types of catamaran sailboats

Catamarans: A Complete Guide to Multihull Boats

Catamarans have been a part of sailing history for centuries and continue to be popular for their stability, spaciousness, and performance. Developed by various cultures around the world, the principles of catamaran design have evolved over time to become optimized for both pleasure cruising and racing. This complete guide will help you understand the essentials of catamarans, their unique characteristics, and how to choose the right one for your needs.

From the basic concepts of multihull design, performance, and handling, we will explore the advantages and benefits of a catamaran in terms of safety and comfort on board.

Along the way, we will discuss maintenance considerations, distinctive catamaran brands and models, and how a catamaran lifestyle can compare to more traditional sailing options .

Finally, we will provide learning resources and frequently asked questions tailored to both seasoned sailors and newcomers to the world of catamarans.

Key Takeaways

• Catamarans are known for their stability, spaciousness, and performance
• This guide covers aspects like design, handling, safety, and choosing the right catamaran
• Resources and frequently asked questions provide additional insights for potential catamaran owners

Understanding Catamarans

Design Characteristics

Catamarans are known for their unique design, which features two parallel hulls connected by a deck. This design provides several advantages over traditional monohull boats, such as stability and speed.

With their wide beam, catamarans have a reduced risk of capsizing and can access shallow waters due to their shallow drafts 1 .

One of the notable aspects of a catamaran is its twin hulls, which offer increased living space and comfort compared to a monohull. Additionally, catamarans are often favored by recreational and competitive sailors for their excellent maneuverability 2 .

The materials used for constructing catamarans range from wood to fiberglass, and even aluminum for high-performance vessels. Aluminum catamarans are known for their strength, lightweight structure, and resistance to corrosion 3 .

Hulls and Construction

The hulls in a catamaran are crucial to its stability and performance. These hulls help distribute the weight evenly across the water surface, minimizing drag and allowing for smoother sailing.

In general, the hulls can be categorized into two types:

• Symmetrical Hulls : The hull shape is similar on both sides, which enhances balance and stability in various sailing conditions.
• Asymmetrical Hulls : One side of the hull is designed differently than the other, which can be advantageous when sailing upwind.

The construction materials used in building catamaran hulls also play a vital role in the boat's performance and durability. Common materials include:

• Fiberglass : A popular choice due to its lightweight, strength, and ease of maintenance.
• Wood : Traditional material that offers a classic look, but requires more maintenance than fiberglass or aluminum.
• Aluminum : Lightweight and strong, aluminum is an excellent choice for high-performance catamarans 4 .

Multihulls vs Monohulls

There's often a debate between the benefits of multihull boats, such as catamarans or trimarans, and monohull boats. Here are some key differences between the two:

• Stability : Due to their wide beam and reduced heeling, catamarans offer improved stability compared to monohulls. This makes them an attractive option for those who want to avoid seasickness or feel more comfortable on the water 5 .
• Speed : Multihull boats are known for their speed, which results from their ability to minimize drag and maintain a level sail.
• Living Space : Catamarans and other multihulls generally have more living space, as both the hulls and the connecting deck can be utilized for accommodation and storage.
• Maneuverability : While monohulls are known for their agility and ability to point close to the wind, catamarans can still offer exceptional maneuverability when properly sailed 6 .

Performance and Handling

Speed and Efficiency

Power catamarans have gained popularity for offering a unique combination of speed, efficiency, and stability. Their dual-hull design allows for less water resistance, which directly translates to higher speeds and better fuel efficiency compared to traditional monohull boats.

In addition, the wide beam provided by the two hulls ensures a stable ride even at higher speeds. This makes power catamarans ideal for cruising, fishing, and watersports ( Boating Beast ).

Sailing Dynamics

When it comes to sailing catamarans , the performance is affected by factors such as keel, rudders, mast, and sails.

Their wide beam and dual-hull design provide inherent stability and reduced heeling effect, making them less likely to capsize compared to monohulls.

I should also note that catamarans have a shallow draft, which gives them the ability to access shallow waters that may be off-limits to other boats ( Navigating the Waters ).

In my experience, the lighter weight of a catamaran and its aerodynamic design can contribute to remarkable sailing performance under different wind conditions.

The larger sail area relative to hull weight allows them to harness more wind power, further enhancing their speed and agility on the water.

Maneuvering and Docking

Maneuvering and docking a power catamaran involves understanding its unique handling characteristics.

The presence of two engines in separate hulls allows for more precise control in confined spaces such as marinas.

The maneuverability of these boats is typically improved by the use of dual rudders that are located close to each powered hull for efficient steering ( BoatUS ).

When docking under power, I find it helpful to carefully assess the wind and current conditions beforehand.

This is because catamarans can be more sensitive to windage due to their larger surface area above the waterline.

By understanding how these forces may affect the boat, I can make adjustments to my approach and successfully dock the catamaran without any incidents.

Safety and Comfort on Board

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority when sailing any type of vessel, including catamarans. A well-built catamaran offers several features aimed at ensuring the safety of those onboard.

First, catamarans have inherent stability due to their wide beam and twin hull design . This makes them less prone to capsizing than monohull boats. This stability allows me to confidently navigate various water conditions .

In addition to stability, catamarans are designed with positive buoyancy, making them almost unsinkable . Of course, safety equipment such as lifejackets, flares, and first aid kits should always be onboard and well-maintained.

Furthermore, you should also stay updated on weather conditions, avoid sailing in high-risk areas, and learn your boat's safe sail limits.

Living Spaces and Comfort

When it comes to living spaces, I value comfort and practicality as essential features for my time on the water. Catamarans offer a unique advantage in this regard, as their dual hulls create spacious living areas.

Most catamarans are designed with separate cabins in each hull, allowing for privacy and comfort when sleeping. Additionally, these boats typically feature shallow drafts , which means I can access shallow waters and anchor close to shore.

The main living area, or salon, is situated on the bridge deck between the hulls. It usually includes a seating area, a dining table, and a galley (kitchen). Large windows provide ample natural light and panoramic views, making the space feel open and bright. Some catamarans even have the option for an additional living area on the upper deck where you can enjoy the sun and breeze.

One aspect of catamaran living I truly appreciate is the ample storage available. Each cabin typically has built-in storage spaces for clothes, gear, and personal items. There are also designated areas for equipment such as spare sails, tools, and water toys. This makes it easy for me to keep my belongings organized and make the most of my time on the water.

Maintaining a Catamaran

Routine Maintenance

In order to keep my catamaran in the best possible shape, I make sure to perform routine maintenance tasks. These tasks are essential to extend the life of the components and ensure smooth sailing:

• Cleaning : Regularly cleaning the deck, hulls, and sails prevents buildup of dirt, algae, and other debris that could affect performance.
• Inspection : Periodically inspecting my catamaran allows me to detect any potential issues before they become significant problems. I pay close attention to the rigging, sails, and lines on my boat.
• Lubrication : Keeping all moving parts lubricated is vital to prevent friction and wear on components such as winches and pulleys.
• Antifouling : Applying antifouling paint to the hulls of my catamaran helps prevent the growth of marine organisms that can damage the boat and reduce its speed. Make sure to do this at least once a year.

Dealing with Wear and Tear

Despite my best efforts to keep my catamaran well-maintained, wear and tear is inevitable. Here's how I deal with common issues that could arise from regular use:

• Repairs : When I notice signs of wear on sails, lines, or rigging components, I make it a priority to repair or replace them promptly. Neglecting these issues can lead to more significant problems and affect the boat's performance.
• Hull maintenance : If I find dents, scratches, or stiff rudders on my catamaran's hulls, I address them immediately. Repairing any damage not only ensures smooth sailing but also prevents further issues from developing.
• Sail care : Over time, my sails can become stretched, torn, or damaged due to exposure to sun, wind, and saltwater. Regularly inspecting them for signs of wear and making any necessary repairs or replacements helps maintain optimal performance.
• Rust and corrosion prevention : Since my catamaran is made of various metal components, I need to protect them from rust and corrosion. I routinely check for signs of corrosion and apply anti-corrosive treatments when needed.

Catamaran Brands and Models

High-Performance Models

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in high-performance catamarans. I have seen a variety of brands and models that have impressed me with their performance capabilities. One notable brand is Fountaine Pajot , which has a long history of producing a range of sailing catamarans and power catamarans. Some of their popular models include the Tanna 47 and the Bali 4.4 .

Another high-performance catamaran I've come across is the Leopard 40 . Known for their speed and exceptional handling in various conditions, the Leopard brand started with sailing catamarans and has since expanded to include power catamarans. Their models range from 40 to 53 feet long, offering both power and luxury for those looking for a thrilling experience on the water.

Cruising Catamarans

When it comes to cruising catamarans, the Lagoon brand is synonymous with luxury and comfort. With a range of sailing catamarans from 40 to 70 feet long, Lagoon offers spacious catamarans for extended bluewater cruising. Their 60- and 70-foot power catamarans are equally impressive, providing ample living space and smooth sailing experiences.

I've also found the Aquila 42 PC to be a remarkable cruising catamaran. With a focus on design and innovation, Aquila has produced catamarans perfect for exploring the open sea with friends and family. Their spacious, stable designs allow for a more enjoyable and serene journey, ensuring you arrive at your destination comfortably.

The Catamaran Lifestyle

Anchoring and Cruising

I find catamarans to be a fantastic choice for cruising and anchoring , which is a critical part of living the catamaran lifestyle . Catamarans have several advantages when it comes to anchoring and cruising, such as:

• Stability : Due to their wide beam and twin hulls, catamarans remain stable during anchoring, which reduces the risk of seasickness.
• Shallow draft : Thanks to their shallow draft , catamarans can anchor close to shore, enabling better access to protected coves and more beautiful beaches.
• Speed : Despite their large size for cruising vessels , catamarans are generally faster than monohulls. This is a result of their slim hulls and reduced water resistance.

When it comes to anchoring, catamarans can make use of their shallow draft to anchor in locations that other boats cannot. This allows for a greater range of cruising spots, which makes the overall experience much more enjoyable and unique.

Living on a Catamaran Full-time

For many catamaran enthusiasts, the dream of living full-time on a catamaran is entirely possible. While not without challenges, there are several factors that make living aboard a catamaran an enjoyable experience:

• Spacious living areas : Catamarans generally have more living area compared to monohulls, providing ample space for the whole crew.
• Privacy : The separate hulls allow for private cabins, ensuring that everyone on board has their space.
• Stability : As mentioned earlier, catamarans are stable vessels, making living on them more comfortable than monohulls.

Choosing Your Catamaran

Comparing Models and Features

When I start to look for the perfect catamaran, the first thing I focus on is comparing various models and features .

I determine the key factors that are essential for my needs, such as size, passenger comfort, and performance. By doing so, I can identify which catamaran models are most suitable for me.

For example, if I plan to sail with a large group, I would look for a catamaran that offers ample space both inside and out.

To help me with my comparisons, I usually create a table or list of the different models and their features:

This visual aid makes it easier for me to sort the options and prioritize my considerations, such as price, yacht type, and brand.

New vs. Second-Hand

Another critical aspect of choosing a catamaran is deciding between a new or second-hand boat.

Both options have their pros and cons, and ultimately it depends on my preferences and budget.

If I can afford a new catamaran, I get the advantage of the latest design , features, and technology. Plus, I typically receive better warranty coverage and support from the manufacturer.

However, new catamarans are more expensive and can have long wait times due to high demand.

On the other hand, purchasing a second-hand catamaran can save me a significant amount of money, and I might find a high-quality boat with low mileage or well-maintained by the previous owner.

However, this option carries more risks, as I need to be knowledgeable about potential maintenance issues and conduct a thorough inspection before purchase.

Learning Resources

Books and Manuals

When it comes to learning about catamarans, there are plenty of books and manuals available.

One of the highly recommended books is Multihull Voyaging by Thomas Firth Jones. This book provides a comprehensive understanding of multihulls, including catamarans, and is an essential guide for any beginner sailor.

Another great book to check out is Catamarans: The Complete Guide for Cruising Sailors by Gregor Tarjan.

With a foreword by Charles K. Chiodi, publisher of Multihulls Magazine, this book covers all aspects of cruising catamarans. It includes detailed information on design, construction, and maintenance, as well as tips and tricks for sailing a catamaran.

Here are a few more books that I find valuable:

• The Catamaran Book by Tim Bartlett, an excellent resource for both beginners and experienced sailors
• Catamaran Sailing: From Start to Finish by Phil Berman and Lenny Rudow, a comprehensive guide to both catamaran racing and cruising

Online Content and Photography

In addition to books, you can find plenty of online content and photography about catamarans.

Websites like Sailaway Blog and Boating Guide offer tips, techniques, and how-to articles for sailing catamarans.

Many of these sites also include stunning photography, showcasing these beautiful vessels in action.

For those who prefer Kindle or e-books, many of these resources are available in digital format.

This makes it easier for you to access them anytime, anywhere, allowing you to keep learning and improving your catamaran sailing skills.

To further enhance your knowledge, you can also join online forums and communities dedicated to catamarans.

These platforms provide invaluable advice and first-hand experiences shared by fellow sailors, as well as recommendations for additional learning resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

What factors should be considered when choosing a catamaran for full-time living?

When choosing a catamaran for full-time living, consider its space and layout , as it will become your home.

Look for a design with a comfortable living area , ample storage, and sufficient berths for the number of people living aboard.

Also, consider fuel efficiency , ease of maintenance, and the catamaran's cruising range .

Lastly, the overall cost of ownership , including insurance and mooring fees, should be considered.

How do catamarans perform in rough sea conditions?

In general, catamarans are known for their stability, which is primarily due to their wide beams. This makes them less prone to capsizing when compared to monohulls.

However, their performance in rough sea conditions will depend on the specific model and design of the catamaran. Some may perform better in certain conditions than others, so researching and selecting the right design is essential.

What are the key differences between sailing a catamaran and a monohull?

One of the main differences between catamarans and monohulls is stability.

Catamarans have a wider beam , which makes them more stable and minimizes the risk of capsizing.

They also have shallower drafts, which allow them to access more shallow waters compared to monohulls.

Additionally, catamarans often have larger living spaces, making them more comfortable and suitable for cruising and full-time living.

What are the advantages of catamarans for long-distance cruising?

Catamarans offer several advantages for long-distance cruising.

Their wide, stable design provides a comfortable ride and reduces the risk of seasickness.

They can also attain higher speeds due to their reduced drag and generally sail faster than monohulls on certain points of sail.

The shallow draft allows them to explore more coastal areas and anchor closer to shore. Lastly, their spacious interiors make them ideal for extended cruises and living aboard.

How does one assess the value of a used catamaran on the market?

Assessing the value of a used catamaran requires thorough research and inspection.

Start by comparing the age, model, and condition of the catamaran to similar listings on the market.

Take note of any upgrades or additions made to the boat, as these can affect the price.

It's essential to inspect the boat in person or hire a professional surveyor to ensure there are no hidden issues that could affect its value.

What essential features should be looked for in a catamaran intended for ocean voyages?

For ocean voyages, look for a catamaran with a strong, well-built hull designed to handle rough conditions.

Safety features such as liferafts, adequate flotation, and sturdy deck hardware are crucial.

A reliable engine and well-maintained rigging and sails are also essential.

In terms of living space, opt for a catamaran with a comfortable, spacious interior and ample storage.

Last but not least, good navigation and communication systems are necessary for long-distance ocean voyages.

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A Complete Catamaran Guide

There you are, out on the water when a strange craft approaches.  Is it a sailboat? It sure looks like one until it turns to face you.  That’s when you notice this boat doesn’t have just one hull. It has two hulls and it’s called a catamaran.

Catamarans are unique, and highly stable watercraft.  We’ll explore all the ins and outs of sailing the waters in one of these weird, and awesome multi-hulled craft.  Join me as we explore the wild world of sailing catamarans.

A History Of The Catamaran

It is believed that the first people to use a catamaran design were those living in Australasia.

The succession of boat design in this region was actually very interesting.  The beginning of boats in the area was simple, albeit conventional rafts. These were fashioned from logs strewn together with plant fiber lashings such as those formed using bamboo fiber.  

Catamaran Evolution

The conventional raft gave way to a minimal raft.  This design was basically a conventional raft with two cross beams added in the form of logs.  These would be eventually hollowed out to improve buoyancy.

The next step in the evolution of boats in the Australasian region was the double canoe.  This proved to be the first real catamarans.  

After some time, the form evolved further into the asymmetrical double canoe design.  In this design, one canoe was large and the other attached canoe was smaller.

The asymmetrical design quickly evolved into the single-outrigger boat like the one shown in the photo below.

The final stage of the evolution of the catamaran in the region was to gain a second outrigger.  This in effect created the trimaran with the single central hull and dual outriggers.

Eye Witness Accounts Of Catamarans

In 1697, William Dampier wrote of witnessing a type of seafaring vessel off the coast of Coromandel.  He noted how the locals called the type of boat a catamaran. He also noted that it had multiple hulls (logs) and that they were small vessels that the person operating would have to hang partway into the water, straddling the hull (log).

The name catamaran came from the Tamil.  And yet, it was easily applied by the European visitors to the two hulled sailing vessels that sped across the water in the region.

Although Dampier may have described the catamaran in the 1690s, the type of boat was actually used as early as the 5th century by the Tamil Chola dynasty.  They used boats to move their troops from one island to another. Using this design of boat allowed them to travel heavy, travel quickly and was partially responsible for the conquering of neighboring Burma, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Building A Boat – Basics Of Catamaran Construction

A boat is usually thought of as being a single-hulled vessel that travels along the surface of the water.  It can have multiple types, shapes, and designs of the hull. However, it is often only thought of as having a single hull.  But, what if it had two hulls? Would that be like taking two separate boats, and making a raft over both of them? In essence, that is exactly what a catamaran is:  two boats made into one.

Advantages Of Multiple Hulls

• More stability than a monohull
• Wide supporting base allows for larger sails than monohull craft of the same length
• Hull does not require the deep-running keel of a standard monohull sailboat
• Less hull drag in the water than a monohull
• Less power required to drive a catamaran forward than a monohull boat

Disadvantages Of Multiple Hulls 

• Due to multiple hulls, construction is more expensive than a monohull design
• Catamaran speed relies on lightweight materials to make a lightweight craft.  This also drives up the cost of construction.
• Extra engineering requirements for multi-hull craft also increase the cost of construction.

Conclusion?  Well, it looks to me like everything about catamarans points towards superiority over monohulls in nearly every way.  But, you get what you pay for. I think the same thing likely applies to cars too. For instance, I have a performance car that cost me about 10k more than the equivalent non-sports car within the same class. 

Yet to drive the vehicle, it performs so much better than the normal version of the car, it really speaks volumes to the difference between a common vehicle, and a performance one.

Speaking of performance vehicles, let’s take a look now at the different kinds and uses of a catamaran.

Catamaran Types

Commercial catamarans – ferries.

One of the most common uses for a catamaran is the commercial use of the vehicle design when it comes to ferries.  This is likely due to the wide, flat deck possibilities of a catamaran versus a monohulled boat. Not only that, but the catamaran is also a much more stable bodied vessel.  This again makes it a superior design for transporting larger land vessels like trucks and so forth. They can easily drive on the ferry without fear of the ferry tipping over.

Some ferries are designed for taking vehicles, like the one you might find in the city of Toronto.  Where it transports cars from the mainland to Toronto Island. Others are designed specifically with the sole purpose of transporting people. I took a look at one such ferry that operates in Germany.  Take a look at the following case study.

Commercial Use Case Study – The Ferry

The FRS Helgoline is a ferry catamaran operating out of Flensburg, Germany, close to the Danish border.

According to the ferry company’s website, the ferry runs using four main engines which are run to a capacity of 12,182 hp combined.  This blasts this ferry at a speed of 35 knots or 65 km/hour. This is equivalent to 40 miles per hour. That’s pretty good considering the size and weight of the ship body this catamaran can carry.

Speaking of capacity, the ship can carry 680 passengers. At 56.4 meters long (185 feet) by 14 meters wide (45.9 feet), that’s a decent passenger capacity. 

Catamaran Passenger Capacity Versus Monohull Boat Passenger Capacity 

The general rule for calculating passenger capacity for a boat is as follows.

Length x Width / 15 = Passenger Capacity

Therefore, the FRS Helgoline should have a calculated capacity calculated as follows.

185 x 45.9 / 15 = 566  

But it actually has a capacity of 680 which is a 20% increase in capacity over a standard monohull.

For comparison, let’s look at a superyacht.  A 48.5m (159 feet) long by 10.7m (35 feet) beam (width of the boat) Palmer Johnson Supersport 48 (valued at about $28.5 million dollars) should have a capacity calculated as follows.

159 x 35 / 15 = 371

In short, 26 feet of difference in length equates to 309 fewer passengers.  It is almost half of the capacity of the catamaran at 26 feet longer length.

Photo courtesy of https://sysyachtsales.com/

Commercial Catamarans – Service Vehicles

Although Catamarans are typically used as ferries due to their stability and ability to carry wide loads on their flat decks, there are many different service catamarans out there as well.  From a support vessel to a crew transfer or search and rescue, catamarans are a solid and stable platform to build a ship on.

This is the Ardea which is a 20 meter (65.6 feet) catamaran to be used for crew transport and as a support ship.  This ship was built by the Echo Marine Group and delivered to Western Australia in early 2019. This particular vessel is in the service of the Cape Preston Sino Iron Project.  

Catamarans are used all around the world, for a variety of tasks, not just ferries or support craft.

Commercial Catamarans – Cruise Lines

Now these are the catamarans we all want to be aboard, aren’t they?  Due to the wide stance, these ships can feature massive halls and wide-open interior areas.  These ships are stable, and some would say even more stable and safer than monohull design ships.  

There are many cruise ship catamarans in use today around the world.  Some of the more ‘famous’ catamaran cruises are those which investigate the Galapagos Islands.  There are several high-end, small fleet, cruise lines operating to the Galapagos which utilize catamaran design vessels as their primary ship type. 

These ships can be extremely comfortable and stable and often offer some reprieve to those who may otherwise feel seasick. It won’t stop the feeling, but the more stable the hull, the less the boat rocks around.

Military Catamarans

Catamarans make excellent military transport vessels.  They are stable and the potential to have a large, flat and wide deck for transporting land craft, troops or acting as a landing pad for vertical take-off aerial craft.  The stability of the two hulls makes the vessel an excellent candidate for military use, and thus it is used for said purpose.

As you can clearly see in the image of the USNS Spearhead, the rear of the vessel has a moveable ramp that can be used for loading and unloading land vehicles.  The interior bay of the craft is visible in the image as well, a large area for storage of vehicles, supplies and more. The crane arm on the back of the ship also shows how it is a versatile craft, set up to act as an excellent support craft with a helicopter landing pad and ample storage and freight capacity.

Recreational Catamarans

Catamaran Personal WatercraftThe wind is in your hair, the warm spray from the hull cutting over the edge of each wave as you skip over the water.  That is life, let me tell you. Personal watercraft have come a long way over the years and the small one, two, three and four-person catamarans have come a long way as well. 

Depending on the options, you can get a small one or two-person catamaran for as little as $1500 new.  That might be an inflatable though. There are some very nice, rigid hull designed catamarans for 1-4 people that range from $3500 to $15000.  And these are basically open, personal watercraft like that shown in the image below.

Using a small catamaran can be quite challenging to learn at first.  Sailing is not for the faint of heart. It requires skill, technique, knowledge of the wind and sea, and a bit of hard work.  But it can be fun, rewarding and a great way to catch some sun and fresh air out on the water. It’s a relatively GREEN sport as well.   Given the use of sails over gas-powered motors that is.

‘Sailing Cats’ – Sailing Catamarans – Yacht & Luxury Class

Here’s where we get into the dreamy boats of the rich and famous.  I priced out a small 43’ luxury Leopard 40 sailing catamaran. Even before I added any extras at all, the base price was $399,000 USD.  I imagine if I added a few of the multiple extras available, and some tax, freight and that sort of thing, I’m easily in half a million dollars.  And that’s the smallest base model.

There are all kinds of luxury catamaran shipbuilders across the world.  From Asia to Europe and The Americas, it seems any major boating country has at least one company building luxury catamarans.  It’s weird that you don’t see more of them on the water though, don’t you think?

Being sailing vessels, these luxury cats require some training in sailing before you get behind the wheel.  And considering the price point, I would definitely want to be at least a semi-decent sailor with some good few years experience under my belt before I would comfortable at the helm of a half-million-dollar sailing cat.  It’s all relative I suppose. I imagine a billionaire might bat an eye at the prospect of wrecking a half-million-dollar boat. But to me, and most of you reading this, that’s likely a lot of money.

‘Power Cats’ – Powered Catamarans

The powered catamaran is one of my favorite boats.  They have sort of a muscle car appearance with the wide and often tall front end of the boats.  I find it to be reminiscent of a large air intake on the front hood of a rally race car like the Subaru WRX, for instance.  These boats are fast, they are stable and handle very well. Catamarans are often considered the boat of choice for long sea voyages due to their stability.  

A powered catamaran will definitely cost more than a powered monohull boat of the same length.  Why? Well, the powered catamaran has one crucial downside. That is, it needs two engines. One for each of the two hulls.  Otherwise, it’s off balance for propulsion. These two engines or motors have to be in sync with each other or again, the propulsion will be off-balance.  Because they have two motors, they have double the maintenance when it comes to maintaining the propulsion system.

More components also means a greater chance of things breaking down.  In essence, it doubles the chances of the ship having a motor break down. The saving grace is that should one motor break, they have a backup, even if it does mean very unbalanced propulsion.  In contrast, a monohull vessel of the same length may only have half the chance of motor failure due to only having one motor, but if that one motor breaks, then what? Call for help, that’s what.  A cat would have a struggling chance to get itself back to port. A monohull would be dead in the water unless it was carrying spare parts or another motor onboard somewhere.

Catamaran Frequently Asked Questions

What is a catamaran cruise.

A catamaran cruise is simply a cruise on a dual hull design boat.  Often used for river cruises, the catamaran which is used as cruise ships are often considerably smaller than their giant monohulled counterparts.

What is the purpose of a catamaran?

A catamaran is a design for a boat that utilizes two hulls.  Due to the flat, platform-like-potential for the deck of the boat, the catamaran is often purposed with transporting materials, vehicles, and people.  For instance, catamarans are quite often used as ferries.

Is catamaran safe?

Catamaran are very safe water craft.   The design of riding on two hulls separated by a gap in between, in essence is like giving a car a double-wide wheel base.  The wider the stance, the more stable the craft, from side to side anyway. And if the length of the boat is proportional to the width, then it becomes an extremely stable craft.  That is why catamarans are often considered the best to be used for long voyages. Yes, catamaran are safe.

What is the difference between a catamaran and a sailboat?

A traditional sailboat is a deep, monohull vessel that has at least one mast extending high into the air above the deck to hold sails.  A catamaran refers to the design of a dual-hull boat and really has nothing to do with sails. Although, catamaran do make excellent sailing boats as well, they are quite capable of acting as power boats and do not require sails if they have the correct amount of powered motors to propel them.  Sailboats, although also able to be powered if a motor is provided, are traditionally monohull and wind-powered exclusively.

Do catamarans have small interiors?

The size of an interior cabin on a boat is typically proportional to the size of the boat itself.  If a catamaran has above-deck cabins, they will likely be able to be of a larger design than those you would find on deck of a monohull boat.  This is because a catamaran has a much wider footprint than a monohull boat of the same length. This extra width would allow for larger on deck cabins.  

How much does a catamaran cost?

A personal watercraft (1-2 person) inflatable catamaran will run you anywhere from $1500-$12000 USD, depending on the quality and features.  The rigid hull catamarans of the same size start at about $4500 USD.

A small cabin cruiser type of catamaran will typically start at about $60000 for a small base model and the price just goes up and up depending on size and features.

For Instance, a 40’, 3 cabin with 1 washroom cat will cost you about $500,000 USD for the base model.  They are considerably more expensive that a monohull of the same length. However, the trade-off is greater stability and a smoother, more comfortable ride.

Is a catamaran more work to maintain?

Technically yes.  Due to having two hulls and if powered, two motors and likely also water jets, this means you have double the oil changes of a boat that would have a single motor.  Once you get past the basic engine and hull maintenance, a catamaran is not that much more work than a monohull ship of the same length.  

The trouble with catamarans in terms of maintenance, is that once they reach a certain length, the width becomes more than a standard lane on the road.  That being said, if you ever need to transport the boat via land, it can be quite the challenge. Especially if you need to pay to have a police escort for an extra-wide trailer.  And special licensing might be involved as well.

What is the difference between a catamaran and a trimaran?

A catamaran is a dual hull boat.  In other words, it has two hulls. A trimaran has three hulls.  

Is a catamaran considered a yacht?

According to Oxford dictionary, a yacht is a medium-sized sailboat equipped for cruising or racing.  A catamaran, on the other hand, is a boat with two hulls. Therefore, a catamaran can most certainly also be a yacht.  And likewise, if a yacht has two hulls, then it is a catamaran as well.

Can you get seasick on a catamaran?

Seasickness occurs when a person feels nauseous from the swaying motion of a rocking ship.  These feelings may be lessened on a catamaran, due to their extra stability. However, a catamaran may be slightly more stable than a monohull of the same length, but it is still a boat.  And it will still make someone who experiences seasickness continue to feel the ill effects.

Are catamarans more stable in rough seas?

Catamarans are known to be more stable than monohull ships of the same length.  This is why catamarans are often the ship type of choice for long sea voyages due to their stability.

Why do catamarans capsize?

Catamarans are not known for capsizing.  The larger vessels that is anyway. But, it does happen from time to time.  Catamarans are known for their stability, so typically if a capsize event should occur, it is typical for them to be extreme circumstances.  

Personal watercraft catamarans are a different story though.  These are in fact known for tipping over. Not because they are less stable than their monohull counterparts of the same length.  But instead, because they are able to go considerably faster than monohull personal watercraft of the same length (not including powered craft though).  This is due to the sailing cats being able to have a larger sail than a small monohull sailboat of the same length.

Due to the extra sail, they are able to travel faster than monohull sailboats of the same length.  This allows them to whip around on the water and at higher speeds, whipping your cat about quick can easily send it over sideways. Extra speed means fast turns carry momentum in the direction of travel and that extra speed equates to tipping over if turned too fast.  To sum up, they capsize due to user error or extreme events.

Which is safer, a catamaran or a monohull?

Due to the extra stability of having a wider footprint than a monohull, a catamaran of the same length is the safer vessel.

Are catamarans safer than sailboats?

The same rule applies to stability versus the length of the hull.  A cat will always be the more stable length for length. However, due to their ability to go much faster than a monohull sailboat, this kind of cancels out some of the added safety due to stability.  With that in mind, they may just be about the same but there is one generalization we can make when comparing the safety of catamarans vs sailboats: At the same speed, and of equal length, sailing or power catamaran will be safer than a monohull sailboat.

How fast can catamarans go?

The speed a catamaran can go is entirely dependent upon the hull design, weight of the vessel, the strength of propulsion (be it wind or powered) and so on.  The general rule is that in terms of sailing cats vs monohull sailboats, a cat of equal length can typically go faster than a sailboat.  

In terms of powered cats vs powerboats, a powered catamaran will typically require less energy to move forward than a monohull of the same sort of hull design (but monohull of course) and thus a cat should, in theory, be able to go faster than a monohull when both are using propulsion that is equal in power.

Bibliography

• Wikipedia – Catamarans
• Mahdi, Waruno (1999). “The Dispersal of Austronesian boat forms in the Indian Ocean”. In Blench, Roger; Spriggs, Matthew (eds.). Archaeology and Language III: Artefacts languages, and texts . One World Archaeology. 34 . Routledge. pp. 144–179. ISBN 0415100542 .
• Wikipedia – Spearhead -class expeditionary fast transport
• https://www.tiki-toki.com/timeline/entry/169516/Origin-of-the-catamaran/#vars!panel=1620923!
• https://www.austal.com/ships/passenger-express-56
• https://www.adventure-life.com/galapagos/galapagos-catamaran-cruises

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17 Sailboat Types Explained: How To Recognize Them

Ever wondered what type of sailboat you're looking at? Identifying sailboats isn't hard, you just have to know what to look for. In this article, I'll help you.

Every time I'm around a large number of sailboats, I look around in awe (especially with the bigger ones). I recognize some, but with most of them, I'll have to ask the owner. When they answer, I try to hide my ignorance. The words don't make any sense!

So here's a complete list with pictures of the most common sailboat types today. For each of them, I'll explain exactly where the name comes from, and how you can recognize it easily.

So here's my list of popular sailboat types, explained:

Bermuda sloop, sailing hydrofoil, dutch barge, chinese junk, square-rigged tall ship, in conclusion, how to recognize any sailboat.

Before we get started, I wanted to quickly explain what you should look for when you try to identify a sailboat.

The type of sailboat is always determined by one of these four things:

• The type of hull
• The type of keel
• The number of masts
• And the type of sails and rig

The hull is the boat's body. There are basically three hull types: monohull, catamaran, and trimaran. Simply said: do I see one hull, two hulls (catamaran) or three hulls (trimaran)? Most sailboats are monohulls.

Next, there is the keel type. The keel is the underwater part of the hull. Mostly, you won't be able to see that, because it's underwater. So we'll leave that for now.

The sail plan

The last factor is the number of masts and the sail plan. The sail plan, simply put, is the number of sails, the type of sails, and how the sails are mounted to the masts (also called rigging ).

Sailboat are mostly named after the sail plan, but occasionally, a sail type is thrown in there as well.

So now we know what to pay attention to, let's go and check out some sailboats!

Dinghies are the smallest and most simple sailboats around.

They are your typical training sailboats. Small boats with an open hull, with just one mast and one sail. Perfect for learning the ways of the wind.

On average, they are between 6 and 20 ft long. Mostly sailed single-handed (solo). There's no special rigging, just the mainsail. The mainsail is commonly a Bermuda (triangular) mainsail. Dinghies have a simple rudder stick and no special equipment or rigging.

Dinghies are great for learning how to sail. The smaller the boat, the better you feel the impact of your trim and actions.

How to recognize a sailing dinghy:

• short (8ft)
• one Bermuda sail
• open hull design
• rudder stick

Common places to spot them: lakes, near docks

If you'd ask a kid to draw a sailboat, she'll most probably draw this one. The Bermuda Sloop is the most popular and most common sailboat type today. You'll definitely recognize this one.

How to recognize a Bermuda Sloop:

• triangular mainsail (called a Bermuda sail)
• a foresail (also called the jib)
• fore-and-aft rigged
• medium-sized (12 - 50 ft)

Fore-and-aft rigged just means "from front to back". This type of rigging helps to sail upwind.

Any sailboat with one mast and two sails could still be a sloop. Even if the sails are another shape or rigged in another way. For example, here's a gaff-rigged sloop (more on the gaff rig later):

If you want to learn all about sail rigs, check out my full Guide to Understanding Sail Rig Types here. It has good infographics and explains it in more detail

The Bermuda sloop has a lot of advantages over other sailboat types (which is why it's so popular):

• the Bermuda rig is very maneuverable and pretty fast in almost all conditions
• it's really versatile
• you can sail it by yourself without any problems
• it's a simple setup

Common places to spot a sloop: everywhere. Smaller sloops are more common for inland waters, rivers, and lakes. Medium-sized and large sloops are very popular cruising boats.

Cutters have one mast but three or more sails. Most cutters are Bermuda rigged, which means they look a lot like sloops.

How to recognize a cutter:

• looks like a sloop
• two or more headsails instead of one
• commonly one mast
• sometimes an extra mast with mainsail

Cutters have more sail area, which makes them faster, but also harder to sail single-handed. There's also more strain on the mast and rigging.

Common places to spot a cutter: everywhere. Cutters are very popular for cruising.

They mostly have a Bermuda rig, which means triangular sails. But there are also gaff cutters and naval cutters, and some have two masts.

Here's an example of a two-masted naval cutter with an extra gaff mainsail and top gaff:

The Hydrofoil is a pretty new sailboat design. It's a racing sailboat with thin wing foils under the hull. These lift up the hull, out of the water, reducing the displacement to nearly zero. The foils create downforce and keep it from lifting off entirely.

This makes the hydrofoil extremely fast and also impressive.

The hydrofoil refers to the keel type. There are both monohull and multihull hydrofoils.

How to recognize a hydrofoil:

• it flies above the waterline and has small fins

Common places to spot a hydrofoil: at racing events

Famous catamaran: La Vagabonde from Sailing La Vagabonde

A catamaran is a type of cruising and racing multihull sailboat with two hulls. The hulls are always the same size.

Most catamarans have a standard Bermuda rig. The catamaran refers to the hull, so it can have any number of masts, sails, sail types and rig type.

How to recognize a catamaran:

• any boat with two hulls is called a catamaran

Common places to spot catamarans: coastal waters, The Caribbean, shallow reefs

The advantages of a catamaran: Catamarans heel less than monohulls and are more buoyant. Because of the double hull, they don't need as deep a keel to be stable. They have a smaller displacement, making them faster. They also have a very shallow draft. That's why catamarans are so popular in the Caribbean, where there's lots of shallow water.

Catamarans are nearly impossible to capsize:

"Compared with a monohull, a cruising catamaran sailboat has a high initial resistance to heeling and capsize—a fifty-footer requires four times the force to initiate a capsize than an equivalent monohull." Source: Wikipedia

How to recognize a trimaran:

• any boat with three hulls is called a trimaran

Trimarans have three hulls, so it's a multi-hull design. It's mostly a regular monohull with two smaller hulls or floaters on the sides. Some trimarans can be trailered by winching in the auxiliary hulls, like this:

This makes them very suitable for long-term cruising, but also for regular docking. This is great for crowded areas and small berths, like in the Mediterranean. It sure is more cost-effective than the catamaran (but you also don't have the extra storage and living space!).

Common places to spot Trimarans: mostly popular for long-term cruising, you'll find the trimaran in coastal areas.

Gaffer refers to gaff-rigged, which is the way the sails are rigged. A gaff rig is a rectangular sail with a top pole, or 'spar', which attaches it to the mast. This pole is called the 'gaff'. To hoist the mainsail, you hoist this top spar with a separate halyard. Most gaffers carry additional gaff topsails as well.

Gaff rigs are a bit less versatile than sloops. Because of the gaff, they can have a larger sail area. So they will perform better with downwind points of sail. Upwind, however, they handle less well.

How to recognize a gaffer:

• sail is rectangular
• mainsail has a top pole (or spar)

Since a gaffer refers to the rig type, and not the mast configuration or keel type, all sailboats with this kind of rigging can be called 'gaffers'.

Common places to spot a gaffer: Gaffers are popular inland sailboats. It's a more traditional rig, being used recreationally.

Schooners used to be extremely popular before sloops took over. Schooners are easy to sail but slower than sloops. They handle better than sloops in all comfortable (cruising) points of sail, except for upwind.

How to recognize a schooner:

• mostly two masts
• smaller mast in front
• taller mast in the back
• fore-and-aft rigged sails
• gaff-rigged mainsails (spar on top of the sail)

Common places to spot a schooner: coastal marinas, bays

How to recognize a ketch:

• medium-sized (30 ft and up)
• smaller mast in back
• taller mast in front
• both masts have a mainsail

The ketch refers to the sail plan (mast configuration and type of rig). Ketches actually handle really well. The back mast (mizzenmast) powers the hull, giving the skipper more control. Because of the extra mainsail, the ketch has shorter masts. This means less stress on masts and rigging, and less heel.

Common places to spot a ketch: larger marinas, coastal regions

How to recognize a yawl:

• main mast in front
• much smaller mast in the back
• back mast doesn't carry a mainsail

The aft mast is called a mizzenmast. Most ketches are gaff-rigged, so they have a spar at the top of the sail. They sometimes carry gaff topsails. They are harder to sail than sloops.

The yawl refers to the sail plan (mast configuration and type of rig).

Common places to spot a yawl: they are not as popular as sloops, and most yawls are vintage sailboat models. You'll find most being used as daysailers on lakes and in bays.

Dutch Barges are very traditional cargo ships for inland waters. My hometown is literally littered with a very well-known type of barge, the Skutsje. This is a Frisian design with leeboards.

Skutsjes don't have a keel but use leeboards for stability instead, which are the 'swords' or boards on the side of the hull.

How to recognize a Dutch Barge:

• most barges have one or two masts
• large, wooden masts
• leeboards (wooden wings on the side of the hull)
• mostly gaff-rigged sails (pole on top of the sail, attached to mast)
• a ducktail transom

The clipper is one of the latest sailboat designs before steam-powered vessels took over. The cutter has a large cargo area for transporting cargo. But they also needed to be fast to compete with steam vessels. It's a large, yet surprisingly fast sailboat model, and is known for its good handling.

This made them good for trade, especially transporting valuable goods like tea or spices.

How to recognize a Clipper:

• mostly three masts
• square-rigged sails
• narrow but long, steel hull

Common places to spot a clipper: inland waters, used as houseboats, but coastal waters as well. There are a lot of clippers on the Frisian Lakes and Waddenzee in The Netherlands (where I live).

This particular junk is Satu, from the Chesapeake Bay Area.

The Chinese Junk is an ancient type of sailboat. Junks were used to sail to Indonesia and India from the start of the Middle Ages onward (500 AD). The word junk supposedly comes from the Chinese word 'jung', meaning 'floating house'.

How to recognize a Chinese junk:

• medium-sized (30 - 50 ft)
• large, flat sails with full-length battens
• stern (back of the hull) opens up in a high deck
• mostly two masts (sometimes one)
• with two mainsails, sails are traditionally maroon
• lug-rigged sails

The junk has a large sail area. The full-length battens make sure the sails stay flat. It's one of the flattest sails around, which makes it good for downwind courses. This also comes at a cost: the junk doesn't sail as well upwind.

The cat rig is a sail plan with most commonly just one mast and one sail, the mainsail.

Most sailing dinghies are cats, but there are also larger boats with this type of sail plan. The picture above is a great example.

How to recognize a cat rig:

• smaller boats
• mostly one mast
• one sail per mast
• no standing rigging

Cat-rigged refers to the rigging, not the mast configuration or sail type. So you can have cats with a Bermuda sail (called a Bermuda Cat) or gaff-rigged sail (called a Gaff Cat), and so on. There are also Cat Ketches and Cat Schooners, for example. These have two masts.

The important thing to know is: cats have one sail per mast and no standing rigging .

Most typical place to spot Cats: lakes and inland waters

Famous brig: HMS Beagle (Charles Darwin's ship)

A brig was a very popular type of small warship of the U.S. navy during the 19th century. They were used in the American Revolution and other wars with the United Kingdom. They carry 10-18 guns and are relatively fast and maneuverable. They required less crew than a square-rigged ship.

How to recognize a brig:

• square-rigged foremast
• mainmast square-rigged or square-rigged and gaff-rigged

How to recognize a tall ship:

• three or four masts
• square sails with a pole across the top
• multiple square sails on each mast
• a lot of lines and rigging

Square-rigged ships, or tall ships, are what we think of when we think of pirate ships. Now, most pirate ships weren't actually tall ships, but they come from around the same period. They used to be built from wood, but more modern tall ships are nearly always steel.

Tall ships have three or four masts and square sails which are square-rigged. That means they are attached to the masts with yards.

We have the tall ship races every four years, where dozens of tall ships meet and race just offshore.

Most common place to spot Tall Ships: Museums, special events, open ocean

This is a bonus type since it is not very common anymore. As far as I know, there's only one left.

The Trabaccolo is a small cargo ship used in the Adriatic Sea. It has lug sails. A lug rig is a rectangular sail, but on a long pole or yard that runs fore-and-aft. It was a popular Venetian sailboat used for trade.

The name comes from the Italian word trabacca , which means tent, referring to the sails.

How to recognize a Trabaccolo:

• wide and short hull
• sails look like a tent

Most common place to spot Trabaccolo's: the Marine Museum of Cesenatico has a fully restored Trabaccolo.

So, there you have it. Now you know what to look for, and how to recognize the most common sailboat types easily. Next time you encounter a magnificent sailboat, you'll know what it's called - or where to find out quickly.

I loved this article. I had no idea there were so many kinds of sailboats.

i have a large sailing boat about 28ft. that im having a difficult time identifying. it was my fathers & unfortunately hes passed away now. any helpful information would be appreciated.

Jorge Eusali Castro Archbold

I find a saleboat boat but i can find the módem…os registré out off bru’x, and the saleboat name is TADCOZ, can you tell me who to go about this matter in getting info.thank con voz your time…

Leave a comment

You may also like, guide to understanding sail rig types (with pictures).

There are a lot of different sail rig types and it can be difficult to remember what's what. So I've come up with a system. Let me explain it in this article.

The Ultimate Guide to Sail Types and Rigs (with Pictures)

How Much Sailboats Cost On Average (380+ Prices Compared)

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Best Cruising Catamarans

• By Cruising World Editors
• Updated: July 1, 2021

Cruising catamarans have been around for decades, but early models—often plywood and fiberglass vessels built by their owners from plans and kits, kept the boats on the fringes of mainstream sailing. That all changed, though, as big roomy cats were discovered by sailors who went off to charter in the Caribbean, where the multihulls proved their worth as comfortable liveaboard and party boats.

Today’s bluewater catamarans roam the globe, carrying families to exotic destinations across the Pacific and beyond. Just as with their monohull cousins, there is no best catamaran. Instead there is a wide variety of designs, ranging from small catamarans that offer the ease of maintenance a couple might enjoy to performance catamarans capable of easily knocking off 250-mile days. Today, the best catamaran brands offer a range of size models and layouts that can be optimized for an owner sailing with family and friends, or for the charter market, where there’s a demand for four, five and even six cabins worth of accommodations.

The most prolific catamaran manufacturers are in France and South Africa where yards include both large-run production builders and niche companies building fewer than 10 boats a year.

The best cruising catamarans offer good load-carrying ability and respectable performance. As with any sailboat , a modern catamaran’s design is a result of compromises. Daggerboards or keels? Galley up or galley down? Spacious owner’s cabin or extra bunks? There are lots of options to choose from—and that’s what makes looking at these sailboats fun!

Here, then is an eclectic A to Z list of some of the best catamarans that have helped shaped the evolution of how we live and sail on two hulls.

Antares 44i

Now built in Argentina as a full-fledged, bluewater catamaran and cruiser that can be safely operated by a shorthanded couple or family crew, the Antares 44i features a fully covered cockpit with a quartet of big, standard solar panels recessed within the hardtop, one example of a yacht capable of long-range passagemaking.

Atlantic 42

Almost 30 years ago, yacht designer Chris White revolutionized catamaran design with the first in his series of Atlantic cats, the primary feature of which was the innovative mid-ship sailing cockpit forward of the main cabin. The smallest in the Atlantic line, the 42 remains White’s most popular design ever.

Fountaine-Pajot has built so many outstanding cruising catamarans that it’s difficult to narrow down any single boat, but we’ve always been fans of the good-looking, well-thought-out Bahia 46. At 46 feet, the boat is large enough for offshore forays and has plenty of volume; with its simple but powerful sail plan, it’s also an excellent performer.

Beginning around 1996, the French builder Catana was one of the first companies to manufacture fully found cruising cats for private ownership, and this Christophe Barreau design, which enjoyed a nearly 10-year production run from 1997-2006, was emblematic of this first generation of safe, fun, long-legged offshore voyagers.

Click here to see more cats from Catana.

When it comes to speed, light boats are fast ones. And if you wish to save weight, that means exotic modern materials like carbon. Catana now infuses the laminates of their entire production line with carbon fiber, and for this list, we’ve chosen the Catana 50 Carbon, one of the zippiest cats now crossing oceans.

Click here to read about a couple’s charter aboard a Catana 50.

Gemini 105M

Pioneering catamaran sailor, builder and designer Tony Smith launched the first of his 33-foot Gemini 105M’s (10.5 meters = 33′) in 1993, and soon after found a ready and willing stream of sailors enamored of the boat’s compact size, affordable price tag, and such innovations as the nifty lifting rudder and transom steps.

Click here to read about the Gemini Legacy 35.

Built between 2000-2005, the Gunboat 62 firmly established the Gunboat brand: go-anywhere cats that applied race-boat technology to a world-cruising platform. Hull no. 1, Tribe, was built for company founder Peter Johnstone, who then spent a year-and-a-half cruising with his family, smiling all the way.

French builder Henri Wauquiez is best known for his long career building monohulls, but the Kronos 45 cat, which he launched in 1992, was ahead of her time. Classic lines, the aft “targa bar” over the cockpit, the louvered coach roof windows, even the distinctive stripes on her hull: the Kronos 45 remains timeless.

No roundup of cruising cats would be complete without several Lagoon entries, and the best of that impressive bunch might well be the Lagoon 380. Originally launched in 1999, and revered for its combination of quality, volume and performance, with over 740 boats built the 380 is still going strong.

Launched five years after the breakthrough 380, the Lagoon 440 was an evolutionary design that featured a raised flybridge helm station, a unique “gullwing” configuration below the bridge deck, expanded windows in the hull and much more. With 400 boats built in a 6-year production run, the 440 was an unqualified success.

How big can a production cat, still operable by a short-handed crew, really be? The builders at Lagoon discovered that 62-feet hit a sweet spot in the marketplace, and have sold over 70 boats since its introduction in 2010. The centerpiece of this design is the sensational steering station atop the flybridge, with expansive views of the sea and sky.

Click here to see more cats from Lagoon.

With an unmatched pedigree – designed by premier multihull naval architects Gino Morelli and Pete Melvin, built by the prestigious Robertson & Caine boatyard in South Africa, and commissioned by chartering giant The Moorings – the Leopard 40 was, perhaps unsurprisingly, Cruising World ’s Import Boat of the Year in 2005.

Louisiane 37

Based on the famous French racing cat Charente-Maritime, the Louisiane 37, designed by Joubert/Nivelt and launched by builder Fountaine-Pajot in 1983, was a light, fast liveaboard cruiser with full accommodations that represented a radical departure from the hefty British cats that preceded it.

Maine Cat 30

One of the more versatile and clever cats ever created, the central feature of the cool Maine Cat 30 is the open bridge deck/living room sandwiched between the hulls and canopied by a rigid, permanent hard top (the comfortable accommodations/ staterooms are stationed in the hulls). Ideal for a winter in the Bahamas but with the ability to sail offshore, it’s a boat for all seasons and reasons.

Built in Florida and beloved by the owners of the over 120 boats built during the company’s existence from 1993 to 2009, the Manta Catamarans range included 38-, 40- and 44-foot cats. For this exercise, however, we’re heralding the original Manta 42, which won the Best Value Overall prize in CW’s 2001 Boat of the Year contest.

Moorings 4800/Leopard 48

Another Leopard/Moorings collaboration built by the wizards at Robertson & Caine (though this boat was designed by fellow South African Alex Simonis), the Leopard 48 was another CW Boat of the Year winner with all the contemporary bells and whistles: forward cockpit, flybridge helm station and solid hardtop dodger, just to name a few.

Click here to read more about the Leopard 48, and click here to see more images.

Nautitech 441

The Best Multihull Under 45 Feet: So said the CW judging panel in the 2013 Boat of the Year competition, regarding the Nautitech 441. But what makes this versatile platform so intriguing are the different helm set-ups. The 441 employs a single wheel, to starboard, ideal for solo sailors, while the 442 has a pair of helm stations aft.

Click here to see more Nautitech Catamarans.

Outremer 5X

A state-of-the-art all-oceans cat that exemplifies how far multihull design has come, the 59-foot Outremer 5X was a winner on both sides of the Atlantic, taking top honors in the European Boat of the Year competition in 2013, and following up as the Best Full-Size Multihull in CW ’s contest a year later.

Click here to see more cats from Outremer.

St. Francis 50

The flagship of the proud St. Francis line – built in South Africa since 1990 to designs by local legends Lavranos Marine Design – the St. Francis 50 is another “luxury cat” that shares much in common with an earlier 48-foot sister-ship, but packs even more payload into its roomier lines.

Click here to read more about the St. Francis 50

Seawind 1000

Founded by Aussie surfer and sailor Richard Ward in 1982, the 33-foot Seawind 1000 is easily the most popular cruising cat ever built in Australia (the company has since moved its manufacturing and management operations to Vietnam). Roomy and airy, these cats dot the coastline of eastern Oz.

Seawind 1160

If the Seawind 1000 was a minimalist approach to cruising cats, the 38-foot Seawind 1160 is the flip side of the coin, a full-fledged long-range voyager. Among the reasons it was named CW ’s Most Innovative boat for 2007 is the unique “tri-folding” door that stashes overhead to open up the saloon and cockpit into a spacious living area.

Click here to read more about the Seawind 1160.

Sunsail 384

Every sailboat is a compromise, and in the case of the Sunsail 384 (also sold privately as the Leopard 38) that’s a good thing, because designers Morrelli & Melvin and builder Robertson and Caine got the balance just right with this relatively small catamaran. With four cabins, the 384 can carry the same size bareboat charter crowd as her larger siblings, but does so with a decided bounce in her step. Named CW’s Import Boat of the Year in 2010, you can gauge the success of the design by the grins on the crew as they barrel down Sir Francis Drake channel in the British Virgin Islands.

Victoria 67

The French design office of Berret Racoupeau drafted the lines of Fountaine-Pajot’s new flagship, introduced in 2013, a magnificent world-girdling voyaging catamaran. Like other giant cats launched in recent years, the boat features a sensational upper deck with all sail controls, helm and lounging stations.

Click here to see more images of the Victoria 67.

Wharram Tanaroa

No list of influential multihulls would be complete without the work of James Wharram, and while Tangaroa wasn’t a production cat by any means, it showcases the British designer’s respect for ancient Polynesian craft. Wharram sailed this 23-foot-6-inch “double-hulled canoe” across the Atlantic in the 1950s, and sold countless plans for similar boats for decades afterwards.

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Cruising the Seas in Splendor: Unveiling the Majesty of Catamaran Boats

Catamaran boats have been gaining popularity in recent years due to their unique design and numerous benefits. These boats are built with two hulls instead of one, which provides a more stable and comfortable ride.

They are also faster and more fuel-efficient than traditional monohull boats, making them a popular choice for both recreational and commercial use.

One of the biggest advantages of catamaran boats is their stability. The two hulls provide a wider base, which makes them less likely to tip over in rough waters. This stability also makes them a great choice for those who are prone to seasickness or who want to enjoy a more comfortable ride.

Additionally, the shallow draft of catamarans allows them to access shallow waters that are off-limits to larger boats, making them ideal for exploring secluded coves and beaches.

Overall, catamaran boats are a great choice for anyone looking for a stable, comfortable, and efficient vessel for both recreational and commercial use.

With their unique design and numerous benefits, it’s no wonder that they have become increasingly popular in recent years. Whether you’re looking to sail the open seas or explore secluded coves, a catamaran boat may be the perfect choice for your next adventure on the water. Now let’s take a more in-depth look at this type of leisure craft.

What is a catamaran boat?

A catamaran boat is a type of watercraft that features two parallel hulls connected by a deck or platform. This design provides stability, speed, and efficiency on the water, making it a popular choice for various purposes such as leisure cruising, racing, fishing, or even luxury yachting.

Catamarans have been around for centuries but have gained significant popularity in recent years due to their unique advantages over traditional monohull boats. One key characteristic of catamaran boats is their wide beam or width compared to monohulls.

This attribute allows for excellent stability and better weight distribution, providing passengers with a smoother ride even in rough waters. The wider deck layout of catamarans also offers more space for recreational activities and amenities such as sunbathing areas, dining spaces, and storage compartments.

Whether it’s a power catamaran designed for speed and efficiency or a pontoon-like sailing catamaran built for comfort and relaxation, these boats provide ample room for both functionality and comfort. Catamarans are available in various types to cater to different boating preferences.

Power Catamarans are known for their ability to navigate through the water swiftly while maintaining stability. Their twin-hull design reduces drag and allows them to maintain higher speeds with less fuel consumption compared to traditional powerboats.

On the other hand, Sailing Catamarans focus on harnessing wind power efficiently with their multiple sails and rigging systems . When considering purchasing or renting a catamaran boat, it’s important to know that different brands offer different features tailored to specific needs.

Luxury catamarans often come equipped with high-end amenities like spacious cabins, swimming pools, gourmet kitchens, and luxurious interiors designed for an extravagant experience on the water. Some popular luxury catamaran brands include Lagoon Catamarans and Leopard Catamarans.

For those looking at smaller options suitable for day trips or weekend getaways, there are various small catamaran brands to explore. These compact vessels often prioritize efficiency and ease of handling while providing enough space for a small group of people.

They are perfect for exploring coastal areas, shallow waters, or inland waterways. Catamaran boats offer a unique and versatile boating experience with their twin-hull design, wide deck layouts, and various types tailored to specific needs.

They provide stability, speed, and ample space for recreational activities or luxurious amenities. Whether it’s the power and efficiency of a racing catamaran or the comfort and relaxation of a luxury catamaran, these vessels have become increasingly popular in the boating world as they redefine the way we navigate through water.

Design and Structure of Catamaran Boats

Catamaran boats are fascinating watercraft known for their unique design and structure. The foundation of their design lies in the arrangement of two hulls, parallel to each other, connected by a platform or bridge-like structure. This configuration sets them apart from traditional monohull boats and brings forth a range of advantages that I will explore later in this article.

The design and structure of catamaran boats allow for superior stability on the water. With two hulls instead of one, catamarans have a wider beam, providing excellent balance and reducing the chances of capsizing.

This stability makes them an ideal choice for those who prefer smooth sailing experiences without sacrificing safety. Furthermore, the wide beam also contributes to maximizing living space on board.

Catamarans often boast spacious interiors that can accommodate more passengers comfortably, making them popular choices for luxury cruises or large groups seeking adventure on the open seas. Small catamaran brands often focus on enhancing space utilization while maintaining efficiency.

The deck layout of catamaran boats is carefully designed to ensure efficient movement and ease of handling. Whether it’s Power Catamarans used for leisurely activities or Racing Catamarans built for exhilarating competitions, their respective deck layouts are tailored to meet specific needs.

Another integral component is the rigging system utilized by catamarans equipped with sails. These systems consist of masts, booms, and ropes designed to optimize sail control.

The aerodynamic shape of catamaran sails contributes to increased speed and maneuverability when compared to other types of sailboats . Luxury Catamarans often incorporate innovative features such as spacious sun decks, swimming platforms, jacuzzis, or even onboard movie theaters.

These enhancements provide an indulgent experience for those seeking high-end yachting adventures. It is worth mentioning Pontoon Boats as they share some characteristics with catamaran designs due to their multihull configuration.

However, it is important to note that pontoon boats are generally used for calmer inland waters, while catamarans excel in open ocean conditions. The design and structure of catamaran boats are a testament to their engineering ingenuity.

The parallel hulls, coupled with the carefully designed deck layouts and rigging systems, contribute to their stability, speed, and spaciousness. As a result, catamaran boats have become popular choices for those seeking comfortable and exhilarating sailing experiences on both leisurely excursions and competitive races.

Types of Catamaran Boats

When it comes to catamaran boats, there exists a wide range of types catering to diverse needs and preferences.

These vessels are designed and built with specific purposes in mind, allowing enthusiasts to choose one that suits their desired activities on the water. From sailing catamarans to luxury powerhouses, there is a catamaran for every taste.

Sailing Catamarans

Sailing Catamarans are perhaps the most iconic among all types. These boats utilize the power of the wind with specialized catamaran sails to propel themselves through the water.

Sailing catamarans are known for their stability, speed, and comfortable sailing experience. They often feature spacious deck layouts with ample seating areas and come equipped with advanced rigging systems for efficient control.

Power Catamarans

On the other end of the spectrum are Power Catamarans. These boats prioritize speed and maneuverability over wind propulsion.

Powered by engines instead of sails, these vessels offer a thrilling experience on the water. Power catamarans often have sleek designs and can reach impressive speeds while maintaining stability due to their dual-hull configuration.

Racing catamarans

For those seeking high-performance vessels built for racing, Racing Catamarans fit the bill perfectly. These lightweight and agile boats are designed specifically for competitive sailing events where speed is paramount.

Racing catamarans feature aerodynamic hulls, advanced rigging systems, and optimized sail plans that allow them to glide effortlessly through the water at incredible speeds.

Luxury Catamarans

Luxury Catamarans cater to those who seek premium comfort and opulence on their seafaring adventures.

These high-end vessels combine exquisite interior design with top-of-the-line amenities such as spacious cabins, luxurious lounges, gourmet kitchens, and even lavish entertainment systems. Luxury catamaran brands focus on providing an unparalleled level of luxury while still ensuring superior performance on the open water.

Small Catamaran Brands offer compact options that are suitable for various recreational activities such as fishing or cruising on smaller bodies of water. These catamarans often feature simpler deck layouts with ample seating for a few passengers.

Smaller catamaran brands typically focus on affordability and versatility, making these vessels accessible to a wider range of boating enthusiasts. The types of catamaran boats available cater to a diverse range of preferences and activities.

Whether one seeks the thrill of sailing, the power of engines, the excitement of racing, or the luxury of opulent interiors, there is a perfect catamaran waiting to be discovered. From sailing catamarans with advanced rigging systems to luxury powerhouses and racing machines, these vessels offer an unforgettable experience on the water for enthusiasts of all kinds.

Advantages of Catamaran Boats

Catamaran boats offer a multitude of advantages that make them a desirable choice for boating enthusiasts. From stability to comfort, these vessels have proven themselves to be a worthwhile investment.

One prominent advantage of catamaran boats is their exceptional stability on the water. The dual-hulled design provides a wide beam, ensuring superior balance and reducing the risk of capsizing, even in rough seas .

This stability factor makes catamarans an excellent choice for those prone to motion sickness or seeking a smooth sailing experience. Another advantage lies in the generous living space and comfort offered by catamaran boats.

With two hulls instead of one, there is ample room for cabins, lounges, and other amenities. Luxury catamarans are particularly renowned for their spaciousness and lavish interiors, providing an unparalleled level of comfort during extended trips or liveaboard experiences.

Catamarans also shine when it comes to fuel efficiency. Compared to other types of vessels like powerboats or pontoon boats , catamarans generally require less horsepower to achieve similar speeds due to their lightweight construction and reduced drag in the water.

This efficiency translates into lower fuel consumption, making them an environmentally friendly option as well as more cost-effective over time. Furthermore, catamaran boats boast impressive sailing performance due to their unique rigging system and deck layout.

The wide beam allows for greater sail area compared to monohull sailboats while maintaining excellent stability. Sailing catamarans can harness the wind more efficiently with larger sails that propel them forward swiftly and gracefully through the water.

Racing enthusiasts are particularly drawn to the advantages offered by racing catamarans. These specialized vessels are designed with cutting-edge technology and aerodynamics that result in exceptional speed on the water.

The multi-hull structure allows racing catamarans to skim across waves with minimal drag while maintaining superb maneuverability. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that catamarans are available in a wide range of sizes and configurations, catering to diverse preferences and needs.

From small catamaran brands that focus on affordability and simplicity, to high-end luxury catamarans designed for opulent cruising, there is a vessel suited for every boating enthusiast. The advantages of catamaran boats are truly remarkable.

Their stability, spaciousness, fuel efficiency, sailing performance, and diverse range of options make them an attractive choice for both leisurely cruising and competitive sailing. Whether you are a seasoned sailor or a recreational boater looking for comfort on the water, exploring the offerings from various catamaran brands is sure to reveal the perfect vessel to suit your desires.

Disadvantages of Catamaran Boats

While catamaran boats offer numerous advantages, it is important to acknowledge that they also come with a fair share of disadvantages. These drawbacks, although not deal-breakers, should be considered when making a decision about purchasing or sailing a catamaran.

Firstly, one notable disadvantage of catamaran boats is their wide beam . Due to their dual-hull design, catamarans tend to have a larger width compared to monohull vessels.

While this provides stability and ample space for accommodation and deck layout, it can present challenges in terms of docking and maneuvering in tight spaces. The wider beam requires special attention when navigating marinas or crowded anchorages as it may limit access to certain berths or docking areas.

Secondly, the increased windage caused by the wider beam makes catamarans more susceptible to being affected by strong winds . The larger surface area exposed to wind can result in greater resistance and difficulties in steering during adverse weather conditions.

While modern catamaran designs have addressed this issue through improved hull profiles and efficient rigging systems, it remains an inherent characteristic that requires careful consideration. Another disadvantage lies in the potential limitations of shallow draft capabilities.

Although some catamarans are designed with retractable keels or daggerboards that enhance their ability to navigate shallow waters more effectively than monohulls, there are still limitations depending on the specific model and size of the boat. This can restrict access to certain anchorages or require cautious navigation in areas with potentially shallow shoals.

Additionally, compared to monohulls, catamarans may be perceived as less suitable for racing purposes due to their increased weight and form drag caused by their wider beam. While high-performance racing catamarans exist within specialized classes such as Formula 18 or A-Class Catamarans, they are not as widely available as monohull racing sailboats.

Therefore, those seeking competitive racing experiences may need to explore other options outside the realm of catamaran sailing. Cost can be a significant disadvantage for those considering purchasing a catamaran.

Catamarans, especially when compared to smaller monohull or pontoon boat options, tend to be more expensive due to their larger size and increased construction materials. Luxury catamarans with high-end fittings and finishes can command even higher prices.

Additionally, maintenance costs for catamarans may be higher than for monohulls due to the dual-hull structure and the complexity of certain systems such as rigging and sails. While catamaran boats offer numerous advantages such as stability, spaciousness, and efficient sailing capabilities, they also come with several disadvantages that should not be overlooked.

The wider beam affecting maneuverability and wind resistance, potential limitations in shallow draft capabilities, reduced availability of racing options compared to monohulls, and the higher overall cost are aspects one must consider when evaluating whether a catamaran is the right vessel for their needs. Understanding these drawbacks will enable potential owners or sailors to make informed decisions regarding this unique style of boat.

The Cost of Catamaran Boats

The Cost of Catamaran Boats When considering the purchase of a catamaran boat, it is crucial to delve into the cost aspect. Catamaran boats come in various sizes, designs, and configurations, leading to a wide range of prices.

The price of a catamaran boat can be influenced by factors such as brand reputation, size, construction materials, added features, and market demand. Whether you are looking for small catamarans brands or luxury catamarans capable of crossing oceans in style, there is a price range to accommodate every buyer’s preferences and budget.

Small catamaran brands usually offer more affordable options for those starting their journey into the world of multi-hull sailing. These compact vessels often range from 20 to 35 feet in length and are designed for day trips or weekend cruising.

With simpler deck layouts and fewer amenities compared to larger models, these smaller catamarans typically have lower price tags starting from around $50,000 for used boats and reaching up to $300,000 for newer models. On the other end of the spectrum lie luxury catamarans tailored for discerning buyers seeking opulent accommodations and top-of-the-line features.

These floating wonders can stretch up to 80 feet or more in length and boast sophisticated interiors that rival five-star hotels. With high-end amenities such as multiple en-suite cabins with private bathrooms, spacious lounges outfitted with modern entertainment systems, gourmet kitchens with high-quality appliances, and expansive deck spaces perfect for hosting extravagant parties or sunbathing sessions; it’s no wonder these luxurious vessels command hefty price tags ranging from several million dollars upwards.

For those interested in racing catamarans built specifically for performance-oriented sailing competitions; prices vary depending on the level of customization desired. Racing catamarans prioritize lightweight materials like carbon fiber constructions which contribute to enhanced speed capabilities on water surfaces.

Buyers should expect prices upwards of several hundred thousand dollars for professionally designed racing catamarans that incorporate cutting-edge rigging systems, advanced catamaran sails, and specialized hull shapes to maximize speed and maneuverability. Power catamarans, while sharing the multihull design with their sailing counterparts, offer an entirely different boating experience.

These motorized vessels combine stability and fuel efficiency to provide an enjoyable cruising experience for those who prefer to explore the open waterways without relying on wind power. The cost of power catamarans can vary widely depending on factors such as size, engine specifications, interior amenities, and brand reputation.

Entry-level power catamarans start around $200,000 and can reach multi-million-dollar price tags for larger models equipped with luxurious features. Ultimately, when it comes to the cost of catamaran boats; buyers need to consider their specific requirements and desired features.

It is advisable to thoroughly research different brands in order to find a vessel that best fits both budget constraints and individual preferences. Whether one seeks a small-budget adventure on a compact pontoon boat or a grandiose voyage aboard a high-end luxury catamaran ; the market offers ample choices catering to every taste and financial capacity.

Popular Brands of Catamaran Boats

When it comes to popular brands of catamaran boats, the market offers a wide range of options to suit various preferences and needs. From small catamaran brands specializing in sailing catamarans to well-established manufacturers producing luxurious power catamarans, there is something for everyone.

This section will delve into some of the renowned catamaran brands, each with its unique features and offerings. One notable brand in the world of catamaran boats is Lagoon .

Known for their exceptional sailing catamarans, Lagoon has been at the forefront of innovative design and functionality. Their vessels are renowned for providing excellent stability on the water, spacious deck layouts, and top-quality rigging systems.

With models catering to both cruising and racing enthusiasts, Lagoon offers versatility that appeals to a wide range of sailors. Another prominent player in the industry is Leopard Catamarans.

Specializing in both sailing and power catamarans, Leopard has gained a reputation for its sleek designs and exceptional performance on the water. Their sailing models boast efficient hull shapes optimized for speed while maintaining comfort onboard.

On the other hand, their power catamarans offer remarkable fuel efficiency without compromising luxury. For those seeking luxury beyond measure, Sunreef Yachts is a brand that stands out from the crowd.

Sunreef specializes in building custom-made luxury catamarans that redefine opulence on water. With meticulous attention to detail, these floating mansions offer spacious living areas, stunning interiors adorned with high-end finishes, and an array of indulgent amenities such as Jacuzzis and private lounges.

Whether it’s for private use or charter purposes, Sunreef Yachts elevates the concept of luxury cruising. Privilege Marine has also made its mark on the industry by producing high-performance cruising catamarans loved by sailors worldwide.

Their vessels prioritize speed without compromising comfort or safety. Privilege Marine prides itself on incorporating innovative design features such as a central helm station, allowing for excellent visibility and control.

These sailing catamarans are meticulously crafted with high-quality materials, providing a luxurious experience on the water. We have Fountaine Pajot , a longstanding name in the catamaran world.

With a wide range of models available, Fountaine Pajot caters to various boating preferences and budgets. Their sailing catamarans are known for their excellent maneuverability and stability, making them popular among both seasoned sailors and novices.

Fountaine Pajot also offers power catamarans that combine performance with comfort, ensuring an enjoyable cruising experience. The world of catamaran boats is enriched by several popular brands that cater to different needs and desires.

Whether it’s small catamaran brands focusing on sailing catamarans or larger manufacturers specializing in power vessels or luxury yachts, each brand brings its unique touch to the market. From racing enthusiasts seeking high-performance vessels to those looking for opulent cruising experiences, there is a wide array of options available from renowned brands such as Lagoon, Leopard Catamarans , Sunreef Yachts, Privilege Marine, and Fountaine-Pajot.

Catamaran Boats offer a wide range of benefits and options for boating enthusiasts. The unique design and structure of catamarans provide stability, speed, and spaciousness that are unrivaled by other types of boats.

Whether you are looking for a racing catamaran to satisfy your need for speed or a luxury catamaran to indulge in the ultimate comfort and leisure on the water, there is a catamaran boat to suit your preferences. The advantages of catamaran boats cannot be overstated.

Their wide deck layout ensures ample space for socializing, sunbathing, or even hosting parties onboard. The stability offered by the twin hulls allows for easy movement on the boat without the constant swaying experienced on monohulls or pontoon boats.

Additionally, with their efficient rigging system and aerodynamic design, catamarans can harness the power of wind or motor engines to achieve impressive speeds. When it comes to catamaran brands, there are several well-established names in the market that have gained recognition for their quality craftsmanship and innovative designs.

Some popular brands include Lagoon Catamarans, Leopard Catamarans, Fountaine Pajot Catamarans, and Sunreef Yachts. These brands offer a range of options from small catamarans suitable for day trips to larger power catamarans designed for long-distance cruising.

While there are numerous advantages to owning a catamaran boat, it is important to consider some potential disadvantages as well. Due to their size and complexity, maintenance costs may be higher compared to other types of boats.

Additionally, docking restrictions may apply due to their wider beam compared to monohull vessels. However, despite these potential drawbacks, the overall appeal and popularity of catamaran boats continue to grow in recent years.

With advancements in technology and design techniques aimed at enhancing performance efficiency while maintaining comfort levels onboard, sailing enthusiasts have even more reasons to choose catamarans. Catamaran boats offer a thrilling and luxurious boating experience suitable for various purposes.

Whether you are an avid sailor seeking the excitement of racing catamarans, or a leisurely cruiser in search of comfort and style on power catamarans, the market offers an array of choices to fulfill your desires. With their exceptional stability, ample deck space, and impressive speed capabilities, catamaran boats provide an unmatched experience on the water.

So why wait? Embark on your next adventure aboard a magnificent catamaran and let the winds carry you towards an unforgettable journey filled with joy, relaxation, and breathtaking vistas.

Catamaran Boats FAQ

What are some popular brands of catamaran boats.

There are several popular brands of catamaran boats, including Lagoon, Leopard, Fountaine Pajot, and Nautitech. Each brand has its own unique features and designs, so it is important to research and compare different brands before making a purchase.

Where can I find cheap used catamarans for sale?

There are several websites where you can find cheap used catamarans for sale, such as Boat Trader, YachtWorld, and Sailboat Listings. It is important to thoroughly inspect any used boat before making a purchase to ensure that it is in good condition.

What is the difference between a catamaran and a sailboat?

A catamaran is a type of sailboat that has two parallel hulls instead of one. This design provides greater stability and speed, as well as more living space. In contrast, a traditional sailboat has a single hull and is typically slower and less stable than a catamaran .

Are catamarans safer than sailboats?

Catamarans are generally considered to be safer than traditional sailboats because of their stability and buoyancy. They are less likely to capsize or sink in rough seas, and their dual hulls provide redundancy in case of damage to one hull. However, proper maintenance and safety precautions are still necessary to ensure safe sailing.

What is the average cost of a catamaran boat?

The cost of a catamaran boat can vary widely depending on factors such as size, age, and brand. On average, a new catamaran boat can cost anywhere from $150,000 to $1 million or more. Used catamarans can be found for significantly less, but it is important to factor in the cost of any necessary repairs or upgrades.

Can catamarans be used for fishing?

Yes, catamarans can be used for fishing. Their stability and spacious decks make them well-suited for fishing, and many catamarans are designed specifically for this purpose. However, it is important to ensure that the catamaran is equipped with the necessary fishing equipment and safety features before setting out to sea.

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I worked as an officer in the deck department on various types of vessels, including oil and chemical tankers, LPG carriers, and even reefer and TSHD in the early years. Currently employed as Marine Surveyor carrying cargo, draft, bunker, and warranty survey.

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Types of Catamaran Boats: Sailing, Power, and Luxury Catamarans

Feb 10, 2023

less than a min

Introduction to Catamaran Boats

Catamarans are a popular option among boaters due to their unique design and versatility. With twin hulls, they offer superb stability on the water, making them ideal for various water activities like sailing, fishing, and cruising. They are also known for their spacious interiors, providing ample room for living, relaxing, and entertaining, perfect for extended trips or long voyages. Whether you’re an experienced sailor, a casual boater, or seeking a different way to experience the water, a catamaran may be the solution for you.

Sailing Catamarans: Speed and Efficiency on the Water

Sailing catamarans are the epitome of speed and efficiency on the waves. These boats are designed with agility and speed in mind, featuring large sails to harness wind and reach high speeds. Their lightweight build and twin hulls create a low center of gravity, making them stable and manageable even in choppy waters. Plus, they’re a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to enjoy the water, since they don’t require fuel. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor, a recreational boater, or seeking an exciting and unique water experience, a sailing catamaran may be a great fit.

Power Catamarans: Stability and Comfort

For stability and comfort, power catamarans are the way to go. Their wide and stable hulls ensure a smooth ride, even in rough waters, and high-powered engines provide ample power for extended cruising or fishing trips. They also come with modern amenities such as air conditioning, kitchens, and bathrooms, giving you the comfort of home while on the water. Whether you’re entertaining guests, going on a romantic escape, or simply taking it easy, a power catamaran offers a comfortable and enjoyable water experience.

Luxury Catamarans: High-End Amenities and Performance

Luxury catamarans cater to those who demand the finest style and comfort on the water. These boats boast spacious living areas, modern kitchens, and luxurious cabins with all the comforts of home. They have high-powered engines for smooth and impressive performance, and their spacious decks and premium materials ensure a comfortable and stylish water experience. Whether entertaining guests, on a romantic getaway, or just relaxing, a luxury catamaran offers top-notch luxury for your water journey.

Choosing the Right Catamaran for Your Needs

Making the right selection when it comes to catamaran boats requires a clear understanding of what you’re looking for in your time on the water. With various options such as sailing, power, and luxury catamarans, it’s essential to choose a boat that meets your needs and preferences. If you want to learn more and check out different about catamaran boats and other multihull boats specifications, check our boat database, TheBoatDB .

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Main Types of Catamarans Used in the Shipping World

A catamaran is a boat with two hulls instead of a monohull which the traditionally designed sailing boats have. They were designed to be fishing boats though their use has increased today. Generally, they have more interior space, saloons and cabins than a conventional sailing vessel.

The following points will enable us to understand the boat and its types clearly.

Origin of Catamarans/Cats

The fishing community ‘Paravas’ in Tamil Nadu first created the catamaran in the 17 th century. The main feature of these boats was that they had two hulls which offered a lot of stability and balance compared to the other fishing boats of that era. This concept of two-hulled boats was adopted by the British and then made famous across the world.

Present-Era Cats

In the present times, cats have evolved from being mere sailboats or fishing boats. There are two basic design types of catamarans: Pontoon and SWATH (Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull).

The former is relatively small, compact and uses floats (known as pontoons in marine slang) as a major technology to propel the water along with the dual hulls. In contrast, the latter is quite large and is designed primarily to maintain balance in sea areas with unpredictable currents and tides.

It has to be noted that in today’s times, all variations of catamarans are made of fiberglass or carbon fiber. They are motorised and engine-powered, making them even more reliable than they used to be before.

Physical Characteristics of Cats

Generally, charter catamarans have twin engines, one in each hull to manoeuvre. It also has a mast that supports the mainsail and another for the headsail. Power cats are an example of innovation, offering the best experience.

Power cats or multi-hull powerboats have large engines and no masts or sails. Their powerful motors give them high speeds, and their reinforced hull types handle their weight. Their demand is growing daily, and they are available in many stylish designs. Another feature of cats is that they can go into shallower waters, as they don’t have deep keels.

Catamaran sailboats have a minimum sail area of 470 square feet and a maximum of 2260 square feet. Some famous builders are Robertson and Caine, Lagoon, Seawind, Fountaine Pajot, Gemini and Leopard. They make catamarans with secondary inboard, outboard, electric and other propulsion systems in diesel, gas, and other fuel systems. Custom-made catamaran sailing vessels are a speciality of the Privilege Shipyard. Usually, the vessel’s average capacity depends on its size. Some can carry about 16 to 60 people.

These new vessels are sought for their rich legacy, greater draft and wide beam, which make them excellent for overnight cruising and day sailing.

Some of the main types of catamarans can be elaborated as follows:

Cruise Catamarans

These catamarans are also known as luxury catamarans or ferry catamarans. This is because they offer the best possible luxury to the passengers who take a trip in such ferries. And the addition of engines has made such ferries even more attractive to the crowd.

Also, the space between the two hulls is filled by a cockpit, a main cabin and netting for relaxing in the sun. Their size and stability is the reason for their popularity. With two hulls, there is enormous space on a catamaran above and below the decks, which provides comfort on sailing vacation. Hence, they are preferred by vacationers for their unique characteristics.

They also offer great speed, which ensures that the passengers get the cruise trip of their choice without any lapse in time. It has to be noted that luxury catamarans operate not internationally between nations but internally within a country.

Some popular cruise catamarans worldwide are the Stena Voyager (operating in the Irish Sea) and Victoria Clipper IV (operating between Seattle and Victoria in the USA).

Sailing Catamarans

  Catamaran sailing is another type and utility of a catamaran. Sailing catamarans are used for recreational purposes by people who want to experience the life of a sailor.

Catamaran sailing does not involve any place for residing in the boat. In other words, catamaran sailing can also be referred to as catamarans used as yachts .

The average speed achieved in a day in a sailing catamaran is up to 300 nautical miles. Such catamaran sailing was first introduced in Europe though it has started gaining popularity worldwide.

It has to be noted that catamarans are quite novel in their creation and development. Unlike other boats, they have not become inoperative or extinct.

Their name still commands unique respect, making a catamaran adapt more successfully to the changing era and times .

Frequently Asked Questions About Catamarans

1. what are catamarans used for.

Catamarans are a preferred option for day sailing, cruising, fishing etc. Many boat charter companies offer their customers yachts, motor yachts and catamarans. Though their design dates back 100 years, the updated and technologically updated catamarans have a massive demand in the sailing market.

2. What are the disadvantages of catamarans?

Catamarans are 150 to 200 per cent more expensive than yachts of the same length. Also, special marinas are built for these vessels due to their width. Also, they are costlier to maintain and repair than other similar vessels.

3. What is the speciality of catamarans?

Catamarans offer more stability as they have two hulls, which decrease the chances of people falling overboard. They are larger and more comfortable than normal sailing boats, not to forget their eye-catching designs.

4. Do they have washrooms?

Today, catamarans have all amenities, including saloons, seating areas, well-fitted washrooms and plenty of interior space. Also, during bad weather, they can be steered from inside.

5. What is the lifespan of a catamaran?

On average, a catamaran can last for 15 to 25 years and even 30 years if it is well-kept and maintained. Its lifespan also depends on the usage, type, quality of construction material etc.

You might also like to read

• L-Cat: A Multi-Purpose Supply Catamaran
• The Devil Cat: The Devilishly Fast Wave Piercing Catamaran
• Unique Catamarans: The Afai 08
• What is a SWATH Ship?
• Types of Sailboats – A Comprehensive Classification

Disclaimer:  The authors’ views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of Marine Insight. Data and charts, if used in the article, have been sourced from available information and have not been authenticated by any statutory authority. The author and Marine Insight do not claim it to be accurate nor accept any responsibility for the same. The views constitute only the opinions and do not constitute any guidelines or recommendations on any course of action to be followed by the reader.

The article or images cannot be reproduced, copied, shared or used in any form without the permission of the author and Marine Insight. 

About Author

Zahra is an alumna of Miranda House, University of Delhi. She is an avid writer, possessing immaculate research and editing skills. Author of several academic papers, she has also worked as a freelance writer, producing many technical, creative and marketing pieces. A true aesthete at heart, she loves books a little more than anything else.

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What Is A Catamaran? Does It Have Engines Or Can It Only Sail?

Catamarans are a type of boat that has two hulls connected by a platform. They offer many advantages over traditional monohull boats, including increased stability and improved speed. This article will explore what exactly catamarans are and how they can be powered. We’ll also look at the differences between sailing and motor-powered catamarans to help you decide which one is right for you.

What Is A Catamaran?

A catamaran is a type of boat with two hulls connected by beams. It is usually powered by sails, although all modern catamarans come with inboard motors for propulsion. Catamarans are traditionally used for sailing, fishing, and leisure activities . They can be used in both fresh and salt water, and their light weight allows them to travel at high speeds without using much fuel.

Catamarans are known for their stability and durability due to their wide beam and shallow draft. This makes them ideal for traversing shallow waters or areas where the sea is choppy and unpredictable. They also have the advantage of being able to turn quickly and maneuver easily in tight spaces. Additionally, they provide a smooth ride despite rough seas since the two hulls help to reduce wave impact on the boat itself.

Advantages Of Catamarans

Catamarans offer many advantages to sailors and other seafaring travelers. The primary benefit of catamarans is their stability, due to the fact that they have two hulls that are connected by a platform. This design makes them much more resistant to waves than monohull vessels, which makes them ideal for activities such as fishing or leisurely cruises near shore. Catamarans also tend to be lighter, faster and more fuel efficient than monohulls, making them an attractive choice for sportier outings such as racing or overnight trips. In addition, catamarans can either be powered by engines or sails, giving you the flexibility to choose whatever type of propulsion suits your needs best.

Types Of Catamarans

Catamarans come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from luxurious yachts to fast-moving racing boats. They offer a unique sailing experience, with their twin hulls providing stability and comfort while still able to reach high speeds. Catamarans can be powered by engines or sail, enabling them to move swiftly through the water. Some are designed for serious racing, while others are equipped for leisurely cruising on the open waters. With so many options available, there is sure to be a catamaran that will fit any sailor’s needs. Whether it’s speed or comfort that you’re after, a catamaran can provide an unforgettable experience on the seas.

Sailing Vs. Motor-Powered Catamarans

Catamarans offer many advantages over monohulls and have become a popular choice for many reasons.. They are lightweight, stable, and provide ample space onboard. However, there is one major decision to make when purchasing a catamaran: whether to choose a sailing or motor-powered version.

Sailing catamarans have the traditional look of a boat with two hulls and tall sails, while motor-powered catamarans come equipped with engines and resemble more of a powerboat. Both types of catamarans offer their own unique benefits and drawbacks. Sailing versions are cheaper to purchase but require the sailor to be knowledgeable in sailing tactics in order to navigate easily. Motor-powered versions are more expensive but can be easier to operate in certain conditions due to their greater speed and maneuverability. In the end, it comes down to personal preference as both types can provide an enjoyable experience on the water.

Benefits Of Chartering A Catamaran

Catamarans are a type of sailing vessel with two hulls that are connected with a frame. They are typically very stable and have plenty of deck space for passengers and amenities. Catamarans also come equipped with two engines, so they can travel in calm waters even when there’s no wind to power the sails. The engine also allows them to get back quickly against strong winds or tides, making them great for long trips and passages.

The major benefit of chartering a catamaran is the amount of space it provides compared to traditional monohulls (a boat with one hull). This makes them ideal for larger groups, as they can accommodate more people without feeling cramped. Additionally, catamarans offer great stability in the water – even in choppy conditions – allowing you to feel safe and secure while onboard. Plus, since they don’t require as much maintenance as other boats, they’re perfect for longer periods of time on the water. All these factors make catamarans a great choice for any travel vacation with friends and family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are catamarans suitable for excursions.

Catamarans are a popular choice for those looking to charter one for an excursion due to their spaciousness and stability. They provide more than enough room for comfortable traveling as well as plenty of storage space, making them an ideal option for extended cruising. Additionally, all catamarans are equipped with engines, allowing for easy navigation and maneuverability when needed. All in all, catamarans make great vessels for vacations and traveling and can be a great way to explore the waters.

What Is The Best Type Of Catamaran For Ocean Voyaging?

When it comes to ocean voyaging, the best type of catamaran is a modern performance cruiser. These vessels are designed to combine speed and comfort, with a shallow draft for navigating in and out of shallow waters. Modern performance cruising catamarans feature two hulls connected by an open deck, often with engines that give them greater maneuverability. They also generally have larger living spaces than traditional monohulls, so they can provide more comfortable accommodations during long voyages.

How Many People Can Typically Fit On A Catamaran?

A catamaran is a type of boat with two parallel hulls. Depending on the size, it can typically fit anywhere from 4-12 people plus crew. It’s important to note that the number of passengers will depend on the size and design of the boat, so it’s best to check with a manufacturer for more specific details.

A catamaran is a great choice for those looking to explore the ocean in style. They’re spacious and versatile, making them suitable for all sorts of travel plans and excursions. Plus, they can be powered by either engines and/or sails, so you can decide which works best for your needs. Charter prices can vary depending on your vacation needs. All in all, a catamaran is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to explore the open seas!

If you’re considering renting a catamaran, it’s important to do some research first. There are many different kinds to choose from depending on what your entire party has on their travel wish list – and make sure that you have a safe and fun voyage!

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Use our quick contact form to give us the basics about what you’re looking for and we’ll send you ideas and pricing. Don’t worry if it’s not grand enough or should be scaled back; we’ll take care of that too. When you love the plan, we put it into action. All you have to do is show up and enjoy.

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Types of Catamarans

There are numerous types of catamarans, and their uses vary widely. The catamaran is one of the oldest and most useful hull types, and some variants have been used for thousands of years. Here are the most common kinds of catamaran boats and their uses.

Sailing Catamaran Sailing catamarans are probably what you think of when you hear the name. Sailing catamarans are sailboats with two identical hulls connected by a center deck. The largest sailing catamarans are spacious and stable vessels that are capable of serious offshore sailing.

Sailing catamarans have a number of notable advantages over monohulls. Monohulls, which are traditional sailboats with a single hull, are limited by a simple concept called hull speed. As the bow and stern wave of a monohull intersect, they cause drag which limits the top speed of the boat.

Catamarans are not bound by hull speed limitations, as they have two hulls. Catamarans can go twice or even three times as fast as similar monohulls and achieve excellent travel times.

Catamarans are also more stable than monohulls, as their wide stance and shallow draft reduce the effect of rough water. They don’t heel, as the force of the wind is counteracted by the double hulls. Additionally, modern sailing catamarans can ‘wave pierce’ by cutting through swells instead of riding over them.

Sailing catamarans come in many shapes and sizes. Small sailing catamarans, such as those used in races and regattas, are known for their speed and relative stability compared to light racing monohulls. Sometimes, they feature a smaller second hull for stability—these are called outriggers.

Sailing catamarans have spacious interiors thanks to the large cockpit between the hulls. This cockpit usually contains cooking and eating spaces, a place to sit, and a hallway between the hulls. The hulls usually contain living quarters and often mirror each other.

Power Catamarans Power catamarans have an even greater variety than sailing catamarans. These vessels are used for everything from party platforms to ferries and patrol boats.

Power catamarans are a recent development, as engineers and marine architects now realize they have numerous hydrodynamic advantages over other hull types.

Catamarans are much more efficient than other hull types, as they have less drag relative to their size. Additionally, you can build a much larger catamaran with less material. This makes them popular for car and rail ferries, as builders can construct a very wide vessel with two small hulls rather than a narrower vessel with a large single hull.

Military and Commercial Catamarans Even the military has found a use for the catamaran hull shape. The Spearhead class EPF is an expeditionary fast transport vessel designed for carrying capacity and speed. It has two sharp hulls and a huge cargo capacity.

The Spearhead class EPF is 337 feet long, which is about the same length as a WW2 escort destroyer. Yet despite having a similar length and displacement, these catamarans can travel more than twice as fast—43 knots, or nearly 50 miles per hour. Their great speed is a direct consequence of their catamaran hull type.

Power catamarans are also used as patrol and utility boats on a much smaller scale, with either outboard or inboard motors. The State of Texas uses catamarans to patrol shallow rivers and lakes. Texas Game Wardens utilize state-of-the-art aluminum catamaran patrol boats, which are fast enough to outrun most fishing boats.

There’s another form of power catamaran that you may not have considered. Pontoon boats are technically catamarans, and they’re enormously popular on lakes and rivers throughout the country. Pontoon boats aren’t known for speed, but they’re a great platform for a fun and comfortable outing.

Catamaran Houseboats The final common type of power catamaran is the two-hulled houseboat. Houseboats don’t always use the catamaran hull type, but it’s common enough that most major manufacturers offer it as an option.

Catamaran houseboats have a few notable advantages over monohull designs. For one, they’re easier to build—especially when pontoons are chosen. Additionally, they’re better suited for navigating shallow water. These vessels can support more weight across their two hulls, offer increased stability, and they’re also efficient.

Resource: lifeofsailing.com

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Types of Sailboats: A Complete Guide

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

Learning the different types of sailboats can help you identify vessels and choose the right boat.

In this article, we'll cover the most common kinds of sailboats, their origins, and what they're used for. We'll also go over the strengths and weaknesses of each design, along with when they're most useful.

The most common kind of sailboat is the sloop, as it's simple to operate and versatile. Other common sailboat types include the schooner, cutter, cat, ketch, schooner, catamaran, and trimaran. Other sailboat variations include pocket cruisers, motorsailers, displacement, and shoal-draft vessels.

The information found in this article is sourced from boat reference guides, including A Field Guide to Sailboats of North America by Richard M. Sherwood and trusted sources in the sailing community.

Table of contents

Distinguishing Types of Sailboats

In this article, we'll distinguish sailboats by traits such as their hull type, rig, and general configuration. Some sailboats share multiple characteristics with other boats but fall into a completely different category. For example, a sailboat with a Bermuda rig, a large engine, and a pilothouse could technically be called a sloop, but it's more likely a motorsailer.

When discerning sailboat type, the first most obvious place to look is the hull. If it has only one hull, you can immediately eliminate the trimaran and the catamaran. If it has two or more hulls, it's certainly not a typical monohull vessel.

The next trait to consider is the rig. You can tell a lot about a sailboat based on its rig, including what it's designed to be used for. For example, a long and slender sailboat with a tall triangular rig is likely designed for speed or racing, whereas a wide vessel with a complex gaff rig is probably built for offshore cruising.

Other factors that determine boat type include hull shape, overall length, cabin size, sail plan, and displacement. Hull material also plays a role, but every major type of sailboat has been built in both wood and fiberglass at some point.

Sailboat vs. Motorsailer

Most sailboats have motors, but most motorized sailboats are not motorsailers. A motorsailer is a specific kind of sailboat designed to run efficiently under sail and power, and sometimes both.

Most sailboats have an auxiliary engine, though these power plants are designed primarily for maneuvering. These vessels cannot achieve reasonable speed or fuel-efficiency. Motorsailers can operate like a powerboat.

Motorsailers provide great flexibility on short runs. They're great family boats, and they're popular in coastal communities with heavy boat traffic. However, these features come at a cost. Motorsailers aren't the fastest or most efficient powerboats, and they're also not the most agile sailboats. That said, they make an excellent general-purpose sailing craft.

Monohull vs. Multi-hull: Which is Better?

Multihull sailboats are increasingly popular, thanks to advances and lightweight materials, and sailboat design. But are they better than traditional sailboats? Monohulls are easier to maintain and less expensive, and they offer better interior layouts. Multihulls are more stable and comfortable, and they're significantly easier to control. Multihull sailboats also have a speed advantage.

Monohull Sailboats

A monohull sailboat is a traditionally-shaped vessel with a single hull. The vast majority of consumer sailboats are monohulls, as they're inexpensive to produce and easy to handle. Monohull sailboats are proven and easy to maintain, though they lack the initial stability and motion comfort of multi-hull vessels.

Monohull sailboats have a much greater rig variety than multi-hull sailboats. The vast majority of multihull sailboats have a single mast, whereas multi-masted vessels such as yawls and schooners are always monohulls. Some multi-hull sailboats have side-by-side masts, but these are the exception.

Catamaran Sailboats

The second most common sailboat configuration is the catamaran. A catamaran is a multihull sailboat that has two symmetrical hulls placed side-by-side and connected with a deck. This basic design has been used for hundreds of years, and it experienced a big resurgence in the fiberglass boat era.

Catamarans are fast, efficient, and comfortable. They don't heel very much, as this design has excellent initial stability. The primary drawback of the catamaran is below decks. The cabin of a catamaran is split between both hulls, which often leaves less space for the galley, head, and living areas.

Trimaran Sailboats

Trimarans are multi-hull sailboats similar to catamarans. Trimarans have three hulls arranged side-by-side. The profile of a trimaran is often indistinguishable from a catamaran.

Trimarans are increasingly popular, as they're faster than catamarans and monohulls and considerably easier to control. Trimarans suffer from the same spatial limitations as catamarans. The addition of an extra hull adds additional space, which is one reason why these multi-hull vessels are some of the best-selling sailboats on the market today.

Sailboat Rig Types

Rigging is another way to distinguish sailboat types. The rig of a sailboat refers to it's mast and sail configuration. Here are the most common types of sailboat rigs and what they're used for.

Sloops are the most common type of sailboat on the water today. A sloop is a simple single-mast rig that usually incorporates a tall triangular mainsail and headsail. The sloop rig is easy to control, fun to sail, and versatile. Sloops are common on racing sailboats as they can sail quite close to the wind. These maneuverable sailboats also have excellent windward performance.

The sloop rig is popular because it works well in almost any situation. That said, other more complex rigs offer finer control and superior performance for some hull types. Additionally, sloops spread their entire sail area over just to canvases, which is less flexible than multi-masted rigs. The sloop is ideal for general-purpose sailing, and it's proven itself inland and offshore.

Sloop Features:

• Most popular sailboat rig
• Single mast
• One mainsail and headsail
• Typically Bermuda-rigged
• Easy to handle
• Great windward performance
• Less precise control
• Easier to capsize
• Requires a tall mast

Suitable Uses:

• Offshore cruising
• Coastal cruising

Cat (Catboat)

The cat (or catboat) is a single-masted sailboat with a large, single mainsail. Catboats have a thick forward mast, no headsail, and an exceptionally long boom. These vessels are typically gaff-rigged, as this four-edged rig offers greater sail area with a shorter mast. Catboats were popular workboats in New England around the turn of the century, and they have a large following today.

Catboats are typically short and wide, which provides excellent stability in rough coastal conditions. They're hardy and seaworthy vessels, but they're slow and not ideal for offshore use. Catboats are simple and easy to control, as they only have a single gaff sail. Catboats are easy to spot thanks to their forward-mounted mast and enormous mainsail.

Catboat Features:

• Far forward-mounted single mast
• Large four-sided gaff sail
• Short and wide with a large cockpit
• Usually between 20 and 30 feet in length
• Excellent workboats
• Tough and useful design
• Great for fishing
• Large cockpit and cabin
• Not ideal for offshore sailing
• Single sail offers less precise control
• Slow compared to other rigs
• Inland cruising

At first glance, a cutter is difficult to distinguish from a sloop. Both vessels have a single mast located in roughly the same position, but the sail plan is dramatically different. The cutter uses two headsails and often incorporates a large spar that extends from the bow (called a bowsprit).

The additional headsail is called a staysail. A sloop only carries one headsail, which is typically a jib. Cutter headsails have a lower center of gravity which provides superior performance in rough weather. It's more difficult to capsize a cutter, and they offer more precise control than a sloop. Cutters have more complex rigging, which is a disadvantage for some people.

Cutter Features:

• Two headsails
• Long bowsprit
• Similar to sloop
• Gaff or Bermuda-rigged
• Fast and efficient
• Offers precise control
• Superior rough-weather performance
• More complex than the sloop rig
• Harder to handle than simpler rigs

Perhaps the most majestic type of sailboat rig, the schooner is a multi-masted vessel with plenty of history and rugged seaworthiness. The schooner is typically gaff-rigged with short masts and multiple sails. Schooners are fast and powerful vessels with a complex rig. These sailboats have excellent offshore handling characteristics.

Schooners have a minimum of two masts, but some have three or more. The aftermost large sail is the mainsail, and the nearly identical forward sail is called the foresail. Schooners can have one or more headsail, which includes a cutter-style staysail. Some schooners have an additional smaller sale aft of the mainsail called the mizzen.

Schooner Features:

• At least two masts
• Usually gaff-rigged
• One or more headsails
• Excellent offshore handling
• Precise control
• Numerous sail options (headsails, topsails, mizzen)
• Fast and powerful
• Complex and labor-intensive rig
• Difficult to adjust rig single-handed
• Offshore fishing

Picture a ketch as a sloop or a cutter with an extra mast behind the mainsail. These vessels are seaworthy, powerful, excellent for offshore cruising. A ketch is similar to a yawl, except its larger mizzen doesn't hang off the stern. The ketch is either gaff or Bermuda-rigged.

Ketch-rigged sailboats have smaller sails, and thus, shorter masts. This makes them more durable and controllable in rough weather. The mizzen can help the boat steer itself, which is advantageous on offshore voyages. A ketch is likely slower than a sloop or a cutter, which means you aren't likely to find one winning a race.

Ketch Features:

• Headsail (or headsails), mainsail, and mizzen
• Mizzen doesn't extend past the rudder post
• Good offshore handling
• Controllable and mild
• Shorter and stronger masts
• Easy self-steering
• Slower than sloops and cutters
• Less common on the used market

A dinghy is a general term for a small sailboat of fewer than 28 feet overall. Dinghys are often dual-power boats, which means they usually have oars or a small outboard in addition to a sail. These small boats are open-top and only suitable for cruising in protected waters. Many larger sailboats have a deployable dinghy on board to get to shore when at anchor.

Dinghy Features:

• One or two people maximum capacity
• Easy to sail
• Works with oars, sails, or an outboard
• Great auxiliary boat
• Small and exposed
• Not suitable for offshore use
• Going from anchor to shore
• Protected recreational sailing (lakes, rivers, and harbors)

Best Sailboat Type for Stability

Stability is a factor that varies widely between sailboat types. There are different types of stability, and some sailors prefer one over another. For initial stability, the trimaran wins with little contest. This is because these vessels have a very high beam-to-length ratio, which makes them much less prone to rolling. Next up is the catamaran, which enjoys the same benefit from a wide beam but lacks the additional support of a center hull section.

It's clear that in most conditions, multihull vessels have the greatest stability. But what about in rough weather? And what about capsizing? Multihull sailboats are impossible to right after a knockdown. This is where full-keel monohull sailboats excel.

Traditional vessels with deep displacement keels are the safest and most stable in rough weather. The shape, depth, and weight of their keels keep them from knocking over and rolling excessively. In many cases, these sailboats will suffer a dismasting long before a knockdown. The primary disadvantage of deep-keeled sailboats is their tendency to heel excessively. This characteristic isn't hazardous, though it can make novice sailors nervous and reduce cabin comfort while underway.

Best Sailboat Type for Offshore Cruising

The best sailboat type for offshore cruising is the schooner. These graceful aid robust vessels have proven themselves over centuries as durable and capable vessels. They typically use deep displacement keels, which makes them stable in rough weather and easy to keep on course.

That said, the full answer isn't quite so simple. Modern multihull designs are an attractive option, and they have also proven to be strong and safe designs. Multihull sailboats are an increasingly popular option for offshore sailors, and they offer comfort that was previously unknown in the sailing community.

Many sailors cross oceans in basic Bermuda-rigged monohulls and take full advantage of a fin-keel design speed. At the end of the day, the best offshore cruising sailboat is whatever you are comfortable handling and living aboard. There are physical limits to all sailboat designs, though almost any vessel can make it across an ocean if piloted by a competent skipper and crew.

Best Sailboat Type for Racing The modern lightweight Bermuda-rigged sailboat is the king of the regatta. When designed with the right kind of hull, these vessels are some of the fastest sailboats ever developed. Many boats constructed between the 1970s and today incorporate these design features due to their favorable coastal and inland handling characteristics. Even small sailboats, such as the Cal 20 and the Catalina 22, benefit from this design. These boats are renowned for their speed and handling characteristics.

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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17 Best Catamarans for Sailing Around the World

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Catamarans are quickly outstripping single-hull boats for long-distance journeys. They are more stable and comfortable , and some can travel more than 200 miles in a day. In today’s article, I have put together a complete (well almost) list of some of the best catamarans for circumnavigating the planet; the question is, which one is best for you?

The best catamarans for sailing around the world include: 

• The Fountaine Pajot Ipanema 58

These cats focus on speed, safety, and comfort for longer journeys. 

This article will show you the seventeen best catamarans for long journeys, and why they’re the best. You’ll also learn some great tips on what to look for in a Catamaran and how to save money by buying a used catamaran. Let this list be a jumping-off point for your future research!

Pro-tip; here are the actual costs of maintaining a cat and here are considerations on how to circumnavigate .

Table of Contents

The Best Catamarans for Sailing Around the World 

A catamaran is a double-hulled boat with a deck or cabin area in between (bluewater cat definition in this article ). The double hull design means that the boat rocks less, sits higher on the water, uses less fuel to sail, and can be sailed in shallower waters than a single-hulled boat without worrying about grounding. 

Catamarans come in a variety of sizes and can be sail-powered or motor-powered and range from single-person sailing boats to family-sized yachts. Every catamaran design is different, and the twin-hull shape offers many ways to customize the layout of a ship. 

Each boat on this list is a larger catamaran (+40ft, more on size here ), so if you’re going to sail around the world, you want lots of space for provisions and rest.

Of course, there are tons of technical specs for each of these boats, but I’m going to focus on the overall features of each of these catamarans, what makes them stand out, and why they would each be an excellent choice for a transatlantic journey. 

Antares 44i 

The Antares 44i is an excellent option for sailing around the world and was explicitly designed for long-distance cruising. It performs well in any weather conditions, can be sailed easily by two people, and you’ll be able to sail long distances and live in comfort. 

Although it can be easily sailed by a crew of two I believe that a true bluewater cat should be set up for single-handed sailing, more on that in another article .

This catamaran features a stateroom on each hull and a forward cabin with plenty of storage space. The living and entertainment features include a flatscreen tv and a high-end deck speaker system. 

With this model, Antares dedicates itself to high-quality boats with optimal rigging and engine configurations. 

Atlantic 42

Atlantic is no longer building this catamaran, but there are usually a few pre-owned boats on the market. You can also get it made custom if you love the design, but be prepared to spend more money on a custom boat (custom boat also gets custom problems ;)). 

The Atlantic 42 is slightly smaller than some of the other catamarans on this list but is a seaworthy vessel. 42 ft is what most sailors I interview ( in this article ) said was the smallest cat to safely cross big oceans. It is also a decent size to counter the risk of capsizing (more on that here ).

It has a forward cockpit and pilothouse, which gives the owner a better use of space and makes the boat easier to navigate. With single-handed capability, one person can sail it easily and let the rest of the crew relax. 

One of the best-praised aspects of the Atlantic 42 is its galley, more extensive than most 42-footers (12.8-meter) can offer. 

One of the few 50 footers (15.24 meters) that can be sailed by just one person (many would of course disagree on this).

The Catana 50 is a catamaran worthy of an overseas journey. Its size adds to its stability on the open waters and its ability to sail straight through the choppy ocean and windy conditions. 

The Catana is also incredibly spacious on the inside, with substantial cabins and showers. The biggest downside to the Catana 50 is its price, as it’s much more expensive than most of its competitors. 

Catana also holds up well against some of the fastest cruising cats out there, here’s a list of the fastest cruisers if you are interested in that.

However, if you can find a gently-used Catana 50, you can rest assured that this boat will last! 

The Dolphin 42 is unique because of the use of daggerboards instead of fixed keels. This upgrade means that the boat has some pretty decent upwind performance while at the same time being faster downwind.

Centerboards and daggerboards offer some interesting downsides compared to mini keels. This is an interesting discussion and I suggest you read another one of my articles if you want to deepen your knowledge a little.

These catamarans are some of the lightest on the market. Not many Dolphins were made, so they are relatively hard to find. However, if you want a small, lightweight boat capable of going great distances, the Dolphin 42 is an excellent choice. 

Fountaine Pajot Belize 43

The Fountaine Pajot Belize is another well-built cruising yacht. Its core is made of foam instead of balsa, which reduces the risk of structural damage due to a rotten core in case of water intrusion. 

The design of Belize offers many options for customizability, with large open spaces and a combined saloon, navigation, and dinette area. 

There are two styles of Belize catamarans for sleeping quarters. You can either purchase a boat with an entire primary suite on one hull or one with two cabins in each hull. The first option is great if you are sailing the world alone and not expecting many guests, as it increases the storage capacity. 

Understanding what factors to consider when getting a cat can be hard, there are just so many of them (such as the daggerboard discussion above), I have tried to compile some of the most important in this article .

The boat also has wraparound windows to increase the sense of space in the galley. 

Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40

Fountaine Pajot is one of the best sailboat manufacturers existing today, as their boats are well made and highly versatile. The Lucia 40 is no exception – it’s a smaller boat but has a lot of room for moving around and on-board living. 

The living area is remarkably spacious on this catamaran for its size. 

The galley and lounge easily accommodate 6+people. The Lucia 40 doesn’t disappoint when it comes to sailing either, as the narrow hulls slice through choppy waters with ease. 

Most catamarans today are built to withstand rough weather but that doesn’t matter as much if the crew isn’t up for the task, I firmly believe that the most important thing a boat should consist of, is knowledge. Therefore taking online courses ( two free here ) or reading books ( my favorites here ) is imperative.

Gemini 105M

Gemini’s boats have been on the market for years and are solidly built for cruising. This boat is one of the most popular ever made, I personally would consider something different for offshore cruising, but since it has such a good reputation, I felt I had to add it to the list.

If you want to understand why I am hesitant to take this boat around the world, I recommend you read my article: What are trampolines on a catamaran?

The Gunboat 62 is a great catamaran and set the standards for the rest of the impressive Gunboat lineup. It’s sleek and spacious while being robust and capable of transatlantic journeys. You can easily travel the world in a Gunboat 62 with several people and not feel cramped. 

The yacht was made for speed and power and remains one of the fastest catamarans on the market, even rivaling the newer Gunboat models.  GABO

Although the earlier models of the Gunboat 62 weren’t designed for a lot of cargo, you can still find space for everything you need without compromise. 

Lagoon catamarans are known for their reliability and ease of use. If you are considering a catamaran for the first time and are unsure about the technicalities of sailing, a Lagoon boat is a great option. 

The Lagoon 380 is probably the smallest cruiser on this list, which makes it better suited for solo or couple sailing.  

When I go looking to buy something, whether it be a boat, campervan, or whatever, I create a checklist and classify all the things I want either by NEED or NICE to have.

I believe the Lagoon 380 to be sub-optimal for my NEEDS, even though it does check a lot of NICE boxes, there’s a step-by-step article on the NEED and NICE method here .

There are several cabin options available on the Lagoon 380, but if you’re sailing by yourself, you can settle for three cabins and a larger galley and living space. With a smaller cockpit and broader side decks, the Lagoon 380 packs a lot of practicality and ease of sailing into a more compact catamaran. 

If you like the idea of a Lagoon boat but want a little more space, the Lagoon 42 is the upgraded version of the Lagoon 380. With all of the same benefits, it comes with more space for cabins or storage, making it one of the best-selling Lagoons of all time. 

The Lagoon 42 is also a faster cruiser built for strength. While it’s not the fastest on the market, it works well in choppy waters and windy conditions, making it great for the beginning sailor to go on a more extended trip. 

Many people have completed an around-the-world sail with this ship.

Although there is a flybridge version, I would recommend the “open” version due to several factors, some including increased windage and a higher boom. More on flybridges pros and cons here .

For stability, safety, and durability, you can’t beat the Lagoon 42. 

The Leopard 45 performs better with less storage weight because of the relatively low bridge deck clearance. If the boat is fully loaded, you could experience some wave pounding. However, the cockpit is open and airy, with devices that block the sun and provide maximum comfort while sailing. 

The Leopard 45 is an incredibly beautiful boat,   and has a strong reputation for excellent build quality!

Leopard catamarans are one of my personal favorites, as such I have written an entire article about the brand, so if you want to understand its pros and cons then here is the link . Gabo

Designed in South Africa, it features a high rear arch for extra support and very smoothly connected decks. The galley is large and open, and most Leopards offer a four-cabin plan. If you are traveling with another person, this boat is an excellent option for you! 

The Manta 42 is another classic catamaran that you can buy used (at a decent price), as it is an incredibly seaworthy vessel. While still in production, the Manta was one of the most popular catamarans on the market. 

It is still in high demand amongst circumnavigators. Buying a used Manta 42 usually means that you inherit some of the previous owner’s boat upgrades! 

The Manta 42 also made it to my list of the 9 safest catamarans on the market ( link ).

This blue water cat can be sailed by one or two people, making it ideal for liveaboard couples or long-distance shorthanded sailing. The galley is in the saloon ( instead of in one of the hulls ), making the cabins below more spacious and better equipped. 

Overall, the Manta is well equipped for sailing around the world. 

Nautitech 44

Nautitech is an excellent brand of the catamaran, with several different designs per boat. The Nautitech 44 has a unique feature, you can have it with two options for steering: twin wheels or a single wheel.

The Nautitech 44 also features a cockpit on the same level as the saloon. The door between the two is more convenient than a hatch and dramatically reduces the risk of water damage during rain pour. 

This is also the same boat that aeroyacht president Gregor owns, he has offered some great insights into Nautitech in the book Catamarans (amazon link )

Outremer 45

Outremer is famous for being one of the fastest brands of catamarans on the market. If you need speed, the Outremer 45 might be the perfect choice for you. It has a top speed of 16 knots, which is higher than almost every other catamaran of its class. 

While the Outremer 45 is known for speed, it doesn’t compromise on the quality of living. 

You can settle into life on this boat with complete peace of mind. Even as a beginning sailor, the steering is simple and easy to use, and the autopilot is top of the line, so you’ll be able to sail across the ocean in an Outremer without issue. 

Privilege Serie 5

A French-designed catamaran, the Privilege Serie 5 is one of the most comfortable 50-foot (15 m) yachts available. The unique cabin layout includes the master cabin in the boat’s center instead of in one of the hulls. 

The Privilege Serie 5 is also incredibly easy to sail, despite its larger size. 

The sails and controls lead to the helm, where the raised deck makes it easy to see all around the deck. If you want to cross the ocean with a full crew then the Privilege Serie 5 might be perfect for you! 

Seawind 1000

The Seawind 1000 is the smallest boat on this list, measuring 33 feet (10 meters) long altogether. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s not livable. If you are sailing on your own or with a partner, there is more than enough space to live in the Seawind 1000, which includes the option of a centered cabin or two hull cabins. 

Because it’s small, the Seawind 1000 is easy to handle. The mast and sails are all manufactured for extra stability and ease of use. 

Overall, the Seawind 1000 is an excellent example of a simple, safe, and seaworthy catamaran. 

Note: since this is a small catamaran it will also be more sensitive to heavy weather so trip-planning becomes even more important.

The Voyage 44 is one of the oldest cats on this list, having had its hay-day in the mid-1990s. However, this also means that a used Voyage 44 will be cheaper than a newer boat. If you can find a Voyage with previous responsible owners, you will inherit any upgrades and fixes that they’ve made on top of a very seaworthy boat. 

The Voyage 44 has more storage and space than most cruisers of its size and is known for behaving very well in choppy waters. 

This catamaran does its job well while providing adequate space for cooking, sleeping, and living aboard. 

What To Look For in a Long-Distance Cruising Catamaran

If you are planning to sail around the world, you need to be very careful about which kind of catamaran you decide to use. Many of the things you want in a boat really comes down to personal preference, so be sure you know what design preferences you want before you start shopping! 

Size and Payload

The most important thing to consider when buying a catamaran is how much space and cargo you need because the larger the boats are, the bigger the payload it can handle. Decide how long you want the ship to be and how much you’re taking with you. 

It’s vital not to overload a catamaran, this will reduce performance and increase risk of unwanted behavior in heavy seas.

Cabin Placement  

Most catamarans have options for a “Maestro” cabin placement, where one entire hull is the master suite, and the other cabins are located on the opposite hull.

Cockpit and Protection From The Weather

Is the cockpit on the boat you’re looking at covered or open? This can make a difference on the high seas, especially during rainy weather. 

The size of the ship also can affect how many people you need as a crew. If you’re traveling by yourself or with one other person, you don’t want to buy a boat that needs a larger crew. 

Buying Used? 

If you don’t want to spend the money on a brand new catamaran, I don’t blame you. Several of the ships on this list are out of production and can only be found used. However, for circumnavigation, you do want a boat of high quality to keep you safe and dry until you make it to your destination.  

When buying a suitably used catamaran, it’s essential to look at the refit history of the boat more than the year it was made. Catamarans are sturdy, and the general design has been the same for at least the past decade. 

If you find a newer, larger, cheaper boat, you should look into its history. 

Your best bet to save money while buying a catamaran will be to buy an older, probably smaller boat with an excellent refit history and no serious issues. It will still be an investment, and a sturdy used catamaran will serve you well. 

Final Thoughts

No matter which catamaran you decide to buy for your journey, you’ll be able to sail safely and comfortably. Catamarans are great yachts for long-distance sailing, and the ships on this list are the best of the best. These brands are time-tested and ready to accompany you on an adventure around the world! 

Here are Some of My Favorite Catamaran Cruising Resources

Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it helpful as you hopefully start your sailing adventures. Here are some resources that I use as a sailor that I hope you’ll also find helpful. These are affiliate links, so if you do decide to use any of them, I’ll earn a commission. But in all honesty, these are the exact things that I use and recommend to everyone, even my own family. Sailboats: If you’re looking for the best boat to suit your needs, I would recommend a catamaran. If you’re interested, I can show you the differences between catamarans and other types of sailboats .

Books:  For getting started, I really like  Cruising catamarans made easy . It is actually a textbook from the American sailing association; it is used to get a cruising catamaran certification. There are some other great books, and I have compiled a list of books about cruising catamarans that you will find useful.

Communication:  Being out on adventures, whether it be sailing or climbing mountains, good communications are essential to being safe. I recommend two things Google fi (incredibly simple cellular data all over the world) and Garmin inreach mini (for text and voice in remote areas without cell coverage)

Sailing courses: Online sailing courses are great for beginners starting out their sailing career; it’s an efficient way of learning the basics of navigation, throttle controls, and maritime safety. I suggest starting with two free courses from NauticEd .

To see all my most up-to-date recommendations,  check out this resource  that I made for you!

• Wikipedia: Catamaran
• Cruising World: A-Z Best Cruising Catamarans 
• Dreamy Yacht Sales: Four Best Catamarans for New Buyers
• Atlantic Cruising: Good Cat/Bad Cat
• Yachting World: Catamaran Sailing Across the Atlantic
• Boat Affair: What is a Catamaran? 
• Nautilus Sailing: Catamaran Sailing

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

3 thoughts on “ 17 Best Catamarans for Sailing Around the World ”

I like the efforts you have put in this, regards for all the great content.

Thanks Elisabeth I really appreciate the kind words 🙂

I appreciate you sharing this blog post. Thanks Again. Cool.

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Types of Sailboats

Table of Contents

Last Updated on August 15, 2023 by Boatsetter Team

Sailboats are one type of boat, but just because they all have sails doesn’t mean they’re all the same. There are subsets of sailboats and they differ by their shape (or number of hulls), the type of sailing rig, and their best primary use. Let’s investigate.

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Sailboat shapes

Sailboats can be monohulls or multihulls, which can be catamarans with two hulls or trimarans with three.

Monohulls are the classic sailing boat with one hull . Large, traditional, and older versions have deeper and heavier keels integrated into the hull for greater stability. At the same time, newer designs have fin keels that are attached rather than integrated appendages. Monohull boats can be used for racing or cruising.

Catamarans have two hulls that are connected by a bridge deck . Cats are prized for their large deck and accommodations space, stability, and shallow draft, so many mid-sized cats can be found in charter fleets worldwide.

Production cats are typically built for comfort rather than speed, but there are high-performance carbon fiber racing cats like those in the America’s Cup.

Trimarans are boats with three hulls. They can be large cruisers with fixed hull supports or small racers where the structural arms that hold the amas (outer hulls) fold to make the whole boat narrower. This is handy when fitting into a small slip or onto a trailer. Even more than catamarans, trimarans are known to be fast sailors.

More sailboats of all shapes (but especially catamarans) are experimenting with foils where the hull(s) ride out of the water to minimize wetted surfaces and maximize speed.

READ MORE: 10 Best Beginner Sailboats

Sailboat rigging

The rig of a sailboat includes the spar (mast) that holds the sails up, the boom that holds the bottom of the mainsail, and the shrouds or stays that support the mast. One sailboat can have multiple masts.

The number and placement of the masts decide what kind of boat it is. A sloop has one mast but may have multiple headsails (the sails that are in front of the mast), and therefore it may be called a cutter sloop.

A ketch or a yawl has a second smaller (mizzen) mast aft of the main mast. Schooners have multiple masts, but the secondary mast is ahead of the main mast rather than behind it. Many classic tall ships are outfitted as schooners, not generally found in modern recreational sailing.

Different uses of sailboats

As mentioned above, sailboats can be distance cruisers, racers, or something in between . Much of how they’re used will depend on their size and shape.

• Daysailers: The primary use of a daysailer is for an afternoon sailing in a bay or harbor. You can daysail on the ocean, and any boat can be sailed for just a day. Still, typical daysailers are usually smaller (under 30 feet), have no or minimal accommodations below, and are used for short outings.
• Cruisers: Sailboats can cruise for a weekend or a lifetime. Cruisers are often outfitted with amenities to accommodate overnight stays, so they have a galley , a cabin , and a head (bathroom). They vary in size, can be mono- or multihulls, and can carry any rig type.
• Racers: Although any sailboat can be raced, some models are specifically designed to do so. They’re usually built lighter and carry more sail area.
• Racer-cruisers: Racer-cruisers are performance boats (usually sloops) that can cruise. Some sailors will argue that there’s no such thing and that it’s all marketing rather than reality as companies try to make customers believe their boats are fast. Lightly built cruisers are often classified as racer-cruisers.
• Bluewater cruisers: Sailboats designed to cruise across oceans are often called bluewater cruisers. They’re well equipped, have large water and fuel tanks, and are often loaded with technical and cruising gear to be able to stay at sea for a long time. Again, these sailboats can have any number of hulls or masts to qualify for this moniker.
• Motorsailers: Heavy sailboats with big engines may be called motorsailers but it’s not a name that appeals to their owners because it implies the boat is heavy and slow under sail.
• Sailing dinghies: Small sailboats that are often used to teach sailing are sailing dinghies. They’re designed for one or two people and can be basic like a Lido or Sabot or competition level such as a Finn, Nacra, or Laser.

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An expert sailor knows a sailboat isn’t just a boat with sails — there are nuances and knowing the differences will make you not only better informed, it will also enable you to decide which kind of sailboat is right for you.

Of course, the best way to get to know a sailboat is by hands-on practice . Rent a sailboat — with a captain or to sail solo — and get on-the-water practice. In no time, you’ll be a pro.

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Zuzana Prochazka is an award-winning freelance journalist and photographer with regular contributions to more than a dozen sailing and powerboating magazines and online publications including Southern Boating, SEA, Latitudes & Attitudes and SAIL. She is SAIL magazines Charter Editor and the Executive Director of Boating Writers International. Zuzana serves as judge for SAIL’s Best Boats awards and for Europe’s Best of Boats in Berlin. 

A USCG 100 Ton Master, Zuzana founded and manages a flotilla charter organization called Zescapes that takes guests adventure sailing at destinations worldwide. 

Zuzana has lived in Europe, Africa and the United States and has traveled extensively in South America, the islands of the South Pacific and Mexico. 

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Catamaran Boats: Types, Uses & Activities

Let’s look at some of the types of catamarans and their best uses.

Sailing Catamarans

Sailing catamarans have made great strides over the past several decades. Small daysailing cats are popular because they provide a safe and simple learning platform and you’ll find fleets of them in resorts where they’re used by people with very little sailing experience. These types of small cats are usually made of roto-molded plastic or fiberglass and they typically don’t have auxiliary engines so their sole source of propulsion is sails.

Larger sailing cats have taken over the world of distance cruising and bareboat chartering . Nearly all tropically-based bareboat charter companies offer more sailing catamarans today than monohulls and those numbers are also growing in destinations such as the Mediterranean. Typically, charter cats have two engines, one in each hull, to maneuver as well as a mast that supports a mainsail and at least one headsail.

Explore Sailing Catamarans & Sailboats

Power Catamarans

Power catamarans, often referred to as "multi-hull powerboats" or "power cats," have larger engines than their sailing cousins and no masts or sails. Their bigger motors give them higher top speeds but these cats also need reinforced hulls to handle the weight and power of these engines. Other than pontoon boats (which arguably are also power cats), motorized cats are the fastest growing segment of the boating market.

Power cats come in various shapes and sizes. Numerous smaller power cat brands are marketed for fishing while larger ones are popping up in bareboat charter and as cruising platforms. Many commercial passenger ferries have also turned to the catamaran design for their spaciousness and speed.

Explore Power Catamarans

Advantages of Catamaran Boats

There are some inherent advantages of boats with multiple hulls, which include:

• More deck and interior space per foot than monohulls. A catamaran has about 1.2 times the space of a monohull. In other words, a 40-foot cat should have the deck and interior space of a 50-foot monohull. Cats also have more interior space with up to four cabins even in a vessel under 40 feet in length. These large cabins usually provide easier berth access and they have hull windows with opening ports for better ventilation and light even in the staterooms, which are usually more separated for privacy.
• Due to their design with two hulls set wide apart, cats enjoy greater stability under way and at rest in rolly anchorages . Unlike a monohull that can heel under sail or roll when powered, cats stay level, which makes them safer and easier for people and pets to maneuver on the flat deck. Some say cats have an easier motion than monohulls and tend to induce less seasickness.
• With twin engines, cats’ propellers are set wide apart so these boats have excellent maneuverability. Cats can venture into shallower waters too – especially sailing cats that don’t have deep keels. Because cats don’t drag a massive keel through the water, they’re also on average 20-30 percent more fuel-efficient even with two engines.
• Larger, more sophisticated power and sailing catamarans have a natural redundancy built into their equipment inventory, which translates to comfort and safety. For example, if a fresh water pump fails in one hull, there’s usually another to provide water for washing up. If one engine fails or one propeller spins off, there’s another to get the vessel to homeport safely. There’s also more room for the installation of additional systems like generators, watermakers, battery banks, and more.

Drawbacks of Catamaran Boats

Like any boat type, there are a few small drawbacks when it comes to catamarans:

• Catamarans take up more space so it’s often difficult and expensive to find dock space.
• Due to their design, both power and sailing cats can also slam the bridge deck into oncoming waves when going to weather.
• Additionally, sailing cats don’t necessarily sail as well upwind as monohulls because with two hulls, they simply can’t point as high into the wind.
• Finally, it may be tempting to load up a catamaran due to the space it offers but a sure way to damage a power or sailing cat’s performance is to overload them or have uneven weight distribution—something, which is less of a problem on their monohull counterparts.

Catamaran Boats FAQs

Whether used for daysailing, world cruising, chartering or fishing, boats with two hulls are growing in acceptance and appeal. The basic design may be hundreds of years old but today’s updated designs make catamarans a viable option for any boater.

Are catamarans more expensive than monohulls?

Purchasing or chartering a catamaran is usually more expensive than a monohull since there are more accessories and even more fiberglass construction to pay for. Over time, cost of ownership can be higher too since there are two hulls to polish and wax and more equipment to service or replace. It’s also more expensive to haul out a catamaran for bottom work.

What is the typical draft of a catamaran?

Draft (depth below waterline) depends on the size and type of cat. Small daysailing cats can draw mere inches but with a large cruising cat, it may be 3-4 feet. Some cats have dagger boards that are used to improve upwind performance. With the boards down, a cat can draw 10 feet or more but these boards may be lifted to allow access to shallow water.

Can catamarans be raced?

Catamarans make fine racers as has been proven by the America’s Cup contenders. There are also one-design classes in the smaller, open designs.

Read Next: Types of Sailboats, Activities & Uses

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The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Between a Sailboat or Catamaran for Your Sailing Adventures

C hoosing between a sailboat and a catamaran for your sailing adventures is a significant decision that depends on various factors, including your sailing preferences, experience level, budget, and intended use. Here's an ultimate guide to help you make an informed decision:

1. Sailing Experience:

• Sailboats: Typically require more skill and experience to handle, especially in adverse weather conditions. Ideal for sailors who enjoy the traditional feel of sailing and are willing to invest time in learning and mastering the art.
• Catamarans: Easier to handle, making them suitable for beginners. The dual-hull design provides stability, reducing the learning curve for those new to sailing.

2. Space and Comfort:

• Sailboats: Generally have a narrower beam and less living space. However, some sailboats may offer comfortable cabins and amenities.
• Catamarans: Wider beam creates more living space. Catamarans often have multiple cabins, spacious saloons, and expansive deck areas, providing a more comfortable living experience.

3. Stability:

• Sailboats: Monohulls can heel (lean) while sailing, which some sailors enjoy for the thrill but can be discomforting for others.
• Catamarans: Greater stability due to the dual hulls, providing a more level sailing experience. Reduced heeling makes catamarans suitable for those prone to seasickness.

4. Performance:

• Sailboats: Known for their upwind performance and ability to sail close to the wind. Some sailors appreciate the challenge of optimizing sail trim for efficiency.
• Catamarans: Faster on a reach and downwind due to their wide beam. However, they may not point as high into the wind as monohulls.
• Sailboats: Typically have a deeper draft, limiting access to shallow anchorages and requiring deeper marina berths.
• Catamarans: Shallow draft allows access to shallower waters and secluded anchorages, providing more flexibility in cruising destinations.
• Sailboats: Generally more affordable upfront, with a wide range of options available to fit different budgets.
• Catamarans: Often more expensive upfront due to their size and design. However, maintenance costs may be comparable or even lower in some cases.

7. Mooring and Docking:

• Sailboats: Easier to find slips and moorings in marinas designed for monohulls.
• Catamarans: Require wider slips and may have limited availability in certain marinas, especially in crowded anchorages.

8. Intended Use:

• Sailboats: Ideal for traditional sailors who enjoy the art of sailing, racing enthusiasts, or those on a tighter budget.
• Catamarans: Suited for those prioritizing comfort, stability, and spacious living areas, especially for long-term cruising and chartering.

9. Resale Value:

• Sailboats: Generally have a more established resale market, with a wider range of buyers.
• Catamarans: Growing in popularity, and well-maintained catamarans often retain their value.

10. Personal Preference:

• Consider your personal preferences, the type of sailing you plan to do, and the kind of lifestyle you want aboard your vessel.

In conclusion, both sailboats and catamarans have their advantages and disadvantages. Your decision should be based on your individual preferences, experience level, budget, and intended use. If possible, charter both types of vessels to experience firsthand how they handle and to help make a more informed decision based on your own preferences and needs.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Between a Sailboat or Catamaran for Your Sailing Adventures appeared first on Things That Make People Go Aww .

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Types of catamarans

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This article will introduce the following:

The origins of the catamaran

Why is a catamaran a good choice, types of catamarans: catamarans may be categorized as follows, before you start…, how to rent a catamaran.

Catamarans were first built-in the 17th century by a fishing society called the Paravas in Tamil Nadu on the Northern shores of India. At first, the idea of two hulls was objected to by yacht manufacturers who had been used to models that have a single hull. Still, catamarans proved to have the best design amongst rapid vessels. This was due to their great stability and capacity. The main feature of these boats was the two-hulled design, which provided for more effective balance compared to other vessels of the era. The idea was first adopted by the British, and later it became widespread in the whole world. Evolution not only resulted in a change in relation to use but influenced and developed the designing and construction of boats to a great extent.

Types of catamarans: Design of catamarans

We distinguish between two types of catamarans in terms of design: the so-called Pontoon and the SWATH (Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull). The former is a small and compact boat that applies a floating technique in order to drive the two hulls. The latter is a large vessel which uses a method based on preserving the balance of the boat. They are ideal for areas where erratic waves are common. These larger types may be categorized as yachts. Today, a wide selection of catamarans are available, for instance, the motorized types, which are even more reliable.

Catamarans are available in several designs and sizes. Their size may vary, from 14 ft (4.5 m) to 100 ft (30.5 m) long models. Catamarans include sea cruisers with a weather deck, boats with cabins, etc. Besides the two hulls, they have a mast and, depending on the size, one or two sails. It may be a surprising fact that catamarans are considered standard yachts rather than sailboats.

Cruise catamarans

These boats are referred to as luxury catamarans or catamaran ferries. They provide the best service and luxury for passengers. The additional motors make these boats even more attractive for people. Having a shorter journey time, these ferries are ideal for passengers who want to spend more time in a city’s port. It must be noted, however, that luxurious catamarans only function within the country and not internationally. Catamaran cruisers offer all the best features of motor yachts. The Stena Voyager on the Irish Sea and the American Victoria Clipper IV are two of the most popular cruisers.

Sailing catamarans

Choose a route and get to know the destination better before leaving the port! Read the guides, search for information about a route or contact the charter agency which will provide you with recommended routes in a graphical form. When choosing a route, take into consideration the duration of your rental, and plan your programs accordingly! We recommend cruising for 3–6 hours a day while taking into account the fuel consumption that depends on the weather, and the size and type of the boat.

Boat rental is not as complicated as it first seems, especially if you have a good agent. There are always some basic questions arising during the rental process. The service provider can help you plan your cruising adventure. We have collected all the necessary information to make the process easier for you.

• First, you have to decide what type of boat you would like to rent. Certain models of catamarans are ideal for the whole family. This kind of journey can be a real adventure for the kids; a great example of active recreation.
• The number of people and the requirements for their comfort, the services provided on the deck and the need for a staff should all be considered.
• Make sure that you understood all the conditions and have received all the necessary information, including the duration, type and price of your rental.

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• Everything You Need To Know About Catamarans

They're popular among experienced sailors and those new to sailing alike, thanks to their stability, roominess and ease of use. Catamarans come in several types, including trimarans, cruising catamarans, and racing catamarans. Each type of catamaran has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to consider all factors before choosing a type of boat. One of the main advantages of catamarans is their ability to handle choppy waters. This makes them ideal for sailing in more challenging conditions, such as near shorelines or in open ocean waters.

Catamarans are also known for their stability, even in rough seas. This makes them an excellent choice for longer trips, where passengers may be prone to seasickness. The spaciousness of catamarans also makes them a great option for groups looking for plenty of room on board. The cost of owning a catamaran can vary depending on the type and size of boat. Newer models tend to be more expensive, but there are also plenty of used catamarans available at a lower price.

Experienced sailors might be able to find great deals by looking for boats that are being sold by owners who have decided to upgrade or sell their current boat. Shopping around and comparing prices is the best way to find the best deal. Sailing a catamaran is not that different from sailing a regular boat, but there are some unique aspects that should be considered. It is important to know how to properly rig a catamaran before setting sail, as this will ensure the boat is stable and safe while out on the water. Basic sailing techniques, such as tacking and jibing, should also be practiced before heading out.

In addition, safety should always be a priority when sailing any type of boat, and catamarans are no exception. Experienced sailors have plenty of tips and advice when it comes to sailing catamarans. For example, they recommend using two anchors when anchoring in heavy winds, as this will provide additional stability for the boat. It is also important to pay attention to weather conditions before leaving port, as this can help ensure the safety of passengers and crew. Finally, experienced sailors stress the importance of always having a good lookout while sailing. Maintenance for catamarans is relatively easy compared to other types of boats.

To keep them in good condition, they should be stored in a dry area when not in use and washed regularly with freshwater. Any necessary repairs or modifications should be done in order to ensure the boat is seaworthy. Regular inspections should also be done to check for any signs of damage or wear. Catamarans offer a unique sailing experience that appeals to both experienced sailors and those new to sailing alike. They are known for their stability and spaciousness, as well as their ability to handle choppy waters.

Sailing Tips

When tacking, you should make sure to move both hulls at the same time to prevent one from getting stuck in the water. Additionally, when sailing upwind, you should use a broad reach to gain more speed and reduce heel. It is also important to be aware of the potential for capsizing, as catamarans are more prone to this than other sailboats. To reduce the risk of capsizing, make sure that all crew members are evenly distributed and that any heavy items are stowed securely.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Disadvantages of catamarans, types of catamarans, maintenance tips.

Here are some tips for keeping your catamaran well-maintained:1.Clean the hull regularly: Cleaning the hull of your catamaran should be done on a regular basis. This will help to remove any algae or other debris that may be attached to the surface of the hull. You can use a pressure washer or a soft brush to clean the surface.2.Inspect the rigging: You should also inspect the rigging of your catamaran on a regular basis. Look for any signs of wear and tear, such as fraying ropes, and replace any damaged parts as soon as possible.3.Check the engine: The engine of your catamaran should be checked and serviced regularly.

Make sure that all the parts are in good working order, and replace any worn or broken parts.4.Protect the interior: The interior of your catamaran should also be protected from the elements. Make sure to cover up any exposed surfaces with a waterproof material, and clean any spills or dirt as soon as possible.5.Wax the hull: Waxing the hull of your catamaran is another important part of maintenance. This will help to protect the surface from UV damage and make it easier to keep clean. By following these tips, you can help to keep your catamaran in good condition over time and ensure that it is safe for sailing. Catamarans are an excellent choice for sailors of all levels, offering a unique and rewarding sailing experience. They are stable, spacious, and easy to use, making them a great option for both experienced sailors and those new to the sport.

While there are some disadvantages to owning a catamaran, such as the cost and maintenance requirements, these can be managed with the right knowledge and preparation. Types of catamarans, advantages and disadvantages, sailing tips, and maintenance tips are all important elements to consider when thinking about owning a catamaran. In conclusion, catamarans provide a unique sailing experience that is suitable for sailors of all levels. With the proper knowledge and preparation, they can be a great investment for experienced sailors as well as those just starting out.

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Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Catamarans

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A Guide to the Different Types of Catamarans

Catamarans, with their dual-hull design, offer stability, space, and speed advantages over traditional single-hull boats. This makes them a popular choice for a variety of maritime activities, from leisurely cruises to competitive racing. If you're considering a catamaran for your next aquatic adventure, understanding the different types available can help you make the best choice. Here’s a detailed look at the main types of catamarans.

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1. Cruising Catamarans

Cruising catamarans are designed for comfort and long-distance sea travel. They are ideal for those who plan to spend extended periods on the water.

• Spacious: Ample living space including large cabins, kitchens, and bathrooms.
• Stable: Wide beam offers greater stability which reduces seasickness.
• Equipped: Often fitted with amenities like solar panels, water makers, and advanced navigation systems.
• Fountaine Pajot Helia 44

2. Racing Catamarans

Built for speed and agility, racing catamarans are for the adrenaline seekers looking to participate in sailing competitions.

• Lightweight: Made from materials like carbon fiber to enhance speed.
• Sleek Design: Minimalistic interiors to reduce weight and drag.
• Powerful Sails: Equipped with large sail plans that can harness more wind.

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3. Day Sailing Catamarans

These are smaller catamarans designed for short, day-long trips rather than extended voyages. They are perfect for leisurely sails around lakes and coastal areas.

• Compact: Smaller in size, easy to maneuver.
• Simple to Use: Often have less complex rigging and equipment.
• Affordable: Generally more budget-friendly than larger models.
• Hobie Cat 16

4. Motor Catamarans

Motor catamarans are equipped with engines instead of sails. They are suitable for those who prefer power boating to sailing.

• Powerful Engines: Twin engines provide speed and ease of handling.
• Fuel Efficient: The dual-hull design reduces drag, enhancing fuel efficiency.
• Luxurious: Often equipped with modern luxuries and conveniences.
• Leopard 43 PC

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5. Inflatable Catamarans

These catamarans are designed for ultimate portability and storage. They can be deflated and packed into small spaces, ideal for occasional sailors.

• Portable: Easy to store and transport.
• Lightweight: Can be launched easily, often by a single person.
• Versatile: Suitable for fishing, diving, and cruising in shallow waters.
• Minicat Guppy

Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a maritime enthusiast, there’s a catamaran type that fits your needs. From luxurious cruising catamarans to agile racing models, each type offers unique features and benefits. Consider what you value most—speed, stability, space, or simplicity—before making your choice.

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