C-Cat 48 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Comar Yachts, with a long-standing history as a respected Italian monohull builder since 1961, made a significant pivot by introducing its C-Cat series. The C-Cat 48 follows the successful C-Cat 37, furthering Comar's commitment to high-performance catamarans. The design by François Perus aimed to create a comfortable, elegant, and high-performance catamaran that could be easily managed, even by a family crew. A core aspect of its design philosophy places a strong emphasis on achieving excellent sailing characteristics, sometimes even prioritizing this over maximizing interior comfort, distinguishing it from some other modern multihull designs. This approach aligns with Comar's overall manufacturing ethos of combining robust construction with a forward-thinking design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The C-Cat 48 is engineered for exhilarating performance. With an overall length of 49.08 feet and a wide beam of 23.95 feet, it boasts a powerful stance on the water. Its displacement of approximately 21,384 pounds, combined with a sleek sail plan, positions it at the top of the performance cruiser category. The mast height of 69.55 feet from the waterline supports a generous reported sail area of 1431.6 square feet for the main and self-tacking jib. With the main and self-tacking jib flying, the sail area to displacement ratio is noted to be over 26, indicating strong light-air performance.

A key performance feature is the inclusion of C-Foil daggerboards, set well outboard beneath the hulls. These daggerboards offer not only significant lift at speed but also provide a variable draft, ranging from a minimal 2.95 feet with boards up to a substantial 9.68 feet when fully deployed, allowing access to shallow anchorages while maximizing upwind performance. The C-Cat 48 is described as a "lightweight and fast Italian cruising catamaran," and a "sporty cruising cat". Its hull speed is calculated at 9.34 knots. For ease of operation, the deck design features dual aft helms with all sail controls thoughtfully led to a very comfortable cockpit, ensuring safe and straightforward sail management. Additionally, safety at sea is enhanced by four watertight compartments.

Accommodations and Layout

While emphasizing sailing performance, the C-Cat 48 also offers a well-appointed and comfortable interior, reflecting its Italian design heritage. The interior is described as "beautifully finished" and typically features a modern "Urban Chic" style, common in many contemporary multihulls but executed with an Italian flair. The standard layout includes a three-cabin arrangement, often configured with a forward-facing navigation station. Owners also have the option for an additional interior helm station, providing flexibility for different cruising conditions. With its generous beam, the C-Cat 48 offers substantial living space, providing ample room for guests and extended cruising. The builder offers customizable options, including 3-cabin or 4-cabin layouts, catering to various owner preferences.

Owner's Perspectives

Though specific anecdotal owner reviews are not extensively detailed in the search results, the C-Cat 48's positive reception in the marine press and its "Multihull of the Year" award in the Performance category suggest a high level of owner satisfaction. Reviews consistently praise its blend of solid construction, elegant aesthetics, and, most notably, its impressive sailing performance. Owners likely appreciate the boat's responsiveness and the efficient sail handling systems, which are designed for ease of use by a smaller crew. Its robust build from Comar Yachts, a company known for quality and innovation, further contributes to owner confidence.