Design and Construction
The 4X uses the same hulls as the Outremer 45, but with three-foot extensions aft. It also has an optimised appendage and deck layout, a rotating carbon mast, and carbon reinforcement in highly stressed areas.
Outremer has worked hard to reduce weight throughout the build. The 4X uses more carbon in major structural elements—including the mast, bulkheads, compression beam, and bimini support—while extensive detail work cuts mass elsewhere. All structural parts are laminated, and the boat has vacuum-infused, carbon-composite-reinforced bulkheads. The builder has stated that its goal is for the boat to last at least 50 years.
Despite carrying more equipment, the 4X weighs 500 kg less than the 45 and accelerates faster. Its recommended maximum load is identical to that of the 45, but the lighter hull gives it a higher payload.
Outremer employs Loïck Peyron as a consultant on ergonomics and line handling. He observed that considerable work had clearly gone into controlling weight and noted that, on these boats, lightness isn’t only about performance but also safety.
Rig, Deck Layout, and Handling
The sail plan and deck layout are intended to handle a full range of weather conditions. Compared with the 45, the 4X gives a demanding owner more sail-trimming options. Its sail plan combines a square-top powerhouse mainsail with a generous J area for furling foresails.
The rotating carbon rig carries 122 m² of sail upwind: a 69 m² mainsail and a 53 m² genoa. Optional downwind sails include a 115 m² gennaker and a 167 m² spinnaker.
The bimini is kept small enough for crew to pass through the cockpit to the port and starboard winches. At anchor or in port, removable canvas supported by carbon posts provides additional cockpit shelter.
During a second trial, test sailors recorded a steady 11–13 knots in 12–15 knots of wind. Upwind, the boat made 9 knots at a true wind angle of 70°, with light steering loads at both the coachroof wheel and the stern bucket-seat tiller.
Under one 30 hp engine, the 4X cruises at 6.5 knots. Running a single engine keeps the noise to one hull and reduces fuel consumption.
Accommodation
The 4X retains the Outremer 45’s level of comfort, storage space, and quality of finish. Even so, its fit-out is basic to the point of minimalism because keeping the boat light is central to its performance.
Simple, lightweight fittings define the joinery, and lighter composite has replaced some Corian worktops. To save more weight, the builder suggests replacing doors and some shelves with fabric structures secured by zips or magnets.
Freeboard is necessarily high to provide headroom and bridgedeck clearance. As a result, the boat looks tall and is also tall to board.
The Trade-Offs
The 4X’s main tension lies in its design philosophy. Low weight is intended to help keep the boat fast and safe, but it also requires a deliberately minimalist interior. Owners are encouraged to choose fabric alternatives instead of some rigid furniture.
That same weight discipline gives the 4X its quicker acceleration and greater payload compared with the 45. However, it also makes the accommodation feel austere beside that of conventional cruising catamarans.
Offshore Sailing and Ownership
Owners have used the 4X seriously offshore. An Outremer 4X finished as the first production boat in the 2018 Route du Rhum. Jean-Pierre Balmes also campaigned a 4X in that race and later recommended the model to many families.
The Hibberd family offers an example of the repeat-buyer loyalty the design inspires. The Australians began their adventure aboard Puffin, their second Outremer, in 2020, illustrating the repeat-buyer loyalty the design inspires.
With the same recommended maximum load as the 45 but a lighter hull and higher payload, the 4X rewards owners who keep the boat light while still carrying more.
The Verdict
The Outremer 4X is a focused boat: it combines hulls derived from the 45 with stern extensions, additional carbon reinforcement, lower weight, and faster acceleration. Inside, its minimalist fit-out still preserves the older boat’s comfort and storage.
It’s a rare production catamaran that has proven itself both as a family world cruiser and a regatta competitor, without compromising either role.
Pros
- 500 kg lighter than the 45, with faster acceleration and higher payload
- Rotating carbon rig and carbon-reinforced structure based on proven hulls
- Genuine offshore pedigree, including finishing as the first production boat in the 2018 Route du Rhum
- Two helm positions and economical cruising under one engine
Cons
- Minimalist interior requires owners to accept fabric alternatives to some rigid furniture
- Tall freeboard makes boarding and docking less forgiving
