Design and Construction
The Tanna 47 is a long-range cruising catamaran. Its resin-infused construction uses a balsa core to produce a relatively light but solid structure. Fountaine Pajot moved to vacuum resin infusion for its catamaran hull-deck assemblies in 2002, and the Tanna follows that method.
Plumb bows maximize the waterline. A wraparound coachroof window, paired with two windows in each hull, gives the boat a distinctive profile. Compared with the Saona, the deck and bimini are entirely new, and the flybridge is 40 percent larger.
The rudders sit forward of the propellers. That arrangement changes the flow of water, affecting response time and the boat’s pivot point when maneuvering under power.
Rig, Sailing Performance, and Handling
The fractional sloop rig carries a traditional, generous, roachy full-battened mainsail, along with a high-cut, slightly overlapping jib. The helm station was reworked to improve ergonomics and access for line handling. It has longer genoa tracks and a standard Lewmar traveler, while a dedicated pod forward of the helm groups all the controls, including a set of Lewmar electric winches, close at hand and ready.
Hydraulic steering reduces feedback at the wheel. Testers also noted that you can’t lock the wheel on the centerline when maneuvering under engine power alone.
During a Chesapeake sail in 10 to 14 knots true, the Tanna made 6.7 knots at 60 degrees apparent, 7.5 knots on a beam reach, and 6.2 knots when cracked off to 120 degrees.
Accommodations
The Tanna comes in two layouts: Maestro and Quintet. The Maestro places a large owner’s stateroom in the port hull, complete with a vanity, desk, and en suite head. Two double-berth guest staterooms, each with its own head, occupy the starboard quarters. The Quintet provides five cabins and five heads, a layout optimized for charter use or a growing family.
Both versions share the same central saloon. A commercial-grade U-shaped galley sits to port, beside the sliding doors to the cockpit. The redesigned saloon and galley provide more storage, while the opening between the saloon and cockpit is 20 percent larger, improving air circulation and traffic flow.
The nav station has moved next to the interior entrance for quicker access. An efficient, dedicated navigation station sits to port, only a few short steps from the raised helm.
Above, the flybridge offers more than 75 square feet of space and seating for 10. A sundeck and settee extend the lounge area, while an inviting sun pad sits on the main deck just abaft the trampolines.
Engines, Solar, and Options
The standard engine package consists of two 50 hp Volvo Penta diesels with saildrives, with 60 hp engines available as an option; the boat is also offered with 2/50-hp or 2/60-hp Volvo Penta engines.
A test boat fitted with upgraded 75-hp Volvo Penta diesels and folding propellers motored at 8.3 knots at 2,400 rpm and reached a maximum of 9.1 knots at 2,900 rpm.
Solar is central to the boat’s equipment. An expanded array of flat, flexible Solibian panels is essentially glued to the cabin top, and buyers may add up to 1,700 watts of soft solar panels to keep up with most power demands. An 11.5 kW Northern Lights generator can support air conditioning when needed.
Three option packages—Grande Large, Oceanic, and Comfort—round out the configuration choices.
Verdict
The Tanna 47 combines the proven Saona 47 hull with a thoroughly reworked deck, flybridge, and interior flow. It’s a serious long-range cruising catamaran and won Best Cruising Multihull in the 2023 Boat of the Year contest.
The choice between Maestro and Quintet layouts, enlarged social spaces, and substantial solar capacity make it a compelling modern cruiser. However, the forward rudder placement and hydraulic steering require attention when docking under engine power alone.
Pros
- Proven Saona 47 hull with a new deck and bimini, plus a 40 percent larger flybridge
- Two distinct layouts suited to private ownership or charter use
- Expanded solar array of up to 1,700 watts to support off-grid systems
- Redesigned saloon and galley, with a 20 percent larger cockpit opening for better livability
Cons
- Rudders forward of the propellers alter the pivot point and response when maneuvering
- Hydraulic steering lacks a centerline lock for engine-only handling
