Design and Construction
Current Marine earned a reputation as a go-to builder of light weight performance multihulls through its latest construction methods, and the CM46 shows that discipline in its structure. The hulls use epoxy resin, infused and post cured, which the builder cites as the optimum strength system with zero water absorption to maximise lifespan epoxy resin, infused and post cured. Closed cell PVC core runs throughout for a high stiffness-to-weight ratio, and carbon fibre is used for local reinforcement as standard, with options up to full carbon hull components, main bulkheads, bridge deck, and cabin top.
Weight control drives the layout. Shaft-drive engines are moved forward, with water and diesel tanks just aft of the mast below the cabin soles to lower the centre of gravity shaft drive engines are moved forward. The centre of buoyancy sits aft of midships, and heavier equipment is kept strictly near midships to reduce pitching. The high bridge deck is shifted aft with a lengthened bow section to reduce slamming, while low hull freeboard cuts windage and excess weight. A curved forward cross beam and a longeron laminated into the hull structure add stiffness and wave clearance. Crash bulkheads seal the bow sections and areas forward of the rudders as watertight compartments to contain flooding.
Rig and Handling
The CM46's fractional sloop rig is mounted 50% aft, which creates a large foretriangle for staysail, headsail, and Code sails while reducing mainsail area for easier handling and reefing. High aspect daggerboards are essential for upwind pointing and speed; the inward angled carbon boards can be raised downwind for balance, easing the autopilot's task, and raised boards let the boat slide sideways for safety in squalls. Lines lead back to winches close to the wheels for safe single-handed manoeuvres, and the mainsheet track sits on the transom beam for stiffness and weight saving.
Under way the numbers are striking for the size. Light-ship cruising speed under sail runs 12 to 16 knots, with top speeds of 25 knots plus, while under engine the cruising speed is 6.8 knots and light-ship top speed is 10 knots. Writing in Yachting World, the editors described Schionning's CM designs as lightweight, efficient catamarans that should sail well in light breeze and outrun weather systems in the open ocean.
Accommodations
The bridge deck and hulls both carry 1.85 to 2 metres of headroom. Sliding cockpit doors open 1.8 metres wide to form a 5.4-metre-long single-level living space that keeps central structure for stiffness. Panoramic visibility from saloon and cockpit is a stated priority whether seated or standing, and sofas and dining spaces sit both inside and out. The galley is large with exceptional worktop and stowage space for the sector and good views, complemented by a forward facing chart table with a large instrument panel.
In the hulls, topsides widen above the waterline to create volume for queen size beds and ample stowage. The starboard owner's hull holds a large forward bathroom plus wet locker and washing machine spaces, while the convertible port forward cabin switches between double bed, twin bunks, or workshop/storage. Layout options of three or four double cabins are offered, and one owner reporting in Yachting World noted good stowage and payload for comfortable liveaboard cruising.
Equipment and Helm Options
Twin outboard helms give clear visibility when sailing or docking without looking through windows, and the versa helm option hinges the pedestals inboard to protected cockpit steering. Helm choices extend to twin wheels, twin tillers, or versa helms. Mast options run from aluminium to fixed or rotating carbon fibre in 17.5 or 19 metre lengths, with aluminium or Y-section carbon booms. Propulsion is twin 30hp shaft drive diesel or electric/diesel hybrid, and an UpSideUp anti-capsize sheet release system is available. Life raft stowage is integrated into the longeron for rapid deployment.
The Verdict
The CM46 is a serious semi-custom catamaran that treats weight discipline as the foundation of both performance and cruising comfort. Its structural and rig decisions are internally consistent: centralised mass, amidships rig, raised daggerboards, and a stiff infused epoxy shell built for longevity. For a buyer wanting a fast, light, customisable liveaboard rather than a floating condo, it makes a coherent case.
Pros
- Infused post-cured epoxy with zero water absorption and PVC foam core for durability and low weight
- Amidships rig and centralised tanks/engines for reduced pitching and balanced handling
- Raised carbon daggerboards for upwind performance and safer squall behaviour
- Flexible three- or four-cabin layouts with strong stowage and liveaboard provisioning
Cons
- Low-volume semi-custom build means limited production track record compared to mainstream brands
- High performance brief may prioritise weight control over outright interior volume versus heavier cruising cats
