Catamaran refit — give your multihull another decade

Catamaran refit vs. new build — the maths every owner should run

A second-hand Lagoon 450 in good hull condition is currently worth €280–350k. The same model, as a new Lagoon 46, retails for over €800k with a 30-month wait. A full catamaran refit on that Lagoon 450 — hull, interior, electronics, energy — represents an investment of €150–250k, delivering an outcome equivalent to a new boat, launched in 6 to 9 months.

The maths are clear: for €430–600k all-in (acquisition + refit), an owner gets a catamaran of new-build quality, fully bespoke, without the wait. This is the strategy chosen by owners who prioritise use value over immediate resale value.

Brands we work with

• Lagoon refit (380, 400, 410, 420, 440, 450, 46, 50, 52) — addressing known weak points, re-engining, layout redesign, lithium and hydro-generation upgrades.
• Fountaine Pajot refit (Saba, Hélia, Saona, Astréa, Elba) — interior modernisation, structural treatment, electronics and energy upgrades.
• Outremer & Catana refit — performance-oriented: weight reduction, rigging, race-cruise electronics, technical sails.
• Bali, Privilege, Sunreef, Nautitech refit — bespoke adaptations by programme (charter, blue-water cruising, wealth-management).

Energy modernisation on a catamaran — the decisive lever

Energy is now the most structuring item of a catamaran refit. A modern multihull consumes between 200 and 400 Ah/day depending on the programme — air-conditioning, watermaker, induction, electronics, AV systems. Original electrical architectures no longer keep up.

• Full migration to LiFePO4 lithium — 600 to 1,200 Ah depending on boat size
• High-efficiency solar panels, integrated into bimini or arch
• Hydro-generation on shaft line or removable units
• Hybrid generation or thermal-generator removal
• Induction galley, 48 V air-conditioning, high-yield conversion

A catamaran fitted this way holds anchor in full autonomy — charter or long cruising — without running a generator. Comfort gain, financial gain, residual-value gain.

Catamaran refit cost — what shapes the budget

A complete catamaran refit typically costs between €80k and €350k depending on size, age and programme. Four factors drive the quote:

1. Boat size

A 40-footer requires 30 to 40 % less than a 50-footer at equivalent programme. Beyond 60 ft, costs climb sharply (twin engines, rigging, onboard capacities).

2. Initial condition

A pre-refit technical audit is non-negotiable. Osmosis, structures, teak decks, tanks: these are the items that derail a budget when underestimated.

3. Finish level

Leather upholstery vs marine fabric, bespoke joinery vs renovated melamine panels, consumer-grade electronics vs professional marine: the spread is up to 3x.

4. Energy and electronics share

A complete energy refit (lithium, solar, hybrid) accounts for 25 to 40 % of the total catamaran-refit budget. It is also the line item that delivers the most perceived value.