A market that continues to grow
"For this 2021 edition, even in an unfavorable context due to the health crisis, we should have had the same number of boats on display, including twenty or so presented as world premieres. There is a dynamic in the shipyards to want to build new models, develop the ranges, in response to people who sail.
When we set up the show in 2010, we had one or two world premieres. That was already good. 20 new products is a lot. It shows the dynamism of the sector" explains Philippe Michel, director of the Salon International du Multicoque.
Each year, between 1,600 and 1,800 units are produced worldwide. A figure that is constantly increasing.
"The multihull is progressing year after year, with ever larger market shares. The turnover of sailing multihulls has overtaken that of sailing monohulls, even though there are many more units. Even if the catamaran costs more, it's a sign."
This market is driven by France, which represents approximately 70% of the world market, with 5 or 6 major players, namely the Bénéteau group with Lagoon, Catana/Bali, Fountaine Pajot, Nautitech and Outremer. There are also foreign players, notably the South African manufacturer Robertson and Caine, producer of the Leopard catamarans, which sells 180 boats per year.
"There is still a multitude of small boatyards. It's a diversity that we have at the Salon du Multicoque. There is still room for small series boats and one-off projects. And shipyards are emerging with innovative projects."
Ever-larger units
Today, the multihull market is driven by 40 to 60 footers, mostly under sail. And this trend is only evolving with ever larger boats. But for several years, the motor multihull sector has been developing, with each shipyard offering more and more of both ranges.
"The trend is for larger boats, with more interior space and longer hulls. The shipyards are increasingly emphasizing and optimizing the space for welcoming and living on the boat, whether in the cabins or in the cockpit." explains Philippe Michel, organizer of the show.
Comfort on two or three hulls
If the market is constantly developing, it is because the multihull has serious arguments: user-friendliness, living space, comfort, stability... Even if it is less sporty and brings less sailing sensations.
"The yachtsman is looking for this family living space, with convivial meals, moments of sharing, comfort. Of course, the sailing sensations are not the same as on a monohull, but the multihull does not lie down, a comfort appreciated in particular by families. Today, this trend is spreading to the motor sector, because sailing is complicated. Before, it was marginal. Today, we have either an aging clientele or one that wants to enjoy its time more.
The only disadvantage I would see with multihulls is the berth. Even though there are big efforts and it's growing in the Atlantic."
This large living space makes it a true travel boat, which however requires a certain purchasing power.
"The sea is a space of freedom that opens to us easily. It's a living space that people will make even more of their own. A choice of life. The Covid may accentuate this phenomenon even more with boaters looking to live differently."
A market of owners
If the production boat sector is the most important, the offer of custom and semi-custom boats is still present.
"There is still this clientele of enthusiasts with plans for long voyages who develop their boats with demands. The owner's market is going up, while the rental market is slowing down a little. Before, people tended to put their boat in management/rental, but despite this phenomenon, the shipyards continue to produce as much. This shows the potential of the owner market."
A dynamic second-hand market
Today, the second-hand market is quite dynamic. The proof is that the organizers of the show also organize the Salon du Multicoque d'Occasions, where the shipyards are now present directly.
"The shipyards tended to look at the second-hand market from a distance. However, the success of the multihull shipyard sector will depend on the management of the second-hand market. This year, we had direct shipyards (Lagoon, Catana/Bali) whereas usually it is brokers. We need to be aware of the importance of second-hand management in this multihull market, given the number of units built each year."
Make a date!
After two years of cancellation due to the Covid crisis, the International Multihull Boat Show should make its return in 2022 from April 20 to 24.
