|
Catamarans Pros | Catamarans Cons
With catamarans vastly popular in the charter industry, and showing
no sign of abating, it is necessary to compare the pros and cons of
monohull
and catamaran strictly on the yacht charter usage point of view.
First off, one must really understand that this refers only to charter
use. The reason why this distinction is important is because – and
I write this as a monohull fanatic myself- for charter companies, it is
clear that catamarans are in huge demand due to the overwhelming number
of advantages they offer. Out of charter use, there is no question for
me that, when the offshore going gets tough, I would much rather be on
a solid monohull than on a catamaran. But this is just a matter of opinion!
Catamaran Pros
Roominess
On deck
The cockpit, highlight of catamarans, is usually huge, since it spans
over both hulls.
The cockpit and the salon are on the same level, which enhances the feeling
of light and spaciousness, along with the typical huge panoramic windows.
The foredeck area is very big as well and sports a big net between the
hulls, the notorious trampoline, which makes a great sun bathing area.
In any case, it is a great observation spot and a kids' favorite.
As a result of this roominess, a catamaran rarely feels crowded, as it
is relatively easy to get some seclusion and quietness from other members
of the party.
Most cats are equipped with dinghy-davits at the transom, which is absolutely
great: no more towing the dinghy, thus no more drag on the boat speed.
Down below
The catamaran will provide you with considerably more room than a monohull
almost everywhere on the boat: in the cabins and in the salon. Besides,
there is ample headroom everywhere. A typical 45 ft. cat will have 4 large
staterooms, with rectangular queen-size beds – no more of those
pointy beds! - each with en-suite bathroom. A 38 to 42ft. will have 3/4
staterooms and 2/3 bathrooms.
All cats have an enormous salon/cockpit combination capable to sit and
entertain about 20 people in style!
Because of the cats’ layout configuration, there is full privacy
in every cabin and one does not hear anything from one cabin to the other.
Sailing
Stability
The key fact is that catamarans have a phenomenal stability: they do
not heel under way and do not roll at anchor. This usually makes
seasickness a non-event. Incidentally, it makes it somewhat safer for
kids running around.
Whether at anchor or under way, a catamaran is always much more stable
than a monohull. Stability is also a good factor for elderly people and/or
first time sailors. As a matter of fact, a catamaran will give the latter
an excellent impression for their first cruise, instead of memories of
being seasick!
Speed & maneuverability
There is no question that catamarans are faster under power or sail. Whatever
your cruising goals are, catamarans will move you about more quickly than
a monohull.
Catamarans have shallow drafts. This means catamarans can get into places
monohulls yachts often cannot reach, and that they can also anchor closer
to shore.
However, more and more charter cats now have small "sacrificial"
keels to improve close-hauled performance.
Lastly, I personally enjoy the phenomenal maneuverability of the cats.
With 2 engines spread apart, you can pivot a cat of any size literally
around the boat's central axis – and without the help of the rudders.
The autopilot works particularly well on cats, on a tracking standpoint.
Catamaran Cons
A hard-core monohull sailor once said: "When I sail a cat, it feels
like I am driving my living room!" He meant that a cat does not convey
the "real" feeling of sailing, with the "rail in the water"
as sailors say. That is precisely because a cat does not heel, whereas
a monohull does, and sometimes a lot. So if you are in for hard, pure
sailing, you will not get that felling on a cat. Only a monohull will
give you the full experience!
A cat does not typically sail well upwind and needs a different technique
for tacking and anchoring. (See
tips for cat handling).
It is often said that anchoring a catamaran can be more difficult. This
is due to the fact that catamarans have more “windage” than
monohulls, and, without keel and ballast, they have a tendency to “bob”
on the water when a gust hits.
(See tips for
cat anchoring)
Obviously, catamarans take up twice as much docking space as monohulls.
This can be a bit of a problem in chartering areas where spending nights
in marinas is a necessity.
Conclusion
If you are bringing with you a party of first-time sailors, or older
people, or people who could feel apprehensive at sea, you probably better
off with a cat.
 back to top
|
