Catamaran vs Monohull: Which Yacht is Best for Your Next Charter?

When planning a sailing adventure, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the right type of yacht for your journey. The two main contenders are the catamaran and the monohull. Both have their unique strengths and challenges, and the best choice depends on what you’re looking to get out of your charter experience.

There’s a few questions you need to ask yourself first:-

• What type of sailing experience am I looking for?
  • Do I want a traditional, hands-on sailing experience, or am I more interested in a stable, comfortable journey?
• How important is stability and comfort to me?
  • Am I prone to seasickness or traveling with people who are? Would I prefer a yacht that stays more level, even in choppy waters?
• How many people will be joining the charter?
  • Do I need extra space for family and friends? Will more cabins, deck space, and lounging areas be a priority for my group?
• What is my budget?
  • Am I looking for a more affordable option, or am I willing to spend more for extra luxury and comfort?
• What kind of destinations do I want to explore?
  • Will I want to anchor in shallow waters and get close to shorelines and hidden coves, or am I more interested in cruising deeper waters?
• How important is speed to me?
  • Do I want to cover a lot of ground quickly, or is a slower, more relaxed journey fine with me?
• Do I prefer privacy and personal space on board?
  • Am I looking for separate, private cabins and bathrooms with more space, or am I okay with a more compact living situation & shared bathrooms?
• Do I want to be spending a lot of time at anchor?
  • Do I plan to spend significant time relaxing on deck or anchored in one spot, or do I want to be sailing more?
• Do I value privacy or social interaction more on board?
  • Would I prefer a layout with more communal spaces to enjoy group activities, or do I want the option for more private areas?

Let’s break down the pros and cons of each type of yacht to help you can make an informed decision.

Catamaran: The Floating Villa of the Sea

Pros:

• Stability: With two hulls, catamarans are generally more stable on the water. This makes them ideal for those prone to seasickness.  Stability is a major advantage for families with young children or elderly passengers, as catamarans are less affected by wave motion and don’t heel like monohulls. This makes moving around on deck and inside the yacht much easier and safer, even while sailing.

• Speed: Catamarans can often sail faster in light winds due to their lighter structure and reduced drag. Especially with the right wind angle.
• Space: With two hulls, catamarans offer more deck space, larger cabins, and more lounging areas. Great for larger groups or families who need extra room. The general living area’s, saloon, lounging area’s & galley are all above deck.
• Shallow Draft: Catamarans can sail in shallower waters, making it easier to explore hidden coves and anchor close to shore.
• Privacy: With cabins located in each hull, catamarans provide more privacy for guests.

Cons:

• Sailing: While fast in light winds, catamarans don’t perform as well when sailing upwind compared to monohulls. Catamarans can’t sail as close to the wind as monohulls, but they often sail faster on a reach.
• Cost: Generally, catamarans are more expensive to charter and maintain due to their size and additional amenities.
• Mooring & Docking: Due to their wider beam, catamarans take up double the space in marinas and often cost double to dock too.
• Slapping: Since the wide bridge deck connects the two hulls, it can sometimes result in slapping or pounding noises when sailing in rougher seas.

Monohull: Traditional Sailing Adventure

Pros:

• Authentic Sailing Experience: Monohulls provide that classic heeling (tipping) sensation under sail, giving you a traditional, hands-on experience.
• Easier Docking: With a narrower beam, monohulls can dock more easily in tight spaces, making them more maneuverable in busy marinas.
• Better Upwind Performance: Monohulls sail closer to the wind, which enhances their performance when sailing upwind.
• Lower Cost: Typically, monohulls are more affordable to charter and maintain, making them a great option for budget-conscious sailors.
• Responsive Sailing: Monohulls tend to be more responsive to the helm, allowing for tighter maneuvers.

Cons:

• Less Stability: With only one hull, monohulls are more prone to rolling, which can be uncomfortable for less experienced sailors or those prone to seasickness.
• Less Space: Monohulls offer less living space, with smaller cabins and more compact common areas.
• Deeper Draft: They have a deeper draft, limiting access to shallow waters and secluded coves.
• Rolling at Anchor: Monohulls tend to roll more when anchored, which can make overnight stays less comfortable.

Comparison Table

Feature	Catamaran	Monohull
Stability	More stable, less rolling	More prone to rolling, especially at anchor
Space	Larger deck & lounging spaces, more privacy in cabins. Communal areas & galley above deck.	Smaller, more compact living spaces. Galley, interior saloon below deck.
Sailing Performance	Faster in light winds, requires wider angle to wind	Better upwind performance, more responsive
Draft (Length of the keel of the yacht)	Shallow draft for exploring closer to shore. Able to dock in ports with ease.	Deeper draft, limiting access to shallow waters and potentially some ports.
Cost	More expensive to charter. Mooring & docking fees can be more expensive.	Generally more affordable all round.
Charter Type	Great for luxury crewed charter	Perfect for Skippered Only Charters if you want to be more involved in the day to day experience of sailing. Crewed charters generally need a longer/larger monohull.
Amenities OnBoard	Due to more space, Catamarans often have more amenities like fridges & galley space. Most newer model catamrans come equipped with generator, watermaker & airconditioning. Remember, running a generator means consuming more diesel which can effect the overall cost of the trip.	Not all monohulls will be equipped with a generator or watermaker & airconditioning. Without a watermaker, the water tanks will need refilling by visiting ports.
Comfort at Anchor	Easier access to swimming platforms & ladders, generally more lounging areas with shade.	Wider swimming platform & sugar scoop, accessed by a short ladder from the cockpit.
Amount of Passengers (Depending on yacht size)	Comfortable for up to 8-10 guests plus crew	Comfortable for up to 6 guests + crew

Which is Best for Your Crewed or Skippered Yacht Charter?

• Choose a Catamaran if you’re looking for maximum comfort and space, a stable sailing experience, and access to shallow-water areas like secluded beaches. While it may come at a higher cost, it offers more room for relaxation, making it ideal for families and larger groups.
• Choose a Monohull if you’re after a more traditional, hands-on sailing adventure. It’s easier to maneuver, especially in tighter spaces, offers better upwind performance, and is generally a more budget-friendly option.

For more guidance on which option is best for you, reach out to us today hello@sailaer.com