O Yachts Class 4 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Class 4 is a sailor’s catamaran, characterized by its deep daggerboards and a relatively high bridge deck clearance, which minimizes slamming in choppy head seas. With a light displacement of approximately 9 tons, it is significantly lighter than mass-produced cruisers of similar length. This lightness, combined with a generous sail plan, results in a high Sail Area/Displacement ratio that translates to immediate acceleration. As noted in editorial testing by Multihulls World, the boat is capable of reaching speeds that match or exceed the true wind speed in light conditions.

Handling is precise thanks to the use of daggerboards, which provide superior upwind pointing ability (often tacking within 85 to 90 degrees) compared to fixed-keel catamarans. Owners typically report that the boat feels "active" and responsive at the helm, a trait attributed to the direct cable steering and the slim, hydrodynamic hulls. The Class 4 is often compared to its larger sibling, the Class 6, which shares the same DNA but offers more volume for long-term liveaboards. The sibling relationship is tight; while the Class 4 focuses on 46 feet of agility, the Class 6 scales this performance up to 60 feet, often incorporating more extensive carbon-epoxy construction.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Because O Yachts operates on a semi-custom basis, the interior of the Class 4 varies significantly from one hull to the next. The standard configuration generally offers a three-cabin "Owner" layout or a four-cabin charter-style arrangement. The shipyard emphasizes weight-saving measures in the cabinetry, often utilizing foam-cored panels with thin wood veneers or light composites rather than heavy solid timber. This approach ensures that the performance gains achieved by the hull design are not negated by a heavy interior.

The bridgedeck salon is characterized by 360-degree visibility and a seamless transition to the cockpit, a design feature prioritized by Barreau/Neuman to enhance situational awareness while underway. Headroom is generous throughout the hulls, and the galley is typically located "up" in the salon to keep the chef integrated with the social space. Variations in the Class 4 often include different mast heights—standard aluminum or a taller carbon fiber performance rig—and choices between rotating or fixed masts, which drastically change the complexity and speed potential of the vessel.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a pre-owned O Yachts Class 4 should focus on the specific custom systems installed by the original owner, as these boats are rarely identical.

• Daggerboard Trunks and Bearings: Given the performance nature of the boat, the daggerboards are subject to high loads. Inspect the trunks for signs of stress cracking and check the sacrificial "crash" boxes at the bottom of the trunks. Wear on the internal bearings can lead to vibration or difficulty raising the boards.
• Weight Management Audit: Because these are performance cats, subsequent owners often add heavy equipment (watermakers, washing machines, large battery banks). An overweight Class 4 will lose its "sweet spot" for performance and may experience increased bridgedeck slamming.
• Carbon-to-Composite Bonds: In models with significant carbon reinforcements, check the transition zones where carbon fiber meets the fiberglass laminate. Ensure there are no signs of delamination or osmotic blistering, though the use of vinylester resin generally mitigates the latter.
• Rigging Loads: If the boat is equipped with the high-performance carbon rig, the standing rigging (often Kevlar or Dyneform) requires stricter replacement intervals than standard wire rigging.

Community & Resources

Support for the Class 4 is primarily centralized through the builder, as the production numbers are lower than those of major French manufacturers. However, technical discussions regarding the Barreau/Neuman design philosophy can often be found through the wider Barreau Neuman Design network. Owners of O Yachts frequently coordinate through direct shipyard communication, which maintains a "boutique" relationship with its client base to assist with refits and technical upgrades.

The Verdict

The O Yachts Class 4 is a sophisticated choice for the experienced cruiser who refuses to sacrifice sailing sensation for volume. It is a boat that rewards active trimming and thoughtful weight management.

Pros:

• Exceptional light-air performance and high top-end speeds.
• Deep daggerboards provide elite upwind tracking.
• Semi-custom build process allows for highly personalized layouts.
• High-quality construction using foam cores and carbon reinforcements.

Cons:

• Less interior volume and "payload" capacity compared to luxury production cats (e.g., Lagoon or Fountaine Pajot).
• Daggerboards increase operational complexity and draft when lowered.
• Resale market is smaller due to brand niche and custom configurations.