14.04.2023
Selecting the ideal boat for an upcoming sailing adventure is a common debate among sailors. The choice often comes down to traditional sailing yachts, catamarans, or motorboats. It's crucial to consider your preferences, needs, capabilities, and budget when deciding on the right vessel, as each one offers unique experiences. Monohull enthusiasts appreciate the traditional sailing experience and the boat's characteristic wobble, while catamaran fans admire their spaciousness and stability. Both sides have valid points. This article will compare monohulls (such as sailboats) and multihull boats (such as catamarans), focusing only on sail-powered vessels. We'll examine their handling, equipment, comfort, safety in various conditions and routes, and pricing.
Sailing Yacht vs. Catamaran: What's the Difference?
Sailing yachts typically have a single hull with a keel running along its bottom and are propelled by sails.
Catamarans, on the other hand, feature two hulls connected by a bridge. They are generally wider, more stable, and offer more space than sailing yachts, making them popular for recreational use among families and groups of friends.
Handling and Manoeuvring
Catamarans have two hulls, dual engines, and twin rudders, with sails similar to those on sailboats. The catamaran's short keel provides a shallow draft, allowing for faster movement and greater stability than monohulls. However, catamarans lack the traditional heeling and swaying experience of sailing yachts. Some may find the lack of movement preferable, but others might miss the authentic sailing feel. Catamarans can also occasionally slap on the water.
Sailboats, with their long keel and triangular shape, glide through the water with less effort, rocking and heeling as they go. Wind direction affects the speed of both vessels, with catamarans generally faster downwind and sailboats performing better upwind. Sailboats are more manoeuvrable and responsive during turns, while catamarans can lose momentum more quickly.
Although catamarans are practically unsinkable, they are easier to capsize, although the chances are relatively low. Sailboats can self-right when heeled over, allowing them to handle waves more smoothly than catamarans. However, large, breaking waves are dangerous for both boat types, requiring careful navigation.
Docking and Anchoring
Despite their larger size, catamarans are often easier to park than sailboats, thanks to their two independently controlled engines. However, their size means they take up more space in marinas, which can be an issue during peak seasons. Anchoring a catamaran can be more complicated initially, requiring a bridle rope with a carabiner attached to both bows and the anchor chain. However, catamarans' shallow draft allows anchoring in shallower bays and closer to the shore than sailboats.
Comfort
Catamarans offer greater comfort for both the captain and crew due to their increased space and stability. Those prone to seasickness often fare better on catamarans, though their unique movement may not suit everyone. In gusty conditions, catamaran crews can stay drier and more comfortable than their sailboat counterparts. Catamarans typically have more user-friendly equipment, such as automatic winches and straightforward sail reefing instructions. They also offer better air circulation and views from the living area, making them a popular choice for hot summer days.
Safety
Safety is more influenced by factors like the vessel's age and condition, weather, and human involvement than by the type of boat. Regarding onboard safety and movement, catamarans are generally safer for children and the elderly. In extreme conditions, a monohull is less stable on the water but can often be safer, as it can handle itself better in large waves. The captain needs to be vigilant and maintain control during strong winds and high waves. While sailboats have the ability to self-right when capsized, catamarans require assistance. However, if a sailboat is on the verge of capsizing, you're likely already in a dangerous situation.
Do catamarans flip easily?
Modern, large catamarans possess remarkable buoyancy and resistance to rolling, making capsizes or inversions rare. Even in the face of 30-foot breaking waves, the boat elegantly rocks from side to side. Catamarans enable more comfortable and self-sufficient long journeys, often equipped with solar panels, desalinators, and ample storage.
Price
A catamaran is typically pricier than a similarly-sized sailboat. Additionally, you'll incur higher costs for marina fees, national park entry, and sometimes fuel. Price is often the deciding factor when selecting a charter boat. Despite the higher price, a catamaran's added benefits, such as greater comfort, stability, and space, can make it worth the expense. An example of rental fleet prices: a 2019 Lagoon 42 catamaran (6 cabins) may cost around €480 per day, while a 2019 Jeanneau Sun Odyssey sailboat (5 cabins) with a bow thruster may start at €200 per day. Prices vary depending on the season and charter company discounts.
How much does a sailboat cost?
Sailboat prices can vary greatly, but some general estimates can be made. Cruising boats typically cost €250,000 or less, while new boats range between €100,000 and €1,000,000. Used sailboats can cost anywhere from €10,000 to €100,000, depending on size and age.
Summary
If you seek an authentic sailing experience and enjoy the thrill of wind in your hair, a sailboat is the ideal choice. Sailboats are also better suited for reaching less accessible areas and have a lower cost. If you prefer larger living spaces, calmer sailing, and have children onboard, a catamaran is the way to go. It's also ideal for those who enjoy diving or other water activities that require storing bulky equipment. For those who want a sailboat experience without the instability, consider a sailboat with a bow thruster for easier maneuvering. What type of boat is better for a novice captain? We recommend starting with a classic sailing yacht (monohull) for new captains. Developing a feel for maneuvering is essential. A sturdy, comfortable catamaran is more forgiving, but a sailboat provides better training for a novice crew, as a catamaran can "spoil" them more quickly. As the old saying goes, "a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor." The same principle applies when choosing a vessel. In the end, the choice is yours. For your next yacht charter vacation, the best deal depends on your preferences. Each type of vessel has its pros and cons. A good captain, a friendly and capable crew, and favorable sailing conditions are crucial aspects of life on a boat. Though we at Sailing DNA can't guarantee these, we're here to help you choose the perfect boat. Ultimately, the decision is yours.
