A new style of catamaran to live on the water
The Overblue 44 is a motor catamaran 13.50 m long with a width equivalent to that of a monohull, i.e. 4.50 m wide. It was one of the shipyard's wishes to facilitate the problem of berths. Designed on one level (with a very large flybridge), it has an extraordinary habitability, equivalent to that of a 60-foot boat. Approved in Cat. B, it is structurally capable of facing certain conditions at sea.
The boat's sailing program is coastal sailing with the possibility of offshore sailing such as a crossing between France and Corsica. It is aimed at buyers who are looking for maximum habitability and comfort (comfort similar to a 50/55 footer, but in a smaller boat), with a reasonable budget and which requires less maintenance.
As far as navigation is concerned, it is similar to that of a motor catamaran. It has a great autonomy and consumes very little fuel. In the standard version, it is equipped with a 2x75 HP thermal engine which allows navigation either on lakes or in areas where there are no big swell constraints. Thanks to its small engines, it will be very competitive in terms of maintenance. For the same reason, it will not have the same speed as a classic motor catamaran and will reach 11 to 13 knots of cruising speed. As an option, two other motorizations are possible: 2x150 HP or 2x225 HP.
We can question the dunnage even if the French representative assures us that it is not penalizing, because of the height between 3 m and 3.50 m above the water level, from the floor of the fly, comparable to a boat of the same size.
Maximum habitability
Visually, the Overblue 44 may be striking with its rectangular shape, which gives the impression of a floating block, but it is a very clever boat. The front of the boat is quite unusual, but it houses a large master cabin, with its own bathroom, balcony and large bay window. To enjoy it, you just have to raise the hood. On the same level, in the standard version, there are one or two other cabins, a large living room with dining area and kitchen, and a bathroom. As an option, a skipper's cabin can be integrated into the floats.
Finally, the finishing and the sampling are of very good quality, the interior volume is amazing and the design was made by a famous Italian designer.
The fly is also very large since it has the same surface as the volume above the waterline. This makes it easier to maneuver, especially in port. It is accessed by steps and not by a ladder for more comfort and safety. There is a dining station, a kitchen with all the equipment (fridge, sink with hot water, grillâeuros¦). Then there is a space dedicated to sunbathing and relaxation with the cockpit. At the front of the boat, an area is reserved for the storage of the dinghy, which can be raised with a small crane.
Unlike classic catamarans where the hulls are used for sleeping, here, the floats are only used for storage and house the technical equipment. The boat is therefore very well insulated. Thanks to the large windows, the Overblue 44 is very bright. Finally, its two bay windows at the front and at the back allow the boat to be well ventilated.
3 levels of finish are available:
- Standard : 2 cabins
- Family : 3 cabins
- Individual: Front owner's cabin with bathroom and all the rest of the furnishing can be done on demand.
Finally, many options are available such as a spa or solar panels for those who do not wish to install a generator. Remember that the boat is not equipped with electric propulsion.
A range to come
Two more models are already planned. The Overblue 54 is currently under construction and will be completed at the end of November for a presentation in Düsseldorf. In terms of volume, it is comparable to a 75-footer. Finally, a 64-footer is also on the agenda, but will probably be designed at the request of a first customer. The manufacturing technique of the boats resides in an assembly of pieces and parts, which allows the shipyard to take the same base for the next model. With a less expensive manufacturing system, the boats are more competitive.
The word of the dealer, Evasion Yachting : "I find the concept very interesting, once you get past the aesthetics of the boat, which is a total departure from what is currently done in boating. It's a friendly, comfortable boat, where no concessions are made for comfort."
In short, its unclassifiable look may not be appreciated by everyone, but it is one of the conditions for obtaining such a large interior space. It remains to validate the mooring maneuvers in the harbor since it will be necessary to go through the cabin to moor the boat.
Price : Fully equipped, ready to sail, with all options (air conditioning, generator, fly with kitchen, crane for the tender, electronics, large enginesâeuros¦) : 530,000 euros including tax
Technical specifications
| Overall length | 13,5 m |
| Hull length | 11,9 m |
| Overall width | 4,20 m |
| Minimum draft | 0,80 m |
| Navigation category | B |
| Motorization | 2 x 75 hp |
| Fuel tank | 400 L |
| Water tank | 800 L |
| Number of cabins | 2-3 |
| Number of berths | 6 |
