Design and Construction
The MC55 is meticulously crafted for the most part in carbon, with a full carbon hull and deck finished in high-gloss two-pack polyurethane constructed using a controlled vacuum infusion Carbon and Corecell for lightweight strength and rigidity. That infusion method builds the hull, deck and structure from Carbon and Corecell panels for exceptional lightweight strength, and the lightship displacement sits at a modest 15 tons for a boat of this beam. The exterior styling is distinctive: inverted bows feature a chine in the stem, and that chine continues aft in pronounced fashion just above the waterline while a step in the deck edge is echoed in the design of the hull windows. Hydraulically operated twin composite centreboards articulate through three set positions, retracting to 1.3 metres and extending to 3.7 metres, giving the boat a draft range that spans shallow gunkholing to windward grip offshore.
Rig and Handling
Above the carbon structure stands a carbon fibre mast and V-boom carrying 150 square metres of upwind sail area, with a square-top mainsail and self-tacking furling jib both cut in North Sails 3Di OCEAN 700. The sail plan is managed from a control station on the flybridge designed to give the boat a cruising rather than a racing feel where a large steering wheel can be moved so the helmsman can position themselves to windward or to leeward. Below, twin internal helm stations let the crew command from full weather protection, and twin forward helm stations keep the crew connected to the action on deck. Twin 57hp Yanmar engines with sail drive and feathering propellers provide the auxiliary, fed by fresh-water cooling and insulated engine rooms.
Accommodations
Buyers choose between a four-cabin layout with all en suite or a three-cabin version that frees volume for a large master suite. In the three-cabin arrangement the starboard hull is dedicated to the owner's stateroom with a private lounge, dressing room and ensuite, while the port hull offers two additional guest cabins with their own bathroom. The wide saloon runs the full length of the hulls with large windows and fully retractable glass doors aft, and inside a retractable aft window complements the large bay window to open the saloon completely to the outside. Headroom in both saloon and hulls measures 2.0 to 2.3 metres. The open-plan galley sits within the saloon for an apartment-like feel, centred on a generous island with Corian-type countertops and twin 160-litre Isotherm fridge and freezer drawers. Honeycomb-core joinery panels, lightweight timber laminate and soft fabric liners carry the modern interior feel throughout.
Deck and Outdoor Living
The expansive aft deck lays out port and starboard settees with an electric barbecue, wet bar and hydraulic swim platform, while a forward cockpit offers a sheltered second social space. The combination of retractable glass to the saloon and the dual cockpits gives the MC55 a rare indoor-outdoor continuity for a 52-foot catamaran.
Equipment and Energy
A 4.5kW solar array is integrated into the coachroof and paired with a 50kWh battery system running full Victron energy management. Navigation is complete as standard with dual 12-inch touchscreen chartplotters, dome radar, GPS, VHF and Madintech autopilot. The helm itself carries a single electronic throttle to starboard, an engine instrument panel, and Racor 500 fuel filters back the twin 230-litre fuel tanks with deck fillers and level sensors.
The Verdict
The MC55 is a focused expression of McConaghy's carbon-catamaran philosophy at its most accessible length, trading race-bred austerity for genuine cruising comfort without abandoning stiffness. The Ker Yacht Design hull with its pronounced chine and articulating boards is the headline, but the indoor-outdoor saloon and sheltered dual helm stations are what make it livable.
Pros
- Vacuum-infused carbon and Corecell structure at 15-ton lightship displacement for rigidity without weight
- Articulating hydraulic centreboards give 1.3–3.7m draft range for shoal and offshore use
- Three- and four-cabin layouts with full-en-suite guest quarters and a dedicated owner's hull
- Retractable glass saloon and dual cockpits for true indoor-outdoor living
- 4.5kW solar with 50kWh Victron-managed house bank as standard
Cons
- Inverted-bow carbon construction and 3Di sails imply higher specialist upkeep than conventional glass boats
- Flybridge cruising helm favours sheltered command over tactile race-style feedback
