The aluminium sailing catamaran for exploration
Pushing the limits
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radical.
all-terrain.
SERENITY.
The Garcia Explocat 52, a two-hull version of the Garcia Exploration concept, offers a new way to explore the world in a 52-foot catamaran. The Explocat adds the qualities of aluminium to the surface areas and living spaces offered by two hulls: structural rigidity and material safety. Radical in design and look, the Explocat 52 is a true all-terrain sailor.
With its thermal insulation, central heating and interior navigation station, this aluminium catamaran can safely venture into the most extreme regions at high daily averages. The rigidity resulting from its aluminium structure and the soundproofing virtues of its insulation ensure that this extraordinary catamaran is ideal for peaceful expeditions.
The Explocat 52 opens up new possibilities for catamaran sailing in extreme areas previously reserved for monohulls.
hull &
structure
aluminium
Length
overall
55.61 ft
16.95 m
Beam
26.90 ft
8.20 m
Upwind sail
1830 sqft
170m2
Gennaker /Spinnaker
Gennaker
2045 sqft
190m2
Displacement
41 lbs
18.6 t
Layout
3-4 Cabins
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THE FREEDOM TO DISCOVER EVERY CORNER OF THE WORLD
A SHALLOW DRAFT TO GO ANYWHERE
Thanks to its shallow draft of 1.50 metres, our Explocat 52 aluminium catamaran can access lagoons, shallow waters and the most remote and tranquil beaches. Even the most adventurous can venture into poorly charted areas. In the event of very bad weather, it's also the reassuring possibility of accessing highly protected, even shallow, sheltered areas.
LARGE TANKS FOR SELF-SUFFICIENCY
With its 660 L freshwater tanks, watermaker and 1100 L diesel tanks, the Explocat 52 can sail far from marinas for a very long time, completely independently. Hydrogenerator, solar panels, generator, energy autonomy is also ensured by a choice of equipment on this expedition-ready catamaran. The most remote regions are thus accessible for long stays, in complete autonomy.
LARGE CARRYING CAPACITY
The Explocat 52 also boasts a genuine storage Workshop for tools and spare parts. With its numerous interior stowage spaces, large sail compartments and voluminous exterior storage areas, the Explocat 52 offers an exceptional carrying capacity of over 2.5 tons. Water toys, sports equipment such as skis or scuba tanks can be taken on board for all types of leisure or exploration.
EASILY ACCESSIBLE SYSTEMS
On every Garcia, the boat's components are accessible: every through-hull fitting, every tank inlet and outlet, every system... And on the Explocat 52, all the technical equipment is grouped together in a single dedicated area, a true equipment room, easily accessible for maintenance and repair. Soundproofed, this area also ensures crew comfort.
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GO ANYWHERE,
SAFELY
THE SERENITY OF AN ALUMINIUM HULL
The 52-foot aluminium hull, with thicknesses ranging from 5 to 12 mm, is amply dimensioned right down to its frames and stringers, ensuring high impact resistance in the event of a bad encounter or navigational error. For even greater peace of mind, the structure features a watertight bulkhead at the bow and stern, upstream of the steering system.
PROTECTED APPENDAGES
The saildrive propellers on both hulls are protected by aluminium skegs. The aluminium rudders, preceded by a protective skeg, also feature a composite sacrificial zone in the upper part. In the event of a violent impact, should the skeg bend, the hull is preserved and the rudder remains functional.
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a new
dimension
comfort
A DIRECT CONNECTION WITH THE ENVIRONMENT
From the nacelle, whether you're seated at the chart table, sitting in the saloon or standing and snug in the galley of this ocean-going catamaran, a 360° view opens up to the outside, offering an intimate connection to your surroundings, both underway and at anchor.
THERMAL INSULATION
Extreme cold or tropical heat, with its 74 mm hull thermal insulation, insulated floors, double glazing and wide vents, the Explocat 52 protects its crew from extreme temperatures. The boat can be heated by several radiators fed by a central diesel-fired boiler. Heat is distributed evenly and silently. This equipment also provides soundproofing, both at sea and at anchor in high winds. Aboard the Explocat 52, comfort is total and serene.
HAVENS OF PEACE, WHEREVER YOU ARE IN THE WORLD
QUALITY OF FINISH
Materials are chosen with taste and assembled with care. The interior design is by Franck DARNET. The interior lighting is generous, enhanced by numerous led strips. Tinted woodwork, upholstery and hull colors are all available to suit individual tastes.
A second front cockpit that extends the interior space
The Explocat 52 offers an exceptional forward cockpit, directly accessible from inside the nacelle, thanks to a secure watertight door. From the aft to the forward cockpit, the passage through the interior is on the same level, through large openings. The outside is an extension of the inside. For ice navigation, the forward cockpit also provides a perfect watch area in good weather.
performance and
manoeuvrability
MODERN AND EFFICIENT HULLS
Designed by Pierre DELION, the Explocat 52's hulls offer an exceptional compromise between performance and stability. The boat's aluminium structure offers total rigidity, whatever the wind and sea conditions. Passages made aboard an aluminium catamaran are fast, comfortable and peaceful.
EASY TO MANOEUVRE SHORT-HANDED
The Explocat 52 has been designed to be easily and safely manoeuvred with a short-handed crew. The external fins station of the Explocat 52 is equipped with a tilting wheel steering system. All routine manoeuvres are grouped in one place, on the starboard side, behind the helm station, with perfect ergonomics, clutches and winches at a comfortable height. Less frequent handling of the headsail halyards is carried out from the forward cockpit, in a perfectly ergonomic area with a direct view of the mast.
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architect's analysis
Olivier RACOUPEAU is the architect of the Garcia Exploration monohulls, and has worked for some of the world's leading shipyards, as well as designing numerous one-offs and racing yachts.
This first video in a 4-part web series presents the choice of aluminium sailboats and the advantages of centreboarder.
Watch the entire web series on the Youtube channel Garcia Yachts.
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Plans & versions
1 OWNER'S SUITE WITH BATHROOM
2 GUEST CABINS
1 GUEST BATHROOM
UTILITY ROOM
1 OWNER'S SUITE WITH BATHROOM
2 GUEST CABINS
2 GUEST BATHROOMS
4 CABINS
4 BATHROOMS
Plans & versions
3 DOUBLE CABINS
2 BATHROOMS
1 FRONT DRESSING ROOM
1 REAR WORKSHOP
1 FULL WIDTH CABIN
2 DOUBLE CABINS
2 BATHROOMS
1 SEPARATE W.C.
1 FRONT WORKSHOP
4 DOUBLE CABINS
2 BATHROOMS
1 FRONT WORKSHOP
Plans & versions
2 DOUBLE CABINS
1 SINGLE CABIN
2 BATHROOMS
1 LARGE STORAGE AREA
4 DOUBLE CABINS
2 BATHROOMS
Plans & versions
2 DOUBLE CABINS
1 SINGLE CABIN
2 BATHROOMS
1 EQUIPMENT ROOM
1 OWNER'S SUITE WITH BATHROOM
2 GUEST CABINS
2 GUEST BATHROOMS
3 DOUBLE CABINS
2 BATHROOMS
1 EQUIPMENT ROOM
compare the technical specifications of our monohulls
Architect and Designer
Overall length
hull beam
Draft (centerboard down)
Draft (centerboard up)
Air draft (excluding antenna)
Displacement
Lest
Upwind sail - aluminum mast.
Gennaker / Spinnaker
Engine
Diesel capacity
Water capacity
Number of cabins
Number of berths
Cabinet Berret - Racoupeau
48,82 ft / 14,88 m
14,56 ft / 4,44 m
9,50 ft / 2,90 m
3,74 ft / 1,14 m
64,96 ft / 19,80 m
32 lbs / 14,61 t
10 lbs / 4,54 t
980 sqft / 91 m2
980-1720 sqft / 90-160 m2
80 CV / 59,5 kW
185 US gal / 700 l
132 US gal / 500 l
2 - 3
5 - 6 - 8
Architect and Designer
Overall length
hull beam
Draft (centerboard down)
Draft (centerboard up)
Air draft (excluding antenna)
Displacement
Lest
Upwind sail - aluminum mast.
Gennaker / Spinnaker
Engine
Diesel capacity
Water capacity
Number of cabins
Number of berths
Cabinet Berret - Racoupeau
54.62 ft / 16.65 m
15.75 ft / 4.80 m
9.50 ft / 2.90 m
4.16 ft / 1.27 m
70.54 ft / 21,50 m
43 lbs / 19,5 t
14,48 lbs / 6,57 t
1292 sqft / 120,05 m2
1399-2002 sqft / 130-186m2
115 CV / 85 kW
317 US gal / 1200 l
211 US gal / 880 l
3 - 4
5 - 6 - 8
Architect and Designer
Overall length
hull beam
Draft (centerboard down)
Draft (centerboard up)
Air draft (excluding antenna)
Displacement
Lest
Upwind sail - aluminum mast.
Gennaker / Spinnaker
Engine
Diesel capacity
Water capacity
Number of cabins
Number of berths
Cabinet Berret - Racoupeau
63.97 ft / 19,50 m
17.72 ft / 5,40 m
11.97 ft / 3,65 m
4.92 ft / 1.50 m
83.33 ft / 25.4 m
77 lbs / 35 t
21.27 lbs / 9.65 t
1813 sqft / 168.40 m2
1830-2476 sqft / 170-230 m2
182 CV / 135 kW
660 US gal / 2,500 l
211 US gal / 800 l
2 - 4
4 - 6 - 8
questions & answers
Find out the answers to the most frequently asked questions here.
What makes the Explocat 52 an exploration catamaran?
Does an aluminium hull require any special maintenance?
How can I personalise the Garcia Explocat 52?
How thick is the aluminium on the Garcia Explocat 52?
What's the main difference between an Explocat 52 aluminium catamaran and a polyester catamaran?
What are the possible layouts for the Garcia Explocat 52?
See our FAQ page for answers to your questions.
presentation videos
Three Garcia Explocat 52 sailing
Garcia Explocat 52 : the official clip
ready to explore the world?
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