Menu
Going to sea is a serious endeavor demanding the highest standards of a sailor and their vessel. Experienced seafarers know the importance of having faith and comfort in their equipment and the Lightwave 45’ delivers both in generous proportions.
Relatively fine, seakindly hulls with ample reserve buoyancy for a generous payload, and the impressive bridgedeck clearance makes the Lightwave 45 an awesome bluewater cruiser, designed to negotiate long, ocean going passages with minimal effort and absolute comfort.
Commended as the Sailing Boat of the Year (AMIF) on its release, the Lightwave 45 has continued its celebrated success, winning the Arc Rally (Multihull) in 2008, & completing a World Circumnavigation in 2010. With Lightwave Catamarans cruising all over the World, this design continues to prove its capability as a blue water cruising catamaran.
| Length Overall | 13.7m | 45’0′ |
| Beam – Maximum | 7.3m | 24’0” |
| Head Room (Saloon) | 2.00m | 6’6” |
| Head Room (Hulls) | 2.05m | 6’9” |
| Mini-Keel Draft | 1.2m | 4’0” |
| Mast Height off (D.W.L) | 20.8m | 68’2” |
| Bridge Deck Clearance (D.W.L) | 0.95m | 3’2” |
| Displacement – Basic Light Ship | 6500kg | 14 330lb |
| Max. Disp. D.W.L | 9500kg | 20 944lb |
| Fuel Capacity – normal capacity | 800lt | 211 US gal. |
| Fresh Water Capacity | 800lt | 211 US gal. |
| Diesel Engines | 2 x 55 Yanmar or Volvo Penta Engines |
| Propulsion | Twin 3-blade folding propellers on sail drive legs |
| Maximum Speed – Motoring | 9.5 knots 7.5Lt per hour |
| Cruising Speed – Motoring | 8 knots 4.0Lt per hour |
| Range (under power-cruising) One motor | 1300 Nautical Miles |
| Range (under power-cruising) Two motors | 800 Nautical Miles |
| Sail Areas – Main Sail | 75m2 | 808 sq ft |
| Self Tacking Jib | 30m2 | 323 sq ft |
| Overlapping: Genoa | 41.5m2 | 447 sq ft |
| Spinnaker | 154m2 | 1655 sq ft |
| Screecher | 70m2 | 753 sq ft |
| Maximum Speed | 16 knots plus | |
| Standard 3 cabin layout 6 persons | ||
| Many layouts available. Individually customised. | ||
| Length to Beam Ratio (for each hull) | 11.5:1 | |
Lightwave catamarans are significantly lighter than most production catamarans. Weight significantly affects the sailing performance of a catamaran, which in turn has safety implications on your journey. Most production catamaran manufacturers cannot achieve the weight saving measures Lightwave catamarans incorporate, because their mass production systems simply cannot cater for the smarter building processes that Lightwave Yachts employs.
Lightwave Yachts has vast knowledge within the industry of Fibre Reinforced Plastic manufacturing and uses the most proven ‘industry standard’ processes to give you piece of mind in the structural durability of your asset. The entire shell and the majority of the stiffening in the vessel is hand laid stitched fabrics utilising directional fibres to gain the most strength for the least weight.
Additional reinforcements are provided wherever there are concentrated loads requiring an increase in strength or stiffness. The hulls, deck, bulkheads and standard furniture units are of full foam core construction.
Using PVC foam as the core material for the majority of all surfaces throughout the vessel means Lightwave catamarans are extremely stiff and resist torsional loads. This product is the superior choice for impact strength. It is not affected by moisture, nor does it absorb moisture, and is very light. Despite the higher cost, it is the most suitable product for the vessels core.
Laminates of stitched fibreglass fabrics either side of foam core (sandwich construction) is the best available construction method for catamaran building. Critical impact areas of the hulls (ie bows, keel fronts & bases) consists of a single skin laminate with a substantial increase in thickness. The exterior surfaces of the vessels benefit from Gelcoat as the finish to all areas and create the most durable surface against UV longevity, hard surface durability, and gloss retaining finish. The hull below the waterline utilizes epoxy resin barrier coats and vinylester resin, to optimise the resistance to osmotic blistering.
Choosing the monocoque construction method, the Lightwave vessels are stronger and lighter, and this construction method also allows for many layout choices and customisations.
If the vessel is to be used for Australian or International chartering purposes, or if International class measures are required, Lightwave specialises in building the vessel to Survey standards.
Lightwave Catamarans feature mini-keels as standard that protect the sail drive legs and rudders, and allows the catamaran to be beached. The mini-keels are built at the same time as the hulls, but are separated from the accommodation of the boat by capping the top of them. There are several bulkheads within the mini-keels, producing a strong structure which can easily take the weight of the boat.
The mini- keels are watertight compartments and are a great safety feature, which combine with watertight compartments in the bows and sterns to resist the boat from flooding in the case of major impact.
If you desire additional performance, one of the daggerboard options may appeal to you. Either by replacing the mini-keels with twin daggerboards to get the ultimate performance, or adding an additional single daggerboard whilst also utilising the standard mini-keels, may suit your requirements.
Providing big boat comforts on ocean conquering hulls, the Lightwave 45 has incorporated many unique design features to create a luxurious vessel that is genuinely user-friendly and safe.
Layout options include two, three or four cabins / one to four bathrooms, generously equipped and functional galley up or starboard mid-galley and an owner’s layout, with an entire hull designated as a private owner’s retreat.
The prestige continues and with a cat of this pedigree, semi-custom requests are expected and met with ingenuity.
So many areas of the design and application are considered whilst your Lightwave catamaran is being built so as to meet the highest possible safety standards. Whether it is built to an International category racing standard, to a commercial safety standard, or to a standard suitable for coastal cruising, it is our mission to cater for you in the build process. Lightwave Yachts can guide you through making suitable choices from personal safety equipment, electronics and navigation equipment, plumbing and engineering, or sail and rigging requirements, providing an experience you are grateful to have been a part of.
Electrical systems are probably the most important and prone for problem areas, on any boat. Lightwave Yachts have refined the system over the past 80+ boats (and two decades) and take pride in being one of the best in the industry for innovations and simplicity in design.
Built in safety alarms for bilge pumps in operation at both helm and switch board are standard. Emergency starting battery controls at the helm as well as in operation warning lights for various systems are standard. Tinned and double insulated wire, as well as wide use of heat shrink connectors, and watertight enclosures are also fitted as standard items. AGM batteries are the standard bank installed, with Lithium Batteries available as an option. With a separate start battery bank, the boat can be set up to be totally self-sufficient with solar or generator options that will cope with any demand requirements you may have.
A standard Lightwave catamaran is supplied with a very highly regarded electrical wiring system. It incorporates the latest equipment from the preferred suppliers to give you a system that is very robust and reliable enough to trust wherever you plan to venture.
Separate house and starting battery banks with automatic charging and isolation devices and battery management devices mean that you will be less likely to ever have a flat battery but the ability to always start your own engine if you do. The electrical system allows for you to add any piece of additional equipment you may need in the future to the original wiring system and do it safely. Easy access to all wiring has been allowed for in the original design making it a truly professional system.
The engine rooms are separated from the accommodation area by a sealed bulkhead to provide ease of servicing and minimise heat, noise and engine odour in the cabins. This is an essential safety and servicing feature. There are no fumes in the accommodation area and the large entry provides easy access for servicing.
Lightwave Catamarans are fitted with generously powered twin in-board engines, allowing for excellent cruising speeds, commanding power if required and makes berthing a breeze. The long sleek semi-displacement hulls of the Lightwave deliver staggering efficiency in fuel consumption/ performance. Depending on engine brand choice, fixed or 3-blade folding propellers are offered.
An essential safety feature for a catamaran. The Lightwave is easily converted from an entertaining masterpiece to a place of tranquility with intoxicating comfort. The expansive cockpit / aft deck area provides sheltered outdoor dining and lounging areas, protected from sun, rain and wind. Under seat stowage and refrigeration under the helm seat is available.
The hardtop allows critical access to boom and sails for the sailing models, and gives an area to mount solar panels. A water catchment system can be installed, and an upper mainsheet bridle system or traveller on top of the hardtop is available. A large bifold sliding door with a wide entrance adds to the seamless flow of the cockpit and saloon areas. A slightly raised step between these areas, provides an additional safety and structural feature, keeping any water from a following sea out of the interior of the boat.
The broad transoms on Lightwave Catamarans feature large “side access” platforms making dinghy access easy. For the sports minded it provides a great landing area for swimming, fishing & diving. The long sterns contribute to the payload design capabilities and stops hobby horsing action.
Long overhangs forward and aft ensure the hulls are easily driven and provide optimum comfort at sea. The long sleek hulls provide the ability to carry a generous pay load, with extensive storage and tankage areas, a generous bridgedeck clearance, and accommodates the power of a big rig and commanding engines.
Lightwave Catamarans have an excellent length to beam ratio for good sailing performance. The high bridgedeck clearance is an essential catamaran design feature for optimum safety and passenger comfort, and reduces wave slamming which impacts performance and ultimately the life of boat.
So many areas of the design and application are considered whilst your Lightwave catamaran is being built so as to meet the highest possible safety standards. Whether it is built to an International category racing standard, to a commercial safety standard, or to a standard suitable for coastal cruising, it is our mission to cater for you in the build process. Lightwave Yachts can guide you through making suitable choices from personal safety equipment, electronics and navigation equipment, plumbing and engineering, or sail and rigging requirements, providing an experience you are grateful to have been a part of.
Electrical systems are probably the most important and prone for problem areas, on any boat. Lightwave Yachts have refined the system over the past 80+ boats (and two decades) and take pride in being one of the best in the industry for innovations and simplicity in design.
Built in safety alarms for bilge pumps in operation at both helm and switch board are standard. Emergency starting battery controls at the helm as well as in operation warning lights for various systems are standard. Tinned and double insulated wire, as well as wide use of heat shrink connectors, and watertight enclosures are also fitted as standard items. AGM batteries are the standard bank installed, with Lithium Batteries available as an option. With a separate start battery bank, the boat can be set up to be totally self-sufficient with solar or generator options that will cope with any demand requirements you may have.
A standard Lightwave catamaran is supplied with a very highly regarded electrical wiring system. It incorporates the latest equipment from the preferred suppliers to give you a system that is very robust and reliable enough to trust wherever you plan to venture.
Separate house and starting battery banks with automatic charging and isolation devices and battery management devices mean that you will be less likely to ever have a flat battery but the ability to always start your own engine if you do. The electrical system allows for you to add any piece of additional equipment you may need in the future to the original wiring system and do it safely. Easy access to all wiring has been allowed for in the original design making it a truly professional system.
The engine rooms are separated from the accommodation area by a sealed bulkhead to provide ease of servicing and minimise heat, noise and engine odour in the cabins. This is an essential safety and servicing feature. There are no fumes in the accommodation area and the large entry provides easy access for servicing.
Lightwave Catamarans are fitted with generously powered twin in-board engines, allowing for excellent cruising speeds, commanding power if required and makes berthing a breeze. The long sleek semi-displacement hulls of the Lightwave deliver staggering efficiency in fuel consumption/ performance. Depending on engine brand choice, fixed or 3-blade folding propellers are offered.
An essential safety feature for a catamaran. The Lightwave is easily converted from an entertaining masterpiece to a place of tranquility with intoxicating comfort. The expansive cockpit / aft deck area provides sheltered outdoor dining and lounging areas, protected from sun, rain and wind. Under seat stowage and refrigeration under the helm seat is available.
The hardtop allows critical access to boom and sails for the sailing models, and gives an area to mount solar panels. A water catchment system can be installed, and an upper mainsheet bridle system or traveller on top of the hardtop is available. A large bifold sliding door with a wide entrance adds to the seamless flow of the cockpit and saloon areas. A slightly raised step between these areas, provides an additional safety and structural feature, keeping any water from a following sea out of the interior of the boat.
The broad transoms on Lightwave Catamarans feature large “side access” platforms making dinghy access easy. For the sports minded it provides a great landing area for swimming, fishing & diving. The long sterns contribute to the payload design capabilities and stops hobby horsing action.
Long overhangs forward and aft ensure the hulls are easily driven and provide optimum comfort at sea. The long sleek hulls provide the ability to carry a generous pay load, with extensive storage and tankage areas, a generous bridgedeck clearance, and accommodates the power of a big rig and commanding engines.
Lightwave Catamarans have an excellent length to beam ratio for good sailing performance. The high bridgedeck clearance is an essential catamaran design feature for optimum safety and passenger comfort, and reduces wave slamming which impacts performance and ultimately the life of boat.
The interior design of all Lightwave Catamarans promotes luxurious, classic design with durable, long lasting, superior quality finishes. The curvaceous moulded furniture throughout, add to head-turning appeal and are finished with curved edges. Featuring a luxurious ‘Super Yacht’ finish, two pack paint is applied to all vertical surfaces throughout the interior of Lightwave catamarans.
This is a prestigious finish usually reserved for one off super yachts and is uncommon amongst most production catamarans, as it takes 25% of the build time to produce this exquisite finish. With long lasting durability, it is easily maintained and unlike the cheaper alternatives, it is not affected by UV moisture and mildew and doesn’t require high levels of maintenance.
A unique feature of Lightwave Catamarans is the double deck design. Sleek head-turning appeal is attributed to the two rows of windows that run along the length of the hulls. The toughened safety glass windows add to sleek profile but also provide key structural element, dispersing water with no pressure on the structure of the cabin. The windows on the Lightwave are light body tint safety glass. They allow 26% transfer of UV light and 46% of light transfer.
Creating more vision and light inside, this is the ideal design for sea travelling comfort. This design also creates more head height inside (up to 6’6” in saloon and 6’9” in hulls), particularly when stepping down into the hull areas. It is the only design where the galley in the hull area works. You can stand in the galley and still socialise with guests and the skipper at the helm owing to the vast openness this designs creates inside.
Distinct in its practicalities and ergonomic styling, Lightwave’s signature Raised Helm Station offers full protection from the elements and excellent vision over the cabin roof to each corner of the boat, to allow for safe control at all times.
The fully protected steering position protects you from wind, rain, sun and even waves, but you also have the ability to remove covers and open the area up to quickly improve air flow. Providing 360° raised vision, all controls are at the skippers fingertips.
The single helm station allows for an excellent navigation and instrument package, which is all located in the one position. The height of the helm station allows vision of both bows and both sterns, along with the main and headsails.
Vision and communication is maintained in the galley, saloon, cockpit and deck areas. Featuring a comfortable helm chair, which adjusts to two positions, easy access for berthing is provided with minimal effort and there is even space for two.
Lightwave Catamarans are the only design that offers you a choice between an open, functional galley up or mid galley in the hull.
The mid galley allows you to stand in the galley, and still socialise with guests in the saloon and the skipper at the helm. The double deck design allows for mid galley layout where you get fantastic vision from the large windows, plenty of ventilation, and only three small steps from the bridge deck where a full size saloon is best utilised. With 3.6 metres of bench space you are not cramped for preparation or storage space, the fridge and freezer are close at hand, and the area is complimented with European appliances.
Additionally the double cabin deck of the Lightwave has the ability to also offer the galley up layout on the bridge deck. The choice is yours. The ultimate expression of your taste.
General Arrangement
The interior design of all Lightwave Catamarans promotes luxurious, classic design with durable, long lasting, superior quality finishes. The curvaceous moulded furniture throughout, add to head-turning appeal and are finished with curved edges. Featuring a luxurious ‘Super Yacht’ finish, two pack paint is applied to all vertical surfaces throughout the interior of Lightwave catamarans.
This is a prestigious finish usually reserved for one off super yachts and is uncommon amongst most production catamarans, as it takes 25% of the build time to produce this exquisite finish. With long lasting durability, it is easily maintained and unlike the cheaper alternatives, it is not affected by UV moisture and mildew and doesn’t require high levels of maintenance.
Double Deck Design
A unique feature of Lightwave Catamarans is the double deck design. Sleek head-turning appeal is attributed to the two rows of windows that run along the length of the hulls. The toughened safety glass windows add to sleek profile but also provide key structural element, dispersing water with no pressure on the structure of the cabin. The windows on the Lightwave are light body tint safety glass. They allow 26% transfer of UV light and 46% of light transfer.
Creating more vision and light inside, this is the ideal design for sea travelling comfort. This design also creates more head height inside (up to 6’6” in saloon and 6’9” in hulls), particularly when stepping down into the hull areas. It is the only design where the galley in the hull area works. You can stand in the galley and still socialise with guests and the skipper at the helm owing to the vast openness this designs creates inside.
Raised Helm Station
Distinct in its practicalities and ergonomic styling, Lightwave’s signature Raised Helm Station offers full protection from the elements and excellent vision over the cabin roof to each corner of the boat, to allow for safe control at all times.
The fully protected steering position protects you from wind, rain, sun and even waves, but you also have the ability to remove covers and open the area up to quickly improve air flow. Providing 360° raised vision, all controls are at the skippers fingertips.
The single helm station allows for an excellent navigation and instrument package, which is all located in the one position. The height of the helm station allows vision of both bows and both sterns, along with the main and headsails.
Vision and communication is maintained in the galley, saloon, cockpit and deck areas. Featuring a comfortable helm chair, which adjusts to two positions, easy access for berthing is provided with minimal effort and there is even space for two.
Culinary Perfection
Lightwave Catamarans are the only design that offers you a choice between an open, functional galley up or mid galley in the hull.
The mid galley allows you to stand in the galley, and still socialise with guests in the saloon and the skipper at the helm. The double deck design allows for mid galley layout where you get fantastic vision from the large windows, plenty of ventilation, and only three small steps from the bridge deck where a full size saloon is best utilised. With 3.6 metres of bench space you are not cramped for preparation or storage space, the fridge and freezer are close at hand, and the area is complimented with European appliances.
Additionally the double cabin deck of the Lightwave has the ability to also offer the galley up layout on the bridge deck. The choice is yours. The ultimate expression of your taste.
The Lightwave 46 has 800L of fresh water & 800L of diesel, in tanks that are built directly into the hull. High quality, purpose grade materials are used in this labour intensive construction method which guarantees an extremely high-quality product that will last for the lifetime of the boat. Dual freshwater pumps provided piece of mind through redundancy. A water transfer line is built into the system to allow water to travel between either tank. Fresh water vacuum toilets that use minimal fresh water (less than 400ml per flush) are a standard feature on the Lightwave 46, eliminating the stale saltwater smell that can encroach the cabin area. A saltwater system is also fitted to the vessel to allow an anchor wash, saltwater tap in the galley and hose in the cockpit.
The Lightwave 46 is designed for self-sufficient blue water
cruising. The vessel is supplied with a 12-volt DC and a 240-volt AC electrical
system. A 600Ah AGM battery system is offered on the vessel with an optional 660Ah
lithium-ion battery bank. There are various solar options producing up to 2000kw
of power. There is also the option to have a 4Kw AC diesel generator which is
coupled with the inverter to allow for a high output. All areas of the vessels
electrics are designed to be easily accessible and traceable with minimal
disruption to the boats systems. Electrical components on the Lightwave 46 are
carefully selected to ensure a minimum power consumption is achieved. Onboard systems
incorporate the latest in technology, allowing remote control and monitoring of
critical power systems, battery and charging status, tank levels, bilge pumps, aerial
and security CCTV as well as an array of other custom options.
The Lightwave 46 offers a very spacious area in the external engine rooms, to accommodate the standard 50hp engines & other engineering systems. All steering components as well as the optional generator are housed in the engine rooms, carefully positioned for ease of access for servicing and maintenance. The engine rooms are separated from the accommodation area with a bulkhead lined in sound dampening material to defer noise, heat and odour from entering the cabins. The engine rooms are also accessible from the inside of the boat if required.
Designed with the priority for the ultimate sailing experience, the deck layout and sailing systems are configured for ease of handling while shorthanded. The line system on the Lightwave 46 has been designed so all lines are organised and accessible from an area where the sails can be easily observed. Lines all lead to the cockpit and travel under serviceable fibreglass boards which not only keep the lines organised, but also remove possible tripping hazards. Hanging points are purposely provided creating a neat and organised place for line tails to be stored. Anderson winches and Ronstan deck gear are superiorly selected as standard equipment, with optional electric winches also available. A bridal main sheet system is cleverly applied to eliminate the safety concerns of a traveller car system traditionally used on catamarans.
Select your desired option below to share a direct link to this page
