New multihulls: bigger comfort, smarter performance
Alexandra
Berthing, transport and operational impacts of heavier multihulls
High-performance cruising multihulls entering the market now range from roughly 18 tonnes to 55 tonnes fully loaded, a factor that directly affects marina logistics: deeper draught allowances, longer finger piers, reinforced mooring hardware and upgraded lifting gear are increasingly required to handle these yachts safely. Shipyards and transporters must plan for larger road convoys, heavier travel-lift capacities and longer commissioning windows when moving new 50–80ft catamarans from factory to berth or sea trial.
Why the performance catamaran formula is changing
The traditional trade-off — ultimate lightness and top speed versus comfort — is being rebalanced. Builders are responding to owner demand for more liveable volume, enhanced onboard amenities and improved environmental credentials, while retaining meaningful sailing performance. Designers and yards are substituting some ultra-light pre-preg carbon techniques with infused composites, modular interiors, hybrid propulsion readiness and renewable-energy systems to achieve an attractive middle ground.
Market drivers and design trends
- Volume over marginal top speed: larger master suites, expanded social zones and flybridges are becoming expected on high-end multihulls.
- Sustainability: recycled materials, basalt fibres, electric drives and hydrogenerating systems reduce lifecycle impacts.
- Short-handed operation: ergonomic deck and control layouts, forward helms and simpler sail handling support owner-operator use.
- Hybrid propulsion and energy autonomy: integrated batteries, regeneration, and solar assist are common options.
Gunboat Fusion 80 — a performance brand reinterpreted
Gunboat’s new Fusion line marks a deliberate move into a 'Gran Turismo' segment, prioritising lifestyle while keeping genuine sailing capability. The Fusion 80 targets owners wanting a sumptuous onboard experience without completely abandoning the brand’s pedigree for performance.
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Design partners including VPLP and Christophe Chedal-Anglais shaped a craft that sits between ultralight racers and heavyweight cruising cats: the Fusion 80 arrives at roughly 50–55 tonnes fully loaded, rather than the 32 tonnes of lighter Gunboat models or the 75 tonnes of many large cruisers. Construction shifts towards infused composites to provide perceived quality and more interior volume, including a very large master suite with direct sea access and extensive flybridge living space.
Key features of the Fusion 80
- Large flybridge and forward cockpit with sea-level steps
- Enhanced interior volume — master suite expansion compared to Gunboat 72
- Balanced focus on sailing from light wind (early sailing) rather than top-end speed
- Range pitched at the 70–80ft crewed/owner-operator market
| Specification | Fusion 80 |
|---|---|
| LOA | 24.00 m |
| Beam | 11.07 m |
| Draught | 2.20–4.06 m |
| Sail area (upwind) | 295 m² |
| Indicative price | from €13.5m ex VAT |
Windelo 58 & 62 — sustainable sport-cruisers
Windelo’s approach emphasises sustainability and intelligent layout. The French yard has developed lightweight fine hulls, lifting boards and powerful rigs so the new 58 and 62 can sail effectively in very light airs — from roughly four knots — minimising engine use.
Material innovation (basalt fibre, recycled foam), electric hydrogeneration and garage-style aft doors that create seamless indoor/outdoor living are signature elements. The helming position forward of the mast and minimal deck leads improve short-handed handling and social connection between helm and guests.
Windelo highlights
- Low-wind sailing capability and electric-assist systems
- Up to five cabins and automotive-grade interior uplift via a Stellantis partnership
- Clever garage-style transom door for expanded cockpit/sea access
| Spec | Windelo 58 | Windelo 62 |
|---|---|---|
| LOA | 17.68 m | 18.88 m |
| Beam | 9.48 m | |
| Draught | 1.35–3.00 m | 1.35–3.00 m |
| Displacement | 18 t | 22 t |
| Price | €2,100,000 | €2,550,000 |
Holld 74 — superyacht quality in a short-handed platform
Holld, a new Dutch carbon multihull builder, brings superyacht-level fitout and composite precision into a 74ft package optimised for owners downsizing from larger yachts. With construction expertise drawn from work for yards like Vitters and Royal Huisman, Holld uses one-shot infusion and negative moulds to deliver a high-standard carbon hull with modular interiors.
The design aims for maximum onboard quality while keeping practical systems for small crews: stub keels are favoured over daggerboards for reliability and interior simplicity, and the vessel is hybrid-ready.
| Specification | Holld 74 |
|---|---|
| LOA | 22.50 m |
| Beam | 10.20 m |
| Draught | 1.45 m |
| Displacement | 23.95 t |
Leopard 52 — versatility for owners and charter
The Leopard 52 replaces a successful 50ft model with a boat that is both larger and designed to be flexible for private ownership, bareboat or crewed charter. Built by Robertson & Caine with designers Simonis Voogd, the 52 focuses on usable volume, improved light-air sailing and many layout permutations including multiple en suite cabins and clever port-hull utility/crew/VIP configurations.
Notable options and systems
- Hybrid electric JOOOL power option (regeneration under sail)
- Fine bows, deep keels and tall mast for improved upwind performance
- Multiple deck relaxation areas including Leopard’s signature forward cockpit
| Specification | Leopard 52 |
|---|---|
| LOA | 15.75 m |
| Beam | 8.16 m |
| Draught | 1.45 m |
| Displacement | 20.52 t |
| Price | €899,000 ex VAT |
Operational considerations for owners and charter operators
Owners, brokers and charter operators should budget for: upgraded marina reservations for deeper and wider berths, skilled crew for hybrid/electric systems, increased commissioning times for larger interiors and compliance with evolving environmental regulations in key cruising grounds. Shipyards are also providing more factory-fitted options, which can shorten refit time but increase initial lead times.
GetBoat keeps an eye on market shifts
GetBoat always keeps an eye on news related to sailing and seaside vacations because the platform understands what it means to enjoy great leisure and love the ocean; the service values freedom, energy, and the ability to choose your own course, placing no limits on a good life by helping clients find a vessel to suit preferences, budget and taste — GetBoat.com
Planning note and forecast
These design shifts are likely to influence the global tourism and charter map by expanding the appeal of multihull charters to clients seeking comfort and eco-awareness alongside sailing performance. While the change is not a seismic global disruption, it is significant for owners, charter operators and marinas who will need to adapt infrastructure and service offerings. Start planning your next seaside adventure and make sure to book the best boat and yacht rentals with GetBoat before the opportunity sails away!
The recent generation of multihulls demonstrates that yacht design is evolving toward a blend of comfort, sustainability and capable sailing. For charters and private owners alike, these boats offer varied experiences — from bluewater passages to relaxed bay-hopping — while requiring attention to logistics like berth depth, lifting gear and crew skillsets. Whether you are searching for a yacht for sale, planning a charter, or dreaming of sun-drenched days in a protected gulf or on an open ocean crossing, the new multihulls broaden options for memorable boating, fishing, and sailing activities. Book or buy with confidence.
