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Best Liveaboard Bluewater Catamarans

Best Liveaboard Bluewater Catamarans | Life of Sailing

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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Daniel Wade

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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Prout 45 advice/ opinion sought; stern squat, water tanks, hard bimini

  • Thread starter Greener
  • Start date 8 Jan 2022

Hello new friends, Just became the proud new owner of a 1996 Prout 45 and would love some advice or the opinions from those more knowledgeable. She sits quite low in the water at the stern, with water actually coming over the first transom steps when underway. I don’t believe her to be over weighted, is this a design problem? A little concerning as we plan on adding more weight in the form of a hard bimini and solar. Would a transom extension aid in boyancy? As we know is Common in the prout design with the intergrated fiberglass watertanks in the keel, she has osmosis blisters within the water tanks. After lots of reading and some semi professional advice it would appear that a full sand back, dry and then re epoxy, glass and paint with food grade materials is the best solution. The access is definitely a problem and we’ve been quoted a very large sum to have to taken care of. Would love to talk with someone with first hand experience resolving this problem. Also looking to have a hard Bimini made and have seen lots of stock images but would love to actually get some some first hand info on what worked, what you would change etc. save us making similar mistake the first time around. Thanks for taking the time to read and for any advice shared. Fair winds.  

Well-known member

I know of one big Prout cat delivered new to the first owners in the late 1990s that turned out to be a lot over the designed displacement. Not sure if it was a 45, but that one was slower than expected, and had some serious build faults. That one had air-con and a washing machine, though these additions were not enough to account for the tons of exceess weight.  

Iliade

Is the boat sitting to her marks when moored or is she low overall? How many people standing on the bow are needed to bring her into trim? Are there any voids that could be full of water? Missed a cable of chain and an anchor in the stern locker? (Edit: Crossed with Neeves)  

Iliade said: Is the boat sitting to her marks when moored or is she low overall? How many people standing on the bow are needed to bring her into trim? Are there any voids that could be full of water? Missed a cable of chain and an anchor in the stern locker? (Edit: Crossed with Neeves) Click to expand...

Would it be worth fitting bulkhead fittings and ball valves? Could be low maintenance plastic ones.  

Active member

Congratulations on your purchase ! I would advise asking in the very helpful and informative Facebook group Prout Catamaran Owners group there are plenty of 45 owners who would be happy to advise you. SSG  

Neeves said: Welcome to the forum. Does she squat, transom step under water, when sailing or when under motor? If when sailing - what sail plan. If she squats when stationary on a pontoon or at anchor - think of what weight can be moved forward (a long way ) I cannot think of anything more difficult than removing osmosis blister in a water tank. Access will be awful. We don't own a Prout but if you have osmosis in the tank(s) - (is this in the mini keels), I might be concerned about osmosis elsewhere. Assuming there is no osmosis in any other locations I would be inclined to assess the volume of osmosis and if not extreme I'd suggest considering using bladder tanks in the keels which will negate any osmosis. Our mini keels are sealed and sacrificial. Our water tanks are in the hulls - under the cabin sole, with fuel tank at the mast (in fact the tank is 'moulded' round the mast). Given you post and thread I might consider how much space you have under the cabin soles to locate the water tanks there and forward, instead of amidships. This will possibly mean cutting into the existing cabin sole, shudders at the thought, but might actually be easier and will move a huge amount of weight forward. Another option - buy a de-sal unit - don't carry too much water - make it. If you worry about not enough water - have a bath with a friend - you know it makes sense We have 1m transom extensions and theoretically this will increase buoyancy in the stern and offer more speed. Measuring any of this is subject to some bias and even more optimism. . However our 1m transom extensions make unloading from a dinghy easy (you have a big platform at near dinghy height to unload stores). It is also easier to board or disembark a dinghy onto a long platform than 'into' a relatively narrow platform. I depends on where you sail but landing tuna or Spanish mackerel onto a long platform makes retrieving and cleaning a decent sized fish easy (I suspect it makes retrieving a MOB easier as well - but we have no personal experience. We built and installed our own transom extensions. One of the best things we ever did but adding an enclosed helm station (the God Pod) vies for first place as well. Our hard Bimini totally covering the cockpit was part of the build. Weight is a real killer for multihulls think twice before adding more weight (especially as you seem to be complaining of weight based issues). Think of how you can reduce weight vs adding weight. think how you can move weight from the stern further forward -- if you, or anyone else, send me a PM with an email address I'll send you a pdf on weight reduction - its too big to post on YBW. As an aside - in big sea we find our cockpit sole (aka floor) is automatically cleaned by a following sea. We built washboards to keep the sea out and the grandchildren and deck shoes in. Sadly we were a bit late and if you find an odd shoe ...... it might be mine Jonathan Click to expand...

Ah! Our cat squats when under full power in flat water. I'd say its not that the stern squats but that the bow lifts (meaning the stern squats). If it squats under sail - you are going too fast ! We try not to sail hard on the wind - most cats are dogs to windward and sailing to windward in seas is not much fun. Off the wind and down wind the bows may drop the power from the sails is reversed to that of the engine and if anything the transoms lift - which is why our bows have a lot of buoyancy (and we keep the weight (chain, water, fuel, batteries) amidships. I'd check how she sits in calm water - you might be focussing on the wrong thing and worrying unduly. But take note of the advice and check the various points raised. The big issue with cats is that you have lots of space and the tendency is to fill the space - DON'T. Filled space is weight and weight is the killer If you build a hard Bimini (or extend the coach roof) - it needs to be strong enough to stand on safely, this then means it might be heavy. You should be able to build one yourself, or transom extensions. You can do most of the build at home and then fit the completed item. The only issue with building at home (which was true of our helm station) it can be big and difficult to transport. Our coach roof extension, came as standard, is supported by a targa 'bar' which is angled off at 45 degrees and takes some of the wiring. We fitted our helm station on our swing mooring, the transom extensions we made at home (as with the helm station) but we fitted during and extended slip (when we also did the AF) as you simply cannot do it 'on the water' as you need to cut the gel coat back to overlap the the joint between the extensions and original transom. If you need pics and when you are ready - ask. Jonathan  

Neeves said: Ah! Our cat squats when under full power in flat water. I'd say its not that the stern squats but that the bow lifts (meaning the stern squats). If it squats under sail - you are going too fast ! We try not to sail hard on the wind - most cats are dogs to windward and sailing to windward in seas is not much fun. Off the wind and down wind the bows may drop the power from the sails is reversed to that of the engine and if anything the transoms lift - which is why our bows have a lot of buoyancy (and we keep the weight (chain, water, fuel, batteries) amidships. I'd check how she sits in calm water - you might be focussing on the wrong thing and worrying unduly. But take note of the advice and check the various points raised. The big issue with cats is that you have lots of space and the tendency is to fill the space - DON'T. Filled space is weight and weight is the killer If you build a hard Bimini (or extend the coach roof) - it needs to be strong enough to stand on safely, this then means it might be heavy. You should be able to build one yourself, or transom extensions. You can do most of the build at home and then fit the completed item. The only issue with building at home (which was true of our helm station) it can be big and difficult to transport. Our coach roof extension, came as standard, is supported by a targa 'bar' which is angled off at 45 degrees and takes some of the wiring. We fitted our helm station on our swing mooring, the transom extensions we made at home (as with the helm station) but we fitted during and extended slip (when we also did the AF) as you simply cannot do it 'on the water' as you need to cut the gel coat back to overlap the the joint between the extensions and original transom. If you need pics and when you are ready - ask. Jonathan Click to expand...
Greener said: thanks, I’ll pm you. Click to expand...

fredrussell

Greener said: It would appear that I am not able to send pms as a new member. Click to expand...

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prout 45 catamaran review

20 Performance Cruising Catamaran Reviews

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Catamarans are exciting and fast sailboats that offer some great features. With so many types and brands to choose from, it’s hard to find which is worth your investment. So, what are the top performance cruising catamarans ?

The best performance cruising catamarans are the Manta 42, Dolphin 42, Leopard 48, and Fountaine Pajot Elba 45. The McConaghy MC50, Privilege 435, and Nautitech 441 are also impressive models. The best offer optimal performance and can sail a 250-mile voyage easily.

Have you just begun your catamaran research but don’t know which to buy? Are you looking for a performance cruising catamaran that’s worth the investment? Let’s take a closer look at 20 performance cruising catamarans and what makes them the best.

The Top 20 Performance Cruising Catamarans

Catamarans are racing ships that have slowly been making waves in the cruising world. The design focuses on lightness and simplicity. Combined, these two elements ensure a faster ship and make them great for long distances.

The multiple hulls on the catamarans offer optimal water displacement, allowing them to glide through the water with much less trouble than single-hull boats. Because of their design, a catamaran’s performance will vary depending on the conditions you sail them through. The ocean and wind will play a significant role in how fast your catamaran will go as well as how smooth the ride will be.

When comparing catamarans for speed, there are four numbers you’ll want to consider:  

  • Bruce Number: The speed potential based on the power (sail-area) to weight ratio of the boat
  • Texel Rating (TR): A formula that will calculate how long it takes to sail any distance
  • Kelsall Sailing Performance (KSP): Potential speed of a vessel
  • Base Speed: The average speed of a boat over 24 hours of sailing

These numbers signify a cat’s performance so that you can pick the one that best suit your needs, whether you’re looking for a fast catamaran or not.

In addition to speed, your catamaran should have everything you need to be comfortable on your voyages. There should be plenty of living space for you and your crew or family members. When choosing the best catamaran for your needs, consider how much gear you will have with you on any given trip and if the ship you’re looking at has enough space for all of it.

The Manta 42 is a favorite of many sailors. Its beautiful design has a high bow and an incorporated curved crossbeam, the latter being unique and making the ship easy to spot from far distances and onshore.

Typically, aluminum crossbeams are used, and they allow for more movement in the bows. Since the Manta 42 doesn’t use aluminum ones, the ship is more susceptible to cracks in the bow caused by stress. However, the width of the Manta 42 makes the ship stable on the water, and the narrow hulls make it great for slicing through the water with speed and agility.

The Dolphin 42 has the best balance of performance and cruising comfort . What is truly special about these boats is that they come equipped with daggerboards . These bad ass features allow the ship to pull into just about any anchorage, including the shallow ones. 

The Dolphin is made with a foam core, which is designed to make the entire ship lighter. However, this doesn’t compromise the performance of the boat. It makes it perfect for cruising through the ocean with high-performance levels.

One thing to keep in mind is those convenient daggerboards. If the ship were to run aground, the hull integrity could be compromised. And if the daggerboards are removed or lifted, they will expose the rudders underneath. These features don’t ruin the ship’s functionality, but it’s important to note them just in case.

The Leopard 48 is a catamaran that you’ll definitely want to see. The design uses some of the best techniques to ensure optimal speed, weight, and cruising performance. The hulls are narrow — like most catamarans — and are built to reduce the amount of water that flows on the deck. It also reduces the amount of sea spray along the sides.

The Leopard 48 has two bulkheads (one in the bow and the other in the stern) designed to keep water out of the ship in an accident. It’s designed for long journeys, and the vessel comes with everything you could want for everyday living.

Fountaine Pajot Elba 45

The Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 is a fantastic powerhouse ship with luxury at its core. The living quarters of this catamaran are impressive and are sure to provide you with every comfort you could possibly want, no matter how long you sail it for.

The designers considered everything when designing this ship. They’ve simplified the prep work for the sails, making it easier than ever to get underway. The build of the Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 makes it fast when sailing or when under power. 

McConaghy MC50

The McConaghy MC50 is on the smaller side of catamarans in the McConaghy brand, but that shouldn’t disqualify it. This ship was designed with wide-open concepts and high bows. There’s no doubt it’s made for luxury but can hold its own in performance and speed departments.

Even with its luxury items (such as its full washing machine), this ship moves through the water gently. While it’s clearly designed for comfort, it’s still a relatively fast boat. However, there is a downside to the layout of the boat. The helms are much more exposed than other catamarans, which could be a potential safety hazard.

Privilege 435

The Privilege 435 is a catamaran designed to go long distances. It uses a heavy displacement so that the ship glides through the water with ease. The vessel is also built with a low-slung structure to help prevent winds. 

A slight drawback could be the heat buildup caused by the sun seeping in through the windows, as there aren’t any outside shades or ways to block the sun except for the internal shades. The other downside to this catamaran is that the Privilege’s bridge deck has low clearance . Other than that, the ship is an excellent option for those looking for a well-built cat.

Nautitech 441

The Nautitech 441 is another impressive catamaran to consider. The interior is slightly smaller than some others we have gone over, but don’t let that fool you. This boat is full of great features to make your trip comfortable and successful.

For example, the Nautitech 441 is equipped with a rain gutter situated around the entire coachroof. This gives you the option to collect the water for your freshwater tanks, or you can simply let it drain off the boat through the Y-shaped valve.

It’s a fast little boat that can use either the sails or fuel to reach 9 knots in moderate conditions. That’s not bad if you’re looking for a comfortable, decent-sized cruising ship with a bit of a kick.

The ICE Cat 61 is a catamaran designed and developed in Italy. The ship uses a carbon mast and is very easy to use.

The ship’s size and the power-to-weight ratio allow for reaching top speeds that isn’t possible with a monohull. The living areas are also large and are perfect for entertaining, making the ICE Cat 61 a great option to consider when shopping for your new catamaran.

The unique aspect of the Lagoon 440 is the engine. It doesn’t not have to run on diesel fuel because Lagoon offers a fully electric version. This is great for those who are looking for a more eco-friendly way to run their boat. This catamaran uses two electric motors, which are mounted on each hull of the ship, but the best part is that these engines are almost entirely silent.

The inside is just as luxurious as the engine is, designed with families in mind and for long-distance journeys. It’s a ship that would handle itself perfectly in deeper waters and even in harsh winds.

Antares 44i

The Antares 44i is a well-designed catamaran that is meant for long-distance journeys like most catamarans are. The layout is engineered to give you the best views throughout your trip, and the cockpit is fully equipped in the event you’re sailing single handed.

The motors are installed in a discrete location and are almost completely silent, allowing for outstanding performance without sacrificing your comforts. There’s tons of storage available as well for all of the gear that comes with sailing.

The Catana 50 has a well-built design that is meant for high speeds and effective sailing. The daggerboards help the hulls cut through the water with little trouble. There is also excellent storage for your gear located throughout the boat.

What is genuinely superior in this catamaran is the ability it holds to turn itself around with ease and speed. There is no struggle to reverse the ship and maneuver it around the dock. Walking around on the boat is easy enough, but the cockpit setup and helm are situated awkwardly, so it requires a bit of walk around to use all of the ship’s controls. 

The Voyage 44 is a performance cruising catamaran that is well-built for a bargain price. It’s something that you just can’t beat when looking for a new yacht because this ship has everything you could ask for.

It’s designed with day cruising in mind, but that won’t limit it to short distances. What’s also great about this boat is the amount of seating it offers, fitting 32 people comfortably. The ship is functional, and the layout is designed to make traveling onboard the vessel as simple and straightforward as possible.

Atlantic 42

The Atlantic 42 is a fan favorite. This loyal following stems from the Atlantic’s look and effectiveness, and consumers seem to love how easy this ship is to sail and how capable it is for deep ocean sailing.

The size of the Atlantic 42 is something fans of this catamaran love. It might look small from the outside, but the inside layout is well done and feels spacious. The cockpit location in front of the mainmast takes advantage of the rest of the ship’s structure, making it a more flexible design than some other catamarans available.

Outremer 45

The Outremer 45 is designed a bit differently from other catamarans because the hulls are narrower than usual. This helps make the Outremer 45 a fast ship, but it’s done for safety reasons as well. The narrower hulls will prevent the vessel from skidding on the water as much as other catamarans. It also reduces any pitching you might experience from flying through the water at top speeds.

The interior is smaller than many other boats in this article, but the design doesn’t sacrifice your comfort. The cabin has an open concept to easily pull the outdoor seating into the indoor living space, meaning it’s perfect for entertaining and comfortable living. 

The Bahia 46 is on the bigger side by catamaran standards. It’s designed by the brand Fountaine Pajot, which has been building catamarans for years. In fact, Fountaine Pajot is one of the leading brands in cruising catamarans.

The foam core’s overall design, the high bridge deck clearance , and the low center of gravity make this ship an excellent option for deep ocean sailing. It will hold its own on rough waters as well, and there’s also plenty of space for entertaining on the inside of the ship. 

The Prout 45 is an excellent catamaran to consider if you plan to sail with a limited crew. The positioning of the mainsail and the mast make it simple to use and easy to reach. Also, the mainsail itself is smaller than other ships and easy to handle.

The interior isn’t like some of the newer models. In new catamarans, the concept is more open and free-flowing between inside and outside. In the Prout 45, things are more traditional but still comfortable. Don’t worry; you still have plenty of room to entertain and plot your voyage.

Gemini 105MC

The Gemini 105MC is a unique catamaran. That’s because instead of being designed solely by the builder, it’s a collective effort from the builder and many sailors who used the vessel. They wrote in their suggestions to improve the Gemini, and the builder used the most relevant ones to build the newer models.

If you’re looking for a ship for a cross-ocean voyage, you may want to consider another catamaran. Due to the ship’s size and weight, it’s less likely to make it across the ocean. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not a great ship, and this vessel is perfect for sailing near the coast. 

The Gunboat 62 is the first catamaran of this brand. The Gunboat 62 is an older model, but it’s still considered one of the fastest. These ships were also the first to introduce luxury to performance cruising. 

The interior is slightly outdated, and technology has advanced since the brand launched these ships. However, this boat’s overall performance is unmatched, though there also isn’t as much space available for storage. 

Marsaudon TS5

The Marsaudon TS5 is one of the fastest catamarans available. It’s designed with panoramic views from the interior, and the ship speeds up quickly due to its lightweight design and shape.

The ship can be challenging to maneuver, which makes it better suited for experienced sailors. While the interior still has plenty of luxuries, it can be considered bare. The designers want to keep the ship light to increase its speed, meaning some comforts have been sacrificed, such as space in the living quarters.

Unlimited C53

The Unlimited C53 is a fast racing catamaran with all the comforts of a cruising ship. The design uses a new technique of connecting the two hulls at 1.3m above the waterline. This is unheard of in most catamarans, and this feature minimizes how the ship handles rougher seas.

The ship uses all of the necessary tanks and equipment to keep the boat balanced on the water. Perfect weight displacement throughout the vessel makes it ideal for racing and long-distance sailing. The interior is also spacious and provides all of the comforts you could need. 

In the end, the best performance cruising cat for you is going to come down to your personal preferences and what you want in a boat. Each catamaran on this list is going to provide you the best features you could ever imagine in a ship. Hopefully, the reviews of the top 20 performance cruising catamarans will help you find your dream boat!

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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18-08-2023, 09:18  
sailing, but an Amel SM has only two cabins and will be tight fit for 6 of you. Doable, but not comfortably. Motion at sea depends on the and the point of sail. Sturdiness of construction is important for sailing, mono or cat.
You are getting ready to have an incredible journey. Perhaps it would be wise to do some charters on different , crew on offshore passages before pulling the trigger.
Be safe, have fun, sail fast.
18-08-2023, 17:40  
Boat: Looking For AMEL SM
range, like an FP , good enough?
18-08-2023, 19:16  
Boat: Looking For AMEL SM
? That seems a lower than similar listed online.
19-08-2023, 01:47  
Boat: Shuttleworth Advantage
, good enough?
19-08-2023, 09:45  
in .
The SM has a seakindly motion that I've sailed in 45+kt winds and 15' seas, I wait for winds that are more friendly, rather than bash upwind for long passages. The Amel monocoque construction makes her solid, quiet at sea (no creaks and groans as other hulls twist under stress). Watertight bulkheads add some confidence.
I did sail from St Thomas to Granada shortly after I bought the Amel in December winds. Hard on the 25kt and 12' seas for 4 days. Boat handled it fine but crew was pretty beat up.
Another from Trinidad to we ran into a storm and beat into it for 36 hours. We were fine, but a 52' cat (sorry, don't know the builder) limped in behind us with so much damage they had to and postpone their cruising for months.
I used hove-to tactic often when faced with winds on the nose and heavy seas. Can you even heave-to in a ?
19-08-2023, 12:57  
Boat: Shuttleworth Advantage
in .
?
19-08-2023, 20:51  
20-08-2023, 02:52  
Boat: Shuttleworth Advantage
20-08-2023, 06:55  
to joints with incursion, the trampoline was totally destroyed, the forward hatches were loose on the decks and no longer watertight, and the step was damaged (I don't know to what extent). I'm sorry, I don't remember the , but it was a relatively .(maybe 5-6 years old), and the owners were seasoned sailors, but new to that boat.
My comments reflect my 45 years as a sailor only. Just my opinion based on what I've witnessed and experienced. Strictly anecdotal evidence and what I've read and heard over the years.

I'm always happy to learn something new, so please, continue telling me/us what I've got wrong.
20-08-2023, 07:50  
catamarans.



It doesn't say anything about construction, only design, but worth reading if you're considering one. I've searched and not found much about construction differences between coastal and cats, but a few of blue cats mention reinforcement of the hull/AMA attachments and solid bulkheads. Anybody have a good review of this subject by a naval architect?
20-08-2023, 13:44  
Boat: Shuttleworth Advantage


It doesn't say anything about construction, only design, but worth reading if you're considering one. I've searched and not found much about construction differences between coastal and blue water cats, but a few of blue water cats mention reinforcement of the hull/AMA attachments and solid bulkheads. Anybody have a good review of this subject by a naval architect?
17-02-2024, 13:43  
Boat: Fountaine-Pajot Bahia 46
17-02-2024, 16:19  
Boat: FP Lavezzi 40
. Four of our boys, ages 8-16 will be with us.

We have been living on the homestead we designed and built in a location (boat access only) on an island in SE AK. The homestead includes all the usual infrastructure plus a 5.4 kw system, backup , large gas and , various boats, roof catchment water, heat soley with a cookstove, various , etc.

I have my 50 ton captain's , and run charters for a local lodge, plus my own charters with my Hewescraft 240 Ocean Pro.

We all commute daily to the town on a daily basis regardless of , lack of daylight, ice, snow, , wind, as my wife and I for the local district, and our boys attend the small local public (11 K-12th grade).

There is no cell for 65 miles (where the , services, , etc. . .is), all is transported from that town 65 miles away in 6 gallon fuel cans, thence by boat to our home, then off the beach in the 6-wheeler, than dumped into the large fuel . We do all our own construction, , , vet needs, small crisis'.

I'm 62, and will retire asap. I'm in excellent health, active, strong, no medications, no dental issues. The boys have been with us for 7 years (adopted), and have become very resilient, with excellent skills of their own.

The plan is to buy one of the above (or similar) boats and get the heck out of these SE AK winters, as fun as they are! We will do a combination of island hopping, longer passages, transiting the , and so on. We want a cruising boat that can sail reasonably well. I've done limited sailing with my dad and brother. My brother is currently sailing his from to Vinalhaven, ME. Both sides of my family have sailed for generations.

I will be taking sailing , and we will hire an appropriate for the first couple of weeks on whichever boat we decide on. We did live, and travel internationally for seven years.

I'm interested in your thoughts on the costs, appropriateness, the good/bad/ugly of the boats mentioned above, and any other suggestions.

Thanks in advance!





17-02-2024, 16:46  
Boat: FP Lavezzi 40
 
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prout 45 catamaran review

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Quick Look: Prout P45s

  • By Bill Springer
  • Updated: December 23, 2009

prout 45 catamaran review

Prout Catamarans have been around in various forms since the days when “cruising catamaran” was a new idea. Obviously, cats are much more mainstream now, and there’s nothing old-fashioned about the latest incarnation of the Prout brand, the P45s. After being out of business for several years, Prout has new ownership, and the P45s is a modern cat that’s designed for cruising and offshore passagemaking. The bridgedeck saloon’s large wraparound windows result in a sun-splashed interior and a somewhat racy look. The interior woodwork is more classic than radical, and the accommodations plan is laid out to provide four private cabins and lots of elbowroom in the saloon. There’s ample space for lounging on deck forward, and the wide aft deck that’s unencumbered by an intrusive traveler-it’s mounted on the cockpit roof-is welcoming. The cockpit is large, and the boat’s narrow hulls and sufficiently powerful sail plan should result in some quick offshore passages.

LOA 45″ 0″ LWL 40″ 10″ Beam 23′ 0″ Draft 4′ 0″ Sail Area 1,188 sq. ft. Displacement 22,000 lb. Water 185 gal. Fuel 80 gal. Engine Two 38-hp. Nanni diesels Designer Prout Design Group Price $575,000 Prout Catamarans (954) 356-7900 www.proutinternational.com

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Prout 45 Review

26th nov 2015 by samantha wilson.

Rightboat logo

The Prout 45 is a direct descendant of the original Prout designs that pioneered the cruising catamaran. The boat balances luxurious accommodation for longer voyages with outstanding performance and simple short-handed cruising ability. The latest Prout model, now being manufactured in China, the Prout 45s, has a sumptuous and customisable interior offered with different layouts that shared the same main cabin on the upper level, but featured variations such as four staterooms and two heads, or three staterooms and three heads. Buying a second-hand Prout 45 is a sound choice – the award-winning structure ensures peace of mind.

Who and what was this boat designed for?

The Prout 45 is an ocean-cruising catamaran designed to be easily handled by a short-handed crew. The aft stepped mast ensures simple operation of the sail area with the minimum of effort. The boat’s shallow draft makes it equally capable of slipping into a shallow lagoon or settling on a beach.

What commentators say about this boat?

The name Prout is almost synonymous with cruising catamarans.

The first Prout 45 Ocean Ranger was a ground-breaking design, superbly sea-worthy and fast, winning races such as the Crystal Trophy in 1968.

She was one of the very first large glass fibre catamarans built and laid the foundations for the Prout range of 45 and 50 catamarans which proved so successful over the following 30 years.

The focal point of this design is the deck. For entertaining in sunny weather this design has a huge amount of what the Prout people call ‘Beach Deck’. In most harbour gatherings, the Prout 45 would be the designated ‘party boat’.

Model variations

Because the original British firm ceased trading we have found it difficult to get historical information on the Prout 45. We know that the first Prout 45 Ocean Ranger was built in 1965. However we cannot find further data on the model variations. If you know, please get in touch as we'd love to be able to show the full Prout 45 history.

Specifications

  • Length overall: 45ft 0in (13.7m)
  • Beam overall: 20ft 10in (6.4m)
  • Draft: 3ft 5in (1.04m)
  • Displacement: 10.72 tons (9,730 kgs)
  • Mast above water: 60 ft 6in (18.44 m)
  • Mainsail area: 360 sq ft (23.46 sq m)
  • Genoa area: 582 sq ft (54.09 sq m)
  • Staysail area: 115 sq ft (10.69 sq m)
  • Spinnaker area: 1700 sq ft (158 sq m)
  • Fuel capacity: 85 gallons/102 US gallons (322 litres)
  • Water capacity: 160 gallons/192 US gallons (606 litres)
  • Engines: 2 x 30-hp Volvo Penta

What’s great about the Prout 45?

  • Hull structure integrity – 4500 Prouts with no recorded hull failures.
  • Designed for short-handed cruising with all sail controls led to the cockpit.
  • Excellent all-round visibility from the cockpit.
  • Design features to reduce pitching, improve windward performance and eliminate twists between the hulls.
  • Good access to rudder systems, shaft seals, batteries, engines, plumbing, refrigeration, and other systems.
  • Spacious accommodation, with a choice of four layouts.

What to look out for on a pre-owned Prout 45?

Prout engineers report few problems with this boat. If you have owned a Prout 45 and would like to share things to watch out for and potential faults that might occur on this boat from time to time, please get in touch.

Keeping your Prout 45 in shape

When buying a used Prout 45, regular scheduled servicing and attention to some minor points will keep your craft in top condition.

Regular servicing

Carry out regular engine and drive servicing in line with the manufacturer’s recommended intervals.

Maintenance

Check the hull for possible impact damage or starring. Repair using a gel coat and acrylic paint to prevent the risk of osmosis.

We don't currently have any specific information on laying up the Prout 45.

If you have ever owned or worked on a Prout 45 and would like to share your thoughts, then get in touch and we'll add your information to the page.

Model-specific repairs

The Prout 45 is known/not known for needing specific repairs more frequently than other boats.

Why buy a pre-owned Prout 45?

A second-hand Prout 45 is a boat that should be on your list if you’re looking for an ocean-going cruising catamaran that offers good sea-keeping, reliability, and comfort.

Written By: Samantha Wilson

Samantha Wilson has spent her entire life on and around boats, from tiny sailing dinghies all the way up to superyachts. She writes for many boating and yachting publications, top charter agencies, and some of the largest travel businesses in the industry, combining her knowledge and passion of boating, travel and writing to create topical, useful and engaging content.

prout 45 catamaran review

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Prout P-45S – Mini Review

By Jeremy McGeary Prout, founded on England’s east coast, pioneered the cruising catamaran in the 1960s, and although the original company closed several years ago, the name lives on. The new Prout P-45S, being assembled in Thailand from parts made there and in China, is designed to perpetuate the well known line along the same basic principles on which it was was founded. To read complete story – click here for Prout P-45S – Mini Review on Cruising World website

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Prout Catamaran Maintenance

  • Add to quote

Hi there, I was wondering if anyone else out there is sailing a Prout catamaran. After some frankly scary discoveries on ours, I am wondering how many others have had similar experiences with their boats. Some examples: * Structural defects caused the boat to come undone: Windows cracked, joinery opened, surfaces inside and outside the boat split. * Prout drained the cockpit onto the engine, not overboard. * Our Masthead pins for the stays are regular steel, not the stainless ones supplied by Z-Spar and are rusting profusely. * A hatch that usually covers the steering ram could not hold water out. * Our electrical system did not meet ABYC standards, could have caused a fire. * Etc. Etc. Etc. If you want to read the whole story, go to vonwentzel.net and check out the Prout section. There are 6.5Mb of 40k pictures illustrating all the things we have had to contend with so far. I hope this is not normal...  

Hi There, I own a Prout 45. I had the electrical busses replaced since the post could not be tightened due to poor OEM design. The cockpit on this model drains to the sea under the bridge deck. This boat is a 96 and I am the third owner. I have not had any structural problems. Prouts built later (Broadblue) did have problems and the China models have had a host of problems. Keith  

prout 45 catamaran review

Keith— I doubt they much care, as their post is over 10 years old.  

Hi Keith, how is the sailing: Speed? Slamming? I am looking at a well maintained Prout 45 (1998) but have no idea how they actually sail. Regards & thanks, BernhRD  

prout 45 catamaran review

bebox said: Hi Keith, how is the sailing: Speed? Slamming? I am looking at a well maintained Prout 45 (1998) but have no idea how they actually sail. Regards & thanks, BernhRD Click to expand...
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Zarafet : Prout 45 Owner´s Review

Many thanks to Michael, Monika, Max and their Great Dane Leon for helping us out on this Owner´s review. They give some great insights into this popular blue-water cruising catamaran. All photos featured here are from their blog.

sailing zarafet

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your boat. When did you buy Zarafet? What’s her history? We purchased Zarafet in 2018 from the second owner who had her for nine years and who in turn purchased from the original owners in around 2009 following their circumnavigation

Why did you choose the Prout 45? Price and style as they’re a lot of boat at a reasonable cost plus they have a very efficient usable sail plan that is comfortable for short handed sailing.

When was she launched? 1995.

prout 45 catamaran review

Are there any areas in particular you would advise buyers to check on a survey? Water ingress through deck fittings rudder tie rods and rudder bearings.

What’s the best thing about her? The more wind the more she seems to like it as she is heavy displacement in catamaran terms.

What would you change if anything? Hard to say as they have a semi custom interior and were fitted to original owner specs so every one is slightly different but we love ours the way she is.

What are the “Must Haves” for the boat? eg electric winch, engine size, folding props, heating, watermaker, inverter, solar, gen set etc…. We have solars so for sure that is needed. Diesel heating which we have used only 2 or 3 times. Engine size: they need the bigger 55hp engines as they are heavy. Our water-maker provides us with independence, so for me it’s a must have. we have folding props which cut down the drag enormously. Also, an inverter to use some of that free solar power.

What are the “Nice to Haves”? More solar and possibly a powered winch for the control lines.

Which features are not worth bothering with? We don’t have a Gen Set and get by ok.

How are the electrics, plumbing etc. I see you have solar and a 3000W invertor.. is that sufficient? I think you can never have too much solar and as long as you don’t take away from the boat’s appearance, load them on.

Is she easy to maintain? Servicing engines, standing rigging etc Engines are very accessible and maintenance tasks are not so difficult, however there are always tight places to squeeze into and a half hour job can become a day’s work but hey, I think all boats are similar as we push things to remote places to maximise space.

Is she easy to sail short-handed? To shorten sail? Easy to reach the boom? Yes she is quite easy to manage. We just reef the main early in anticipation, as for us having to go head to wind can be daunting in big seas. If you are conservative on the main, the rest is easy from the cockpit and the staysail is a fantastic option to have, so in my view a well balanced sail plan.

prout 45 catamaran review

What’s she like in heavy weather / a blow / big seas She loves it of course providing the sailing angle is not too tight with 55 being the maximum. Even that is squeezing it a tad but from 60 degrees back no worries.

How is the helm position and visibility. The helm is well inboard so its safe dry and comfortable with a good view all round.

How does she sail in light winds? We have a 144 sq meter asymmetric spinnaker which helps and she will move in flat water but if there is any swell forget it: stick on the motors.

How does she sail close hauled? When do you use the stay-sail for example? Close hauled OK, but 55 is a push and 60 is best . When the head sail is reefed by a third you can set the stay sail. As you ease off the wind full head sail and stay sail will work back to 120 off the wind. After that the stay sail blocks the wind from the headsail.

Any problems with bridge deck slamming? In rough seas or breaking waves she will slam. I don’t think any more than other Cats however it’s not a nice sound and you never get used to it.

How about on a reach, heading down wind? Down wind she is in her element. she can carry most her sail area up to 25kts after that you need to start reefing the main.

Typically, what’s your average speed on passage? She can set a comfortable 6 knot average and more off wind in following seas.

What’s she like under power? Speed, manouevrability? Under power we achieve 6 kts at 1300 rpm in flat seas after that you are adjusting for conditions. Any faster just increases the engine noise and burns more fuel with very little extra headway. 2500 will give you a max of 8kts: that’s a lot of RPM for 2 kts and fuel consumption goes through the roof.

Is she easy to dock, what’s the visibility like? Visibility is good and the secret to docking a Cat is keep your hands off the wheel and use the engines only. Being low she does not suffer as much windage as modern Cats.

What is she like at anchor? At anchor she is fine she rides waves and swell well and lies head to the wind nicely.

Is she comfortable down below? Cabins/saloon/galley/heads. I think you have the Family layout, right? Yes the family layout works well. There are plenty of bracing points in the galley so cooking on passage is not usually a problem. The aft cabins are really comfortable with large berths. The salon with the large center table provides a usable interior at sea.

prout 45 catamaran review

How is the storage space on the boat? There are really 2 answers in that 1. is there ever enough storage ?? 2. Being a Cat she is weight sensitive and the space provided is more than enough to overload her.

Where’s your favourite spot on the boat? Foredeck? Aft cockpit. We have a seat outboard aft which is a great place to sit while she surfs the waves yet you still have a full view of what’s going on.

How is the finish of the interior? Does she creak under sail? Even after 25 years no creaks and as solid as solid as the proverbial brick sh!t house

Is she good for hosting guests? That bar looks good! 😉 We have had a maximum of 4 adults and 3 children comfortably – any more and you would all need to be best friends and possibly not any more after, but our version is more space less berths. Dinner parties we have catered for 8 comfortably and drinks 12 people but that was a squeeze.

What kind of modifications have you done and why? We put a hardtop on as it improved the water proof integrity of the cockpit area and provided a platform for solars on the roof while also improving access to the mainsail and boom. It took 2 attempts to get it right but we are happy we did.

Any plans for further modifications? On an older boat its always the question “does this add or detract value? Is it worth to do so really at this point?” We feel she works well for us and we are comfortable with her current layout.

prout 45 catamaran review

If you were to swap her for another boat, what would that be? Or maybe you wouldn’t swap her? Of course we dream of soemthing newer, bigger & faster but when all is said and done we like what we have. We are not afraid to use her and enjoy her: she is comfortable and safe. We can say 100%, we are happy with our boat.

How is the Prout Owner´s community? The community is active and helpful with even former factory workers providing help and assistance. It is a great source of information and with so many refits and rebuilds, most problems have been met and overcome.

Anything else you would add to help people thinking of buying a Prout 45? In my opinion they are a lot of boat for their current market price. Yes some are better than others so choose wisely. Every boat is a compromise, but a Prout 45 can tick a lot of boxes.

Follow Sailing Zarafet

You can follow this family on their Prout 45 on Instagram  @sailing_zarafet .

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IMAGES

  1. Prout 45 Catamaran Review

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  2. Prout 45 Catamaran Review

    prout 45 catamaran review

  3. Prout 45 Catamaran Review

    prout 45 catamaran review

  4. Prout 45 Catamaran Review

    prout 45 catamaran review

  5. Prout 45 Catamaran Review

    prout 45 catamaran review

  6. Prout 45 Catamaran Review

    prout 45 catamaran review

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COMMENTS

  1. Prout 45 Catamaran Review

    The Prout 45 was probably the high water mark for the famous British catamaran manufacturer. It's a good looking, solid and seaworthy boat that remains popular today on the second hand market. Prout catamarans have probably completed more ocean crossings than any other brand, primarily with the Snowggose 37. The Prout 45 was introduced in the ...

  2. Best Liveaboard Bluewater Catamarans

    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 ...

  3. Prout 45 Sailboat Review

    The Prout 45 is comfortable and quick. Laying to her mooring, the Prout 45's sleek rounded hulls, tear-drop shapes astern and contoured bridge promise to handle seas with minimal slapping and jerking. Boarding stairways molded into each hull usher the cruiser to comfortable cockpit seats and table. Close by are large storage compartments ...

  4. 10 Great Cruising Cats

    Prout 45. Prouts have completed more ocean crossing in the 20th century than any other multihull. Between 1945 and the legendary British company's demise in 2002, more than 2,500 units were built. Introduced in the mid-1990s, the Prout 45 followed the 50ft Quasar.

  5. Prout 45 Owner's Review -Sailing Zarafet

    Zarafet : Prout 45 Owner´s Review Many thanks to Michael, Monika, Max and their Great Dane Leon for helping us out on this Owner´s review. They give some great insights into this popular blue-water cruising catamaran. All photos featured here are from their blog. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your boat. […]

  6. Prout 45 vs. FP Bahia 46 vs. Amel SM

    Posts: 7. Re: Prout 45 vs. FP Bahia 46 vs. Amel SM. One other thing that I didn't mention was that the prices for the Bahia 46 are quite reasonable for a large cat. I was able to get mine with new mast, new jib/main, new mast hardware (Harken blocks/winches), spinnaker, gennaker, new solar etc for about 210,000 USD.

  7. Prout 45

    Prout 45 - Boat Review. By Tom Neale Laying to her mooring, the Prout 45's sleek rounded hulls, tear-drop shapes astern and contoured bridge promise to handle seas with minimal slapping and jerking. Boarding stairways molded into each hull usher the cruiser to comfortable cockpit seats and table. Close by are large storage compartments ...

  8. Prout 45 advice/ opinion sought; stern squat, water tanks, hard bimini

    Messages. 15. Visit site. Hello new friends, Just became the proud new owner of a 1996 Prout 45 and would love some advice or the opinions from those more knowledgeable. She sits quite low in the water at the stern, with water actually coming over the first transom steps when underway. I don't believe her to be over weighted, is this a design ...

  9. 20 Performance Cruising Catamaran Reviews

    The interior isn't like some of the newer models. In new catamarans, the concept is more open and free-flowing between inside and outside. In the Prout 45, things are more traditional but still comfortable. Don't worry; you still have plenty of room to entertain and plot your voyage. Gemini 105MC. The Gemini 105MC is a unique catamaran ...

  10. Prout 45S

    Originally a British company, Prout catamarans are now built in China. The 45S is a good-looking boat, opulently fitted out and with some customizable interior options. There s more wood than we ve become accustomed to seeing in catamarans and the factory has done its best to keep weight down with extensive use of cored moldings. There are four staterooms, and a heads compartment in each hull.

  11. The New Prout 45

    Location: St. Augustine, Florida. Boat: C&C 40. Posts: 193. Images: 7. New Prout. New Prout. SAILING PROUT CATAMARAN 45S. The Prout 45 is a luxury yacht that can be custom built to fit its buyers' needs, whether it be simply to buy a large private sailing yacht, to charter a multihull, or for use in a catamaran school.

  12. The New Prout 45

    The New Prout 45. Anyone know anything about these boats? We are in the process of researching because we're (pause for big gulp) very likely to convert from a monohull to a catamaran. Anyway, we've been looking at several brands, including FP, Manta, Leopard, Voyage, Lagoon to a lesser degree (not a big fan, but including them for comparison ...

  13. Prout 45 vs. FP Bahia 46 vs. Amel SM

    Re: Prout 45 vs. FP Bahia 46 vs. Amel SM You may be right, I'm not, by any stretch, a naval architect. The 50+' catamaran that I saw limp in after a storm with 40+ Kt winds and 10-12' seas had damage at both hull to deck joints with water incursion, the trampoline was totally destroyed, the forward deck hatches were loose on the decks and no ...

  14. Prout 45S

    Prout 45S. For me, the name Prout is almost synonymous with cruising catamarans. I think the first cruising cats I saw were Prouts and that was many years ago. Looking at this newest Prout you can see the dominant configuration of today's big cruising cats. This model will replace the Prout 43 and was also designed by the Prout design team.

  15. Quick Look: Prout P45s

    Engine Two 38-hp. Nanni diesels. Designer Prout Design Group. Price $575,000. Prout Catamarans. (954) 356-7900. www.proutinternational.com. More: 2001 - 2010, 41 - 50 ft, catamaran, Coastal Cruising, multihull, Sailboat Reviews, Sailboats. Bill Springer reviews this modern cat for the 2010 Cruising World Sailboat Show in our January 2010 issue.

  16. Prout 45 Review

    Prout 45 Review. The Prout 45 is a direct descendant of the original Prout designs that pioneered the cruising catamaran. The boat balances luxurious accommodation for longer voyages with outstanding performance and simple short-handed cruising ability. The latest Prout model, now being manufactured in China, the Prout 45s, has a sumptuous and ...

  17. Prout P-45S

    By Jeremy McGeary Prout, founded on England's east coast, pioneered the cruising catamaran in the 1960s, and although the original company closed several years ago, the name lives on. The new Prout P-45S, being assembled in Thailand from parts made there and in China, is designed to perpetuate the well known line along the same basic principles on which it was was founded.

  18. Prout 45 Ocean Ranger review

    The Prout brothers began designing cats after serving in RAF in the Pacific during world war II, where they saw Polynesian outrigger canoes sporting large lateen rigs. After demobilisation, they worked in the family firm designing and building folding dinghies and canoes, but began developing a catamaran by simply joining together a pair of ...

  19. Prout Catamaran Maintenance

    Prout Catamaran Maintenance. I was wondering if anyone else out there is sailing a Prout catamaran. After some frankly scary discoveries on ours, I am wondering how many others have had similar experiences with their boats. * Structural defects caused the boat to come undone: Windows cracked, joinery opened, surfaces inside and outside the boat ...

  20. Prout 45 catamaran sailing in 45 knots breeze

    The Prout 45 Ocean Breeze is seen here sailing comfortably in 45 knots of wind in Wales. Filmed by Patrick Boyd Multihulls as one of their brokerage boats, ...

  21. *SOLD*

    NOW SOLD! Comfortable and quick with sleek rounded hulls, this Prout 45 catamaran is a solid Bluewater cruiser capable of single handing across the globe.Wel...

  22. Prout 45

    Prout 45. Zarafet : Prout 45 Owner´s Review. Many thanks to Michael, Monika, Max and their Great Dane Leon for helping us out on this Owner´s review. They give some great insights into this popular blue-water cruising catamaran. All photos featured here are from their blog. Zarafet. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your boat.