Understanding Catamaran Pricing — What a Catamaran Really Costs (And Why)

If you’re shopping for a performance cruising catamaran, one of the hardest questions to answer is: Why do similar-size catamarans have such different prices? In this conversation, Dean Paarman and Patrick Roscoe explain how catamarans are actually priced — and why the number you first see on a brochure often doesn’t represent the real ownership cost. This video walks through what experienced buyers eventually learn: you’re not just comparing boats… you’re comparing ownership experiences. We cover: • What a “base boat” truly means (and why it varies so much between brands) • Hidden costs that commonly appear after purchase • Why equipment specifications matter more than headline price • The purpose behind the Essential Voyager Package • Launch, commissioning, and handover realities • Training, education, and long-term support • Warranty advocacy and OEM relationships • The importance of owner community and global service networks • Why delivery location matters more than most buyers realize • How resale value and certified pre-owned programs affect true cost of ownership The goal of this video is not to compare brands — but to help you ask better questions when evaluating any catamaran. Because the real value of a cruising yacht is rarely visible on an option sheet. Who This Video Is For? This is especially helpful if you are: - Seriously researching catamarans - Comparing brands in the 45–58 ft range - Planning extended cruising or liveaboard sailing - Concerned about support, resale, or ownership complexity - Trying to understand why prices differ so dramatically Key Takeaway A catamaran purchase is not just a product decision. It’s a long-term service relationship involving training, support, infrastructure, and community. And those things often determine satisfaction far more than initial price. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:25 What a “Base Boat” Really Means 02:46 Equipment, Materials & Specifications 06:12 The Essential Voyager Package 08:04 Launch & Commissioning 09:09 Training and Education 12:05 Aftercare & Warranty Support 17:21 Owner Community 22:17 Why Delivery Location Matters (South Africa) 26:20 Certified Pre-Owned & Resale Value 28:23 Final Thoughts Learn More About Balance Catamarans If you’d like to understand whether a Balance is a good fit for your sailing plans, the best next step is simply to start a conversation with our team. 👉 https://www.balancecatamarans.com