16.02.2023

Sometimes, it's challenging to decide what sailboat to choose to charter or even buy. So, we give you the main benefits and the differences between catamaran sailboats and monohulls.

First and foremost – sailing. Just this one word brings a whole lot of feelings. Sailing is a challenging activity that allows you to experience the beauty of your surroundings, the thrill of adventure and the sense of freedom.

Sailboats are powered by wind, a clean and renewable energy source, and emit no pollutants. So, it makes them the perfect means of transport and option for vacation, as they are environmentally friendly.

Sailing is also a social activity, and many sailors enjoy the camaraderie of the sailing community. Nothing beats a sense of community, especially when you find yourself in a small island bay while the wind is picking up and you have difficulty mooring.

There are many reasons people should own a sailboat of any kind, and this text is mainly here to convince you to get one for yourself. All joking aside, we are here to explain the differences between the two types of sailboats, monohulls and catamarans. Especially if you ever doubt what to buy or rent from a respectable charter company.

The primary advice in the charter is that a catamaran is the best choice if you have a large family or a large party with you. If you want to test the agility of a vessel, a sailboat should be your choice. But the question remains, what are the essential benefits of owning a monohull sailboat or a catamaran, and what are the advantages and differences between these two types of yachts.

Benefits of a monohull sailboat

Basically, monohulled sailboats are relatively inexpensive to purchase and maintain, all things considered and compared to other types of boats. And you can always opt for yacht charter management so your sailboat would be most cost-effective. Monohull sailboats generally have good resale value and can be a good investment.

But all in all, monohull sailboats are relatively less expensive than other types of sailboats. They are also known for their speed and performance due to their slender hulls and deep keels that provide stability. They offer a more traditional sailing experience and are often favoured by people who enjoy the challenge and thrill of sailing and the purity of it all.

Monohull sailboats can be used for various activities such as racing, cruising, fishing or just plain old vacation.

Benefits of owning a catamaran sailboat

Catamarans are known for their stability, which makes them less likely to tip over or heel in rough seas, providing a more comfortable and safe sailing experience. Their dual hulls provide increased safety in rough seas and are less likely to capsize than monohulls.

Catamarans have more interior and exterior space than monohull sailboats, making them more comfortable for longer voyages and living aboard. Especially if you have a large party or a big family, as they usually have multiple bedrooms inside their two hulls.

They typically have a shallower draft than monohull sailboats, allowing them to navigate in shallow waters and anchor in more secluded spots.

Catamarans are often faster than monohull sailboats due to their increased stability and reduced drag. So, they provide a comfortable and smooth sailing, especially in choppy waters. They are known for their quick acceleration and good windward performance.

Catamarans are designed with comfort in mind, with large and well-appointed cabins, spacious decks and plenty of storage space.

It's said catamarans are generally easier to handle and dock, compared to monohulls, even considering their size, making them an ideal choice for those who prefer a more relaxed sailing experience.

Monohull vs catamaran – the main differences

There are some main differences between these two vessels, the main being the obvious – their size and number of hulls. First of all, monohull sailboats are more available and popular, so that also affects a lot of decisions people have while buying or chartering a yacht, and rest are:

Hull design: monohull sailboats and catamaran sailboats are different in design mainly by having a different number of hulls (one or two and even three), so their weight distribution stability is quite distinctive, as well as their seaworthiness.

Beam width and stability: they are different in width. The width affects stability at rest and while sailing and speed, and manoeuvrability. There is also weight distribution which affects the vessel's sailing performance and sail area.

Space and comfort: both vessels are different in their interior and exterior space, layout, and amenities, mainly their size and comfort.

Draft and manoeuvrability: their difference in draft affects the ability to navigate shallow waters and manoeuvre in tight spaces.

Cost and maintenance: size also affects these two vessels' purchase price, maintenance costs, and upkeep. Larger vessels often require more storage space and mooring requirements and costs.

Why monohull sailboats may be better than catamaran sailboats

Monohull sailboats are typically better in windward performance as they sail closer to the wind than catamarans due to the design of the keel, which allows them to "heel" over and increase their sail area.

Monohulls are considered more manoeuvrable than catamaran sailboats, as they have a single keel and rudder, which makes them more responsive to steering inputs.

Sailboats have been around for centuries and are often considered a more classic and traditional choice. Some "more traditional" sailors prefer the feel of a monohull sailboat over a catamaran. They are also generally less expensive to purchase, and the vessel's maintenance is less costly than catamarans, which can be more expensive.

Why catamaran sailboats may be better than monohull sailboats

With their dual hulls, catamaran sailboats provide more stability than monohull sailboats, making them less likely to tip over or heel in rough seas.

Catamarans also have more interior and exterior space. Usually, they have more amenities, such as multiple cabins, bathrooms, and more spacious living areas. This makes them more comfortable for longer voyages and living aboard the vessel.

Due to their twin-hull design, catamarans typically have shallower drafts allowing them to navigate in shallow waters and anchor in more secluded spots. They are also often faster than monohull sailboats due to their increased stability and reduced drag.

What's the score?

Only one person can answer the question of what to buy or what to charter – and that is you.
Yes, we have numbered all the benefits and all the reasons why a catamaran is better than a sailboat and vice versa. But one thing is sure... People rent yachts from charter companies according to their wishes and needs. Others buy boats depending on what their funds allow them to buy.

We believe that if you want a more genuine experience, you should buy or charter a monohull sailboat. If you have a smaller company or a family, you wish to sail with. Monohull sailboats are considered more traditional types of vessels and preferred amongst those who think themselves true sailors.

However, catamarans, on the other side, are faster and bigger. And every year, more and more people choose them as their vessels of choice. Especially if they have a larger group of friends or a big family.

But if the speed itself doesn't play a crucial role in the choice of a vessel, a catamaran is the best. Because it's just – more. More speed, more space, more stability and more comfort.