A catamaran, by definition, is a boat consisting of two hulls joined by a frame. They are also referred to as multi-hulls and can be powered by sails or engines.

A catamaran has outstanding overall stability and maneuverability and it also holds a speed advantage. Because of it’s design which includes an engine on each hull and a fantastically shallow draft, a cat can turn on a dime, take you into shallower waters and allow you to anchor closer to shore than your average monohull.

A catamaran definitely has it’s advantages below deck as well. Again, due to design, it can offer considerably more room than a monohull. Instead of living and/or entertaining in a dark, sunken space under the deck, the cabin and salon area are accessible at almost the same level as the deck. This also provides a nice, bright and airy atmosphere provided by the eye-level windows. There is no sense of separation from the cruising environment while cooking in the galley or entertaining in the salon. If privacy is an issue, consider it solved in a catamaran. The configuration ensures full privacy as sound does not travel from cabin to cabin.

With it’s unequaled stability, superior speed and handling and big, bright and roomy interior, the catamaran sounds like a boaters dream, but it does indeed have it’s disadvantages.

Cats tend to be harder to turn into the wind, or tack, while under power. Due to the proportion of weight to sail size, they have less momentum to carry them through. In rough seas, one may also experience the catamaran’s ‘slap-factor’. Because of the space between the water and the bottom of the deck floor, when seas get rough, the water can slap the bottom of the boat. This can be somewhat disconcerting to inexperienced boaters as it can often sound (and feel) like the boat is being beaten to pieces.

The roominess advantage of a catamaran can sometimes be turned into a disadvantage when considering docking or storage. Some marinas can not accommodate the size of a cat which reduces your options for docking and storage locations. The marinas that can store and dock a catamaran usually charge accordingly.

Capsizing in a side to side manner, or beam-wise, in a catamaran is an extremely rare occurrence. However, their design can allow the bow to dip under water in extreme conditions, causing the boat to flip over. On a more positive note, the same design that allows for a capsize also creates a virtually unsinkable vessel, which is a definite advantage.

Monohulls are comparatively cheaper to purchase but keep in mind, you get what you pay for. A catamaran will hold much of it’s value through the years making it very desirable in terms of resale value.

Catamarans have general advantages and disadvantages just like any other boat. When considering a purchase, make sure you consult with a knowledgeable broker who can address all of your questions and concerns so you can be sure you are making the correct decision for you and your boating needs.

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