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This new Outremer 48 catamaran is more than just a range upgrade; it provides concrete answers to the question of how to sail today, with a small crew, over long distances.
A hull designed for average rather than top speed
The hull design remains true to the shipyard's DNA, with slim hulls, inverted bows and limited volume forward. The aim is to limit drag and promote downwind sailing. But the logic is changing.
Feedback from owners has modified the specifications. The quest for maximum speed has taken a back seat. The program aims for a high average speed over time, with less fatigue for the crew. On a round-the-world voyage, this choice changes the game. A boat that maintains a constant 8 to 10 knots is less tiring than a more extreme multihull that requires constant trimming.
The increase in displacement to 10.5 t, with a load capacity of 4 t, is a step in this direction. The sail-to-weight ratio remains balanced, thanks to an 82 m² mainsail and headsails of up to 180 m². A coherent compromise for a family crew.
An expanded platform to improve life on board
With a width of 7.56 m, an extra 41 cm, the gain is immediately apparent in the cockpit and nacelle. It's not just a question of visual volume.
The cockpit becomes a protected area, closer to that seen on 50-foot boats. The organization of circulation, seating and storage reflect intensive use. Owners sail an average of 140 days in the first year, a figure that clearly guides their choices.
Moving the battery bank into the hull frees up external volume. It's a technical detail, but it responds to a practical need: to store equipment without cluttering up the living areas.
Inside, the roof is 45% wider and has more glass. The result is better visibility and increased luminosity, useful when on watch or sailing in bad weather.
A helm station designed for small crews
The Outremer 48 adopts a mixed configuration, with tilt wheel steering to port and tiller steering to starboard.
The steering wheel offers three positions: sheltered cockpit, central vertical position and outside position. This allows you to adapt your steering to the weather and your desired level of commitment. When sailing offshore, steering in a sheltered position reduces fatigue.
The tiller, on the other hand, maintains a direct link with the water. This type of control is still appreciated for its feel.
All maneuvers are carried out from the helm station. This is essential for a couple. Reducing movement on deck increases safety, especially at night or in heavy seas.
Modular layouts for the long haul
The interior layout is based on two cabins per hull, with separate sanitary functions. Toilet and shower are separate, making life on board easier for several people.
The port forward cabin is distinguished by its modularity. Office, double berth, bunk beds, the configurations vary according to the program. This flexibility provides a real solution for a family crew or visiting guests.
Volume remains constrained at the front, as a direct consequence of the thin hulls. This is the price to pay for performance. But overall space makes up for it, with stowage close to that of a 52-footer.
The layout of the kitchen remains classic, but optimized. Details such as pull-out storage units and navigation-accessible storage areas demonstrate a pragmatic approach.
Energy autonomy and embedded systems
With 450 l of diesel and 410 l of water, autonomy corresponds to a transoceanic program. But the shipyard is betting more on renewable energies.
The presence of solar panels and the possibility of hydrogeneration reduce dependence on the engine. The installation of a generator remains possible, but is not central to the boat's philosophy.
Hybrid drive is available as an option. This choice meets a growing demand, but implies more complex on-board management, maintenance and higher initial costs. The volume of the trunks makes it possible to integrate this equipment without sacrificing storage space, a weak point identified on the previous generation.
Site positioning and feedback
Outremer Yachting relies on a fleet that has sailed 10 million miles. This experience has a direct influence on our technical choices.
The 48 doesn't replace the 45, it completes the range. The logic is not to propose a larger model, but to adapt the boat to today's uses: long-distance cruising, reduced crew, continuous navigation. Our work with the VPLP architects confirms this orientation, maintaining a high-performance base while integrating real-life use constraints.
It will take around a year to obtain the new unit, billed at ?1,300,000 ex-VAT.
Ultimately, the Outremer 48 is aimed at boaters who actually sail. Not a harbor boat, but a platform designed to accumulate miles, with a more measured approach to performance.
