Are Catamarans Good for Beginners? Learn How to Sail a Double-Hulled Boat

Are you thinking of sailing a catamaran for the first time? If so, you might be wondering whether catamarans are easier to sail than monohulls, what are the advantages and disadvantages of catamarans, and how to prepare for your first catamaran sailing adventure.

The answer is yes, catamarans are easier to sail than monohulls for beginners. Catamarans have two hulls that provide more stability, speed, and space than monohulls. They also have less draft, which means they can anchor and dock in shallow waters. 

However, catamarans also have some challenges that require specific skills and techniques, such as sailing upwind, tacking, jibing, and docking. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced sailor, we hope you will find this article informative and engaging. Because we’ll dive deep into all these topics in this article.

What is a Catamaran?

A catamaran is a type of sailboat that has two parallel hulls of equal size connected by a large deck or cabin. The word “catamaran” comes from the Tamil word “kattumaram”, which means “tied wood”.

Catamarans have been used for centuries by various cultures around the world, such as Polynesians, Indians, and Africans. They were popularized in the modern era by British naval architect Nathanael Herreshoff, who designed and built several racing catamarans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Today, catamarans are widely used for recreational sailing, cruising, racing, chartering, and even living aboard. They come in various sizes and designs, ranging from small beach cats to large luxury yachts.

Are Catamarans Easier to Sail than Monohulls?

One of the most common questions that beginners ask is whether catamarans are easier to sail than monohulls. The answer is not straightforward, as it depends on several factors, such as the size, design, and condition of the boat, the skill and experience of the sailor, the weather and sea conditions, and the personal preference of the sailor.

However, in general, we can say that catamarans are easier to sail than monohulls for the following reasons:

Catamarans do not heel over on the water

One of the main differences between catamarans and monohulls is that catamarans do not heel over on the water when sailing. Heeling is the term used to describe the tilting of a boat due to the wind pressure on the sails.

Monohulls rely on a heavy keel below the waterline to counteract the heeling force and keep the boat upright. However, this also means that monohulls lean over at a certain angle depending on the wind strength. This can make sailing a monohull uncomfortable and challenging for some sailors, especially beginners.

Catamarans, on the other hand, use a wide beam (the distance between the two hulls) to provide stability. This means that catamarans sail flat (between 5-10 degrees instead of 20+) and do not lean over as much. This makes sailing a catamaran more comfortable and easy for most sailors.

Sailing flat also has other benefits, such as:

• Better visibility: You can see better where you are going and what is around you when sailing a catamaran.
• Better performance: You can sail faster and more efficiently when sailing a catamaran because you have less drag and more sail area.
• Better safety: You reduce the risk of falling overboard or losing balance when sailing a catamaran.

Catamarans are better for seasickness

Another advantage of sailing flat is that it reduces the rolling and pitching motion of the boat. Rolling is the side-to-side movement of the boat due to the waves. Pitching is the up-and-down movement of the boat due to the waves.

Both rolling and pitching can cause seasickness for some sailors. Seasickness is a condition that affects the inner ear and causes symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, fatigue, and loss of appetite.

Catamarans reduce both rolling and pitching motion because they have two hulls that act like pontoons on the water. This makes them more stable and less prone to rocking than monohulls.

Of course, this does not mean that catamarans are immune to seasickness. Some sailors may still experience seasickness on a catamaran if they are sensitive to motion or if they encounter rough seas. However, in general, catamarans are better for seasickness than monohulls because they offer a smoother ride.

Catamarans are faster than monohulls

Another reason why catamarans are easier to sail than monohulls is that they are faster. Speed is an important factor for many sailors who want to enjoy sailing and reach their destinations quickly.

Catamarans are faster than monohulls because they have less drag and more sail area. Drag is the resistance that a boat faces when moving through water. Sail area is the amount of surface that catches wind power.

Monohulls have more drag than catamarans because they have a deeper hull that displaces more water. They also have less sail area than catamarans because they have only one mast that supports one main sail and one jib (a smaller sail in front of the main sail).

Catamarans have less drag than monohulls because they have two shallow hulls that displace less water. They also have more sail area than monohulls because they have two masts that support two main sails and two jibs (one on each hull).

The combination of less drag and more sail area makes catamarans faster than monohulls in most conditions. However, there are some exceptions where monohulls may be faster than catamarans:

• Upwind sailing: Monohulls may be faster than catamarans when sailing upwind (against the wind) because they have a larger keel that helps them point closer to the wind direction without drifting sideways (leeway). Catamarans may have to sail downwind (away from the wind) a few degrees to avoid leeway, which means they have to travel a longer distance to reach their destination.
• Heavy weather: Monohulls may be faster than catamarans when sailing in heavy weather (strong wind and waves) because they have more weight and ballast that help them cope with the forces of nature. Catamarans may have to reduce their speed or reef their sails (make them smaller) to avoid being overpowered or capsizing.

To illustrate how fast catamarans can be compared to monohulls, here is a table that shows some examples of average speeds for different types of boats:

Type of Boat	Average Speed (knots)
Beach Cat	15-25
Racing Cat	20-30
Cruising Cat	8-12
Monohull	5-8

As you can see from this table, catamarans can be twice or even three times faster than monohulls depending on the type of boat.

Catamarans are more spacious and luxurious than monohulls

Another reason why cataramas are easier to sail than monohulls is that they are more spacious and luxurious than monohulls. Space and luxury are important factors for many sailors who want to enjoy sailing and live comfortably on board.

Cataramas are more spacious and luxurious than monohulls because they have two hulls connected by a large deck or cabin. This means that they offer more room for living, sleeping, cooking, entertaining, and storing equipment and supplies.

Monohulls have less space and luxury than cataramas because they have only one hull with a narrow deck or cabin. This means that they offer less room for living, sleeping, cooking, entertaining, and storing equipment and supplies.

To illustrate how spacious and luxurious cataramas can be compared to monohulls, here is a table that shows some examples of average sizes for different types of boats:

Type of Boat	Average Length (feet)	Average Beam (feet)	Average Draft (feet)
Beach Cat	16-20	8-10	1-2
Racing Cat	30-50	15-25	3-5
Cruising Cat	40-60	20-30	4-6
Monohull	30-50	10-15	5-8

As you can see from this table, catamarans offer more length, beam, and draft than monohulls of the same size, which translates into more living space and comfort.

What are the Disadvantages of Catamarans?

Catamarans are not perfect, however. They also have some disadvantages that you should be aware of before sailing. Some of these include:

Catamarans are more expensive than monohulls

One of the main drawbacks of catamarans is that they are more expensive than monohulls of the same size and quality. This is because they require more materials, labor, and maintenance to build and operate.

Catamarans have higher initial costs, such as purchase price, registration fees, insurance premiums, and taxes. They also have higher ongoing costs, such as docking fees, fuel consumption, repairs, and upgrades.

According to this article, the average cost of a new catamaran ranges from $300,000 to $2 million, depending on the size, design, and features. The average cost of a used catamaran ranges from $100,000 to $500,000, depending on the age, condition, and location.

In comparison, the average cost of a new monohull ranges from $100,000 to $500,000, depending on the size, design, and features. The average cost of a used monohull ranges from $50,000 to $200,000, depending on the age, condition, and location.

Catamarans have less feedback and responsiveness than monohulls

Another disadvantage of catamarans is that they have less feedback and responsiveness than monohulls when sailing. Feedback is the sensation that you get from the boat when it reacts to the wind and water. Responsiveness is the ability of the boat to change direction and speed quickly and easily.

Monohulls have more feedback and responsiveness than catamarans because they have a single hull that tilts and turns with the wind and water. You can feel the wind pressure on the sails and the trim adjustments on the helm. You can also tack and jibe faster and smoother with a monohull.

Catamarans have less feedback and responsiveness than monohulls because they have two hulls that stay flat and stable on the water. You can’t feel the wind pressure on the sails and the trim adjustments on the helm as much. You also have to tack and jibe slower and wider with a catamaran.

This can make sailing a catamaran less exciting and challenging for some sailors who enjoy the thrill of heeling and maneuvering a monohull. It can also make sailing a catamaran more difficult for some sailors who are used to the feel of a monohull and need to adjust their sailing techniques.

Catamarans have less maneuverability and versatility than monohulls

Another disadvantage of catamarans is that they have less maneuverability and versatility than monohulls in some situations. Maneuverability is the ability of the boat to move in different directions in tight spaces. Versatility is the ability of the boat to adapt to different conditions and purposes.

Monohulls have more maneuverability and versatility than catamarans because they have a smaller footprint and a deeper draft. They can fit in narrower slips and channels, turn sharper corners, sail closer to shorelines and reefs, anchor in deeper waters, and handle rougher seas.

Catamarans have less maneuverability and versatility than monohulls because they have a larger footprint and a shallower draft. They need more space to dock and navigate, turn wider circles, sail further from shorelines and reefs, anchor in shallower waters, and avoid heavier seas.

This can make sailing a catamaran more inconvenient and limiting for some sailors who want to explore different places and face different challenges with their boat.

How to Sail a Catamaran for Beginners

If you are interested in sailing a catamaran for the first time, you might be wondering how to do it safely and efficiently. Here are some tips and steps to help you sail a catamaran for beginners:

Take a catamaran sailing course

The best way to learn how to sail a catamaran is to take a catamaran sailing course from a reputable sailing school or instructor. A catamaran sailing course will teach you the basics of catamaran anatomy, rigging, sailing, and docking. You will also learn the differences between catamarans and monohulls, and how to adapt your sailing skills and techniques accordingly.

A catamaran sailing course will also give you the opportunity to practice your skills on a real catamaran under supervision and guidance. You will gain confidence and experience in handling a catamaran in various conditions and situations.

There are many options available for taking a catamaran sailing course, depending on your location, budget, and preference. Some examples are:

• American Sailing Association (ASA): This is one of the most recognized sailing organizations in the world, offering courses for all levels of sailors, including ASA 114 Cruising Catamaran, which covers everything you need to know about sailing a cruising catamaran up to 45 feet.
• Royal Yachting Association (RYA): This is another reputable sailing organization, offering courses for all levels of sailors, including RYA Multihull Sail Cruising Courses, which cover everything you need to know about sailing multihull yachts up to 24 meters.
• NauticEd: This is an online sailing school, offering courses for all levels of sailors, including the Catamaran Sailing Confidence Course, which covers everything you need to know about sailing catamarans up to 50 feet.

Choose a suitable catamaran

The next step is to choose a suitable catamaran for your first sailing adventure. There are many factors to consider when choosing a catamaran, such as:

• Size: The size of the catamaran will affect its speed, stability, comfort, and cost. Generally speaking, the larger the catamaran, the faster, more stable, more comfortable, and more expensive it will be. However, the larger the catamaran, the harder it will be to maneuver, dock, and maintain. For beginners, it is advisable to choose a smaller or medium-sized catamaran (between 30-50 feet), as it will be easier to handle and more affordable.
• Design: The design of the catamaran will affect its performance, safety, and appearance. Generally speaking, there are two main types of catamarans: performance-oriented and cruising-oriented. Performance-oriented catamarans are designed for speed, efficiency, and agility. They have narrower hulls, lighter weights, larger sails, and lower bridge decks. They are ideal for racing or fast cruising in moderate conditions. However, they may be less comfortable, less spacious, less stable, and more prone to slamming (hitting waves hard) in rough conditions. Cruising-oriented catamarans are designed for comfort, space, and luxury. They have wider hulls, heavier weights, smaller sails, and higher bridge decks. They are ideal for leisurely cruising or living aboard in various conditions. However, they may be slower, less efficient, less agile, and more expensive than performance-oriented catamarans.

To illustrate how different designs can affect the performance and appearance of catamarans, here is a table that shows some examples of popular models for each type:

Type of catamaran	Popular Models
Performance-oriented	Nacra F18 Infusion MKII
	Hobie Wild Cat
	Outremer 5X
	Gunboat G4
Cruising-oriented	Lagoon 450
	Leopard 45
	Fountaine Pajot Lucia 40
	Bali Catspace

As you can see from this table, performance-oriented catamarans tend to have sleeker and sportier looks than cruising-oriented catamarans, which tend to have more spacious and luxurious looks.

Prepare your boat and equipment

The next step is to prepare your boat and equipment for your first sailing adventure. This includes:

• Checking the weather forecast and choosing a suitable destination and route for your skill level and comfort level. You should avoid sailing in strong wind or rough sea conditions that may exceed your abilities or expectations. You should also plan your itinerary and inform someone on the shore of your departure and arrival times and locations.
• Inspect your boat and make sure it is in good working order and ready for sailing. This includes checking the hulls, rigging, sails, engines, batteries, fuel tanks, water tanks, electrical systems, navigation systems, communication systems, safety equipment, and emergency equipment. You should also make sure you have enough spare parts and tools in case of any breakdowns or repairs.
• Packing your personal belongings and provisions for your trip. This includes clothing, toiletries, medications, sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, books, games, cameras, phones, chargers, adapters, etc. You should also pack enough food and drinks for your trip, including snacks, meals, water, juice, soda, beer, wine, etc. You should also pack some ice or coolers to keep your food and drinks fresh and cold.

Follow some basic sailing tips

The final step is to follow some basic sailing tips that will help you sail your catamaran safely and efficiently. Here are some tips that apply specifically to catamarans:

• Always keep the boat sailing downwind: Sailing downwind prevents pounding and slapping sounds that slow down the boat. When the low bridge deck slaps on the undercarriage of the boat, it causes annoying sounds and vibrations that can damage the boat and reduce its speed. To avoid this, you should always keep the boat sailing downwind or at an angle to the wind direction that minimizes slamming. You can also adjust the sails or reef them (make them smaller) to reduce wind pressure on the boat.
• Run one engine instead of two: Running one engine instead of two can save fuel and reduce noise and emissions. Most catamarans have two engines (one on each hull) that can be operated independently or together. When motoring or motor-sailing (using both engines and sails), you can run one engine at a higher speed instead of two engines at a lower speed. This can achieve the same speed or even faster with less fuel consumption and less environmental impact. However, you should also run both engines occasionally to keep them in good condition and balance their usage.
• Don’t be pressured into setting sail: Don’t let peer pressure or impatience force you into setting sail when you are not ready or comfortable. Sailing a catamaran requires skill, experience, and confidence that can only be gained with practice and training. If you feel unsure or unsafe about sailing a catamaran in certain conditions or situations, don’t hesitate to ask for help or advice from other sailors or instructors. You can also postpone your trip or change your plans if necessary. Remember that safety comes first when sailing a catamaran.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about sailing a catamaran:

What is the disadvantage of catamarans?

Some disadvantages of catamarans are:

• They are more expensive than monohulls of the same size and quality.
• They have less feedback and responsiveness than monohulls when sailing.
• They have less maneuverability and versatility than monohulls in some situations.

Is a catamaran easier to sail than a monohull?

In general, yes. A catamaran is easier to sail than a monohull for the reasons mentioned above. However, sailing a catamaran also requires some specific skills and techniques that may differ from sailing a monohull. Therefore, it is advisable to take a catamaran sailing course or get some guidance from an experienced catamaran sailor before sailing one.

Can catamarans handle rough seas?

Yes, catamarans can handle rough seas, as long as they are well-designed, well-maintained, and well-sailed. Catamarans have some advantages over monohulls when it comes to sailing in rough seas, such as:

• They have more buoyancy and stability, which makes them less likely to sink or capsize.
• They have more speed and agility, which makes them able to outrun storms or avoid obstacles.
• They have more space and comfort, which makes them more livable and enjoyable in bad weather.

However, catamarans also have some challenges when it comes to sailing in rough seas, such as:

• They have less feedback and responsiveness, which makes them harder to feel and adjust to wind and water conditions.
• They have less maneuverability and versatility, which makes them harder to sail upwind or in tight spaces.
• They have more windage and less bridge-deck clearance, which makes them more vulnerable to slamming or flipping.

Therefore, sailing a catamaran in rough seas requires skill, experience, and caution. You should always check the weather forecast and sea state before setting sail, and avoid sailing in conditions that exceed your abilities or expectations. You should also follow some basic sailing tips for catamarans, such as:

• Always keep the boat sailing downwind or at an angle to the wind direction that minimizes slamming.
• Run one engine instead of two to save fuel and reduce noise and emissions.
• Don’t be pressured into setting sail when you are not ready or comfortable.

Conclusion

Sailing a catamaran can be a fun and rewarding experience for beginners who want to enjoy the benefits of this type of boat. Catamarans are easier to sail than monohulls because they do not heel over on the water, they are better for seasickness, they are faster than monohulls, and they are more spacious and luxurious than monohulls.

However, sailing a catamaran also requires some specific skills and techniques that may differ from sailing a monohull. Therefore, it is advisable to take a catamaran sailing course or get some guidance from an experienced catamaran sailor before sailing one.

Catamarans can handle rough seas, as long as they are well-designed, well-maintained, and well-sailed. Catamarans have some advantages over monohulls when it comes to sailing in rough seas, such as more buoyancy, stability, speed, agility, space, and comfort. However, catamarans also have some challenges when it comes to sailing in rough seas, such as less feedback, responsiveness, maneuverability, versatility, windage, and bridge deck clearance.

Therefore, sailing a catamaran in rough seas requires skill, experience, and caution. You should always check the weather forecast and sea state before setting sail, and avoid sailing in conditions that exceed your abilities or expectations. You should also follow some basic sailing tips for catamarans, such as keeping the boat sailing downwind, running one engine instead of two, and not being pressured into setting sail.

We hope this article has given you some useful information and tips on how to sail a catamaran for beginners. Happy sailing!