Catamaran Buying Guide — What to Know Before Buying a Multihull

Ten years ago, catamarans were a niche choice. Today they dominate the charter fleets of the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, and an increasing number of private owners are choosing multihulls for cruising. The reasons are clear: more space, shallow draft, level sailing, and the ability to anchor where monohulls cannot. But a catamaran is not just a wide monohull. It handles differently, costs more to buy and maintain, and has its own set of things to check before you sign a contract.

This guide covers what you need to know before buying a used catamaran — the advantages and trade-offs, the brands that matter, what you should pay, and what to inspect.

1. Why a catamaran? Advantages over a monohull

Before you buy, make sure you understand what you are getting — and what you are giving up. Catamarans and monohulls are different tools for different jobs.

The advantages

• Space. A 40-foot catamaran has significantly more living space than a 40-foot monohull. The saloon is on one level with the cockpit, the galley is often larger, and there are two hulls of cabins. For families or couples who live aboard, this is the biggest draw.
• No heeling. Catamarans sail flat. If you or your crew get seasick or uncomfortable when the boat tips, a catamaran is transformative. Drinks stay on the table, cooking is easier, and sleeping is more comfortable.
• Shallow draft. Most cruising catamarans draw under 1.2 metres. You can anchor close to beaches, slip through shallow cuts, and explore areas that are off-limits to deeper monohulls. This is especially valuable in the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean.
• Speed. In light-to-moderate conditions, a catamaran is often faster than a comparable monohull — particularly off the wind. Two narrow hulls produce less drag than one wide hull.
• Redundancy. Two engines, two hulls, two bilges. If one engine fails, you can still manoeuvre. This is a genuine safety advantage in tight harbours.
• Safety. A catamaran with positive buoyancy is virtually unsinkable. The bridgedeck and foam-filled hulls provide reserve buoyancy that a monohull with a heavy keel does not have.

The trade-offs

• Cost. Catamarans cost more to buy — often 50–100% more than a monohull of the same length. They also cost more to berth (you pay for two hulls' worth of width) and to haul out (some boatyards cannot lift them).
• Bridge clearance. The bridgedeck on a catamaran sits high off the water, and the mast is tall. Bridge clearance can be a real constraint on inland waterways.
• Upwind performance. Catamarans do not point as high to windward as a good monohull. In heavy air, they can be slow and uncomfortable to windward due to bridgedeck slamming.
• Docking. A catamaran is wide. In a narrow marina with a single finger berth, you may not fit. Many marinas charge a surcharge for multihulls or place them on T-heads.
• Snagging. With two hulls, you have twice the through-hulls, twice the bilge pumps, twice the engine maintenance. Redundancy is a safety feature, but it is also a maintenance cost.

2. Top catamaran brands

The production catamaran market is dominated by a handful of shipyards. Knowing the brands helps you understand build quality, resale value, and what to expect.

Lagoon (Beneteau Group)

Lagoon is the world's largest catamaran builder. Models like the Lagoon 380, 400, 42, and 450 are everywhere — which means parts, service, and owner communities are easy to find. Lagoons are known for comfort and volume rather than performance. They are the default choice for charter and family cruising. A used Lagoon 42 (2018) typically sells for €350,000–€450,000.

Fountaine Pajot

The other French giant. Fountaine Pajot builds the Helia, Lucia, Saona, and Tanna ranges. They are generally considered slightly better-sailing than Lagoons, with a reputation for solid construction. The Fountaine Pajot Helia 44 is a popular used choice at €300,000–€400,000.

Leopard (Robertson & Caine)

Leopard catamarans are built in South Africa by Robertson & Caine and are the backbone of the Moorings charter fleet. The Leopard 44, 45, and 48 are well-regarded for performance and robust construction. Because many were built for charter, used examples can have high hours — but they are built to take it. A used Leopard 45 (2019) is around €400,000–€550,000.

Other brands worth knowing

• Bali (Catana Group). A newer brand with an open, rigid-front concept. The Bali 4.1 and 4.3 are popular. More interior volume, more controversial styling.
• Prout. A historic British brand. Older models (Essex, Snowgoose) are affordable entry points to catamaran ownership.
• Outremer. Performance cruising catamarans. Fast, light, expensive. The Outremer 45 and 51 are for sailors who want to cover distance, not sit at anchor.
• Hobie / Nacra. Beach catamarans — a completely different category, for day-sailing and racing, not cruising.

3. Price ranges — what to expect

Catamaran prices vary enormously by size, age, brand, and equipment. Here is a rough guide to the used market as of 2026:

Charter-boat cats (ex-Moorings, ex-Sunsail) tend to be at the lower end of each range — they have high engine hours and more wear, but they are built for it and often well-maintained by the charter company. Private cats command a premium.

4. What to inspect on a used catamaran

A catamaran has the same inspection points as a monohull, plus a few unique ones. The most important catamaran-specific checks:

• Bridgedeck slamming. The bridgedeck — the flat structure between the two hulls — can slam in waves if the clearance is low. Look for stress cracks on the bridgedeck underside and around the saloon structure. Repairs are expensive.
• Daggerboards vs mini-keels. Some cats have daggerboards (which retract into the hulls); others have fixed mini-keels. Daggerboard trunks are a common source of leaks and damage. Check the trunk interiors and the lifting mechanisms.
• Two engines, two problems. Check both engines independently. Hours, oil, cooling, and operation should match between the two. A cat with one good engine and one tired one is a negotiating point.
• Hull-to-bridgedeck joints. Inspect the inside of both hulls where they meet the bridgedeck. Cracks or movement here are structural concerns.
• Rig and sails. Catamaran rigs are large and heavily loaded. Check the mast step, spreader roots, and the dolphin striker (the tensioned strut under the mast base on many cats). A failing dolphin striker is a serious issue.
• Ground tackle. Cats have high windage and need serious ground tackle. Check the anchor, chain, windlass, and bridle setup. Undersized gear is common on charter-retired boats.

5. Maintenance and running costs

Budget for a catamaran the way you would for a monohull, then add 30–50%. The main cost drivers:

• Berthing. A catamaran needs a wider berth — often 1.5× the monohull rate, or a T-head. In the Mediterranean, a 45-foot cat might pay €8,000–€15,000 per year for a berth.
• Haul-out. Not every boatyard can lift a catamaran. Those that can often charge a premium. Travelift capacity is the constraint — a 45-foot cat can weigh 12–16 tonnes.
• Two engines. Double the oil, filters, impellers, and anodes. Double the potential for a major repair.
• Antifoul. Two hulls means roughly twice the underwater surface area. Antifouling a 45-foot cat costs €1,500–€2,500.
• Sails. Catamaran sails are large. A new mainsail and genoa for a 45-footer can run €8,000–€15,000.
• Insurance. Insurers often charge more for cats due to higher hull value and the cost of salvage. Expect €1,500–€4,000/year for a mid-size cruising cat.

6. Should you buy a ex-charter catamaran?

Many used catamarans on the market are retired charter boats. They are cheaper, and they come with a trade-off: higher wear, but often documented maintenance.

The case for buying ex-charter: the boat has been maintained on a schedule by a professional company. Engines serviced, hulls cleaned, safety gear replaced. You get a known quantity. The case against: charter boats are sailed hard by inexperienced crews, interiors get worn, and some issues are patched rather than fixed.

If you buy ex-charter, get a thorough survey, ask for the full maintenance log, and budget for a refit — new upholstery, sail service, and a full systems check. Done right, an ex-charter cat can be excellent value.

Ready to start your search?

A catamaran is a significant investment, but for many owners it is the right one — more space, more comfort, and access to shallow-water cruising that monohulls cannot reach. The key is to be clear about what you want, know the brands and their reputations, and inspect carefully before you buy.

Start by browsing catamarans for sale on Owning and filter by length, year, and location. When you find one you like, arrange a viewing and bring a qualified catamaran-experienced surveyor.