1 Gunboat Catamarans for Sale
Browse our 1 Gunboat catamarans listing and learn more about Gunboat, the company that built them
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About Gunboat
Gunboat occupies a unique position in the sailing world: a builder whose catamarans are simultaneously race-competitive and capable of circumnavigation in comfort. While production catamaran builders like Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot focus on interior volume and charter-market appeal, Gunboat prioritises sailing performance, lightweight construction, and the visceral experience of fast ocean sailing.
The brand's breakthrough model was the Gunboat 62, designed by Nigel Irens and Morelli & Melvin. The 62 demonstrated that a 60-foot catamaran could sustain 15-18 knot averages across oceans while offering a comfortable liveaboard interior with standing headroom, air conditioning, and a fully equipped galley. Several Gunboat 62s have completed circumnavigations, and the design has competed successfully in events like the Caribbean 600 and ARC transatlantic race.
The company's North Carolina boatyard specialises in vacuum-infused carbon and glass composite construction. Unlike mass-production builders, Gunboat operates on a semi-custom basis — each hull is built to order with significant owner input on layout, systems, and rig configuration. This approach means production numbers are small (typically 3-5 boats per year), but build quality and structural integrity meet the standards demanded by offshore passage-making.
Gunboat's place in the market sits between the high-volume cruising catamaran builders (Lagoon, Leopard, Fountaine Pajot) and the pure racing multihull yards (DNA Performance Sailing, Outremer). A new Gunboat typically costs 2-3 times the price of an equivalent-length Lagoon, reflecting the carbon construction, performance-oriented design, and semi-custom nature of each build. On the used market, Gunboats hold their value exceptionally well — a clean Gunboat 48 or 62 rarely trades at a significant discount to its original price, and demand consistently exceeds supply.
The brand's owner community is notably passionate and tight-knit. The annual Gunboat Rendezvous in the Caribbean draws owners from around the world and has become one of sailing's most exclusive social events. For buyers seeking a catamaran that sails like a performance yacht while living aboard like a luxury cruiser, Gunboat remains the definitive choice.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gunboat
Where are Gunboat catamarans built?
Gunboat catamarans are built in Wanchese, North Carolina, on the Outer Banks of the United States. The company was founded there in 2004 by Peter Johnstone and has maintained its boatyard in North Carolina throughout its history. The facility specialises in vacuum-infused carbon fibre and composite construction.
What makes Gunboat different from other catamaran builders?
Gunboat builds performance-oriented catamarans using carbon fibre construction, making them significantly lighter and faster than production catamarans from brands like Lagoon or Leopard. A Gunboat can sustain 15-20+ knot sailing speeds while still offering comfortable liveaboard amenities. They are semi-custom builds with small production numbers (3-5 per year).
How much does a Gunboat cost?
New Gunboats typically cost 2-3 times the price of an equivalent-length production catamaran. A new Gunboat 68 starts around $3-4 million USD. On the used market, Gunboats hold their value exceptionally well — clean examples of the Gunboat 48 and 62 trade near their original purchase prices due to limited supply and strong demand.
Are Gunboat catamarans suitable for circumnavigation?
Yes. Several Gunboat 62s and other models have completed full circumnavigations. The carbon fibre construction is engineered for offshore passage-making, and the boats are typically equipped with watermakers, solar panels, lithium battery banks, and heavy-duty ground tackle. Their speed advantage means shorter passages and more time in port.
What is the Gunboat Rendezvous?
The Gunboat Rendezvous is an annual gathering of Gunboat owners held in the Caribbean (typically the British Virgin Islands). It features informal racing, social events, and technical seminars. It has become one of the most exclusive and sought-after events in the performance sailing community.