Vision Yachts will launch the first Vision 484 48ft bluewater catamaran from its South African yard in March 2027, with the first five build slots already sold and in production.
The Knysna-based builder describes the new model as its most significant development since the business was founded in 2014.
It is aimed at couples and families planning offshore passages while retaining space for extended living aboard.
The 484 is a new design rather than an extended Vision 444. Changes include a revised hull, deck and interior, larger cabins, an expanded saloon and galley, 2.2 metres of headroom, additional stowage and wider work areas.
Construction uses epoxy infusion over closed-cell foam for the hull, deck and bulkheads. Vision says the epoxy structure avoids the need for a separately applied barrier coat.
Each hull also has 18 waterproof compartments beneath the floorboards, while both bows incorporate two-stage crumple zones.
Annual output
The catamaran weighs 12.7 tonnes empty and is designed for a 4.3-tonne payload. Vision says the capacity is intended to accommodate cruising equipment and stores without sacrificing the performance expected from the smaller 444.
Owner feedback has influenced the layout and systems. Practical features include a dedicated workshop and direct access to engines and onboard equipment, allowing maintenance at anchor without removing interior fittings.
Deck hardware is configured for two-person operation. Dual tack lines on the bowsprit allow a second downwind sail to be prepared without another trip forward. Three- and four-cabin versions will be available.
Vision limits annual output, saying the approach supports build control and continued contact with owners after delivery.
“We have never tried to build as many boats as possible. We build boats we are proud of, and then we stay involved with the people who own them,” said James Turner, chief executive of Vision Yachts.
“The Vision 484 came out of years of listening to owners who were out there, thousands of miles from us, telling us what worked and what didn’t.”
Vision Yachts has built cruising catamarans in Knysna since 2014. The builder is represented in Europe, the UK, the US, Australia and New Zealand.
