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Broadblue Voyager385 Review

The Broadblue Voyager385 is a popular catamaran for long-distance cruising. The boat is easy to handle and has a robust construction, this is married with quality craftsmanship and elegant joinery. Accommodation is spacious and comfortable; most have been built with three double cabins and two heads and showers, one in each hull. The interior features hand-built furniture and fittings in natural oak, with teak and holly laminate flooring throughout. Second-hand models are a great buy if you're looking for a safe, secure catamaran.

Who and what was this boat designed for?

This catamaran was designed for single or short-handed sailing, by combining a smaller mainsail and larger headsails with all lines led aft to the cockpit, you can handle all the sails without leaving the cockpit. The boat can easily be handled by a husband and wife team and is suitable for sailing across the Channel, around coastal waters, or in the open ocean.

What commentators say about the boat?

The Voyager385 combines renowned ease of handling, absolute reliability and superb performance to create the perfect long distance cruiser.

There's a lot of room below, providing valuable storage space. The compact saloon is comfortable, with good views from the galley.

There is enough wood to avoid that practical, but plastic, ambiance of some cats.

The mast very well stays to the point of over-engineering.

The small fully battened main is very easy to raise and lower by hand, no winches needed.

Model variations

Broadblue Voyager385 has been in production since 2005 and during that time there have been 3 main variations, series 1, series 2, and series 3.

However the Voyager385's were built to order, so specification and fittings may vary from boat to boat.

Specification

  • Length overall: 38ft 8in (11.78m)
  • Beam overall: 19ft 7in (5.98m)
  • Displacement (light): 7.71 tons (7000kg)
  • Draft: 3ft 5in (1.05m)
  • Air draft: 61ft (18.6m)
  • Fuel capacity: 104 gallons (2 x 235 litres)
  • Water capacity: 104 gallons (475litres)
  • Rig: Fractional sloop, aft stepped mast and bowsprit
  • Mainsail (Std): 304 sq.ft (28.19 sq.m)
  • Genoa (Std): 534 sq.ft (49.56 sq.m)
  • Engines: 2 x 30hp diesel with Saildrives

What’s great about the Broadblue Voyager 385?

  • Very good build quality.
  • Very safe, secure feeling when sailing.
  • Very comfortable at sea.
  • Well fitted with extensive use of wood, rather than plastic.
  • Very dry at sea.
  • Visibility is good from the helm.
  • The mast is well-stayed. The mainmast is easy to raise and lower by hand.
  • Easy access to nav station and cockpit instruments, morse controls and base of the mast.

What to look out for on a pre-owned Broadblue Voyager385?

If you’re buying a used Voyager385, owners have reported some things to watch out for and potential faults that might occur on this boat from time to time.

  • The boat is not light or very fast.
  • A small amount of storage in the cockpit.
  • Cabling to the windlass is crude and may fail.
  • Roof linings are fixed with industrial velco, which may sag in hot weather.

Keeping your Broadblue Voyager385 in shape

When buying a used Broadblue Voyager385, regular scheduled servicing and attention to some minor points will keep your craft in top condition.

Regular servicing

Carry out regular engine and drive servicing in line with the manufacturer’s recommended intervals.

Maintenance

We don't currently have any specific maintenance information for the Broadblue Voyager385

If you have ever owned or worked on a Broadblue Voyager385 and would like to share your thoughts, then get in touch and we'll add your information to the page.

Laying up

We don't currently have any specific information on laying up the Broadblue Voyager385.

If you have ever owned or worked on a Broadblue Voyager385 and would like to share your thoughts, then get in touch and we'll add your information to the page.

Model-specific repairs

The Broadblue Voyager385 is not known for needing specific repairs more frequently than other boats.

Why buy a second-hand Broadblue Voyager385?

The Broadblue Voyager385 provides a great combination of spaciousness, comfortable style and superb build quality on a catamaran that offers ease of handling and absolute reliability. If you’re looking for a second-hand catamaran that is safe, solid, reliable and capable, the Voyager385 should be on your list.

 

Get this Broadblue 385 Catamaran Online on Rightboat.com

 

Written By: Samantha Wilson

Samantha Wilson has spent her entire life on and around boats, from tiny sailing dinghies all the way up to superyachts. She writes for many boating and yachting publications, top charter agencies, and some of the largest travel businesses in the industry, combining her knowledge and passion of boating, travel and writing to create topical, useful and engaging content.

Get in touch:Linkedin

More from: Samantha Wilson


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