Outremer 55-2 Information, Review, Specs

Designed to be both a capable offshore machine and a comfortable live-aboard platform, the Outremer 55-2 targets discerning sailors who prioritize robust construction and exhilarating sailing performance without compromising on onboard living. Its reputation in the sailing community is quickly solidifying as a vessel that makes long-distance cruising accessible and enjoyable, capable of circumnavigating the globe with ease and confidence.

The Outremer 55-2 embarked on its production journey in 2020, representing a significant step forward for the renowned French builder, Outremer. The genesis of this model is rooted in Outremer's longstanding commitment to creating catamarans that are simultaneously seaworthy, comfortable, and fast. The design team, including VPLP Design for the naval architecture and Darnet Design for the interior, was given considerable freedom to achieve an optimal balance between quality of life, performance, and sailing comfort. This partnership aimed to enhance the experience for those embarking on offshore or ocean-going adventures, with a particular focus on improved ergonomics and fluid circulation throughout the boat.

Outremer's manufacturing ethos, instilled since its founding in 1984, emphasizes building robust and resilient vessels capable of proving themselves on all seas. This commitment is evident in the Outremer 55-2, which is designed for ease of maneuverability, making it well-suited for short-handed or even solo sailing. While specific "MkI" or "MkII" variations are not noted, Outremer’s approach allows for a high degree of personalization, where each vessel can be tailored to owner specifications through various option packages for rigging and interior layouts.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Outremer 55-2 is engineered to deliver exceptional sailing performance, a hallmark of the Outremer brand. While traditional performance ratios are primarily applied to monohulls, the 55-2, as a catamaran, is renowned for its inherent stability and speed. With a reported sail area of 1636.11 sq ft and a light displacement of 30,644 lbs, coupled with an impressive length overall (LOA) and waterline length (LWL) of 54.89 feet, she is designed to harness wind efficiently and achieve high hull speeds. Her twin rudders and daggerboard keel configuration contribute significantly to her agility and upwind performance, allowing for a minimum draft of 4.46 feet for shallow anchorages and a maximum draft of 7.55 feet for enhanced performance when sailing.

Anecdotal reports from sea trials highlight the Outremer 55-2's impressive balance and responsive handling. Sailors consistently praise its ability to sail fast with minimal effort, maintaining composure even in challenging sea states. The design prioritizes ease of handling, reflecting Outremer's mission to make their performance catamarans accessible for various crew configurations, including those sailing with limited crew or even solo.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Outremer 55-2, designed by Darnet Design, prioritizes comfort, space, and intelligent ergonomics, pushing the boundaries of comfort compared to earlier Outremer models. While detailed specifications like maximum headroom are not provided in the primary data, the design focuses on creating a high quality of life aboard, essential for extended voyages.

Typical interior arrangements for the Outremer 55-2 include various cabin configurations, with a popular option being a three-cabin layout that often dedicates the entire starboard hull to the owner's suite, offering a private and expansive living space. The emphasis is on fluid circulation throughout the living areas, ensuring ease of movement and a sense of openness. Outremer prides itself on working with owners to create highly personalized interiors, allowing for customization in finishes and materials to suit individual tastes and cruising needs. This tailored approach, combined with the brand's reputation for quality construction, suggests a high standard of finish, likely incorporating durable and aesthetically pleasing materials suitable for the marine environment.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Outremer 55-2 frequently express high satisfaction with their vessels, consistently praising their robust construction and exceptional sailing capabilities. The community of Outremer owners, often referred to as the "Outremer Family," highlights the boat's suitability for genuine blue water cruising, extended voyages, and circumnavigations. Many appreciate the balance between performance and comfort, noting that the yacht performs admirably while offering a high degree of liveability for long periods at sea.

A recurring strength mentioned by owners is the catamaran's ease of handling, making it a viable option for couples or even single-handed sailors embarking on ambitious passages. Owners also commend Outremer's responsiveness to feedback, noting that the builder often reviews and applies improvements across their models based on discoveries or issues on existing boats. While specific common weaknesses are not broadly highlighted in public reviews, the overall sentiment points to a highly capable and well-supported cruising platform, reinforced by a strong and active owner community.