Catamaran Vs Monohull

Do You Take One Hull or Two?

Catamaran Vs Monohull

What Yacht Should You Charter? Catamaran vs Monohull

Ever wondered what the main differences are between a catamaran vs monohull? In this post, we will be discussing the pros and cons of chartering a catamaranย vs monohull for yourย perfect yacht charter.

This topic has been a debate amongst yachties for many years and we thought it was time for SailChecker to step into the debate!
When comparing a catamaran vs monohull it is not a case of which is better, but a case of what is better suited to your needs.

Your Answer Will Depend on Many Different Variables Such as:

The Pros of a Catamaran Vs Monohull

The 5 Reasons to Hire a Catamaran Versus a Monohull
  • Space.ย Have you considered space when thinking about chartering a catamaran vs monohull?ย Whether it is in the cockpit or saloon, which spans over both hulls allowing for a large inside area, or the foredeck which consists of trampolines which are great for sun-tanning and asย vantage points for looking out. Catamaransย have a larger inside and outside space compared to monohulls.
  • Cabins.ย The Cabins are much more spacious than monohulls. The locker storage stowage space is always much greater than that of a monohull. The greatest advantage is the considerably larger ports (windows). Which when sailing in August not only gives you a great viewย but comes in super handy to let in the breeze.
  • Stability.ย Catamarans are notoriously more stable than that of their counterpart. This can be beneficial for new or inexperienced sailors who havenโ€™t quite got their sea legs yet or those who are prone to sea-sickness. Due to their two hull design, cats do not heel over more than 5 degrees. This means you don’t have to continuously check that plates are not sliding off the table!
  • Draft.ย Catamaranโ€™s shallow draft (depth of the hull and keel under the water) have some added advantages. This is a particular advantage in areas with reefs as this shallow draft allows youย to sail in much more shallow waters than that of a yacht with a keel, thus allowing you to anchor closer to shore.
  • Power. Catamarans have twin engines. This, combined with the shallow draft, allows the yacht to cruise at higher speeds whether itโ€™s under sail or using its engines. The two engines also allow for greater maneuverability in confined areas or spaces, great in marinas or when picking up mooring buoys.

As you can see there are many pros to a catamaran vs monohull.

The Cons of Catamaran Vs Monohull

Four Things You Might Want to Consider With A Catamaran Vs Monohull
  • Mooring. Due to the width (and size) of a Catamaran, often, you have to pay a lot more to book a berth in a harbour for the night. However, some authors can be quoted as saying that anchoring in a cat is easier.
  • Upwind Sailing.ย Catamarans don’t sail up-wind well! Performance cats make up for this with boat speed and by employing dagger boards to prevent leeway (sideways movement). It will be fun trying to sail upwind, but you might not make much progress!
  • Steering.ย Sailors have noted that the helm (be it the tiller or a wheel) is not as responsive as a monohull, you don’t get the same feedback (weather helm) on a cat and it can feel ‘limp’ to sail.
  • The Feel.ย Most charter cats are built for comfort, so unless youโ€™re on a beam reach, the sailing can be a little disappointing.

The Pros of a Catamaran Vs Monohull

Getting into the detail - Monohull Vs Catamaran Advantages

Monohulls offer the ultimate sailing experience for many saliors. Here’s why:

  • Dynamic. When consideringย catamaran vs monohull, remember monohulls can tack quickly thus making them a lot more maneuverable than a cat.ย Nothing beats the rhythmic feeling of sailing whilst heeling over.
  • Responsive.ย They are also fairly responsive to the helm.
  • Up-Wind.ย These vessels are much more capable up-wind than most catamarans. They can sail much closer angle to the wind than a cat.
  • Budget. Monohulls are cheaper to buy (fewer materials) that catamarans which are often aimed at the luxury market, and significantly less to charter. ย Berth for berth, cabin for cabin, a monohull is usually better value for money.
  • Berthing costs. With twin engines expect to put a little more fuel in your cat. The cost of berthing in a harbor or at a marina tends to be significantly lower due to the reduced beam (width).

Every Certified Catamaran and Monohull in 350 Destinations Worldwide

A Catamaran or a Monohull - SailChecker Provide Charter With Complete Peace of Mind

The Pros of a Catamaran Vs Monohull

The Last Case for a Monohull!

There are good reasons to consider a catamaran vs monohull, but let’s face it, if you love being up close and personal with your crew and you love dynamic sailing, here’s the big advantages.

  • Snug.ย Modern charter monohulls are wide with high ceilingsย and have plenty of space in cabins and for stowage. That said, the usable space on a monohull is much less than that of a catamaran.
  • Heeling.ย The boat heeling or “leaning” over is perfectly normal and something you get used to very quickly. This can be tricky for the young and old and makes handling the boat a little more adventurous.
  • Draft.ย Due to the deeper keel (the stabilising fin below the yacht), you cannot sail in shallow waters and must be more vigilant of your depth.

The Pros of a Catamaran Vs Monohull

Learn More About Chartering a Catamaran Vs Monohull

As you can see there are a number of pros and cons to consider when decided between a catamaran vs monohull. Whilst the debate between monohull sailors and multi-hull fanatics will rage, it largely depends on what you are using the boat for, where, your budget, and your crew.

If you have the opportunity to decide if you prefer a catamaran vs monohull, by sailing both types of boats, then take it so you canย assess the benefits of both wonderful sailing boats.

If you are planning a sailing trip, and a little unsure, why not get in touch and we can help you decide what is best for your location and crew.

Amazing Sailing Experiences

Our Amazing Customers


  • Great family vacation.

    I didn't think sailing with my family would be so much fun...

    Sailing for the first time.

    Alex
    Alex USA

  • I recommendate them !

    Everything went smooth, the paper processing, special requests and the specs of tht check-in procedure. Boat was also in good shape, so no complaints and a worry free holiday...

    We had a great experience with booking through sailchecker.

    <read more>

    Dick USA

  • Great service from Kate.

    Informative and looked for the best value for our family. Very good customer service on this side and in Greece. Great boat and skipper...

    Fantastic holiday from start to finish.

    <read more>

    Angela United Kingdom

  • Very professional outfit!

    They were very responsive and very quick to answer questions via email and instant chat. They had extensive knowledge of the area...

    We will most definitely use their services for our next bareboat sailing vacation.

    <read more>

    Kirsten W.
    Kirsten W. USA

  • Sail checker were professional from start to finish - we wouldnโ€™t book through anyone else!

    Sailchecker were professional from start to finish - and were awesome dealing with a problem! Our first Yacht had serious issues and sail checker helped us to resolve it...

    They are easy to deal with, straightforward and honest and I would recommend them to anyone planning a charter holiday.

    <read more>

    Kat, H.
    Kat, H. UK

  • Coronavirus pandemic support has been brilliant!

    During the Coronavirus pandemic, Kate and her colleagues at Sailchecker have performed brilliantly. They have been considerate and highly efficient in re-organising our Turkey charter and also provided lots of assistance in getting our Yacht Security Deposit insurance policy transferred to match our revised charter dates.

    Truly worthy of a 5 star rating!

    <read more>

    Alan, R.
    Alan, R. UK

  • Sailing is the perfect family holiday.

    Would I go sailing again? OMG yes! Sailing is the perfect family holiday. Boys loved the activities, I enjoy relaxing as well...

    Sailchecker.com arranged a sailing cruise her family of 2 sons, daughter & hubby in the BVI with their own.

    Anne
    Anne USA

  • ย Thank you sooo much! It was sail in the dayโ€ฆ party at night. We couldn't have wanted a better skipper or a Spring Break! ย Good times...

    Arranged for 6 friends to sail Spring Break in the British Virgin Islands for under $500 each.

    Tim
    Tim USA

  • We had an absolute blast !!

    All bookings and confirmations was always accurate with no delays. Our boat was also fabulously maintained and the Skipper new the area extremely well...

    Everything was down to the tee.

    <read more>

    Pieter Van R.
    Pieter Van R. Netherlands
SailChecker Yacht Charter and Sailing Worldwide Logo TrustPilot 4.9/5 Stars

Rated 4.9 out of 5 based on 215 reviews on Trustpilot

Got a Burning Question About Catamaran Vs Monohull?

We’re Happy to Answer Any Yacht Charter & Sailing Question

Leave us a quick question here, or call your local office, the numbers are located in the footer below. When not arrange a call back?

girl at desk at yacht charter show
Recommended Posts

Start typing and press Enter to search

The Fastest Way to Our Award Winning Charter Service Starts Here >>>
Get Started
close-image
view of cinque terre colourful houses view