Over the past decade, the catamaran has become one of the most sought-after boats in Europe. More than just a passing trend, this shift reflects the evolution of sailing practices: more comfort on board, more space, and ease of maneuvering. Catamarans appeal to a wide range of profiles—from family cruisers to ocean adventurers, charter professionals to occasional sailors.
Thanks to their two hulls, catamarans offer:
- Greater living space compared to monohulls
- Exceptional stability, both at anchor and underway
- Shallow draft, allowing access to remote coves and beaches
- Efficient motoring, often with two engines
But not all catamarans serve the same purpose. Depending on your program, the ideal model will differ significantly.
The Three Main Types of Catamarans
Catamarans Under 9 Metres
These compact multihulls are ideal for day sailing, weekend getaways, or coastal cruising close to home. Easy to trailer and store, they are accessible and often affordable. Their limited size makes them more agile but also more sensitive to sea conditions.
Examples:
- Aventura 28
- Edel Cat 33
- Fountaine Pajot Maldives 32
Who are they for?
Couples, solo sailors, or families discovering multihull sailing.
Production Cruising Catamarans (9–15 Metres)
This is the heart of the European market. Designed for long weekends or extended cruises, these catamarans combine interior comfort with offshore capabilities. Built in series by major shipyards, they are reliable, well-equipped, and easy to resell.
Examples:
- Lagoon 42
- Bali 4.2
- Nautitech 40
- Leopard 45
Who are they for?
Sailors looking for comfort, autonomy, and performance, often with a charter in mind.
Offshore and Performance Multihulls
Intended for transatlantic or round-the-world sailing, or for speed enthusiasts, these multihulls focus on seaworthiness, lightness, and speed. Some are custom-built or semi-custom, others are racing machines.
Examples:
- Outremer 45
- Catana 47
- Neel 51 (trimaran)
- TS 5 by Marsaudon Composites
Who are they for?
Experienced sailors, offshore cruisers, racers, and adventurers.
The Main Ports to Find Catamarans for Sale
Europe offers many hotspots where catamarans can be viewed, tested, and purchased—either from dealers or private owners.
In France
France is a leader in multihull manufacturing, home to renowned brands such as Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot, Nautitech, Outremer, and Bali. The Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts offer many places to find catamarans.
Key ports and regions:
- La Rochelle (home to multiple shipyards)
- Les Sables-d’Olonne
- Canet-en-Roussillon
- Hyères and Toulon
- Port Camargue
In Spain
The Spanish coast, particularly around the Balearic Islands and Barcelona, has seen a growing catamaran market, thanks to charter companies and an expanding community of private owners.
Key areas:
- Palma de Mallorca
- Barcelona
- Valencia
- Alicante
In Italy
Italian marinas are a mix of family sailing and luxury multihulls. Liguria, Tuscany, and Sardinia are known markets for second-hand and new catamarans.
Notable ports:
- La Spezia
- Follonica
- Olbia
- Rome (Ostia)
In Northern Europe
While the season is shorter, the market is well-established. Buyers can find good opportunities, particularly in the Netherlands and Germany, where boats are often well-maintained.
Main areas:
- Kiel and Hamburg (Germany)
- IJmuiden and Medemblik (Netherlands)
- Southampton (UK)
- Göteborg (Sweden)
The Top European Classified Sites for Buying a Catamaran
Searching for a catamaran for sale begins online. Several specialized platforms list thousands of multihulls across Europe, new and used.
Recommended platforms:
- BoatingAds.eu – A growing platform dedicated to European buyers and sellers. Offers clear filters and multilingual support.
- Band of Boats – French site backed by Beneteau Group, with many catamarans listed.
- YachtWorld – International listings, with a strong focus on brokerage.
- The Multihull Company – Specializes in catamarans and trimarans worldwide.
- Boat24 – Well-represented in Northern Europe.
- Annonces du Bateau – A reference for the French market.
Forums and Communities: Valuable Resources for Buyers
Beyond the ads, catamaran enthusiasts often turn to forums and online communities to exchange advice, compare models, and identify good deals.
Noteworthy forums:
- Multicoques.info (FR) – A reference for French-speaking multihull fans.
- CruisersForum.com – International forum with extensive catamaran sections.
- La Tricostière (FR) – For buyers seeking second-hand multihulls with feedback.
- Facebook groups – “Catamaran Sailors”, “Catamarans for Sale Worldwide”, etc.
Forums are excellent for getting owner feedback, maintenance tips, or spotting a rare model before it hits the market.
In Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a compact catamaran, a family cruiser, or an ocean-going multihull, Europe offers a thriving second-hand and new boat market. From the ports of La Rochelle to Palma, from online platforms to sailing forums, buyers have more tools than ever to find their ideal catamaran for sale.
Tip: Always visit the boat before purchase, check the full maintenance log, and consider a marine survey before signing. Happy sailing!