The respected South African catamaran builder Vision Cayamarans announced this month the introduction of the all new Vision 484. The 464 follows in the wake of the company’s first cat, the 444, and caries much of that design’s DNA.
Vision has been building cats for 12 years and focuses on boats and designs that are appropriate for couples intent on long-haul, trans-oceanic cruises. The all new hull of ther 484 has a fine entry, fairly narrow hulls for enhanced performance, scoop transoms for easy boarding and modest fixed cruising keels under the water.
The hulls and decks are high-tech infused epoxy laminates around closed-cell foam cores. This makes the boat extremely durable and stiff, while the coring creates a natural insulation layer and greatly reduces noise inside the boat.
The 484’s rig has a full battened mainsail, a self-tacking jib and a bowsprit for flying a roller equipped Code Zero down-wind sail. The sheets, halyards and control lines all lead to the helm which is raised on the cockpit’s starboard side. The layout is excellent for a single watchkeeper who manages the boat alone.
The cockpit has an outside dinette that can sea six and there’s a second dinette in the saloon with an L-shaped settee. With folding chairs, this, too, will sea six. The galley has a centerline counter and the drawer-styler fridge and freezer ae mounted at the saloon’s forward end under another counter that can double as a nav station.
The 484 is offered with two layouts, a three-cabin, three-head “owner” version or a four-cabin, four head arrangement that will work for large crews or owners who want to take on charter guests.
With cruising couples who are living aboard in find, the three-cabin version uses the space in the forward end of the starboard hull for a vast storage locker instead of the fourth berth. This will be the boat’s garage where spare sails, spare ground tackle, SCUBA gear, inflatable water toys and even a second inflatable dinghy can be stored.
Like many South African catamaran builders, Vision works closely with customers to create bespoke yachts that reflect each family’s personal style and requirements.
