Many yacht enthusiasts will tell you that they are asked this question time and time again: is a catamaran (or multihull yacht) superior to a monohull? What are the major differences? As yacht enthusiasts ourselves, we thought we would break it down for you! Whether you are buying a yacht, or deciding to charter one, here are the pros and cons of chartering a Catamaran:
Multihull (Catamaran) Pros
Stability
Because of the multiple hulls, catamarans (and trimarans) have incredible stability. Whether the Yacht Chart is anchored or sailing, catamarans rarely roll around and they do not heel under way.
This stability makes catamarans the ideal yachts for first time sailors, elderly people, children, and those prone to sea-sickness
Speed
Catamarans are typically 25-30% faster than monohulls of the same size.
Trimarans can double the sailing speed of most monohulls
Catamarans have more maneouverability than monohulls due to the 2 engines spread apart
Space
Catamarns are much roomier than monohulls of the same size because of their cockpit space, flybridge, deck space and below deck space
Catamarans rarely feel crowded, and there is ample headroom almost everywhere.
Beachability
Catamarans and other multihulled yachts have incredible stability due to the beam and the extra hulls. Because of this, they have no need for a ballast or a substantial keel, which reduces their weight significantly. This makes them much lighter than monohulls, allowing catamarans to explore shallow waters.
Most catamarans can be beached or dried out at low tide.
Safety
Catamarans are ALMOST unsinkable.
Because they are so stable, harsh weather doesn’t affect it as much as it would a monohull.
Because of the multiple hulls, catamarans (and trimarans) have incredible stability. Whether the Yacht Chart is anchored or sailing, catamarans rarely roll around and they do not heel under way.
This stability makes catamarans the ideal yachts for first time sailors, elderly people, children, and those prone to sea-sickness
Speed
Catamarans are typically 25-30% faster than monohulls of the same size.
Trimarans can double the sailing speed of most monohulls
Catamarans have more maneouverability than monohulls due to the 2 engines spread apart
Space
Catamarns are much roomier than monohulls of the same size because of their cockpit space, flybridge, deck space and below deck space
Catamarans rarely feel crowded, and there is ample headroom almost everywhere.
Beachability
Catamarans and other multihulled yachts have incredible stability due to the beam and the extra hulls. Because of this, they have no need for a ballast or a substantial keel, which reduces their weight significantly. This makes them much lighter than monohulls, allowing catamarans to explore shallow waters.
Most catamarans can be beached or dried out at low tide.
Safety
Catamarans are ALMOST unsinkable.
Because they are so stable, harsh weather doesn’t affect it as much as it would a monohull.
Multihull (Catamaran) CONS
Size
While having a lot of space may be luxurious, finding a spot for the catamaran might be an issue
For hard-core sailors, driving a catamaran does not give the ‘real’ feel of sailing due to its size. You don’t feel the boat driving through the waves in the same way that you would with a monohull.
Sailing
Catamarans do not sail well upwind and need a different technique for tacking and anchoring
Anchoring
Anchoring a catamaran can be more difficult. This is due to the fact that catamarans have more “windage” than monohulls, and, without keel and ballast, they have a tendency to “bob” on the water when a gust hits.
While having a lot of space may be luxurious, finding a spot for the catamaran might be an issue
For hard-core sailors, driving a catamaran does not give the ‘real’ feel of sailing due to its size. You don’t feel the boat driving through the waves in the same way that you would with a monohull.
Sailing
Catamarans do not sail well upwind and need a different technique for tacking and anchoring
Anchoring
Anchoring a catamaran can be more difficult. This is due to the fact that catamarans have more “windage” than monohulls, and, without keel and ballast, they have a tendency to “bob” on the water when a gust hits.
Catamarans do seem like they have more PROS than CONS, but it all depends on what kind of yacht experience you’re looking for overall. For new timers, we would definitely suggest chartering a catamaran!
