Boot Düsseldorf Revives Multihulls: Small Catamarans, Hybrids Draw Crowds

The opening weekend at boot Düsseldorf delivered a clear message to the multihull market: buyers turned up in numbers and manufacturers responded with smaller, space-optimised catamarans and more hybrid-electric power options. Crowded aisles in the dedicated multihull zone and engaged conversations at stands showed renewed exhibitor presence and real buyer interest, shifting the show's feel from window-shopping to deal-making.

Visitors clustered around hulls designed for practical use. The Astus 26.5 and Excess 13 attracted attention for compact footprints that promise sensible marina berthing and trailerability. The Bali Catsmart and Lagoon 38 highlighted how builders are rethinking interior space for charter operators and owner-operators, with layouts that prioritize flexibility and low-crew handling. The Dragonfly 36 stood out among trimarans and high-performance designs, helping underscore the spectrum of multihulls now on display.

Electrification and hybrid systems remained prominent across the floor. Multiple demonstrations of electric drives and hybrid installations showed manufacturers doubling down on quieter, cleaner propulsion that suits low-emission marinas and day-sailing fleets. These systems were not limited to concept displays; several builders emphasized ready-to-install packages aimed at owners who want straightforward retrofits or factory-fit options. For anyone evaluating propulsion choices, the show made clear that batteries, e-motors, and integrated hybrid packages are moving from boutique experiments to mainstream options.

Practical concerns framed much of the conversation. Exhibitors emphasized owner-operator ergonomics: singlehanded sail controls, simplified electronics, and helm layouts designed for daylight cruising and short-handed charter use. Charter-ready features - easy-clean surfaces, modular cabins, and storage solutions - were front and center for owners planning to place boats into rental fleets. Space-optimised hulls that sacrifice little of the living area while reducing overall beam or draft appealed to skippers who face marina cost pressures and tidal restrictions.

For buyers, the takeaways are concrete. Inspect propulsion demonstrations, compare hybrid-weight penalties against fuel savings, and evaluate how a boat's layout performs in real boarding and mooring scenarios. For brokers and charter managers, the market signals point to demand for compact, easy-to-run cats that lower operating costs while delivering guest comfort.

The strong turnout at boot Düsseldorf suggests multihulls are regaining momentum, driven by practical design thinking and cleaner propulsion. Expect more launches that blend small-boat agility with systems-first engineering as manufacturers chase a market hungry for accessible, low-emission cruising options.