Due to advances in production yacht building and product design in recent years, a choice of interior layout is no longer limited to custom boat buyers. Many builders offer a selection of layouts.
In catamarans, this normally means a choice between a traditional, 4-cabin layout, and a 3-cabin layout that includes one hull entirely dedicated to an owner's cabin. Often called the "Owner's Version" of a certain model, this layout offers exactly what it suggests: a more spacious and private cabin for the boat owner. Adding the space normally occupied by a second cabin as well as the "hallway" that would divide the two spaces significantly increases the square footage available this single cabin. A lounging area, a washer/dryer, and/or if desired, even a workbench can be incorporated into this space. For buyers who don't plan to charter or don't expect to host large groups of family or friends, the "Owner's Version" can be a nice choice. Or a buyer who plans on keeping the yacht for personal use after its life in charter may also select the "Owner's Version."
The Leopard 58, introduced by Leopard Catamarans in 2012, comes in a remarkable 3-, 4-, 5- or 6-cabin layout, offering boat buyers an unprecedented choice in a production catamaran. In addition to the option for full-hull cabins already available on smaller models, this yacht can be configured with one or two cabins on the bridgedeck. Some buyers like the idea of these "upstairs" sleeping quarters, plus the direct access to Leopard's trademark forward cockpit makes these cabins even more desirable. For a layout with a single cabin on the bridgedeck, this forward cockpit becomes a private front porch attached to the cabin.
With all of these options available, choosing can be a challenge. Here are some factors to consider when choosing your interior layout:
Guest Capacity vs. Storage Capacity: Consider the maximum number of guests that you will need to host at a time, keeping in mind that more people means more gear to stow, more laundry, more provisions, perhaps a larger dinghy to get ashore, and so on. In fact, it's a bit ironic that layouts with fewer cabins offer more storage space, while boats with more cabins need the storage space even more when they're fully occupied.
Indoor Entertaining Space: The open bridgedeck version of the Leopard 58, meaning no cabins upstairs, offers an incredibly spacious saloon. In fact, it has two lounge areas. For an owner who keeps the boat locally, entertaining on the dock may be a priority and an open bridgedeck would make a great platform. Or, for owners who sail in colder climates and need to spend a lot of time inside, this additional space could be very desirable.
Resale Value: While there may not be a rule of thumb for resale value, it's important to consider that choosing a more uncommon layout could limit the number of potential buyers when it's time to sell. At the same time, some brokers say that boats with fewer cabins (and therefore at least one larger cabin) are more desirable. Resale value might be something you want to talk about with your broker when it's time to choose your layout.