Design and Construction
Weight is the Rapier 400’s defining feature. Its displacement is 5,000 kg—near enough half the weight of the majority of multihulls this size, according to Multihulls World. That lightness underpins the boat’s performance brief.
The hulls and deck use a vacuum-built, foam-core sandwich. Below the waterline, however, the hulls are deliberately built from monolithic polyester for shock resistance and straightforward repairs. This split construction keeps weight down above the waterline while helping the underwater sections withstand grounding or collision damage.
Structural watertight bulkheads and separate skegs add protection. The skegs provide extra flotation if a hull takes on water. Because they’re attached separately, a skeg damaged by a coral head can leave the hull itself untouched. Each hull can also be sealed with a sliding watertight hatch, limiting the possible paths for flooding after a casualty.
Rig and Handling
Broadblue pairs the lightweight hulls with a well-canvassed fractional sloop rig, stepped aft and fitted with a bowsprit. The self-tacking solent simplifies maneuvers and, importantly on a catamaran, barely obstructs the helmsman’s view forward.
Multihulls World found the Rapier 400 perfectly balanced under sail and better under sail than under power from 5-6 knots of wind. Twin 20 hp diesels with saildrives handle docking and calm mornings, but sailing is where the design is intended to reward its crew.
Accommodation and Layout
Broadblue’s trademark single saloon-and-cockpit arrangement brings the helm and living space together, helping the family share one common area. The boat carries an RCD Category A (Ocean) rating.
Broadblue offered two roof configurations. The short-roof version has an open helm and a galley down in the port hull. The long-roof version provides a fully enclosed helm and a bridge-deck galley. Its extended coachroof gives the helm good protection and genuinely excellent visibility forward.
The owner’s layout includes three double cabins and two heads with showers. The owner’s hull has a king-size berth, a large head with separate shower and dressing room, a hanging locker, berth-side lockers, and a navigation area. Amidships, buyers could choose either a single berth or cupboards. The aft cabins have 1.60 m-wide bunks.
The large main saloon has panoramic windows, 185 cm headroom, and seating for six to eight people. It can convert into either a double berth or a TV lounge. Hand-built light-oak joinery and teak-and-holly flooring finish the interior. The full-width galley includes twin recessed sinks, a stainless fridge, and an oven/grill.
On the galley-down version, a chart table sits in the opposite hull. Static plus opening ventilation handles condensation.
Protection and Known Issues
The separate skegs protect the monolithic polyester underwater hulls, while watertight bulkheads and sliding hatches help contain any water ingress.
The lightweight foam-core sandwich construction above the waterline needs a disciplined impact survey.
Verdict
The Rapier 400 is a thoughtfully engineered lightweight catamaran that delivers on its performance promise without giving up family-cruising comfort. Its low displacement, watertight compartmentation, and separate skegs reflect a builder addressing practical offshore problems. At the same time, the open-plan accommodation and convertible saloon keep the crew together.
Pros
- Close to half the weight of comparable multihulls, aiding speed and balance
- Watertight bulkheads, sliding hull hatches, and protective skegs help limit flooding damage
- Self-tacking solent simplifies handling and preserves visibility from the helm
- Flexible owner’s layouts with three double cabins and a convertible saloon
- RCD Category A (Ocean) rating for offshore use
Cons
- Lightweight foam-core sandwich construction above the waterline requires a disciplined impact survey
