10 Best Catamaran Sailboats For World Cruising In 2025

A new addition this year, the Balance 502 evolves the acclaimed 482 with a touch more waterline and payload for true world-cruising loads.

Balance’s ethos is “owner-sailor performance”—cats that sail fast off the wind yet tack crisply and carry cruising gear without turning sluggish.

The 502 continues the brand’s hybrid carbon/foam construction and weight-policing systems approach.

On deck, the signature VersaHelm lets skippers sail from a protected inside position or out in the breeze with superb sightlines. Interior layouts favor practical storage, real sea berths, and systems access for remote repair.

Owners report consistent double-digit surfs with a conservative sail plan, which shortens passages and weather windows.

For speed, payload, and shorthanded sail handling, it’s a standout new build.

Standard Specifications (approx.)

• LOA: 50 ft (15.2 m)

• Beam: ~26 ft (8 m)

• Draft: ~4.9 ft (1.5 m) boards up / deeper with daggerboards

• Displacement: ~12–13 t light (varies by build)

• Sail Area: ~1,500 ft² (139 m²)

• Engines: 2 × 40–57 hp

• Construction: Carbon/foam composite

4. HH44 (EcoDrive Hybrid)

The HH44 brings carbon-savvy construction and a forward-thinking powertrain to a truly ocean-capable size.

Conceived around a parallel electric/diesel hybrid, it offers silent motoring, instant torque for docking, and hydro-regeneration while sailing to keep batteries topped up.

A big standard solar array slashes genset time offshore, and the cockpit/helm ergonomics are refined for short-handed passagemaking.

HH’s build quality (infused composites, meticulous fit-out) is obvious the moment you step aboard. Light-air performance is a highlight, great for making miles outside the trades.

After a number of deliveries last year, the builder is ramping up and targeting 20 boats across the range this year, with the HH44 among the busiest lines.

If you want a cutting-edge hybrid bluewater platform in a manageable package, this is it.

Standard Specifications (approx.)

• LOA: 44 ft (13.4 m)

• Beam: ~24 ft (7.3 m)

• Draft: ~4.5 ft (1.4 m)

• Displacement: ~10–11 t light

• Sail Area: ~1,300 ft² (121 m²)

• Engines: 2 × hybrid diesel/electric

• Energy: Large solar + hydro-regeneration

5. Xquisite 54 E-PLUS (Hybrid)

Xquisite’s brand-new 54 E-PLUS debuts this year as the next step in parallel-hybrid sailing cats, scaling up energy storage and solar to live quietly off-grid.

The design builds on the brand’s reputation for robust systems engineering and owner support, adding more battery capacity and serious solar to reduce diesel dependence.

Expect the same “service bay” access culture Xquisite is known for, which matters when something needs attention 1,000 miles from shore.

The hull, rig, and layout target comfortable mile-eating versus outright racing, with excellent night-watch protection.

At 54 feet, payload for real liveaboard life (spares, dive gear, tools) is generous. For sailors prioritizing energy autonomy and after-sale support, it’s a compelling fresh option.

Standard Specifications (approx.)

• LOA: 54 ft (16.5 m)

• Beam: ~26 ft (8 m)

• Draft: ~4.9 ft (1.5 m)

• Displacement: ~17–18 t

• Sail Area: ~1,600 ft² (149 m²)

• Engines: 2 × hybrid diesel/electric

• Energy: Large solar + extended battery bank

6. Nautitech 48 Open

Nautitech’s new flagship is a performance-cruising take on the 48-foot genre: twin aft helms for feel, a low-profile coachroof, and no flybridge to keep weight and windage in check.

The Marc Lombard hulls strike a careful balance, fine enough to move in light air, voluminous enough to carry cruising stores.

Inside, the salon remains connected to the cockpit without becoming a wind tunnel offshore; handholds and traffic flow are well-considered.

Systems access is a strong point, and the bridgedeck clearance helps reduce slamming on long passages.

The boat has already nabbed the European Yacht of the Year (Multihull) award, signaling both innovation and execution.

Standard Specifications (approx.)

• LOA: 48 ft (14.6 m)

• Beam: ~26 ft (7.9 m)

• Draft: ~4.6 ft (1.4 m)

• Displacement: ~14–15 t

• Sail Area: ~1,450 ft² (135 m²)

• Engines: 2 × 57 hp

7. Fountaine Pajot Aura 51 (Smart Electric option)

The Aura 51 packs huge liveaboard volume into a hull/rig package that still sails well when you keep weight under control.

It’s the largest FP sailing cat without a flybridge, which lowers weight and improves boom access. The interior is villa-like, multiple lounging zones and a chef-friendly galley, for families or owners who expect guests offshore.

Crucially for world cruisers, FP offers a Smart Electric version based on this production platform, integrating large solar arrays and an electric propulsion package to cut fossil-fuel use.

The standard diesel version remains available for simplicity and global service access. Underway, the boat feels reassuring and tracks well; upwind height isn’t its party trick, but passagemaking averages are solid.

Standard Specifications (approx.)

• LOA: 51 ft (15.5 m)

• Beam: ~27 ft (8.2 m)

• Draft: ~4.6 ft (1.4 m)

• Displacement: ~16–17 t

• Sail Area: ~1,600 ft² (149 m²)

• Engines: 2 × 60 hp or Smart Electric

• Energy: Large solar integration (Smart Electric)

8. Lagoon 51 (51 Iconic)

The Lagoon 51 is one of the most popular catamarans worldwide, with a new “51 Iconic” variant rolling out this year.

Its expansive flybridge, wide side decks, and big cockpit make it ideal for entertaining and family cruising. Lagoon’s strength lies in comfort and community, systems are familiar, service is global, and resale is strong.

The bridgedeck clearance helps reduce pounding at sea, while the conservative rig keeps handling straightforward.

Interiors are bright and spacious, with multiple cabins and generous storage. While not the fastest boat in the lineup, it offers reliable performance and easy passagemaking.

With Lagoon’s global presence, owners benefit from extensive support.

Standard Specifications (approx.)

• LOA: 51 ft (15.5 m)

• Beam: 27.5 ft (8.4 m)

• Draft: ~4.9 ft (1.5 m)

• Displacement: ~19–20 t

• Sail Area: ~1,600 ft² (149 m²)

• Engines: 2 × 80 hp

9. Leopard 50

Built by Robertson & Caine in South Africa, the Leopard 50 blends robust infusion-molded construction with layouts that work for families at sea.

The forward cockpit and flybridge create multiple watch and lounge zones—great on passage and at anchor.

The rig is conservative but efficient, with easy reefing for short-handed crews.

Leopards are engineered for high uptime in charter and private use, which translates to durable systems and straightforward maintenance, gold offshore.

The brand continues to invest in construction tech, including single-shot infusion that improves laminate consistency and strength across the range.

New interior updates keep the boat fresh. With global dealer support and widespread owner knowledge, it’s a pragmatic, go-anywhere pick.

Standard Specifications (approx.)

• LOA: 50 ft (15.2 m)

• Beam: 26.5 ft (8.1 m)

• Draft: ~5.1 ft (1.55 m)

• Displacement: ~20 t

• Sail Area: ~1,600 ft² (149 m²)

• Engines: 2 × 57 hp

10. Privilège Signature 510

The Privilège Signature 510 is a semi-custom luxury bluewater cat built in France.

Known for robust construction and fine craftsmanship, it’s a boat designed for safe circumnavigation with comfort.

The helm is positioned for sheltered sailing, allowing couples to manage the boat even in rough conditions.

Interiors feature high-end finishes, comfortable sea berths, and massive storage capacity. Systems are installed with care and accessibility, essential for long-distance sailing.

Tankage supports long periods off-grid, and payload capacity is generous. While more luxurious than performance-oriented, it doesn’t compromise offshore readiness.

Its production is ongoing with custom options available for discerning buyers.

Standard Specifications (approx.)

• LOA: 51 ft (15.6 m)

• Beam: 26.2 ft (8 m)

• Draft: ~5.1 ft (1.55 m)

• Displacement: ~18–20 t

• Sail Area: ~1,600 ft² (149 m²)

• Engines: 2 × 75 hp

Tips on Picking The Right Boat

Choosing the right catamaran sailboat for world cruising depends on balancing performance, comfort, budget, and intended sailing style.

• If speed and upwind ability matter most, performance-oriented designs like the Outremer 52 or Balance 502 stand out, but they require more active sailing.
• For couples or families prioritizing comfort and easy handling, options like the Lagoon 55 or Leopard 50 offer spacious layouts, reliable systems, and easier sail management.
• Budget also plays a major role, not just in purchase price, but in long-term maintenance, outfitting, and fuel efficiency.
• Tankage for water and fuel is critical for remote cruising, as are solar and power systems that support off-grid living.
• Draft is another factor—shoal-draft designs allow access to shallow anchorages, while daggerboard boats sail better upwind but need more attention.
• Finally, consider how many crew you’ll typically have: shorthanded cruisers should prioritize simplicity and safety of sail handling, while larger crews can manage more ambitious rigs.

Wrapping Up

With builders continuing to innovate in safety, efficiency, and livability, today’s catamarans make it easier than ever to explore the world under sail.

So the real choice comes down to where you want to go, and how you want to get there

Whether you lean toward a fast, daggerboard-equipped design for crossing oceans quickly or a spacious, family-friendly cruiser for relaxed living at anchor, there’s a model to suit every sailing dream.

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