13 Best Liveaboard Catamarans (For All Budgets)
If you want to enjoy long-term living on the water, a liveaboard catamaran can provide the perfect combination of comfort and adventure. However, buying and owning a catamaran can cost you a fortune. If you're not sure which one suits your budget, here are 13 of the best liveaboard catamarans on the market today, covering a range of budgets and lifestyles.
The 13 best liveaboard catamarans for different budgets are:
- Leopard 40
- Lucia 40
- Lagoon 400
- Bali 4.0
- Nautitech 46 Open
- Bali 4.3
- Catana 42
- Lagoon 450F
- Helia 44
- Leopard 48
- Nautitech 46 Fly
- Catana 50
- Lagoon 52
If you're on a tight budget but still want to enjoy the liveaboard lifestyle, the Leopard 40, Lucia 40, and Lagoon 400 are some of your best options. If you have a slightly higher budget to live up to your dream life aboard, let's see which of these catamarans will suit your needs best.
Summary
- Low-budget liveaboard catamarans cost anywhere from $350,000 to $450,000, while high-budget options range from $1,000,000 to $2,000,000.
- The living space of the best liveaboard catamarans ranges from 77 sqm to 215 sqm, with the higher-budget options generally offering more space.
- Most catamaran models come equipped with one galley and multiple heads, with the number of heads ranging from 2 to 4.
- High-budget catamarans like Lagoon 52 and Catana 50 are built with advanced safety features such as a self-tacking jib and an automatic reefing system.
On this page:
Best Liveaboard Catamarans For All Budgets
| Catamaran model | Estimated price range | Living space | Gallery and heads | Performance and handling | Safety and seaworthiness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leopard 40 | $400,000 - $500,000 | 78 sqm | 1 galley, 2 heads | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Lucia 40 | $450,000 - $550,000 | 82 sqm | 1 galley, 2 heads | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Lagoon 400 | $350,000 - $450,000 | 78 sqm | 1 galley, 4 heads | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Bali 4.0 | $350,000 - $450,000 | 77 sqm | 1 galley, 4 heads | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Nautitech 46 Open | $600,000 - $700,000 | 105 sqm | 1 galley, 4 heads | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Bali 4.3 | $500,000 - $600,000 | 100 sqm | 1 galley, 4 heads | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Catana 42 | $500,000 - $600,000 | 95 sqm | 1 galley, 2 heads | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Lagoon 450F | $700,000 - $800,000 | 130 sqm | 1 galley, 4 heads | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Helia 44 | $700,000 - $800,000 | 106 sqm | 1 galley, 4 heads | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Leopard 48 | $700,000 - $1,000,000 | 186 sq. ft. | Fully equipped | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| Nautitech 46 Fly | $600,000 - $900,000 | 140 sq. ft. | Fully equipped | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| Catana 50 | $1,000,000 - $2,000,000 | 161 sq. ft. | Fully equipped | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
| Lagoon 52 | $1,000,000 - $2,000,000 | 215 sq. ft. | Fully equipped | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
When choosing the best liveaboard catamaran, there are questions you need to ask yourself such as:
- Are you planning to live aboard full-time or just part-time?
- Will you be traveling extensively or staying in one location?
- Do you plan to fish or engage in other water activities?
If you plan to sail around the world and are not sure what catamaran size is perfect for your goal, you can get some tips from this article.
You may also need to check your budget. Keep in mind that the purchase price is just one aspect of the cost of owning a catamaran. See how much it actually costs to buy and own a catamaran in this article.
You may also need to factor in ongoing maintenance, repairs, and other expenses, such as docking costs. Docking costs depend on the location of the marina and the actual size of your catamaran, but to give you an idea of how much it costs to dock a catamaran, here's an article that can help you.
The best liveaboard catamarans have these most important features:
-
Living space
Look for a catamaran with an open layout, large windows, and plenty of natural light to create a spacious and inviting living area. -
Galley and heads
Choose a catamaran with a well-designed galley that is easy to use and has plenty of storage space. The heads should be spacious and comfortable, with a separate shower area if possible. -
Performance and handling
You might want to opt for a catamaran with a good sail plan and sailing controls that are easy to operate. If you plan to do offshore cruising, perhaps consider a catamaran with a shallow draft and good seaworthiness. -
Safety and seaworthiness
Choose a catamaran with sturdy construction and good safety features, such as handrails and lifelines. You might want to make sure also that the catamaran is designed for single-handed sailing if you plan to sail solo.
Leopard 40
Estimated price range: $400,000 - $500,000
Living space inside Leopard 40
The Leopard 40 has a spacious interior with a modern and stylish design. It features four cabins and two heads, providing ample living space for up to 8 people.
The cabins are well-ventilated and well-lit, with large windows that offer panoramic views of the sea. The saloon is also spacious, with comfortable seating and a large dining table.
Galley and heads of Leopard 40
The galley is well-equipped with a large refrigerator, freezer, gas stove, oven, and plenty of storage space. The heads are also well-designed, with separate shower stalls and electric toilets.
Performance and handling of Leopard 40
The Leopard 40 has a sleek and streamlined design that allows it to move smoothly through the water. The twin engines provide plenty of power, and the boat is easy to maneuver even in tight spaces.
The boat also comes with a range of performance features, such as a large sail area, a self-tacking jib, and a full-batten mainsail.
Safety and seaworthiness of Leopard 40
The Leopard 40 is built to the highest standards of safety, with a strong and durable hull, high-quality rigging, and a range of safety features such as lifelines, handrails, and safety harnesses.
The boat also has excellent stability, which makes it very safe and comfortable to sail in rough seas.
Lucia 40
Estimated price range: $450,000 - $550,000
Living space inside Lucia 40
The Lucia 40 is a spacious catamaran that offers plenty of living space for a family or a group of friends. It has a large saloon with a U-shaped sofa and a dining table that can comfortably seat six people.
The saloon is surrounded by large windows that provide plenty of natural light and a great view of the surroundings. The catamaran has four cabins and two heads, which provide ample sleeping space for up to eight people. The cabins are well-appointed and offer plenty of storage space.
Galley and heads of Lucia 40
The galley on the Lucia 40 is located in the saloon and is well-equipped with a three-burner stove, oven, fridge, and plenty of counter space for food preparation.
The two heads are located in each hull and are equipped with a shower, toilet, and sink. They are spacious and provide plenty of privacy.
The Lucia 40 is a performance-oriented catamaran
The Lucia 40 is a performance-oriented catamaran that is designed for cruising in comfort. It has a sleek and modern design that allows it to sail efficiently in a wide range of wind and sea conditions.
The catamaran is equipped with a full batten mainsail and a furling genoa, which provide excellent sail performance. The helm station is located on the flybridge, which provides excellent visibility and allows for easy handling.
The Lucia 40 is a safe and seaworthy catamaran
The Lucia 40 has a solid fiberglass hull and a structural bulkhead that provides excellent strength and rigidity. The catamaran is equipped with all the necessary safety equipment, including life jackets, flares, fire extinguishers, and a first aid kit.
It is also equipped with a comprehensive navigation system, which includes GPS, radar, and an autopilot, to ensure safe and accurate navigation.
Lagoon 400
Estimated price range: $350,000 - $450,000
Living space inside Lagoon 400
The Lagoon 400 offers ample room for passengers to relax and socialize. The main saloon is located on the same level as the cockpit, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience.
The saloon features a large dining table and comfortable seating, while the cockpit provides additional seating and a table for outdoor dining. The cabins are also spacious and comfortable, with plenty of storage space.
Galley and heads of Lagoon 400
The galley is well-equipped with a stove, oven, refrigerator, and sink, making it easy to prepare meals while underway. The heads are also well-designed, with separate shower stalls and electric toilets.
The Lagoon 400 has good sailing performance
This boat has a generous sail area, a powerful rig, and a light displacement, which allows it to sail well in a variety of conditions. The boat's twin hulls also help to reduce drag and increase stability, which makes it easier to sail in choppy seas or high winds.
The Lagoon 400 is also equipped with twin engines, which allow it to be easily maneuvered in tight spaces or when docking. The boat's shallow draft, which is one of the advantages of sailing a catamaran, also makes it suitable for exploring shallow waters or anchoring in secluded bays.
The Lagoon 400 is designed to be safe and seaworthy
The boat's twin hulls provide excellent stability, which reduces the risk of capsizing. See a detailed comparison between catamaran and monohull in this article.
The boat is also equipped with a range of safety features, including a solid fiberglass hull, watertight bulkheads, and a high freeboard, which helps to keep the boat dry and reduce the risk of swamping.
The boat is also built to withstand rough seas and strong winds, with a reinforced hull and high freeboard. It also features a range of safety features, including lifelines, safety harnesses, and an emergency tiller.
Bali 4.0
Estimated price range: $350,000 - $450,000
The Bali 4.0 is a catamaran that offers ample living space
The cockpit and saloon are on the same level, which creates a large open-plan living area. The saloon has a U-shaped seating area, which can comfortably seat six people, and a large table that can be lowered to create a double berth.
Galley and heads of Bali 4.0
The galley of Bali 4.0 is located aft of the saloon and is well-equipped with a three-burner stove, oven, refrigerator, and sink. The boat has four cabins, each with its own en-suite head and shower. The cabins are spacious and comfortable, and the heads are modern and well-designed.
Performance and handling of Bali 4.0
The Bali 4.0 has a self-tacking jib and a fully battened mainsail, which makes it easy to sail short-handed. The boat is also equipped with a Code 0 sail, which provides additional downwind performance. The boat's helm is responsive and easy to control, and the boat is stable and predictable in a variety of conditions.
Safety and seaworthiness of Bali 4.0
The Bali 4.0 is a seaworthy boat that is designed to be safe and comfortable in a variety of conditions. The boat has a high freeboard, which provides additional safety and protection from waves and spray.
The boat also has a solid foredeck, which provides additional safety when moving around the boat. It is also equipped with a full suite of safety equipment, including life rafts, life jackets, and safety harnesses.
Bali 4.3
Estimated price range: $500,000 - $600,000
Living space inside Bali 4.3
The Bali 4.3 has a large saloon with panoramic views, plenty of natural light, and a modern design. The saloon is equipped with a large U-shaped sofa, a dining table, and a chart table. The cockpit is also spacious and features a dining table, a sunbathing area, and a helm station.
Galley and heads of Bali 4.3
The galley and heads on the Bali 4.3 are well-designed and offer plenty of space and storage. It is located in the saloon and features a 3-burner stove, an oven, a large refrigerator, and plenty of counter space. The heads are located in each hull and feature a separate shower, electric toilets, and plenty of storage.
Performance and handling of Bali 4.0
The Bali 4.3 is a fast and agile catamaran. It features a self-tacking jib and a square-top mainsail, which make it easy to handle and maneuver. The boat is also equipped with twin engines, which provide good speed and maneuverability.
The Bali 4.3 is a very safe and stable catamaran
The Bali 4.3 features a solid construction, a high freeboard, and a wide beam, which make it very stable and comfortable even in rough seas. The boat is also equipped with a number of safety features, including lifelines, safety harnesses, and life jackets.
Catana 42
Estimated price range: $500,000 - $600,000
Living space of Catana 42
The Catana 42 has a spacious interior layout with plenty of natural light and ventilation. The saloon and cockpit are integrated into one living area, which provides a comfortable and functional living space.
Galley and heads of Catana 42
The galley is located in the port hull and features a three-burner stove, oven, refrigerator, and ample storage space. The heads are located in the starboard hull, with one head serving as the owner's suite en-suite and the other serving the remaining three cabins.
The Catana 42 an excellent performer
The catamaran is designed to be fast and stable, with a high bridge deck clearance and a narrow hull-to-waterline beam ratio. It also has a large sail area, which provides good speed in light winds.
The Catana 42 is built with safety and seaworthiness
The boat is designed to be self-righting in the event of a capsize, and the hulls are foam-filled for added buoyancy. The boat also features a robust construction with a reinforced keel and rudder, making it suitable for offshore cruising.
Nautitech 46 Open
Estimated price range: $600,000 - $700,000
Living space of Nautitech 46 Open
The Nautitech 46 Open is a spacious and comfortable catamaran that offers ample living space, a well-equipped galley, and multiple heads for convenience. The living area is open and airy, with large windows and plenty of natural light.
Galley and heads of Nautitech 46 Open
The galley is fully equipped with modern appliances and ample storage space, making it easy to prepare meals and entertain guests. The heads are also well-appointed, with modern fixtures and plenty of space for comfort.
Performance and handling of Nautitech 46 Open
The Nautitech 46 Open is a capable and responsive catamaran that is easy to sail and maneuver. The boat's twin hulls provide excellent stability and make it easy to handle in a variety of conditions.
The boat's rig is designed for performance, with a large sail area and a well-balanced design that allows for easy handling and excellent speed.
Safety and seaworthiness of Nautitech 46 Open
The boat is built to the highest standards of safety and durability, with a strong and sturdy construction that can withstand the rigors of offshore sailing. The boat is also equipped with all the necessary safety features, including life rafts, life jackets, and safety harnesses, to ensure that you and your crew stay safe on the water.
Lagoon 450F
Estimated price range: $700,000 - $800,000
Living space inside Lagoon 450F
The Lagoon 450F is a spacious catamaran that offers plenty of room for living and entertaining. The saloon is large and open, with plenty of natural light and ventilation.
The cockpit is also spacious and comfortable, with a large dining table and seating for up to eight people. The cabins are well-designed and offer plenty of storage space, and the bathrooms are modern and well-appointed.
Galley and heads of Lagoon 450F
The Lagoon 450F has a well-equipped galley that is perfect for preparing meals while at sea. The galley features a large refrigerator and freezer, a three-burner stove, an oven, a microwave, and plenty of counter space. The heads are also well-designed and offer plenty of space and privacy.
Performance and handling of Lagoon 450F
The Lagoon 450F is a fast and stable catamaran that is easy to handle. The boat is powered by two Yanmar diesel engines, which provide plenty of power and speed.
The boat is also equipped with a high-performance sail plan, which allows for easy and efficient sailing.
The Lagoon 450F is designed to handle a variety of weather conditions
This boat is built to the highest standards of safety and quality and is equipped with all of the necessary safety equipment, including life rafts, life jackets, and emergency flares.
The boat is also designed to be self-sufficient, with a large water tank and generator, which allows for extended periods of time at sea.
Helia 44
Estimated price range: $700,000 - $800,000
Living space inside Helia 44
The Helia 44 has a spacious and well-designed interior that maximizes living space. The saloon features large windows that provide plenty of natural light and offer stunning views of the surrounding scenery.
The seating area is comfortable and can accommodate up to 8 people. The cabins are also spacious and well-appointed, with plenty of storage space and en-suite bathrooms.
Galley and heads of Helia 44
The galley on the Helia 44 is well-equipped and designed for easy use. It features a large refrigerator, a 3-burner gas stove, an oven, and a microwave. The heads are also well-designed, with separate shower stalls and plenty of storage space.
The Helia 44 is designed for excellent performance and handling
The Helia 44 has a powerful rig and a high aspect ratio sail plan that provides excellent speed and maneuverability. The boat also has a shallow draft, which makes it easy to navigate in shallow waters.
The Helia 44 is built to the highest safety standards
This boat has a solid construction that provides excellent stability and strength. It also features a range of safety equipment, including life rafts, EPIRBs, and fire extinguishers.
Leopard 48
Estimated price range: $700,000 - $1,000,000
Living space inside Leopard 48
The Leopard 48 features a spacious saloon with a comfortable seating area and a large dining table. The saloon is surrounded by panoramic windows that provide plenty of natural light and stunning views of the surrounding scenery.
The catamaran also has a large cockpit area with a dining table and comfortable seating, perfect for outdoor dining and relaxation.
Galley and heads of Leopard 48
The galley on the Leopard 48 is well-equipped with modern appliances and ample storage space. It features a large refrigerator, a freezer, a three-burner stove, and an oven. The catamaran also has three heads, each with a shower, sink, and toilet.
Performance and handling of Leopard 48
The Leopard 48 is a high-performance catamaran that is easy to handle and maneuver. It has a powerful sail plan and lightweight construction that allows it to sail smoothly and efficiently even in light winds.
The catamaran is also equipped with a powerful engine that provides excellent speed and maneuverability.
Safety and seaworthiness of Leopard 48
The Leopard 48 is a safe and seaworthy catamaran that is designed to handle even the toughest ocean conditions. It has a sturdy construction and a stable platform that provides excellent stability and safety.
The catamaran is also equipped with modern safety features such as a GPS navigation system, a radar, and an autopilot.
Nautitech 46 Fly
Estimated price range: $600,000 - $900,000
Living space inside Nautitech 46 Fly
The Nautitech 46 Fly is a spacious catamaran that offers plenty of room for living and entertaining. The interior is bright and airy, thanks to large windows and an open floor plan.
There are four cabins and four heads, making it a great option for families or groups of friends. The salon is comfortable and features a dining area and a well-equipped galley.
Galley and heads of Nautitech 46 Fly
The galley on the Nautitech 46 Fly is well-equipped with a refrigerator, freezer, stove, oven, and plenty of counter space. There is also a double sink and a dishwasher. The heads are spacious and comfortable, with separate shower stalls and electric toilets.
Performance and handling of the Nautitech 46 Fly
The Nautitech 46 Fly is a pleasure to sail, with good speed and handling. The boat is responsive and easy to maneuver, even in tight spaces. The twin engines provide plenty of power and make docking and maneuvering a breeze.
The Nautitech 46 Fly is a safe and seaworthy vessel
The boat is designed to handle rough seas and strong winds, making it a great option for offshore sailing. There are also plenty of safety features, including lifelines, safety harnesses, and a well-equipped first aid kit.
Catana 50
Estimated price range: $1,000,000 - $2,000,000
The living space of Catana 50
The living space is designed for comfort and entertainment. The spacious saloon offers panoramic views and ample seating for guests.
The interior is finished with high-quality materials and features modern amenities such as air conditioning, a fully equipped galley, and plenty of storage space. It also has four spacious cabins and four heads, making it ideal for families or groups of friends.
Galley and heads of Catana 50
The galley on the Catana 50 is well-equipped with a large refrigerator, freezer, oven, and stove. The countertops are made of durable and easy-to-clean materials, and there is plenty of storage space for food and cooking utensils. The heads are spacious and feature modern fixtures and finishes.
The Catana 50 is designed for performance and speed
The catamaran's lightweight construction and high-tech materials make it fast and agile, while its twin daggerboards and rudders provide excellent maneuverability and control. The boat is easy to handle, even in challenging conditions, and offers a smooth and comfortable ride.
The Catana 50 is a safe and seaworthy vessel
The catamaran's hull design and construction are engineered to withstand the rigors of offshore sailing, and the boat is equipped with all the necessary safety equipment, including life rafts, EPIRBs, and fire extinguishers.
Need a complete list of safety equipment for your boat? Here's an article that might be helpful for you.
The vessel also features a high freeboard, wide decks, and a sturdy rigging system, making it a stable and secure platform for sailing in all conditions.
Lagoon 52
Estimated price range: $1,000,000 - $2,000,000
Living space of Lagoon 52
The Lagoon 52 is known for its spacious interior and exterior living areas. The main salon is located on the bridge deck and features a large dining table, comfortable seating, and panoramic views.
The cockpit is also spacious and has plenty of seating for outdoor dining and lounging. The cabins are well-appointed and offer plenty of storage space and natural light.
Galley and heads of Lagoon 52
The galley on the Lagoon 52 is equipped with modern appliances and ample counter space, making it easy to prepare meals for large groups. There are also multiple heads on the boat, each with a shower and toilet, making it convenient for guests to freshen up after a day of exploring.
Performance and handling of Lagoon 52
The Lagoon 52 is designed for optimal performance and handling. It has a powerful sail plan and a lightweight construction that allows it to move swiftly through the water
The boat is also easy to handle, even with a small crew, thanks to its user-friendly design and advanced technology.
Safety and seaworthiness are top priorities on the Lagoon 52
The boat is built to withstand rough seas and harsh weather conditions, with sturdy construction and advanced safety features such as a self-tacking jib and an automatic reefing system.
The boat also has a spacious cockpit and wide decks that make it easy to move around and handle the boat in all conditions:
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