The world of performance cruising catamarans has a new benchmark with the arrival of the Outremer 48. In a comprehensive sea trial conducted by Yachting World, this new baby of the Outremer range was put to the test off the coast of Marseille. Designed to offer a significant step up from the legendary Outremer 45 while maintaining a more manageable size than the 52, the 48 is being hailed as the archetypal fast voyaging machine for the modern era.
Fast Sailing Performance: Built for Sailors Who Love the Helm
The Outremer 48 is built for sailors who actually enjoy the act of sailing. During testing in light Mediterranean breezes of just 8 to 9 knots, the yacht comfortably made over 5 knots of boat speed at 30 degrees apparent wind. One of the most iconic features retained from the 45 is the tiller steering option, which features an ergonomic bench seat. This provides a direct, hands-on experience that is rare for a 48-foot liveaboard catamaran, allowing the helm to feel every notch of wind increase.
When the breeze picked up to 12-13 knots, the boat easily averaged 9 knots of speed while reaching with a Code Zero sail. The sail plan is versatile, featuring a carbon mast from Axon and a self-supporting carbon-reinforced bowsprit that allows for various head sails, including an overlapping genoa and a staysail.
Deck Layout and Energy Independence: Short-Handed Control, Powerful Winch, and Solar Power
The deck design of the Outremer 48 emphasizes short-handed operation and energy independence. Most lines are led back to the port side helm area, which features a large powered winch for managing halyards and sheets. A standout feature is the JP3 swing pedestal wheel, which can be moved outboard for a clear view of the telltales or inboard for complete protection within the cockpit.
For long-term voyaging, the boat is designed to operate without a generator. It boasts a massive solar capacity, with 2,500 Watts of solar panels distributed across the coachroof and the large davits. This system charges a standard lithium battery bank, which, combined with powerful alternators on the Nanni diesel engines, provides enough energy for 24V and 220V requirements, including air conditioning.
Interior and Living Space: More Volume, Better Visibility, Flexible Accommodation
Inside, the Outremer 48 offers a significant volume increase over the 45, feeling more like a 50-plus foot vessel. The saloon features flat glazing for 360-degree visibility and increased headroom, allowing the crew to keep a watch from the comfort of the nav station or the bar area. The galley is modern and social, with deep domestic-style sinks and clever storage solutions integrated throughout the foam-cored, lightweight furniture.
The accommodation is available in three or four-cabin versions. A highlight of the port hull is the My Free Space area, a highly versatile zone that can function as a home office, a laundry room with a washing machine, or an extra guest cabin with a fold-down bed. This flexibility addresses the needs of modern digital nomads who live and work while crossing oceans.
Price and Market Position: A Premium Sweet Spot Between the 45 and 52
While the Outremer 45 remains in the range as an entry-level performance cat, the new 48 represents a more premium offering. The 45 starts at approximately €815,000, whereas the Outremer 48 starts at €1.19 million, with a fully equipped version costing around €1.35 million.
The 48 is expected to be a popular choice because it offers much of the comfort and payload capacity of the larger 52—which can cost up to €1.9 million when loaded—but at a significantly lower price point. For many, this 48-footer is the sweet spot in the range, providing the perfect balance of performance, comfort, and manageable size for global exploration.
Photo: Screenshot/Yachting World
