The advantages of a catamaran over a yacht

21 October 2020

Are you planning to spend a vacation at sea and rent a sailing boat, but not sure what to choose - a yacht or a catamaran? Based on our many years of experience in operating our fleet's yachts and catamarans, we'll analyze the key features and try to help you make the right choice.

Let's start with the fact that a catamaran is also a yacht, with only two hulls. We can say that a catamaran is a large and very comfortable yacht. With the same length, the volume of space on the catamaran is much larger, because each of the two floats is a living area.

There are cruising or sports catamarans. Cruise catamarans are designed for long stays on a boat, they are distinguished by their large size, kitchen and showers. For example, Lagoon and Bali models are catamarans of this type.

Another type of catamarans are performance or sports catamarans. These are lightweight, dynamic catamarans designed for participation in regattas. Racing catamarans are usually devoid of anything that can weigh down the boat, even furniture.

The advantages of a catamaran over a yacht

Due to some design features, the catamaran has a number of advantages over monohull yachts:

Stability

The catamaran does not tilt while sailing and stands comfortably in open anchorages. Fans of sea adventures and 25 º roll may not like this, but if you plan to spend a relaxing holiday at sea, without seasickness and flying objects in the cabin, then you should give preference to a catamaran. Catamarans rarely roll over 5º. The probability of seasickness on the catamaran, as well as the chance of falling overboard, are minimal.

Comfort

Wide decks, a large cockpit, spacious and bright cabins make the catamaran much more attractive than a monohull. Add to this a hammock stretched over water, a 360 ° cabin and a choice in terms of comfort becomes obvious.

Sometimes there is a of lack of personal space on yachts, especially on small three-cabin boats with a shared shower and toilet.

Due to the large amount of free space, everyone can find a place for privacy on a catamaran. A shallow draft makes the catamaran more convenient at anchorage, because unlike monohull yachts, they can be anchored in shallow water. You will be able to come near to the shore and ensure a quieter and more comfortable anchorage far from other yachts.

Safety

It is believed that a modern catamaran is safer if compared to a monohull, it is almost impossible to turn it over and sink due to the lack of ballast. Even with serious damage, the catamarans are able to continue sailing. If a leak occurs in one hull, it will not affect the navigation performance of the entire vessel.

Advantages of a yacht over a catamaran

The sailing yacht responds better to changes in the wind and is more maneuverable, steering is more manageable in difficult weather conditions. The yachts have better visibility and are more versatile in use: a quiet family vacation, active yachting or racing - the yacht is good for this all. While cruise catamarans are designed for a comfortable stay.

Fans of extreme yachting may be disappointed by the lack of a sharp ride and a big roll. The resistance of a catamaran is much higher than that one of a monohull yacht and it is not always possible to sail under sail - sometimes it is necessary to turn on the motor. With an oncoming wave the catamaran can jerk unpleasantly.

You have to pay more for a spacious cabin and increased comfort. The cost of renting a catamaran is higher than that of a monohull yacht. Additionally, it is worth considering the cost of parking, which is sometimes difficult to find due to the large dimensions of the catamaran and increased fuel consumption due to frequent use of the engine.

What is faster - a yacht or a catamaran?

When comparing the speed of a yacht and a catamaran, the weather conditions should be necessarily taken into account. On all courses, except for a sharp beydewind, a catamaran is faster than a monohull with the same hull lenght. On passing courses, the catamaran can reach speeds up to 50% more than a monohull. On a counter course, cruise catamarans are ineffective and maneuver very slowly.

Using modern communication means and meteorological warning, in case of storm the catamaran is able to "escape" from the wind at a speed of more than 50 knots. Large cruise catamarans are an exception. After all, their task is to provide you with maximum comfort.

The sailing performance of large catamarans, which can be compared with a floating hotel, is significantly lower - they were sacrificed for comfort. Such types of catamarans even have a number of weather restrictions. Due to its high profile, a cruising catamaran can simply be blown away in strong winds.

So what to choose a yacht or catamaran?

When choosing a yacht or catamaran for a charter, think over the goals that you set for yourself. Are you planning a quiet family vacation or you are looking for an extreme yachting experience? Also much depends on the planned navigation area and charter route, budget and number of guests.

The monohull vessel is suitable for active sailing, maneuvering and for adrenaline seekers. Connoisseurs of comfortable and leisurely cruises on the coastal waters between the islands and bays select the rest on a catamaran. Crews with children should give preference to a catamaran.

If you still have questions, we will be glad to advise you and help you rent a yacht or a catamaran from our own fleet in Spain.

Tenerife base: Marina San Miguel, Urbanizacion Amarilla Golf, S/N, 38639 San Miguel De Abona, Tenerife, España (map)

Ibiza base: Marina Magna Ibiza, calle Lluis Tur i Palau, 07800, Eivissa

07800 Baleares, España (map)