2026 Sail Buyer's Guide

45 to 50 feet

For a long time now, this has been the category in which the biggest builders have been competing most fiercely. And this is only to be expected: 45 to 50 feet is the ideal size that most family crews have in mind when they dream of letting slip the lines and living aboard. But rising prices and skyrocketing interest rates have put a dampener on many plans these past few years. But the good news is that prices are now stabilizing, some even dropping, further sharpening what has once again become a very tough competitive environment. If you’ve got the budget, you can find yourself aboard a comfortable, safe boat that remains perfectly manageable without the need for a professional skipper. But each model we present here has its own personality: you’re sure to find the multihull that’s right for you!

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Published 28/11/2025

Subscribers Only

Issue: 205

Published: jan. / feb. 2026

Discover this issue

Max 45SC

Arriving in France Straight from Vietnam

Forever Green

NEW

Despite its relatively traditional appearance, the MaxCruise 45SC, directly derived from the 44SC that we tested in our Forever Green Special Edition #24, is hiding a few surprises! The hull of the Max 45SC has very fine-entry bows which guarantee a remarkable glide through the water in light airs, while its intelligently laid-out deck hardware facilitates short-handed maneuvering and contributes to making this model a very seaworthy multihull. This is a wonderful surprise that is shaking up the market standards.

Builder: Max Cruise Marine
Length: 45’3” (13.8 m)
Beam: 23’11” (7.3 m)
Draft: 21”/5’10” or 3’10” (0.54/1.77 or 1.16 m)
Displacement: 18,080 lbs (8.2 t)
Upwind sail area: 1,130 sq ft (105 m2)
Drivetrain: 2 x 30 HP or hybrid
Price: $ 642,000 ex-tax
www.maxcruisemarine.com

St Francis 460

Signed by Du Toit Yacht Design

Until now, St Francis Marine’s catamarans had been considered to be extremely solid but having a very traditional design. The new St Francis 460 is a real break from the brand’s previous codes. The design, by renowned architect Anton Du Toit, is undoubtedly the major factor. The surprise is a much higher and generously glazed nacelle, inverted bows, ultra-taut hull lines and maximum openness between the saloon/galley and the cockpit. The builder has even provided a home cinema area. On the other hand, the principle of the raised helm station and bimini has been retained. The St Francis 460 is available in a three or four-cabin version.

Builder: St Francis Marine
Length: 45’10” (13.98 m)
Beam: 26’3” (8 m)
Light displacement: 30,200 lbs (13.7 t)
Draft: 4’1” (1.25 m)
Sail area: 1,337 sq ft (124.2 m²)
Water: 2 x 105 US gal (2 x 400 l)
Fuel: 2 x 92 US gal (2 x 350 l)
Drivetrain: 2 x 40 HP - www.stfranciscatamarans.com

Lagoon 46 Iconic

With Volume to Burn!

Test MW163

The mission for the Lagoon 46 was to replace the 450. To begin with, the two models shared the fiercely competitive 45-foot cruising catamaran market sector.... After the Lagoon 39 and 52 (which appeared in 2013), then the 42, 40 and 50, the 46 in turn continued with the aft-set mast. The release two years ago of the Lagoon 51 with a mast forward of the coachroof - “old-school-style” - has changed the game... In the meantime, the Lagoon 46 has become the Iconic with specific upholstery and layouts; this catamaran continues to appeal thanks to its XXL volume. This model also offers impressive average speeds under sail for family crews. The combinations of mainsail/code 0 in light airs and mainsail/solent in a breeze are very effective.

Builder: Lagoon
Length: 45’11” (13.99 m)
Beam: 26’1” (7.96 m)
Light displacement: 35,935 lbs (16.3 t)
Draft: 4’6” (1.37 m)
Sail area: 1,366 sq ft (127 m²)
Fuel: 2 x 137 US gal (2 x 520 l)
Drivetrain: 2 x 57 HP
Price: € 686,800 ex-tax
www.cata-lagoon.com