Monohull vs catamaran: how to choose a charter boat?

Monohull vs catamaran: how to choose a charter boat?

Who is a monohull suitable for?

• for connoisseurs of real yachting
• beginner yachtsmen
• thrill seekers, those who love adventure and adrenaline
• companies of students and young people who are not embarrassed by the limited space and are attracted by the affordable boat rental price

Monohull Dufour 520 Grand Large

Catamaran - this is a type of boat that differs from a monohull sailing ship in that it has two hulls - two large floats, which are connected by a large main deck - a bridge, above which there may be another deck - a flybridge. Not so long ago, catamarans were only chartered in exotic locations, but now you can find them on most charter bases throughout the Mediterranean and around the world in general. The popularity of catamarans is growing rapidly, as is their availability for different budget levels. Sizes of catamarans also vary widely.

Who is the sailing catamaran for?

• families with children
• lovers of comfort, space and privacy
• those who are rocked (the catamaran does not rock)
• large groups of friends
• for those who want to organize a party or wedding

Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42

Accommodation features: monohull vs catamaran

Life on a charter, both on a catamaran and on a monohull, takes place on deck and in the cockpit. You must understand that there is no particular need to spend time insideexcept for sleep. However, comfort, privacy and freedom of movement are important to many guests.

On a monohull, everything is simple - the space inside is divided into several sections. The bow cabin (or cabins), followed by a bathroom, then a saloon with a galley, a navigator's table, an aft bathroom (or two bathrooms) and aft cabins. Depending on size, monohull yachts range from the smallest with two cabins to the largest with six cabins. The salon is used as a dining area and can also be used as an extra bed. If the salon is used for sleeping, the table folds down and the sofa transforms into a double bed.

Dufour 520 at anchor

A more comfortable stay is arranged on the catamaran. Both buildings have separate cabins, usually each with its own bathroom, which provide a high level of comfort and privacy. One double cabin is located forward and the other double cabin is aft. The bow cabin is very comfortable, it is not narrow, since the forepeak (the narrowest place) is used for storing yacht equipment, and on large catamarans - as a skipper's cabin.

In the salon there is a spacious lounge area with a galley and a navigation post. The entire structure of the main deck is glazed with large windows and connected to the cockpit by large sliding glass doors. Very spacious cockpit with easy access to the galley and saloon, increasingly equipped with its own external galley, with grill and refrigerator. Inside the galley is equipped with a large gas hob with oven, fridge, freezer, and double sinks. Catamarans can be equipped with solar panels, air conditioning and a desalination plant used to produce fresh water. Thus, the boat is completely autonomous and will produce enough fresh water throughout the cruise.

Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 at anchor

Sailability and handling features 

Monohull yachts mainly equipped with one mast and two sails. The head sail on a twist is called a genoa or staysail. The rear sail is grotto, it either rises and falls on the mast, or twists into the mast. Classic grotto provides a better performance than a twisted mainsail and is very easy to operate. One halyard is used to raise the mainsail, and the mainsail is lowered when you release that halyard. In strong winds, the area of the mainsail should be reduced, and this is achieved by the so-called reef. The main advantage the grotto is its simplicity and great motive power. The main disadvantage is that as the wind increases, it becomes more difficult to reduce the size. Charter boats usually only have two reefs and the mainsail, reduced to two reefs, is still too large when the winds are very strong. But then again, a charter is not around the world, and takes place in fairly calm coastal waters.

Most beginners are afraid of the traditional grotto and prefer mainsail with a twisted mast... At first glance, it is easier and less stressful to work with. However, since twisting into a mast is a technically difficult process, there is also a greater risk that something will go wrong. The main advantage This mainsail is the rapid decrease in sail area when the wind increases. The main disadvantage is the technical complexity of the stranding system itself and the increased likelihood of defects. The mainsail with a twisted mast is also smaller than usual in area, which reduces the quality of the performance.

All major charter companies such as Sunsail and Moorings equipped their boats with a classic mainsail + lazy bag and lazy jack - this is a bag in which the mainsail is packed, and ropes that allow you to do it as evenly and safely as possible in strong winds. And there is a very good reason for that. The technical simplicity and reliability of this process outweighs what may initially seem more difficult to use.

Dufour 520 Grand Large under sail

As for the catamaran, sail control is simplified as much as possible. The sailing equipment on the catamaran is the same as on the monohull, but even simpler. The catamaran is also equipped with one mast and two sails - a genoa or a staysail and, as a rule, a classic mainsail with through battens. Catamarans use a smaller staysail area than monohulls and are also easier to work with. When changing tack, it is very easy to change the sail. The mainsail on the catamaran is large and the performance under the mainsail is excellent. Large catamarans use an electric winch to lift the mainsail.

But the most important thing is the fact that a sailing catamaran is a boat that does not heel. Therefore, if you are looking for a sailing yacht where glasses will not fall off the table while sailing, and your crew will not get rocked, a catamaran is the perfect boat for you. A high level of stability on the water is achieved due to the boat's width. The hulls are positioned in such a way as to guarantee the vessel sufficient stability in any weather. But, if you go on a charter as a catamaran skipper, you must carefully follow the instructions governing the wind conditions when you should take the reefs. Then you will find yourself on the safest and most comfortable boat.

Fountaine Pajot Saona 47 sailing

Summing up:

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Monohull Sailing Yacht Compared to a Catamaran

+ very safe boat due to the fact that it has great lateral stability and cannot topple over during normal storms

+ monohull sailing is an adrenaline rush. The boat heels from the wind pressure and the contact with the sea is very strong

+ lower rental price compared to a catamaran of the same size

+ due to its more compact size, a place in the marina is cheaper 

Monohull vs catamaran: how to choose a charter boat?

- smaller cabinsthan on a catamaran, and are located very close to each other, which means little privacy in the charter, but you need to be prepared for this anyway when stepping on board any boat

- less space and comfort for relaxation on deck than on a catamaran; all common areas are rather narrow and compact - the galley, saloon, cockpit are much more modest, even on a large monohull

- ventilation a monohull is an order of magnitude worse than that of a catamaran - this is especially felt in tropical heat

Advantages and disadvantages of a sailing catamaran compared to a monohull

+ the catamaran practically does not heel and it is more comfortable to walk on it than on a monohull. His does not pump on the waves, which is especially valuable at anchorage during sleep

+ catamaran provides higher level of privacy and privacy as the cabins are isolated from each other. Cabins in one building, as a rule, are separated by bathrooms and aisle, and the noisiest places, such as the salon and cockpit, are generally on the second level.

Monohull vs catamaran: how to choose a charter boat?

+ cockpit, saloon and galley are on the same level, and you get a very bright and large spacedesigned in an open plan style. This is a very social area where the galley is located directly overlooking the cockpit, making it easy to serve food and cook while in contact with the rest of the crew.

+ there is much more space on the deck of the catamaran for sunbathing and relaxation than on a monohull. In addition to a very comfortable cockpit, free for movement and accommodating a large number of guests, usually in the bow, the net is the second favorite place. Also, there can be a small sundeck or a sofa between the noses. Many catamarans are equipped with a flybridge - this is the third level, where the helm station, sun deck, table and sofa are located, depending on the size of the yacht

Monohull vs catamaran: how to choose a charter boat?

+ the catamaran goes faster on all courses, except for sharp courses, compared to monohull sailing yacht

- you will not experience all the delights of sailingfor example when the boat heels and starts to slide over the waves. A true, adrenaline-filled experience and pleasure of sailing yachting really only provides a monohull

- higher rental cost compared to a monohull - more expensive and parking spaces in marinas

Interparus Yachting will help you choose a yacht and organize an unforgettable yacht trip on any yacht, anywhere in the world. Call +33644142168 WhatsApp, Alexander

07.08.2019