Choosing the perfect boat for your adventure can feel overwhelming. You’ve already decided to set sail in 2024, but now comes the big question: should you opt for a catamaran design?
To help you navigate this decision, we turned to Ant Kovacevic, a Naval Architect and experienced boat broker specialising in catamarans. As an expert in multihull design, Ant might be a little biased, but there’s a reason for his enthusiasm! We dive into the physics and benefits that often make sailing catamarans a fantastic choice for your next boat. You can watch a snippet of his insights here.
1. Less Seasickness
Catamarans are more stable than monohulls, leading to less of the rolling motion that causes seasickness. But why is that?
According to Ant, it all comes down to “hydrostatic forces”. Monohulls have a negative righting arm, meaning they tend to rock side to side as the righting arm corrects itself. In contrast, catamarans maintain a positive righting arm, keeping them stable and level. This means a smoother, more comfortable journey.
2. Double the Space
With two hulls, catamarans offer double the volume inside and more entertainment space outside. Relax on the trampoline net or BBQ on the aft deck!
3. Fuel Efficiency
Catamarans are more hydrodynamic, making them fuel-efficient when underway. This is why many governments around the world have transitioned their ferries to catamarans – it’s a massive fuel saver.
4. Faster with Less Wake
Another benefit of catamarans is their speed. Their hydrodynamic technology, including foiling, minimises water disturbance and maximises speed. They create less wake than monohulls, which reduces damage to banks.
This efficiency is why you see catamarans zipping around Sydney Harbour and even dominating racing events like the America’s Cup and SailGP.
In Ant’s words, “Catamarans are, in my opinion, the superior platform for liveaboard cruising and offer an all-around more pleasant experience on the water.”
Choosing Your Catamaran
After deciding on a catamaran, the next question is hull design and finding the balance between speed and comfort. It ultimately comes down to your priorities and what you want from your boat.
Hull volume impacts speed — less volume means less drag, which leads to faster sailing. But if you want spacious cabins, like a 4-cabin design with queen walk-around beds, that means a wider hull and slower speeds.
SPACE
E.g. Lagoon 450: A great example of a spacious liveaboard catamaran.
SPEED
E.g. Schionning 1370 G-Force: Designed for speed, having won various sailing races.
ALL-ROUNDER
E.g. Catana 42: A perfect balance of comfort and performance.
Power Cats & Foiling Technology
We haven’t even touched on the exciting world of power catamarans and cutting-edge foiling technology! The Catafoil Noble 60, for example, combines the fuel efficiency and space of a catamaran with the speed of a monohull powerboat. With its sleek aerodynamic design and revolutionary foil system, it’s an impressive innovation for speed lovers.
The global catamaran market is growing as more people understand the benefits of multihulls. While both options have their pros and cons, it really comes down to personal preference. Whatever floats your boat!
We highly recommend purchasing through a reputable brokerage. The expert knowledge they provide can be invaluable when making such a significant investment, ensuring that you find the right boat to meet your needs.
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