Multi-hulled boats around 40 feet in length offer plenty of space whilst remaining in a size category that can be managed by a small crew. However, the five catamarans and trimarans featured here differ significantly in terms of weight, sailing performance, interior layout and berthing width.
The starting prices quoted are as at 2026. To find out how the prices shown are defined, please read here.
Dragonfly 40: Fast made even faster
Weighing in at 5.8 tonnes, the Dragonfly 40 is by far the lightest boat in the selection. Its side hulls can be folded in using electric winches in less than a minute. This reduces the width from 8.40 to 4.00 metres, making it suitable for harbours.
In the Review of the Dragonfly 40 The Ultimate version, which is designed for higher speeds, repeatedly reached speeds of 17 to 20 knots under a Code Zero. On a reach, speeds of eight to nine knots were usually achievable. The direct steering requires attention, as imprecise course corrections quickly result in a loss of speed. The narrow centre hull offers less living space than a cruising catamaran of comparable length, but the space is well utilised. A separate aft cabin, plenty of natural light and very neat finish make the trimaran an attractive option even for longer cruises. Less practical is the traveller substitute, which consists of an additional block and tackle that must be repositioned before a jibe.
Excess 13: the cat for Gen Z
The Excess 13 won the title of European Yacht of the Year in the Family Cruiser category in 2026. Marc Lombard Yacht Design combines voluminous hulls with a high-performance rig and two aft helm stations.
In the Review of the Excess 13 The catamaran sailed close-hauled at 6.8 knots at an angle of around 45 degrees to the true wind. With the Code Zero, speeds of around twelve knots were possible when sailing broad reach, whilst 16.6 knots were briefly recorded whilst surfing. Even in waves up to two metres high, the boat remained controllable and comparatively stable. The owner’s version has three cabins and three wet rooms. The entire starboard hull forms an open-plan living area with a bedroom, office, walk-in wardrobe and large bathroom. Criticism was levelled at the lack of handholds in the saloon and certain fittings that appeared somewhat flimsy. From eight knots onwards, vibrations occurred on the test vessel, the cause of which could not be determined.
Neel 43: The trimaran with an open-plan living area
The Neel 43 combines the sportier sailing characteristics of a trimaran with a largely open-plan living area. The saloon, galley and two sleeping areas are all on one level. There is a further double cabin in the fore section of the centre hull.
In winds of 15 to 18 knots, the trimaran achieved a speed of Test of the Neel 43 An average of eight knots close-hauled. With a gennaker or Code Zero, the speed rose into double figures. The single rudder provided excellent feedback, whilst at the same time the yacht handled the swell more like a monohull than a heavy cruising catamaran. Owners will have to accept compromises when it comes to comfort. Inside, there is little fixed stowage space and only one wet room for the entire crew. The overlapping genoa makes tacking and other manoeuvres more challenging for single-handed sailors. On the other hand, the on-board electronics in the centre hull are clearly laid out and easily accessible.
Vaan R4: Passenger catamaran made from recycled aluminium
The hull of the Dutch Vaan R4 is made of seawater-resistant aluminium, 65 to 80 per cent of which is recycled. The shipyard also uses reused or renewable materials for cork, wood, carpets and upholstery fabrics.
In the Review of the Vaan R4 The catamaran accelerated noticeably in gusts of 15 to 18 knots. Upwind, speeds of around six knots were achievable at an angle of approximately 35 degrees to the apparent wind. The steering responded directly and neutrally. It was not possible to comment on the boat’s behaviour in waves, as there was no significant swell on the day of the test. The saloon and open cockpit are on the same level. Large windows provide an almost unobstructed all-round view. In the owner’s layout, both hulls feature 1.60-metre-wide aft berths, ample cupboard space and separate areas for the shower and toilet. Alternatively, additional berths or a second bathroom are possible. Electric Oceanvolt drives form part of the design. With optional servo-propellers, the catamaran can generate electricity whilst under sail. In the cockpit, the ends of the lines must be stowed carefully to ensure they do not end up in the water and thus near the rudders or propellers.
Nautitech 41 Type S: A sporty cruiser with a Smart Room
The Nautitech 41 Type S strikes a balance between a cruising catamaran and a performance boat. Marc Lombard’s design features fixed fin keels, a tall rig and two helm stations set well aft. Despite winds of just eight to ten knots, the catamaran achieved a speed of First part of the test of the Nautitech 41 Type S 6.7 knots close-hauled at 50 degrees to the true wind. With the Code Zero up, it reached more than eight knots on a beam reach. The catamaran responded precisely to helm inputs, tacked swiftly and accelerated rapidly afterwards.
The The standard layout features three cabins and two bathrooms. In place of the forward starboard cabin, a modular ‘Smart Room’ can be fitted out, for example as a workshop, washroom, cloakroom or additional storage space. There is also a continuous owner’s area in the port hull. Fabric bags and boxes replace fixed cupboards in many places, saving weight. However, with intensive use, they are likely to wear out more quickly than traditional fitted furniture. On the new test boat, thin laminate edges were already showing signs of flaking in places. The steering system operates using a single wire rope pull and therefore does not offer full redundancy.
Which multihull is best suited to which crew?
The Dragonfly 40 is aimed at sailors who prioritise speed and responsive handling over maximum living space. The folding system also solves the mooring problem faced by many multihulls. However, the trimaran is priced well above most production catamarans of this size. The Excess 13 and Nautitech 41 Type S occupy the sporty mid-range. Both combine good sailing performance with a fully-fledged cruising layout. The Excess offers more living space, whilst the Nautitech scores points with its lower weight, agile handling and modular Smart Room.
The Neel 43 is a unique compromise. It sails faster and with more vigour than many classic cruising catamarans, but requires compromises in terms of storage space and the number of wet rooms. The Vaan R4 prioritises material selection, electric propulsion and a bright, spacious interior. It appeals to owners seeking a bespoke cruising yacht who are prepared to pay the highest entry price in this selection.
Book recommendations
Catamaran sailing explains the specifics of sailing on two hulls. Tom and Brian Phipps cover the structure and maintenance of the boat, mooring and casting off, tacking, jibing, sail trim and the use of gennakers. The book is aimed at monohull sailors who wish to switch to a catamaran, and at experienced catamaran sailors who want to improve their manoeuvres and trimming techniques.
A Brief Guide to Blue-Water Sailing helps readers assess whether a multihull is suitable for their planned long-distance voyage. Sönke and Judith Roever cover boat selection, rigging, sails, power supply, communication, navigation, safety, provisions and costs. The book thus complements the model presentations by addressing the practical preparations for long voyages.
Maximum speed or maximum living space: which multihull design would you choose? Join the discussion.