cost of 45 foot catamaran

Average Cost of Buying & Owning a Catamaran (With 4 Examples)

Turns out that owning a catamaran is pretty affordable. Not cheap, but it can absolutely be done on a budget. In this article, I'll show you what to expect.

Sure, there are plenty of unimaginably expensive catamarans available, but a modest, used open catamaran can be as cheap as $6,000 and an additional $1,000 per year.

A new catamaran costs $144,000 on average at 30 foot, while a used one will cost between $29,000-$134,000 on average. New catamarans cost $751,000 at 50 foot, while a used one ranges from $203,000-$690,000. The average annual cost ranges from $2,805-$10,950.

Of course the price of a catamarans depends on many factors, like the size for example, and your choices determine whether owning one is a rich man's game, or actually a very good holiday investment.

It may come as a surprise that you can get a decent 34-foot catamaran for as little as $25,500 on Craigslist.

This will be a long article because there are so any aspects to cover. I'd like to spend some time exploring the costs of actually buying the boat . Then I want to go into recurring costs , like mooring, maintenance, and insurance.

Cost of buying a sailboat

If you're also eager to find out what regular sailboats cost on average, I have published a very similar article on that topic. Sailboats are a lot more affordable than catamarans, so if these numbers startle you, you could check out the cost of regular monohulls .

But first, to get a good sense of the ballpark amounts, I'll give some real-life price examples, like:

• what does it cost if you want to keep your cat in good shape and have a good sailing experience? - aka: most people
• what does it cost if you ONLY spend the absolute minimum amount to keep her floating?
• if I want to sail the world on a budget, what's the absolute minimum?
• if sailing is more of a status thing to you, how much money COULD you spend?

On this page:

Examples of popular catamarans and how much they cost, what does it cost to buy a catamaran, what does it cost to own a catamaran, catamarans are 60% more expensive than monohulls.

There are a lot of great boats out there for a good price and there are also some boats that are so expensive (or so cheap), it's not even fun to look at them.

But one thing's for sure: there are plenty of boats available, and even if you're on a very tight budget, you could absolutely still make it work. Sailing is in and of itself actually not that expensive: wind is free, water is free, boats can be cheap - if you're willing to look around a bit. It's all the little extras that add up quickly.

Listed below are four boats that make great beginner boats. Since more than 80% of all boats that are bought are second-hand, I'll use the prices of used boats I found on Craigslist and Yachtworld.

If you want to know exactly where the numbers come from, don't worry, I'll explain them after the four examples.

1. Sea Cat 226DC 22' for stressless weekends on the lake

Boat: Sea Cat 226DC 2007 22 foot The one-time costs are $53,615 Your total recurring costs are $9,510 per year, or $793 per month

Let's say you're like me and most other people and just want a nice cat without too much hassle. So you pay people for any important maintenance that's not easy to do yourself. You do the required maintenance and save up for future repairs. You do a little yourself, which saves you a couple of hundred of bucks a year. You also join a (cheap) sailing club to learn how to not trash the boat.You don't want to buy a bad boat, so you pay a fair purchase price.

One-Time Costs

Recurring costs.

2. Extreme Low Budget Kantola Mach II 35'

Boat: Kantola Mach II 1968 35 foot The one-time costs are $26,440 Your total recurring costs are $2,805 per year, or $234 per month

Let's say, for argument's sake, you want to buy the cheapest cat you can, saving as much money as possible on repairs and annual costs. How cheap could you theoretically go without ending up with a trasher?

I think something like this old but sturdy Kantola Mach II will be right for you. It will save you massively on the purchase price. However, beware, you'll have to antifoul the boat next fall, which will cost you (roughly $2,000). It's common with very cheap boats: upcoming maintenance. But if the current owner is fair and discloses it, you may get a good deal.

In this case, you won't join any clubs. You'll simply do the most important maintenance to keep the boat from falling apart, find a nice mooring place in a far-away (cheap) location, and sail along quietly and affordably.

3. Low Budget 35' Cruising Catamaran for traveling the world

Boat: Gemini 105 1996 Cruising Catamaran 35 foot The one-time costs are $85,850 Your total recurring costs are $10,950 per year, or $913 per month

Let's see what it would take to get a good bluewater cat with all the features you'll need to sail across the world on a budget. In this scenario, you buy a fairly priced, not too old cat that is ready to cruise. Something like this Gemini 105 1996 will do.

Not too long, but comfortable enough for extended onboard time, reducing length will greatly reduce cost as well. With boats, you pay per foot, both in maintenance, fuel, and docking costs.

You don't join a sailing club, reserve quite a bit of change for your maintenance fund (since you'll be bluewater sailing), but you don't need to winterize the boat, as you'll simply sail to the Bahamas and stay in the warm waters there. Or at least, that's what I'd do.

Your mooring costs will be somewhat higher, sailing to and from more popular destination, but your overall monthly cost won't exceed your monthly mortgage or rent payments, and you could permanently live onboard without problems.

You'd need an ICC (International Certificate of Competence) to be able to cross all international waters. You can learn how to get your certificate here .

4. Luxury 52' Cruising Catamaran

Boat: Shuttleworth AeroRig 2022 52 foot The one-time costs are $2,326,020 Your total recurring costs are $53,400 per year, or $4,450 per month

So what if you're in it for the fame? Well, don't worry, there are many status symbols to be had and there is plenty of cash to be burned.

In this case, we buy a new cat of 52 foot, which is not overly decadent, but it's a real piece of gear nonetheless. This Shuttleworth AeroRig comes equipped with all the comfort and luxury you'll need for extended cruising in style.

Of course, you'll pay for joining a decent club, since that's where you can show off your rig. We'll also invest something extra into equipment, regardless of the full electronic rig that comes with the boat.

The annual costs will be high due to mooring fees, the club, and pretty hefty winter storage fees that come with a boat this large.

Unlike monohull sailboats, the price difference between new and second-hand catamarans isn't as great. Regular used sailboats go at a 65-75% discount, while the discount for an average used catamaran is just 10% .

The price difference becomes more noticeable the larger you go, with second-hand catamarans of over 75 foot going at a 35% discount , but that's as high as it gets.

Size and condition affect price the most

There are a couple of important factors that determine how much money you end up spending.

• Size - length determines mooring costs, insurance, amount of paint on your hull: literally everything gets more expensive with every foot of length
• New vs. used - of course, it makes all the difference whether you buy new or used. Typically, the price of a 35-foot used catamaran vs. a comparable new one is 10% lower (ie. $237,714 vs. $261,286).

Price of new catamarans

The price of new catamarans ranges from roughly $1,765 - $54,491 per foot. An average length catamaran costs between $144,000 and $505,000 (30 - 45 foot). Some go for as low as $42,000 to as high as $924,000.

I've looked at the prices of thousands of catamarans (really) on one of the largest yacht marketplaces in the world (- not manually, don't worry: with the help of their search function). This is what I came up with:

Average price new catamaran per foot in USD:

Catamarans get a lot more expensive from 50 foot and up:

• under 30 ft: $2,835 per ft
• 30 - 50 ft: $9,767 per ft
• 50 - 75 ft: $18,055 per ft
• 75 - 120 ft: $41,737 per ft

Purchasing price new catamarans

Source: Yachtworld.com , Q2 2022

Price jumps at these boat lengths

As we can see from the data above, the average price per foot drastically increases for new boats at the following lengths: 25 foot, 35 foot, 40 foot, 60 foot, 75 foot, and 100 foot . Buy just under these lengths to get the most boat for you buck.

Price of used catamarans

The price of second-hand catamarans ranges from roughly $756 - $39,909 per foot. An average length catamaran costs between $134,000 to $467,000 (30-45 foot) on the second-hand market. Some go for as low as $29,000 to as high as $848,000.

We did the same for used catamarans, comparing thousands of listings. Here are the complete data:

Average price used catamaran per foot in USD:

On average, second-hand catamarans go at 35% less of the cost of a new boat:

• under 30 ft: $2,236 per ft
• 30 - 50 ft: $9,021 per ft
• 50 - 75 ft: $16,204 per ft
• 75 - 120 ft: $30,945 per ft

Purchasing price used catamarans

If this is too much for you, you could always rent a boat instead. I recommend chartering. You can get great catamarans at great prices. Check out my charter recommendation here .

As we can see from the data above, the average price per foot drastically increases for second-hand boats at the following lengths: 25 foot, 40 foot, 55 foot, 75 foot, and 100 foot . Buy just under these lengths to get the most boat for you buck.

To get an average of the price of a used sailboat, I went over to Craigslist. I took the first 10 relevant search results for sailboats under, and over 30 feet.

Of course, the averages here are very speculative, as prices vary from day to day. But it gives a broad range of what to expect.

Over 50 feet, listings become meagre. I believe people tend to not place their 80-ft catamaran on Craigslist, but sell it through a broker instead. So I've kept used yachts over 50 feet out of the picture for now.

This is what I found on Craigslist:

Source: Craigslist , Q2 2022

I've calculated the median price, not the average. The median is the price that's most common within the price range. This way the highest and lowest prices don't have as much impact.

The average Craigslist price-per-foot of a used catamaran:

So let's take a quick look at the costs for owning a sailboat.

One-time costs:

• Registration : costs of registration differ per state, but usually run anywhere from $3 - $10 per foot.
• Taxes : differs per state and country. Most governments want you to pay property tax and sales tax. Sales tax is usually about 5%. Property tax varies and is more complex, so I'll leave that up to you to figure out.
• Sailing club initiation fee : $1,500 - $4,000

Recurring costs:

• Mooring : $20-30 per foot per year (can be much higher for prime locations)
• Insurance : typically 1.5% of the total value of the boat. So a $100,000 30' cruiser will cost $1,500.
• Maintenance : a good rule of thumb is 10% of the boat value. Expect to spend anywhere between $1,000 - $5,000 per year for small to mid-sized boats.
• Fuel : depends on how much you use the boat and the engine, but on average something between $100 - $150.
• International License : if you want to sail on international waters, you have to get your ICC (International Certificate of Competence. Plan on spending anywhere between 400 to 500 dollars.
• Safety equipment : plan on spending anywhere between 150 to 600 bucks for lifejackets, first aid kit, and distress signals.
• Winterize boat : $4,000
• Sailing club: $800 - $1,500

Maintenance cost

Your average maintenance cost will be roughly $144 dollars per month for boats under 30', or just under $2,000 per year.

Maintainance involves a lot of hidden costs We took an in-depth look at everything . The result is a comprehensive article that lays it all out for new boat owners. Read all about maintenance costs

Gas engines run for about 1,500 hours, diesel engines run for 5,000. After that, you'll need to change them out.

A standard 15HP or 20HP outboard gas engine will cost you about $5,000 - $6,000 and needs replacing every 20 years or so. If you do the work yourself, it's more something like $1,000 - $1,500.

A smaller engine uses less fuel, reducing your total cost You can actually use a pretty small engine for most sailboats. To learn how small (and efficient) you can go, I've written a guide on how to calculate it yourself. Read all about outboard engine size

Replacing the sails and rigging

Most people that own a sailboat will have to replace the sails and rigging at least once in their lifetime. Replacing the mast is uncommon, but if you're unlucky and get demasted, it will need to be fixed. So I've added it to the "be aware this might happen" list - but won't add it to the monthly recurring costs.

If you need to replace the mast and boom, prepare to spend anywhere between $15,000 - $25,000.

I won't go into detail, but I have written a detailed article about the exact cost of new sails . It's a really helpful post if you want to know what to expect.

Good quality cruising sails will need to be replaced every 10 years or so.

The cost of new sails is on average:

• 26' Bermuda Sloop rig will cost you about $1,000 - $2,500.
• 34' Bermuda Sloop rig will cost you about $3,000 - $5,000.

The cost of the new rigging is on average:

• Standing rigging - every 10 years at $4,000
• Running rigging - every 5-10 years at $5,000

Bottom Paint

Another important cost will be antifouling, or bottom paint. The cost of antifouling is between $20 and $45 per foot . Since a catamaran has two hulls, it will cost roughly twice as much.

• Cost of antifouling a 40-foot yacht is $1,300
• Cost of antifouling a 40-foot catamaran is $2,600

Depending on the usage, you may want to antifoul yearly of bi-yearly, making this a pretty substantial expense: $1,300 to $2,600 of additional annual maintenance costs .

Replacing safety equipment

USCG safety regulations require you to replace safety gear regularly.

• Lifejackets have to be replaced every 10 years.
• Flares have to be replaced every 42 months. You could consider buying a LED electric distress light instead, which will last you a lifetime.
• If you carry a life-raft you'll need to replace that every 12 years as well.

Adhering to the minimum safety requirements shouldn't cost you more than $150-$250 every 5 years. However, if you want the good stuff, or need more fire extinguishers, plan on spending more like $600. If you want a life raft, that's another $1,500.

To avoid you have to go cheap on your safety gear, I've put it in the budget for $500.

If you want to know exactly what the USCG safety requirements are, including checklists , definitely check out my article here.

Winterizing your boat

Winterization is an often overlooked cost, but it can be one of the largest expenses each year. If you're like me, and not so lucky to live in Florida, you need to winterize your boat.

Failing to winterize it will increase your maintenance cost over time, as the engine wears out more quickly, and your plumbing and equipment will fall apart. Winter storms and ice can damage the hull and mast as well. It's the best way to protect your boat in wintertime, period.

It consists of two parts:

• Winterizing - costs $1,000 to $2,000 - This is the preparation for winter storage. You flush the cooling system with anti-freeze, and the boat gets wrapped in a shrink wrap cover.
• Winter storage - costs $100 per ft on average for catamarans (double the regular fee).

Other maintenance costs

• Batteries: deep cycle batteries need replacing every 4-6 years at $600
• Deck hardware: every 20-30 years (bullseyes, tiller, eye straps) at $3,000

Joining a Sailing Club

If you're new to sailing, you might want to consider joining a sailboat club. This might help you to get tips, make friends, and learn in a safe environment. Most clubs also organize races, which are a great way to quickly improve your sailing skills.

But it comes at a cost. Sailing clubs are very expensive.

• Initiation fees range anywhere between $1,000 - $4,000. But that's not all.
• Then there's an annual fee of $500 - $1,000 per year. And lot's of additional fees: for dining, lockers, etc.

If you're willing to skip Christmas, go for it.

I've already referred to my guide on the average sailboat cost, which covers the same costs of purchasing and ownership as this article, but for monohulls.

Comparing the two, we can safely conclude that catamarans are way more expensive than monohulls. On every point, you'll pay more per foot for cats, both in the purchase and the upkeep.

On average, catamarans are roughly 60% more expensive than comparable monohulls. But there are exceptions.

To get the exact difference in price between monohulls and catamarans, I've done a in-depth comparison of the data. This gives us a detailed overview of the price difference for different boat lengths, both for new and second-hand boats.

If you want to learn about the price differences, and explore if there's a sweet spot of owning a catamaran for you, I really recommend reading my cost comparison of monohulls vs. catamarans next .

Leave a comment

You may also like, how much sailboats cost on average (380+ prices compared).

Turns out that owning a sailboat is pretty affordable. OK, it isn't cheap, but it can absolutely be done on a budget. In this article, I'll show you exactly what to …

Average Sailboat Maintenance Costs (with 4 Examples)

Cost of Catamaran vs. Monohull: Which is more expensive?

How Much Does it Cost to Dock a Boat for a Year?

How Much Do New Sails Cost?

Own your first boat within a year on any budget.

A sailboat doesn't have to be expensive if you know what you're doing. If you want to learn how to make your sailing dream reality within a year, leave your email and I'll send you free updates . I don't like spam - I will only send helpful content.

Ready to Own Your First Boat?

Just tell us the best email address to send your tips to:

How Much Does A Catamaran Cost?

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

‍ Catamarans are known to cost more than monohulls. But what do new and used catamarans cost, and what can you sell one for?

New cruising catamarans cost between $200,000 and $1,000,000, with an average price of about $500,000. Used cruising catamarans cost between $200,000 and $600,000. Small recreational catamarans, usually under 20 feet in length, cost under $50,000.

In this article, we’ll examine the average cost of new and used cruising catamarans. We’ll also showcase the average prices of small recreational catamarans, such as the famous Hobie Cat. Additionally, we’ll cover the factors that influence new and used catamaran prices and how to get a fair price on your next purchase.

We conducted a careful analysis of the new and used catamaran market and reported our findings in this article.

Table of contents

‍ Factors that Influence Catamaran Prices

Catamaran prices are influenced by numerous factors, namely size, and type. Large catamarans are, predictably, more expensive than small catamarans. But unlike monohulls, catamaran sizes don’t vary extensively. Prices differ substantially between large and small catamarans, and so do their uses.

This is because there are two main types of catamarans on the market, and they’re vastly different sizes. The large type is the cruising catamaran, which is almost never less than 30 feet in length or more than 50 feet in length. The other type is the recreational or racing catamaran, which has no cabin and rarely exceeds 30 feet in length.

Small Racing Catamaran Cost

Small racing catamarans are a niche market, and their prices are pretty consistent for specific makes and models. These vessels don’t have a cabin, so people don’t usually spend hundreds of thousands for them. They’re fun boats for people who enjoy going fast on the water during weekends and at regattas.

Factors that influence small catamaran prices are usually its condition, size, and make. The most popular racing catamarans, like Hobie Cats, sell for anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 depending on the size and condition. You can reliably find an open racing catamaran for less than $50,000, and usually around $10,000 to $20,000

New Cruising Catamaran Prices

Here’s where things get pricey. New cruising catamarans are some of the most expensive sailboats you can buy, second only to trimarans and other advanced aluminum and carbon yachts. New cruising catamarans never sell for less than $100,000, and the average price is around $350,000. A new cruising catamaran, depending on the length, can sell for up to $1,000,000.

New monohull sailboats are much less costly. A premium monohull built by a well-known manufacturer sells for between $175,000 and $250,000, with some outliers breaching the $350,000 mark. You can reliably expect a catamaran to cost almost double what a monohull of equal length does. That said, the additional comfort and unmatched speed are well worth the cost.

New Cruising Catamaran Cost Factors

What makes one new catamaran sell for $150,000 while another sells for $350,000? Other than size, there are a few factors that lead to such a dramatic price disparity for two seemingly similar vessels. The brand has something to do with it, but the design is the key element in pricing.

A basic cruising catamaran has few frills and utilizes standard hardware and sailing equipment. A high-end cruising catamaran in the same size and weight category has dramatically different equipment, automation, and even sailing characteristics. A high-end catamaran requires thousands of additional hours to design and develop hull shape, systems, and accommodation and thus costs significantly more.

And speaking of accommodations—the overall level of fit and finish below decks can contribute substantially to the price. High-end catamarans with central HVAC, advanced energy-saving systems, automation, and all the associated equipment add a lot to the initial cost. Additionally, high-end custom interiors require expensive materials and hours of specialized labor.

Basic cruising catamarans can be constructed and sold for little more than the price of a high-end monohull. This is because the accommodations and equipment used aboard are standard, and therefore not too disproportionately priced. Most cruising catamarans fall into this category, as they’re already quite expensive, to begin with without air conditioning, automatic sail controls, and carbon fiber masts.

Used Cruising Catamaran Prices

Used catamarans cost less than brand new models, but they still cost more than many brand new monohulls. The average price of an average-sized 40-something—foot used catamaran is around $250,000. Age doesn’t vary much, as these kinds of catamarans have only been popular since the 1990s.

The lowest price you’ll probably find for a used catamaran is about $100,000. At this price, you can get a smaller old catamaran or a vessel that needs work, like a new mast, new rigging, or hull repairs. This compromise is well worth it to some, who can save upwards of $50,000 by making repairs.

The priciest used catamarans typically top out at $700,000 to $1,000,000. These vessels, which range in size from 45 feet to 55 feet, are the cream of the crop and usually only a couple of years old. For example, a 45-foot 2019 Lagoon 450F with its advanced wave-piercing hull design and luxurious interior sells for around $550,000 to $620,000 used and sells for $635,500 new. As you can see, late-model catamarans suffer from very little depreciation.

Used Cruising Catamaran Cost Factors

The prices of used cruising catamarans vary wildly, as there are many more factors at play. The most significant pricing factor is the age of the boat. Newer and late-model catamarans built by respectable manufacturers cost almost as much as they do now, which is always in the $100,000+ range. This is limiting to many sailors who don’t want to spend a mortgage on a sailboat.

Older used catamarans are much more reasonably priced, and the condition is the primary factor. This includes the condition of the interior, rigging, and hull. Famous catamarans will cost more regardless of their age or condition, as these vessels have a large following due to some mystical characteristics like handling, speed, or seaworthiness.

Reputation plays a big part in the used catamaran world due to its relatively small size. Catamaran people know each other—and they all hang out on the same online forums. These people have an actual and quantifiable influence on used catamaran pricing.

Why are Catamarans So Expensive?

Many sailors wonder why catamarans cost so much more than monohulls. After all, it usually costs more to buy a 15-year-old 40-foot catamaran than a brand new 40-foot monohull. There are a few reasons for this, and it comes down to a combination of construction cost, demand, and ability.

Catamarans offer numerous undeniable handling benefits over monohulls. For one, they’re stable and dramatically increase passenger and crew comfort in rolling seas. They’re safe and easy to handle and very difficult to capsize. Additionally, they have much more usable interior storage and living space and accommodations for many people.

Catamarans have the upper hand with speed, as they aren’t bound by the restrictions of hull speed. Catamarans can sometimes travel at twice the speed of monohulls, which reduces costs and increases your practical cruising range.

Additionally, the cost to design, develop, and build catamarans is much higher than monohulls. Catamarans require careful engineering and strength of materials calculations, as the two hulls must be joined in the middle and also support the mast.

Catamarans use up much more material than monohulls, as they require two separate hulls with living spaces and an enclosed center cockpit area. The materials themselves are often higher quality, along with the additional cost of advanced and automatic winches, navigation systems, and controls throughout the vessel.

Design and materials alone can double or triple production costs for a catamaran, not to mention the expensive man-hours and skilled labor involved in the building process. The benefits catamarans provide to their owners keep prices high on the used market, and their limited production can never keep up with demand.

How to Tell if a Catamaran is Fairly Priced

How do you know if you’re getting a good deal on a catamaran, and what should you sell yours for? Many people consult catamaran dealerships and boat appraisers, which are a good “official” resource for boat pricing. That said, the online catamaran community shouldn’t be overlooked.

The forums are an excellent source of real-world expertise on catamaran pricing. As we mentioned previously, the ‘catamaran guys’ usually congregate online and keep track of the used catamaran market. Their consensus can help you figure out what a fair market price is—and what catamaran buyers are willing to pay. After all, they’re your target market.

Before asking, it’s a good idea to check the market yourself and see what other boats are listed and sold for. This can give you a ballpark idea of what to expect. On many boat trading sites, you can filter for sold listings and see what boats like yours recently sold for.

Related Articles

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

by this author

Buying a Sailboat

Most Recent

What Does "Sailing By The Lee" Mean?

October 3, 2023

The Best Sailing Schools And Programs: Reviews & Ratings

September 26, 2023

Important Legal Info

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies.

Similar Posts

How To Buy A Cheap Sailboat

August 23, 2023

How To Choose The Right Sailing Instructor

August 16, 2023

Cost To Sail Around The World

May 16, 2023

Popular Posts

Best Liveaboard Catamaran Sailboats

December 28, 2023

Can a Novice Sail Around the World?

Elizabeth O'Malley

4 Best Electric Outboard Motors

How Long Did It Take The Vikings To Sail To England?

10 Best Sailboat Brands (And Why)

December 20, 2023

7 Best Places To Liveaboard A Sailboat

Get the best sailing content.

Top Rated Posts

Lifeofsailing.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. (866) 342-SAIL

© 2024 Life of Sailing Email: [email protected] Address: 11816 Inwood Rd #3024 Dallas, TX 75244 Disclaimer Privacy Policy

Search form

• USED CATAMARANS
• BUYING A LEOPARD
• BUYING GUIDE
• SELL YOUR BOAT

2020 Leopard 45

Dania beach, united states of america (the), $649,000 tax paid.

Yacht Overview

Broker's Remarks :  SANDRA FRANCESCA is a new 2020 Leopard 45.  She is well outfitted for performance sailing with a Code 0 and square top mainsail.  This great yacht is a recent arrival from Cape Town and due to a change in the owner's plans is up for sale and available immediately!

No need to wait for a new build!

Manufacturer Description : Designed for a modern, blue water lifestyle, the Leopard 45 features a raised helm station covered by a hardtop bimini, with direct access from the cockpit and side deck. All sailing lines lead to easily accessible winches, the primary winches being electric, and operated by footswitches.

She’s sleek and nimble, yet comfortable. She incorporates a heritage of Leopards spanning twenty five years of production expertise.

The Leopard 45 Sailing Catamaran delivers uncompromised, exceptional build quality throughout, new, sleek styling, a sensible and practical layout, sailing comfort across all sea states, and features innovative technologies and multiple entertainment areas.

• Faux leather milk upholstery
• Jabsco electric quiet flushing toilets
• Ventilation fans 2 x Saloon 3 x Cabins
• Safe with digital combo lock
• Provision for TV in Saloon (with bracket & outlet)
• Microwave included
• Upgraded AGM batteries
• Engine starter batteries linked to house batteries (operate from push button on helm)
• Inverter/Battery charger12v-110v 2.0kw inverter with 100A charge rate (includes remote operation panel with battery monitor)
• Northern Lights 9kw 60hz 110v supplied from Port fuel tank (can transfer from stb – port)
• Air Conditioning 2 x 16,000 BTU 110v
• Shaver outlets in heads
• Shore Power Cords 2 x 50 ft 30 amp
• Fusion Stereo Bluetooth with USB Remote at helm
• Speakers Saloon x2, Aft cockpit x 2, Fwd cockpit x 2
• Bow Sprit with roller furler
• Square top Mainsail with Karver Hook
• Aft & Fwd Cockpit cushions plus helm seat cushion
• Aft cockpit refrigerator
• Custom S/S Davit with tackle & electric winch
• Delta Main anchor with upgraded 230 ft chain
• Britany secondary anchor with 26 ft chain & 200 ft warp
• Windless up foot switch
• Extra 58g water tank
• Stern hot/cold Shower
• Deck wash fittings & pump dual fresh/salt water system
• Underwater Blue Lights x 2 stern mounted
• Solar Panels fitted on hard top 2 x 100w
• Life Raft 8 man with U bolts & tie downs

Electronics:

• Raymarine AIS 650 Transceiver
• Digital Radar 18” 4kw, 48km Radome Scanner
• Ray 60 VHF & handset
• Colour Auto Pilot Display p70
• Axiom 9 multi display
• I70 colour instrument at helm
• Retractable depth & speed transducer plus wind transducer

Crew Quarters:

• Port forepeak has air conditioning, mattress, fire extinguisher, USB ports, and outlets
• Starboard forepeak has electric head, basin, faucet, mirror shower and dedicated holding tank

Basic Details

• Make: Leopard
• Length: 45ft / 13.72m
• Location: Dania Beach, US
• Price: $649,000
• Fuel Type: diesel
• Hull Material: Fiberglass
• Hull Construction: GRP with Balsa Core
• Deck Material: GRP with molded non-skid
• Rudder Type: Spade
• Where Built: Cape Town, SA
• Layout (Cabins): 3
• Layout (Heads): 4
• LOA: 45 ft / 13.72 m
• LWL: 42 ft 1 in / 12.83 m
• Beam: 24 ft 2 in / 7.37 m
• Mast Height: 70'0"
• Sail Area: 817 sq. ft. Square Top Main
• Displacement: 36,156 lb / 16,400 kg

Engines and Controls

• Make: Yanmar
• Model: 4JH45
• Type: Inboard
• Drive Type: Stern
• Prop Type: 3 Blade
• Engine Hours Run / Date: Yanmar 4JH5E, Less than 100
• Gearbox: Yanmar SD60
• Controls: Morse
• Cooling System: Heat Exchanger
• Capacity: 348.26L / 92USgal
• Material: Aluminum
• Capacity: 999.35L / 264USgal
• Material: Plastic
• Capacity: 56.78L / 15USgal

Accommodations

• Single Berths: 1
• Double Berths: 3

Electronics and Navigation

• Depthsounder: Raymarine
• Log Speedometer: Raymarine
• Wind Speed and Direction: Raymarine
• Compass: Platismo
• Navigation Center: In Salon
• Plotter: Raymarine Axiom 9
• Autopilot: Raymarine
• VHF: Raymarine 60
• Radar: Raymarine 48nm 4kw
• Radio: Fusion
• Cockpit Speakers: Fusion
• Battened Mainsail: Square Top
• Furling Genoa: With sunbrella cover
• Gennaker/Cruising Spinnaker: Code 0 on sprit
• Mainsail Cover: Stack Pack
• Additional Sails: Code 0 on furling sprit
• Genoa Winches: Electric
• Main Halyard Winch: Electric
• Mainsheet Winch: Electric
• Spar Maker / Material: Z Spars/Aluminum
• Standing Rigging Material: Stainless Wire
• Mainsail Reefing: Slap
• Headsail Roller Furling: Yes
• Boom Vang: Rigid
• Electric Winch: x 2

Inside Equipment

• Electric Bilge Pump: Yes
• Manual Bilge Pump: Yes
• Air Conditioning: 2 x 16,000 BTU
• Fans: 2 x salon, 3 x cabins
• Hot Water: Yes
• Fresh Water Pump: Jabsco
• Cooker Type: Propane
• Microwave Oven: Yes
• Sink: Stainless
• Electric Head: Jabsco Quiet Flush
• Showers: 3 + 1 at transom
• Upholstery/Color Scheme: Faux Leather/Milk
• Interior Construction/Wood Type: Laminate finishes with solid wood trims
• Refrigerator: Yes
• Deep Freezer: Yes

Electrical Equipment

• Shore Power: 2 x 30A
• Electrical Circuit: 110V
• Battery Charger: 100A charge rate
• Inverter: 2kW
• Generator: Northern Lights 9kW
• House Batteries: AGM
• Engine Batteries: 2 x AGM (1 each engine)
• Generator Batteries: AGM

Deck Equipment

• Steering System: Wheel
• Steering Wheel: Stainless Steel
• Solar Panel: 2 x 100W
• Cockpit Cushions: Yes
• Swimming Ladder: Yes
• Cockpit Shower: Hot & Cold
• Davits: Stainless Steel with Electric Winch
• Fenders: Yes
• Cockpit Table: GRP
• Cockpit Refrigeration: Yes
• Anchor Windlass: Yes
• Primary Anchor: Delta
• Secondary Anchor: Brittany
• Other Ground Tackle: 50m chain
• Liferaft: 8 person

The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.

Privacy Policy

Contact Form eList Newsletter Signup Email: [email protected]

More Boats for Sale

New Private Yachts New Charter Yachts Used Charter Yachts

LIKE / FOLLOW

Send us a note.

• BOAT OF THE YEAR
• Newsletters
• Sailboat Reviews
• Boating Safety
• Sailing Totem
• Charter Resources
• Destinations
• Galley Recipes
• Living Aboard
• Sails and Rigging
• Maintenance

• By Cruising World Staff
• Updated: August 2, 2017

Off on a charter vacation, friends want to party together, couples may seek out nooks of their own and families will cherish a place for the kids to romp while the folks enjoy their chill time. Some like to sunbathe, others prefer shade. The skipper could be an old salt or a recent grad of a learn-to-sail program who needs a hand pulling the strings. Some come for the sailing, others for the revelry. And no one, I repeat, no one wants to get stuck in the smallest cabin, with a shared head.

What’s a designer to do?

In the case of the new Leopard 45 catamaran, which made its North American debut last fall at the U.S. Sailboat Show in Annapolis, Maryland, naval architect Alex Simonis carefully considered the design brief put together by the single largest buyer of sailboats on the planet — the parent company of Sunsail, The Moorings and Leopard Catamarans brands — and then he stretched the design envelope to create what CW’s Boat of the Year judges named Best Charter Boat for 2017.

South Africa’s Robertson and Caine is the sole supplier of catamarans for Travelopia Marine, formerly TUI Marine. Charter versions of their boats (four heads, four cabins) are sold into The Moorings and Sunsail fleets worldwide. The remaining 45 percent of the company’s annual output goes to Leopard owners, who overwhelmingly opt for a three-cabin, three-head layout, with the owners suite occupying an entire hull.

The first things I noticed when I stepped aboard the 45 were the views. From the stern, you look through the entire boat, thanks to a wall of clear polycarbonate at the forward end of the saloon that includes a watertight doorway leading to a second cockpit on the foredeck. Overhead, you see plenty of sky through a large port in the coachroof; to either side, well, you guessed it, you’re surrounded by windows. In the cabins below, long ports in the hull and opening hatches overhead let the light — and sights — pour in too.

“They’ve really opened up the structure,” noted BOTY judge Tim Murphy when helping to choose a contest winner.

To do so, Simonis replaced fore and aft structural bulkheads on the bridgedeck with a latticework of fiberglass and stainless steel. This allowed him not only to replace solid panels with windows but also move the mast aft, creating a better-balanced sail plan. The payoff is improved performance and easier sailhandling.

Speaking of sailing, the Leopard scooted right along in 10 knots of breeze. We saw 6.1 knots closehauled and 7.7 knots when we bore off to a reach. The helmsman steers from a raised platform to starboard in the cockpit. There’s a bench there where a couple can sit comfortably, and thanks to a series of blocks and clutches, all sail control lines are led to a pair of electric winches on the cabin top, just forward of the wheel. Working sails consist of a square-top main and a slightly overlapping genoa. The Leopard version of the 45 that we sailed also carried a screecher set on a continuous-line furler tacked down on a sprit.

All of Robertson and Caine’s boats — current production also includes the Leopard 40, 48 and 58, along with related charter brands — have balsa-­cored hulls and decks, with solid fiberglass anywhere hardware is mounted. The builder has begun to infuse smaller parts, so look for the use of that technology to expand. Hulls have fine entry points and are relatively narrow below the waterline for performance, then flare to provide room to roam in the cabins.

A fitted-out Leopard 45 sells for about $580,000, depending on options and toys. Ready to go, with charter kit, in The Moorings’ yacht-ownership program, the price is similar.

Summing up his dockside visit and our sea trials, Murphy noted, “The experience really is a beautiful thing, to be able to be in that aft space on a boat and see so much of the world. I think they’ve done a really nice job in 45 feet of providing different spaces.”

I agree wholeheartedly.

Mark Pillsbury is Cruising World’s Editor.

• More: 2011+ , 40' - 49' , catamaran , Coastal Cruising , leopard catamarans , multihull , sailboat review , Sailboats
• More Sailboats

A Gem in New England

Thinking of a Shift to Power?

TradeWinds Debuts 59-foot TWe6 Smart Electric Yacht

Sailboat Preview: Dufour 44

How To Prioritize Your Sailboat’s Spring Checklist

Good Bread for Good Health

Center of Effort

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Email Newsletters
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

• 0 No item in your cart
• SUBSCRIPTION
• Classified Ads
• Technical Specifications
• Destinations
• Address book

• All the magazines

15 of our favorite 35 to 45-foot catamarans

Rather well-canvassed and above all quite light, this catamaran is reputed to sail well.

Curvy and convivial, the saloon is adjacent to a functional galley.

Fast for its size, the 381 is also pleasant to sail. Top speeds of 20 knots are on the cards!

The nacelle’s low volume and the narrow hulls lend themselves more to a small crew.

The 380 takes up the broad outline of the 410, which came out three years earlier…but offers engines accessible via rear lockers rather than under the berths.

The nacelle and its large vertical portlights offer an uninterrupted view and excellent protection from the sun.

Certain owners report top speeds of over 18 knots. Seawinds are fast!

The nacelle is occupied by the saloon alone; as a result, there is no lack of space at aperitif time!

An unusual silhouette, especially head on… But the marked longitudinal steps in the hulls keep the waterline beam moderate, and offer good performance.

Small floor area in the nacelle, but welcome vertical portlights to limit the greenhouse effect.

Well-canvassed, the Lavezzi is capable of averaging 9 knots during ocean passages – if the trade winds are present.

The triangular saloon table and the offset companionways guarantee easy movement around the bridgedeck.

The steering positions offer a good view of the sail plan.

At the cost of less than fluid movement around the boat, nothing is lacking aboard, and you can spend long months on the water.

Maximum freeboard for comfort in the hulls, but a tall rig so you don’t get stuck in light airs.

The owner’s version which offers the happy skipper a full hull, with a large bathroom and desk, is our preference. The companionway can even be closed, to cut oneself off from the bridgedeck.

The first examples, equipped with a non-overlapping jib, deserve a ‘real’ genoa, to pep them up!

Rounded saloon and athwartships aft berths: the designer Olivier Flahault presents some appealing and functional innovations.

51 four-cabin models as opposed to 13 private owner’s versions: it’s not easy to find a three-cabin boat!

All the Leopard 43’s berths are arranged athwartships.

Two innovations on deck: the builder has provided a forward cockpit and a raised steering position.

The vertical portlights provide an exceptional view of the sea, light and no greenhouse effect. At the price of debatable aerodynamics.

Thanks to its double 'steps', the Leopard 44 succeeds in keeping the hulls quite slim at the waterline.

With 2.12 m of headroom, the saloon is comfortable. And there is no lack of light, thanks to its generous portlights.

The sail plan, with its mast positioned well forward, clearly favors the mainsail.

The U-shaped galley inherited from monohulls is appealing in use: you are perfectly secure when the sea is rough.

Marc Lombard took great care to design rather slim hulls. A good point for performance.

Inside, we find once again the Privilege finishing quality and the very special atmosphere aboard these catamarans built for demanding owners.

This 45 is certainly a particularly fast catamaran, but it is also very safe in heavy weather.

The compact nacelle reduces the liveable volume. Ideal for lightening the boat and offering more trampoline area.

Article published on 21/06/2018

published in n°12 aug. / sept.

Second-hand is of course cheaper…and is often the opportunity to sail aboard a multihull which is ready to set off (again). From 35 to 45 feet, the budgets remain moderate, with some good opportunities. We have chosen for you 15 of the most well-known 35 to 45-foot boats, which will therefore be easy to re-sell when you return – if you choose to return one day…

Create a notification for "Buy a boat"

We will keep you posted on new articles on this subject.

Athena 38 Best seller in the under 40-foot category

In 1994, the Athena 38 came in between the Tobago 35 and the Venezia 42, two boats whose design it echoed – rounded lines, pug-nosed bows and a coachroof extension. Although it remains relatively lightweight, it is slower than the builder’s previous models. Its hulls are in fact appreciably beamier, and the freeboard is higher. It is thus perfectly suited to a long cruise in the West Indies or the Mediterranean, as a couple or a family. On the other hand, during long passages, it is a little lacking in length for a smooth passage through the sea. Nevertheless, its load-carrying capacity is appreciable for a catamaran of less than 40'. Pleasant under sail, easy to handle, this model quickly became a great commercial success – for both charter companies and private individuals – to such a point that it remained in its builder’s catalogue for almost 10 years. In 1998, the Athena was improved: we enjoyed a better view forward, thanks to a new steering position, directly inspired by the one on the Bahia 46. A solid platform was also provided, aft of the mainsheet track. This model’s strong points: great comfort, despite its modest size, easy movement both on deck and inside, and a particularly successful rounded saloon. The finishing on this model is clearly improved, compared to previous generations; just a few glued headlinings can be noticed here and there. 

The plusses: very liveable catamaran for its size, good performance, very pleasant bridgedeck  

The minuses: Not comfortable to windward in big seas, tiny hull portlights, small chart table 

Most of the boats are still in good overall condition. To be checked: sails, engines, electric circuit, standing and running rigging. For those who wish to set off, check the following points: forestay and gooseneck fixing points, and steering cables.

Comfort/Performance index:  7/10

Value for money: +++

Availability on the market: ++++

Technical specification

Builder:                                        Fountaine Pajot

Architect:                                     Joubert/Nivelt

Hull length:                                  11.60 m

Waterline length:                         11.30 m

Beam:                                          6.30 m

Draft:                                           1.00 m

Weight:                                        6 t

Windward sail area:                     88 m²

Mainsail:                                      50 m²

Genoa:                                        38 m²

Engines:                                      2 x 18 hp inboards

Material:                                      polyester sandwich

Production:                                  222 examples from 1994 to 2003

Second-hand price:                     100,000 to 130,000 euros exc. tax

Catana 381 It has everything a big one has!

In the Catana family, this model is particularly appealing. Firstly because it is the smallest - and ...

Subscribe to Multihulls World and get exclusive benefits.

Did you like this article ?

Share this article

Most-read articles in the same category.

Who's Who - Nigel Irens: A wonderful, self-taught naval architect

Learning To Sail Your Multihull - The shipyards are doing their bit!

International Multihull Show - The unmissable get-together for multihull fans

The photographer's eye - Rivergate Marina, Brisbane, Australia: Customs Clearance!

2023 Sail Buyer's Guide - Multihulls from 30 to 40 feet

2023 Sail Buyer's Guide - Multihulls from 20 to 30 feet

What readers think.

Post a comment

No comments to show.

Follow us on

Vous avez ajouté " " à vos favoris., vous avez supprimé " " de vos favoris., in order to add this article to your favorites, please sign in..

40ft Catamaran Models Comparisons

We compare specifications, dimensions, sail area, and pricing on the most popular 40ft catamarans in 2020.

Since 2016, Fountaine Pajot, Lagoon, Leopard, Bali, and Nautitech all rolled out new 40 ft catamaran models in a similar price range that are innovative, spacious, well-built, and comfortable. The latest model to be added to this 40ft array in 2020 is the Bali Catspace.

Bali has done away with the Bali 4.1 model and has designed the Bali Catspace with much improved and innovative features while Lagoon updated their popular L400 and redesigned it with the mast further back to accommodate a self-tacking jib, open scoops, and updated interior. The FP Lucia 40, released in 2016, has pretty much stayed the same, as has the Leopard 40. They are both very popular and successful cats. While the Nautitech Open 40 is a nice sporty sailing cat, it has not really taken hold in the US market with the aft helm stations.

These 40ft catamaran models are affordable and easily be handled by a coupled. It also has all the amenities suitable for a cruising boat such as an ice maker, washing machine, bigger fridge/freezer capacity, and big living spaces, which is very attractive for live-aboard cruising couples. 

The 40ft catamaran holds its value because it is in high demand on the used boat market. The 40ft catamaran size range just makes sense.

Read our previous 40ft comparison article for older models:  How Do The Most Popular 40-ft Production Catamarans Compare?

New 2020 40Ft Catamaran Comparison

The five main production catamaran contenders in 2020 for liveaboard couples are:

• BALI Catspace
• FP Lucia 40
• Nautitech 40 Open

40ft Catamaran Models Specifications

40ft Catamaran Deck & Flybridge Layout Comparison

40ft Catamaran Deck & Flybridge Layout Comparisons

40ft Catamaran Models Sail Plan Comparisons

40ft Catamaran Cabin Layouts Comparisons

3-cabin layout.

4-Cabin Layout

READER'S QUESTION ANSWERED: Andy asked: "Which Cat is the best value and what do you budget for upgrades that deliver an above average sailing and comfort experience?" 

The pricing for the different brands are generally in the same range since this a competitive space and the manufacturers have to make sure they are not priced out of the market. There are essentially no “bad catamarans”. Most are all built to recognized and enforced codes such as the European CE standard, so it comes down to personal preference. Some boats have Balsa cores and others have closed cell foam cores. Some have large nets, others have small nets and some have no nets.

All the forward deck designs are acceptable and safe, as we have now conclusively seen over the last five years. The current trend is smaller nets and larger foredeck areas for the most part on cruising cats. Performance cats all have nets and longer bows and are a different category to the production cruisers. Lagoon has the biggest living space, Bali has the best live-ability overall and FP and Leopard are very popular for couples with the semi-raised helm position but that too is a personal preference.

In terms of the extras or additional options, I normally recommend the following:

• The largest engine option available – this is important for your exit strategy especially in the US market and of course it is nice to have the extra power since the modern cats have quite a lot of windage.
• The best winch pack available
• All the cleats offered
• Mostly it is smart to take the code zero pack even if you do not order the sail immediately (Difficult and expensive to retro fit)
• Folding props – I really think that if you are going to do any extended cruising the last thing you want is to be dragging fixed props
• Air Conditioning if you want to have it
• Generator unless you are going to go Lithium with all the inverters and electronics to replace the generator.
• Solar – I normally take the factory option and then add aftermarket to increase the array
• If possible cable throttles and not electronic (If you are struck by lightning at least you can still control the engines if they still run)
• Electrically assisted davits at a minimum – your dinghy is your “car” so one needs to have an efficient handling system (we raise our dinghy every night for security)
• Watermaker is fantastic to have. It really makes life so much easier.
• Estelle will definitely opt for the washing machine – we never had one but since she’s had it onboard our Lagoon 450, she will not go without again.

Which Is Your Favorite 40ft Catamaran?

So many cruisers and liveaboard couples choose their dream boats from this new 40ft catamaran market. Which is your favorite catamaran and why? Leave your comment below!

Contact us for more information, price lists, specifications, and available charter management programs.

Estelle Cockcroft

Join our community.

Get the latest on catamaran news, sailing events, buying and selling tips, community happenings, webinars & seminars, and much more!

12 thoughts on “40ft Catamaran Models Comparisons”

Fabulous article and great comparisons, thank you. How do they sail? Is there any real difference?

HI Chrissy thank you! The performance of the boats are all very similar. They are all cruising cats, so not exactly rocket ships but totally adequate for a an average cruising couple. You could get a little more performance out of any of these boats depending on how aggressively you sail the boat and the type of sails you have. We race our boat and almost always end up in the top three boats.

Thank you for your article, I think we will go for the Catspace

Your welcome! I think you will be very happy with this choice. Only recommendation for any of these models, is upgrade the engines to 40hp.

In your opinion, which Cat is the the best value and what would you budget for upgrades that deliver an above average sailing and comfort experience? Obviously upgrades can be all over the map but you mentioned upgrading engine to 40hp – what else do you feel are almost ‘required’ upgrades? Thanks!

The pricing for the different brands are generally in the same range since this a competitive space and the manufacturers have to make sure they are not priced out of the market. There are essentially no bad catamarans, most are all built to recognized and enforced codes such as CE so it comes down to personal preference. Some boats have Balsa cores and other have closed cell foam cores, others have large nets, some have small nets and some have no nets, all designs are acceptable as we have now conclusively seen over the last five years.The trend is to smaller nets and larger foredeck areas for the most part. Performance boats all have nets and longer bows and are a different category to the production cruisers. Lagoon is good bang for your buck, Bali has the best liveability and space overall and FP and Leopard are very popular for couples because of the helm position.

In terms of the extras or additional options I normally recommend the following: The largest engine option available – this is important for your exit strategy especially in the US market and of course it is nice to have the extra power since the modern cats have quite a bot of windage. the best winch pack available All the cleats offered Mostly it is smart to take the code zero pack even if you do not order the sail immediately (Difficult and expensive to retro fit) Folding props – I really think that if you are going to do any extended cruising the last thing you want is to be dragging fixed props Air Conditioning if you want to have it Generator unless you are going to go Lithium with all the inverters and electronics to replace the generator. Solar – I normally take the factory option and then add aftermarket to increase the array If possible cable throttles and not electronic (If you are struck by lightning at least you can still control the engines if they still run) Electrically assisted davits at a minimum – your dinghy is your car so one needs to have an efficient handling system (we raise our dinghy every night for security) Watermaker is fantastic to have. It really makes life so much easier. Estelle will definitely opt for the washing machine – we never had one but since she’s ahd it onboard our Lagoon 450, she will not go without again.

This is a big subject and there are many opinions, I would be happy to discuss further -Stephen

We have a 2020 Leopard 40 Owners version. We love it. Just wish it carried a bit more fuel.

Hi Eugene, yes! The Leopards are very popular and we sell many of them. They are definitely a great bang for your buck. Thank you for your input!

The 40 Open has the longest WL, Largest Sail Area and has the lightest displacement… indicating it ‘should’ sail better than the others. Other than the helm position, what are the other differences (drawbacks?) you have observed or can comment on (if any)? It appears to be trying to straddle the ‘performance / cruiser’ designation… would you say it is successful?

Doug, yes you are correct however it is a displacement hull, just like the other cats in this category and while it may be a little lighter and have a bigger sailplan, it sails marginally faster, so that is not too much of a factor. In general they are nice boats but the living space is small and just like the new Excess range from Lagoon, the biggest drawback of these cats in our market is the helm position. The aft helm station have just never caught on, which is the reason that Catana and Outremer also moved their helm stations to the bulkhead rather than on the sterns.

Any chance on getting a 2024 update of the 40ft-ish Catamaran Models Comparison?

We will look into it for you

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Recent Posts

Annapolis Open House 2024

Join us at Pier 7 Marina located at 48 S River Rd South, Edgewater,

Paramount Business Jets Partners with Charter Agency!

The collaboration of Myst Yacht Charters and Paramount Business Jets offer you the most luxurious yachts

Texas Open House

Join us April 13 – 14 for our open house at our Texas office during the

First-Annual Virgin Islands Boating Exhibition (VIBE)

VIBE – It’s a Destination Boat Show! Join us May 10 – 12 at

For more than 30 years, we have been a part of the catamaran community and created Catamaran Guru™ to encourage and educate all the aspiring sailing out there. We understand the dream of traveling the world by catamaran and created a one-stop-shop to make that dream a reality for you.

• Stephen & Estelle
• Testimonials

Get Started

• Yacht Sales
• Used Yachts
• Charter Management
• Boat as Business Programs
• Seminars & Events

• Search Used Yachts For Sale
• Search Boats By Brand
• Search Boats By Type
• Search By Location
• Search By Price
• What's My Boat Worth?
• Search Boats Just Listed
• Small Yachts
• Custom Sport Fishing Boats
• Finance A Boat
• Amer Yachts
• Aquitalia Yachts
• Cabo Yachts
• French Yachts
• Gulfstream Yachts
• Hatteras Yachts
• Shelter Island Yachts
• Solaris Yachts
• Sunpower Yachts
• Sunreef Yachts
• Vela Boatworks
• Virtus Yachts
• Why List With United?
• Why Own A Boat Or Yacht?
• Custom Website For Your Yacht
• United Sold Boats
• Buy A Yacht With Crypto
• Find a Yacht Broker Near Me
• Search For Broker By Name
• Meet The United Support Team
• Our History
• Fort Lauderdale Boat Show
• Stuart Boat Show
• Miami Boat Show
• Palm Beach Boat Show
• Other Boat Shows
• Yachting News
• Yacht Closing Services
• River Forest Yachting Centers

Search All Yachts

NEW MARES 45 YACHT FISH POWER CATAMARAN

SPECIFICATIONS

• Length Overall 44' 7
• Max Draft 1' 8
• Displacement 31,900 Lbs.
• Water Capacity 100 Gallons
• Fuel Capacity 450 Gallons

The Mares 45 Yacht Fish Power Catamaran is the newest model in the Mares fleet and takes full advantage of the patented cat hull. With sleek lines for a power cat, she also features several sociable areas that are exceptionally spacious for a 45-foot boat thanks to the larger beam. The flybridge is massive for a boat in this class and is designed for fishing, hence the rear helm station with good cockpit visibility.

Upon entering the interior, the amount of room is stunning. The fit and finish resembles that of much larger luxury motor yahts. When the aft cockpit doors are opened, there is a nice flow throughout the boat that makes a perfect platform for entertaining multiple guests. The salon features seating with a high-low table, entertainment center with pop-up television, and a galley that includes Corian work-top and back-splash, stainless steel sink, two ring electric HOB, microwave, and plenty of storage.

The Mares 45 features two cabins below deck including a master stateroom that stretches the entire beam. It features a large double berth with foam mattress and storage under the bed. Additionally there is a storage cabinet with drawers, a cedar-lined wardrobe, and portholes for ventilation. The guest stateroom comes with side-by-side bunks and additional storage. Both staterooms have their own heads with direct access.

Worldwide Yacht Sales

• Used Cabo Yachts For Sale
• Europe Yachts For Sale
• Price For Used Boat
• Sea Ray Yachts For Sale
• Bayliss Boats For Sale
• Yachts For Sale In Louisiana
• Used Grand Banks Yachts For Sale
• Used Bertram Yachts For Sale
• Pursuit Boats For Sale Long Island

Luxury Boats & Yachts

• 45 Hatteras Sportfish
• Garlington Express
• Used Marlow Yachts
• Roberts Yachts
• F And S Yachts
• 100000 Dollar Boat
• 46 Ocean Yacht
• Broward Boats
• Luxury Used Boats

Popular Builders & Models

• Used Island Hopper Boats For Sale
• Used Pilothouse Boats For Sale
• Used High Performance Boats For Sale
• Downeast Yachts For Sale
• Liveaboard Boats For Sale
• Used Prowler Boats For Sale
• Luxury Sport Fishing Boats

Trending Brands & Types

• Sport Fishing Yachts
• Used Contender Bay Boat
• Motor Yacht
• Used Intrepid Boats
• Boat Brokers Florida
• Silverton Yachts
• Where Are Kadey Krogen Yachts Built

Interested In This Yacht?

Contact United Yacht Sales below!

Mares 65 Motor Yacht

New Mares 47 Outboard Express Power Catamaran

New Mares 45 Motor Yacht Power Catamaran

Our Catamarans

Explore our models in a different way thanks to the virtual marina

Efficiency through design

A feel for the sea: sailboats first and foremost

When volume transforms to real space

Innovation as a foundation

• Smart Electric
• Virtual marina

• Sailing catamarans range

Catamaran Elba 45

The open sea has never been so tempting

Length overall

Beam overall

Standard Power

Electric version

Elba 45 - Smart Elec 65

Smart elec pack

Battery Park

Hydrogeneration

Upgraded battery

Upgraded charger

Additionnal AC Inverter

1x6 kW (Total 12 kW)

The largest lounge deck in its category, capable of accommodating the entire crew, represents a new, additional living space where you can make even more unforgettable memories together.

Uncompromising focus on comfort

The Elba 45 catamaran changes the way you experience life on board, both at sea and at anchor.

Waterline length is often associated with a yacht’s performance . At 13.45m, the Elba 45 promises great average speeds, so you can sail even further. And width has a direct relationship with comfort. With a platform like this, our design team has imagined a multitude of dedicated spaces, each with its own purpose. Enjoy seamless freedom of movement between these spaces : wander between a chaise longue and a sun lounger for some solitutude or to share time with others. You choose where, when and with whom.

Catamaran Elba 45 in video

Elba 45 : a cruising catamaran that exceeds your expectations

Where onboard socialising comes into its own

With its own space purely for sailing and managing life on board, the saloon has a chaise lounge, ideal for keeping watch or simply relaxing . The galley extends to the front, accentuating the views and sense of volume.

Features Catamaran Elba 45

Version Maestro

1 owner’s suite + 1 bathroom / 2 double cabins + 2 bathrooms

Mainsail area

Displacement unloaded

Option Power

Fresh water tank

2 x 92 Gallons

Diesel tank

124 Gallons

Berret-Racoupeau Design

Never before has the skipper been able to share their experience so closely with their guests. A generous U-shaped benchseat on the rooftop allows crew to join them while underway or stretch out on the sundeck at the foot of the mast. It’s a great opportunity to mix up the seating and find your favourite spot!

Indoor & outdoor areas

Unique design and incomparable spaces.

From the Owner’s version, where an expansive master suite fills the port hull, to the Quartet version with its convenient four cabins and bathrooms, the Elba 45 catamaran cruiser caters for every need. The forepeaks can also accommodate a berth on one side and a bathroom for a skipper.

Virtual visit

As if you were there….

Welcome aboard this exceptional yacht for a 100% immersive visit. Explore her interior and exterior living spaces in minute detail!

• Construction & Design
• Smart Electric technology

Waiting times for a Fountaine Pajot catamaran may vary according to the stage of your project, the model you want or your sailing area. Some Fountaine Pajot dealers have new catamarans ready to sail! Contact your nearest dealer HERE to ask about the availability of the catamaran of your dreams!

Visit your nearest Fountaine Pajot boat dealer to buy a new catamaran from our range. You will benefit from personalised advice through the Fountaine Pajot dealer network. Discover our network HERE

The price of a Fountaine Pajot sailing catamaran varies according to the size of the model chosen and your sailing project. Our dealers are at your disposal to guide you in your choice of fittings, packages and options to best suit your boat purchase project . You can find out the starting price of the catamaran of your choice on this page HERE .

Innovative, high-tech composite materials constitute most of the structure of our sailing catamarans: hulls, flybridge, decks, bulkheads and more. Fountaine Pajot has perfected a resin injection and infusion technique, an advanced technology that gives our boats all their robustness. Thanks to this expertise, we can make our catamarans considerably lighter while maintaining consistent quality . Injection also makes it possible to meet the most stringent environmental requirements, in line with the commitments of the Fountaine Pajot Group.

Sailing catamarans from 40 to 50 feet are built at the Aigrefeuille headquarters, a few kilometres from La Rochelle. Catamaran yachts from 51 to 80 feet are built in La Rochelle, France, where they benefit from a slipway.

It is essential to define your sailing program: define the size of the crew on board, the level of sailing knowledge, the sailing project and the target sailing area. Every project is different. Whether you want to enjoy a large Owner’s suite, invite many friends and family on board, or telecommute during your voyage, the Fountaine Pajot cruising catamarans can be adapted to suit your needs. Benefit from reliable, seaworthy and spacious catamarans! Find out more about our Owners’ testimonials here

The ergonomics of Fountaine Pajot catamarans have been designed to facilitate manoeuvring at the helm, enabling a small crew (2 persons) to manoeuvre the boat easily, both in port and at sea. The unique design of the helm station allows good communication between the aft cockpit and the Fly relaxation areas. Of course, your level of navigation will determine your ability to sail with two or more persons!

Our electric catamarans now feature a large surface area of solar panels, up to 2000 WC, perfectly integrated into the design of the coachroof. Combined with equipment such as wind turbines or hydro-generators, they compensate for the energy consumption generated by on-board use during cruising. Discover the benefits of the Smart Electric solution with 4 real-life cruise scenarios

The Fountaine Pajot range of electric catamarans is expanding, and now includes 3 Smart Electric models. The Astréa 42, Elba 45 and Aura 51 are now available in this version.

With the help of over 70 engineers, Fountaine Pajot has developed an in-house solution, 100% adapted to the use of its catamarans equipped with hybrid electric motors . All on-board production and energy expenditure flows are managed from a single console designed by our teams to offer a simple, designer user experience. The system we have developed enables us to give priority to the use of renewable energies at all times. Find out more here

13-meter sailboat

Interested in this model?

Your local dealer will be happy to advise you and give you more details about this model!

Experiences

A life of dreams, adventures and emotions....

Immerse yourself in the Fountaine Pajot experience through stories of adventure, news, webcasts, podcasts, press reviews, photo and video reports... Discover a little more about the pleasures of cruising and sailing catamarans!

08 Mar 2024

Alégria 67 – The Flagship Catamaran Star at the International Multihull Show – La Grande-Motte

How does Smart Electric technology work? Answer on video…

Smart Electric: a complete overview of this technology, its origins, how it works and its everyday benefits... #Broadcast

16 Feb 2024

The Thíra 80 nominated in the “Multiyacht” of the Year category by Multihulls World magazine

2022 owners’ rendez-vous | bound for Croatia

Highlights in photo and video, of these 4 days of cruising in catamaran.

08 Feb 2024

Discover the tanna 47 at the upcoming boat shows

Photo Challenge 2023

25 Jan 2024

A brand-new experience… Welcome to the new Fountaine Pajot sites!

2023 magazine

08 Jan 2024

Let’s set sail together on course for an exceptional year…

Multihulls World Magazine – Astréa 42

20 Dec 2023

Fountaine pajot wishes you all the best for the 2024

Ep.3 | Set a course for Martinique and Guadeloupe with a fun race

Ceylan and Alfie

Subscribe to the newsletter

Follow the adventures of Fountaine Pajot Owners, discover the latest news and upcoming events, and take part in the development of the Boat of tomorrow!

Compare models

Catamaran Isla 40

Hosting capacity

Motorisation

Technical information

User-friendly areas

Sunbathing Oui

Kitchen Non

Sunbathing Non

Discover the prices

Double rooms

Your contact details

One last step before reaching the next page & discovering the prices proposed & main options for this version! You'll then be able, to schedule a live chat with your local dealer to discuss all the options and configurations available for this model!

Your home port

Any questions?

No pack information currently available online for this Flagship model. We will get back to you directly. Thank you

Would you like to configure this model’s options or set up another model?

Make an appointment with your nearest dealer and choose the boat of your dreams.

• Outremer 45
• Outremer 4X
• Outremer 4.zero
• Outremer 52
• Outremer 55
• Outremer 51
• Outremer 5X
• All the Outremer Fleet
• Personalized support
• Blue Water Sailing Seminars
• Our concept
• The Outremer team
• Our commitments
• Construction principles
• Our catamaran services
• After-sales customer service & Quality control
• Offshore Connected Catamaran Maintenance
• Concierge Services
• Our owners’ stories
• FAQ – Outremer catamarans

• Brokerage: used catamarans for sale
• Privacy Policy
• Legal Notice
• Grand Large Yatching

Virtual tour

Characteristics, technical specifications.

The ideal single-handed catamaran

Request information.

A legendary model

Easy to handle whether a beginner or expert

The Outremer 45 is a 48 ft catamaran. Easy to control from the helm station, everything is within reach and the clear view over the four corners of the boat guarantees perfect maneuvers, even single-handed.

With its narrow hulls and light weight, the feeling of gliding, well wedged in a comfortable seat with tiller in hand, is exhilarating.

But don’t worry if you leave the helm to the autopilot or if the wind gets stronger: the Outremer 45 is the most forgiving of catamarans. Peace of mind while cruising is non-negotiable on an Outremer, including on this single-handed catamaran.

Download the brochure

Ideal sailing ergonomics

All maneuvers are accessible from the helm station, located at the center of the boat. With a perfect view of the four corners of the catamaran and the sails, single-handed maneuvering is child’s play! After hoisting the mainsail on your own, using the electric winch in front of you, trimming and fine-tuning your sails with the mainsail and solent sheets, take the tiller, comfortably installed in the ergonomic seat, to enjoy unique steering pleasure. Returning to port, the engine controls and windlass are also within easy reach, guaranteeing seemless maneuvering.

Unmatched view of the horizon

The 360° view from the saloon and cockpit of this blue water catamaran provides exceptional visibility of the water and the surrounding environment, contributing greatly to onboard comfort. Aboard the Outremer 45, whether sitting or standing, inside or outside, the vision is perfect. A crucial factor for serene cruising! No need to climb on deck to scan the horizon, night watches will never have seemed as comfortable as at the chart table!

Easy access

The very low boom allows easy access to the mainsail, lowers the sail’s center of effort and optimizes performance and comfort at sea. Access to the coachroof is made simple with just one step near the mast, and even the youngest can take part in maneuvers under the watchful eye of the skipper. When it’s time to reef or stow the sail, no acrobatics are required, and you stay safe. All these well-thought elements make the Outremer 45 the ideal catamaran for either beginners or a single-person crew.

Testimonials

« Sailing La Vagabonde » Elayna, Riley and Lenny

This Australian couple, initially with little sailing experience, have been documenting their journey around the world under sail since 2014. If you don’t already know them, it’s time to discover these celebrities that we love to follow…

Do you have any questions?

What is the difference between the outremer 45 and the 4x, what are the latest innovations on the outremer 45, what is the payload of the 45', can you sail around the world in complete safety on a 45'.

Beyond building your boat, Outremer brings your dreams to life by being by your side at every stage of your project. To always better support you, we have created Outremer Services. This structure, integrated within Grand Large Services is able to meet all your needs, from the start of your project to the resale of your catamaran.

Seminars on the theme of blue-water cruising, training on land and at sea, charter, concierge services, refit, a network of approved partners around the world, OCM ™ e-maintenance and lastly brokerage. We offer complete and personalized support according to best fit your needs.

Impatient, not sure you can invest in a new catamaran or simply curious? See our latest second-hand boats on offer. Please note that the demand is high, don’t wait to contact us.

Charter an Outremer

SHORT TERM CHARTER WITH SKIPPER

From the legendary Outremer 45 to the acclaimed Outremer 55, not to forget the 51 and the 4X, you will find a wide range of Outremer catamarans to charter, depending on your model of interest.

• European Union
• South Africa
• Photos & Videos

Virtual Tour

• Cabins: 3 or 4
• Heads: 3 or 4
• Berths: 6 or 8
• Showers: 3 or 4 (plus transom)

Your journey, uncompromised Built by Robertson & Caine and designed by naval architects Simonis Voogd, the Leopard 42 utilizes superior finishes and materials, creating a one-of-a-kind vessel that balances comfort, performance and ease of handling. A thoughtful design process ensures every feature and function has been anticipated, with minimal customization needed. Those onboard can move about effortlessly knowing their needs are fully addressed in every aspect of the Leopard 42. The exterior’s striking design features continuous hull side windows, a continuous hardtop, and Leopard Catamaran’s signature upper-lounge area. Like the Leopard 50, the Leopard 42’s subtle elegance is accented by modern design elements and classic finishes without losing the rugged spirit and sportive quality for which Leopard is known. A handsome interior reveals generous natural light from optimized window placements including an additional window in the aft starboard corner facing the helm seat and a skylight in the saloon. Preparing meals no longer feels like an afterthought with a forward-facing, L-shaped galley that invites everyone to participate in the process. The Leopard 42 reimagines comfort through its optimal use of space and attention to detail. All bunks are now island berths that allow access from both sides. Available in three cabin/three heads and four cabin/four heads, all cabins include private ensuite heads. All heads also include their own designated shower area, a feature not currently found on catamarans in this size range. Equal parts luxury and performance, the Leopard 42’s capabilities far exceed its size. Together with new technology and building techniques, the Leopard 42 brings exhilaration and freedom to sailing in a way no other sailboat can. Always reaching new destinations, the Leopard 42 is ready for your next adventure.

SPECIAL OFFER

• LOA: 41 ft 7 in / 12.67 m
• LWL: 40 ft 10 in / 12.44 m
• Beam: 23 ft 1 in / 7.04 m
• Draft: 4 ft 7 in / 1.4 m
• Mast Height: 67 ft 10 in / 20.68 m
• Bridgedeck Clearance: 2 ft 6 in / 0.75 m
• Engine: 2 x Yanmar 45HP Diesel engine with saildrive
• Fuel: 158 gal / 600 L

EXTRA DETAILS

• Bunk Dimensions:  View Leopard Range Bunk Dimensions
• Headroom:  View Leopard Range Headroom Dimensions
• Water: 174 gal / 660 L
• Mainsail Area (Standard): 717 sqft / 66.6 sqm
• Mainsail Area (Square Top): 755 sqft / 70.1 sqm
• Genoa Area: 501 sqft / 46.5 sqm
• Spinnaker Area: 1686 sqft / 156.6 sqm
• Code 0 Area: 676 sqft / 62.8 sqm
• Code D Area: 1022 sqft / 94.9 sqm
• Total Upwind Area (Standard): 1217 sqft / 113.1 sqm
• Polars:  View Leopard 42 Performance Documents
• Displacement: 30183 lbs / 13691 kg
• Load Carrying Capacity: 11056 lbs / 5015 kg
• Holding Tank Capacity: 44 gal / 166 L

All Leopard Catamarans are NMMA and CE Certified.

DOWNLOAD BROCHURE

Related Boat Reviews

Leopard catamarans feature - passagemaker, cruising world magazine - leopard 42 review, multihull sailor magazine - leopard 42 review.

Make an appointment for a boat show, a sea trial, or simply receive a phone call from our expert agents.

Other Leopard 42 Buying Options

Check for current availability of used Leopard Catamarans and new Leopard Catamarans in charter programs on our sister sites

  *   Displacement and draft will vary based on equipment, layout and         loading all figures are approximate.

  ** May be upgraded

*** Optional - may be upgraded

Base price of the Corinthian 45

equipped as standard

Call for current prices

(Set-up for Outboard Engines)

(Set-up for Inboard Engines)

In Acrobat (pdf) format

Let us build one for you

1065 Island Avenue, Tarpon Springs, Florida 34689 USA tel:727-934-6055   -   fax: 727-937-0650

Tactical Menu

Strip-grazing milo as a low-cost winter forage.

Rusty Lee Field Specialist in Agronomy

Drew Kientzy Research Analyst, Agricultural Business and Policy Extension

Eric Bailey Assistant Professor and State Beef Extension Specialist

Minimizing the cost of winter feed is a key element of profitability on most pasture-based livestock operations. Baled dry hay is the industry standard for feeding cattle and small ruminants throughout the winter. Challenging weather often complicates the hay-making process. Some producers around the state have reduced their hay crop in exchange for stockpiled milo for their winter forage needs. Strip-grazing standing milo eliminates the costs associated with harvesting and transporting hay and forgoes milo harvesting costs; resulting in much lower daily feed costs compared to traditional baled hay.

System basics

The basics of milo stockpile grazing are like other management-intensive grazing systems. Ideally, milo is planted into fields with existing perimeter fencing and a good water supply. When the milo is mature and feed supplies are transitioning to stored forages, it is time to begin allocating milo for daily strip-grazing.

The recommended daily allocation depends on cattle stocking rate and milo yield. Based on 15 years of research perfecting the milo grazing system, University of Missouri Extension agronomist Rusty Lee recommends feeding 10-13 pounds of grain per cow per day. A grain-only allocation is used as it is difficult to quantify the fodder in the field, but grain yield increases along with fodder so the two are closely connected. Forage utilization rates can be up to 75 percent of total milo biomass if the allotments of milo restrict loafing and encourage the animals to eat all the fodder.

Production costs

The first part of implementing an annual forage grazing system is growing the crop. Corn planting equipment can be used for milo. However, milo can be successfully planted with a grain drill if you do not have access to a row crop planter.

MU Extension publishes a Grain Sorghum Planning Budget , updated annually. Table 1 summarizes the operating costs of producing milo yielding 105 bushels per acre.

Annual operating costs per acre are lower for tall fescue-clover mixed hay, compared to milo. The full planning budget for mixed hay yielding three tons per acre in Missouri can be found in MU Extension’s Fescue-Clover Hay Planning Budget . Table 2 shows annual operating costs for mixed hay.

Table 1. Operating costs of producing milo in Missouri, less harvesting, in dollars per acre.

Table 2. Operating costs of growing and harvesting established fescue-clover hay, in dollars per acre.

There are two types of fencing used in the milo grazing system: exterior and interior. Exterior fencing — high tensile wire, barb wire, woven wire or some combination of these three — may or may not be electrified. To maintain forage quality and keep utilization rate high, portable fencing must be used to separate the grazed area from the standing milo in the remainder of the field. Electric fence is an inexpensive and convenient way to keep cattle out of the milo not included in their daily allotment. Since milo is an annual crop, there is no need to install a back-fence to prevent the livestock from grazing previous allotments; only one stretch of temporary fencing is necessary.

Table 3 shows the costs per foot of constructing and maintaining both permanent perimeter and portable interior fences. The cost estimates below do not include labor to move the electric interior fence for each milo allotment. A general rule of one hour per one-quarter mile of fence assuming a single wire with step-in self-insulating posts. Driving down milo with an ATV or UTV creates the pathway for a single-strand fence utilizing step-in posts.

Table 3. Fence construction costs, per foot.

Daily allocations

There are four factors in estimating the daily allocation of milo for your herd: stocking rate, consumption rate, utilization rate and milo yield. Most mature cows will consume about three percent of their body mass daily. A 1,200-pound cow needs about 36 pounds of forage per day. Experienced milo grazers have found that 10-12 pounds of milo grain provides an appropriate intake, including the milo fodder. However, the grain-based allocation may change because varying growing conditions can change the ratio of grain to forage.

Milo yield is difficult to estimate prior to harvest. Components of milo yield include heads per acre, seeds per head and seed weight. Like corn, it is easy to calculate the number of heads in a stretch of row and extrapolate that area to find the yield per acre. However, milo heads are not uniform and can have over 4,000 seeds per head, making it nearly impossible to estimate yield. For a new grower of milo, it may be easiest and most accurate to consult your agronomist or an experienced milo producer to visually assess the yield. A visual assessment will likely not be accurate enough to determine the final daily allocation but can be a helpful starting point.

Ultimately, the allocation of milo comes down to cow-days per acre. These are the steps to determine cow days per acre in this scenario:

• 105 bushels/acre milo × 56 pounds/bushel = 5,880 pounds/acre
• 5,880 pounds/acre × 75% utilization = 4,410 usable pounds
• 4,410 usable pounds ÷ 11 pounds/cow/day = 400.9 cow days/acre.

Next, determine the daily allocation by:

• Dividing the number of cow-days/acre by the number of cows in the herd to effectively find herd-days/acre.
• Divide the area of an acre (43,560 sq. ft.) by the number of herd-days per acre to find the square footage needed for a daily allocation.
• Divide the daily allocation area by the width of your pasture where the temporary fence will run to find out how far you will move the wire every day.

Labor needs

Labor is required to manage daily allocations of milo. Giving an allocation larger than one day’s grazing results in over-feeding the first day and wasted grain from trampling and under-feeding on the additional days before moving to the next allocation. Cattle that respect an electric fence is a requirement as portable electric fencing keeps the labor manageable. Producers consistently report the daily time commitment being about 30 minutes.

Labor requirements are mostly independent of herd size. Producers report needing the same 30 minutes to feed 30 head or 300 head. However, wider paddocks (the distance spanned by the temporary fence moved daily) require more daily labor than narrower paddocks of the same area. The time required to feed hay increases as herd size increases. Moving feed bunks or supplement tubs are unnecessary in a milo grazing system. The ground near the prior day’s portable fence-line will be clear enough to feed due to driving down the milo before installing the fence and the natural inclination of the cattle to create a track near the boundary.

Nutritional value of feeding milo

The most common use of grazing standing milo is for beef cow diets. Given the mix of spring and fall calving herds across Missouri, distinguishing nutrient requirement differences between the groups is important. The spring-calving cow will be in the third trimester of gestation when grazing standing milo whereas a fall-calving cow will have calved and be near peak lactation, which coincides with a beef cow’s greatest nutrient requirements.

To avoid weight loss, beef cows in the last trimester of gestation require a diet that is greater than 55 percent total digestible nutrients (TDN), whereas an early lactation beef cow needs a diet of at least 60 percent TDN. Tall fescue hay harvested across Missouri rarely tests at 60 percent TDN and often near 50 percent TDN. When producers provide supplemental feed to beef in conjunction with hay, energy from the supplement is most needed by cows.

Analysis of milo heads regularly return TDN values above 70 percent and milo fodder (leaves and stems) routinely test approximately 55 percent TDN. Energy is not limiting when grazing standing milo, so long as cows are allocated 10-13 pounds of grain and 18-20 pounds of fodder. Table 4 contains a simple nutrient analysis of whole-plant milo forage. Note that weather, grain-to-fodder ratio, date of sampling and many other factors may affect the nutritional value of whole milo plants.

Table 4. Basic nutrient analysis for whole-plant milo forage.

Crude protein is often the first limiting nutrient when grazing standing milo. Use of a ration balancing program shows a 0.49 pounds of crude protein deficiency in a diet containing two parts milo stalks and one part milo grain. Producers grazing milo are encouraged to provide a minimum of 0.5 pounds of crude protein per cow per day to optimize feed digestion. For example, two pounds of dried distillers grains on an as-fed basis (88 percent dry matter; 30 percent crude protein) will provide 0.53 pounds of crude protein. Crude protein can be fed as little as twice a week, so long as the amount fed averages at least 0.5 pounds of crude protein per cow per day (6 pounds of dried distillers grains fed every third day). Self-fed protein supplements are also an option but producers should be aware of significant day-to-day variation in self-fed supplement consumption.

Adaptation from forage to grain-based diets is generally recommended when feeding beef cattle. Grazing standing milo may be an exception to this rule. The rate of rumen starch fermentation is slower for milo than corn. Milo grain has a hard outer shell that is resistant to digestion, and ruminants are not efficient at grinding whole milo due to their lacking of upper teeth. Do not give unrestricted access to a milo field due to the preference for grain over fodder, as well as the risk of rumen acidosis and other digestive disorders. However, the risk of acidosis is modest when allocating feed daily.

Winter weather can substantially increase nutrient requirements, with extreme cold and cool dampness increasing energy requirements. Do not hesitate to increase the daily allocation of grain by 20 to 30 percent during adverse weather. This provides extra energy to help offset the impacts of cold stress.

Feed value per acre

Acreage available for feed production is limited on many farms. The potential 401 cow-days per acre in a milo grazing system is higher than nearly all perennial forages, grazed or harvested. A Missouri hay crop may annually yield about 3 tons, or roughly 180 cow-days per acre. However, a fescue stockpile will often be no more than 60 cow-days per acre. This means that 6.5 acres of stockpiled fescue would be needed to provide the same winter grazing as an acre of milo. For fescue-clover hay, the land needed would cost $227.50, assuming a $35 per acre rental rate. If cropland for milo can be rented at $130, producers will experience $97.50 in land cost savings for each acre of milo grazed.

Milo grazing also offers a substantial advantage over feeding dry hay in the winter in terms of feed cost per cow per day. Assuming 105 bushel per acre milo yield with operating costs of $201.85, we find that the operating investment into the milo is $1.92 per bushel, or $0.03 per pound. If each cow is allotted 13 pounds of milo grain and the associated fodder daily, the cost of fed milo per cow/day is $0.45. This example reflects the cash-based costs of grazing milo. Alternative outcomes for the milo crop may value feed per cow per day differently.

Compared to grazing milo, feed costs are typically much higher in a hay-based winter feed program. If forage growers in Missouri can produce fescue-clover hay yielding 3 tons per acre with operating costs of $196.18, the variable cost of the hay is $65.39 per ton, or $0.03 per pound. A 1,200 pound cow consuming 3 percent of her body weight in dry matter daily would eat 36 pounds of hay daily at a cost of $1.18 per cow per day. In this scenario, the daily feed cost for a cow eating hay as its primary feed would be over 2.6 times that of one eating a milo-based diet.

Crop production implications

Grazing cattle in row crop fields can lead to excessive pocking from hoof traffic. Fields will likely be rough in spring if they were wet while grazing. For this reason, producers adopting this system will likely have to use conventional tillage practices on acres grazed. Additionally, significant investment must be made in perimeter fences and water access in each field where milo is grazed. These sunk costs incentivize continuously planting milo on the same fields. The early adopters of milo grazing systems have found that milo can be grown continuously for four to five years. Milo can also be planted into late June across Missouri with no yield loss, permitting a system using a cool season crop in the spring prior to seeding milo in early summer.

Field surface damage from hoof traffic can be managed by keeping cattle close to a separate area to be used as a sacrifice when there are excessively wet conditions. There, livestock can eat other stored forages to minimize the damage done to the milo field. The economic benefit of a sacrificial lot will typically not offset the higher feed costs of feeding stored forage. The benefit of pulling animals out of the field are mostly aesthetic. If animals damage wet fields, producers will bear those costs with added input costs or lost yield on the subsequent crop.

This guide is for informational purposes and the user assumes all risks associated with its use. If you have any questions about the information in this guide, please contact Rusty Lee at [email protected] for guidance.

Related programs

• Agricultural Business and Policy Extension
• Beef Extension
• Corn and Sorghum
• Drought Resources
• Forage-Livestock Group
• Pasture-Based Dairy