Living aboard a catamaran offers a lifestyle like no other, combining the freedom of the sea with the comforts of a floating home. Whether you’re planning to sail the world or settle in a tranquil bay, the right catamaran can make all the difference. This guide covers the 13 best liveaboard catamarans across a range of budgets, highlighting their specifications, features, and prices.
What to Look for in a Liveaboard Catamaran
Before diving into specific models, it’s important to understand what makes a catamaran ideal for living aboard:
- Space: Catamarans offer more living space compared to monohulls due to their dual-hull design.
- Stability: They’re more stable on the water, reducing the chances of seasickness.
- Fuel efficiency: Catamarans tend to be more fuel-efficient, especially sailing catamarans.
- Storage: Look for ample storage for gear, provisions, and personal items.
- Comfort: Comfortable sleeping areas, galley (kitchen), heads (bathrooms), and social areas are essential.
- Safety: The boat should have a solid build, good ventilation, and proper safety equipment.
Now, let’s explore the best liveaboard catamarans from budget-friendly options to high-end luxury models.
1. Leopard 40 (Affordable Family Cruiser)
- Price: Starting at $499,000
- Length: 40 feet
- Beam: 22.1 feet
- Draft: 4.1 feet
- Cabins: 3-4
- Water Capacity: 780 liters
- Fuel Capacity: 360 liters
The Leopard 40 is an excellent mid-range catamaran designed for families and couples looking for an affordable yet spacious liveaboard. It’s easy to handle with a self-tacking jib and is equipped with modern amenities. The large outdoor cockpit seamlessly connects to the interior saloon, creating a breezy, open-plan living space. With ample storage and a comfortable layout, the Leopard 40 is ideal for long-term cruising or as a floating home.
2. Lagoon 42 (Spacious and Popular Choice)
- Price: Starting at $600,000
- Length: 42 feet
- Beam: 25.3 feet
- Draft: 4.1 feet
- Cabins: 3-4
- Water Capacity: 300 liters
- Fuel Capacity: 300 liters
The Lagoon 42 is one of the most popular liveaboard catamarans, combining performance, comfort, and style. Its sleek design provides plenty of living space, and it’s known for being easy to sail short-handed. Inside, you’ll find spacious cabins, a functional galley, and a large main salon. The flybridge is also a great feature, offering panoramic views when cruising or at anchor.
3. Bali 4.1 (Best for Comfort on a Budget)
- Price: Starting at $475,000
- Length: 40 feet
- Beam: 22 feet
- Draft: 3.9 feet
- Cabins: 3-4
- Water Capacity: 400 liters
- Fuel Capacity: 420 liters
The Bali 4.1 offers a budget-friendly option without compromising on comfort. It features a unique open-plan design, where the entire saloon opens up to the cockpit, maximizing living space. This catamaran is ideal for liveaboard sailors who want a balance of modern comfort and affordability. With its large refrigeration capacity and solar panels, the Bali 4.1 is also great for extended periods at anchor.
4. Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 (Mid-Range Luxury)
- Price: Starting at $750,000
- Length: 44.2 feet
- Beam: 24.8 feet
- Draft: 4.3 feet
- Cabins: 3-4
- Water Capacity: 700 liters
- Fuel Capacity: 470 liters
Fountaine Pajot’s Elba 45 is the epitome of mid-range luxury. Known for its excellent design and spacious living areas, this catamaran provides a seamless indoor-outdoor flow, making it perfect for long-term living. The modern interior offers panoramic windows, a fully-equipped galley, and comfortable cabins. The Elba 45 is a great option for those who want a blend of comfort, style, and performance.
5. Seawind 1260 (Best for Bluewater Sailing)
- Price: Starting at $540,000
- Length: 41 feet
- Beam: 22.1 feet
- Draft: 3.9 feet
- Cabins: 3
- Water Capacity: 700 liters
- Fuel Capacity: 480 liters
If you’re planning on serious bluewater cruising, the Seawind 1260 should be on your radar. This performance-oriented catamaran is designed to handle the roughest seas, yet it doesn’t skimp on comfort. The spacious saloon, ample ventilation, and dual helm stations make it a popular choice for liveaboard sailors. With strong build quality and proven offshore capabilities, the Seawind 1260 is ready to take you across oceans.
6. Leopard 45 (Best for Families)
- Price: Starting at $650,000
- Length: 45 feet
- Beam: 24 feet
- Draft: 4.1 feet
- Cabins: 4
- Water Capacity: 780 liters
- Fuel Capacity: 700 liters
The Leopard 45 offers an incredible amount of space and comfort, making it an excellent liveaboard for families. The catamaran features a large forward cockpit that provides extra lounging space, while the modern interior design creates a homey atmosphere. It’s known for its robust build and ease of handling, making it a solid choice for both coastal cruising and long-term liveaboard life.
7. Nautitech 40 Open (Best for Performance Cruisers)
- Price: Starting at $500,000
- Length: 39.3 feet
- Beam: 22.7 feet
- Draft: 4.4 feet
- Cabins: 3-4
- Water Capacity: 500 liters
- Fuel Capacity: 430 liters
The Nautitech 40 Open is for sailors who prioritize performance but still want the space and comfort of a liveaboard. Its lightweight design makes it fast and fun to sail, while the open-plan layout offers plenty of social and living space. The raised helm stations provide excellent visibility, and the large outdoor lounging areas make it perfect for life aboard.
8. Prout 50 (Affordable Bluewater Catamaran)
- Price: Starting at $395,000 (used market)
- Length: 50 feet
- Beam: 25 feet
- Draft: 4.9 feet
- Cabins: 4
- Water Capacity: 900 liters
- Fuel Capacity: 600 liters
The Prout 50 is an excellent bluewater catamaran, designed for long-distance cruising at an affordable price. This model is popular in the used catamaran market and offers an incredibly spacious interior, with a practical layout ideal for long-term living. With strong sailing performance and a reputation for safety, the Prout 50 remains a reliable choice for those wanting to cruise the world without breaking the bank.
9. Outremer 45 (For Serious Sailors)
- Price: Starting at $950,000
- Length: 48 feet
- Beam: 23.5 feet
- Draft: 4.2 feet
- Cabins: 3-4
- Water Capacity: 350 liters
- Fuel Capacity: 520 liters
Outremer catamarans are known for their speed and sailing performance, and the Outremer 45 is no exception. This catamaran is perfect for serious sailors who plan to cross oceans or cover large distances quickly. The interior is sleek, with a focus on minimizing weight for better performance. Despite its focus on sailing, the Outremer 45 doesn’t sacrifice comfort, offering modern living spaces and ample storage.
10. Sunreef 50 (Luxury Living Afloat)
- Price: Starting at $1.3 million
- Length: 50 feet
- Beam: 30.8 feet
- Draft: 5.9 feet
- Cabins: 3-6
- Water Capacity: 800 liters
- Fuel Capacity: 1,000 liters
The Sunreef 50 is a luxury liveaboard catamaran that offers ample space for entertaining, relaxing, and living. Its high-end design and craftsmanship are evident throughout the boat, with plush interiors, spacious cabins, and modern conveniences. The flybridge is a highlight, providing panoramic views and an additional lounging area. The Sunreef 50 is for those who want to live aboard in style and comfort.
11. Privilege 510 (Ultra-Luxury and Comfort)
- Price: Starting at $1.6 million
- Length: 51 feet
- Beam: 26.4 feet
- Draft: 5.1 feet
- Cabins: 3-4
- Water Capacity: 900 liters
- Fuel Capacity: 1,
200 liters
For those looking for the ultimate in luxury, the Privilege 510 offers top-of-the-line amenities and craftsmanship. Its spacious layout includes large staterooms, a fully-equipped galley, and lavish lounging areas. The build quality is impeccable, making it a fantastic choice for those who prioritize comfort and elegance while living at sea.
12. Neel 47 Trimaran (Fast and Spacious)
- Price: Starting at $950,000
- Length: 47 feet
- Beam: 27.3 feet
- Draft: 5.2 feet
- Cabins: 3-5
- Water Capacity: 600 liters
- Fuel Capacity: 300 liters
The Neel 47 is a unique trimaran option, providing exceptional speed without sacrificing space. With its innovative design, the Neel 47 offers a large saloon, expansive outdoor areas, and impressive sailing performance. This trimaran is ideal for sailors looking for speed and space, and its multihull design provides added stability and comfort.
13. Excess 11 (Entry-Level Catamaran)
- Price: Starting at $350,000
- Length: 37.2 feet
- Beam: 21.7 feet
- Draft: 4.3 feet
- Cabins: 3
- Water Capacity: 600 liters
- Fuel Capacity: 400 liters
The Excess 11 is one of the most affordable new catamarans on the market, providing a great entry point for liveaboard sailors. Despite its smaller size, it offers a surprisingly spacious interior with a functional layout. The twin helms provide a sporty sailing experience, and its simplicity makes it a great option for first-time catamaran owners.
Conclusion
Whether you’re working with a modest budget or seeking a luxury floating home, there’s a liveaboard catamaran to suit your needs. From the affordable Bali 4.1 to the ultra-luxurious Privilege 510, each of these catamarans offers unique advantages depending on your sailing goals and lifestyle preferences. Take into account your cruising plans, the amount of living space you need, and your budget to find the perfect liveaboard catamaran for your journey.
Happy Boating!
Share 13 Best Liveaboard Catamarans (For All Budgets) with your friends and leave a comment below with your thoughts.
Read 13 Best Cruising Sailboats & Why They’re Better until we meet in the next article.