9 Best Bluewater Catamarans for Serious Ocean Voyaging

Searching for the best bluewater catamaran can leave anyone drowning in options. With so many flashy models competing for attention, figuring out which cat will deliver safety and comfort during ocean crossings is a real headache. Many sailors drop serious cash on boats that look great at the dock but fall short when the waves kick up. Skip the expensive mistakes—this guide breaks down the best bluewater catamarans based on what matters: actual offshore performance, build quality, and feedback from folks who’ve put these boats to the test. Time to dive in and find that perfect ocean-going cat.

Lagoon 42 – Comfort and Simplicity for Offshore Cruising
Leopard 45 – A Well-Balanced Bluewater Performer

Outremer 51 – High-Performance for Serious Cruisers
Catana 50 – A Perfect Blend of Speed and Comfort
Bali 4.8 – Innovation and Spacious Living

Fountaine Pajot Tanna 47 – Efficient Long-Range Cruiser
Gunboat 68 – The Ultimate Performance-Luxury Hybrid
HH55 – Cutting-Edge Technology Meets Bluewater Cruising

Privilege Signature 510 – Ultimate Liveaboard Bluewater Catamaran
Your Perfect Ocean Home Awaits
FAQs – 9 Best Bluewater Catamarans

Lagoon 42 – Comfort and Simplicity for Offshore Cruising

The Lagoon 42 has earned a devoted following among bluewater cruisers seeking a balance between comfort and capability. Designed by the respected VPLP design team, this entry-level bluewater catamaran delivers a compelling package for ocean crossers unwilling to sacrifice livability.

What makes the Lagoon 42 stand out for long-distance sailing:

Spacious interior with 360-degree visibility through oversized windows, creating a liveaboard experience that feels like home

Elevated helm station with excellent visibility and centralized controls for manageable single-handed sailing
Smartly positioned mast and balanced sail plan delivering good performance without requiring expert skills
Self-tacking jib that simplifies maneuvering with minimal crew

Fuel-efficient twin engines extending range between ports
Hull design that cuts through chop efficiently, reducing fatigue on extended passages

Leopard 45 – A Well-Balanced Bluewater Performer

The Leopard 45, built by South African shipyard Robertson & Caine, exemplifies what a sturdy multihull should offer. With roots in the challenging Cape of Good Hope waters, Leopard has become synonymous with reliable passagemakers that balance comfort and capability.

What makes the Leopard 45 exceptional for ocean crossings:

Robust construction with solid fiberglass hull bottoms that withstand impacts with floating debris
High bridge deck clearance minimizing slapping in rough seas for more restful passages

Forward cockpit access through the salon—a signature Leopard innovation providing protected outdoor space
Wide decks with substantial guardrails enhancing safety during offshore maneuvers
Watertight bulkheads and collision compartments for added security in challenging conditions

Elevated helm station offering excellent visibility and weather protection
Practical interior layout optimized for functionality at sea

Outremer 51 – High-Performance for Serious Cruisers

The Outremer 51 shatters the myth that bluewater cruising must be slow. This performance cruiser consistently achieves 200+ nautical mile days, making it the fast bluewater cat of choice for sailors who refuse to compromise on speed.

What makes the Outremer 51 stand out:

Lightweight composite construction that maintains structural integrity
Retractable daggerboards for superior upwind performance and reduced leeway

Narrower hulls with fine entries that slice through waves efficiently
Higher bridgedeck clearance for reduced slamming offshore
Ergonomic central helm station optimized for single-handed control

Minimalist interior focused on functionality at sea
Proven transatlantic catamaran design with numerous circumnavigations
Sailing-focused systems reducing dependency on mechanical propulsion

Catana 50 – A Perfect Blend of Speed and Comfort

The Catana 50 represents what’s possible when performance and luxury coexist in a seaworthy multihull. This French-built offshore sailing multihull incorporates extensive carbon fiber construction to create a lightweight vessel that doesn’t compromise comfort or safety during extended passages.

What makes the Catana 50 exceptional for bluewater cruising:

Twin daggerboards that dramatically improve upwind performance and reduce leeway compared to fixed keels

Powerful sail plan balanced for shorthanded crews yet capable of impressive daily runs
Premium interior finishes that maintain their quality during offshore expeditions
Carbon-infused hull and deck that reduce weight while maintaining strength

Curved daggerboards that add lift when sailing, improving speed and comfort
Helm stations positioned for excellent visibility and protection
Higher bridgedeck clearance reducing impact noise in challenging seas

Thoughtfully designed living spaces that work equally well at sea and anchor

Bali 4.8 – Innovation and Spacious Living

The Bali 4.8, built by the respected Catana Group, has revolutionized what sailors expect from a modern cruising cat. With its radical open-bridge deck design, this vessel creates an unprecedented feeling of spaciousness that transforms the liveaboard experience for bluewater voyagers.

What makes the Bali 4.8 stand out for ocean cruising:

Innovative solid foredeck replacing traditional trampoline, creating a massive usable living space
Unique “Bali door” that fully opens to integrate cockpit and salon into one level living area
Expansive flybridge offering both helming and lounging space with excellent visibility

Substantial solar capacity supporting energy-efficient sailing with reduced generator dependency
Impressive interior volume that feels more like a waterfront condo than a traditional yacht
Box-shaped hulls providing more interior space without sacrificing stability offshore

Open-bridge deck design eliminating the “tunnel” effect of traditional catamarans
Forward cockpit access from the salon, increasing outdoor living options

Fountaine Pajot Tanna 47 – Efficient Long-Range Cruiser

The Fountaine Pajot Tanna 47 represents a thoughtful evolution in ocean cruiser catamaran design, focusing on what truly matters for extended voyaging: autonomy, efficiency, and livability. This offshore-ready multihull delivers impressive capabilities without unnecessary complexity.

What makes the Tanna 47 exceptional for long-distance cruising:

Generous fuel and water capacity extending the time between port stops

Integrated solar panels seamlessly built into the coachroof, supporting sustainable cruising
High bridge deck clearance minimizing wave impact noise and improving comfort in rough conditions
Efficient sail-drive propulsion system reducing maintenance concerns in remote locations

Ergonomic helm station positioned for excellent visibility and ease of handling
Modern interior styling that maintains functionality while feeling contemporary and inviting
Intelligent weight distribution maximizing performance without compromising stability

Purpose-designed electrical system supporting energy-efficient yacht operations

Gunboat 68 – The Ultimate Performance-Luxury Hybrid

The Gunboat 68 stands as the pinnacle of what’s possible when speed and luxury converge in a world cruiser. This high-performance catamaran redefines expectations, proving that comfort doesn’t require compromising sailing capabilities for those willing to invest in excellence.

Why the Gunboat 68 is such a standout for crossing oceans:

Head-turning carbon composite construction that’s crazy strong but won’t weigh you down
Clever daggerboards you can pull up or down to sail upwind like a champ or fly downwind without the drag
A swanky interior that feels like a floating penthouse but still works when things get rough

Sleek, low-profile design that cuts through wind while giving you tons of space inside
Tricked-out helm station with climate control and all the navigation toys you could want
Massive sail power that’ll have you zooming along while other boats are barely moving

Custom layouts where you can have your cake and eat it too—perfect for parties at anchor and serious sailing offshore
Smart systems built with backup plans for your backup plans—exactly what you need when you’re thousands of miles from help

HH55 – Cutting-Edge Technology Meets Bluewater Cruising

The HH55 from HH Catamarans represents what happens when yacht designers refuse to accept “that’s how it’s always been done.” This tech-forward yacht brings tomorrow’s innovations to today’s bluewater sailors who want the best of everything.

Why the HH55 is turning heads among serious ocean voyagers:

Game-changing hybrid propulsion that lets you cruise silently while generating power for your onboard toys

Curved daggerboards that don’t just reduce leeway—they create lift to make sailing faster and smoother
Push-button sail handling systems that let you manage massive sail area without breaking a sweat
Carbon-infused construction keeping things light where it matters but robust where you need it

Cockpit layout that works just as well for sundowners with friends as it does during midnight watch changes
Customizable interior layouts that feel like a floating luxury apartment rather than a traditional boat
Smart energy management systems making the most of every amp when you’re days from shore power

Long-range comfort features that keep you feeling human after weeks at sea

Privilege Signature 510 – Ultimate Liveaboard Bluewater Catamaran

The Privilege Signature 510 stands as a testament to what happens when a builder refuses to cut corners in creating a luxury multihull built for serious ocean crossings. This isn’t just a floating condo—it’s a semi-custom yacht designed for those planning to make their boat their full-time home on the high seas.

What makes the Privilege 510 the dream boat for serious liveaboards:

Built like a tank but doesn’t sail like one—the heavy-duty construction feels reassuring when the weather turns nasty
Semi-custom interiors that let you create your perfect floating home rather than accepting someone else’s idea of what you need
Cleverly positioned helm station that keeps you connected to your crew while staying protected from the elements

Genuine owner’s hull that gives you a master suite that rivals upscale apartments in comfort and space
Smart storage solutions everywhere—because when you live aboard, you need places for your stuff
Rock-solid systems engineering focused on ocean passage safety and redundancy when you’re days from assistance

Higher freeboard that keeps decks drier and interiors more secure in challenging conditions
Thoughtful ergonomics throughout—designed by people who understand living on a boat

Your Perfect Ocean Home Awaits

Today’s market offers amazing bluewater catamarans that will carry you across oceans safely and comfortably. You’ll find user-friendly options with simplified systems and others built with cutting-edge carbon-fiber construction for ultimate performance. Whether you prioritize durability, innovative living spaces, impressive speed, or luxurious comfort, there’s a multihull that excels in your area of interest.

Some designs focus on efficiency and autonomy for extended cruising, while others showcase technological advancements or customizable layouts. Your ideal offshore catamaran isn’t about finding the “best” boat—it’s about finding the right match for your cruising dreams.

FAQs – 9 Best Bluewater Catamarans

Which catamaran has the best resale value?

Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot catamarans consistently maintain the strongest resale values due to their established brand reputation and widespread dealer networks. Nautitech and Outremer models also hold value well, particularly among performance-oriented buyers. Well-maintained cats from major manufacturers with comprehensive service records typically retain 70-80% of their value after five years, significantly outperforming lesser-known brands.

What is the safest ocean catamaran?

The Amel 60, Antares 44, and Outremer 51 are widely regarded as among the safest ocean catamarans due to their robust construction, waterproof bulkheads, and exceptional stability. Balance Catamarans also earns recognition for emphasizing safety features like secure handholds, protected helm stations, and watertight compartments. Safety ultimately depends on boat condition, proper outfitting, and prudent seamanship rather than brand alone.

What size sailboat for bluewater?

For bluewater sailing, 38-45 feet represents the ideal size range for most cruising couples. This size offers sufficient storage, stability, and comfort while remaining manageable for a small crew. Smaller boats (32-38 feet) can be suitable for experienced sailors willing to sacrifice some comfort, while larger vessels (45-55 feet) provide more amenities but require additional crew or systems expertise for extended passages.