With the new 48, Outremer Catamarans presents a new, versatile model for discerning blue water sailors. The 14.63 metre long twin hull combines sporty sailing characteristics with a high level of living comfort and is suitable for both long-distance trips and shorter cruises.
The construction number one was recently presented as a world premiere at the catamaran trade fair in La Grande Motte. The YACHT editorial team was there. Thanks to its optimised hull shape and large sail area of 117 square metres (mainsail and genoa), the Outremer 48 should reach surprising speeds even in light winds. In general, the cats from the Outremer shipyard in La Grande Motte in the south of France are known for their outstanding sailing characteristics and high performance potential. The new model was developed in collaboration with the designers at VPLP. Patrick Le Quément (exterior) and Darnet Design (interior) are responsible for the design.
The high and powerful rig with a low boom makes it easier to operate the sails. In addition, the shipyard will equip the ship with a rotating and particularly powerful profiled carbon fibre wing mast on special request. The newly designed helm station on the port side offers the helmsman several positions for optimum visibility and control.
Optimum steering position in any weather
As with the larger Outremer 55 and 52 models, the steering column on the new 48 can also be folded inwards into the cockpit. This allows the helmsman to steer from the sheltered cockpit in rough conditions and bad weather while still maintaining a good view forwards through the large window fronts in the cabin superstructure. In addition, sporty tiller steering is also possible instead of wheel steering - or both if desired. For a relaxed position, benches for two people are bolted to the deck on both sides. This is a very comfortable place to sit when the weather is nice and warm. In addition, the seating on both sides allows comfortable guard shifts for two people.
The displacement of 10.5 tonnes and the variable draught of 1.25 to 2.10 metres ensure stable sailing characteristics, even in strong winds. With a maximum payload of four tonnes, the catamaran is also very suitable for long trips. The centreboards in the hulls are flexible and replace the fixed stub keels usually found on catamarans. The lightweight profiles limit drift downwind and can be caught up to windward for maximum performance.
Flexible interior design
There are no fewer than ten different layout variants to choose from in the interior. The forward port cabin can be flexibly configured as a single, double or triple cabin, as an office, workshop or children's room. The shipyard is flexible in terms of feasibility and can also realise special requests. Large windows in the saloon and cockpit offer an almost unrestricted all-round view. A generous forward-facing navigation system makes it easy to work with the nautical charts and can also be used as an inside steering position with the remote control for the autopilot.
Lightweight yet robust
The robust construction is designed for long journeys and safety. Maintenance-friendly technology and good accessibility to all systems simplify repairs while underway. The catamaran experts at Outremer attach great importance to a weight-saving design. The hulls, the entire deck and the cabin superstructure with bimini roof are all manufactured using a complex vacuum infusion process. The highly stressed areas around the hull connections and the beams are also generously reinforced with carbon fibre. The interior is also focussed on weight, and lightweight composite materials are used for the construction of the furniture wherever possible.
The shipyard has now also announced the basic price for the first time at the world premiere of the construction number one. The Outremer 48 is expected to cost 1,300,000 euros net in its high-quality and extensive basic configuration. Including 19 per cent VAT, the gross price is 1,547,000 euros, including the simple Dacron sail wardrobe.
Technical data Outremer 48
- Designer: VPLP Design
- Design: Patrick le Quément
- Interior design: Darnet Design
- Hull length: 14.63 m
- Total length: 15.10 m
- Width: 7.56 m
- Draught with centreboards: 1.25 - 2.10 m
- Weight: 10.t (empty)
- Mainsail: 82.0 m2
- Genoa: 35.0 m2
- Stagfock: 22.0 m2
- Code Zero: 150.0 m2
- Gennaker: 180.0 m2
- Motorisation: 2 x 38 hp built-in diesel / Saildrive
- Fuel capacity: 450 litres
- Fresh water capacity: 410 litres
Further links on the topic
Michael Good
Editor Test & Technology
