1998 Kurt Hughes 49 | Tou Tai

Tou Tai is a remarkable 49-foot sailing catamaran, designed for long distance cruising while delivering both performance and comfort. A true standout in her class, this three-cabin vessel has been meticulously cared for by her original owner since new, always used privately and never chartered, and has extensively explored the waters of Southeast Asia.

Built to withstand the rigors of long-range cruising while remaining light and fast, Tou Tai’s hulls were constructed using triple planking, cylinder-moulded and vacuum-bagged for superior strength-to-weight ratio, then epoxy-coated and glassed over with a WEST system and beautifully faired and finished with a durable polyurethane paint system that has been expertly maintained.

The interior is light, spacious, and inviting, finished in high-gloss white to create a serene, ‘˜zen’ atmosphere and enhance the sense of space and light. The small cockpit, with its central helm station, opens into the airy saloon and galley through two folding weather doors, allowing for great ventilation with fully-opening forward-facing windows for optimal airflow.

The well-appointed galley features a double stainless-steel sink with both fresh and seawater foot-pumps, a 2-burner gas stove, 12v fridge, and a stylish high-gloss varnished timber dining table. Forward on the bridgedeck, a full-width settee offers additional seating and ample storage beneath. There is also a 12v freezer and well-equipped chart table with GPS/AIS, a chart plotter and VHF radio.

The guest hull on the port side features one double bed, a single bunk midship, and a bathroom, while the owner’s hull to starboard includes a fore-and-aft cabin, a library, wardrobe and bathroom.

Staying true to the KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid) philosophy, Tou Tai has been designed with ease of maintenance in mind. The vessel’s systems are very straightforward, enabling you to make repairs almost anywhere in the world without specialized tools or services.

Overall, she features minimal electrical systems – another key advantage for long-term cruising in remote areas. For example, the gravity-fed toilets in each hull eliminate the need for electric pumps, and the only electrical pumps onboard are for the freshwater deck shower, seawater washdown and engine compartment bilge pumps.

Despite her 49-foot length and 29-foot beam, Tou Tai remains impressively light, with a displacement of just 5,450kg in lightship condition and 8,165kg when fully loaded. Her fractional tripod rig and rotating mast, combined with her lightweight design, sleek hulls, and massive daggerboards, give her excellent speed and agility.

In fact, Tou Tai outpaces many production yachts, making her a fast and efficient cruiser. Should the need arise, raising the daggerboards allows her to be safely beached, and also offers versatility in shallow, remote locations.

Tou Tai is the ideal choice for sailors seeking a sturdy, lightweight, and simple catamaran with fast cruising capabilities. Whether you’re planning long-distance voyages or exploring exotic locales, this vessel is ready to take you places in style and comfort.