If you are thinking about buying a boat, you will have to choose between a catamaran and a monohull. While sailing can be a beautiful experience regardless of the vessel, it’s important to understand the differences between the two crafts before you buy. If you are simply renting a charter for the day, you may want to talk to your rental company about the benefits of a catamaran.
Catamarans come in all shapes and sizes, from a small leisure craft with a netted platform to a million-dollar vessel with cabins, a kitchen, and guest quarters. Your budget will determine the size and design of the craft that you will sail. It’s also important to remember that larger vessels can be more complex to sail. If you are a beginner, you may want to be conservative with your choice of a catamaran.
You may have been out for a sail on a monohull, but there is no way to compare the catamaran experience. Catamarans geared with Far East Sails will give you a completely different feel on the waves. Let’s take a closer look at some of the things that are special about catamaran sailing.
No Heeling
For those that are looking for a straight up and smooth ride, the catamaran is the vessel for you. Because the catamaran has two hulls, it will stay flat on the water under any conditions. This means that you won’t be forced to man the rigging while holding on to the rails when you are on a steep angle.
No Rolling
If you have ever been on a monohull in rough waters, you know how uncomfortable rolling in the waves can be. A catamaran is outfitted with two hulls that keep it from rolling in the deep waters. If any of your passengers are prone to seasickness, a catamaran will be the choice for you.
Living Space
Your living quarters on a catamaran are spanned across the space between and above the two hulls. This means that you will have a much larger living space. The area between the hulls can be used for a galley and storage space, while the separate hulls can host your sleeping quarters with a huge amount of space to move around.
Shallow Draft
If you love to sail in the mornings and hit your favorite ports later in the day, you will appreciate the shallow draft of a catamaran. Most monohulls have a deeper draft that can make it difficult to navigate shallow ports. Your catamaran will be able to access most piers or get closer to shore for dingy use.
Two Engines
If you are familiar with any type of sailing, you know that engine problems can be common. A catamaran is outfitted with two engines, one in each hull. This means that if you end up with an engine failure in one hull, you can still use the other engine to help you get to safety without being caught dead in the water.
If you are shopping for a new boat, consider these benefits of catamaran sailing. Talk to your broker today about finding the right sailing vessel for you.
