When getting into sailing, there are so many types of boats you can choose from—pontoons, tritoons, catamarans, yachts, sailboats, fishing boats, deck boats—and all of them have different advantages and disadvantages when getting out into the water. But when it comes to a catamaran or a yacht, which is better, and what are the costs to calling one your own?
What is a catamaran?
A catamaran—also known as a “cat”—is a multi-hulled boat that has two parallel hulls that are equal in size to each other. It gets its stability from its width, or its beam, instead of using a keel like another type of boat, like a sailboat.
Catamarans come from the peoples of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, who used this form of boat to expand from island to island. The word itself is derived from the Tamil word “kattumaram” which means “logs bound together.”
Because of their construction, they usually have less hull volume, which means they have a shallower draft and a smaller displacement. They are also more hydrodynamic comparatively and require less power than another monohulled boat of the same size. The wide hull of the catamaran also reduces the likelihood that it will heel, or start to roll, in the wind. The wide stance also reduces the wake that the boat gives off.
It is possible to race with catamarans, especially if you are looking for both speed and stability overcapacity. Catamarans built for recreation and sport can be launched and landed from a beach and usually contain a crew of two.
What is a yacht?
A yacht is a blanket term for a boat that uses either sails or power for cruising, racing, or pleasure. While there is no real definition for a yacht, they are typically any sort of boat that has a cabin for overnight use and is a pleasure vessel over 30 feet in length.
There are different sizes of yachts under certain designations—any yacht over 79 feet is considered large, while any yacht over 131 feet is considered a superyacht or megayacht.
The word yacht comes from the Dutch language, which means “hunt.” It started as the name of the fast-sailing ships that the Dutch used to hunt for pirates in the 18th Century. The concept of pleasure boats, though, started early in the world’s history in Egyptian times and only increased in popularity as time went on.
There are several types of propulsion for yachts—sailing, which is when they use sails to catch the air and power. Yachts first started with steam power before turning to the internal combustion engine.
Most yachts, if large enough to accommodate, have a main salon and a forward stateroom in terms of cabins. The larger the yacht, the more rooms it may have.
Catamaran vs. Yacht: Structural Differences
If you are looking for a cruising catamaran, you will need a larger boat than the monohull counterparts. While a monohull can be small, usually around 30 feet, if you want the same sort of carrying capacity out of a catamaran, you will need a boat upwards of 40 feet.
Because of their larger size and width, catamarans will take up more space in your marina, but they are also more spacious than other boats—that width is not put to waste on the deck or underneath.
The double-hulled catamaran also gives more privacy when it comes to the living spaces—the cabins are conveniently separated, keeping the living quarters and sleeping quarters apart on most catamarans.
Looking to purchase a catamaran? Here are the pros and cons of owning one.
Catamaran vs. Yacht: Performance Differences
Due to the way it is built, a catamaran requires significantly less speed to cut through the water than a monohull boat, like a yacht. If you want to double the speed of a catamaran, you require four times the power to push it through the water, compared to eight with a monohulled boat. Because of this, you do not need as much power to sail a catamaran.
That speed, though, comes at a price—because they have two hulls, you will hear the water slapping against the boat from underneath, which is something you do not get with a monohulled boat.
Because they have two hulls, catamarans are nearly resistant to any sort of heeling, compared to a yacht. They also have extremely high resistance to capsizing, due to their multi-hulled construction. This stability allows for passengers to easily navigate the deck without fear of suffering from wave action. This stability will also let you cook and do any other activities on the deck without fear of displacement.
Catamarans are also easier to handle than another type of boat—one person can singlehandedly sail such a vessel. Because you have two engines and two rudders, it is easier to dock and maneuver compared to a monohulled boat.
Yachts tack much quicker than a catamaran as well—when you turn into the wind so you change which direction the wind blows on the ship—meaning your catamaran will slow down significantly as you turn. A monohull is more maneuverable in the wind.
Catamaran vs. Yacht: Cost Differences
A new, high-quality catamaran larger than 40 feet can run about half a million in cost. Pre-owned catamarans can run as low as $35,000, while larger, new catamarans can exceed $5 million.
Catamarans will also cost more because of the need for two engines and two rudders. The double hull means more equipment, which therefore increases the price. They also use different types of materials, making that cost increase. They also are typically higher quality construction and are safer and easy to sail, pushing the price higher. Because of this equipment increase, your service costs will also be higher.
If you are looking for a smaller yacht, those would put you within the 50 to 70 feet range. Choices also include the engine and optional equipment, along with whether you intend to purchase a new or a pre-owned yacht. New yachts in this size range can run about
Pre-owned yachts of this size can run anywhere between $300,000 for a smaller model to almost $6 million for a larger one. Most around 50 feet are an average of $375,000.
Catamaran vs. Yacht: Which is better?
When it comes to asking the question if a catamaran or yacht is better, it comes down to what you intend to use it for. If you are looking for a pleasure boat where you can entertain guests, live on said boat, and intend on sailing it into the open ocean and want an easy sailing experience, a catamaran is more your style. The cost of purchasing a catamaran and the upkeep is high compared to the monohulled yacht.
If you want to stay with the traditional sailing experience with more feedback about how your ship is moving, along with keeping a smaller footprint both on the water and in the marina, a yacht is the way to go. They are much more maneuverable than a catamaran in the water. Yachts are also cheaper than a catamaran.
Regardless of what you’re looking for in a boat, the choice remains with you about what you value most in your travels. Whether it’s a catamaran, a yacht, or something entirely different, know what you are looking for in your vessel before going out and looking to buy.
Please note: This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Please consult a legal expert or medical professional to address your specific needs.