Why choose a catamaran?

Difference between monohull and multihull

This is probably the easiest question. It is clear that the monohull (aka monohull) has one main body. In contrast, multihulls (catamarans) consist of two hulls (floats).

Among the main advantages of a catamaran, it is worth noting increased stability and low draft - we will talk about them a little lower. These advantages make catamarans more attractive to potential buyers. However, there are a number of advantages of this type of vessels, which will also be discussed below.

At the same time, monohulls are faster than their fellow catamarans. In general, the question “multihull or monohull?” should be attributed to the category of eternal questions and focus solely on your personal preferences. Let's move on to the benefits of cat!

Living space and its quantity

When it comes to catamarans, in addition to an interesting shape, one also remembers that the ship has two whole hulls. And that means twice as much space! As a rule, a sailing monohull about 15-16 meters long can hardly accommodate everything that can be loaded onto a 12-meter catamaran without much difficulty.

Larger cabins, higher ceilings, better ventilation and cabins flush with the waterline are what a catamaran has to offer. Cabins at the level with the waterline is a separate conversation. Many people understand with horror for themselves that the realization that their cabin is, by and large, under water scares them. And this is a classic situation for a monohull, where cabins can and some are located below the waterline. There is no such problem on multihulls. 

If you are a fan of diving or sunbathing, then you will find that there is an order of magnitude more space for equipment and sunbathing on the kat. Most often, catamarans have a layout for 4 cabins - a common option, especially for a charter. A little less often you can find a catamaran with 3 cabins, but, believe me, its dimensions will be simply impressive.

Driving performance

Despite the fact that monohulls are more maneuverable and faster, catamarans have better stability on the water. No wonder - the catamaran corny has a large area of contact with the water surface.

If flipping your monohull is a rather non-trivial task, then flipping a catamaran is something from the category of science fiction. Two hulls, despite the absence of large and heavy keels, perfectly balance each other. The balance is about catamarans.

Reliability and durability

When it comes to catamarans, they have no equal in strength and reliability. We do not think that it is worth seriously comparing monohulls and catamarans, because these are completely different types of sea vessels and each with its own characteristics. But at the same time, we have the opportunity to highlight specific benefits. And strength is one of those benefits.

I especially want to pay attention to the kats that are created for long-distance sea and ocean crossings. Their margin of safety and wear resistance are really able to amaze the imagination.

The design of almost any catamaran will be stronger than the design of a monohull due to the more powerful hull and frame of this type of sailing boats. For some reason, many mistakenly believe that the presence of two hulls opposite makes the kat more susceptible to the elements. However, it is not.

Perhaps such a view of things was formed due to those rare cases when a catamaran broke right in the center and its hulls separated from each other. Of course, the probability of such an event cannot be completely ruled out, but this, again, is an exception to the rule. Typically, such damage is preceded by years of misuse and lack of maintenance on the cut.

Hole? No problem!

Here, the phrase of a character from the Star Wars film series by Obi-Wan Kenobi is true: “It doesn’t matter, half of the cruiser is still on the move!” The catamaran is more resistant to any type of holes and problems with the hulls. Usually each float is divided into compartments and the floats themselves are high enough above the water.

Due to the low draft, the chance of accidentally getting a leak or a hole is completely reduced to a minimum. However, if you are an extreme and you managed to leave a hole in the hull, then you have an order of magnitude more time for repairs than on a single-hull.

It is easier and easier to quickly fix a leak on a catamaran than on a monohull due to the fact that the second float will still be in good condition. In the end, you will not be able to immediately flood the cat. 

Often in social networks you can find videos in which a monohull is in distress. When was the last time you saw a sinking catamaran?

Safety and sustainability

One of the best qualities of a catamaran is that there is almost no roll on them. Not underway, not at anchor. Rolling on kats is also extinguished much better than on a monohull. 

In addition, catamarans usually hold their course better than monohulls. This is due to the fact that the weight of the catamaran is distributed over a larger area and it resists the current by an order of magnitude. Of course, if the skipper is inexperienced, then these advantages will not save you from losing the course.

If you are a beginner and / or want to relax with your family, then catamarans are a much safer and slightly easier option. Safety and comfort are the main qualities of catamarans.

Safe anchorage

Catamarans, as we said above, have less draft than monohulls. Thanks to this, not only the anchorage, but also the patency of the kats is higher. On the kat, you can easily find a convenient parking lot at a shallow depth or in shallow water. You can anchor your catamaran almost literally a stone's throw from the shore and not worry about the ship running aground.

Also, the advantage of low draft can be called the possibility of emergency repairs in shallow water. Cleaning and polishing the bottom will also not be a problem, especially at low tide. Small kata keels will allow you to easily and naturally (and without harm to the keel) rest it on the sand.

Comfort, comfort, comfort

Comfort is an important factor when choosing a boat. Especially when it comes to cruises or long passages. Catamarans are famous for their stability. But two hulls and a comfortable deck have another advantage that can be called in one word - comfort. A wide deck, a large number of spacious cabins and ease of use make the catamaran an indispensable friend of any family.

For beginner yachtsmen, a catamaran can be an excellent springboard to the world of sailing competitions and just yachting. You can calmly and steadily (!) walk along the kat without experiencing strong pitching. The catamaran is designed for a pleasant and useful pastime.

What can we say about the fact that all family members can be safely separated into different cabins and even hulls and no longer interfere with each other's sleep. Especially this option will appeal to parents and children.

Fuel consumption

If you are wondering where is better (less) fuel consumption, then there is only one answer - on a catamaran. This type of sailboat has virtually no ballast, less draft and less fuel consumption. Even taking into account the light wind, the catamaran is able to develop a decent speed without the help of engines. And if the engines still have to be connected, then one will be enough.

At the same time, another nuance cannot be ignored - the consumption and efficiency of a catamaran ends with the approach of a storm front. In stormy conditions, a monohull boat will use fuel much more efficiently.

Once again, we recall that jokes with the weather do not lead to anything good. Trying to outrun a storm is a bad idea for both a monohull and a catamaran. It would be best to wait out the bad weather in a secluded bay or marina.

Winter cruising lovers? Catamaran Help!

Catamarans are much more suitable for winter cruises. The cockpit of the kata is better protected from the weather than the cockpit of the monohull. The skipper on a catamaran will operate from a comfortable warm cockpit, and on a monohull you will have to take the blow of the elements. 

Modern cruising catamarans are also more often equipped with automated sails and electric winches. Thanks to these miracles of technology, it becomes possible not to leave the cockpit at all, especially in cold weather.

If you are a fan of low temperatures, then here is another plus for you in the treasury of the advantages of catamarans. By the way, the catamaran will no less effectively shelter the team from tropical showers.

So which catamaran to choose?

The ideal (safest) option for a catamaran is a cruising catamaran. This is a versatile option for both ocean travel and coastal cruises. Such kats are equipped with reinforced structural elements and safety features compared to conventional catamarans. 

Cruising catamarans are also equipped with stronger and stronger cockpit glass and can withstand the impact of waves. It is also not uncommon for bilge pumps to be installed in stock configurations of cruise boats. 

We hope that we have helped you in choosing the boat of your dreams. Don't forget to rate the content! You can find other interesting articles on the links below or in the "News" section!

29.12.2022