Voyage 14 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The hallmark of the Voyage 14 is its "thoroughbred" performance, a rarity in the world of cruising catamarans. Unlike many of its competitors that prioritize interior volume over hydrodynamic efficiency, the Voyage 14 features relatively slim hulls with a high fine-entry bow. This design allows the boat to point significantly higher than the industry average for multihulls, with Cruising World noting that the boat can effectively sail at 35 to 40 degrees off the apparent wind.

The handling is characterized by a low center of gravity and a reduced windage profile, which minimizes "hobby-horsing" in a chop. Because the boat was engineered for the demanding conditions of the Southern Ocean surrounding Cape Town, it maintains a stiff, predictable motion. However, the trade-off for this low-slung, aerodynamic profile is a relatively low bridge deck clearance. In heavy, short-period head seas, the hulls are susceptible to "bridgedeck slamming," where waves strike the underside of the nacelle, a sensation that can be both noisy and jarring for the crew. Despite this, the boat's speed—often reaching double digits in a moderate breeze—makes it one of the faster cruisers in the 45-foot class.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The Voyage 14 was originally optimized for the luxury charter market, meaning the most common configuration is the "Charter Version" featuring four double cabins, each with an ensuite head and separate shower. The "Owner’s Version," however, utilizes one entire hull as a private suite, often incorporating an office space and an expanded master head.

The interior is defined by a "galley-up" layout, situated on the main bridge deck to ensure the cook remains part of the social activity in the cockpit and salon. The use of large, panoramic windows provides 360-degree visibility, a design element praised in editorial reviews for making the salon feel integrated with the marine environment. Materials typically include high-grade American cherry or teak finishes, paired with durable Corian countertops. Sibling models, such as the Voyage 480, were built on the same fundamental hull platform but featured extended transoms for easier water access and improved buoyancy aft, which slightly increased the waterline length and overall hull speed.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Voyage 14 gained widespread industry acclaim when the 440 variant was named "Overall Boat of the Year" by Cruising World in 2002, a prestigious award that catapulted the South African builder into the global spotlight. Culturally, the model is inseparable from the sailing landscape of the British Virgin Islands, where the Voyage Yachts charter fleet has operated for decades. This specific model is frequently cited in cruising memoirs and YouTube sailing channels as the "fast charter cat," often favored by sailors who find the sailing characteristics of larger, heavier catamarans like the Lagoon or Leopard series to be sluggish.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Voyage 14 should focus their inspection on areas common to high-mileage charter vessels and specific design quirks of the Simonis Voogd platform:

1. Bridgedeck Slamming & Stress Cracking: Due to the low bridge deck clearance, inspect the underside of the bridge deck and the hull-to-deck joins for stress cracking or evidence of heavy impact repairs.
2. Escape Hatches: Early models used escape hatches located near the waterline. These are known to develop leaks or seal failures over time; many owners choose to glass these over for blue-water crossings.
3. Saildrive Bellows and Seals: Most Voyage 14 models are equipped with Yanmar or Volvo Penta engines with saildrives. The rubber bellows have a recommended lifespan of seven years; if they are original or over-age, they represent a critical maintenance item.
4. Rudder Bearings: The balanced rudders are high-performance but can develop play in the bearings. Check for "knocking" while underway or physical movement in the rudder stock when hauled out.
5. Trampoline Integrity: The large forward trampoline area is a high-wear item. Ensure the lacing and the attachment points on the hulls are free of corrosion or UV degradation.

Community & Resources

The Voyage Yachts community is centralized around the manufacturer’s own infrastructure in Cape Town and the BVI. The Voyage Owners Group (a private collective of former and current owners) serves as the primary technical resource for maintenance and modifications. Technical documentation and original build specifications are often still supported by Voyage Yachts, who continue to manufacture evolved versions of the platform, such as the 480 and 520 models.

The Verdict

The Voyage 14 is a sophisticated, performance-oriented multihull that appeals to sailors who refuse to sacrifice speed for comfort. While it may suffer from bridgedeck slamming in specific sea states, its ability to outpace almost any other cruising catamaran in its size class makes it a perennial favorite.

Pros:

• Superior Upwind Ability: Points higher and sails faster than most volume-production catamarans.
• Robust Construction: Built to South African offshore standards with vacuum-bagged foam cores.
• 360-Degree Visibility: Excellent salon design for both watch-keeping and socializing.
• Proven Pedigree: Multiple "Boat of the Year" awards and a successful track record in global chartering.

Cons:

• Low Bridge Deck: Susceptible to pounding and slamming in head seas.
• Charter Wear: Many units on the market have high engine hours and interior wear from heavy charter use.
• Draft: While moderate, the fixed fins are less versatile than daggerboards found on ultra-performance cats.