Guide to Buying a Second-Hand Multihull
Jenevora Swann takes a look at the trials and tribulations of searching for a second-hand cruising multihull.
Those who have sold a boat will know the sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach as you say goodbye to her for the last time. It’s a bittersweet moment as you wave someone else off the dock. After all, this boat has looked after you well, been responsible for many memorable moments, and has played a significant part in your life.
My husband, Fergus, and I spent eight years having the most amazing adventures, as we sailed halfway around the world on our Lagoon 440 catamaran Two Drifters.
Having reached Australia in 2022, and with Covid still playing havoc with travel, we decided it was time to pause our circumnavigation, sell the boat and return to the UK. While we decided to take a break from boat owning, it wasn’t long before we were missing being out on two hulls, and the search for another catamaran began.
Easier said than done, as it’s been over a decade since our last multihull purchase. There are now so many places to search on the internet, knowing where to start looking is a minefield.
Buying a Second-Hand Multihull: First Steps
As a UK buyer, searching for a catamaran has the potential to be extremely time consuming and expensive as there are very few for sale in this country.
We quickly discovered the importance of research and having a clear idea of our criteria before jetting off on a plane to see the first boat that sounded appealing.
There are various ways to help break this down:
- Know which part of the world you want your sailing adventure to start, as this can help focus on where to search for boats. There’s no point buying a boat in Panama, if sailing around the Med is the start of the dream.
- Take exchange rates, local economics, VAT status and seasonal price fluctuations into consideration. Over the last year, we have seen the more appealing deals shifting from the USA to Europe. But, with the boating season looming in Europe, prices are getting firmer.
- To help narrow down our search, we visited the boat shows. These are ideal for researching the various brands, to check for suitable size, space, finish and to meet brokers. Close to home, there’s the Dusseldorf Boat Show in Germany in January. The International Multihull Show in La Grande-Motte, France in April; and the popular Southampton International Boat Show (southamptonboatshow.com) in September.
- Investigate the boat owner forums, social media pages and owner/brand websites, which often have boats for sale privately, that never make it to the open market.
- Internet – there are countless websites that list boats for sale. We have over a dozen different pages we regularly trawl through to see new additions specific to our criteria. Our top three are:
- Build a rapport with the brokers who are selling the type of boat you are after. Join their mailing list to hear about the new boats they are bringing on.
Our Criteria for a Second-Hand Multihull
As experienced liveaboard cruisers, our catamaran criteria is quite specific:
- An owner’s version with a minimum of three cabins, great ventilation throughout, and a well-thought through entertaining area. Length between 42-48ft, with plenty of storage space – that is not going to be unduly affected by all the kit required for a circumnavigation – but will be good to sail. Smaller than this, and we would lack storage; larger, and the boat would start to get difficult to double hand in bad weather. Ideally, we would like an owner-operated vessel which hasn’t been on charter, with a fully-battened main, bowsprit and new rigging.
- Price: GBP £350,000 – which is tight, but achievable.
Second-Hand Multihull Research
Our active research, into which boat we would like to buy, has been fun and enlightening.
At times, we have been lucky to be able to combine it with our work as, over the last year, we’ve been event managers for sailing rallies ARC+ and World ARC.
This has not only given us an extraordinary insight into different catamarans that are on the market, but we’ve also had the opportunity to get onboard many different boats and chat to the owners about their boat’s pros and cons.
A good way to check the performance of several different boats sailing together is to log on to the YB Tracker app (YB Races App). Here, you can look at historical ARC rallies and see how a particular boat has fared as it’s sailed across the Atlantic. This annual event departs from Gran Canaria each November.
Performance boats, such as Outremer, Catana and Balance, are often the fastest on a long passage. At the other end of the spectrum, Bali or Majestic can be very comfortable but aren’t the quickest.
Our preference is somewhere in the middle, with a comfortable cruising catamaran that can average 7kts over a long downwind passage.
So, taking all these aspects into consideration, we narrowed our search down to the following catamarans: Lagoon 42, Leopard 44, Fountaine Pajot Helia 44, Fountaine Pajot Selina 48, and a Nautitech 46 Fly.
Is the price right?
Over the last three years, we’ve kept a close eye on what catamarans have been selling for. In our experience, the Covid sugar rush has finished and it’s definitely swung back to a buyer’s market.
That said, it’s not stopping certain sellers who are still advertising and holding out for higher prices, leading to a big disparity in the market. But don’t discount them, as the brokers may know if a lower offer may be considered, especially for cash buyers.
Finding a boat online that ticks all our boxes is really exciting. Now’s the time to chat to the broker and get up-to-date time-stamped photos or, better still, a video viewing to establish the condition of the boat.
A boat that presents poorly may not have been looked after and could require a lot of money spending on it to make it seaworthy. On the other hand, a boat with clean engines, bilges and smart covers and cushions, is probably someone’s pride and joy and has been well looked after and serviced. Engine hours are also a good indication of the amount of use a boat has had.
Checklist
If the boat is of interest, we request a maintenance schedule from the broker of all the works done, service dates and upgrades made, going back as far as possible. While we’re looking for a boat that we can live on for many years to come, in the back of our minds, we also consider the ease of resale.
We err on the side of caution when we see ‘customised improvements’ or expensive ‘upgrades’ that an owner has made, which they want to pass on in the asking price. So, we check on when and how they were added, as well as any aftercare.
For example, a five-year-old watermaker that has not been used regularly and pickled properly when laid up, may have issues working. The flexible solar panels added haphazardly, and not properly ventilated, could be beyond salvage. Or a lithium battery bank that has not been professionally installed, might cause issues when applying for insurance.
We’re not saying that upgrades are a bad thing, but we just weigh up whether they add enough value and convenience, versus adding them brand-new.
There are also big-ticket jobs that come with age, such as re-rigging at 10 years for bluewater sailing insurance cover and upgrading marine electronics, both of which may need to be factored in to an offer price.
Final Steps to Buying a Second-Hand Multihull
If the boat has presented well on video viewing, and the broker/seller has answered all the questions, it’s time to agree a price and potentially sign the contract, which is subject to viewing, survey and sea trial.
As previously mentioned, there are very few second-hand multihulls available in the UK, so chances are – it will mean a flight abroad. This could be the start of the adventure and fun times ahead!
The visit should never be rushed. Make time to really look into every corner, nook and cranny. I remember, when we sold our catamaran in Australia, how aggravated I was with people opening all the cupboards and peering inside, including into my underwear drawer, but I had to swallow my frustrations – as nothing is private on a boat!
A search of the internet and owners’ forums for the make and model, may throw up any specific known issues to search for and how to remedy them, which will help in negotiations.
But on a catamaran, a close examination of the structural bulkheads for any delamination, a look at the hulls for any signs of severe stress cracking and an examination of anywhere that two dissimilar metals touch for corrosion are important.
A final thought, when commissioning a surveyor, it’s pertinent to choose one who has experience with catamarans.
As for us, while we’ve got very close, the search for our next cruising catamaran continues!
About the Author
Jenevora Swann and her husband Fergus Dunipace were liveaboards on their catamaran Two Drifters for eight years. They sailed 35,000 miles, crossing two oceans and visiting five continents, before pausing their circumnavigation in Australia in 2022. Visit the Two Drifter Travel Facebook page.
What the brokers say…
We chatted to four brokers to ask how the second-hand multihull market is performing in their country.
In London, UK, Charlie Lambeth from Ancasta International Boat Sales
In Croatia, Zvonimir Kalinic from The Multihull Company
In Turkey, Yeliz Semerci from Tur Marin Yatçılık Hizmetleri A.Ş.
In Florida, USA, Terry Grimbeek, Just Catamarans
How’s the multihull market in your country been since prices soared during Covid?
Charlie: “In the UK, there is no denying things have been slower since the Covid boom, with brokerage prices falling; but recently finding a level.
“However, the sailing catamaran market is far less affected by economic fluctuations than power boats or monohulls. This is largely due to catamarans being more of a lifestyle choice, rather than just for day or weekend use.
Zvonimir: “In Croatia, during the post-Covid boom we were selling catamarans at record-high prices and often sight unseen. It started to shift when more boats became available and buyers got selective; taking time to research and compare options. This slowed sales, but the demand is still there, especially for good, owner’s versions.
“It now feels like the market is more balanced. Well-maintained boats are selling, but overpriced or not-so-great listings are taking longer to move.
Yeliz: “In Turkey, we started to feel the market slow down in spring 2023, which was noticeable at the International Multihull Show at Grande Motte.
“While some boat owners still think they can hold out for high prices, we discuss today’s new boat prices, the market situation and examples of other sold boats. Those who price realistically sell their boats, but others stay advertised for months.”
Terry: “In the USA, the market definitely softened in 2023 and 2024. We saw buyers willing to wait for prices to come down, which led to an interesting dynamic with sellers largely unwilling to budge on high prices and buyers unwilling to purchase at asking price.
“In 2024, we saw a shift; sellers began to tire and prices fell in line with buyer expectations. But the market was still slow, as buyers were waiting to see how far prices would fall. It’s now stabilised.”
How do you see it over the next year?
Charlie: “We’re confident it has now levelled. We are seeing a lot more activity in the catamaran market and expect this to continue.”
Zvonimir: “I expect ‘normal’ pricing trends to return but buyers are more cautious and price sensitive, which is likely to lead to more negotiations, but good boats will always find buyers. Cash buyers will continue to have strong negotiating power.”
Yeliz: “Catamarans in Turkey have been used less, are in good condition and equipped very well. We have seen growth in buyers from the USA and EU countries.”
Terry: “We have reached a new baseline, and buyers seem confident enough in price stability to ‘pull the trigger’. It’s all about price! Buyers are wary of overpaying, and sellers – willing to price accordingly – are seeing their boats sell fast.”
What are your tips for someone seeking a second-hand multihull?
Charlie: “Identify how the boat will be used. Is it to cover long distances, remain off-grid, or simply used as a holiday home to cruise the Med?
“We typically find buyers want safety, comfort, good accommodation and a comprehensive set of onboard systems. It’s no surprise that Lagoon stand to dominate the market for cruising catamarans and continue to have the greatest market share.
“Maintaining a boat might be more challenging if you intend to travel far and wide, so buying a reputable brand can make life easier when it comes to the availability of service agents or replacing parts.”
Zvonimir: “Try to learn as much as possible by chartering a cat; chat to people at boat shows; join sailing communities and be a part of a crew on someone else’s boat. Also check the YouTube videos as they are a great tool to help on the path towards boat ownership. And when it comes to the actual purchase, make sure you get everything in writing and invest in a competent surveyor.”
Yeliz: “Very few customers come knowing what they want, most just look at the price. But if they start their search by deciding on the brand and model of boat and the equipment they need, they will get results faster.”
Terry: “The current market is fast moving and picking up momentum with boats priced right, buyers need to be constantly watching and ready to move fast when the right boat comes along. Having a broker to help identify and evaluate a boat quickly will be of use, especially if the current trajectory holds.”
What makes the best buyers?
Charlie: “A buyer who has a clear idea of what they want is important. I would urge someone starting their journey to view as many brands as possible, which can easily be done at a boat show.
Zvonimir: “Those who aren’t afraid to ask questions to find out what they really want.”
Yeliz: “Those who know what they want.”
Terry: “Cash buyers, who have a fixed idea of what they want are ideal. I’m starting to see buyers miss out by hesitating on the boats that are priced well and tick the boxes they are looking for.”
Are the majority of multihulls selling above, below or at the guide price?
Charlie: “Generally speaking, a buyer can expect to pay something close to the asking price when looking to purchase a used catamaran. There are deals to be had, though there will almost always be a reason why.”
Zvonimir: “Factors like location and condition have a huge impact on sale price. Better maintained boats always sell well.
Yeliz: “We try to publish our listings as close to the real price as possible.”
Terry: “Currently I see boats selling at or slightly under asking price. Buyers seem hesitant to make low offers and want to see the boats priced right. This underlines the importance of working with a broker who has a broader view of the market and where to position the boat for the best outcome for both buyer and seller.”
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