Mahi Boats – We Build Dreams
Author: hellen
Solitaire 1520 “Evening Star” | Custom Hybrid Sailing Catamaran by Mahi Boats
“The Solitaire 1520 culminates the ultimate design features of a high-performance vessel and a comfort cruising design. With six berths, she is designed for long-range adventure with family and guests, combining performance sailing with the comfort and finish expected at the highest level of custom boat building.
The Solitaire 1520 is an example of what becomes possible when world-class design meets uncompromising Australian craftsmanship. Launched in 2026, this fully custom multihull represents the latest milestone from Mahi Boats, built for owners who demand performance, autonomy, and luxury in equal measure.
Commissioned by a professional couple with teenage children, Solitaire was envisioned as a true home on the water, capable of extended off-grid cruising while remaining refined, efficient, and tailored to family life. Every element of the yacht has been shaped through close collaboration between owner and builder, ensuring a vessel that is both deeply personal and technically exceptional.
At 15.4m (53ft) LOA with an impressive 8.5m beam, Solitaire delivers outstanding stability, space, and bluewater confidence. Her powerful sail plan includes 109sqm of sail area, supported by a 21.5m mast air draft and premium deck hardware, including four Harken winches (2 x 50 and 2 x 60), designed for effortless handling and serious passage making. Innovation is central to her build. Solitaire is powered by a 110hp Yanmar engine paired with an E-Combi Hybrid system, offering quiet efficiency, enhanced range, and modern energy independence at anchor.
With six berths, she is designed for long-range adventure with family and guests, combining performance sailing with the comfort and finish expected at the highest level of custom boatbuilding. The Mahi Boats build methodology combines craftsmanship with proper project planning and in-depth design capability, that in turn takes a proven design and translates it into being specific to a customer’s needs. On this particular build, emphasis was placed on strengthening the mast support grid pattern to enable a more dynamic rig and its loads.
Additionally, adding in storage locations that fit the vessel’s design but enabled equipment for spear fishing and diving to be securely stored was a priority. In terms of the overall vessel performance, significant design work supported the installation of a cutting edge e-combi hybrid power plant. The expertise of the trades associated with this build has resulted in a striking vessel that is the hallmark of modern Australian boat building capability.
More than a yacht, the Solitaire 1520 is the realisation of a dream, crafted for those who live without compromise.”
Just one of the many reasons that a Schionning design and kit lives up to the dream!
A huge congratulations to Mahi Boats on the Gold Coast. Building the Dream Schionning Designs Solitaire 1520 ‘Evening Star’ Catamaran Design. Well done to everyone involved 👌🏻
Schionning Design Solitaire 1520 Catamaran Design ‘Evening Star’. Professional Build by Mahi Boats. Located – Gold Coast, Australia
Contact The Schionning Designs Team
Arrow 1360 | Onika’s Ocean – Building our 45ft Catamaran
“As we approach the 6 month mark of our build, we couldn’t be happier with how far we’ve progressed and how easily the kit has come together!
Before committing to our build, Felix and I (Onika) had rebuilt a few smaller fiberglass boats, and really enjoyed watching our creations come to life. When looking for our next project, we originally had planned to find an older style sailing catamaran and rebuild – however, when we came across the Schionning kits, we were super excited to be able to build something new!
We felt that the performance catamaran would be far more beneficial for the type of sailing we wanted to do at home on the west coast of Australia, but also for much bigger adventures internationally in the future.
We are fortunate to already have a shed on our property (16m x 10m), where we have been building our yacht. We knew space would become tight very quick once hulls were constructed, so after the initial joining of all panels, we first built the cabin top and hoisted into the roof on completion.
Next up, we joined all main crossing bulkheads and worked on the reinforcements required. Stacking these at the back of the shed in the order that they are to be installed in the hulls was critical, as there will be no room to turn or move them around very shortly!
Our kit was supplied with MDF build jigs, which we found very helpful – super quick to put together, and the build frames have all lined up nicely with the DuFlex panels. We built our hull jig in 2 days, and had the hull panels fitted, glassed and ready for fairing in 2 weeks!
Whilst we have been working on these main projects, we also have been working on the forebeam and daggerboards when we have some time to spare. We have tried to make the most of every day we are able to work on the yacht, and keeping busy with other aspects of the boat has sped the process up for us.
Our goal is to have the bridge deck and both hulls fully completed in May, ready to start installing bulkheads and bridge deck in June.
It’s certainly been an exciting and rewarding journey for us, and we can’t wait to get her in the water!”
Onika & Felix
- Schionning Design: Arrow 1360
- Build Type: Owner Build
- Location: Perth, Australia
- Status: In Progress
Zero² | G-Force1800SSS | Owner’s Performance Review
“After 5 years of owning Zero², the 1800SSS and after an awesome sail this morning I just wanted to say thanks to Jeff Schionning and the Schionning Team for designing such a beautiful boat.
This boat never ceases to amaze me.
We sailed the 30 odd miles across to lady Musgrave island from the mainland this morning, and as usual started in 10 knots of light breeze. We soon had 15knots on a shy reach with full main and self tacking jib.
This gave us about 20 knots apparent and an SOG of between 13 to 18 knots.
When we saw 28 knots apparent and 20 knots SOG I decided it was well time to put in a double reef. Even then we were still hitting 15 knots on occasion.
At no stage did Zero feel pushed and most of the above was easily handled by the auto pilot.
Everyone had a smile on their faces and the 1.5 metre swell had water going everywhere , only once or twice did we feel a bit of a slap under the bridge deck.
We regularly have people on other cats come up when we arrive saying they thought it was a power boat coming up behind them.
Thanks for putting a smile on my face.”
Jeff Dodd
Zero² | G-Force1800SSS
Arrow 980
Arrow 980
Introducing the Arrow 980 Catamaran Design. This sleek compact catamaran that 'packs-a-punch'!
Encompassing the synergy of optimal efficiency, dynamic comfort & high performance.
Schionning Designs presents the Arrow 980, slicing in at just under 10 meters. The enhanced design concept embodies the purist values of speed and simplicity without comprising style and space.
Whether you're indulging in a family island getaway or a couple seeking more distant shores, the Arrow 980 does it all with distinctive style and grace. Its compact size ensures effortless maneuvering through the narrowest waterways, marinas and unmatched in shallow waters.
The design of the Arrow 980 is truly an eye-catcher at first glance with its unmistakable Schionning legacy. You're greeted by beautiful compact proportions, accentuated by clean lines and distinctive styling, giving it a sporty and agile presence. It’s contoured side panels, crisp edges, aerodynamic ethos and striking refined detail; could you look past it without staring?
Meticulously crafted to enhance both Form and Function, the Arrow 980's design is not just about Aesthetics, it's about making a statement, "I punch above my weight!". Every angle tells a story of practical sophistication and pedigree.
High quality materials, ergonomic seating, and intuitive technology come together to create an interior that's both functional, well defined and splendid.
In all ways, the interior is cleverly refined to maximize storage and functionality. The Arrow 980 reinforces space efficiency using the strongest and thinnest performance materials on the market coupled with a qualified history in design principles. There's ample room for passengers, accompanied by accessible and efficient storage. From the moment you step onboard, it's clear that every detail has been considered to enhance your quest!
At Schionning Designs International, our dynamic team streamline each design, leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovative kit building systems allowing for a cost-effective, time efficient and easy construction.
SDI ‘Building the Dream’ | 2024 Q3
EXCITING NEW DESIGNS
“WE Salute all our valiant owner builders, whom with fearless determination, perseverance & unwavering courage, are boldly bringing their dreams to life!”
The Schionning Designs Team
LuSo | G-Force 1540 | Netherlands Owner Build
Luso | g-force 1541 | owner build
We are building our dream G-Force 1541 for the next 6-7 years. When our catamaran LuSo is ready, we will first discover the waters of Europe and then expand our sailing area to the world’s seas.
“We (Sabrina and Matthijs) have been in possession of a GForce 1541 for 3 weeks now. About 1 year ago we started with a meeting with Robert Quinn from Schionning.
We wanted a faster catamaran that sails well and preferably built it ourselves. We love projects and this way we could already start with our dream, discovering the world together from the water.
The appearance of the GForce and its performance immediately appealed to us, but we wanted something more cruising and less racing. Fortunately, Robert and his team had done something similar with the GForce 1400. And he was looking for an excuse to do the same with the GForce 1500, and there was LuSo!
Our GForce 1541, after a number of meetings and some ideas back and forth, we arrived at the final drawings. The two of us can work on the boat an average of 2 days a week, and occasionally friends come to help. As a result, we expect it to take 8 years to build the boat. By then we can probably stop working or at least start living at LuSo and take small steps into the world.
We keep track of our construction in such detail on Instagram. Hopefully we’ll see you there!!”
“Sinds 3 weken zijn wij (Sabrina en Matthijs) in het bezit van een GForce 1541. Ongeveer 1 jaar geleden zijn we begonnen met een meeting met Robert Quinn van Schionning.
We wilde graag een goed varende snellere catamaran en die het liefst zelf bouwen. We houden van projecten en op deze manier konden we nu al beginnen met onze droom, samen de wereld ontdekken vanaf het water. Het uiterlijk van de GForce en haar performance sprak ons gelijk aan, echter wilde we graag iets meer cruise en iets minder race. Gelukkig hadden Robert en zijn team iets vergelijkbaars gedaan met de GForce 1400.
En hij zocht een excuses om dit ook te doen met de GForce 1500, en daar was LuSo! Onze GF 1541, na een aantal meetings en wat ideeën over en weer zijn we tot de uiteindelijke tekeningen gekomen. Wij kunnen gemiddeld 2 dagen in de week werken aan de boot met z’n tweeën, en af en toe komen vrienden mee helpen. Hierdoor verwachten wij er 8 jaar over te doen om de boot te bouwen. Tegen die tijd kunnen we waarschijnlijk ook stoppen met werken of in ieder geval op LuSo gaan wonen en met kleine stapjes de wereld in gaan. Wij houden onze bouw zo gedetailleerd mogelijk bij op Instagram.
Hopelijk zien we jullie daar!!”
Faidapiu | Arrow 1500 | Owner’s Review
Faidapiu | arrow 1500 | Owner’s Review
"The 500 hours sail from Gran Canaria to Rio de Janeiro was exactly what we had built her for. The design ensures speed, the set up and outfitting allows easy sail handling for a couple and the simple systems add peace of mind."
“For several years we searched for the perfect retirement cruiser. We wanted a catamaran that could sail – so light with long waterline – with a personalised layout for the two of us – so proper bedroom and kitchen – and with simple sail handling yet trilling to sail.
It became Faidapiu the first Arrow 1500 launched in December 2020. After a year in the north of Europe and two years of light wind cruising in the Mediterranean, it was time to stretch her legs.
The 500 hours sail from Gran Canaria to Rio de Janeiro was exactly what we had built her for. A passage where we experienced the joy of sailing at comfortable speeds with 10 knots being the sweet spot where she digs in nicely without stressing neither us nor her.
The design ensures speed, the set up and outfitting allows easy sail handling for a couple and the simple systems add peace of mind. As summarized by our adult son, who joined us so we could sleep longer: “No one is going to believe how easy this was.”
For us and our plans for cruising the world, the Arrow 1500 is a perfect fit and it doesn’t harm either that she is the sleekest looking boat in the anchorage.”
Katja & Fabio Giannini
@ Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Solitaire 1740
Solitaire 1740
Schionning Designs presents the Solitaire 1740 cruising catamaran, a design intended to challenge the large production manufacturers in Europe with very heavy products.
The Solitaire was initially intended as a production design, but is now available as a pre-cut kit and this will ultimately mean she is lighter, stiffer and with as much room as the big production vessels.
Her primary design feature is an efficient performance sailing catamaran with high bridgedeck clearance and angled tunnel panels to minimize slamming. She has a strong beam / length ratio and strong sail area / displacement ratio. Yet the Solitaire has our best interior volume ever allowing multiple versatile layouts and the payload to compliment it.
A Carbon rotating rig with park avenue boom.
Solitaire 1360
Solitaire 1360
The Schionning Designs Solitaire 1360 Multihull Catamaran offers similar internal comfort and space to the production boat competition, but she is far lighter, stiffer and stronger with better waterline beam values and higher power to weight ratio.
This is a serious blue water cruiser capable of taking you around the world with high mileage daily runs in comfort and safety with minimal slamming.
Her primary design feature is an efficient performance sailing catamaran with high bridgedeck clearance and angled tunnel panels to minimize slamming. She has a strong beam / length ratio and strong sail area / displacement ratio. Yet the Solitaire has our best interior volume ever allowing multiple versatile layouts and the payload to compliment it.
On the propulsion side she has an efficient alloy mast and boom fully battened deep roach main, single line main reefing in the boom, roller furling headsail, and furling screecher on the prodder. A para-spinnaker finishes off her downwind capability. A simple, fast, and efficient rig.
Engine power comes from two 20 kW electric motors and a single 80 HP shaft-drive with folding props set comfortably forward for easy access from inside the hulls. This hybrid system will power all the equipment and air conditioning. There are large water and fuel tanks to ensure that the vessel is fully self-sufficient while away from the dock.
