Outremer 55-2 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

Performance is the raison d'être of the 55-2. Unlike many modern cruising catamarans that rely on fixed keels for ease of use, the Outremer utilizes deep, high-aspect daggerboards that significantly enhance upwind pointing ability and reduce drag when retracted off the wind. The boat’s power-to-weight ratio is its defining technical characteristic; by keeping the light displacement around 13.5 tonnes, the 55-2 remains responsive even in breezes under 10 knots.

A standout feature is the dual steering positions featuring innovative tilting pedestals. These allow the helmsman to sit out on the side deck for a "monohull feel" with clear views of the sails and the horizon, or swing the wheel into the cockpit under the protection of the bimini during inclement weather. In an editorial review by Yachting World, the vessel was praised for its "fingertip control," a rarity for a boat of this size. The 55-2 is capable of sustained double-digit speeds, often allowing owners to outrun weather systems rather than merely enduring them.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the 55-2, designed by Darnet Design, marks a departure from the spartan finishes of earlier Outremer generations. The layout is optimized for natural ventilation and visibility, featuring a 360-degree view from the salon that eliminates the "basement feel" common in older performance boats. A unique design element is the "fold-it-away" island in the galley, which can be repositioned to create a more open social space or secured for safe cooking at sea.

Sibling variations are primarily centered around hull configurations. The "Owner's Version" dedicates the entire port hull to a master suite including a large head, separate shower, and extensive storage. The four-cabin variant is designed for larger families or high-end chartering, splitting the hulls into equal guest accommodations. Despite the increased luxury, the builder uses foam-cored furniture and lightweight veneers to ensure that the interior weight does not cannibalize the performance gains of the hull design.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Outremer 55-2 gained immediate international acclaim upon its debut, securing the prestigious European Yacht of the Year 2022 title in the "Luxury Cruiser" category. This award solidified its reputation as a benchmark for the industry. The model has also enjoyed significant visibility through digital media; the crew of Sailing Uma documented their transition to an Outremer 55, providing an in-depth look at the customization and technical commissioning process for an audience of hundreds of thousands of sailors worldwide.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

While the Outremer 55-2 is built to an exacting standard, the complexity of its systems and its high-performance nature require specific attention during surveys:

• Daggerboard Trunks: Given the boat’s speed and the use of daggerboards, the trunks and lifting lines should be inspected for wear, salt buildup, or evidence of grounding impact, which can affect the structural integrity of the hull-to-trunk bond.
• Electrical Management: Most 55-2 models are equipped with massive lithium-ion banks and extensive solar arrays to support a "gas-free" galley. A professional audit of the BMS (Battery Management System) and solar controllers is essential to ensure the system is handling heat and cycles correctly.
• Rigging Tension: Because the 55-2 utilizes a high-modulus carbon mast and often sails at high apparent wind speeds, the standing rigging—specifically the Kevlar or Rod rigging often found on these models—must be checked for proper tension and signs of UV degradation or fraying at the terminals.
• Weight Sensitivity: Owners are cautioned to check the "as-built" weight versus the current displacement. Performance multihulls are highly sensitive to the accumulation of "cruising clutter," and an overloaded 55-2 will lose its ability to bridge waves effectively.

Community & Resources

Owners are granted entry into a robust ecosystem designed to support long-distance voyaging. The Outremer Academy provides specialized training in multihull handling, electronics, and heavy-weather tactics. Additionally, the Outremer Cup is an annual event in the south of France that serves as both a regatta and a technical symposium, allowing owners to exchange data on polar speeds and maintenance tips directly with the shipyard's engineers.

The Verdict

The Outremer 55-2 is a masterclass in compromise, successfully blending the raw speed of a performance catamaran with the refined ergonomics of a luxury cruiser.

Pros:

• World-class performance with the ability to maintain 10+ knots in light air.
• Innovative tilting helms provide the best steering experience in the catamaran market.
• High-quality construction using carbon reinforcement and vacuum infusion.
• Exceptional resale value and a highly active owner community.

Cons:

• Prohibitive price point compared to volume-production catamarans.
• Daggerboard operation requires a more active and experienced crew than fixed-keel alternatives.
• The slender hulls offer less interior volume than "condo-cats" of a similar length.