2026 Multipower Buyer's Guide

40 to 50 feet

Forty to fifty feet (12 to 15 meters) represents the core market for cruising multipowers. This market sector is also the core charter market, making it particularly lucrative for the shipyards. As a sign of interest in these vessels, many newcomers and specialists who had previously just focused on monohull motor boats are now offering multihulls. All of them are trying to outdo one another in terms of innovation… and new models. Discover your favorite among the selection!

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Published 31/10/2025

By Mark Bernie, Julie Echelle, Dick Sawyer, Emmanuel van Deth et Kim Wellington

Subscribers Only

Issue: SP25

Published: dec. / jan. 2026

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Whisper 40

Unlimited Cruising without Fuel?

NEW

Forever Green

The Whisper 50’s little sistership is announced for 2026. This will be a compact 40-foot powercat that promises respectable comfort thanks to its voluminous nacelle and three cabins. The deck makes full use of the available space - the hulls are even invisible from the stern. Beneath this generous accommodation are two slender hulls optimized to generate a minimum drag between 5 and 15 knots.
Thanks to the combination of a large surface area of solar panels, a 160-kWh battery bank and two 80 kW motors, the 40 should be able to provide unlimited range at speeds of up to 5/6 knots. To keep up with the target cruising speed of 10 knots, the generator will eventually have to be called upon. The manufacturer predicts that this hybrid use will account for only 10% of time under way.

Builder: Whisper Yachts
Architect: Berret/Racoupeau Yacht Design
Length: 40’ (12.17 m)
Beam: 21’ (6.38 m)
Draft: 4’ (1.2 m)
Fuel: 79 US gal (300 l)
Powertrain: 2 x 80 kW
Cruising speed: 10 knots
Max speed: 14 knots
CE Category: A
Price (2025): € 1,200,000 ex-tax
www.whisper-yachts.com

Elight 40

Open Nacelle for Commercial Use or Closed Nacelle for Private Owners

Forever Green

Nova Luxe, specialists in hybrid and electric powered catamarans and re-engineering, are offering a 40-foot powercat for professional use. Capable of carrying around 40 passengers, the Elight 40 features a large surface area of solar panels capable of producing 6 kWp. The 48V propulsion system is capable of 10 hours of operation – a speed of 5 knots can be achieved using solar energy alone. For safety, a generator can be installed. And while the nacelle is completely open in the dayboat version, it can be enclosed on the Owner version. In both cases, the hulls are equipped with a full galley and sleeping accommodation.

Builder: Nova Luxe Yachts
Length: 40’ (12.19 m)
Beam: 21’ (6.40 m)
Draft: 2’5” (0.74 m)
Displacement: 12,800 lbs (6.4 t)
Powertrain: 2 x 15 to 2 x 60 kW or internal combustion
Max speed: 10 knots
Price: US$ 950,000 ex-tax
www.novaluxeyachts.com

Leopard 40PC

Compact but Comfortable and Seakindly

Test in MW189

Following the launch of two large models - the 53 and 46PC - and the retirement of the very successful 43PC, it came as no surprise, two years ago now, to discover a new compact model from Robertson & Caine, the 40PC. In terms of design, his powercat blends perfectly into the new range with very long hull windows and an immense flybridge. It features an imposing panoramic coachroof with a beautiful L-shaped galley and, despite being shorter in length, manages to house great cabins all equipped with island beds and bathrooms. But the real plus compared to the 43PC? Aboard this model, there’s a proper interior helm station.

Builder: Robertson & Caine
Length: 40’ (12.19 m)
Waterline length: 39’7” (12.07 m)
Beam: 21’8” (6.61 m)
Draft: 3’9” (1.1 m)

This article was published in the issue SP25. To read the full article, purchase this issue or subscribe from $3/month.