Voyage 480 Information, Review, Specs

Voyage Yachts embarked on its journey in 1994, founded with the personal cruising ambitions of Robin and Jo-Ann Downing. Provided Data Building upon this foundation, the Voyage 480 emerged from 2015 to 2018 as an evolution of the company's established design philosophy: to create offshore-capable multihulls that offer both exceptional performance and comfortable living spaces. 16, 20, Provided Data Voyage Yachts has a strong reputation for producing robust, seaworthy vessels with a "charter-ready" build that emphasizes durability, comfort, and ease of handling. 3, Provided Data A significant aspect of the 480's development, like other Voyage models, was the continuous feedback loop from Voyage Charters, the company's British Virgin Islands-based operation, ensuring the design met real-world demands for performance cruising and comfortable living. 3, Provided Data While specific external naval architects are not widely publicized, the company largely relies on in-house development, incorporating insights gleaned directly from its extensive charter fleet. Provided Data The model also saw a variation known as the 480E, an electric version showcasing modern power solutions.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Voyage 480 is widely regarded as a fantastic sailing yacht, purposefully designed for stability, space, and performance. With a length overall of 49.54 feet and a waterline length of 44.5 feet, she boasts a fractional sloop rig and is equipped with a Yanmar engine. Owners and reviewers often describe the 480 as being "no slouch" under sail, attributing its spirited performance to meticulous attention to weight distribution and a sporty, low-slung profile. With a calculated Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of approximately 26.59, the Voyage 480 exhibits a high sail carrying capacity for a catamaran of its size, suggesting strong performance, particularly in lighter air conditions. Its Displacement to Length Ratio (D/LWL) of around 261.25 indicates a moderately heavy displacement for its waterline, contributing to the "solid" and "seaworthy" design that Voyage is known for, offering comfort and stability in varying sea states. The boat maneuvers exceptionally well under its generous sail plan, which often includes a fully battened main, and is noted for being easily handled by as few as two people. Features like Max-Prop feathering propellers further enhance its efficiency. With a theoretical hull speed of 8.94 knots, the 480 is built for efficient cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

Despite the limited interior details in the core specifications, the Voyage 480 is celebrated for its exceedingly spacious and open-plan accommodations. The design typically features a 4-cabin/4-head layout, with each cabin offering private en-suite facilities and separate showers, ensuring maximum privacy and comfort for guests. The beamy hulls allow for luxurious, air-conditioned queen-size berths aft and king-size berths forward, providing plush sleeping arrangements for up to 8 guests, with some configurations accommodating up to 10 with additional single berths. The interior is designed to be sociable, featuring ample drawer and closet storage, electric fresh-water toilets, a FUSION sound system, and practical elements like OCEAN AIR sky hatch screens, cabin, and reading lights, all contributing to a high standard of liveability. Customizable layouts were also available to suit either charter or private ownership.

Owner's Perspectives

The Voyage 480 has cultivated a devoted following among discerning sailors. Owners consistently praise the model for its excellent sailing characteristics and ease of handling, even with a small crew. It is often described as a "much loved" and "sought after" vessel, evidenced by its rarity on the used boat market. Collective owner feedback highlights its solid construction and seaworthy design, making it well-suited for both safe offshore passages and casual island hopping. The boat's ability to be fully outfitted for offshore sailing and its proven reliability contribute to a high level of owner satisfaction, reflected in a 9/10 rating from trusted customer reviews on Yachting.com. While some discussions touch upon the electrical regeneration systems in the "480E" variant, no widespread or recurring common problems are frequently noted by owners, underscoring the model's reputation for low maintenance and durability.