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Catamaran vs. Monohull Sailboats

Catamaran vs. Monohull Sailboats | Life of Sailing

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

When it comes to catamaran vs. monohull, there are two schools of thought that always prompt impassioned debates as to which one is much better.

If you've used both a catamaran (a boat with two hulls) and a monohull (a boat with one hull), you know that they both have pros and cons. In most cases, it all boils down to your personal preferences and intended use but that shouldn't prevent us from highlighting the better one.

A catamaran is much better than a monohull in many ways. Catamarans are more stable, faster, and spacious. They also offer safer anchorage and are easy to control. Monohulls are more maneuverable, have lower costs, and better when sailing upwind. It all comes down to personal preference and intended purposes, but when it's all said and done, a catamaran has more advantages than a monohull.

In this incisive article, we'll highlight the critical differences between a catamaran and a monohull and see the one that comes out on top.

Table of contents

Catamaran vs Monohull

Safety while out there on the water is one of the most critical things that any sailor should have in mind when choosing the type of boat to use.

Catamarans shine on many aspects of safety. They're generally more stable and seem to have natural buoyancy since they don't have ballast and this makes them almost unsinkable. Generally, catamarans are designed with a considerable amount of reserve buoyancy thanks to the crannies of the vessel, nooks, and closed-cell foam. These objects can, however, become a serious cause of safety concern should there be a fire outbreak. All in all, a cat can sink in an accident, but it'll most likely float on the surface of water unlike monohulls, which will sink to the bottom.

Again, catamarans have flat decks. This makes it a lot safer to walk on them than it would be to walk on angled decks of monohulls. Given their flat decks, a catamaran boat will stay level and have less pitching and so it's a lot easier to keep the crew aboard and safe even in rough weather.

Another important fact that may contribute to the safety of a catamaran is its speed. If you've always believed that speed equals safety, then a catamaran is the right boat for you. In short, the speed of a catamaran will allow you to outrun rough weather. A modern catamaran can clock nearly 250 miles a day, which is quite faster, and so there's no reason why you should get caught in bad weather.

In terms of safety, a monohull is nowhere near a catamaran as far as safety is concerned. The most important thing about a monohull in terms of safety is its self-righting capabilities. With a monohull, you're likely to return to an upright position even after capsizing and this can give you a chance of accessing onboard safety equipment, floatation devices, life raft, EPIRBS, dinghy, strobe lights, and many more.

Unfortunately, the same cannot be said of a catamaran. With a catamaran, you'll stay upside down once you're upside down and this can be fatal in the middle of the ocean.

Verdict: The self-righting capabilities of a monohull can be life-saving but it isn't guaranteed. On the contrary, a catamaran has loads of safety features chief among them is its unsinkability, so it easily comes out on top as far as safety is concerned.

Speed and Performance

If everything including length remains the same, a catamaran is about 30% faster than a monohull. A cat can sail at half the speed of wind but this will, of course, upon the angle of the wind. It remains the faster vessel and will allow you to arrive at your destination promptly. If anything, you can outrun bad weather with a catamaran.

Monohulls are generally designed to operate pleasantly with the sailing elements. This means that they won't fight these elements and will, in turn, offer slow but sure sailing. However, they do not have a lower wetted surface area and are certainly much slower when compared to catamarans. They can, nonetheless, be a great choice for sailing upwind.

Verdict: When it comes to speed, the catamaran wins hands down. No argument.

Needless to say, a catamaran is designed with two parallel hulls that give it a more reliable form of stability. This is crucial in preventing heeling and capsizing while also mitigating any chances of rolling when speeding. This stability is also of great importance in eliminating seasickness for passengers.

The level of stability that a catamaran has is one of the main reasons why capsizing is a very rare occurrence. A catamaran can lurch when the tops of the waves are at a certain distance, thereby leading to less bobbing.

The stability of a monohull will always be questioned, especially when compared to a catamaran. To put it into perspective, a monohull is four times more likely to capsize than a catamaran because its design means that it has less stability. If anything, a mono's single-beam design makes it seven times more likely to feel the effects of heeling than a catamaran of the same size. In essence, heeling is a major problem in monohulls.

Verdict: The high level of stability that a catamaran brings to sailing will make even a novice sailor feel more confident sailing on a catamaran. Differently, a monohull is less stable and seems to be in constant rolling and pitching motion, which makes it very unstable and unsafe to walk around the deck.

Maneuverability

In most cases, cats always have twin engines, set almost 20 feet apart. This will not only give you superb close control in tight situations but certainly removes the need for a bow thruster. While it may seem redundant to have twin engines on a cat, you'll appreciate the importance of the second engine if the first engine develops a mechanical issue while you're out there on the water.

The shallow drafts of the catamaran also play a major role in maneuverability in the sense that you can navigate into places where you can't get with a monohull such as close to the shore without thinking about running aground.

From a different point of view, a monohull can be better in terms of maneuverability since you won't be dealing with two hulls. A monohull can also make sharp turns and even sail through narrow channels and tight spaces, which is almost impossible with a catamaran. Additionally, a monohull has a higher hull displacement, which is essential in reducing the adverse effects of crosswinds, especially in tight conditions.

Verdict: The differences in terms of maneuverability are slight in both the catamaran and monohull. The fair verdict here is a draw.

Docking and Anchorage

With no ballast or a considerable keel, the overall weight of a cat is significantly reduced. This makes it more lightweight and this is why it wouldn't be uncommon for a 36+ foot catamaran to explore some of the shallow areas that a monohull wouldn't dare reach.

However, the wider and unique size of a cat means that it won't easily fit on a traditional slip and this needs a unique set of skills and careful planning to anchor at most docks. This means that finding the right space at the dock can be quite difficult, so you may have to take a dinghy to the shore.

A monohull is a lot easier to dock as it takes less space compared to a catamaran. This means that your docking, hauling, and slipping charges will be much less than those of a catamaran.

Verdict: Does it make any sense to bring two boats to the shore? Well, this is what you do when you have a catamaran and it certainly loses to the mono as far as docking and anchorage are concerned.

Ride Comfort

A comfortable ride is, without a doubt, one of the most important things to consider when looking for the right boat for you.

The fact that a catamaran is designed with a wider footprint is of great importance in mitigating the negative effects of unpredictable rolling and pitching that sailing is known for. A catamaran has a broad surface area, which makes it more comfortable and stable. As such, it's a lot easier and safer to cook while sailing.

Again, your passengers will be less prone to seasickness in a catamaran because there's less pitching and a cat doesn't roll from swell to swell as it happens in a monohull. That's not all; walking on the deck of a catamaran is a lot easier and safer since the boat is flat. This makes reefing much easier and safer and your chances of falling overboard are greatly reduced. More importantly, it's more pleasurable to sleep in a catamaran because it never heels.

In terms of ride comfort, a monohull offers smooth sailing as it doesn't slap or pound the water like a catamaran. This is because it works harmoniously with the sailing element and doesn't fight it like a catamaran, especially when sailing upwind. However, seasickness brought about by constant rolling and pitching of a monohull.

Verdict: If you want to have a comfortable sailing ride, a catamaran has many benefits than a monohull as long as it has a superb bridge deck clearance that disperses wave action.

Maintenance

A catamaran is general designed with two of everything. From the two hulls to the two engines, you seem to get things double, which can be reliable when sailing if there's an issue with one part. In other words, you always have a backup.

However, the costs of maintenance can be high if you have to maintain the boat, even though you can still use one part if the other part isn't working.

The fact that you only have single parts means that you have to be very careful and ensure that your monohull vessel is maintained or repaired regularly. Fortunately, the costs of maintenance and repairs are greatly reduced when compared to those of a catamaran.

Verdict: It's highly doubtful that you'll take your catamaran out if one of the two hulls or engines are faulty. The monohull wins this.

The costs of a catamaran are substantially high since everything seems to come in pairs. However, catamarans are known to have high resale values, very low depreciation rates, and can sell a lot faster than monohulls because they're more popular with modern sailors. But because catamarans aren't widely manufactured in the United States, their costs are still high as you'll have to include the delivery costs.

When deciding to buy a monohull vessel, you should keep in mind that they're widely available on the market so their costs might be a bit lower compared to catamarans. Again, their low maintenance cost will work to your advantage.

Verdict: The costs of buying and maintaining a monohull are quite low, so it's the best choice if you're on a tight budget but still want to enjoy sailing. Catamarans are very costly to build and are more expensive than monohulls.

The amount of deck space afforded by a catamaran is huge and always very spacious. The amount of space that a cat can afford you is one of the main reasons why you should choose it if you're looking for comfort or planning to live aboard the vessel.

On the contrary, monohulls are narrower when compared to catamarans; hence they have a very limited deck space. This is particularly mitigated by the fact that they have additional storage space.

Verdict: A catamaran has a lot more deck space and wins on this.

Load Distribution

Unlike monohulls, catamarans are rectangular and are more stable. This is essential in giving the passengers more freedom without necessarily having to worry about how their weight is distributed inside the boat.

A monohull is almost similar to standing on one leg and balancing can be quite overwhelming. This means that the weight of the passengers will have to be evenly distributed to ensure that the boat is balanced. Of course, this will limit the freedom of passengers and any imbalance might make the boat capsize.

Verdict: You don't have to worry about load distribution in a catamaran but this can be a negative issue in a monohull.

Fuel Efficiency

If you want to save money by reducing the fuel costs, a catamaran is an ideal option. A cat generally experiences little drag or resistance and doesn't need lots of fuel to move. They also have a steady rise in speed, which means that there will be no sudden increase in fuel consumption.

In comparison, the level of drag created due to greater displacement in a monohull vessel means that there will be a higher resistance and this translates to higher fuel consumption.

Verdict: A monohull consumes more fuel than a catamaran, so a cat is an ideal option if you're looking for fuel-efficiency.

In Conclusion

To this end, it's easy to see that a catamaran comes out on top as the best option on many fronts. This doesn't mean that a monohull doesn't have its advantages. Of course, it has both advantages and disadvantages just like a catamaran does.

And even though the catamaran comes out on top, the final decision is on you and may depend on your personal preferences. Whatever you choose, make sure that you enjoy your sailing vacation.

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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  • Catamaran vs. Sailboat – Which one to choose?

A frequently discussed topic among sailors is what type of boat to choose for the next adventure. Should you go for a classic sailing yacht, catamaran or motorboat? Which boat is better? Each vessel can provide you with an unforgettable experience. It is impossible to say that a catamaran is better than a sailboat and vice versa. The question is, rather, what do you want, what are your needs, abilities and budget

Proponents of monohulls  love the typical wobbliness of these boats and the authentic sailing experience that they convey. On the contrary, fans of catamarans praise their luxurious spaciousness and stability. Both teams are right.

Let’s take a closer look at the differences between monohulls - such as sailboats and multihull boats - such as catamarans . For a better comparison, we will focus only on boats with sails. There are also multi-hull motor boats (power catamarans), three-hull boats (trimarans), or single-hull motor yachts and boats. Let’s compare charter sailboats and catamarans based on their handling, equipment, comfort, safety in different conditions and routes, and, last but not least, the price.

What is the difference between a sailing yacht and a catamaran?

Let's start with the basics. Sailing yachts are typically monohulls that are propelled by sails and have a single keel that runs along the bottom of the hull.

Discover the latest review of the Bavaria 46, one of the most popular sailboats

Catamarans have two hulls that are connected by a bridge. Catamarans are generally wider, more stable, and more spacious than sailing yachts, making them a popular choice among families and groups of friends looking for recreational boats.

Discover the latest review of the Lagoon 450F, one of the most popular catamarans

Handling and manoeuvring.

The catamaran consists of two hulls, twin engines and two rudders. Sails are similar to those on the sailboat. Due to a short keel, the catamaran has a shallow draft. The construction of the catamaran makes it move faster and, above all, with better stability than a monohull vessel. The experience of real sailing on a catamaran is impoverished by typical heeling and swaying. The catamaran will neither rock you from side to side nor tilt as it happens on a sailboat. But some crews can consider this as their big advantage. On the other hand, sometimes a catamaran has a tendency to slap on the water. 

On the other hand, the sailboat has a long keel and a triangular shape, thanks to which it slices through the water with less effort. The typical movement of the ship is rocking and heeling.

The speed of both vessels also depends on the direction of the wind. When sailing downwind , catamarans usually achieve greater speed than sailboats. Sailboats, on the other hand, perform better when sailing upwind . During turns, sailboats are better manoeuvrable and respond to a helm better, while catamarans lose the necessary impulse for a prompt turn faster.

Unlike a sailboat, a catamaran is practically unsinkable . However, from a physics point of view, it is easier to capsize a catamaran, although the probability of this happening is relatively low, and the boat stays afloat, providing a haven for the crew.

The limit of positive stability (or angle of vanishing stability), which can make the boat capsize, is considerably smaller in the case of a catamaran than in the case of a sailboat. A catamaran is not able to self-right. A strong gust of wind or a wave can tilt the sailboat over when heeled to a more than 90-degree angle (the keel of the boat protrudes above the surface), and it can still be able to return to its normal position by itself. Therefore, a sailboat works more smoothly in waves than a catamaran. However, large and breaking waves are equally dangerous for both types of boats, and you must sail perpendicular to the direction of the waves in such conditions.

Docking and anchoring 

Although a catamaran may seem more difficult to park at first glance due to its more massive appearance, the parking manoeuvre is surprisingly easier than with sailboats. You are able to turn the catamaran 360 degrees on the spot. This is not possible to perform with a sailboat. The catamaran is equipped with two engines that can be controlled independently. The disadvantage of the catamaran’s robustness is that it often takes up 1.5 - 2 times more space in the marina than a similarly long sailboat. Especially in peak season, finding a place to dock can be difficult. 

Sailboats and yachts in small port Near village Spartachori on Meganisi island, Greece

On the contrary, anchoring a catamaran can seem more complicated, at least at the beginning. If you are chartering a catamaran for the first time, be sure to inquire about the anchoring system when taking over the boat. When anchoring the catamaran, you need a bridle rope with a carabiner, which you tie to both the bows and the anchor chain in the middle. The anchor is then centred and the position of the rope prevents damage to the hulls from the chain.

The indisputable advantage of anchoring with a catamaran is its low draft. The absence of a very long keel allows you to drop the anchor even in shallow bays and closer to the shore, where you would not be able to stay with a sailboat.

A catamaran is definitely more comfortable . Both for the captain and the crew. It is more spacious and calmer during sailing. If you have a crew that often suffers from seasickness, such members usually feel better on the catamaran. Take in mind that a catamaran has its specific movements as well, and they may not suit everyone’s stomach either. Under the same conditions, you can chase mugs in the kitchen and wipe up spilt coffee on a sailboat, and on a catamaran, you can at most "complain" about boredom during the cruise.

During a gust of waves, the crew on the sailboat gets wet immediately; on the catamaran, you can hide and stay dry. Even such a detail as staying dry can uplift the crew’s mood during adverse weather conditions.

Catamarans are more often equipped with automatic winches. You don’t work so hard manually as you do on a sailboat. Working with the sails is also less demanding, and you have clear instructions for reefing the sails with regular charter catamarans.

Group of Caucasian man and woman friends enjoy party drinking champagne with talking together while catamaran boat sailing at summer sunset. Male and female relax outdoor lifestyle on sail yacht tropical travel vacation

You will appreciate the catamaran more on hot summer days. Air circulation is much better on catamarans. The view from inside the boat is more beautiful from the catamaran because the living part of the deck of the catamaran is located above the water level. You won’t see much from the saloon in the sailboat. As for the view of the ship itself, most sailors enjoy the sight of elegant and well built, agile sailboats more than of multihull "bulldozers" on the water.

Safety depends not so much on the type of vessel as on other factors - the age and state of the ship, the weather and the human element. If we talk about the safety of staying and moving on the boat itself, a catamaran is definitely a safer place for children and the elderly.

In extreme conditions, a monohull is more wobbly on the water and often a bit safer because a sailboat can take care of itself. It can "dance" in big waves more smoothly and independently than a catamaran. The captain needs clear correction and control in strong winds and high waves.

It is true that if you capsize a sailboat , it has the ability to self-right. When you capsize a catamaran, only the towing service will help you. However, once you’re in a situation where even your sailboat almost capsizes, chances are you’re already in huge trouble anyway.

Do catamarans flip easily?

The largest modern catamarans exhibit impressive buoyancy and outstanding resistance to rolling. This ensures that capsizes or inversions are unlikely to occur. When faced with 30-foot breaking waves, the boat gracefully sways from side to side.

You can enjoy long routes in greater comfort and with a longer period of self-sufficiency on catamarans. These are usually equipped with solar panels for electricity production, desalinators for obtaining drinking water and generous storage space.

A catamaran is more expensive than a sailboat of similar size. In addition, you will pay extra for parking fees in marinas and city piers, for entering national parks and sometimes for fuel. The price often wins as a decisive argument when choosing a charter boat. Although the price difference may not be negligible, a catamaran’s additional benefits (higher comfort, stability and spaciousness) often compensate for the higher price.

An example of a comparison of rental fleet prices: renting a catamaran Lagoon 42 from 2019 with a length of about 13 meters (6 cabins) will cost you about 480 euros per day; alternatively, renting a sailboat Jeanneau Sun Oddysey from 2019 with a length of about 13 meters (5 cabins) and with a bow thruster can cost from 200 euros per day. The price may vary depending on the month and discounts from the charter company.

How much does a sailboat cost?

Sailboat prices are different, but it is possible to get some idea of the price if we study markets and use several examples. The cost of cruising boats is usually €250,000 or less. The price of a new boat typically ranges between €100,000 and €1,000,000. The value of a used sailboat varies based on its size and year of manufacture, usually between €10,000 and €100,000.

Group of men and women enjoy party drinking champagne with talking together while catamaran boat sailing at summer sunset. Male and female relax outdoor lifestyle on sail yacht tropical travel vacation

If you long for a real experience of authentic sailing, you want to enjoy the heel and feel the wind in your hair, then a sailboat is an obvious choice. A sailboat will also be a better option if you plan to reach less accessible, narrow, and capacity-limited places where maneuvering a large catamaran could be problematic. A sailing yacht won’t hurt your wallet as much as a catamaran.

If you don’t like the adrenaline rush of sport sailing, you prefer bigger living space, and especially if you have children on board, you will fall in love with a catamaran. When choosing a catamaran over a sailboat, enthusiasts of diving and other water activities that require storing bulky items will also be grateful.

If you don’t want to lose the charm of yachting while sailing on a sailboat, but you are worried about the wobbly movement tendencies, for instance, while docking in a marina, choose a sailboat equipped with a bow thruster for easier maneuvering. 

What type of boat is better for a novice captain?

We recommend building practice first on a classic sailing yacht (monohull) for novice captains. You need to get enough feel for maneuvering the ship as such. A robust, comfortable, and stable catamaran will forgive many mistakes under normal conditions. Even a novice crew can be trained better on a sailboat - a catamaran "spoils" the crew more quickly.

An old sailor’s proverb says, “a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor” . So, if you are still at the beginning of your captain’s journey, a similar rule also applies when choosing a vessel :)

So, what is the best deal for your next yacht charter vacation? Whether a catamaran or a sailboat, a multihull or a monohull is better, there is no winner or a loser. Each vessel has different advantages and disadvantages. Very important aspects of life on a boat are a good captain, a friendly and capable crew and favorable conditions for sailing. Although we cannot guarantee this at Boataround, we are here for you when choosing a specific boat.

At the end of the day, the choice is yours:

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Cat vs Mono – Safety & Comfort

One of the earliest pieces of sailing advice I remember being given was about weather and sea conditions.

It was a lovely woman named Susan who was in the slip across from us.  She was worried we were rushing out for our first passage because someone else had told us the weather was good. “Always read the weather reports yourself and go when you are comfortable, not when someone else says go”.  We were all good, but she was right to be concerned and we heeded the advice all the same.

What one sailor considers a perfect day at sea could be another’s worst nightmare.   Everyone’s idea of comfort and safety can be drastically different.  So, keep that in mind as we dive into the big catamaran vs monohull debate.

Our friends  Nick and Terysa  are considering the switch from Monohull to Catamaran and nothing beats first-hand experience. We invited them to come crew with us for a week and at the end sat down to have the big debate.

In part one of cat vs mono, we covered price and performance. You might want to pause and watch that one first: CAT VS MONO – PRICE & PERFORMANCE

Today, it’s all about safety and comfort.

Sadly, it’s not one size fits all…or should I say one hull fits all?  There really is no such thing as a perfect boat.  Find one that fits your needs and budget and get out here!

What do you think?

Do you have some thoughts you want to share on the great catamaran vs monohull debate?  Let us know in the comment box below!

Sailing with Sailors

Nick and Terysa documented the week of sailing and shenanigans with us over on their channel.  It’s a unique perspective from a different set of lenses.  If you’ve been looking to add another sailing channel to your watch list, check out Yacht Ruby Rose.

jason and nikki wynn with nick and terysa hiking and sailing in french polynesia

If you want to see what life aboard Curiosity is like from a couple of monohull loving but catamaran considering sailors, here is a binge ready playlist:

Monohull for sale!  Ruby Rose (the Southerly 38) is indeed looking for new owners.  Full Deets Here: http://yachtrubyrose.com/southerly-38-for-sale/

References Mentioned

In the video Jason mentioned our friends Pat and Ali of Bumfuzzle.  Pat wrote Cat vs Mono – The Great Debate many years ago and it’s still one of our faves on the subject.  It is a well-rounded perspective from someone who isn’t firmly rooted in one camp or the other.  And, if you really want to have your feathers ruffled, check out his Trawler vs Sail article.

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Hello there! I honestly don’t know what to say, so I am going to tell you a bunch of random facts instead. I'm a fish eating vegetarian who hates spiders and loves snakes. I almost never took vacations growing up. I wanted to be Pippi Longstocking (still do). I misspell about every other word I write and still struggle with grammar. I love splurging on a good high tea (which is really hard to find these days). And whatever you do, don’t tell me I can’t do something, because then I'll HAVE to do it!

Comments (29)

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Interesting discussion. Much less heeling, enclosed cockpit, galley up with direct stand-up access, speed for size of hull all seem appealing in the cat. Was on a 2000NM trip from Cape Verde to the Azores lovely generally with a day and a half of beaufort force 9 this spring. Motion was not terrible but sharp heels of more than 20 and sometimes 30+ degrees definitely meant timing your steps and staying on the high side, not to mention hanging on to your plate :-).

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My husband loves the look of a monohull, but I just don’t think they look as comfortable for a living situation as a cat. Maybe one day when we’re ready to retire the airstream we’ll have to make a decision! 😂

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He he, well for now you could think of it like airstream vs 5th wheel. It’s hard to argue the visual appeal of that lovely curved bullet of an airstream but also hard to dislike the space of a 5th wheel. It all depends on what you really want and need most for your travel style.

I would add that the room for more than one person to stand up in (without fear of being thrown down) in the cockpit and walk around looks very comfortable both at sea and at anchor.

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I love cats. My sister recently bought a 45 Lagoon. She has 60 plus miles on monohulls. She bought it for interior space as a live aboard world cruiser. I dont believe safety is an issue in these days. the motion is different but both mono and cats have motion. Price is an issue. A mono is definitely cheaper to purchase and maintain. Healing is often a concern but that is personal. I have 35 years in all conditions in a monohull so I suppose it doesn’t bother me. However I delivered a 42 Erickson mono from Hawaii to Portland Oregon and seasoned Hawaiian island sailors vomited and slept for 17 days. People adjust easier to cats. Dont mean your cats ha ha.

Vomiting and sleeping for 17 days…that would make anyone think twice! Yikes, all I can say is that I am glad I wasn’t on that passage. 😉

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Hey guys, Loved the cat vs mono…good discussions and lots of laughter. Just say this distressing news about a cat http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f48/catamaran-capsize-220773.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email Looks like any boat, in the wrong conditions, can lead to disaster. Be safe out there. Love your videos. Brian (s/v Toujours)

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We heard about that horrible boating accident too. Very gut-wrenchingly sad. It was gale force winds apparently, and they all had on lifejackets. The EPIRB was set off, which is what alerted the officials. Our family doesn’t have any more details than what you reported, Brian, and what we found out. As we all know, weather is everything, especially when boating. No matter the type of boat, a disaster like that is so sad. Our sincerest sympathies to all involved. Even though our particular family didn’t know them personally, we feel awful for what happened. The boating community is strong and supportive, I think we all are in mourning.

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Re: The Cat that capsized near Newcastle, Australia They were warned prior to their departure about the super strong winds and bad weather patterns, but chose to sail anyway. A Harbour Master said had it been a monohull, there would have been no survivors. The two people that did survive were found clinging to the upside down catamaran. The rescuers found getting to the survivors extremely challenging, given the gale force winds, massive waves and their lines/debris scattered everywhere. As we all understand, gale force winds are very serious. A very sad situation indeed. Our condolences to everyone.

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Jeff & Lorrie

Jason, You get the award for being the best listener. Very patient and polite. Everyone else was too but you are one gental man.

I thought that too, about Jason. He has the patience of a saint and is a true gentleman. I adore how Jason and Nikki care for each other as the respect and love they have for each other (and for momma Mary!) is evident in every video! Their cats are so lucky to have them for their parents/owners. I think Jason and Nikki are very talented videographers and incredible humanitarians. Not to mention how gorgeous they both are!! More cooking/fancy drink-making videos please! Any thoughts on doing a cookbook?…or cooking videos?

I couldn’t agree more! I was raised around a lot of lovely and chatty southern women. We’re known to interrupt and all talk at the same time. Jason doesn’t and so I always notice and appreciate his polite manner too. Reminds me to reign myself in.

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Appreciate the additional discussions of mono vs cat. It’s a big decision, but for many reasons a cat seems like the way to go. My wife and I are inspired by your journey and hope to do the same within a few years after saving up. You have her sold on a cat as much as I love the look and feel of a monohull in good wind :). With our love for the water and diving (but also stuck inland in DFW!), and our never ending adventures flying around the world, the cruising lifestyle makes a lot of sense for the same reasons it did to you both. For now we are training and bareboating every year or so around the world with family & friends to test out different configurations and figure out what to buy eventually. A few days experience bareboating multiple vessels really helps!

BTW, we only found your channel a few weeks ago, but we were in Bora Bora (on land) while you were there! Didn’t see ourselves in any of your videos though, haha. If you make it to South New Zealand by late Feb, hit us up for free shipping of boat or other parts that we could bring along :).

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Stephen Tannenbaum

Can’t you also have much more solar with a cat? That’s important for comfort. Why don’t you have a MOB drill while your guests are still on board?

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Curious Minion

Depends greatly on the size and style of the monohull. Too variable to say with absolute certainty. Curious Minion

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Alan Solomon

Great video as usual. I am not much of a sailor yet but, I am a quick learner. I would rather be on a catamaran than a monohull hands down. Just my perspective.

Thanks for your time and effort. Great Sailing Ahead….

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If you have less than 150,000$US and probably closer to 200K’s, forget about catamarans ! Dollar for dollar, you have a lot of more choices and sizes with monohulls, unless you want to settle for an old 35′ cat from another era.

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Jon Stensloff

I can say I was one week behind Curiosity to buy that Boat….!!!!! However I love what they are doing with the boat and I have all the adventures and a lot less Money !!! Thanks for Sharing and study the video again a Lot of Body Language going on there…..LOL

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Although I’m not considering buying a boat anytime soon, I found it very interesting. Makes perfect sense. Even when I kayak I’m considering the water I’m going to be in. Love you! Safe travels. ❤️ Mom

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Pam McClure

I watched the whole thing and enjoyed you all tremendously. I’ll never be out sailing but that doesn’t mean I don’t love watching and listening to you all. It’s informative and fun and thoroughly interesting. Thank you very much for sharing all.

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Really interesting videos! I would like to have seen their monohull so I would better know just what they’ve got – will attempt to find the link to their boat. One question…how easy (or difficult) is it to sell a boat after 5 years? If people are only buying for the forseeable future (a few years) that means they are selling several boats over time. Is this hard to do?

Hey Tom. The link to the Ruby Rose sale info is toward the end of the blog post: https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/cat-mono-safety-comfort

Selling a boat is a little like selling a house: There’s no “one size fits all” but there’s an owner out there for every boat. A boat like Curiosity will probably sell pretty quickly. It is an “owner’s version” which is highly sought after (one entire hull is the “master suite” versus a charter version which will have 4 cabins), she has been modified for blue water sailing, and she is both well-maintained and immaculate. In housing terms, this is the dream home layout in a neighborhood with great schools that is immaculate, well-maintained and priced to sell. It won’t last long. Listing a boat with a broker can also help it sell more quickly as they have a list of clients to match your boat with when it comes up for sale. This would be the equal of having a realtor sell your house vs. FSBO.

If you haven’t seen them, check out the “sailboat shopping” tab on the blog and watch the first few videos to see what Nikki & Jason did or didn’t like about the boats they were looking at and it’ll give you a good idea of what sells and what doesn’t. https://www.gonewiththewynns.com/sailing Hope that’s helpful, Curious Minion

Thank you, good to know! All I can think about is that old adage: The second happiest day of my life was buying my boat, the happiest day was selling it!

:o) Curious Minion

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Great video! (as usual). As a catamaran owner I’m biased, but the Bumfuzzle articles about cat vs monohull didn’t compare apples to apples, in my opinion. His catamaran was 35′-we’ve been on a bunch of those and the difference between a 35′ Wildcat catamaran from the early 00’s and a 2009 Lagoon 380 (ours) is enormous. His cat had TWO king sized berths stuffed into the center, plus two more cabins-no wonder they had no “floor space”! Design matters on a catamaran. He then traded it in for a beamy 43′ monohull-well, yeah, you don’t have 2 king sized beds and 2 queen sized beds jammed into that monohull space, lol.

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I agree. His monohull is not typical of all monohulls. On our monohull all lines lead to the cockpit making it easy for a one person sail.

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Zarih Sundberg

Why would you go to the Arctic? 🙂 Funny. And yes, why would you? As you’ve said. You buy the boat the fits your cruising ground. And If I would go sailing, it would be a Cat, hands down. Good episode. Thank you, guys!

Why not? There is more to sailing than beaches 😉

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Hugh & Lynn

If we could afford a catamaran we would buy one. However we would not let the boat choice dictate the decision to go cruising. You can still have the experience of a lifetime on a monohull, whatever your budget allows. You guys know us and can vouch for that. Sail on you two and keep on doing what you do so extraordinarily well!! BTW research the Rose-Noelle 119 day survival story that ended well off the coast of NZ on a flipped trimaran

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Catamaran vs. Monohull: We Changed, Should You?

Catamaran vs Monohull

There are two schools of thought when it comes to monohull versus catamaran. We have done extensive cruising and lived aboard two monohulls and four catamarans over the past 25+ years . We experienced the good and the bad for both single hull and multihulls first hand. Quite honestly, the pluses for catamarans far outweigh the minuses. There are multiple benefits of catamarans. They are faster, more stable and spacious, and have shallower drafts allowing safer anchorage closer to shore. Being on a stable platform with no heeling cuts down on crew fatigue and seasickness leaving the crew more alert and in control of the vessel. Even novice sailors feel more confident on catamarans.

When we built our monohull Royal Salute in the early 90s, catamarans were not established and were looked upon with extreme suspicion by most cruisers, including ourselves. “Safety and the capsize” issue were always the first things to come up against sailing catamarans. It is a fact that monohulls can get rolled in heavy seas but will right themselves because of the heavy lead keel, and while crew and vessel will be battered, the roll is survivable.

However a catamaran once capsized, will remain upside down (jokingly referring to this state of the catamaran as “reaching its most stable position when upside down”). The inability of a catamaran to self-right was and still is a major bone of contention. However, what is not often discussed is that a monohull has about a 5,000 pound keel of lead that is constantly trying to drag the boat to the bottom of the ocean versus a catamaran that has no ballast and is in most cases with modern catamarans, unsinkable.

So the options are to either sail the world on a boat that, if it springs a leak, will sink like a stone or a vessel that cannot self-right in the event of a capsize but will not sink no matter what. So from a practical point of view, here are our observations over the last 25+ years of living aboard, on the advantages and disadvantages of a catamaran.

ADVANTAGES OF A CATAMARAN

1. speed equals safety.

The speed of a catamaran makes it possible to outrun bad weather. While catamarans do not point as high into the wind as a monohull (or if it does, it makes more leeway or slides sideways), it is about 20% faster than a monohull. This means that even if you sail upwind at a slightly wider angle to the wind than a monohull and have to cover more distance, you will still arrive at your destination long before a monohull.

A modern performance catamaran with daggerboards and good quality sails will point as high as a similar sized monohull. It will point the same as a comparable monohull and sail much faster and therefore arrive at an upwind position much sooner than a the monohull. It is important to note that most of the production catamarans on the market are under-powered and are equipped with standard smaller sails. In lighter breezes many of these designs perform poorly unless fitted with bigger headsails, a Code Zero and a square-top mainsail.

While we believe that more comfortable and safer in rough weather , we have to concede that when the weather gets really bad (60 knots of wind or more) we would personally prefer to be on a monohull from the standpoint of surviving. I would say that a monohull is preferable for serious offshore single-handed sailing because you can more easily hove-to in a monohull. We have been in some extreme weather on a number of catamarans and never really felt that we were in danger, although it takes some nifty seamanship.

A monohull could capsize in extreme weather or even roll in a storm, but they generally come back upright. A catamaran on the other hand, will not right itself. But the cat will generally stay afloat, offering a good place to survive while you wait out the storm or until help comes along. Well-designed modern catamarans are very hard to capsize though.

Having said all that, most catamarans can do 200 to 250 miles a day and with modern technology allowing one to pull down weather at will, there is no good reason why you should get caught in extreme weather. A faster boat is a safer boat as it will in many cases be able to outrun bad weather. With good weather routing information a catamaran can avoid most serious weather and, at worst, place itself in the most favorable position to avoid the brunt of a storm.

2. A Catamaran is a Stable, Safe Platform Underway

Catamarans have no ballast in the keels like monohulls do and therefor it relies on beam and buoyancy for stability. Typically cruising catamarans will have a beam to length ratio of roughly 50%, although many designs nowadays exceed the 50% rule of thumb. So, a 45-ft long catamaran will be about 22-ft wide, providing a very stable platform when sailing. Unlike catamarans, monohulls cannot overcome the rolling and pitching with their narrow beam and the lead ballast for stability.

This rolling and pitching makes the deck on a monohull very unsafe whereas on walking around on the deck of a catamaran while underway is far easier since the boat is much more stable, and it doesn’t heel. This makes sail changes and reefing much easier and a lot safer for the crew. Without the rolling and pitching motion, the danger of falling overboard on a catamaran is considerably less than on a monohull.

3. Crew Fatigue Reduces on a Catamaran

Because a catamaran does not heel over like a monohull, it offers far more comfort underway because the motion is mostly fore and aft pitching and very little beam-to-beam rolling. On all points of sail, a catamaran tracks upright and significantly reduces crew fatigue and seasickness. Seasickness is usually caused by things like anxiety, fatigue, hunger and cold, which all add to a sense of disorientation. This leads the crew to making bad decisions and seamanship errors that could be fatal to the crew and vessel. The more stable platform of the catamaran will hugely keep those issues at bay, making the crew more alert and energized.

Every action and chore including cooking is much easier on a catamaran when underway. It is much more pleasant to be on the deck level looking out rather than being stuck “down below.” It is also much nicer to sleep on a boat that doesn’t heel. I remember nights at sea in our monohull when I was rolling around in my bunk unless I was properly wedge in a little corner. That is simply not the case on catamarans.

All these factors ensure that your crew will not expend unnecessary energy to simply try and stay upright, onboard and safe on a long passage. Your crew on a catamaran will be well rested and alert and will be able to function well if a stressful situation arises.

4. Comfort at Anchor

Catamarans provide a wide platform and therefore offer lovely spaces to relax at anchor without the rolling motion that monohulls have a tendency to do in a swell. During our 15 years of cruising on a monohull, we have often had to leave anchorages that we really were not finished exploring because of a rolly, uncomfortable anchorage. Big rollers or swells coming into an anchorage can make conditions in an anchorage very uncomfortable and unsafe.

We were anchored off Funchal on the island of Madeira in our monohull Royal Salute once, when we were forced to leave our anchorage. The rolling became so bad, we were rolling from gunnel to gunnel. The anchorage became untenable to remain anchored, forcing us to go out to sea in foul weather in the middle of the night. This is an extreme case but believe me, we have left many an idyllic anchorage because of a rolling swell into the anchorage. Catamarans, on the other hand, do not roll from like monohulls have a tendency to do and are far more comfortable at anchor.

sailboat vs cat

5. Anchor Bridal Setup

Lagoon 450S named Zuri

Catamarans are fitted with a bridle, attached to both bows and down to the anchor chain, resulting in a very stable position at anchor. What we found with our monohull was that because the bow acts as a sail (because of the high freeboard), the boat tended to sail at anchor in high winds. It sailed in one direction until the chain snatched and tacked over and sailed in the other direction, feeling like it might dislodge the anchor altogether. The catamaran on the other hand sits at anchor a lot more stable and doesn’t sail around as much.

6. Ease of Boarding on a Catamaran

Thank goodness we were much younger and more agile during our monohull days. Royal Salute and most monohulls of her generation or older, have high free-boards, making it quite a feat to get onto the boat from the dinghy. It was one of the most challenging things to do because unlike the more modern monohulls that have a scoop at the back, we had to climb up on the side of the boat to get on and off. We, of course rigged steps, etc. but it was always a hassle compared to the ease of getting on and off a catamaran from a dingy or from the water.

7. Shallow Draft Equals Better Anchorages

Catamarans have significantly shallower drafts than monohulls, allowing for safer anchorages closer to shore. Most catamarans in the 40-ft to 50-ft range draw between 3-ft to 4.5-ft, so they can anchor in places that a monohulls can not even consider. In the shallow waters of the Bahamas for example, the catamarans have a big advantage. We often anchor our own catamaran just a few feet away from a beach. It definitely allows one to be able to explore areas where the water is shallow without the fear of running aground.

The shallow draft also allows for emergency repairs in shallow water and even doing the bottom job when the tide goes out as we have done in places like Mtwapa Creek in Kenya, East Africa. The catamaran easily rests on her keels on the sand without help making it a breeze to do the “annual haul out” even in remote locations.

Bali catamaran anchored

8. Dinghy Davits & Dinghy Size

All catamarans have a set of davits that make it very easy to raise and lower the dingy. Our monohull and most cruising monohulls do not have an efficient or easily accessible set of davits. This makes raising and lowering the dingy an elaborate production. Catamarans on the other hand, has davits systems easily accessible and some even have platforms to rest the dinghy on.

The lack of beam and difficulty of lifting the dinghy also limits the size and type of dingy that one can reasonably carry on a monohull. As we all know, the dingy is your transport to and from shore and diving or fishing spots, so the bigger and faster the dingy, the better off you are. A catamaran can carry both a heavier and bigger dinghy which makes the popular center consul dinghy so much more possible.

lagoon 450 cruising catamaran

9. Interior Space and Comfort on a Catamaran

We sailed 32,000 NM on our 45-ft monohull, happy as clams, not realizing that sailing does not have to be done lying on your ear 24/7 while on passage or sitting knee-to-knee in the cockpit at anchor with your two other guests at the dinner table! One can liken sitting in a monohull cockpit to sitting in an empty Jacuzzi, you are always nice and close to the other folks.

Now that we are on our fourth catamaran, there are a few things that have become more evident to us than the incredible space and comfort of a catamaran, not only at anchor but also underway. The cockpit and living space in general are huge compared to a monohull, making for very comfortable and spacious living conditions. It feels more like you are at home, rather than just on a camping trip.

Knowing that one spends at least 90% of one’s cruising life at anchor, it’s important to have good open living space, which most modern cats nowadays offer. A lot of cats have walk around beds, lots of storage, every modern appliance including washer/dryer, etc. However, one has to fight the urge to fill the space if you want to keep the cat light and fast.

Lagoon 450 Salon

Sailing with guests onboard for extended periods of time, in close quarters can become claustrophobic but on a catamaran people are spread out and separated. With guests sleeping in one hull and the owners in another, catamarans offer much more privacy and separation. Some cats even have privacy doors that will close off the entire hull and has a separate entrance onto the deck, which really separates you from the guests completely.

There is very little heeling on a catamaran, so there is no need for hand grips and safety harnesses inside the boat. There is nothing better (and safer) than being able to walk from the cockpit into the living room (saloon) on one level or one step down at most. In a monohull, when heeling at a severe angle, you would have to claw your way from the companionway steps down to the living area, while fighting to stay upright, significantly tapping your energy.

Unless you hit extreme conditions, everything stays put on a catamaran reducing the anxiety before doing passages of having to stow and secure everything. This very issue makes a lot of cruisers reluctant to weigh anchor and explore more often. It is just too much effort to pack away all your stuff once comfortable in an anchorage!

One thing you will notice is that the stove on catamarans are not gimbaled like it is on monohulls and this should tell the story in itself. The stability and comfort on a catamaran is far superior. Cooking is easy and safer. I often open a nice cold beer, put it down to do something and forget about it only to find a warm beer later in the same place I left it. This is not something that happens on a monohull.     

Lagoon 450 Owners cabin

10. Redundancy on a Catamaran

Unlike monohulls, catamarans have a lot of critical redundancies. That of course means two hulls to clean and anti-foul, double the engine maintenance, etc. but having two of the critical equipment like engines for instance, outweighs the downside.

With two engines, if one fails you still have adequate propulsion to go anywhere. If by some fluke the second engine also fails, you have a full set of spares to fix at least one of them. Our friends once hit a sleeping whale off Tanzania, and when it dove, it hit the prop, bending it. They limped into the narrow channel on the one engine but at least they could make it to a safe harbor where we surveyed and repaired their damage.

We often only use one engine when motoring while making passage in order to conserve our fuel. The one engine is totally capable of moving the boat along at a good speed unless you are in heavy seas and you may need more power. Other than that we only use two engines to dock or maneuver the boat in close quarters.

Because there are two engines there are also two independent charging systems via the alternator on each engine. If one alternator goes out, there is still another complete charging system. There are two rudders and if one fails or falls off (as has happened to our friends on a monohull off Columbia, where they almost lost their boat) you have a second rudder that is completely capable of steering the boat by itself indefinitely. That holds true for several things on a catamaran!     

11. Maneuverability

The engines are spaced far apart on a catamaran and it makes maneuvering much easier and more precise than monohulls, unless the monohull has a bow thruster. We did not have a bow thruster (not many monohulls do) and had to rely on prop-walk and using prop wash on the rudder. A modern catamaran can do a 360 turn on her own axis. A monohull cannot do this and have a bigger turning circle. However, a monohull under sail is much more maneuverable and certainly will tack a lot faster than a catamaran. The ease in maneuverability under engine on a catamaran in close quarters specifically, is vastly superior comparatively.

12. Rigging

Because of the beam on a catamaran the spinnaker pole has become unnecessary equipment. Hallelujah, I say. That pole on our monohull was a pain the behind and I always hated having to use it. On a catamaran, one can fly an asymmetrical cruising chute or spinnaker, using the bows to tack the clew or run a guy through a block so it is very much simplified, easier and safer.We also sail wing-on-wing with twin headsails when we sail downwind. We use our furling jib and furling Code Zero. It is as easy as one, two, three.

DISADVANTAGES OF A CATAMARAN

1. bridgedeck slamming.

One advantage most monohulls do have when underway is that they don’t slam. Catamarans with a low bridgedeck clearance can experience significant slamming in confused seas sailing upwind. This slamming can be quite disconcerting when you first experience it as we did on a Shuttleworth 44 design, our first ever catamaran experience, 20+ years ago. At times, it felt as though the boat was falling apart. Of course the boat was fine but nevertheless, the stress on the crew from the constant noise and discomfort was significant.

Monohulls don’t have a bridgedeck which means no slamming and are therefore a bit more comfortable than l ow bridgedeck catamarans when beating into severe confused conditions or “washing machine” conditions as we call it. Modern catamarans mostly have better bridgedeck clearance and the slamming is significantly less. However, not all cats have a good clear tunnel under the bridgedeck. Some manufacturers build beds into the bridge deck in order to make more space in the chest of the catamaran where the slamming occurs. These protuberances into the bridgedeck tunnel will likely increase slamming. So be mindful of that when selecting a catamaran. We currently own a Bali 5.4 and the bridgedeck clearance on this boat is more than adequate and the tunnel is clear. We therefor experience very little slamming compared to our Prout 45 that we previously owned (picture of sister ship below) with a much lower bridgedeck.

We Explain Bridgedeck Clearance

In the pictures below, the Bali 5.4 has very good clearance from the water to the bridgedeck and has a nice clean tunnel versus the very low bridgedeck of the Sunreef 50. 

Sunreef 50 bridgedeck clearance

2. Sailing Downwind

Monohull spreaders are set at 90 degrees to the mast whereas a catamaran has to have backswept spreaders. The reason is that, on a monohull, there is a backstay and using this, plus the intermediates you can get a nice pre-bend in the mast (the pre-bend is to flatten out the main sail and allow for better performance).

On a catamaran with no back stay, you need to use the back swept spreaders and the diamonds to pre-bend the mast. The reason I point this out is because on a catamaran, if you want to broad reach or run, the mainsail cannot be let out all the way because the backswept spreader tips could punch holes in the fabric.

On a monohull, the spreaders are at 90 degrees so you can let the main and the boom out much further which is, of course, much more effective. This is one of the reasons it is better to broad reach and tack downwind on a catamaran.

Whether a monohull or multihull, sailing dead downwind doesn’t usually make great VMG. Therefor a regular cruising cat, much like a monohull, needs a lot of sail area and has to sail deep downwind if it is to achieve a decent speed made good (VMG). This video demonstrates how we achieve this by sailing wing-on-wing downwind.

It is more difficult to find a dock either as a transient or a permanent slip for a catamaran in general because of the wide beam. But this is changing fast and will soon not be too much of an issue. In the USA dockage is charged by the length of the boat in feet, so there is no disadvantage there but, in some places, (the Mediterranean for example), dockage is charged at length times one and a half because of the additional beam.

Since the catamaran is stable at anchor, we mostly anchor out. We have more privacy, a better breeze and usually a stunning view.We have a nice dinghy with a good outboard engine and is big and comfortable enough to get to shore fast and together with the modern conveniences like the generator, watermaker and washer/dryer, docking becomes a non-issue.

It is definitely more difficult to find a travel lift with enough beam for a catamaran for a haulout, while, for a monohull, there are absolutely no problems anywhere. The wide beam of cats also greatly limits the number of shipyards that can haul them out. Most catamarans over 40-ft must be hauled out with a 50-ton travel lift. This not only increases the cost of the haulout, but greatly limits the choice of the shipyards for repairs and maintenance. With limited choice, prices are high for shipyard services.

Prout sailboat named Zuri

Catamarans do tend to have a lot more windage than monohulls. This can be an issue especially when maneuvering in close quarters with a strong wind. But I have found that, provided the engines are powerful enough for the size of catamaran, that twin engines negate this problem. Also, many modern large catamarans now have a bow thruster fitted. It is super easy to dock.

The cost of getting into a catamaran is much higher than that of monohulls. That could put a serious dent in your cruising kitty or require you to put your dream on hold a little longer. Pre-owned monohulls on the other hand are very cheap to buy comparatively, because the supply presently far outweighs the demand.

Catamarans are in high demand and they typically hold their value much better and longer and the trend is now heavily in favor of the catamaran market. When prospective buyers contact us for catamarans under $250,000 the choices are very limited and catamarans under $100,000 is near impossible to buy. In this case, your best bet is to go with a monohull unless you go with much older boats like the Prouts or the less expensive Geminis.

Our Own Catamarans & Monohulls

FYI: Royal Salute , a Bruce Roberts 45 monohull, was the first boat we owned and sailed approx. 30,000NM on. Mythral, a Seafarer 30, was our “toy boat” while we were waiting for our catamaran to be built. Even though this classic little monohull sailed around the world, it didn’t have much in modern conveniences like running water. Siyaya was an Island Spirit 40 catamaran that we sailed from Cape Town to Florida on and then taught live-aboard sailing classes for several years. Zuri I was a Prout 45, a beautifully crafted catamaran but by today’s standards is considered old technology. Our Lagoon 450 SporTop ( Zuri II ) is a fantastic live-aboard catamaran. We lived and taught aboard her for three years but sold her last year and we currently own a Bali 5.4 ( Zuri III or Z3 as we call her now). Read about our various boats .

catamaran vs monohull

CONCLUSION: CATAMARAN vs MONOHULL

We were dyed in the wool monohull sailors for 15+ years. We loved the pretty lines of monohulls, the sailing ability and what we believed at the time to be much safer vessels. However, now that we have been avid catamaran enthusiasts, we simply can never go back to monohulls. Catamarans have come of age and with modern technology have overcome most objections that sailors of old had against them. They are well designed and built, are safe, and we simply love that they sail fast and upright. There is not a whole lot to dislike about a catamaran when you live aboard. We have weighed all the pros and cons of catamarans and found that the pros far exceed the cons. We made the change to a catamaran and do not regret it one bit!

We hope that this article will clear things up for all the prospective catamaran owners out there.

Contact us if you have any questions regarding catamarans, Fractional Yacht Ownership or our Charter Management Programs .

Estelle Cockcroft

Estelle Cockcroft

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4 thoughts on “Catamaran vs. Monohull: We Changed, Should You?”

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I read that the engineering on the catamarans were improved over the years. Whats the oldest year would you recommend designwise?

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Scott, my apologies for the late reply. We’ve been traveling in Africa. Anyway, catamarans have come a long way and improvements in technology is happening at lightning speed. I reckon that even the older model catamarans are good. It depends on what your needs are. If you want something a little better performance wise, I would go for something no older than 15 years.

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After buying a catamaran what is the difference in expense of a catamaran vs a monohull. Many articles state that not only the initial cost of a catamaran is more it the operating cost as well.

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Hi Todd, it is more expensive. The annual dockage and haul out as well as maintenance will be more expensive. You obviously have two engines to maintain and various other pieces of equipment to service in both hulls. While there is more equipment there is also more redundancy and of course you have the comfort factor. So, depending on your situation, it’s probably worth it.

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Guide to Understanding Sail Rig Types (with Pictures)

There are a lot of different sail rig types and it can be difficult to remember what's what. So I've come up with a system. Let me explain it in this article.

What are the different types of sail rig? The sail rig is determined by the number of masts and the layout and shape of sails. Most modern ships are fore-and-aft rigged, while old ships are square-rigged. Rigs with one mast are sloops and cutters. Ketches, yawls, brigs, and schooners have two masts. Barques have three masts. Rigs can contain up to seven masts.

'Yeah, that's a gaff brig, and that a Bermuda cutter' - If you don't know what this means (neither did I) and want to know what to call a two-masted ship with a square-rigged mainsail, this article is definitely for you.

Sailboat in front of NYC with Bermuda mainsail and Jib

On this page:

More info on sail rig types, mast configurations and rig types, rigs with one mast, rigs with two masts, rigs with three masts, related questions.

This article is part 2 of my series on sails and rig types. Part 1 is all about the different types of sails. If you want to know everything there is to know about sails once and for all, I really recommend you read it. It gives a good overview of sail types and is easy to understand.

sailboat vs cat

The Ultimate Guide to Sail Types and Rigs (with Pictures)

First of all, what is a sail rig? A sail rig is the way in which the sails are attached to the mast(s). In other words, it's the setup or configuration of the sailboat. The rig consists of the sail and mast hardware. The sail rig and sail type are both part of the sail plan. We usually use the sail rig type to refer to the type of boat.

Let's start by taking a look at the most commonly used modern sail rigs. Don't worry if you don't exactly understand what's going on. At the end of this article, you'll understand everything about rig types.

Diagram of most common rig types (Bermuda sloop, gaff cutter, gaff ketch, gaf schooner, full rigged ship)

The sail rig and sail plan are often used interchangeably. When we talk of the sail rig we usually mean the sail plan . Although they are not quite the same. A sail plan is the set of drawings by the naval architect that shows the different combinations of sails and how they are set up for different weather conditions. For example a light air sail plan, storm sail plan, and the working sail plan (which is used most of the time).

So let's take a look at the three things that make up the sail plan.

The 3 things that make up the sail plan

I want to do a quick recap of my previous article. A sail plan is made up of:

  • Mast configuration - refers to the number of masts and where they are placed
  • Sail type - refers to the sail shape and functionality
  • Rig type - refers to the way these sails are set up on your boat

I'll explore the most common rig types in detail later in this post. I've also added pictures to learn to recognize them more easily. ( Click here to skip to the section with pictures ).

How to recognize the sail plan?

So how do you know what kind of boat you're dealing with? If you want to determine what the rig type of a boat is, you need to look at these three things:

  • Check the number of masts, and how they are set up.
  • You look at the type of sails used (the shape of the sails, how many there are, and what functionality they have).
  • And you have to determine the rig type, which means the way the sails are set up.

Below I'll explain each of these factors in more detail.

The most common rig types on sailboats

To give you an idea of the most-used sail rigs, I'll quickly summarize some sail plans below and mention the three things that make up their sail plan.

  • Bermuda sloop - one mast, one mainsail, one headsail, fore-and-aft rigged
  • Gaff cutter - one mast, one mainsail, two staysails, fore-and-aft rigged
  • Gaff schooner - two-masted (foremast), two mainsails, staysails, fore-and-aft rigged
  • Gaff ketch - two-masted (mizzen), two mainsails, staysails, fore-and-aft rigged
  • Full-rigged ship or tall ship - three or more masts, mainsail on each mast, staysails, square-rigged

The first word is the shape and rigging of the mainsail. So this is the way the sail is attached to the mast. I'll go into this later on. The second word refers to the mast setup and amount of sails used.

Most sailboats are Bermuda sloops. Gaff-rigged sails are mostly found on older, classic boats. Square-rigged sails are generally not used anymore.

But first I want to discuss the three factors that make up the sail plan in more detail.

Ways to rig sails

There are basically two ways to rig sails:

  • From side to side, called Square-rigged sails - the classic pirate sails
  • From front to back, called Fore-and-aft rigged sails - the modern sail rig

Almost all boats are fore-and-aft rigged nowadays.

Square sails are good for running downwind, but they're pretty useless when you're on an upwind tack. These sails were used on Viking longships, for example. Their boats were quicker downwind than the boats with fore-and-aft rigged sails, but they didn't handle as well.

The Arabs first used fore-and-aft rigged sails, making them quicker in difficult wind conditions.

Quick recap from part 1: the reason most boats are fore-and-aft rigged today is the increased maneuverability of this configuration. A square-rigged ship is only good for downwind runs, but a fore-and-aft rigged ship can sail close to the wind, using the lift to move forward.

The way the sails are attached to the mast determines the shape of the sail. The square-rigged sails are always attached the same way to the mast. The fore-and-aft rig, however, has a lot of variations.

The three main sail rigs are:

  • Bermuda rig - most used - has a three-sided (triangular) mainsail
  • Gaff rig - has a four-sided mainsail, the head of the mainsail is guided by a gaff
  • Lateen rig - has a three-sided (triangular) mainsail on a long yard

The Bermuda is the most used, the gaff is a bit old-fashioned, and the lateen rig is outdated (about a thousand years). Lateen rigs were used by the Moors. The Bermuda rig is actually based on the Lateen rig (the Dutch got inspired by the Moors).

Diagram of lateen, gaff, and bermuda rig

Other rig types that are not very common anymore are:

  • Junk rig - has horizontal battens to control the sail
  • Settee rig - Lateen with the front corner cut off
  • Crabclaw rig

Mast configuration

Okay, we know the shape of the mainsail. Now it's time to take a look at the mast configuration. The first thing is the number of masts:

  • one-masted boats
  • two-masted boats
  • three-masted boats
  • four masts or up
  • full or ship-rigged boats - also called 'ships' or 'tall ships'

I've briefly mentioned the one and two mast configurations in part 1 of this article. In this part, I'll also go over the three-masted configurations, and the tall ships as well.

A boat with one mast has a straightforward configuration because there's just one mast. You can choose to carry more sails or less, but that's about it.

A boat with two masts or more gets interesting. When you add a mast, it means you have to decide where to put the extra mast: in front, or in back of the mainmast. You can also choose whether or not the extra mast will carry an extra mainsail. The placement and size of the extra mast are important in determining what kind of boat we're dealing with. So you start by locating the largest mast, which is always the mainmast.

From front to back: the first mast is called the foremast. The middle mast is called the mainmast. And the rear mast is called the mizzenmast.

Diagram of different mast names (foremast, mainmast, mizzenmast)

What is the mizzenmast? The mizzenmast is the aft-most (rear) mast on a sailboat with three or more masts or the mast behind the mainmast on a boat with two masts. The mizzenmast carries the mizzen sail. On a two-masted boat, the mizzenmast is always (slightly) smaller than the mainmast. What is the purpose of the mizzen sail? The mizzen sail provides more sail area and flexibility in sail plan. It can be used as a big wind rudder, helping the sailor to have more control over the stern of the ship. It pushes the stern away from the wind and forces the bow in the opposite way. This may help to bring the bow into the wind when at anchor.

I always look at the number of masts first, because this is the easiest to spot. So to make this stuff more easy to understand, I've divided up the rig types based on the number of masts below.

Why would you want more masts and sail anyways?

Good question. The biggest advantage of two masts compared to one (let's say a ketch compared to a sloop), is that it allows you to use multiple smaller sails to get the same sail area. It also allows for shorter masts.

This means you reduce the stress on the rigging and the masts, which makes the ketch rig safer and less prone to wear and tear. It also doesn't capsize as quickly. So there are a couple of real advantages of a ketch rig over a sloop rig.

In the case of one mast, we look at the number of sails it carries.

Boats with one mast can have either one sail, two sails, or three or more sails.

Most single-masted boats are sloops, which means one mast with two sails (mainsail + headsail). The extra sail increases maneuverability. The mainsail gives you control over the stern, while the headsail gives you control over the bow.

Sailor tip: you steer a boat using its sails, not using its rudder.

The one-masted rigs are:

  • Cat - one mast, one sail
  • Sloop - one mast, two sails
  • Cutter - one mast, three or more sails

Diagram of one-masted rigs (bermuda cat, bermuda sloop, gaff cutter)

The cat is the simplest sail plan and has one mast with one sail. It's easy to handle alone, so it's very popular as a fishing boat. Most (very) small sailboats are catboats, like the Sunfish, and many Laser varieties. But it has a limited sail area and doesn't give you the control and options you have with more sails.

The most common sail plan is the sloop. It has one mast and two sails: the main and headsail. Most sloops have a Bermuda mainsail. It's one of the best racing rigs because it's able to sail very close to the wind (also called 'weatherly'). It's one of the fastest rig types for upwind sailing.

It's a simple sail plan that allows for high performance, and you can sail it short-handed. That's why most sailboats you see today are (Bermuda) sloops.

This rig is also called the Marconi rig, and it was developed by a Dutch Bermudian (or a Bermudian Dutchman) - someone from Holland who lived on Bermuda.

A cutter has three or more sails. Usually, the sail plan looks a lot like the sloop, but it has three headsails instead of one. Naval cutters can carry up to 6 sails.

Cutters have larger sail area, so they are better in light air. The partition of the sail area into more smaller sails give you more control in heavier winds as well. Cutters are considered better for bluewater sailing than sloops (although sloops will do fine also). But the additional sails just give you a bit more to play with.

Two-masted boats can have an extra mast in front or behind the mainmast. If the extra mast is behind (aft of) the mainmast, it's called a mizzenmast . If it's in front of the mainmast, it's called a foremast .

If you look at a boat with two masts and it has a foremast, it's most likely either a schooner or a brig. It's easy to recognize a foremast: the foremast is smaller than the aft mast.

If the aft mast is smaller than the front mast, it is a sail plan with a mizzenmast. That means the extra mast has been placed at the back of the boat. In this case, the front mast isn't the foremast, but the mainmast. Boats with two masts that have a mizzenmast are most likely a yawl or ketch.

The two-masted rigs are:

  • Lugger - two masts (mizzen), with lugsail (a cross between gaff rig and lateen rig) on both masts
  • Yawl - two masts (mizzen), fore-and-aft rigged on both masts. Main mast is much taller than mizzen. Mizzen without a mainsail.
  • Ketch - two masts (mizzen), fore-and-aft rigged on both masts. Main mast with only slightly smaller mizzen. Mizzen has mainsail.
  • Schooner - two masts (foremast), generally gaff rig on both masts. Main mast with only slightly smaller foremast. Sometimes build with three masts, up to seven in the age of sail.
  • Bilander - two masts (foremast). Has a lateen-rigged mainsail and square-rigged sails on the foremast and topsails.
  • Brig - two masts (foremast), partially square-rigged. The main mast carries small lateen-rigged sail.

Diagram of two-masted rigs (gaff yawl, gaff ketch, gaff schooner, and brig)

The yawl has two masts that are fore-and-aft rigged and a mizzenmast. The mizzenmast is much shorter than the mainmast, and it doesn't carry a mainsail. The mizzenmast is located aft of the rudder and is mainly used to increase helm balance.

A ketch has two masts that are fore-and-aft rigged. The extra mast is a mizzenmast. It's nearly as tall as the mainmast and carries a mainsail. Usually, the mainsails of the ketch are gaff-rigged, but there are Bermuda-rigged ketches too. The mizzenmast is located in front of the rudder instead of aft, as on the yawl.

The function of the ketch's mizzen sail is different from that of the yawl. It's actually used to drive the boat forward, and the mizzen sail, together with the headsail, are sufficient to sail the ketch. The mizzen sail on a yawl can't really drive the boat forward.

Schooners have two masts that are fore-and-aft rigged. The extra mast is a foremast which is generally smaller than the mainmast, but it does carry a mainsail. Schooners are also built with a lot more masts, up to seven (not anymore). The schooner's mainsails are generally gaff-rigged.

The schooner is easy to sail but not very fast. It handles easier than a sloop, except for upwind, and it's only because of better technology that sloops are now more popular than the schooner.

The brig has two masts. The foremast is always square-rigged. The mainmast can be square-rigged or is partially square-rigged. Some brigs carry a lateen mainsail on the mainmast, with square-rigged topsails.

Some variations on the brig are:

Brigantine - two masts (foremast), partially square-rigged. Mainmast carries no square-rigged mainsail.

Hermaphrodite brig - also called half brig or schooner brig. Has two masts (foremast), partially square-rigged. Mainmast carries a gaff rig mainsail and topsail, making it half schooner.

Three-masted boats are mostly barques or schooners. Sometimes sail plans with two masts are used with more masts.

The three-masted rigs are:

  • Barque - three masts, fore, and mainmast are square-rigged, the mizzenmast is usually gaff-rigged. All masts carry mainsail.
  • Barquentine - three masts, foremast is square-rigged, the main and mizzenmast are fore-and-aft rigged. Also called the schooner barque.
  • Polacca - three masts, foremast is square-rigged, the main and mizzenmast are lateen-rigged.
  • Xebec - three masts, all masts are lateen-rigged.

Diagram of three-masted rigs (barque, full rigged ship)

A barque has three or four masts. The fore and mainmast are square-rigged, and the mizzen fore-and-aft, usually gaff-rigged. Carries a mainsail on each mast, but the mainsail shape differs per mast (square or gaff). Barques were built with up to five masts. Four-masted barques were quite common.

Barques were a good alternative to full-rigged ships because they require a lot fewer sailors. But they were also slower. Very popular rig for ocean crossings, so a great rig for merchants who travel long distances and don't want 30 - 50 sailors to run their ship.

Barquentine

The barquentine usually has three masts. The foremast is square-rigged and the main and mizzenmast fore-and-aft. The rear masts are usually gaff-rigged.

Faster than a barque or a schooner, but the performance is worse than both.

The polacca or polacre rig has three masts with a square-rigged foremast. The main and mizzenmast are lateen-rigged. Beautiful boat to see. Polacca literally means 'Polish' (it's Italian). It was a popular rig type in the Mediterranean in the 17th century. It looks like the xebec, which has three lateen-rigged masts.

Fun fact: polaccas were used by a Dutch sailor-turned-Turkish-pirate (called Murat Reis).

The xebec is a Mediterranean trading ship with three masts. All masts are lateen-rigged. I couldn't find any surviving xebecs, only models and paintings. So I guess this rig is outdated a long time.

A boat with three or more masts that all carry square-rigged sails is called a ship, a tall ship, or a full-rigged ship. So it's at this point that we start calling boats 'ships'. It has nothing to do with size but with the type of rigging.

More sails mean less stress on all of them. These ships use a lot of sails to distribute the forces, which reduces the stress on the rigging and the masts. Square sails mean double the sail area in comparison to triangular sails.

They are quite fast for their size, and they could outrun most sloops and schooners (schooners were relatively a lot heavier). The reason is that tall ships could be a lot longer than sloops, giving them a lot of extra hull speed. Sloops couldn't be as large because there weren't strong enough materials available. Try making a single triangular sail with a sail area of over 500 sq. ft. from linen.

So a lot of smaller sails made sense. You could have a large ship with a good maximum hull speed, without your sails ripping apart with every gust of wind.

But you need A LOT of sailors to sail a tall ship: about 30 sailors in total to ie. reef down sails and operate the ship. That's really a lot.

Tall ships are used nowadays for racing, with the popular tall ship races traveling the world. Every four years I go and check them out when they are at Harlingen (which is very close to where I live).

Check out the amazing ships in this video of the tall ship races last year near my hometown. (The event was organized by friends of mine).

What is the difference between a schooner and a sloop? A schooner has two masts, whereas the sloop only has one. The schooner carries more sails, with a mainsail on both masts. Also, sloops are usually Bermuda-rigged, whereas schooners are usually gaff-rigged. Most schooners also carry one or two additional headsails, in contrast to the single jib of the sloop.

What do you call a two-masted sailboat? A two-masted sailboat is most likely a yawl, ketch, schooner, or brig. To determine which one it is you have to locate the mainmast (the tallest). At the rear: schooner or brig. In front: yawl or ketch. Brigs have a square-rigged foremast, schooners don't. Ketches carry a mainsail on the rear mast; yawls don't.

What is a sloop rig? A sloop rig is a sailboat with one mast and two sails: a mainsail and headsail. It's a simple sail plan that handles well and offers good upwind performance. The sloop rig can be sailed shorthanded and is able to sail very close to the wind, making it very popular. Most recreational sailboats use a sloop rig.

What is the difference between a ketch and a yawl? The most important difference between a ketch and a yawl are the position and height of the mizzenmast. The mizzenmast on a yawl is located aft of the rudder, is shorter than the mainmast and doesn't carry a mainsail. On a ketch, it's nearly as long as the mainmast and carries a mainsail.

Pinterest image for Guide to Understanding Sail Rig Types (with Pictures)

There are a wonderful lots of DIY changeability shows on the cable airwaves these days.

Rick the rigger

There are SO many errors on this site it really should be taken down.

First major mistake is to say you are no longer afraid of the sea.

One that truly gets up my nose is the term ‘fully’ rigged ship. It’s a FULL rigged ship!! Your mast names are the wrong way round and just because there may be 3 it doesn’t automatically mean the one in the middle is the main.

I could go on and totally destroy your over inflated but fragile ego but I won’t. All I will say is go learn a lot more before posting.

Shawn Buckles

Thanks for your feedback. If you like to point out anything more specific, please let me know and I will update the articles. I’ve changed fully-rigged to full-rigged ship - which is a typo on my part. I try to be as concise as I can, but, obviously, we all make mistakes every now and then. The great thing about the internet is that we can learn from each other and update our knowledge together.

If you want to write yourself and share your knowledge, please consider applying as a writer for my blog by clicking on the top banner.

Thanks, Shawn

Well, I feel that I’ve learned a bit from this. The information is clear and well laid out. Is it accurate? I can’t see anything at odds with the little I knew before, except that I understood a xebec has a square rigged centre mainmast, such as the Pelican ( https://www.adventureundersail.com/ )

Hi, Shawn, You forgot (failed) to mention another type of rig? The oldest type of rig known and still functions today JUNK RIG!

Why are so many of the comments here negative. I think it is wonderful to share knowledge and learn together. I knew a little about the subject (I’m an Aubrey-Maturin fan!) but still found this clarified some things for me. I can’t comment therefore on the accuracy of the article, but it seems clear to me that the spirit of the author is positive. We owe you some more bonhomme I suggest Shawn.

As they say in the Navy: “BZ” - for a good article.

Been reading S.M. Stirling and wanted to understand the ship types he references. Thank you, very helpful.

This site is an awesome starting point for anyone who would like to get an overview of the subject. I am gratefull to Shawn for sharing - Thanks & Kudos to you! If the negative reviewers want to get a deeper technical knowledge that is accurate to the n-th then go study the appropriate material. Contribute rather than destroy another’s good work. Well done Shawn. Great job!

Good stuff Shawn - very helpful. As a novice, it’s too confusing to figure out in bits and pieces. Thanks for laying it out.

First of all I have to say that Rick ‘the rigger’ is obviously the one with the “over inflated but fragile ego” and I laughed when you suggested he share his knowledge on your blog, well played!

As for the content it’s great, hope to read more soon!

Alec Lowenthal

Shawn, I have a painting of a Spanish vessel, two masted, with. Lateen sails on both masts and a jib. The mainsail is ahead of the main mast (fore) and the other is aft of the mizzen mast. Would this be what you call lugger rig? I have not seen a similar picture. Thanks, Alec.

Thank you for your article I found easy to read and understand, and more importantly remember, which emphasises the well written.. Pity about the negative comments, but love your proactive responses!

This vessel, “SEBASTIAN” out of Garrucha, Almería, España, was painted by Gustave Gillman in 1899.

Sorry, picture not accepted!

Thank you for a very informative article. I sail a bit and am always looking for more knowledge. I like the way you put forth your info and I feel if you can’t say anything positive, then that person should have their own blog or keep their opinions to their-self. I will be looking for more from you. I salute your way of dealing with negative comments.

Thank you for a great intro to sailing boats! I searched different sailboats because I use old sails tp make bags and wanted to learn the difference. Way more than I ever expected. Thanks for all the work put in to teach the rest of us.

Your description of a cutter is lacking, and your illustrations of “cutters” are actually cutter-rigged sloops. On a true cutter, the mast is moved further aft (with more than 40% of the ship forward of the mast). A sloop uses tension in the backstay to tension the luff of the foresail. The cutter can’t do this.

Also, a bermuda-rigged ketch will have a line running from the top of the mainmast to the top of the mizzenmast.

wow great guide to rig types! thanks

Interesting guide, however I am confused about the description of the brig. You say the main mast on a brig can have a lateen sail, but in your picture it looks like a gaff sail to me. How is it a lateen sail?

Hi Shawn, thank you for taking the time to share this information. It is clear and very helpful. I am new to sailing and thinking of buying my own blue water yacht. The information you have supplied is very useful. I still am seeking more information on performance and safety. Please keep up the good work. Best Regards

mickey fanelli

I’m starting to repair a model sailboat used in the lake I have three masts that have long been broken off and the sails need replacement. So my question is there a special relationship between the three masts I do have reminents of where the masts should go. they all broke off the boat along with the sails I can figure out where they go because of the old glue marks but it makes no sense. or does it really matter on a model thank you mickey

Cool, total novice here. I have learnt a lot. Thanks for sharing - the diagrams along with the text make it really easy to understand, especially for a beginner who hasn’t even stepped on a sailing boat.

Daryl Beatt

Thank you. Cleared up quite a few things for me. For example, I was familiar with the names “Xebecs” and “Polaccas” from recent reading about the Barbary War. I had gathered that the two Barbary types were better suited to sailing in the Med, but perhaps they were less able to be adaptable to military uses,(but one might assume that would be ok if one plans to board and fight, as opposed to fight a running gun duel). Specifically, the strangely one sided August 1, 1801 battle between the USS Enterprise under Lt. John Sterett and the Polacca cruiser Tripoli under Admiral Rais Mahomet Rous. On paper both ships seemed nearly equal in size, guns and crew, but pictures of the battle are confusing. While the Enterprise is usually rendered as the familiar schooner, the polacca Tripoli has been pictured in radically different ways. Thus the Wikipedia picture by Hoff in 1878 used to illustrate the Battle shows a Brig design for Tripoli, indicating 77 years later, polaccas were no longer common.

Lee Christiansen

I am curious as to what you would call a modern race boat with a fractional jib,not equipped for full masthead hoist? Thanks Lee

Thanks Guy: The information and pictures really eliminate a lot of the mystery of the terminology and the meanings. Also appreciate the insight of the handling idiosyncrasies “hand” (staff) requirements to manage a vessel for one that has not been on the water much. I long to spend significant time afloat, but have concern about the ability to handle a vessel due to advancing age. The Significant Other prefers to sit (in AC comfort)and be entertained by parties of cruise line employees. Thanks again for the information.

Gordon Smith

Your discussion made no mention of the galleon, a vessel with either square-rigged Fore and Main masts and a shorter lateen-rigged Mizzen, or, on larger galleons, square-rigged Fore and Main masts, with a lateen-rigged Mizzen and a lateen-rigged Bonaventure mast, both shorter than either the Fore or Main masts. Also, it was not uncommon for a galleon to hoist a square-rigged bowsprit topsail in addition to the usual square-rigged spritsail.

Emma Delaney

As a hobbyist, I was hesitant to invest in expensive CAD software, but CADHOBBY IntelliCAD has proven to be a cost-effective alternative that delivers the same quality and performance.

https://www.cadhobby.com/

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Cat Rigged Sailboat - Pros and Cons

  • Thread starter catalanc
  • Start date Nov 18, 2018
  • Forums for All Owners
  • Ask All Sailors

catalanc

Hi Guys, I saw a Seaward cat rigged sail boat on Dillon lake a while ago. I sail single-handed most of the time and the lake can be very tricky with shifting wind direction and quickly changing speed. So, the cat sounds kinda interesting to me. Anyone out there have one and/or anyone have pros and cons of a cat rigged vs. a sloop rigged.  

Terry Cox

catalanc said: Hi Guys, I saw a Seaward cat rigged sail boat on Dillon lake a while ago. I sail single-handed most of the time and the lake can be very tricky with shifting wind direction and quickly changing speed. So, the cat sounds kinda interesting to me. Anyone out there have one and/or anyone have pros and cons of a cat rigged vs. a sloop rigged. Click to expand

jssailem

Since you are sailing Dillon Lake, I am guessing you saw one of the Sage boats made in Golden, CO. https://sagemarineblog.wordpress.com/2016/08/11/sailing-a-sage-15-cat/  

JohnShannon

Well a cat boat is super easy to sail. You only have 4 or 5 lines on the entire boat. Tacking is super easy. I bet one large sail is cheaper than a bunch of smaller sails. Performance wise? I expect a sloop outsails it, but I am not sure the difference is so dramatic. Most cat boats are relatively heavy and not exactly modern keel/rudder setups, and a little slow. Wyliecat 30 is light and modern underbody and is fast. For lake sailing and single handing I think a catboat is a good choice.  

capta

A single mast cat rigged boat sails better than a sloop or a cutter under jib or main alone, but not better than either under proper sail. So, if you're not looking for sailing performance, but the ease of sailing instead, a catboat may well be a good choice.  

BarryL

Hey, AFAIK, The pros and cons: Pros of a catboat: - Shallow draft - Easy to sail - just one sail, tack by just turning the wheel - tiller - Fast downwind with the large sail Cons of a catboat -Pointing ability - can't point high, don't go upwind well Barry  

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Matt Weidert

Catamaran vs Monohull: Why the Cat is Better for Your Sailing

  • We enjoy the extra lounge space a cat provides, especially a flybridge if available - that's where we'll spend most of our time during the day
  • We like the common areas being above the waterline and the better stability
  • We care less about sailing performance - we are the type of crew that is OK dropping sails if the winds are light or it's more convenient to motor
  • As the captain, I appreciate the maneuverability twin engines provide for docking - it keeps some stress out of the equation
  • Most tend to come with generators, AC, and water makers: all features we enjoy on these trips

sailboat vs cat

Space & lounging

Sailing performance, maneuverability.

  • Comfort & Stability

sailboat vs cat

  • Catamaran draft: ~4-5 feet
  • Monohull draft: ~5-6 feet

sailboat vs cat

Comfort & stability

sailboat vs cat

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Set Sail with Confidence: Expert Advice on Catboat Sailing

sailboat vs cat

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Catboat_(Roscoff)-cd01.jpg

What is a Catboat?

A catboat is a sailboat with a single sail, set on a mast that is located near the bow of the boat.

The sail on a catboat is typically a gaff rig sail, which means it has a four-sided sail with a spar called a gaff, extending out from the top of the mast. This type of sail design allows for easy handling, as the sail is relatively simple to hoist, lower, and trim.

Catboats are known for their wide and stable beam, which makes them an excellent choice for cruising and day sailing in calm waters. The shallow draft of a catboat also allows them to access shallower waters that deeper draft boats cannot, making them ideal for exploring coastal areas.

Table of Contents

Why is a catboat called a catboat?

The origin of the term catboat is unclear, but one theory suggests it may come from the Dutch word “kopje” meaning small cottage, which would be fitting for a boat used as a makeshift home away from shore.

Catboats were popular in colonial times for fishing and transport in shallow coastal waters, carrying goods and people to and from small islands and coves.

Catboat vs Catamaran

Catamarans are characterized by their twin hulls, which offer more stability and speed. They are generally larger in size and can accommodate more passengers, making them a popular choice for leisurely cruising or competitive racing.

Catboats, on the other hand, have a single hull and a relatively shallow draft, making them more maneuverable and versatile.

Catboats are known for their simplicity, with just one sail and basic rigging , and are often favored by solo sailors or those looking for a more intimate sailing experience.

Techniques for Sailing a Catboat

Sailing a catboat requires some skill and technique to maximize your speed and enjoy your sailing experience. Here are some tips to help you sail your catboat with confidence:

1. Balance the Boat

Unlike other sailboats, catboats have a single sail, which can make them more challenging to balance. To balance the boat, you need to ensure that the sail is positioned correctly and that your weight is evenly distributed.

2. Adjust the Sail

To get the best performance from your catboat, you need to adjust the sail’s position and shape.

When sailing upwind, the sail should be positioned as close to the wind as possible, while when sailing downwind, the sail should be positioned perpendicular to the boat.

3. Tack Efficiently

Tacking a catboat involves changing direction by turning the bow of the boat through the wind. To tack efficiently, you need to release the sheet (the line that controls the sail) and quickly turn the rudder to the other side.

4. Control Your Speed

Depending on the wind conditions, your catboat can quickly gain or lose speed. To maintain your speed , you need to adjust the sail’s shape and position constantly.

5. Use the Tiller Correctly

The tiller controls the direction of the boat. To sail straight, you need to position the tiller slightly to the side of the boat. To turn, you need to move the tiller in the opposite direction.

6. Reef the Sail

If the wind gets too strong, you may need to reef the sail to reduce its size and power. To reef the sail, you need to lower the halyard (the line that controls the height of the sail) and fold the sail along the reefing points.

Choosing the Right Boat: Single Hull vs. Twin Hull vs. Multi-Hull

Dinghies vs Keelboats: What Are The Differences?

Catalina Boat: 9 Questions Answered (For Beginners)

How much does a catboat cost?

The price of a catboat can vary depending on its size, age, and condition, as well as the location and seller. However, here are five popular catboats and their approximate costs:

This classic catboat measures 12 feet and is perfect for solo or small group sailing. It’s wooden hull and simple rigging make it easy to maintain and operate. Prices start at around $6,000.

Marshall 22

With a 22-foot fiberglass hull and room for up to six passengers, the Marshall 22 is a popular choice for day sails and weekend trips. Prices range from $25,000 to $35,000.

The Cape Dory 10

Designed for single-handed sailing , the Cape Dory 10 has a 10-foot fiberglass hull and can reach speeds of up to 6 knots. Prices start at around $5,000.

The Com-Pac Horizon Cat

Measuring 20 feet in length and featuring a shallow draft, the Com-Pac Horizon Cat is a versatile catboat that can be used for sailing in lakes, bays, and coastal waters. Prices range from $40,000 to $60,000.

The Stur-Dee Cat

This sturdy catboat features a fiberglass hull and traditional gaff rigging. With a length of 22 feet and a beam of 8 feet, it offers ample space for up to six passengers. Prices start at around $20,000.

How fast does a catboat go?

On average, a catboat can reach a top speed of around 6-8 knots (7-9 mph) in moderate winds.

However, it’s important to note that catboats are not designed for speed racing but rather for cruising and enjoying a leisurely sail.

Their wide beam and low profile make them great for relaxing on the deck and taking in the scenery. Plus, with a shallow draft, they can sail in shallow waters that other boats cannot access.

Here is a good video to show you the details of a Nathanael Herreshoff’s catboat

What are the benefits of a catboat?

1. Catboats have a unique design with a single mast and a wide beam, making them stable and easy to sail.

2. Catboats have a shallow draft, which means they can navigate in shallow waters, making them perfect for exploring coastal areas.

3. The boom on a catboat is typically very long, which allows for easy sail handling and maneuverability.

4. Catboats are known for their simplicity, making them great for beginners and experienced sailors alike.

5. They are great for family sailing adventures, with ample space on deck for lounging and enjoying the scenery.

6. Many catboats have cabins below deck, providing a cozy spot for overnight trips.

Are catboats safe?

Catboats are generally considered to be very safe boats. The low freeboard and wide beam make them stable in a variety of conditions, and their simple design means fewer systems can go wrong.

Catboats vs Sloop

Here’s a breakdown of the key differences between the two:

The most noticeable difference between catboats and sloops is in their rigging . A catboat has a single sail mounted on a single mast, while a sloop has two sails – a mainsail and a jib – mounted on two masts.

Because of their wide beam (width), catboats tend to be more stable than sloops. This makes them a popular choice for beginners or those who are prone to seasickness.

Maneuverability

Sloops are generally more maneuverable than catboats, thanks to their smaller sails. This makes them a better choice for racing or for those who prefer a more responsive vessel.

Because of their wide beam, catboats offer more interior space than sloops. This makes them a great option for cruising or for those who prefer more living space onboard.

Catboats vs Single hull

Catboats are often compared to single-hulled boats, as they both have a single keel running the length of the vessel. However, several key differences set catboats apart.

Firstly, catboats tend to have a wider beam than single-hulled boats, which gives them more stability on the water. This can be particularly important for novice sailors or those sailing in rougher conditions.

Additionally, catboats often have a shallower draft than single-hulled boats, which means they can sail in shallower waters without risking running aground. This can be advantageous for exploring areas that may be off-limits to other types of boats.

Another key difference between catboats and single-hulled boats is the sail plan. Catboats typically have a large, single sail located towards the front of the boat, whereas single-hulled boats may have multiple sails and a more complex rigging system.

One Hundred Choices for the Best Small Cruiser

* = Seven boats appear in above lists twice.

Listed on the opposite page are one hundred choices for the "Best Small Cruiser." There are, of course, many more than one hundred choices for the "best" small cruising sailboat. In fact, there are 360 choices reported in this guide alone, and at least a few boats beyond those, on which we failed to find sufficient data to include here. In any case, as the saying goes, one man's meat is another man's poison. That is, a sailboat that one person does not like at all can be one that someone else likes very much.

One of the main reasons for this is that different boats are designed for different purposes: boats best for cruising in shallow bay waters versus deep ocean waters, for example. Styles vary to suit different tastes: traditional versus modern design, for example. Boats that do well in around-the-buoy racing may not be so well suited to cruising. A boat built to the highest standards of quality may not suit the pocketbook of the casual weekend trailer-sailor. And the range of choices goes on and on.

To help narrow the field of choices for the reader who is eager to find the right boat to buy, and doesn't have the patience to wade through all the facts and figures on all 360 boats presented in this guide, we have (somewhat arbitrarily)

devised a hundred choices, broken into groups of a dozen or so. Are you looking for a single-masted character boat? We list thirteen of them here, from 18 to 25 feet on deck. Do you yen for a two-masted yawl or ketch? We list every one of the dozen covered in this guide. Do you prefer a custom- built boat or at least very high quality construction? We show thirteen "high-end" choices, though you could find others in these pages. We also list fifteen good cruising boats for a family of four, and another thirteen for a cruising couple without children or guests aboard. We choose fifteen round-the-buoys racers for your consideration, and a dozen blue water cruisers, including a 15-footer that has sailed from California to Hawaii (though some may not agree that such a feat qualifies such a boat for offshore work).

Although there isn't space to include photos of every boat in this book, or even the one-hundred choices listed as "best," we have dug up representative sample photos from our vast collection of boat sales brochures to include on the following pages. They are arranged in roughly alphabetical order. If you don't find a picture of the boat you're interested in, try searching Google. There's a huge cache of photos there.

Alerion Express Cat

Alerion Express Cat 19 (details on page 20) is a high-end cruiser designed, among other things, for easy trailering and ramp launching.

Sailboat Bay Cruiser

Bay Hen 21 (page 85) is a character boat that's easy to launch and trailer.

Alerion Express Cat

Beneteau First 26 (25) (page 323) will nicely accommodate a family of four for cruising.

Best Small Cruiser Sailboats

Bluejacket Motorsailer 23 (page 222) is a character boat with great comfort for cruising two.

Best Small Sailboats For Cruising

Beneteau First 235 (22) (page 152) is a good boat for a cruising couple.

Best Small Cruiser Sailboats

Blazer 23 (page 221) is a competitive racer. The author (trimming jib) is sailing here with other writers John Rousmaniere (steering) and Freeman Pittman, tech editor at Sail magazine.

Small Motorsailer Boats

Bluejacket Motorsailer 23 interior (also see to left) is particularly comfortable when cruising in rainy weather.

Bridges Point

Bridges Point 24 (page 275) is available either as a finished boat or a kit.

Cape Dory 25d

Cape Dory Typhoon 18 (19) (page 23) has enough ballast to stand up well in a blow.

1961 Sailboat

Cal 20 (page 89), produced from 1961 to 1977, is still raced in several fleets around the country.

Cape Dory 25d

Cape Dory 25D (page 330) comes close to being the ideal trailerable cruising boat.

Cape Dory 25d

Capri 26 (24) (page 282) features a cabin big enough to "drink ten."

Capri 18 (page 25) was introduced in 1985 and is still being sold today.

Cape Dory 25d

Cheoy Lee Flyer III (25) (page 334) has a Folkboat style hull.

Catalina 22 Mk I (page 157) wins the all-time popularity prize for cruising boats.

Catalina 25 (page 332) came in a great variety of configurations.

Catalina Gaff

Com-Pac 19 (page 27) was drawn by Island Packet designer Bob Johnson.

Island Packet Sailboat

Com-Pac 25 (page 336) has an unusual volume of interior space for her length.

Cornish Shrimper Sailboat

Cornish Crabber 17 (page 31) is elegantly finished on deck and below. Cornish Crabber 22 (page 164) sports a gaff cutter rig.

Oday Interiors

Cornish Crabber 24 (page 284) is a well-built gaff-rigged character boat.

Cornish Shrimper 19 (page 32), a character boat, has an elegant finish, but is short on headroom.

Interior Cornish Shrimper

Dehler 22 (page 167) has a number of high quality features.

Day Sailboat Interior Headroom

Dolphin 24 (O'Day) (page 285) was available either as a kit or as a finished boat.

Dehler 25 (23) (page 227) also uses a "slipway trolley."

Golif Sailboat

Elite 25 (24) (page 289) is fitted out in France, and features the French style of careful interior design.

Eastsail 25 (page 340) is generally built to a customer's specifications with extended offshore cruising in mind.

Golif Sailboat

ETAP 20 (page 98) is built to a high standard of quality and is unsinkable.

Golif Sailboat

ETAP 23 (22) (page 169) like other ETAP boats, she is double-skinned in a foam sandwich for flotation.

Day Sailboat Specifications

Golif 21 (page 99) from France has an unusual cabin ventilation system.

Oysterman Sailboat

Irwin 10/4 (25) (page 347), as the saying goes, can drink ten, eat six, and sleep four.

J/24 (page 294) is said to be the world's most popular one-design keelboat.

Oysterman Sailboat

La Paz 25 (page 353) features an open cockpit for deck chairs and berths for six below.

Jeanneau Bahia 23 (20) (page 106) features a clever cabin table design.

Oysterman Sailboat

Menger Oysterman 23 (page 237) Montgomery 15 (page 71) and is a character boat based on the Montgomery 17 (page 46) both have molded

Chesapeake Bay Skipjack. lapstrake hulls.

Montgomery Sailboat

Marshall Sanderling 18 (page 40) has been in production for almost fifty years, and continues to be popular.

Oysterman Sailboat

Morgan 24/25 (25) (page 358) is fast and weatherly, especially in light air.

Montgomery Sailboat

Newman Friendship Sloop 25 (page 360) conjures romantic memories of Maine fishermen.

Oysterman Sailboat

Nimble 24/25 (25) (page 361) was produced in several configurations, including both a sloop and a yawl rig.

New Moon 25 (page 379) can be fitted out to the customer's specifications.

Nimble Pilothouse Yawl

Nimble 24/25 (25) (page 361) is available as a pilothouse with six feet of headroom, great for cold weather cruising.

Morgan Sailboat

Nimble 20 (21) (page 116) features a yawl rig, rare in a boat so small.

Nonsuch 22 (page 185) was designed with the idea of elegant simplicity.

Flicka Rig

O'Day 26 (25) (page 362) is a near sistership to the O'Day 25.

Flicka Rig

Pacific Seacraft Flicka 20 (page 120) is generally considered a very high quality product, commanding a premium price in the used boat market.

Pacific Seacraft Dana

Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 (page 303) is solidly built to cruise in a bay or an ocean.

Parker Dawson Sailboat

Parker Dawson 26 (page 364) has two separate cabins, and a center cockpit enclosed in canvas can be a third.

Seacraft Enclosed

Quickstep 24 (page 306) was built by several firms, giving a choice of several accommodations plans.

Rob Roy Sailboat

Rob Roy 23 (page 246) has the makings of a classic small yacht.

Santana Sailboat

Sand Hen 24 (page 308), with lightweight spars and no shrouds, should be easy to trailer and launch.

Santana Sail Pic

Santana 20 (page 131) was a very early entry in the "sport boat" market and is still popular.

Parker Dawson Sailboat

Santana 21 (page 132), with a D/L ratio of only 86, is classified as an ultralight.

Southcoast Sailboat

Santana 22 (page 198), an ageless design, is still popular after over 40 years.

Sea Pearl 21 (page 136) is simple, light, and shallow draft, perfect for casual beach cruising.

Southcoast Sailboat

Seaward 25 (24) (page 310) has a sleek and salty look and is well built.

Plan Sailboat Sirius

Shark 24 (page 312) has done well in racing over the years.

Southcoast Sailboat

South Coast 23 (page 255) was converted to a yawl from a sloop (see photo bottom left).

Stone Horse Pictures

South Coast 23 (page 255) Stone Horse 23 (page 258) is a classic shown here was built from a kit. designed over 75 years ago.

Tanzer 22 (23) (page 259) has a strong class association that promotes both one-design racing and cruising get-togethers (two views, left and right).

Terrapin Sailboat

Terrapin 24 (25) (page 371) ^ |ike her Vancouver 25 (page 372) is well namesake, slow but comfortable. equipped for extended cruising.

Terrapin Sailboats

Vertue II 25 (page 373) is a no-nonsense heavy cruiser made for ocean passages.

Potter Sailboat

West Wight Potter 15 (page 64) has made some long distance cruises, including one from California to Hawaii.

West Wight Potter 19 (page 65) is still selling well after over thirty years of production.

Continue reading here: Authors Gallery of Photos

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Readers' Questions

What similar boat to cornish crabber 17 plans?
The Colvic Watson 25 Sailer is a similar boat to the Cornish Crabber 17. It has a traditional long keel and tiller steering. It is a roomy boat and makes a superb cruising boat for coastal and inland waters.
How is beneteau and jenneau related?
Beneteau and Jeanneau are both subsidiaries of the French group, Beneteau Group. The two brands have been part of the Beneteau Group since 2000, when Beneteau acquired Jeanneau. Both brands specialize in sailboats, motorboats, and powerboats.
Is the Com Pac sailboat considered a high end production?
No, the Com Pac sailboat is not considered a high end production boat.
What is the headroom in a dehler 25 sailboat?
The headroom in a Dehler 25 sailboat is approximately 1.85m (6 ft).
Are etap sailing boats still made?
Yes, Etap sailing boats are still made. Etap produces a wide range of sailing boat models, including the Cruiser and Cruiser Club series, the 21, 22 and 23 meters, and the Open and Weekender series. Many of the Etap sailing boats are still in production today, offering quality and innovation that continues to make them popular among sailing enthusiasts.
How many sirius 21 sailboats are still sailing?
It is difficult to accurately quantify the number of Sirus 21 sailboats that are still sailing. Most estimates place the number at around 200, though it is likely that the actual figure is higher.
Is the Sirius 21 sailboat really Unsinkable?
No. While Sirius 21 sailboats are designed to be safe and stable, no boat is truly unsinkable.
Has any one done any blue water sailing on an Eastward Ho 24' sailboat ?
No, I have not done any blue water sailing on an Eastward Ho 24' sailboat. However, I do know a few people who have owned Eastward Ho 24' sailboats, and some of them have taken them out for extended cruises, so it is possible that someone has done blue water sailing in one.
Is the rob roy 23 a bluewater boat?
No, the Rob Roy 23 is not a bluewater boat. It is more suited for inland lake and river cruising.
Is beneteau 235 unsinkable?
No, the Beneteau 235 is not unsinkable. Like all sailboats, the Beneteau 235 is susceptible to water taking on board. Water can enter the boat through a breach in the hull or through open hatches and ports.
Are compac 19 good boats?
The Compac 19 is an excellent boat that is great for short day cruises, fishing, and weekend getaways. It is often praised for its excellent maneuverability, easy handling, and low maintenance cost. The boat features a functional and reliable design, making it an attractive choice for both recreational and commercial use. Additionally, the Compac 19 has a spacious cabin, large cockpit, and ample storage for overnight trips.
How to rig sirius 21 sailboat?
Rigging a Sirius 21 sailboat is a straightforward process, but it should be done carefully to ensure the safety of the boat and its crew. Attach the mainsail halyard to the handle at the top of the mast and thread it through the mast sheave. Attach the spinnaker halyard, also known as the topping lift, to the aft side of the mast and thread it through the mast sheave. Attach the jib halyard to the clew of the jib and thread it through the mast sheave. Attach the mainsheet to the end of the boom, then attach the boom vang and the outhaul to the boom. Attach the jib sheet to the clew of the jib and run it through the pulley at the base of the mast. Attach the main and jib traveler lines to the tracks on the deck and thread them through the blocks at the mast base. Attach the mainsail to the mast and boom and the jib to the fore stay. Attach the main tack to the clew and then attach the clew to the boom. Attach the jib tack and clew to the forestay. Finally, attach all of the running rigging lines and adjust the tension as needed.
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Catamaran vs Monohull: Pros, Cons & Main Differences

By: B.J. Porter Editor

Catamaran Vs. Monohull

The choice of catamaran vs monohull ultimately comes down to preference. What’s critical for one buyer may mean little to another. If your partner refuses to set foot on a boat which heels, that’s a deal-breaker for a monohull. But if you’re passionate about classic looks and styling, your quest for beauty may override other considerations and rule out catamarans.

We can’t tell you whether a catamaran or a monohull is right for you. But we can help you with the pros and cons of each for your search.

Catamaran vs Monohull

The Strengths and Pros

No matter your choice of monohull or catamaran, there are safe, comfortable, and excellent sailing boats of both types. Neither has an exclusive lock on any strength, and both sail safely and comfortably. But there’s a different emphasis on how they do it. No matter what you are trying to do – sail fast, cruise the world, or just host a crowd at the dock, there are monohulls and catamarans that can work for any requirement.

Catamaran advantages

Catamaran advantages

Space and comfort: Two hulls and a wide beam make a very stable platform with lots of volume in the saloon and cockpit. Most living space is above the waterline, with wonderful light and airflow. Cabins in the hulls offer better privacy and isolation, usually with standing headroom.

Straight line speed: Most catamarans are faster in straight-line sailing speed (1) that similar sized or even longer monohulls. Without a lead keel, they’re lighter, so more driving force from the sails converts to speed, and narrower hull forms may have less drag than wide hulls with deep keels. Some heavier cruising catamarans may not be faster, especially if they keep rig size small for ease of handling.

Stability : The beam of two hulls with a bridge deck leads to much higher stability and resistance to roll (2). Waves in an anchorage that induce violent roll in a monohull may make a catamaran bounce or bob. Under sail, catamarans do not heel appreciably even when powered up.

Twin engines. : With one engine in forward and balanced in reverse, most catamarans can spin in a circle in place and make sharp adjustments to the boat’s direction. If you have an engine failure, you also have a second engine, giving a safety edge when you can’t sail. 

Monohull advantages

Monohull advantages

Upwind sailing performance: While catamarans have the edge at straight-line speed, monohulls sail closer to the wind. When you’re racing or you have to sail upwind to get to the next island, this can get you there faster.

Sailing feel and responsiveness : The “feel” of sailing a monohull is much better. With a single hull, you’ll feel wind pressure and trim adjustments immediately for a more responsive helm and a better ability to sail to the wind.

Maneuvering under sail: Monohulls are quite nimble tacking and turning under sail, and there’s less risk of slow or missed tacks.

Righting Moment: The primary offshore safety argument for monohulls is their ability to right when capsized. The heavy keel keeps the boat deck up when sailing, and most monohulls will come back upright even after a complete capsize.

Cargo and Loading: A higher displacement boat with thousands of pounds of lead hung from the bottom isn’t going to be as affected by loading as a relatively light multihull.

Aesthetics: This is subjective, as many catamaran enthusiasts love how they look. Classic sailboat styling, with swept sleek looks, springy sheer lines, and all the “right” proportions are more common on monohulls.

Also read: The 5 Best Electric Anchor Winches

Weaknesses and Cons

Like strengths, weaknesses are relative; just because one class has a strength doesn’t mean the other doesn’t. There are spacious monohulls and beautiful catamarans, just like there are cramped catamarans and unattractive monohulls. The differences have to be highlighted relative to each other, and the weaknesses of one are most apparent compared to the strengths of the other.

Catamaran Cons

Catamaran Cons

Upwind performance: Cats don’t sail as close to the wind, but they make up for it by sailing faster off the wind. You’ll sail a less direct course upwind. Even if you get in at the same time, you’ll have to sail farther.

Less responsive sailing: Two hulls with two rudders and a very broad platform reduce the helm feel when sailing, cutting responsiveness sailing in shifting wind and wave conditions. It also makes tacking slower.

No-flip zone: It is very difficult, but not impossible, to flip a large catamaran (3). But if a catamaran capsizes, it will not flip back over by itself.

Large in marina/close quarters: You have two problems in marinas. Beamy cats are tough to maneuver in tight spaces because they’re big and visibility is tough over the hulls. And many marinas charge extra because the wide beam extends into the next slip. The good news is that twin engines make tight maneuvering easier.

Price point: Catamarans are more difficult to build and need more materials. This is directly reflected in the cost of the boats.

Monohull Cons

They are heavier: Every large monohull needs a keel for stability (4). They can not sail or stay upright without thousands of pounds of ballast, and this makes them heavier and slows them down. Tiny monohulls can use a centerboard or daggerboard for stability, but most boats big enough to sleep on need ballast.

Darker interiors : Most monohull living space is lower in the boat, where you can’t put enormous windows for light and circulation. It’s very hard to get space as bright and airy as catamaran saloons.

Less living space: With one hull and no bridge deck saloon, most monohulls feel cramped compared to spacious catamarans.

More prone to rolling motions : Only one hull makes monohulls susceptible to rolling in waves, and the movement can be quite uncomfortable.

Heeling: Tipping is just part of sailing monohulls upwind and is unavoidable. It can be reduced on some other points of sail, but not eliminated. Many people, especially non-sailors and new sailors, find this movement uncomfortable or distressing.

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Power Catamarans vs Sail Catamarans, What’s the Right Choice For You?

Sail and power catamarans are both great boats with distinct advantages. To choose what is best for you, think about how you will be using the boat. The good news is they both work with our Business Yacht Ownership ® program.

Sail Catamarans

Sail Catamaran : Power Catamarans vs Sail Catamarans

  • Sailboats are better if you want to follow the sun or do longer range cruising.
  • With the right prop and engine, sailboats can do 9-10 knots and are very sea-worthy. They provide comfort at sea. If you just feel like laying back and relaxing, you can almost forget the mast is there. But, when the conditions are ideal, you will be able to sail. New designs and technological advancements make sail handling easier than ever.
  • Sailboats are quiet and promote socialization. Generally, they can handle more guests at a time, whether they are socializing or sleeping.
  • Sailboats cost less per cubic ft. of volume. The Helia 44 has as much or more room/volume than the Cumberland 47.

Power Catamarans

Power Catamarans: Power Catamarans vs Sail Catamarans

  • They have low clearance. If your cruising plans involve a bridge with height restrictions, a power boat may be the better option.
  • A properly, dedicated purpose catamaran powerboat gives significantly better speed and range than a comparable monohull powerboat.
  • The Fountaine Pajot Motor Yacht offers the exceptional characterics of the catamaran platform, giving you a very comfortable ride and virtually eliminating rolling at anchor.
  • The Fountaine Pajot Power cat is less expensive to run than a monohull and can compete with the economy of a trawler. The power cat also offers the efficiency of the hull, which allows you to go faster when you need to (up to 22 knots or so). This is not possible under normal conditions with a trawler or sailing cat.

Learn more about power catamarans

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Cat rig VS. Sloop

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For a strictly pleasure day boat for use in the midwest where light winds are the norm, which is better? Does the cat rig work well enough? Does the sloop rig have a big advantage if sail area is kept pretty close on both rigs?  

JohnRPollard

What size boat are we talking about? If you are talking about a daysailer or dinghy, and don't plan to race, the catboat would probably be fine. Usually you can eek more sailing performance out of a sloop rig, at the cost of increased complexity. On a larger boat that extra performance is usually worth the effort.  

WouldaShoulda

If I were sailing solo, I'd go cat. The Sturdee cat is as cool as they come!! Sailing with two, the Catalina 16.5 or similar would do!!  

Faster

Agree with JRP that you need to provide a term of reference.. that question vis-a-viv a 20 footer or a 40 footer is going to have different answers.  

tommays

Well i can say in general they go down wind VERY well as they can put there full sail area out very easy But the down side is the upwind ability they give up  

Delirious

I am getting ready to rebuild this little Puffer. I am fixing everything with proper repairs. In another thread here I asked about mast length and weight. Minimum full sized sail area using that mast, a shorter boom, and the small jib sail is going to be equal to the spec main and genoa pretty close. The response seems to be that is going a little too far. Since I have to do a little glass work, and I need to put a new step in place, I considered moving it forward and going to a cat rig with a single sail somewhere between, or even a rig like Delirious has in the picture. Puffer 12' 6" boat. Sweet looking boat by the way!  

CrazyRu

I bought a 1955 Y-flyer a few days back. It is in pretty bad shape with rot of some kind. I would almost say time has had it's way. Anyway, I got it mainly for the trailer, but the sails and mast came with it. Another person locally has a hull that needs repairs but is servicable maybe. I have to go look at it Monday. . The Puffer is for me to play with and learn on. The new mast is strong enough, but I keep bouncing between just changing the mast and sewing sails to fit the new rig, or changing it around to be a simple fishing relaxation type boat. I have a confession! The speed thing may be getting to me! This picture of the Puffer with a 2 foot bowsprit and a full 9' foot on the main using a boat length boom or a touch better. Fairlead slides, a traveler, cunningham, and a boom vang seem to creep into the vision when I am looking in that direction. BFS may be contageous! When thinking the other way, a simple cat rig sounds nice for simple day trips of just a few hours where relaxing with a lure bumping behind the boat . PS: the Y-flyer came with a fiberglass layup of the bottom hull of a Y-flyer where someone had started to build one sometime in the past. It was turned upside down protecting the old boat from the weather. Wait and see the questions when it is time for that project!  

Sailing speed is not necessarily a bad thing. Whenever my wife & I have owned a "larger" boat (27 to 34 feet) we've also owned a smaller open boat of 17 to 19 feet. There's something about hiking out a few feet over the water that is lacking in a larget cockpit. I can tell you a 17 foot Thistle charging on a reach at 12 knots is a life-affirming experience. Equivalent to running up a motorcycle over 100 mph. Larger boats are just as exhilirating at times, but it's just not the same. It just comes down to everyone needs at least two sailboats ;-)  

This question was answered today when I was able to retrieve the original mast and standing rig. Now I need to make a boom up. Ordering the correct gooseneck tomorrow I hope. My nephew is working on his first attempt to copy the old jib off the 16 foot dinghy. We both figure it is going to take several attempts to figure that out! I have three jib sails that should work on the Puffer. I still need a main sail. Hopefully by spring that will be taken care of. We are using a very old pattern that seems to have always had a slide or a bolt rope slot to make these first sails. The stretch pattern of the material we are using is closer to canvas than it is to dacron. I am not sure if this pattern will work as well for a loose footed sail, but i suspect that is how the Puffer will end up rigged. If the cloth isn't stiff enough, he has the ability to laminate it. I wish I could get sailcut to work so I could cut full sized panel patterns as we go. Without, we are going to be working from the old sails.  

seamountie

Why you don't see Cat-rigs Why a cat rig isn't seen in the America's Cup is the same reason you don't see a catamaran...either outright not allowed or so heavily penalized as to be not worth the effort. Watch for them in unlimited racing, particularly ketch and schooner rigged. Have a search for Magi Noir (Black Magic if you are interested). Unfortunately it couldn't get enough sponsorship to compete, but the specs were real good. Sloop rigs are most prevalent because of racing ratings. Cats end up being penalized quite heavily. Your typical daysail cat rig isn't going to compete, to weather anyway, with sloops who's heritage is racing. Compare it to a purely cruising sloop, and it compares very favourably, and is generally easier to handle.  

tdw

Weatherhelm ?  

I'm still undecided over single hull sloop or going with a catamaran for a cruiser. I like cats, but from what I've read is that they need to be at least 40' to be safe on open water. I'd really hate to deal with a knockdown in a large cat. At least a monohull will generally un-turtle themselves (provided they don't flood).  

sailingdog

BS. There are a lot of catamarans smaller than 40' LOA that have proven themselves in making ocean passages. The main cause of capsize in a cruising size multihull is human error. If sailed properly, the risk of capsize is quite low. The risk of losing a keel or rudder on a monohull is higher than that of capsizing a cruising catamaran, provided you're sailing it properly.  

AdamLein

When did this thread start being about catamarans?  

It was probably just a matter of time..... Now look here chaps......please read thread before jumping in...... It's a multi hull thing really......mention (good heavens my tabby cat got the blue pencil) and they think you are talking about them. Total egotists the lot of them.  

Jeff_H

As I read through this thread, a couple things jumped out at me. First of all, the thread starts out as a general theoretical design question comparing sloop vs cat rigs . Then it migrates to a very specific question about converting a specific design from a sloop to a cat rig. And then it does a non-sequitor and becomes as a discussion of catamarrans vs mono-hulls and ultimately ends up as a discussion of the egos of felines, and multi-hull and feline lovers. Cheez Louise.......You just have to wonder about this place sometimes. Anyway, back to the original question, in steady state, moderate to low speed wind conditions a single sail is generally more efficient than multiple sails. But we don't sail in steady state conditions. we sail at a variety of angles to the winds, with gradient winds that require twist to the sails, in ambient winds that increase and decrease in speed, which is then complicated by the impact of apparent wind and velocity shifting, and so on. And in these variable conditions, the multiple sails of a sloop allow us to adapt to the changing boat and wind speed and direction not just for performance, but to balance the helm, reduce heeling, deal with waves or current and so on. This can be done on a catboat as well, but not as efficiently. Its important to understand that the primary drive in a sail comes from its leading edge and not from its sail area. Increasing sail area without increasing leading edge will increase speed on a beam reach to a run, but does comparatively little for the boat upwind. If we compare a sloop to a catboat of equal mast height, the added luff length of the jib can mean that the sloop will have an extra 60% to 100% more leading edge over the cat. That is significant when close reaching to going upwind. Of course you can increase the length of the mast on the cat rig in order to equal that of the sloop, but when you do you raise the vertical center of gravity making the cat rigged boat a lot more prone to heeling for an equal sail area and luff length. Some catboats try to equal the sail area of the sloop while maintaining an equal mast height to the sloop by going to quadralateral sails (gaff or lug rigs). This helps a lot on reaches and runs but adds drag and so hurts windward performance. The other advantage of the sloop over cat is the ability to maintain luff length while reducing sail area in higher windspeeds. What happens with a performance oriented sloop is that it will have several headsails that it can employ. These headsails are typically of different overlap and flatness, but they mostly all have similar luff lengths. Because of the ability to control headstay sag over a range of conditions, the fullness of any individual jib can be varied with the conditions as well. Because you can pick the right jib for the conditions, the sloop also offers practical advantage over a catboat which can only alter mainsail shape, and reef to deal with changes in windspeed. More than any other single reason, this flexibility in adapting to changes in windspeed is the reason that larger racing sailboats are sloops and not catboats. The massive inherent upwind inefficiencies of multi-mast rigs is the reason that modern race boats are typically not ketches, yawls or schooners. Which gets us to the second part of the question, What is the best rig for a puffer, which is the one that I suspect that the original poster had in mind when he started this. For their day, Puffers were a nice design all around. They came with a very efficient sloop rig and I would suspect that converting one to a catboat, even with a taller mast, and greater sail area, one would give up a certain amount of performance particularly at the upper and lower ends of the wind range. Its not because of any theoretical advantage that a sloop may have, but more about the physical properties of the puffer itself. As to the felines, and multi-hull and feline lovers, go find your own thread. Respectfully, Jeff  

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Practical Sailor Reviews Seven Performance-Sailing Dinghies

Agile, fun boats like the classic sunfish and new hobie bravo keep the smile in summer sailing..

sailboat vs cat

Photos by Ralph Naranjo

Messing around in small boats is a global theme-one thats embraced by pond-bound pram sailors, river riders, lake voyagers, and all of us who call salt water home. The purpose of this sailing dinghy profile is to highlight seven very interesting little sailboats. Some are new designs, and others have stood the test of time, but all are currently being manufactured, and each drives home just how much fun sailing close to the water can be.

This isn’t a shootout among anorexic speedsters or a report on the best tender that doubles as a sailing dinghy. Its a look at perennials like the Optimist, Sunfish, and Laser-legendary competitors that have helped spawn some of the best sailors in the world. But its also a look at three of the newest entries in the dinghy-sailing circle: Bics Open, Hobies Bravo, and Laser Performances Bug. These agile, new sailing dinghies are chock full of fun and boat-handling features to inspire kids of all ages to go sailing.

Well also take a look at Chesapeake Light Crafts kit approach to getting started-one that offers meaningful lessons and tangible rewards well before the boat ever hits the water.

Scale down an Open 60, add sail technology long favored by windsurfers, and put it into play in a tough thermo-formed hull, and you have the makings for a new kind of watercraft. The result is a very interesting blend of performance and reliability that targets adolescent interest. When all is said and done, Bics boat is more akin to a sit-down windsurfer than a traditional Blue Jay. And like all good boats, its vying for attention not just based on performance, construction quality, and style, but just as importantly, on the price tag stuck to the hull.

The Open Bics light weight and wide, flat stern section means that even small chop can be surfed; and bursts of planing on a reach add a zing factor to dinghy sailing. The Open Bic is already an International Sailing Federation (ISAF)-sanctioned class, and fleets are developing around the US. Another bonus: Its an easily portable boat that can be carried like a windsurfer, adding excitement to a Sunday picnic at the beach.

The thermo-formed polyethylene hull is a modified hard-chine design with lots of beam aft. Sailed flat, the boat is agile enough to surf wavelets, and with a shape thats ergonomically friendly to hiking, the ensuing heel on the upwind leg puts just the right amount of chine into the water. In light air, careful control of heel can significantly reduce wetted surface.

The design team that developed the Open Bic saw it as a transition bridge from Optimist sailing to a more performance-oriented dinghy. An interesting innovation is that the Open Bic can be sailed with an Optimists rig and blades. This buy the hull only approach can be a significant incentive for parents with children outgrowing their Opti as fast as their boat shoes. However it wont be long before the kids want the fully turbo-charged feel delivered with the Open Bics well-shaped 4.5-square-meters rig, sail, and nicely foiled blades.

Bottom line: The Open Bic is fast, agile, and buckets of fun for kids uninspired by sailing in the slow lane.

Just when you think that Hobie Cat Co. has covered whats possible in beach-cat innovation, their design/engineering crew comes up with a new twist that reinvents the wheel. The Hobie Bravo is a good case in point.

In a recent visit to Backyard Boats ( www.backyardboats.com ) in Annapolis, Md., we got a good look at the Bravo. Nearly as narrow as a monohull but still quite stable, this quick-to-launch beach cat packs plenty of get-up-and-go. Its a simple to sail, entry-level boat that fast tracks learning the steer, sheet, and hike trilogy. The boat features a single, midline rudder and roto-molded hulls. The shape of the hulls provides enough lateral plane to allow a crew to make headway to windward.

The narrow (4 feet), 12-foot Bravo uses crew weight and hiking straps to add to the righting moment once the breeze is up. Whats done with webbing on larger cats has been converted to a shallow, rigid deck well on the Bravo. It does raise the weight of the boat to 195 pounds, but it offers comfortable seating plus room for cushions and a cooler. Kids or grown ups can have a Tom Sawyer-Huck Finn type of adventure aboard this fun little sailing machine. Or the family on a beach picnic can set it up and take turns speed reaching along a sandy shoreline.

The furling mast supports a roachy sail with slightly slanted vertical battens, helping to shape the boomless mainsail. The result is convenient sail handling, decent performance, and superior safety. Theres no boom to clobber the crew, and the roller-furled sail and mast are easily stepped in the tripod-like receiver. This interesting set of struts raises the top bearing point of the mast step and spreads rig loads out to the hulls. The furling mainsail offers the ability to reef, a big plus in a building breeze or when teaching children to sail.

Like all of the boats in the Hobie lineup, theres a wide range of specialty parts and fittings that make the boats fast to rig and easy to handle. The kick-up rudder is hung on gudgeons mounted in the center of stern, and just as rig loads have been effectively spread via the tripod step, the energy radiating from the large rudder is spread athwartships via a contoured deck element.

Bottom line: The boat is quick to rig, easy to launch, and responsive to beginners-more experienced sailors will have just as much fun power reaching when the breeze is up.

The Bug

A pocket-sized club trainer, the Bug is an evolution of the kids trainer/club racer that leverages lessons learned in Optis, Dyers, and Sabots. It pulls together the logic of a stable hull shape and simple-to-sail rig, and puts it all in a cost-effective package.

Lending to its success is designer Jo Richardss ergonomic, roto-molded hull, a fabrication that is as close to zero maintenance as a boat can get. The straight out-of-the-mold polyethylene skin gets a few decals, and theres no wood to refinish or gelcoat to wax. These tough, abrasion-resistant hulls have a bumper boat tolerance thats a big plus when it comes to kids learning to sail. Best of all, owners can start with a learn-to-sail rig and upgrade to a more performance-oriented mast and sail package (41 or 56 square feet) that kicks performance into the fast lane.

Oars and an outboard motor bracket can be added to turn the little sailboat into a dual-purpose dinghy. Even the bow painters means of attachment makes sense-no projecting hardware ready to knick the topsides of unintended contacts. Instead, theres a recessed hole in the stem allowing a line to be lead through and a knot used to keep the painter in place.

Bottom line: Aimed at club programs and families look for boats that can be transported on the car top, the Bug is easy to rig and definitely kid friendly. The fact that its manufacturer, Laser Performance, is an international interest and a major player in the performance dinghy industry means that this boat and its parts will be around for a while.

Hobie Bravo

Photo courtesy of Hobie Cat Co.

Eastport Pram

Chesapeake Light Craft expedites boatbuilding for do-it-yourselfers looking to take their garage-built boats for a sail. The company pre-cuts parts, packs kits with all the materials, epoxy, and paint youll need, and leads homebuilders through a thoroughly detailed stitch-and-glue approach to assembly. Kits are available in various stages of completeness, ranging from plans only to the full package, including sail, hardware, running rigging, and paint.

The Eastport Pram is just shy of 8 feet, and the marine plywood and epoxy construction delivers a boat that weighs in, sans sailing rig, at just 62 pounds. Lighter than the comparatively sized Bug, this stiff, durable dinghy, rows like a real boat and sails comfortably with one or two aboard. In keeping with other good tender attributes, the Pram behaves under tow and is equally amicable when propelled by a small outboard or tacked up an estuary under sail.

Kit boatbuilding continues to have a niche following. Theres also an added-value feature worth noting: On one hand, the builder receives a box of pieces and the result of his or her endeavor leads to an aesthetic and utilitarian dinghy. In addition, the DIY skills the builder develops will be useful in other epoxy bonding, brightwork, or mono-urethane application projects. Such talents will benefit many other boat maintenance endeavors.

Whats hard to quantify is the sense of accomplishment derived from sailing a boat that you have built yourself. When the project is tackled in tandem with a child, spouse, or friend, the memories and the boat will last.

Bottom line: With neither sidedecks or a sealed hull, this is not a boat thats easy to recover from a capsize. So once the kids favor on-the-edge sailing in a building breeze, a non swamping, easier-righting boat is probably a better option. The Pram can then be put to use by their appreciative parents or grandparents.

Never in their wildest dreams did Bruce Kirby and Ian Bruce imagine that the Weekender (the Lasers original name) was destined to become an Olympic class sailboat and one of the most popular springboards for top-tier sailors in the world today. Originally envisioned as a car-topper for weekend campers, the cat-rigged, low freeboard sailing dinghy morphed from its original roots into a boat favored by college competitors and revered by generations of agile sailors of all ages. Even frostbiting winter sailors have locked onto the Laser.

Chesapeake Light Craft

Designed in 1969, the Lasers first few years were anything but smooth sailing. Popularity grew quickly, but along with the limelight came plenty of consternation. Dubbed a surfboard not a sailboat by a growing cross-section of the yachting elite-many parents warned junior sailors to steer as clear of Lasers as they did sex, drugs and rock-n-roll. The campaign failed, and junior sailors in yacht club programs around the country fell into the grip of the new one-design dinghy-discovering the sailboats proclivity to plane.

one-design Laser

Dyer Dhows languished in boat sheds across the country as a new theme in sailing took hold. Dubbed fast is fun by sailor/engineer Bill Lee, the young Merlin of Santa Cruz, Calif., took the theme to big-boat sailing, merging California culture with the Laser logic of light displacement and planing hull shapes.

Best of all, the Laser embraced the ideal of a tightly controlled one-design class that put people on the water in identical boats and left winning and losing races up to sailing skill and tactics rather than a boats performance edge. For decades, the boat has been the single-handed sailors choice among junior sailing programs, and with the addition of the Radial, 4.7 and M rigs, smaller competitors have also found the boat to be a great sailing platform. Today, theres some lawyer saber-rattling over the sale of the design rights, but the boat remains more popular than ever.

The sleeved sail, two-part spar, daggerboard, and kick-up rudder make the boat a quick-to-rig and fast-to-get underway dinghy. Light-air efficiency is good for a one-design sailboat, but this means that as the breeze builds, the non-reefable sail can become a handful in a hurry. In fact, the boats Dr. Jekyll-and-Mr. Hyde demeanor is what builds talent among Laser practitioners. The big boys block the mainsail and blast off for the layline, while lighter sailors heavy-weather tactics include more nuanced de-powering and feathering. In light air, the tables turn, and the winner is often the sailor who planes quickest on the reaches. The old guards surfboard slam may have held some credence after all.

Bottom line: The Laser is a timeless classic thats easily transported and is built for performance. Its well suited to adrenaline-seeking teens as well as the more fit adult crowd.

Designed in 1947 by Floridian Clark Mills, the utilitarian Optimist could be made out of two sheets of plywood-and from its inception, the Optimist was meant to link kids with the water. Slipping into obscurity in the U.S., the little pram found fertile ground to grow in northern Europe. With just a few tweaks, the Scandinavians took Millss lines and parlayed them into whats become the favored junior sailing trainer for kids from Detroit to Timbuktu. Statistics show that there are about 30 builders worldwide putting out approximately 4,000 boats each year. With about 130,000 boats class registered and an estimated 300,000 total hulls built (amateur and pro), theres plenty of reasons to get excited about an Opti.

Performance boats

The example weve chosen is the USA-built McLaughlin boat, both a demonstration of high-quality FRP construction and modern manufacturing techniques. Its also a boat that can be purchased in a range of performance-inducing iterations-upgrades designated as club, intermediate, advanced, and professional versions. Like all performance sailboats, stiffness and strength-to-weight ratio is important. But class rules include a minimum weight, so the most competitive hulls meet the mandatory lower limit but use good engineering and building technique to reinforce the daggerboard slot and mast step and produce overall stiffness.

Sunfish

The low mast height and high aspect ratio sprit sail is very versatile, affording young (and small, 65 to 130 pounds) sailors a wide window of decent performance. The flat bottom, slab-sided hull is responsive to crew weight-driven trim changes, and the better the sailor, the more agile they become. Light-air performance is all about minimizing wetted surface and maximizing sail area projection. When the breeze starts to kick up, the sailor becomes the ballast, and the art of hiking, sheet handling, and tiller wiggling come into play.

Under careful adult supervision, two 6- to 8-year-olds can double-hand the friendly little dinghy, or one more-confident child can solo sail it. In fact, introducing kids to sailing with similar proportioned small prams has been a right of passage around for decades. A set of oarlock gudgeons can turn the pram into a functional dinghy thats also adaptable to the smaller Torqeedo outboard (www.torqeedo.com).

McLaughlin also markets a Roto-molded polyethylene version of the Opti and sells DIY kits for those who want to create their own wood version.

Bottom line: The Opti is like a first bicycle without the need for training wheels. The fact that at the last Olympics, over 80 percent of the winning sailors had gotten their start in an Optimist speaks well to the value of messing around in this particular dinghy.

Open Bic

Designed in 1951 by ice boaters Alexander Bryan and Cortland Heyniger, the hard chine Sunfish was the prototype board boat. In 1959, it made the transition into fiberglass, and over the following half-century, more than a quarter-million hulls would hit the water. Simplicity and decent sailing attributes combined with an attractive price to make the Sunfish the most popular one-design dinghy ever raced.

Far more than a platform for racers, these boats are an excellent training tool for sailors of all ages. Also built by Laser Performance, they reflect the fun of summer and put sailors in close contact with the water on which they sail. Its no surprise that the larger fleets coincide with warm water and many see going for a swim to be part and parcel of the low-freeboard experience.

The lateen rig is in keeping with the overall design concept and simplifies rigging. A short stub of a mast is stepped and a single halyard hoists the sail along with tilting V-shaped upper and lower booms.

The total sail area is nearly the same as the Laser, but the halyard hoist versatility of the lateen rig make it a handy beach boat and a little less daunting when the wind begins to build. The clean sail shape on one tack and deformation caused by the mast on the other tack are a slight drawback. The Laser rig is more efficient, but when caught out in a squall, its nice to be able to ease the halyard and dump the sail. Its also handy to be able to leave the boat tethered to a mooring, and the doused sail and short mast make it possible.

Multiple generations of sailors are often found sailing Sunfish, and the boat represents one of the best bargains to be found in the used boat market. When considering a pre owned boat, the potential buyer needs to take a close look at the daggerboard-to-hull junction and mast step, points where previous damage can create hard-to-fix leaks.

Bottom line: The Sunfish is a great beach boat that can turn a hot afternoon into a fun-filled water experience.

There were no losers in this group, and picking winners and runners-up proved a difficult task. The outcome had to be based on assumptions about how these boats would be used. For example, parents with a competitive 9-year-old who swims like a fish, always sprints for the head of the lunch line, and likes to steal bases in Little League probably have an Opti racer in the making. Less competitive junior sailors-future cruisers in the making-will do better learning aboard a Bug. Many newly formed sailing clubs target the boat as their trainer of choice.

The Bravo holds plenty of appeal for those with a lakeside cottage or a favored campground destination. Whether its a solo sail just before sunset or a fun race on Sunday, the quick to set up and put away features are a plus, and for those who feel that two hulls are better-the Bravo will hold plenty of appeal.

Serious competitors can campaign a Laser for life, and whether youre headed for a local district regatta or getting ready for the Olympic trials, the hull, rig, and sail remains identical-sort of like the Monaco Grand Prix being raced in a street legal Mustang.

Bic Opens new little speedster tickled our fancy, and as a trainer/performance boat crossover, it drew a strong nod of approval. Watching the junior sailors smiles as they sailed their Open Bics endorsed our opinion.

And if there is any boat that defines the essence of summer, the Sunfish takes the prize.

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  1. Catamaran vs Monohull

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  3. Sailboat vs. Catamaran: What’s the Difference? I Sebastus

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  4. Maine Coon Cat Helps His Deaf Dad Sail Around The World

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  5. Sailing with a Cat: Everything You Need to Know

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COMMENTS

  1. Catamaran vs. Monohull Sailboats

    When it comes to catamaran vs. monohull, there are two schools of thought that always prompt impassioned debates as to which one is much better. ... If everything including length remains the same, a catamaran is about 30% faster than a monohull. A cat can sail at half the speed of wind but this will, of course, upon the angle of the wind. It ...

  2. Catamarans Vs. Monohulls: Choosing The Right Boat

    In fact, if you multiply a cat's length times 1.25, you'll get the approximate equivalent space of a monohull. (Example: a 40-foot cat has the approximate room of a 50-foot monohull.) Large open cockpits provide nice outdoor social areas for crowds and there's more shelter if it rains so a cat is a good cold or hot weather option.

  3. 10 Great Cruising Cats

    Lagoon 440. If your main consideration is maximizing volume in a cruising cat, the Lagoon 440 should by default be at the top of your list. For this same reason, this cat has proven to be one of the most successful charter and cruising multihulls of all time. The boat can be found in two configurations.

  4. Catamaran vs. Sailboat

    Handling and manoeuvring. The catamaran consists of two hulls, twin engines and two rudders. Sails are similar to those on the sailboat. Due to a short keel, the catamaran has a shallow draft. The construction of the catamaran makes it move faster and, above all, with better stability than a monohull vessel. The experience of real sailing on a catamaran is impoverished by typical heeling and ...

  5. 17 Sailboat Types Explained: How To Recognize Them

    one mast. triangular mainsail (called a Bermuda sail) a foresail (also called the jib) fore-and-aft rigged. medium-sized (12 - 50 ft) Fore-and-aft rigged just means "from front to back". This type of rigging helps to sail upwind. Any sailboat with one mast and two sails could still be a sloop.

  6. Cat vs Mono

    As a catamaran owner I'm biased, but the Bumfuzzle articles about cat vs monohull didn't compare apples to apples, in my opinion. His catamaran was 35′-we've been on a bunch of those and the difference between a 35′ Wildcat catamaran from the early 00's and a 2009 Lagoon 380 (ours) is enormous.

  7. Monohull vs Cat: A Debate for the Ages

    1. SAFETY. Mike Kiely: Catamarans are very stable and have natural buoyancy, making them unsinkable. Yes, they can capsize in a bad accident, but it's better to be rescued floating on the water's surface than sinking to the bottom in a monohull. Plus, moving around on a flat deck is much safer than on a deck at an angle.

  8. Catamaran vs. Monohull: We Changed, Should You?

    7. Shallow Draft Equals Better Anchorages. Catamarans have significantly shallower drafts than monohulls, allowing for safer anchorages closer to shore. Most catamarans in the 40-ft to 50-ft range draw between 3-ft to 4.5-ft, so they can anchor in places that a monohulls can not even consider.

  9. Guide to Understanding Sail Rig Types (with Pictures)

    Cat. The cat is the simplest sail plan and has one mast with one sail. It's easy to handle alone, so it's very popular as a fishing boat. Most (very) small sailboats are catboats, like the Sunfish, and many Laser varieties. But it has a limited sail area and doesn't give you the control and options you have with more sails.

  10. Cat Rigged Sailboat

    AFAIK, The pros and cons: Pros of a catboat: - Shallow draft. - Easy to sail - just one sail, tack by just turning the wheel - tiller. - Fast downwind with the large sail. Cons of a catboat. -Pointing ability - can't point high, don't go upwind well. Barry. Hi Guys, I saw a Seaward cat rigged sail boat on Dillon lake a while ago.

  11. Catamaran vs Monohull: Why the Cat is Better for Your Sailing

    These 6 key factors decide the catamaran vs monohull debate. Find out why the catamaran is the best option for your next sailing trip. These 6 key factors decide the catamaran vs monohull debate. ... (which can be used as a warning that you are overpressed), you need to be more vigilant in a cat about reducing sail/reefing early. Capsizing is ...

  12. Set Sail with Confidence: Expert Advice on Catboat Sailing

    A catboat is a sailboat with a single sail, set on a mast that is located near the bow of the boat. The sail on a catboat is typically a gaff rig sail, which means it has a four-sided sail with a spar called a gaff, extending out from the top of the mast. This type of sail design allows for easy handling, as the sail is relatively simple to ...

  13. One Hundred Choices for the Best Small Cruiser

    Alerion Express Cat 19* (20) Bluejacket Motorsailer 23 (222) Freedom 25 (24) (291) Tanzer 22 (23) (259) ETAP 20 (98) Stone Horse 23 (258) ... many more than one hundred choices for the "best" small cruising sailboat. In fact, there are 360 choices reported in this guide alone, and at least a few boats beyond those, on which we failed to find ...

  14. Catamaran vs Monohull: Pros, Cons & Main Differences

    Upwind performance: Cats don't sail as close to the wind, but they make up for it by sailing faster off the wind. You'll sail a less direct course upwind. Even if you get in at the same time, you'll have to sail farther. Less responsive sailing: Two hulls with two rudders and a very broad platform reduce the helm feel when sailing, cutting responsiveness sailing in shifting wind and wave ...

  15. Power Catamarans vs Sail Catamarans, What's the Right Choice For You?

    Sail catamarans have many benefits that make them wonderful boats. Sailboats are better if you want to follow the sun or do longer range cruising. With the right prop and engine, sailboats can do 9-10 knots and are very sea-worthy. They provide comfort at sea. If you just feel like laying back and relaxing, you can almost forget the mast is there.

  16. Herreshoff Cat Ketch 31

    Halsey Herreshoff is unclear about dates or specifics, but he confirms what printed sail plans show, that the total working sail area of his H-31 grew from an original 403 sq. ft. to a subsequent 466 sq. ft. At the same time, the displacement shrunk from 8,640 pounds to 7,560 pounds.

  17. Cat rig VS. Sloop

    452 posts · Joined 2007. #8 · Oct 10, 2008. I believe that cat rig is more efficient than a sloop if everything else is equal. Properly designed cat boat is as fast or faster than similar sized sloop. If we are talking small boat/daysailer, there is no single reason to have two sails unless one wants to keep crew busy.

  18. Practical Sailor Reviews Seven Performance-Sailing Dinghies

    The low mast height and high aspect ratio sprit sail is very versatile, affording young (and small, 65 to 130 pounds) sailors a wide window of decent performance. The flat bottom, slab-sided hull is responsive to crew weight-driven trim changes, and the better the sailor, the more agile they become.

  19. MiniCat vs. Smartkat vs. Hobie Cat

    Red Beard Sailing is a premier distributor for XCAT, MiniCat, ROWonAIR, Happy Cat, Grabner, and Takacat. Independently owned, Red Beard Sailing is your one-stop-shop for mini catamaran, small catamaran boats, inflatable dinghies, sailing accessories, & more. (410) 705-5026 Please feel free to contact us, day or night. If we are up and awake we ...

  20. Power Cat vs Sailing Cat

    Re: Power Cat vs Sailing Cat. Bruce K your progression seems right in line. Very good point, less time available for cruising, power would be the better choice. We were pretty set on a Sailing Cat but really need to rethink this. Next week on a sailing 440 will speak volumes as well and can pick the brain of the captain.

  21. Cash vs. annuity: Which Mega Millions, Powerball jackpot payout should

    For the former, it's currently $1.12 billion, and for the latter, $865 million. If you select this payout method, you'll receive a one-time payment, followed by 29 annual payments that ...