Posting Rules | post new threads post replies post attachments edit your posts is are code is are are are | Similar Threads | Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post | | freetime | Multihull Sailboats | 430 | 19-11-2022 10:48 | | Cap Bill Des | Auxiliary Equipment & Dinghy | 35 | 23-02-2018 09:15 | | riderjuan | Seamanship & Boat Handling | 27 | 07-06-2014 14:29 | | freetime | Multihull Sailboats | 3 | 28-06-2010 09:55 | Privacy Guaranteed - your email is never shared with anyone, opt out any time. What Is a Cruising Catamaran? Everything You Need To KnowAs an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site. There’s nothing quite as exciting as sailing the open sea. One of the most popular boats today is the cruising catamaran. If you are interested in cruising, whether you’re a passenger or a sailor, it’s worthwhile to learn more about the cruising catamaran. A cruising catamaran is a double-hulled vessel that is used for ocean crossing. They are designed for long-distance journeys and can carry a significant load while maintaining high speed and stability. Cruising catamarans have a range of passenger facilities and amenities. This article explores everything you need to know about cruising catamarans, from their physical features to their sea performance. It explores their different types and examines why they are such popular cruising vessels. It will also give you an insight into some of the most popular cruising catamaran brands and models on the market. Table of Contents Design and Features of a Cruising CatamaranIn their present form, Catamarans can trace their history to more than 200 years ago when used in Taiwan and other Asian countries. Their chief defining feature is that they have two hulls. There are currently two types of cruising catamarans on the market: sailing catamarans and power catamarans. - Sailing catamarans: Sailing catamarans rely on the wind to move. They are ideal for sailors who want to try their hand at harnessing the wind to power and navigate their catamaran. However, if there is little to no wind, sailing catamarans will not be able to go very fast.
- Power catamarans: Many passengers and crew prefer a power catamaran, which does not rely solely on the wind for power. Instead, power catamarans are powered by fuel, but can still cruise when there is no wind. They also tend to be larger than sailing catamarans and have more spaces for passengers to lounge in.
The two hulls are the defining feature of a cruising catamaran. However, there are several other design elements and technical features that both a sail and power cruising catamaran may have. These features and design aspects are explored below. Basic LayoutSeveral areas and spaces are in the same location in all cruising catamarans . For instance, the main deck is typically the home to the cockpit and the saloon. Meanwhile, the space below the main deck houses the stateroom and the headroom. However, other features and spaces, such as the galley and the helm may be located in different places, depending on the cruising catamaran model. The size of cruising catamarans also varies depending on the model. Catamarans between 32-36 feet (9.75-10.97 m) usually have two cabins, while catamarans that are between 36-50 feet (10.97-15.24 m) have three or four cabins. Models that are more than 50 feet (15.24 m) long may have five or more cabins. Steering StationsThe steering stations or helm positions can be in one of several places aboard the cruising catamarans. Each position has unique advantages and disadvantages. Some common helm positions include the aft position, the flybridge position, the off-set helm, and the forward helm. Aft PositionWhen in the aft position, the helm is located in the cockpit and allows for excellent visibility on either side of the sail. It will enable the helmsman to engage with passengers in the cockpit and saloons. However, helms in the aft position are not weather protected and may be vulnerable to rain and storms. They only have room for two people, which may be inconvenient for a larger crew. Flybridge PositionOn some cruising catamarans, the helm is located on a second-story flybridge. A second-story flybridge allows for a higher vantage point of the surroundings, which is especially useful when docking in small spaces. However, the view can be obstructed when the headsail is raised and when the captain wants to check the sail trim. Also, an added flybridge for the helm may add windage and weight to the catamaran, resulting in reduced performance. In rough weather, steering on the flybridge may be uncomfortable for the helmsman due to the additional height making it pivot and swing much more. They may also be too far from the crew and passengers on the catamaran, which may be dangerous in an emergency. Off-Set HelmThe off-set mid-level helm or the mezzanine helm addresses many of the flybridge’s and the aft helms disadvantages. Placed halfway between the cockpit and the coach roof, this helm position is close to the saloon and cockpit. This position allows the helmsman close contact with the passenger and crew. This helm location also has good visibility on one side of the sail and can seat up to 3 people. However, the off-set mid-level helm doesn’t have any visibility on the other side of the mainsail once it is raised. Forward HelmA helm that is sometimes found on cruising catamarans is the forward helm. This helm is located at the front of the catamaran, between the mast and the cabin. There is excellent visibility forward from this location, and it is close to the saloon. However, this helm can be challenging to protect in bad weather, and it may be difficult to dock the catamaran as the helmsman won’t have far-reaching visibility. No matter the helm’s location, all modern cruising catamarans have autopilot built-in. Bridge Deck ClearanceBridge deck clearance refers to the height of the bridge deck (underside of the cabin, in between the hulls) above the water. Cruising catamarans should have a high bridge deck clearance. If the bridge deck clearance is too low, the waves may pound against the bottom of the bridge deck. This pounding can cause discomfort and fatigue for the passengers and crew and potentially reduce the catamaran’s speed. The height of the bridge deck clearance needs to be proportionate to the hulls of the catamaran. It should be a minimum of 20% of the space between the hulls. Shallow DraftA boat draft refers to the minimum amount of water needed to float a vessel without the bottom of it touching the ocean bed. Cruising catamarans have a shallow draft—they can stay afloat in water less than 4 feet (1.21 m) in depth. This makes it possible to go really close to shore( how to beach a cat ) and sail places where no monohull can go. Galley LocationsCruising catamarans have their galleys (cooking areas) in one of two areas. The ‘galley up’ is when the galley is situated next to the saloon. Those working in this galley can see the crew as they cook and can also see the sea and horizon beyond. Meanwhile, the ‘galley down’ is when the galley is located in the catamaran’s hull. This galley location separates it from the saloon area, allowing for more space and maneuverability in both the galley and the saloon. However, this may be isolating for the people who are working in the galley. Why Choose a Cruising Catamaran?Cruising catamarans are not the only vessels that are used for cruising. Cruise ships are the vessel of choice for lengthy ocean cruises that carry hundreds or thousands of passengers. However, cruising catamarans are the vessel of choice for smaller, more intimate cruise experiences with a maximum of 15 passengers. They are superior to boats with only one hull, and offer a range of other benefits for passengers and crews alike. Speed and SafetyCruising catamarans can be 25-30% faster than their monohulled counterparts of the same length. These vessels also tend to heel (tip to one side) less than a watercraft with one hull. Because of this, the crew finds the cruising catamaran more comfortable to sail in rough weather. Thanks to the cruising catamaran’s speed advantages, the crew can also move quickly out of an area about to be hit by bad weather. Closed-cell foam fills many spaces in a cruising catamaran. This gives most parts of the vessel extra buoyancy. Even if the catamaran tips over or breaks apart, most of the vessel will float, allowing crew and passengers to remain floating on the surface of the water as they wait for rescue service. Read this article on “when and why catamarans capsize” . Very SpaciousMany cruising catamarans models have a significant amount of space, much of which is placed above the deck. This space can be used for various passenger amenities, including a salon, cabins, and a galley. Thanks to the amount of space available, there are plenty of passenger and crew facilities and amenities available. Larger cruising catamarans can have 4-5 cabins, 8-10 berths, and up to 4 toilets or shower facilities. The galleys in these catamarans have room for a range of amenities, including a dishwasher, coffee machines, and other cooking equipment. The crew also benefits from the space in cruising catamarans as there is more room in the cockpit and a large amount of deck space. Stable and Easy To ManeuverAs they have two hulls and therefore a broader base, cruising catamarans are much more stable as compared to mono-hulled vessels. Cruising catamarans can hold their own against rough waves—even in the face of a stormy sea, the upper deck of a cruising catamaran will not rock too much. Therefore, passengers can walk on the upper decks comfortably—this is especially beneficial for young children or elderly passengers. Thanks to the cruising catamaran’s stability, it is easier to do activities like cooking and cleaning. All in all, cruising catamarans make for a more comfortable living! Compared to monohulls, cruising catamarans are also more maneuverable. They can be turned 360 degrees within their length and are easy to dock because they have two motors and two rudders making them easier to steer. The cruising catamaran’s shallow draft allows the crew to take it into significantly shallow regions. This is great because it increases the areas that the crew can access and explore. Drawbacks of Cruising CatamaransCruising catamarans are appealing to both passengers and crew for a range of reasons. However, it is also essential to consider and prepare for some of the drawbacks of cruising catamarans . Cruising catamarans require a significant amount of space to dock because of their length and hull size. It may be hard for the crew to navigate a large cruising catamaran into a marina with limited docking space. Due to the additional space they need, it will cost more to dock cruising catamarans. It will also be more expensive to charter, rent, or buy a cruising catamaran as compared to a monohull. It may cost 200%-300% more to charter a cruising catamaran as compared to a yacht of the same size. Because of their appeal, cruising catamarans are significantly in demand in some areas. It’s essential to book a cruising catamaran well in advance if you’re looking to enjoy a sea cruise. What Are Some Popular Cruising Catamaran Models?If you are looking to charter, rent, or buy a cruising catamaran, it is worth examining some of the most popular models and brands currently on the market. Some of the best companies that manufacture or have manufactured cruising catamarans include: Each of these companies sells one or more high-quality cruising catamarans. Some specific cruising catamaran model suggestions can be found below. However, if you are looking to charter or buy a cruising catamaran, take some time to explore a range of specific models in addition to the following ones. Looking to buy a catamaran? check out my list of Best catamarans under 200k USD . Nautitech 47 PowerThe Nautitech 47 is a powerful, modern vessel with a range of attractive features for owners, crew, and passengers. Depending on your preference, the Nautitech 47 can have 3-4 cabins and 6-8 berths. The number of cabins in this catamaran can easily be adapted by closing (or opening) a few doors. This versatility makes the Nautitech 47 excellent for entertaining. The flybridge can be wholly enclosed, which is great in bad weather conditions. A used Nautitech 47 power catamaran can cost between $800,000-$100,0000. Nautitech 47s that are currently on sale can be found here . 60 Sunreef PowerThe 60 Sunreef Power is a luxury catamaran that can easily be customized and is easy to maneuver and program for navigation. One of the most enticing features of the 60 Sunreef Power is that it can be operated with and without a crew. It has an advanced navigation system, where the helmsman can program in the desired destination, speed, and other information. The in-built system will then use autopilot to navigate. The 60 Sunreef Power is also extremely spacious. It is 60 feet (18.3 m) in length and can host up to 12 guests. There’s a variety of spaces for guests to lounge on, including the semi-open saloon, the main deck, and the aft cockpit. A 60 Sunreef Power can be bought either new or used for around $1,700,000 USD . Manta is a well-known brand for designing and building high-performance catamarans. A popular cruising catamaran that Manta produced in the 1990s and in 2000 is the Manta 42. There are several Manta 42s that are still being used or sold. The Manta 42 is popular as it has a large amount of space and an excellent sail-area-to-displacement ratio . However, it is also vulnerable to stress cracks in the bow area. It’s also important to note that the berth area in Manta 42 is small compared to more modern catamarans. Taller passengers may also have to stoop slightly to enter its saloon. There is a dedicated owner’s association for Manta models, including the Manta 42. The owner’s association is evidence of the Manta 42’s popularity and is also an excellent place for cruising catamaran owners to connect. A used Manta 42 can cost between $200,000-$300,000. Looking for catamarans under 200k? Other Types of CatamaransWhile cruising catamarans are the watercraft of choice for leisure cruises, there are several other catamaran types. Some popular catamaran types are: - Racing catamarans: These catamarans are designed for racing and long-distance and endurance sailing. They often have full-length battens on the mainsail and a rotating mast. There are also very small catamarans called beach cats, these can typically be launched from and landed on a beach.
- Whitewater catamarans: Used in whitewater rivers, the whitewater catamaran has an aluminum or a tree trunk base and two inflatable hulls with inflation holes. These features allow these catamarans to move quickly through the water.
- Military catamarans: Some countries’ navies use catamarans for transport. For instance, the US Navy owns and operates Expeditionary Fast Transport catamarans to transport cargo quickly.
However, while there are several different types of catamarans, sailing catamarans are arguably the most popular for long-distance cruising. Cruising catamarans are very common vessels used for long-distance sailing, sometimes around the world . They have a variety of benefits as compared to other cruising vessels. While cruising catamarans’ design and size may differ, most are relatively spacious, stable, and easy to maneuver. They also have a range of facilities and amenities for passengers. Several companies design and make high-end cruising catamarans, including Manta, Nautitech, and Sunreef. However, there is a vast range of cruising catamaran models on the market ranging from 20 000 USD up to 1 000 000+. With this foundational knowledge, you are now better equipped to delve deeper into the world of cruising catamarans. Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran! One thought on “ What Is a Cruising Catamaran? Everything You Need To Know ”It was incredibly helpful and gave me a better understanding of the topic. It was well-researched, clearly written, and easy to understand. Leave a Reply Cancel replyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked * Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Recent PostsMust-Have Boat Gear for Catamaran Sailors! Sailing is probably the most gear-intensive activity I've ever done; there are so many decisions to be made about what gear to buy now, for tomorrow, and what to definitely never buy. The gear on... 6 Best Trailerable Trimarans For Bluewater and Coastal Sailing Having a boat costs a lot of money, even when you are not using it, marina fees, etc. And once it is in the water most sailors never go very far from their "home marina" and sailing will be somewhat... - Fun Things to do
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Sailing cruising catamarans can travel at an average of 9-15 knots and max out around 35 kts. Power Cruising catamarans have a maximum speed of 70 knots but averages around 20-25 kts. How fast a catamaran can go also depends on the load it is carrying, its structural design, and its engine power.
Gunboat 68 (+35Kts) Gunboat 68 is a cruising catamaran designed to reach the highest speeds possible. Made by Gunboat, the ship uses Grand-Prix racing boats' designs to develop the speediest cruising catamaran on the market. Gunboat 68 is made entirely from carbon composites, which keeps the ship lightweight and fast.
Cruising catamarans are designed primarily for safety and comfort. They're often used for long offshore passages, where speed is important, but comfort is king. Despite their accommodations, cruising catamarans can still achieve a respectable 15 to 20 knots of speed—sometimes 50% faster than similarly-equipped monohulls.
For anyone less performance orientated in their catamaran cruising, the key for upwind sailing is a strong, flat jib that is not too big. ... A Code 0 can double or even triple the boat speed: in ...
The Lagoon 450 came in at 141 versus the FP Helia 44 at 144. Interestingly the Leopard 45 came in with better numbers than the Lagoon and the FP as follows: Bruce number - 1.25; Base Speed 10.65; KSP 7.68 and TR 122. The numbers for Antares PDQ44 are very similar to the Helia 44 and Lagoon 450.
2) Cruising Catamarans. Another type of sailing catamaran is a cruising catamaran. These often come with complete living accommodations, so they sacrifice speed over their sportier counterparts. They can average between 9 and 10 knots, depending on the conditions. The top speed is typically around 15 knots.
Speed and Efficiency. Power catamarans have gained popularity for offering a unique combination of speed, efficiency, and stability. Their dual-hull design allows for less water resistance, ... When it comes to cruising catamarans, the Lagoon brand is synonymous with luxury and comfort. With a range of sailing catamarans from 40 to 70 feet long ...
The crew wrote a detailed report of the experience and the boat's performance. CONDOR exceeded 30 knots occasionally, but average speeds were between 14 and 17 knots. Their best 24 hours saw 328 nm (an average speed of 13.7 knots). The company motto says it all. "Life is too short to sail a slow boat.".
Sailing catamarans come in all different shapes and sizes. Some are optimized for living space and comfort, while others are designed with fast cruising speeds being the sole goal of the boat. The Gunboat 68, one of the fastest cruising sailboats currently made, can exceed 30 knots.
The Fastest Cruising Catamarans Currently on the Market. The world of luxurious and high-performance catamarans is probably mostly dominated by Gunboat and HH Catamarans leading the way. Gunboat's 68ft, 72ft, and 80ft models excel with speeds over 30 knots, thanks to cutting-edge materials and construction techniques.
By Zuzana Prochazka. December 24, 2015. Outremer Yachting, a French builder of performance cruising catamarans, stretched their wildly successful 49-footer to create the Outremer 51. They also added some hard angles to the transoms and coachroof, and incorporated owner feedback to improve livability. Outremer has an almost cult-like following ...
The Outremer 4x is a stable and comfortable high-speeding cruising catamaran that performs ocean crossings and confronts any weather with remarkable ease. Named the European Boat of the Year in 2017, this 48-foot (14.6 m) bluewater cruiser sails faster than wind speed and attains maximum cruising speeds of 20 knots.. The 4x is an upgrade of the extremely popular Outremer 45, thus retaining ...
A catamaran boat is a type of watercraft that features two parallel hulls connected by a deck or platform. This design provides stability, speed, and efficiency on the water, making it a popular choice for various purposes such as leisure cruising, racing, fishing, or even luxury yachting. Catamarans have been around for centuries but have ...
It is built in carbon, glass, vinylester and divinycell in order to be durable and strong. This boat can reach a maximum speed of 15 knots, with a comfortable sailing speed at 9-10 knots. The Privilege Signature 510 is another fast cruising catamaran, recently acquired by the German Hanse Group. It is an elegant and sportive design with an ...
The best cruising catamarans offer good load-carrying ability and respectable performance. ... Catana 50 Courtesy of Catana Catamarans. When it comes to speed, light boats are fast ones. And if you wish to save weight, that means exotic modern materials like carbon. Catana now infuses the laminates of their entire production line with carbon ...
This story originally appeared in the November/December 2021 issue of Passagemaker magazine. Jim Leshaw Catamaran Great Loop multihull coastal cruising Destination. A couple cruising the Great Loop on their 34-foot power catamaran has learned, once again, why they prefer the cat to a monohull.
Catamarans have grown in popularity among boaters, both for recreational sailing and long-distance cruising. With their dual-hull design, they offer stability, speed, and ample space. However, driving and docking a catamaran is a unique experience compared to single-hull boats.
Quote: Originally Posted by catsketcher. For a typical 38ft cruising cat you will motor at about 8-9 knots top speed. Going 8 knots will use about 50% more fuel than 7 knots so you motor at 6-7 instead. Drag is related to the square if the boat speed so going fast needs huge amounts of power and fuel.
This is the formula for Maximum Hull Speed on a displacement boat: Max hull speed= √((Length on Water Line x g) /(2 x pi)) x 3600/1852. Now we need to add the increased efficiency (loss of drag) of a semi-displacement hull, usually, this is somewhere between a 10-30% increase. Semi Displacement hull speed = Maximum hull speed * 1.3.
Adventuress Catamaran. The Adventuress Luxury Catamaran is a gorgeous 60' luxury yacht available exclusively for private charter. All excursions are customized for our guests and the Adventuress is certified to accommodate 2-48 guests. This yacht is ideal for: sailing tours of San Diego Bay, corporate entertaining and teambuilding, weddings ...
Shadowcat has unveiled a 72.8-metre catamaran concept known as Catfish. The design has been created in collaboration with Berlin-based T. Fotiadis Design. ... The vessel is expected to reach a top speed of 21 knots, a cruising speed of 14 knots and a range of 5,000 nautical miles. Key numbers include a 15.5-metre beam, a draft of 2.45 metres ...
Looking for the best local San Diego yacht charters and yacht rentals? If you are interested in catamaran rental, the Adventuress is a...
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A cruise is a hassle-free, good-value way of enjoying a short break. Here are six summer options that will have you sailing away. ... explore islands and inlets by high-speed catamaran, or head to ...
A cruising catamaran is a double-hulled vessel that is used for ocean crossing. They are designed for long-distance journeys and can carry a significant load while maintaining high speed and stability. Cruising catamarans have a range of passenger facilities and amenities.
ABOUT US. Hot Tub Cruisin offers a luxuriously unique way to have fun on the beautiful waters of Mission Bay in this one of a kind hot tub boat rental. Whether your group is large or small, everyone will enjoy the unforgettable experience of hot tubbing on a boat. The boat seats up to 12 guests. The hot tub water is adjustable depending on ...