More and more yachtsmen choose motor-powered catamarans instead of classic cruisers. And more and more shipyards offer new models. There are many reasons for this: catamarans are more stable, faster and even more cheaper in terms of daily management than their monohull counterparts of the same length.
The pros that motor-powered catamarans offer compared with their monohull counterparts of the same length are more than cons. Once considered as unsafe, with potential structural and stability problems and even more expensive in terms of mooring fees, catamarans are now being appreciated.
The outlook has changed
First of all, they are safe. Due to the presence of two hulls, they are extremely stable and practically unsinkable. So, it is better to be rescued by waiting on a boat that, although upside down, floats, rather than sinking with a straight monohull. Moreover, many marinas offer special berths for multihulls for prices that are almost comparable to those of monohulls of equal size.
Without considering that, today, marinas have probably more berths than moored boats. As far as performance is concerned, today catamarans are faster than monohulls of the same size and displacement type.
The “secret” lies in their reduced wet surface compared to an equivalent monohull. And sailing on a fast boat, besides being more fun, enables to get out of trouble in less time … Beyond exceptional events, catamarans heel very little and this makes them much safer and easier to move on deck and inside. Stability is a certain plus in terms of comfort: multihulls are much less subject to the rolling of a monohull, in fact it practically does not exist. This also limits the discomforts of those who are little at ease with the movements of the boat at anchor: for example, those suffering from seasickness derive a great advantage.
Due to their reduced immersed volumes, they are much more efficient in terms of fuel consumption: they have much less immersed surface than a monohull with the same waterline length.
Even the interior layout is advantageous
First of all, the dinette is twice wider than a monohull’s one and develops on a single level. Moreover, master cabins are usually as large as an entire hull: the width is reduced, but the length of the sleeping area does not give any regrets.
Another element to take into account is… duplicity. On catamarans, everything has a copy. This is certainly a disadvantage in terms of purchase and maintenance costs, but it becomes an unequivocal advantage when it comes to reliability and redundancy. First of all, you always have a backup. Even for your engine.
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