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Max Cruise Marine Catamarans

Posted on by Katamarans

Proven Performance. Unmatched Value.

If you’re dreaming of blue water adventures with speed, comfort, and customization at the forefront, Max Cruise Marine catamarans may be your perfect match. With a growing reputation in the performance cruising catamaran world, these semi-custom multihulls combine smart design with exceptional value.

Let’s take a deeper look at the history, models, and standout features of these unique boats — with a spotlight on the Max Cruise Marine 48 SC.

A Brief History of Max Cruise Marine

Founded by Terry Dewhurst, Max Cruise Marine was born from a passion for high daily mileage sailing and long-distance cruising. Based in Vietnam with global reach, the company set out to create catamarans that deliver fast passage-making, safety, and comfort without the high-end price tag of some other brands.

Terry brings decades of experience and works with each owner, helping top deliver a yacht that fits their specific cruising goals. Whether you’re chasing trade winds across oceans or planning the ultimate liveaboard lifestyle on an island hopper, Max Cruise makes it happen.

Model Lineup: Flexibility Meets Function

Max Cruise currently offers three semi-custom sailing catamarans:

  • 45 SC (formerly the 44): A sleek, agile cruiser perfect for couples or small families.
  • 48 SC: Their most popular model, with space and performance for serious cruisers.
  • 55 SC: The flagship for those wanting maximum volume and long-haul capability.

As of 2025, there are:

  • 16 Max 45 SCs on the water
  • 3 Max 48 SCs cruising globally
  • 2 Max 55 SCs making waves

Smart Semi-Custom

One of the biggest draws to a Max Cruise build is the semi-custom design. Buyers can tweak the layout to suit their needs — whether it’s a mid-raised helm for clear visibility and protection, or twin aft helms for a sportier monohull-feel.

You can choose between fixed mini keels for robustness and simplicity or daggerboards for better windward ability in lighter winds. Want a dedicated work space? The starboard forward cabin can be spec´d as an office that converts into a berth.

Max Cruise Marine boats are available with diesel or parallel hybrid with shaft drive for reduced maintenance and greater efficiency

There is an option for an island bar on the 45 between the aft cockpit and saloon — perfect for entertaining, mixing sundowners, or simply enjoying the open-air layout that flows from indoor to out.

The Max Cruise Marine team, with Stephen Sapper, their Greek agent and owner-skipper, sailed his hybrid catamaran MAX 44SC “SV KEA”. from Vietnam to France for the 2025 International Multihull Show.

Over a distance of 10,000 NM they used only 656 litres of diesel. SV KEA has a Hybrid 38hp diesel on the port side port and a 10kW engine on the starboard. She now has 1200 hours on the starboard diesel and1600 hours on electric.

The 48 SC: A Sweet Spot of Performance and Comfort

The Max Cruise 48 SC hits a decent balance between liveaboard comfort and sailing performance. Designed to be handled by a couple but with room for family or guests, this model is fast enough to keep you ahead of the weather, yet spacious enough to feel like home.

Highlights include:

  • Lightweight modified epoxy (vinylester) and foam construction with carbon reinforcement in high loaded areas for speed and strength
  • A mid-raised helm for all-round views with an option for dual aft helms.
  • Up to four cabins and two heads in customizable layouts
  • Ample solar, watermaker, and lithium battery integration options for off-grid cruising.

Main Points

  • Proven bluewater capability
  • Semi-custom flexibility with custom pricing
  • High build quality with attention to owner feedback
  • Lighter and faster than most production cats
  • Direct communication with founder/designer Terry.
  • Unmatched value in the market

Why Sailors Are Choosing Max Cruise

Beyond the specs and features, the Max Cruise appeal lies in its community. Owners mention their relationship with Terry as a key element in their choice.

Sailors who want a boat that reflects them are finding a home in the Max Cruise family. Whether you value a performance cruiser or a fully kitted liveaboard with all the mod-cons, these cats can be tailored without losing sight of sailing fundamentals.

There’s also a growing fleet of Max Cruise owners connecting online and in marinas around the globe, from the Philippines to Panama, Australia to Annapolis. As more boats hit the water, the brand’s reputation is building.

Performance, Value, and Personality

If you’re looking for a fast, modern catamaran: a proven long-distance cruiser which represents excellent value for money, Max Cruise Marine should be on your shortlist. The brand’s ethos of Proven Performance. Unmatched Value is backed up by happy owners and plenty of ocean miles.

Max Cruise Marine is proving that you don’t have to choose between speed, safety, and comfort.

Welcome to the new wave of cruising cats.

Available with diesel, parallel hybrid, or full hybrid power with shaft drive for reduced maintenance and greater efficiency

Max Cruise Marine website

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