Build Your Dream Catamaran: Kit Boats
For many aspiring cruisers, owning a high-performance catamaran feels like a dream just out of reach. Prices for new production models often start well above the million-dollar mark, and even used boats come with hefty price tags.
But there’s another path to the water — one that’s growing in popularity among adventurous, hands-on sailors: building your own catamaran from a kit.

Whether you’re dreaming of a world-cruising liveaboard or a coastal speedster, kit catamarans offer serious advantages. You can customise your layout, save hundreds of thousands of dollars, and gain the satisfaction of sailing a boat you built yourself.
And thanks to modern materials, CNC-cut components, and professional support, it’s more accessible than ever.
Here’s why many sailors are choosing the kit route — and the top design houses leading the way.
Why Build a Kit Catamaran?
Big Cost Savings
A professionally built 45 foot production catamaran can top $1 million. By contrast, building a kit version of the same size can cost up to 50 less, depending on how much of the labour you do yourself. Just remember, you are are paying with your time though!
That means your dream of a performance multihull may be more financially feasible than you think.

Flexible Build Options
You don’t have to go it alone. Kit builders offer a full range of support — from plans and flat-pack panels to full build assistance and authorised yard partners. You can build in your backyard, in a shed, or hire a pro to assemble the structure while you finish the fit-out.
Superior Design and Performance
Many of the world’s top kit suppliers are also performance-oriented designers. These boats aren’t floating homes — they’re built for sailing, often lighter and faster than production alternatives.
Customization & Pride of Ownership
Want a bigger galley? Extra solar? A home office? When you build, you control the layout. And once you’re done, you own something that reflects your vision, your effort, and your adventure.
Leading Kit Catamaran Designers & Suppliers
Schionning Designs
Based in Australia, Schionning is one of the best-known names in kit multihulls. Their DuFlex balsa/E-glass kits are CNC-cut for precision and ease of assembly. Their designs range from cruise liveaboards to high-speed performance cats like the G-Force series.
See some Schionning builds here.
Grainger Designs
Tony Grainger’s Raku and M Series cats are sleek, high-performance vessels with stunning lines. Though often built professionally, detailed plans and support are available for DIY or semi-pro builds.

Fusion Catamarans
Fusion offers modular, resin-infused composite kits that are shipped worldwide in containers. Their signature model, the Fusion 40, has developed a global reputation for good performance and modern styling.
See a Fusion Build here.
Max Cruise Marine 42
A rising star in the multihull world, Max Cruise Marine’s 42-footer is their only kit boat but it combines performance with decent living space. Their vacuum-infused kits are built to tight tolerances and come with good support for builders or shipyards.
Kurt Hughes Multihull Design
Kurt Hughes has a deep portfolio of multihull plans, from beach cats to ocean-crossing cruisers. His unique “cylinder mold” building method is simple, effective, and fast — perfect for amateur builders looking to keep things low-tech and hands-on.
James Wharram Designs
Wharram offers simple, plywood-based cats with timeless Polynesian lines and sailing spirit. Kits for models like the Mana 24 are ideal for first-time builders or sailors looking for a minimalist multihull you can transport by trailer. Or the popular Tiki 38 with two double cabins, two single cabins, galley, navigation station and head/shower.

Spirited Designs (SAS)
Created by Craig Schionning, Spirited Designs uses a simplified assembly system to streamline DIY construction. Models like the Spirited 480 offer performance sailing and practical comfort in a home-built format.
Want to Build It — But Not By Yourself?
Most designers now work with partner shipyards that specialise in assembling the kits. This gives you the best of both worlds: a high-performance, semi-custom boat at a significant discount to a full-production cat, without having to go fully DIY. You can even have the hull and deck professionally assembled, then step in to do the systems and fit-out.

Is It Right for You?
Building a kit catamaran isn’t for everyone. It takes time, space, patience, and planning. But if you’re willing to put in the effort — or hire support where needed — you’ll not only save serious money, but you’ll end up with a boat that’s truly yours.
It’s a rewarding path, both financially and emotionally. You’ll sail away with more than a boat — you’ll sail away with a story.