 4-inch wide fat tires ensure effortless handling when you go off the beaten path – “offering superior traction, stability, and a smoother ride compared to conventional bikes.” The bike’s frame can easily be folded up in seconds for quick storage or transport and also features hydraulic disc brakes, a rear cargo rack, head and taillights with braking functionality, a shock-absorbing seat, as well as a smart LCD display that gives you real-time performance statuses and allows for setting adjustments.

Heybike spring sale discounts:

• Ranger, 25 MPH at 65-mile range:  $999  (Reg. $1,399)
• Cityrun, 21 MPH at 55-mile range:  $1,199  (Reg. $1,599)
• Explore, 28 MPH at 70-mile range:  $1,199  (Reg. $1,899)
• Ranger S, 28 MPH at 55-mile range:  $1,299  (Reg. $1,499)
• Horizon, 28 MPH at 55-mile range:  $1,499  (Reg. $1,999)
• Tyson, 28 MPH at 55-mile range:  $1,499  (Reg. $1,699)
• Brawn, 28 MPH at 65-mile range:  $1,499  (Reg. $1,799)

Eve Aqua Smart Water Controller returns to $100 low

B&H is offering the  Eve Aqua Smart Water Controller for  $99.95 shipped . Down from a $150 price tag, this device saw relatively few discounts over 2023, with the lowest among them occurring in early Christmas sales before falling again in the first week of the new year and then dropping further at the end of January. Today’s deal comes in to repeat this trend as a 33% markdown off the going rate that beats our previous mention by $13 and lands as a return to the all-time low. It even beats out  Amazon’s higher  $120  rate , as well as  Eve’s website  where it remains at its MSRP.

This  smart device  gives you full control of your sprinkler or irrigation system via the Eve app or Siri. It comes with HomeKit support, does not require a bridge or gateway network, and is fully compatible with Thread out of the box. You’ll be able to set schedules to automatically water your garden, with functions to keep track of how much water you’re using and an auto shut-off feature so you won’t have to eye your water meter constantly or worry about accidental flooding. It is also compatible with all popular hose systems and multi-channel water distributors like Gardena or Kärcher.

Spring e-bike deals!

• Super73 RX Electric Motorbike: $2,999 (Reg. $3695)
• Lynx All-Terrain e-bike: $2,999 (Reg. $3,999)
• Juiced’s HyperScrambler 2: $1,999 (Reg. $3,499)
• Aventon Aventure.2 All-Terrain e-bike with free extra battery: $1,799 ($2,499 value)
• Aventon Abound Cargo e-bike with $372 in free accessories: $1,799 (Reg. $2,199)
• Heybike Brawn Fat-Tire e-bike: $1,449 (Reg. $1,800)
• Electric Bike Co. Model J e-bike: $1,299 (Reg. $1,499)
• Velotric Discover 1 e-bike: $1,099 (Reg. $1,599)

Other new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.

• EGO’s new Power+ electric mini bike with dual 56V batteries see rare $100 discount
• Save up to $2,796 on EcoFlow power stations, solar panels, more during annual mega sale
• Save $1,162 on Hover-1’s blue Altai Pro R500 e-bike with 60-mile range at new $1,138 low
• Prepare for BBQ season with Z GRILLS’ 2023 450E pellet grill and smoker at $423 (Reg. $599)
• New Greenworks Venture 80V 26-inch all-terrain mountain e-bike gets first discount to $1,575
• Keep showers and sinks steamy with these electric tankless water heaters starting at $183
• Jackery’s 518Wh capacity power station with 7 ports returns to $349 low, more from $119
• AeroGarden Harvest Elite 360 indoor garden grows herbs faster than soil for $98 (Reg. $120)
• BLUETTI’s AC180 portable power station comes with 120W solar panel for $849 (Reg. $1,198)
• Anker’s 60,000mAh PowerCore Reserve power station returns to $105 all-time low (Save $45)
• Weber’s SmokeFire EX4 pellet grill sends notifications to your iPhone at $770 (Save $330)
• Cruise along in throwback style on Razor’s Rambler 16 electric minibike for $525 (Reg. $659)
• VEVOR’s level 2 EV charging station with adaptable 40A output hits $275 Amazon low
• Bosch Tronic 6100 electric tankless water heater covers sinks and appliances for $592 (Reg. $749)
• UGREEN PowerRoam 2200 portable power station returns to $1,599 low (Reg. $1,999)
• Renogy’s Phoenix Elite power station with 9 ports and built-in solar panels hits $270 (Save $280)

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The 45 Best Superhero Movies of All Time, Ranked

From 'Spider-Man 2' to 'Wonder Woman' to 'The Dark Knight,' this is Collider's ranking of the greatest superhero movies ever made.

There's no doubt about it: superhero movies have been all the rage within the last couple of decades, and don't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. By no means was the genre invented in the 21st century, as there were plenty of iconic superhero films to be released during the previous century. However, the genre's seemed to click with modern-day viewers more than generations in the past, with many of the highest-grossing movies of the century so far being superhero movies.

There might not be as many superhero movies out there as movies in other, broader genres (like action movies, comedies, Westerns, etc.), but trying to pick the best of the best is still a daunting task. What follows is a ranking of some of the most exceptional superhero movies, representing the various ways larger-than-life heroes can be depicted on screen, whether in live-action or animation. These are some of the best in an ever-growing genre, and are ranked below from great to greatest.

45 'The Rocketeer' (1991)

Director: joe johnston.

A charming film that also goes to show how science fiction doesn’t always need to be futuristic , The Rocketeer delivers an old-school adventurous spirit and feels rather quaint today, given how prevalent the superhero genre’s become. It’s set during World War II, and involves a pilot becoming an instrumental figure for America in the war against Nazi Germany.

Notably, he gets a rocket-pack that allows him to fly around at a great speed, and from there, he takes part in a simple yet thoroughly engaging “good vs. evil” story that works well for what it is. Other parts of The Rocketeer may not hold up as well, at least on the technical side of things, given the film’s age. But, on the other hand, many flaws are able to be overlooked, or even go so far as to add to the film’s charms .

The Rocketeer

*Availability in US

44 'Chronicle' (2012)

Director: josh trank.

Chronicle takes the found footage format and pushes it in an interesting direction, not being a found footage horror movie but, in actuality, a found footage superhero origin story … in a way. The plot involves three high school students learning that they’re developing strange powers, which at first is thrilling, but then becomes harrowing when one of the three starts enjoying the power he’s been given a little too much.

It's presented in a way that won’t appeal to those sensitive to motion sickness , but might well appeal to those who’ve grown tired of seeing stories about people with superpowers presented in traditionally cinematic ways. Chronicle is grounded, intense, and very well-paced, coming in at under 90 minutes and delivering a simple yet effective story bolstered immensely by its novel presentation.

Not available

43 'The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension' (1984)

Director: w.d. richter.

The textbook definition of a 1980s sci-fi cult classic , The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension can also count itself as an offbeat, charming, and quite funny superhero film. The titular character is a man of many talents, and he runs a gang called the Hong Kong Cavaliers, all of whom band together to defend Earth from alien invaders that hail from the (also titular) 8th dimension.

The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension is wild and more than a bit silly (if you couldn’t tell from the title alone), but it’s the kind of thing that’s unafraid to do its own thing, taking no prisoners all the while. There’s a sense of style and confidence here that’s truly admirable, and those after a superhero movie that feels like no other superhero movie ought to check this underrated 1980s movie out.

Watch on Tubi

42 'Zebraman' (2004)

Director: takashi miike.

Another unique superhero movie, Zebraman comes from the mind of Takashi Miike , the relentless and prolific Japanese filmmaker best known for controversial movies like Audition and Ichi the Killer . Zebraman , however, sees Miike tone down some of his more alarming or disturbing sensibilities, making something that feels like it could generally appeal to people of most (not all) ages, so long as such people also possess suitably strange senses of humor.

Zebraman follows a man going through a midlife crisis, and the way his life changes drastically when he decides to take on a vigilante persona in secret: the titular hero, Zebraman. Absurd comedy and some rather silly action scenes ensue, with things getting even wilder once aliens enter the picture. It’s not going to be for everyone, but its willingness to do something weird and commit to it wholeheartedly does make Zebraman admirable and oftentimes fun .

41 'Dick Tracy' (1990)

Director: warren beatty.

Starring Warren Beatty , Madonna , and a surprisingly Oscar-nominated Al Pacino , Dick Tracy could well claim to have one of the most impressive casts in the history of comic book/superhero movies. Beyond that main three, the cast also includes the likes of Mandy Patinkin , Dustin Hoffman , Dick Van Dyke , Paul Sorvino , James Caan , Kathy Bates , and Catherine O'Hara , to name just a few.

The look of Dick Tracy is similarly impressive, bringing comic book styling and sensibilities to the format of a live-action film in a bolder – and arguably better – way than most comparable films. The storyline, on the other hand, is fairly barebones, revolving around the titular hero taking on a group of vicious gangsters… but it’s the star power and style of Dick Tracy that go hand-in-hand to make it an impressive oddity, and one that still holds up as quite surprising and entertaining to this day.

40 'Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings' (2021)

Director: destin daniel cretton.

While its action might not quite be great enough for Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings to feel like an all-time great martial arts movie , it was cool to see a film from the MCU take inspiration from such films . The titular hero is incredibly talented at hand-to-hand combat, leading to plenty of great action set pieces that are melded well with various fantastical elements that also serve to distinguish the film from most other MCU entries.

On top of all that, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings does have the kind of familiar humor and pacing one finds in a modern superhero movie, but it’s all executed better across the board than much of the rest of the MCU’s fourth phase. It gets the job done and then some, and proves to be an incredibly entertaining watch.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

Watch on Disney+

39 'Watchmen' (2009)

Director: zack snyder.

Violent and brooding in an uncompromising way, 2009’s Watchmen feels like a Zack Snyder movie through and through , meaning fans of the director’s style will have a blast, and his detractors will likely remain unconverted. It’s an adaptation of the famed comic book series of the same name, and though it doesn’t prove as successful as a deconstruction of superhero-centered stories, it still at least touches upon that side of things.

Watchmen ’s potential thematic shortcomings are easier to overlook, however, when a film adaptation looks as consistently great as this 2009 movie does. It’s bombastic, hyper-stylized, and makes sure you see it all, thanks to plenty of sequences unfolding with healthy amounts of slow motion. Additionally, those who want to see another adaptation align a little closer to the comic series’ tone and themes thankfully have the HBO miniseries to watch , which was released in 2019.

38 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2' (2017)

Director: james gunn.

There were an unusually high number of great movie sequels released in 2017 , and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 just so happened to be one of them. After the 2014 movie did a great job of making the titular squad instantly lovable and fan favorites within the MCU, Vol. 2 of what ended up being a trilogy was able to hit the ground running with already-established character dynamics, and was able to particularly explore Peter Quill’s past following him being reunited with his estranged father.

It might not run as smoothly as the first Guardians film, but Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 works by once again being funny, visually dazzling, well-scored with plenty of iconic music , and pushing its characters into some deeper and more emotionally intense areas. The mid-to-late 2010s were a good time to be a fan of the MCU, and Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 was one of many reasons for that.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

37 'the super inframan' (1975), director: hua shan.

The Super Inframan is fairly obscure by superhero movie standards, but that doesn’t mean it’s undeserving of being considered up there with the very best. It’s something of a cult classic, being an absurd martial arts movie that also ambitiously sets its sights on being a work of science fiction and a weird superhero film , following a man who agrees to be experimented on, so he can become the titular hero.

From there, his destiny is to battle various monsters that are being led by a dangerous alien who wants to conquer the world, effectively being the only hope for the human race. The Super Inframan is very cheesy and one would be hard-pressed to call it high-budget… yet it’s also super charming and feels a little like it was written by a 10-year-old in the best way possible. It’s the kind of movie where, while watching it, it’s hard to imagine someone not having a good time.

Rent on Apple TV

36 'Super' (2010)

Some years before ever working for Marvel or DC, James Gunn directed his first superhero movie (of sorts) with Super , in 2010. It’s definitely more low-budget and crudely made compared to his later efforts, but it did demonstrate that he had serious potential in both writing and directing subversive or slightly offbeat films that also managed to fit within the superhero genre.

In the case of Super , it’s incredibly dark and brutally realistic, telling the story of a disturbed man with nothing to lose becoming a vigilante known as Crimson Bolt. Super is unafraid to show some seriously graphic violence, especially considering Crimson Bolt’s weapon of choice is a wrench, but those with strong stomachs and a willingness to see something different as far as superhero/vigilante movies go ought to check it out.

35 'Captain America: Civil War' (2016)

Directors: anthony and joe russo.

The third movie within one of the most compelling trilogies in the MCU , Captain America: Civil War is a huge film featuring many of the characters who appeared throughout the first three phases of the MCU. As the title suggests, the heroes are at odds and are torn apart by a series of conflicts that may have been orchestrated by a mastermind who wants to see Earth's mightiest heroes implode.

Captain America: Civil War was a movie that did a good job of shaking up the status quo , with the effects of the film's ending ultimately having an influence on several years worth of movies that followed. Additionally, this movie's also home to one of the biggest and most celebrated action sequences in the entire MCU: that of the airport battle.

Captain America: Civil War

34 'x2: x-men united' (2003), director: bryan singer.

The original X-Men series got off to a decent enough start with the original film in 2000, which was one of the first truly successful superhero blockbusters. Despite that, it's hard to argue against its 2003 sequel - X2: X-Men United - being even better. It revolves around an anti-mutant former Army Commander who causes trouble among the heroes.

X2: X-Men United is a more confident film with more satisfying action, and balances an even larger cast of characters exceptionally well. The icing on the cake of it all is that it's also home to a Brian Cox performance, where he plays the lead antagonist, Col. William Stryker. Anyone who's seen the excellent HBO series Succession will be well aware of how much Cox can bring to a villainous role.

X2: X-Men United

Watch on Starz

33 'Hellboy II: The Golden Army' (2008)

Director: guillermo del toro.

After a solid original Hellboy movie in 2004, Guillermo del Toro really let loose with its sequel, 2008's The Golden Army , by combining superhero action with wonderfully dark fantasy. Hellboy II: The Golden Army also ups the stakes considerably, forcing the titular hero and his team to take on an elvish prince who's threatening to take over the world with his mechanical army.

Some could accuse the first Hellboy of being style over substance, but those people might be ignoring just how good the style is. And when it comes to the second movie, the style's even more stylish. There is also some genuine substance and emotion to its compelling story, making Hellboy II: The Golden Army a remarkably improved sequel and one of the most underrated superhero movies in recent memory.

Hellboy II: The Golden Army

32 'batman begins' (2005), director: christopher nolan.

Batman Begins may well be the most comprehensible and least overwhelming movie Christopher Nolan 's ever directed . As the title suggests, it's an origin story for the character of Bruce Wayne/Batman, showing his tragic past and how he came to take on the responsibility of being a vigilante who fights wrongdoers in the crime-ridden city of Gotham.

The best was yet to come, when it came to Nolan's trilogy, but Batman Begins got things off to an undeniably compelling start. It was a breath of fresh air back in 2005 to have a superhero movie take itself so seriously, and generally carry itself well, making this film a historically significant one for how people viewed the superhero genre going forward.

Batman Begins

31 'the suicide squad' (2021).

After a 2016 movie that really didn't work, The Suicide Squad proved to be a reboot/sequel of sorts to Suicide Squad that was an overall much stronger film. Both had similar premises, having criminal characters given dangerous missions to take part in with the promise of reduced sentences if the missions were successful, but the execution made all the difference here.

The Suicide Squad is a blast to watch, and combines violent action, crude humor, and some genuinely emotional moments together to great effect. It's a strange superhero movie, somehow feeling both risky and accessible at once, and thankfully exists to at least in part redeem the franchise after the 2016 movie.

The Suicide Squad

Watch on Max

30 'Blade II' (2002)

The first Blade , released in 1998, was a significant superhero movie in numerous ways, as it pushed boundaries in terms of violence, felt a little more hard-edged than the superhero movies that had come before it, and also was one of the first comic book movies with a Black lead. It is a solid movie, but its sequel, 2002's Blade II , is even better.

While the first laid the groundwork, Blade II is simply more fun, with a little more personality and better action sequences , at least partially thanks to it being directed by Guillermo del Toro . It is unabashedly cheesy and silly at points, but it feels self-aware and confident throughout, making it a blast to watch.

29 'Kick-Ass' (2010)

Director: matthew vaughn.

Nowadays, there are numerous darkly comedic superhero properties that take their characters to dark places while also being unafraid to show explicit violence (demonstrated by shows like The Boys and the Deadpool movies). Back in 2010, this kind of approach felt more novel, and was one reason why Kick-Ass felt like such a breath of fresh air.

Kick-Ass is a tad more grounded than many superhero movies, showing the inevitable struggles that a teenage boy would experience should he one day decide to become a superhero/vigilante. For those who want another violent and darkly funny deconstruction of the genre released in 2010, Super is also easy to recommend. What's difficult to recommend, on the other hand, is 2013's Kick-Ass 2 . That one should be avoided, as it, unfortunately, kicks very little ass.

28 'The Crow' (1994)

Director: alex proyas.

The Crow absolutely screams 1990s in every way, and is all the more glorious for it. It's a dark and brooding gothic revenge movie, adding a supernatural twist to the superhero genre by having the plot revolve around a man who comes back from the dead, and seeks vengeance on the criminals who gunned him and his fiancée down.

The Crow is an incredibly stylish movie, and does a remarkable job of capturing comic book visuals in a live-action format while telling a simple yet emotionally moving story. It's also regrettably one of the few films Brandon Lee ever starred in, as he tragically died at just 28 years old while filming The Crow , after an accident with a prop gun on set proved fatal.

27 'Zack Snyder's Justice League' (2021)

Do not watch the 2017 version of Justice League , as it's a complete mess, lacks both heart and logic, and overall serves as a textbook example of how not to do a superhero team-up movie. Thankfully, the director's cut - Zack Snyder's Justice League - is not a complete mess, and though it's a gigantic and imperfect film, it is an impressive one, and ultimately stands as a much stronger movie.

Zack Snyder's Justice League runs for a staggering four hours, but uses that time to flesh out all the members of the titular team while ensuring their first mission together feels suitably grand. It suffers a bit toward the end, given it has a series of epilogue-type scenes setting up movies that'll probably never happen, but the rest of it works well, and to this day remains the longest superhero movie of all time .

Zack Snyder's Justice League

26 'big hero 6' (2014), directors: chris williams, don hall.

Animation and superhero stories go together well, given the format can be used to depict heightened fantastical and/or futuristic worlds in ways that most live-action films would struggle to. Big Hero 6 is an example of how to do an animated superhero movie right, and holds up as a fun, emotional, and exciting family-friendly film.

It follows a young boy who befriends an inflatable robot called Baymax after a tragedy in his family, with the boy eventually forming a superhero team with said robot and his friends. It's a colorful and heartfelt movie, and one of those great kid's movies where it doesn't feel like it's only designed to appeal to children.

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Remembering musician Casey Benjamin of the Robert Glasper Experiment, dead at 45

Elizabeth Blair

The saxophonist best known for his work as part of the Grammy Award-winning Robert Glasper Experiment was 45.

ARI SHAPIRO, HOST:

Jazz and hip-hop musicians are paying tribute to Casey Benjamin, who died March 30. Benjamin played saxophone, keyboards and other instruments. He also sang. According to a statement from his family, Benjamin was, quote, "recovering from a recent surgery," and they are still gathering all the facts. He was 45 years old. NPR's Elizabeth Blair has this appreciation.

ELIZABETH BLAIR, BYLINE: Casey Benjamin was a key member of the Robert Glasper Experiment, a group known for breaking boundaries with their blend of hip-hop, jazz and R&B. Glasper met Benjamin when they were studying music at The New School in New York in the '90s.

ROBERT GLASPER: He does so many things so good. We called him the ninja musician.

(SOUNDBITE OF ROBERT GLASPER EXPERIMENT SONG, "THIS IS NOT FEAR")

BLAIR: Glasper says he and Benjamin bonded over their love for Herbie Hancock.

GLASPER: Like, we used to, like, mimic Herbie's movement while he's playing. It was like, Casey knows how to mimic the movements of Herbie.

BLAIR: Casey Benjamin especially liked Hancock's use of the vocoder.

(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "COME RUNNING TO ME")

HERBIE HANCOCK: (Singing) Baby fell down, lost her way.

NATE CHINEN, BYLINE: The sound of Herbie's voice filtered through this Sennheiser vocoder, you know, and processed with these analog synthesizers - this becomes, you know, this touchstone for Casey Benjamin.

BLAIR: Nate Chinen writes about jazz. He's also the editorial director at WRTI, a public radio station in Philadelphia.

CHINEN: And he spent just an inordinate amount of time tinkering and experimenting with his own vocoders, trying to get a version of this sound that was his.

(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)

CASEY BENJAMIN: (Singing) You want to take it all the way.

CHINEN: He made it a fully expressive instrument - you know? - and really used it as an extension of his own voice.

(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "SMELLS LIKE TEEN SPIRIT")

BENJAMIN: (Singing) With the lights out, it's less dangerous. Here we are now. Entertain us. I feel stupid and contagious...

BLAIR: Casey Benjamin grew up in Jamaica, Queens, N.Y. His father, a musician and DJ, was from Grenada. His mother was from Panama. Through his association with Robert Glasper and Q-Tip from A Tribe Called Quest, Benjamin ended up playing on songs by lots of artists, including Beyonce, Solange and Lupe Fiasco.

(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "STRANGE FRUITION")

BENJAMIN: (Singing) Oh, look at how they swing. Would you look at how they swing?

BLAIR: Again, Nate Chinen.

CHINEN: He was so prolific as a collaborator - you know, really kind of a musician's musician. But also, because he was such a dynamic performer, anybody who knew the Robert Glasper Experiment - they knew his name.

GLASPER: So having him a part of my band was just amazing because, you know, he added so much flavor to it, so much style to it.

BLAIR: Casey Benjamin did have style - long braids, sometimes with a shock of pink running through them.

GLASPER: He was a character in himself, you know? But he was one of one.

(SOUNDBITE OF SONG, "FOR YOU")

BENJAMIN: (Singing through vocoder) I love you - wonder if you love me, too. Taiwa, you're the only one who knew (ph).

BLAIR: Glasper says Casey Benjamin had fans around the world. Wherever they went, he would hear them call out his nickname, Stutz McGee. He says what he'll miss most about his friend and fellow musician is his big, infectious smile.

Elizabeth Blair, NPR News.

BENJAMIN: (Singing through vocoder) Maybe that day has come and gone away.

Copyright © 2024 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

Ego Outdoor Power Tools Sale April 2024: Score 45% Off During Lowe’s SpringFest Savings Event

Stock up and save on leaf blowers, lawn mowers, and string trimmers.

Gear-obsessed editors choose every product we review. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Why Trust Us?

EGO Power+ 56-volt Cordless Battery String Trimmer and Leaf Blower Combo Kit 2.5 Ah (Battery & Charger Included)

The highlight of the combo kit is the 56-volt leaf blower , which offers a volume of 615 cubic feet per minute (CFM) and a top airspeed of 170 mph, giving you the power to clear wet leaves and other heavy debris. Ego claims the included 2.5 amp-hour battery delivers up to 75 minutes on a single charge. That’s more than enough time to tackle most yards and driveways.

The leaf blower features other helpful features, including a turbo button for a quick blast of air to dislodge stubborn debris. There’s also a variable speed dial with a lock button to adjust your airspeed for different tasks. For example, you can use a lower speed for delicate flower beds or a higher speed for clearing large piles of leaves.

Also included in the combo kit is a 15-inch cordless string trimmer . This model includes a “Powerload” feature that can automatically wind your trimmer line, saving you time and frustration. Traditionally, refilling the trimmer line can be a cumbersome process. With Powerload, you can feed the new line into the head and press a button, getting you back to trimming quickly.

EGO Power+ 56-Volt 21-In. Self-Propelled Cordless Lawn Mower 7.5 Ah (Battery Included)

You can also save $150 on this Ego Power+ 56-volt 21-in self-propelled lawn mower , which comes with a free 5 amp-hour battery (compatible with the tools in the combo kit). The lawn mower features a brushless motor for quieter operation and extended life and a self-propelling feature that allows you to adjust your walking speed from 0.9 to 3.1 mph for effortless mowing. There are also seven height adjust positions, from 1.5-4 inches, allowing you to customize the cut length.

Finally, the lawn mower has a 3-in-1 function for mulching, bagging, and side discharge. The mulching feature can be useful in the spring as temperatures warm. Mulching recycles nutrients into the soil, which can help replenish your yard after a long winter.

Lowe’s SpringFest event offers savings on a variety of Ego gear so you can create a complete cordless outdoor power tool collection at a huge discount. Whether you’re planning a big yard overhaul or want to do general maintenance, you can find more options for sale below.

EGO Powerload 56-volt 16-in Telescopic Shaft String Trimmer 4 Ah (Battery and Charger Included)

EGO Power+ Select Cut XP 56-volt 21-in Cordless Self-propelled Lawn Mower 10 Ah (1 Batteries and Charger Included)

EGO Power+ 56-volt 670-CFM 180-MPH Battery Handheld Leaf Blower 4 Ah (Battery and Charger Included)

EGO Power+ 56-volt 615-CFM 170-MPH Battery Handheld Leaf Blower 2.5 Ah (Battery and Charger Included)

Brandon Russell is a freelance writer covering gear and technology. He started his journey as a news writer at a small newspaper and later began reviewing smartphones, movies, and video games. In his free time, he enjoys the slower, more intentional experience of using a 35mm film camera and making short videos about movies he grew up watching.

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