Magnum 8.5 Sailboats for Sale

Drawing Diagram

Builder drawing

Hull Type

Monohull · centerboard

Rig

Fractional Sloop

LOA

27.99' · 8.53 m

Disp.

3,086 lbs · 1,400 kg

First year

1987

The Magnum 8.5 is a highperformance coastal cruising catamaran that emerged from the vibrant multihull design scene in New Zealand. Developed primarily as a "bridgedeck" cruiser that fits within the strict parameters of the New Zealand 8.5meter Class, the model represents a successful attempt to blend blistering racepace performance with enough accommodation for a small family to cruise coastal waters. Built predominantly by Magnum Yachts in Auckland, the vessel was a key player in popularizing the "box rule" racing format, which emphasizes light displacement and a generous sailplantoweight ratio. Unlike many cats of its era that favored volume over velocity, the Magnum 8.5 utilizes narrow, highaspect hulls and a relatively lowprofile cabin top to minimize windage and maximize speed through the water.