what is a gunboat catamaran

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• By Herb McCormick
• Updated: January 5, 2007

The first, most critical thing to know about boatbuilder Peter Johnstone-who’s now twice entrusted his vision of the ideal offshore cruising catamaran to the highly capable design team of Gino Morrelli and Pete Melvin-is that he absolutely loves to sail. We’re not talking mere infatuation. What we have with Mr. Johnstone is an all-consuming passion for the art and science of propelling waterborne craft by the cleanest fuel of all, a fresh breeze.

When he decided to take his young family cruising a few years ago, Johnstone worked backward from a very simple question: What’s going to be the most fun to sail? Safety, reliability, and seaworthiness would all need to be inherent parts of the solution, of course, but that central tenet was non-negotiable. Why go cruising under sail, he reasoned, if sailing wasn’t going to be a focal point of the exercise?

Johnstone had a pretty good idea of what he was looking for: a big, powerful, no-holds-barred catamaran built of the latest, lightest materials, with ample accommodations, and manageable by a shorthanded crew. Ultimately, he formed his own company to produce such a vessel. When the seagoing Johnstones finally set sail for the Caribbean, they did so on the M&M-designed, South African-built Gunboat 62 Tribe. After returning from his 15-month cruise, Johnstone rolled up his sleeves and got back to boatbuilding in earnest. The Gunboat 48 is the company’s second model in production, and the next will be-yikes-an 80-footer, currently under construction.

Conceptually, the 48 hasn’t wandered far from the precedents established on its larger sibling. The deck layout is centered around a forward cockpit accessed through a door that separates it from the central bridgedeck saloon/wheelhouse/galley. The forward cockpit, as Johnstone acknowledges, wasn’t an original Gunboat idea; noted multihull designer Chris White successfully employed it on his Atlantic series of cruising cats. But it works well on the Gunboat, with almost all the relevant running rigging and sailhandling devices-including a suite of Harken blocks and winches and an array of Spinlock clutches and jammers-stationed at chest level near the base of the towering carbon-fiber spar.

The steering wheel, engine controls, chart plotter, and instruments are a couple of short steps away, tucked just inside the aforementioned front door. So, too, is a handsome folding dining table with veneers of Brazilian mahogany fronting a forward-facing settee that’s plenty inviting when the boat is coursing along under the Raymarine autopilot. When you’re peering out the front and side windows, it’s almost like watching a sailing movie on a big screen, and it’s a very enjoyable view.

In fact, the entire free flowing deck layout maximizes the use of space and is very well thought out. Moving aft, the bridgedeck leads to a roomy “back porch” for dining or drinks, and it’s functional, too, with easy access to the dinghy davits and the molded, transom-mounted steps providing access to the swim ladder and to the twin Westerbeke 35-horsepower Universal diesels.

Below, there’s a pair of staterooms complete with queen-size berths, and a third is equipped with a single. There are also two heads with showers, both stationed forward in the respective hulls.

As befitting a sailboat with a seven-figure price tag, the overall build quality of the vacuum-bagged, oven-cured monocoque hull and deck-a foam sandwich utilizing epoxy, biaxial and unidirectional glass, Kevlar, and carbon fiber-is quite phenomenal. The daggerboards and lifting rudders are also carbon fiber, as are the stringers, ring frames, and crossbeams.

There’s nothing else out there quite like a Gunboat. Peter Johnstone set out to build what designer Bill Lee has called a “hot-rod cruiser,” and he certainly succeeded.

Gunboat 48 Specs

LOA: 48′ 4″ (14.74 m.) LWL: 45′ 11″ (14.00 m.) Beam: 24′ 3″ (7.39 m.) Draft (boards up/down): 1′ 1″/7′ 5″ (0.33/2.26 m.) Sail Area: 1,106 sq. ft. (102.7 sq. m.) Displacement: 20,100 lb. (9,117 kg.) Water: 120 gal. (454 l.) Fuel: 120 gal. (454 l.) Engines: Twin Westerbeke 35-hp. diesels Designer: Morrelli & Melvin Sailaway Price: $1,680,000 Gunboat, (401) 619-1055, www.gunboat.info

Herb McCormick is the former editor of Cruising World

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Gunboat 68 – the high octane luxury performance cruiser designed by VPLP

• Elaine Bunting
• February 15, 2017

French owner Grand Large Yachting has unveiled its first new model for the Gunboat brand.

When Gunboat, the US company that created the luxury super-fast carbon catamaran range, went into Chapter 11 bankruptcy last year, there were big questions about the future of one of sailing’s most daring and innovative brands.

In May of 2016 the rights and assets of the company (excluding the G4 foiling catamaran ) were bought at auction by French company Grand Large Yachting, which is behind the Allures, Garcia and Outremer catamaran ranges.

The new owners began by consulting existing Gunboat owners and skippers to find out how to develop and improve the range, then turned to multihull masters VPLP for the new design.

The fixed cockpit canopy on the Gunboat 68 is designed to support solar panels.

The new Gunboat 68 design was unveiled in Annapolis in October. This is a yacht designed to gobble up 500-mile days and take part in one-design fleet racing and it boasts a host of clever and forward-thinking ideas.

The lines manage to be both sleek and aggressive, with reverse bows inspired by VPLP’s record-breaking 100ft trimaran MACIF . One neat idea is that the modular saloon interior is fully demountable. The company knew that racing owners stripped out their boats for events, so decided to design a modular layout.

The fixed roof will support an array of solar panels and the aim is to equip the new Gunboat 68 with sufficient green power to do without a generator. There is a ‘semi-walkthough’ cockpit and tillers and bucket seats for outside steering as well as Gunboat’s customary inside steering position. There are a large number of performance options: curved asymmetric or symmetric daggerboards; a long or short longeron (midships beam and bowsprit); long or short boom; rotating wingmast or fixed rig.

There are “over 80 [interior] permutations in a production setting,” says Lars Erickson, who previously ran Gunboat 62 Zenyatta . “This is a sophisticated and sexy boat that is grunty and offshore competent.”

Gunboat 57: first look

At Annapolis another new Gunboat was on show. When the company went bust, the owner of VaiVai , a Gunboat 55, rescued his part-built boat from the Gunboat premises and turned to designer Nigel Irens to tweak it before organising the completion of the build himself. This has now been relaunched as the Gunboat 57 and adopted into the new Gunboat range.

Gunboat 55 video test – the coolest boat in the Caribbean.

Elongated at the stern, the new 57 has a revised and improved steering system with more performance-orientated lifting daggerboards in place of the original pivoting centreboards.

“The daggerboard installation did require a cabin redesign, which in turn allowed the engines to be repositioned amidships to lessen the pitching moment and improve the trim,” notes Irens.

www.gunboat.com

The 8 Fastest Cruising Catamarans (With Speedchart)

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Cruising catamarans are some of the most comfortable boats to roam the water, making them fantastic for both long-term voyages and short-term vacations. Still, cruising catamarans can be great racing boats, but just how fast can they go?

Some of the fastest cruising catamarans include the Gunboat 68 (35 knots), Outremer 45 (25 knots), ORC50 (25 knots), FastCat 435 (20 knots), TS 42 (35 knots), and Lagoon 440 (20 knots). Yet, there are many more cats that can reach 35 knots safely. 

If you are interested in knowing about the fastest cruising catamarans, I have you covered. I will be discussing some of the most popular, fastest cruising catamarans and the features that make them so excellent for sailors in need of speed. You will learn more about each catamaran’s speed and amenities, and I will let you know a trick or two to maximize your speed under sail. 

How Fast Are Cruising Catamarans?

On average, cruising catamarans can reach top speeds of 15 knots , around 17.3 mph (27.84 kph). However, some exceptional, racing-designed cruising catamarans can reach up to 30+ knots in the right wind conditions. 

When you want to better understand catamaran hull characteristics, I suggest the book Catamarans a Complete Guide (amazon link) by the president of Aeroyacht catamarans and that you check out my article Why catamarans capsize .

Factors That Impact Speed

Weight & size.

When you consider a catamaran’s speed, you will need to keep in mind the boat’s weight and narrowness. A vessel that can travel at 15 knots will still move slower if the boat is heavy or has a wide, extensive hull. When increasing the total weight of the boat, the boat “sits” lower in the water, thus increasing water drag and reducing speed.

Why trimarans are faster than catamarans!

Now that we know how weight impacts sailing characteristics, it follows that; if you are planning on racing your catamaran, you should remove as much luggage or extra gear as possible. Eliminating as much weight as possible will help you travel at your cat’s maximum speed .

Narrow Hulls

The hydrodynamics of the ship will heavily affect your speed. Narrower boats can chop through the water with less effort, making slender ships with pointed hulls far faster than wide vessels. So if you are looking for the fastest one available, you should look for a slender hull.

Slim hulls vs. space is a common tradeoff for catamarans optimized for family sailing .

Wind will also affect your ship’s speed, so do not expect your cruising catamaran to reach the maximum speed without heavy wind. Generally, cruising catamarans have two large sails (at least) to power them through the water, and some are so efficient that they can travel even faster than the wind.

Although a strong wind is needed to energize the sails and move the boat, too much wind will instead make the sails less efficient, and maximum speed is most often attained at lower wind speeds but with flat water.

Light Weight Materials

Faster cruising catamarans are often made from carbon fiber materials and fiberglass to keep the weight down. If you are looking for the quickest catamaran that you can find, you should note the materials that the ship is made out of and try to get one that is primarily made from carbon, glass, and resin materials. 

While you are looking for the perfect catamaran for you, you should keep in mind what you NEED and what is NICE with your ship. Usually, this decision is between size and speed, but some of these excellent vessels have both. 

Lightweight materials are usually costly; for example, a carbon fiber mast will probably cost you +$20 000, depending on the cat’s size.

I have written a buyer’s guide that explains the concept of NEED vs. NICE , which will make choosing the right boat faster and more accurate.

Gunboat 68 (+35Kts)

Gunboat 68 is a cruising catamaran designed to reach the highest speeds possible. Made by Gunboat, the ship uses Grand-Prix racing boats’ designs to develop the speediest cruising catamaran on the market. 

Gunboat 68 is made entirely from carbon composites, which keeps the ship lightweight and fast. Gunboat 68 is the perfect catamaran for anyone who wants to reach the highest speeds possible while maintaining control of the vessel and not bouncing around too much. 

Gunboat 68 has comfortable, spacious living quarters, though it also has a spacious deck with luxurious seating. Indeed, this cat has it all, making it one of the best cruising catamarans for racers and casual sailors. The design maximizes all of the living spaces and uses lightweight materials to add elegance and luxury to a speedy racing catamaran. 

Gunboat 68 is one of the fastest cruising cats out there, with its maximum speed at more than 30 knots . Gunboat 68 can achieve these fast speeds, thanks to its lightweight construction and narrow hull design. 

Still, Gunboat can customize your ship’s plan to accommodate your needs. Whether you are looking for a faster, more lightweight boat with a more extensive sail or a more comfortable cruiser, Gunboat 68 is an excellent option for you. 

Specifications

• Maximum Speed: 35 knots
• Length: 68 ft (20.75 m)
• Beam: 29.9 ft (9.1 m)
• Draft: 3.9 ft (1.2 m) board up and 9.84 ft (3.8 m) board down
• Displacement: 23.7 tonnes

TS 42 (ORC 42)

The TS, or Tres Simple , cruising catamarans, designed by Marsaudon Composites, are some of the fastest cruising catamarans in the world. 

Marsaudon developed the ship’s plans using racing boats’ streamlined designs and combined them with a cruising catamaran’s comfortable living spaces. The TS 42 has an inverted hull which helps it glide on the water swiftly without requiring much fuel, but it also has a spacious below-deck area with plenty of luxuries.

TS cruising catamarans are often considered the fastest cruisers on the market, with their speed comfortably reaching upwards of 35 knots in the right wind conditions. Generally, TS catamarans can sail at 20 knots, even with moderate wind. They are the perfect catamaran for racers and high-speed travelers, and yet they still have the amenities of a pleasant live-in vessel. 

The TS 42 has a large galley and comfortable cabins, making it a cozy home or vacation vessel. With multiple bathrooms, large windows, and open lounge spaces, these catamarans are superbly comfortable to live in. 

The deck and cabin space are divided by a large, openable window, which adds extra light and ventilation to the living areas. It also has plenty of on-deck space, which is rare in such a small vessel with an inverted hull. 

If you think I’m using too many confusing nautical terms, you’ll find all the answers on my Catamaran parts explained page .

• Length: 42.8 ft (13 m)
• Beam: 24.3 ft (7.4 m)
• Draft: 4.9 ft (1.5 m) with boards up and 7.5 ft (2.3 m) with boards down
• Displacement: 5.8 tonnes

Outremer 45

Based in France, Outremer (pronounced uutremeer 😉 ) designed their Outremer 45 to be a long-lasting cruising catamaran that sails smoothly at high speeds. The Outremer 45 can reach about 15 knots, but the most comfortable sailing speed is 10 knots. However, it can travel up to 25 knots in the right wind conditions, making it a quick ship with all of a perfect cruising catamaran’s luxuries. 

It is made for durability from carbon, vinyl ester, and divinycell so that it can last many years without repairs. The Outremer 45 has a narrow hull, and it is designed to be as thin as possible to maximize speed and fuel efficiency. Outremer 45 still has comfortable living quarters with large windows and lounge spaces within the boat. Indeed, it sacrifices no comfort for speed.

In this article, I talk a lot about catamaran characteristics, both interior and exterior, if that’s something you want to better understand, then I recommend an article where I write about trade-offs in design choices .

The Outremer 45 was initially designed to be a boat that would last 50 or more years, and it excels in its durability. It has an open, uniquely expansive side deck and plenty of on-deck conveniences that make sailing a breeze in the ORC50.

With supreme safety features such as tall railings, slip-free grips on deck, and enclosed lounge spaces, it is one of the safest catamarans available (is safety your top concern? I wrote a list of the safest catamarans on the market). 

• Maximum Speed: 25 knots
• Length: 48 ft (14.6 m)
• Beam: 23.3 ft (7.1 m)
• Draft: 3.3 ft (1 m) with boards up and 6.7 ft (2.04 m) with boards down
• Displacement: 8.2 to 11.1 tonnes

Marsaudon Composites ORC50

Marsaudon Composites designed the ORC50, or Ocean Rider Catamaran 50, with both speed and comfort in mind. The ORC50 can be used for cruising, but it is also a great racing boat that has been awarded honors from many races worldwide.

Marsaudon borrowed designs from racing skippers to plan the ORC50, bringing together a cruiser’s comfort with the speed of an award-winning racing boat. 

This cruising catamaran is lightweight, which allows it to gain speed at a fast rate, but still has comfortable living quarters inside the boat. It has a rotating carbon mast, which helps to eliminate turbulence over the mainsail and therefore increasing sail efficiency and speed!

With strong winds, the ORC50 can reach up to 23 knots , making it extremely fast for a cruising catamaran. The ORC50 can easily reach speeds much faster than the wind speed, which is a unique quality of this fast, yet comfortable catamaran.

The ORC50 is an excellent long-term living ship with its many organizational compartments, expansive galley, and well-ventilated sleeping cabin. It also has plenty of couches and seating areas built into the boat, and its intuitive design adds plenty of comfort to the cruising catamaran without weighing down the ship. 

• Length: 50 ft (15.23 m)
• Beam: 27 ft (8.2 m)
• Draft: 5.6 ft (1.7 m) with boards up and 8.9 ft (2.7 m) with boards down
• Displacement: 13 tonnes

FastCat 435

African Cat’s catamarans, including the FastCat 435, are designed for speed and racing. This ship is mainly composed of epoxy, fiberglass, and carbon components, making it very lightweight to ensure that it travels as swiftly as possible. 

The FastCat 435 may be as light as possible, but it is durable enough to last for many years in the most extreme conditions.

The FastCat 435 has comfortable living quarters and well-designed comfort spaces so that you can get the most out of your trips. The FastCat also has a green hybrid design, and it uses primarily electric power, which can help you prolong your sailing and use less fuel. 

I find solar-powered/electric cats pretty exciting, so much so that I wrote an entire article called The Best Solar-Powered Catamarans on the subject.

The FastCat is an excellent option for anyone who wants a smaller cat with a comfortable design and incredible speed. FastCat’s electric power is also a unique, favorable feature for anyone who wants to use less fuel. 

• Maximum Speed: 20 knots
• Length: 42.7 ft (13 m)
• Beam: 24.4 ft (7.4 m)
• Draft: 3.9 ft (1.2 m) with boards up
• Displacement: 2.4 tonnes

The Lagoon 440 cruising catamaran, like the FastCat, has an electric powering version, which cuts down on fossil fuel usage and ensures that your ship will keep moving. The Lagoon 440 is also among the easiest catamarans to maneuver, thanks to its electric drivetrain and automatic engines. 

The speed of the Lagoon 440 usually maxes out at 10 knots with low winds, but with higher winds, it can quickly gain speeds up to 20 knots (some argue even higher, but I’m doubtful). The Lagoon 440 is an excellent cruiser and comfortable catamaran, but it is not an all-out racing cat.

Lagoon is a well-known brand, but there are some caveats, and are Lagoons still making good catamarans?

Below the deck, the living spaces in the Lagoon 440 are magnificent. The ceilings are high, allowing the tallest of passengers to stand in the cabin. The many storage compartments and furnishings have a modern, elegant design. The interior is one large primary cabin with a few private spaces below the deck. 

• Length: 44.6 ft (13.6 m)
• Beam: 25.3 ft (7.7 m)
• Draft: 4.3 ft (1.3 m)
• Displacement: 10.5 tonnes

Fountaine Pajot Astréa 42

Fountaine Pajot designs some of the most luxurious yet speedy cruising catamarans available in the world. They are renowned for their safe, durable designs that make sailing a comfortable, relaxing experience. And on a personal note, i think the name sounds beautiful!

Their cruising catamarans use an inverted hull design that has become a signature mark of Fountaine Pajot vessels. This hull type allows the water to pass beneath the ship quickly, which increases the speed and fuel efficiency of the cat. 

The Astréa 42’s primary benefit is its spacious, comfortable living quarters and large, open deck spaces. The ship’s interior spaces have large windows, large lounging areas, and plenty of storage compartments. 

The cabin’s ventilation is also excellent, which reduces the classic musty smells of sea living. You can also get two different models of this catamaran, either in a one-cabin option or a two-cabin option, making it an excellent vessel for larger or smaller families.

The Astréa is ideal for long-term sea living and family vacations (it is not as fast as some more racing-oriented cats). Although the Astréa is not the speediest cat available, with its speed maxing out at about 10+ knots, even in favorable wind conditions, its luxurious atmosphere and comfortable cabin spaces make up for its relatively slow speed. 

Don’t get me wrong, despite its lower speed compared to the boats on this list, the Astréa 42 can still get you places quicker than many other cruising catamarans (and most monohulls). So, if you want all of the elegance and comfort of a cat and are not too worried about racing, this ship is an excellent option for you.  

• Maximum Speed: 10 knots
• Length: 41.3 ft (12.6 m)
• Beam: 23.6 ft (7.2 m)
• Draft: 4.1 ft (1.3 m)
• Displacement: 12.3 tonnes

Privilege Signature 510

The Privilege Signature 510 is a long-distance cruising catamaran designed for long-term voyages and sailing in extreme weather conditions. It features a durable, weatherproof design that will protect you from rainy and cold weather while sailing. 

The helm and living spaces are completely covered, making it safe to live in, even in cold or stormy weather. It also has an automatic sail adjustment system with the controls at the helm, allowing you to make any adjustments from the helm’s safety and comfort. 

Privilege Signature 510 also has an elegant, well-designed living space with plenty of amenities, including an accelerated cooling system, a spacious bathroom and kitchen, and plenty of windows for natural lighting.

With an elegant floor plan, this cozy ship is perfect for long-term living.

The Privilege Signature is not the fastest catamaran on the market, with a maximum speed of around 13 knots. Still, it is one of the quicker cats considering its elaborate amenities and comfortable size.

• Maximum Speed: 13 knots
• Length: 50 ft (15.24 m)
• Beam: 26 ft (7.98 m)
• Draft: 5 ft (1.57 m)
• Displacement: 25 tonnes

Although cruising catamarans are great boats for slowly cruising along the water, they can also be swift, substantial racing boats that reach speeds of up to 35 knots. These speedy cruising catamarans still come with all of the amenities of leisure boats, but they also reach incredible speeds without rocking or tossing. 

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

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Who Makes Each Brand of Catamaran and Where They’re Built

• Post Written By: Boater Jer
• Published: May 25, 2022
• Updated: May 25, 2022

Disclaimer: You might notice that we recommend products in some articles. We may earn a commission for referring you if you click the link and buy a product.

We only recommend products we’ve tried/tested/own (that’s why you won’t find thousands of affiliate links on my site). If you have experience with one of the products we’ve mentioned, please share your experiences in the comments at the end.

Boating Guide Presents: Who Makes Each Brand of Catamaran and Where They’re Built. Catamarans are gaining popularity among seasoned sailors. Their speed and reliability made them the top choice for family cruises and long distances voyages. Let’s dig deeper into their fabrication, shall we?

Among the acclaimed Catamaran brands is Lagoon, Privilege, Gemini, Bali, Seawind, Leopard, Gunboat, and Balance. These companies manufacture their watercraft around France, parts of the US, Southeast Asia, and Africa. 

Top Catamarans: Who Makes Each Brand of Catamaran and Where They’re Built

• Lagoon – is a boat building company d in Bordeaux, France.
• Privilege- builds their Privilege Marines boats in their boatyard in Les Sables D’Ollone, France.
• Gemini – is manufactured by Hunter Marine Corporation; building their boats are in Largo, Florida.
• Bali- is made by the CATANA Group; with a shipyard in Canet en Roussillon, France
• Seawind – Corsair Marine manufactures for this brand. They make their boats in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.
• Leopard – is built by 2 top design teams, Robertson and Caine and Naval Architects Simonis Voogd, and they make their boats in Woodstock, South Africa.
• Gunboat- Owned by Grand Large Yachting, their production is at La Grande Motte, France.
• Balance – Most of their flagship models are in collaboration with Nexus Yacht. Their shipyard is mainly in Cape Town, South Africa.

Read more about what makes each brand unique and its famous flagship models.

Lagoon Catamaran

Lagoon catamaran was born out of a request from a Hollywood film Waterworld to build trimarans. Since then, they have banked on cutting-edge technology to create the best boat. They have also incorporated a sustainable type of boat by adding solar panels and electric engines. ( source ) 

Best Lagoon Catamaran

This boat provides more value for money. Although not as expensive as the other type of Lagoon catamaran, the watercraft can still give great design with functional appliances. ( source )

Lagoon 440 

This boat can maximize volume to provide more space for the family. Like other designs, the interior and design are beautiful and carefully laid out. The downside- it is on the heavy side, and some may not like the pill-box square design. ( source )

Lagoon 450 F

The 45 feet boat marries luxury, style, and comfort. The ample space allows the boat to accommodate 8 to 12 people. The design is functional where you can access the bridge, engine control, and steering station in seconds. ( source )

Privilege Catamaran

The boat company is dedicated to research and technology to create the best boat that allows its owners to sail style and efficiency immediately. The company stands by being authentic, unique, and making an iconic brand. ( source )

Best Privilege Catamaran

Privilege 615.

If you like an elegant wood finish Privilege, 615 is for you. The boat is reliable for offshore sailing with its advanced navigation system. Its well-thought design enables navigation while conversing with friends and family. ( source )

Privilege 435

Tony Smith from the United Kingdom founded the company as he brought his family to sail across the Atlantic. He got the love of catamaran in United Stated, and ever since then, the brand has remained an all-American trusted brand. Their goal is to build a boat not just for the sailors but for their entire family. ( source )

Gemini Catamaran

Tony Smith from the United Kingdom founded the company. He is known for sailing across the Atlantic with his family. He brought the love of catamaran to United Stated, and ever since then, the brand has remained an all-American trusted brand. Their goal is to build a boat not just for the sailors but for their entire family. ( source )

Best Gemini Catamaran

Gemini 105 mc.

This catamaran brings in more value for money. The 35 feet catamaran is best for weekend sailing or long sail life on the seas. The boat’s definition is somewhat like a cabin making its owner feel cozy, safe, and comfortable. ( source )

Gemini Freestyle 399 Power 

The newest model Gemini has to offer. It is a catamaran in steroids. It has a Suzuki motor DF20A that allows it to sail at 22.5 knots. The design is luxurious and functional. The open cockpit allows you to steer the boat while talking to friends. ( source )

Bali Catamaran

Under the CATANA Group, Bali catamaran anchors its brand through years of research and development. Their core is performance, innovation, and comfort. They use the latest technology to find the best material to build cutting-edge sailboats. They also make sure that they produce comfortable and safe boats by prioritizing interior and external fittings. ( source )

Best Bali Catamaran

The open plan allows everyone to have fun and party in style. It is also both a sailing and motor yacht. It has big windows and a place for sunbathing. ( source )

The cockpit has direct access to the saloon, a flagship model that provides space, allowing entertainment while navigating. Just take note of the high helm stand results in the smaller mainsail. ( source )

Seawind Catamaran

An experienced pro sailboat Richard Wards created Seawind. Their design philosophy is for long sails in the sea, even for the not-so-experienced sailors. They also adhere to maximizing space while providing good indoor and outdoor areas. ( source )

Best Seawind Catamaran

Seawind 1260.

Created by its founder Richard Ward, this model is the perfect combination of what a catamaran should be. It is stylish and efficient; it allows its owner to entertain friends and family for a daysail and allows it for an extended sail offshore. ( source )

Seawind 1600

It is not your usual catamaran with its 52 ft length. People seem skeptical about its size and are afraid it may be harder to control. However, the innovative and intelligent design allowed Seawind to create a state-of-the-art boat that could accommodate 14 people yet be functional for any oceanic adventure. ( source )

Leopard Catamaran

It is one of the catamaran brands certified in Europe and America. They take their designs seriously, from the sailing power to its living space. Their materials and techniques are well thought out and backed by science resulting in a spacious, robust, and high-performing boat. ( source )

Best Leopard Catamaran

Designed by Simonis-Voogd, this is one of the top contenders for the best catamaran for 2021 after numerous reviews. The designers made plenty of innovations like new technology to make the boat lightweight and streamlined for long cruises and voyages. ( source )

Robertson and Caine designed this model. This boat design is adjusted to provide the not-so-ordinary four-cabin space. They also increased the cabin top, which gives the boat an angular and sharper look. The open cockpit offers easy access while stirring; however, it may be an issue for kids and dogs. ( source )

Gunboat Catamaran

Owned by Grand Large Yachting, Gunboat catamarans are built for spacious and comfortable living while using the latest race boat technology. The combination of functionality and science makes Gunboat a leader in innovation for catamaran design. ( source )

Best Gunboat Catamaran

It is another contender for the best catamaran for 2021. This boat is suitable for a long voyage out in the sea as it is sturdy yet lightweight. Space also provides sailors to pack more gear and equipment. Like all of the love for speed Gunboat models, this boat can reach up to 20 knots. ( source )

This watercraft is another lightweight-designed boat that promotes safety, simplicity, and accessibility. More like a luxury cruiser, this boat can also be suitable for sailing with family or participating in races. ( source )

Balance Catamaran

This company is led and designed by seasoned sailors in the world. They value design, safety, and comfort over aesthetics. They are also a few brands that offer buyer specifications before building the boat. The result is a bespoke boat that perfectly suits the customer’s wants and needs. ( source )

Best Balance Catamaran

Balance 526.

As mentioned, no two Balance cats are the same. Each boat undergoes customization to align with the owner’s specifications. Owners can add more systems in navigations or allocate living space according to the owner’s priority. However, all Balance 526 is a lightweight material that allows safe short hand blue water sailing. ( source )

While many companies make catamaran boats, always look for those built by credible and respected designers and builders. Each company has its flagship models representing its beliefs and ideas for the perfect catamaran boat. Your job as a sailor is to choose a catamaran that matches your vision for that ideal catamaran.

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• Lagoon Company Website, March 12, 2021, https://www.cata-lagoon.com/ https://theboatdb.com/blog/top-catamaran-brands-of-2019-2020/  
• Daniel Wade, 12 Best Catamaran Sailboats, March 12, 2021, https://www.lifeofsailing.com/post/best-catamaran-sailboats/
• Privilege Company Website, https://www.hanseyachtsag.com/privilege/gb/
• 10 Great Cruising Cats, George Tarjan, https://www.sailmagazine.com/multihulls/10-great-cruising-cats
• Gemini Company Website, https://www.geminicatamarans.com/portal/GEMINI/Default.aspx
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• What is so Special about BALI Catamaran, Janko, https://www.sailingeurope.com/blog/what-is-so-special-about-bali-catamarans
• Seawind Company Website, https:// w ww.seawindcats.com/
• Boat Review: Seawind1260, Adam Cort, https://www.sailmagazine.com/boats/boat-review-seawind-1260
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• Leopard Company Website, https://www.leopardcatamarans.com/
• Gunboat Company Website, https://www.gunboat.com/
• Gunboat Catamaran Review, https://theboatdb.com/blog/gunboat-catamaran-reviews-opinions/
• Balance Company website, https://balancecatamarans.com/
• Boat Review: Gunboat 526, Peter Nielsen, https://www.sailmagazine.com/boats/boat-review-balance-526

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With an order book that’s ever increasingly filling up, Gunboat can afford to think bigger than their 68 (soon to be replaced by the 70) and even their 72, the first model to sport a flybridge. The new star out of the La Grande-Motte shipyard is the 80, launched for its first seatrials at the beginning of the summer.

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Published 04/08/2023

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Highland Fling XVIII, as she is called, has genuine racing ambitions, and is due to take part in the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Porto Cervo (Sardinia, Italy) in September. The Gunboat 80 is clearly one of the fastest cruising catamarans in her class - if not to say the most powerful. Calculations carried out by the naval architects, VPLP, promise boatspeed greater than the windspeed as soon as the latter exceeds 6 knots... The performance of the Gunboat 80 offshore in big seas promises to be excellent, given the work that’s gone into weight centering and the fact that the bridgedeck clearance is 3’9” (1.15 m). The construction is ultra-light and particularly stiff, thanks to the use of prepreg carbon cloth over a Nomex honeycomb core. Also, count on deep retractable rudders and daggerboards (L-shaped to give lift). As for the sail plan, which measures some 4,380 square feet (407 m²) upwind, it is rigged on a 100-foot (30-meter)-plus rig. In addition to the traditional crash-boxes in the bows and sterns, the boat has been fitted with watertight compartments in the stern, coachroof and deck. The layout has not yet been publicly unveiled, but we do know that it has been designed using virtual reality and built to aeronautical industry standards. The design proposed by Chedal Anglay Design is airy and minimalist, with soft curves and neutral-toned furniture. The central living area occupies the deck saloon, offering 360-degree visibility along a galley with bar seating. The saloon/dining area can seat six to eight people. The spacious owner's cabin has a private companionway for added privacy. The number of guest cabins and en-suite bathrooms can be customized, and separate accommodation for three full-time crew. The aft cockpit is extended by large sugarscoops and is linked to the saloon by large sliding doors to form a vast open area. The mainsheet track is secured to the aft beam, and maneuvers are distributed between this area, the two aft corners of the coachroof and the forward cockpit. There are two helm stations - one aft on each hull - but the 3D images also suggest a helm station forward in the nacelle. Construction of a second Gunboat 80 is already under way, and due to splash in the summer of 2024 for sailing in a “family cruising” mode. Specifications Builder: Gunboat Architect: VPLP Design: Chedal Anglay Design Length overall: 80’10” (24.65 m) Waterline length: 78’7” (23.95 m) Beam: 33’8” (10.25 m) Daggerboard draft: 4’3”/7’3” (1.3/2.2 m) Draft daggerboards down: 19’1” (5.82 m) Air draft: 113’6” (34.6 m) Mast length: 101’5” (30.9 m) Light displacement: 59,500/61,700 lbs (27/28 t) Sail area: 4,380 sq ft (407 m²) Fuel: 2 x 185 US gal (2 x 700 l) Water: 2 x 185 US gal (2 x 700 l) www.gunboat.com  

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The Gunboat 62 is the original performance cruiser from this iconic catamaran brand. This boat is well and truly cemented in our Classic Catamarans section. Let´s face it, this is the boat that has inspired a whole range of fast yachts from Hudson Yacht’s HH66 catamaran (designed by the same naval architects) to the Black Pepper Code C.69 and the Balance 526.

The first boat over the line when the starting gun was fired was founder Peter Johnstone’s Tribe, a Harvey Yachts, South African-built, Melvin & Morrelli designed cat that’s now something of a legend. The team later extended the boat into the Gunboat 66 , but it was the 62 that set the standards for the brand.

Johnstone had spent time on some of the largest, fastest maxi-cats in the world built by the French yard Multiplast (eg Team Adventure) and Auckland´s Cookson Boatworks (PlayStation now called Cheyenne), so he was well versed in high-speed multihull sailing. When his monohull got too uncomfortable in a blow, he had his Eureka moment.

Johnstone’s dad founded J-Boats. How could he pull one over the old man? How about overtaking him in his performance monohull in a 60ft cat with a cold one in his hand?

The first 3 Gunboat 62s were constructed with epoxy and E-glass beefed up with carbon-fiber in the big bulkheads and stringers.

Photos credit: zenyatta62.com @spikeabram , @dekkerdiane , @rigproservice

The fourth yacht was built entirely from carbon, with a taller rig and more sail area. There is Kevlar on the bottom and outboard sides of the hulls, and they managed to shave almost a tonne off the weight. The boom was extended by 2 feet, all the kinds of supercharged amendments that you can still order on a new Gunboat 68 today if you go for the regatta option over the cruising pack.

• Let´s face it, if you are sitting on a Gunboat 62 at anchor, no-one else is going to match you, even on a 68. It’s the ultimate pose.
• The 62 is still one of the fastest catamarans around, just ask anyone who has competed in the Voiles de St Barths. OK, you might just about overtake one in a Marsaudon Composites TS5 with a crack crew, but everyone will be looking at the Gunboat 62 crossing the finishing line anyway.
• Gunboat 62s hold their value. There are only four of them, remember: these are the original luxury performance cruising catamarans.
• This is subjective, but I’d say the 62 is the prettiest Gunboat. I like the shape of the 48 too, but that’s more of an E-Type Jag. The new 68 is more muscly and distinctive and a real head turner, but the 62 wins the beauty parade for me.
• Technology has moved on since the 62s were launched. Granted, the boats have all been loved and nurtured, but you might find yourself spending quite a bit of money on upgrades.
• The first 3 boats, in particular, weren’t designed to carry much stuff compared to later models. You’ll need to keep the weight off (but boy, it’s worth it). That´s why they extended to the 66.
• There’s not as much room for solar on the 62. OK, we are clutching at straws here.
• Gunboats are expensive to maintain. But come on, if you can afford to buy one, you can afford the maintenance.
• For a multi-million dollar yacht, there isn’t a huge amount of living space. These early Gunboats were more business like. It was always more about the speed than the toys: the increased comfort came later. You can hardly call them spartan though, this is a luxury cat, let’s be honest.

People wanted to add more stuff, so the last boat they built (now Mach Schnell) was designed to be able to carry more gear. This way, you could have all of the toys and still outperform an 80 ft racing monohull on a beam reach, and that philosophy is still followed by the brand today.

All the 62s have a carbon mast, plus carbon-fiber compression posts and bow sprits. Some of the other innovations include round & parabolic hull sections to reduce the wetted surface area and minimise the “bite” in turns. The 62s have a a 48% beam ratio versus a more common 55% ratio. Retractable high aspect rudders and retractable dagger boards mean that you can sail into super skinny anchorages in the Bahamas and elsewhere.

The Gunboat is a 14 ton light ship that can sail upwind at 17 knots and pinch up to 30 degrees AWA. She will tack through 95 degrees alongside the best performance monohulls. Coming off the wind, the 62 can sail over true wind speeds in up to 20 knots of wind. This supercat sails comfortably at between 15-20 knots SOG and has notched up speeds of over 36 knots on a surf. Hold onto your G&T!

Johnstone proved that you could blast along in windspeeds over 40 knots and still have your smoothie on the table next to you while travelling at speeds up to 20 knots. In short, she moves.

The helm station was inspired by Chris White´s Atlantic cats, with a comfortable helm seat with 360-degree visibility and overhead hatches to check your mainsail. The galley is aft on the starboard side aft with plenty of storage, working surface and a bar. Down below in the hulls are the staterooms and heads, offices, stowage, and engines. The hulls are slender for speed, but this is still a luxurious space with 8 watertight bulkheads per hull. Each interior was custom made.

  View this post on Instagram   Caribbean – Cruising along at 16knots… #3countriesinoneday #stbarths #stmaarten #anguilla #tribe6201 #gunboat62 #gunboat A post shared by Anna Clarke (@livetosail) on Feb 9, 2018 at 9:21am PST

The Gunboat 62 is powered by 2 56 HP Yanmars. The twin rudders are retractable, giving this yacht a draft of around a metre or 3 feet.

Getting out on deck just involves stepping through the pilot house through a heavy glass door into the forward cockpit where all the lines for the headsails and main is to hand, plus the anchor, rode, and windlass. There’s an exterior helm as well, a wheel on the same axle as the main helm.

Like all Gunboats, there is plenty of space on the nets for hanging out, and aft things calm down with the big veranda outback, with the main traveler set on the aft crossbeam, and davits for a tender. Down below, the living space isn’t huge (this is a performance cat), but the finish is luxurious and it’s very comfortable. Up top in the aft cockpit and saloon there is oodles of space for lounging, cooking, dining and sailing of course. You can probably do 3 out of 4 of the activities at the same time.

Each boat was custom designed for their first owners, but typically there are 3-4 cabins plus heads and/or an office.

Like many of these performance cats, they will blast along at 20 knots and over in the right conditions, but if you are sailing on the limit, you need to be on your toes. If you feel the windward hull come up, then its time to head down hard or dump the main.

62-01 Tribe The original!

62-02 Chim Chim (ex Cucu-Belle, ex Safari)

62-03 Zenyatta (2003 ex-Prana, ex-Lickity Split 2)

62-04 Mach Schnell (ex Elvis, ex-Looking For Elvis, ex-Icon)

How fast will a Gunboat 62 go? Well, according to Johnstone, the top speed he saw on the nav console was over  36 knots with three reefs in the main and a storm jib up. Fast enough for you?

How many Gunboat 62s were built? Four 62s were built- they are pretty rare, even rarer than the 48s. After a while, customers started to ask for more load carrying ability, so they lengthened the boat to 66 feet. The 66 isn’t as pretty, in my opinion. I expect the owners beg to differ.

Where were the Gunboat 62s built? In Gunboat’s early days, they built their yachts in South Africa with Harvey Yachts. Interestingly, this has spawned a whole performance catamaran ecosystem in the country with the likes of Balance and Kinetic based there.

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