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World’s fastest monohull: Malizia-Seaexplorer IMOCA 60

August 17, 2023

The IMOCA 60 Malizia-Seaexplorer is the world’s fastest monohull, having set a blistering 24-hour record of 641.08 nautical miles while competing in The Ocean Race transatlantic leg

Followers of the IMOCA 60 fleet will know that two names have dominated the class over the past two generations when it comes to design: VPLP and Verdier. So, it’s no surprise that all five of the IMOCAs competing in The Ocean Race come from those same drawing boards (and in the case of the oldest boat in the fleet, the 2015-launched Guyot Environnement, a VPLP/Verdier partnership).

Of the four designs, three are by Verdier – 11th Hour Racing Team , Holcim-PRB , and Biotherm. This leaves Boris Herrmann ’s Malizia-Seaexplorer as the sole latest generation VPLP IMOCA in the race, but the differences in its design concept run much deeper. Malizia-Seaexplorer was, uniquely among the fleet, designed from the outset for both the 2023 Ocean Race and the 2024 Vendée Globe . The result is a distinctively different looking IMOCA.

VPLP explains that the design differs markedly from previous iterations of IMOCA, particularly in the shape of the hull. Much of this was the result of lessons learned during the 2020 Vendée Globe . The main aim of the hull studies VPLP undertook was to optimise Malizia-Seaexplorer’s performance in the heavy seas of the Southern Ocean without compromising its ability to perform in the more moderate conditions expected on the Atlantic stages of both The Ocean Race and Vendée Globe.

Damage to the original L-shaped foils proved fortuitous – the replacement C-shaped ones actually performed better. Photo: Ricardo Pinto/Team Malizia

German skipper Herrmann had made three laps of the planet before the Ocean Race start and had specific ideas he wanted to incorporate into the design. Malizia-Seaexplorer has noticeably full bow sections, a higher freeboard and more curved sheerline. Co-skipper Will Harris explained that the boat’s bow shape and volume are two of its key design features.

“The first 3.5m of the bow were cut off, in effect giving us a scow bow,” Harris said while showing me around the boat in the Newport stopover. “It means we’re less likely to catch the bow as we plough into the wave in front of us. And the added volume up front helps lift the boat back out of the water. You look at a boat like Biotherm, it has a bullet nose. Once it digs in a wave it’s hard to get it back out.

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“We really thought about this design for the Southern Ocean, and it really pays off in the heavy conditions. It might not be so good in other conditions, in lighter winds the extra volume means it’s heavier, but in the rough conditions it pays off for us.”

Among the Verdier designs, overall race leader Holcim-PRB seems the most similar in terms of bow shape, though it lacks the volume of Malizia. Not surprisingly, the two designs were clearly superior in the arduous 12,000-mile Southern Ocean Leg 3 of The Ocean Race. Holcim-PRB and Malizia-Seaexplorer were 1st and 2nd through the mid-leg scoring gate. Approaching the gate at longitude 143 East, Malizia-Seaexplorer overtook 11th Hour Racing Team in strong north-westerly winds of 20-25 knots to earn 2nd place.

Malizia-Seaexplorer’s notably high freeboard translates to greater headroom inside the cockpit. Photo: Antoine Auriol/Team Malizia

11th Hour’s onboard reporter Amory Ross ruefully described Malizia’s superiority in the sea state as they went past: “After working our way through Biotherm it was Malizia’s turn to do the same to us this afternoon. They seem to be able to carry more sail and keep their bow up, presumably with the shape of their hull, and while we struggled in the waves to keep from nose diving, they were able to sail at the same speed but lower.

“We watched as they sailed down to us, around our bow, and then continued on in a more southerly direction.”

Malizia kept that pace up in heavy conditions on the approach to Cape Horn and rounded the iconic landmark ahead of Holcim-PRB.

Racing at full bore in the Southern Ocean during Leg 3 of The Ocean Race. Photo: Antoine Auriol/Team Malizia

Banana boat

Another design feature Harris credited to their success is the boat’s rocker, the curvature of the hull from bow to stern. Harris said that because the rocker rises up in the stern, it also aids the bow in staying out of the water.

“The rocker continues well into the back of the boat, so the whole boat is like a banana,” Harris said. “The idea behind the rocker rising in the stern is to help lift the bow up even more. By having the stern high we can stack more gear, people and equipment in the back of the boat so the bow comes out even more, so it’s less likely to dig into the waves. The tradeoff is it’s less efficient in marginal planing conditions, it’s a little harder to get on a plane just before foiling, but we feel it’s a very small difference.”

The added freeboard also has multiple benefits, including the boat’s ability to self-right. All IMOCAs must be able to self-right after passing 110° of heel angle. “The higher freeboard means more volume at the front. So, when the bow digs in a wave, there’s a lot of buoyancy to help lift it out of the water. Higher freeboard also means more volume for life onboard. And in the IMOCA rules, a high freeboard means more form stability so we can have a lighter ballast bulb for the 110° test,” Harris adds.

The new borrowed c-shape foils were something of a blessing. Photo: Antoine Auriol / Team Malizia

Foil changes

However, it’s Malizia’s foils that have proven to be an unexpected benefit – especially since they’re not the intended foils, but rather a spare set the team had to switch to after Malizia-Seaexplorer’s version one foils were damaged beyond repair before the race start.

The team’s original set suffered damage on the delivery from Guadeloupe at the end of the Route du Rhum to Alicante for the start of The Ocean Race. Harris said that they experienced some rough conditions on the passage and that when the boat nosedived the loads on the foils were counter to the designed loads. There’s a shaft inside the foils around which the carbon fibre is laid, but the carbon wasn’t strong enough to support the huge loads the foils undergo.

An ultrasound check revealed internal damage, and was followed by a frantic search for a replacement set – the team was fortunate to be able to use a set from designer Sam Manuard, similar to those built for Sam Davies’ new Initiatives Coeur.

“To be honest, it’s been a bit of a blessing,” Harris said. The original foils were L-shaped in profile, whereas the replacements are C-shaped. Harris says the biggest benefit is the way the foils regulate the boat’s motion through waves.

There are 54 separate control lines running into the enclosed cockpit. Photo: Antoine Auriol/Team Malizia

“The C-shaped foils are more polyvalent, they’re good in all conditions,” said Harris. “They’re more vertical in profile, which means there’s more righting moment, more of a daggerboard effect. And when the boat starts to lift out of the water the foil comes out in a natural way and helps stabilise the flight of the boat. It doesn’t leap as much. The L-foils are not as good at managing those leaps, you must play more with their extension. With the C-foils, if they’re extended a bit too much in a gust it’s OK. They allow the boat to lift over the wave and not jump so much that it ventilates.”

The C-shape foil versus L-shape played out dramatically on Leg 5 of The Ocean Race, when 11th Hour Racing Team, Holcim-PRB and Malizia-Seaexplorer all took turns blowing through the race and outright monohull 24-hour records (previously standing at 602 and 618 miles respectively, the latter set by the 100ft Comanche back in 2015). During what’s been dubbed the ‘North Atlantic Speed Sailing Seminar’ Malizia-Seaexplorer ended up with the top number, setting a new record of 641.13 miles in 24 hours on 26 May, having maintained a breathtaking average speed of 26.71 knots.

By IMOCA standards, Malizia’s living quarters are comfortable, with curtained bunks. Despite how snugly the crew are wedged in, Rosalind Kuiper was thrown from her bunk and suffered a head injury in Leg 3, due to the foiling IMOCA’s extreme motion in rough seas. Photo: Antoine Auriol/Team Malizia

“We had exceptional conditions with a flat sea, the wind steady from the right direction, the right angle for such a long time,” said Herrmann.

“No sail changes – actually, we took a reef in and out, so we slowed down for these two moments, but apart from that nothing slowed us down for a longer time. Sometimes, the waves got a little bit shorter and we’d slow down to 18 knots and get a bit stuck in the sea. But most of the time the boat would pass the sea perfectly and fly at 27-34 knots, it felt really relaxed.”

Bulletproof IMOCA 60

Regardless of the foil shape, Malizia-Seaexplorer is a beast of a boat. Harris noted that the boat has 30% more structure than the other IMOCAs. The hull is solid carbon fibre, no foam core, up to 16 layers thick in some places. The trend among the IMOCA class is to eliminate the foam cores and use a monolithic construction process that eliminates the possibility of core failure. Given the 30-knot speeds these boats are capable of, their skippers must have confidence that the machine will not break.

“This is a very good boat for the Vendée Globe, it is very good for the overall campaign,” said Herrmann. “I don’t foresee broken stringers or a delamination after a cold front. We have a monolithic very strong hull, a little heavier but when we are up on the foils we perform very much like the pack.

“We are seeing sensational performances downwind and upwind, a few knots quicker than the old boat, the ergonomics are so much better than the old boat. There are so many good things about this boat.”

Extensive solar panels from Solbian on the side decks and coachroof produce 60% of required power, the rest being generated from two hydro-generators. Photo: Antoine Auriol/Team Malizia

Malizia-Seaexplorer specifications

LOA: 18.28m / 59ft 11in LOA inc bowsprit: 20.12m / 65ft 5in Beam: 5.70m / 18ft 3in Draught: 4.50m / 14ft 8in Displacement: N/A Mast height: 27.24m / 88ft 9in Sail area upwind: 270m2 / 2,906ft2 Sail area offwind: 550m2 / 5,920ft2 Design: VPLP Builder: Multiplast

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14 Best Monohull Sailboats

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

December 28, 2023

Monohulls are among the most popular boats in the world accounting for over 75% of the total number of boats.

This means that choosing the best monohull sailboats for your sailing adventures can be overwhelming. Fortunately, we're here to help you by highlighting the best monohull sailboats.

Whether you're an accomplished sailor or just starting in the world of sailing, a monohull boat is an ideal option for anyone who wants a true sailing experience.

Unlike other types of sailboats, the level of adrenaline that a monohull brings to your sailing adventure is almost unmatched.

It doesn't matter whether the conditions are rough , wild, flat, or calm, a monohull is the perfect boat type for anyone looking for the thrills of the sail.

Unfortunately, you might not fully enjoy the thrills of sailing on a monohull sailboat if you do not choose the best monohull sailboat for you.

While a monohull cannot compete with multihull sailboats in terms of cabin size, anchoring closer to the shore, and comfort, it should hold its own if you are planning to spend more time at the sea and in unpredictable conditions. ‍

A monohull sailboat will definitely be an ideal option if you're planning to go to more challenging places. This is exactly why you have to make the right choice when looking for the best monohull sailboat.

Over the years, we've sailed many monohull sailboats and that's precisely why we feel confident that we can help you choose the best monohull sailboats.

We've gone through various designs and launches, tested them, and sifted through many monohull brands to select the best monohull sailboats that we strongly believe should be on your bucket list.

So without further ado, let's walk you through them.

Table of contents

Best Monohull Sailboats

For several decades, Amel 55 has not only been the epitome of easy downwind handling but has developed a cult-like following among sailors. It was designed as the successor to the legendary Super Maramu and brings to the fore incredible features that every serious sailor will value. From a sturdily built hull, solid guardrails to a skeg-hung rudder, watertight bulkheads, and lush bulwarks, Amel 55 is built with anything you could ever want in a perfect monohull sailboat.

And even with a list of standard features, this monohull sailboat is truly designed for those who want to live comfortably on a sailboat for long periods. It comes with superb sea berths with lee cloths, a dishwasher, crockery, an electric furling main and genoa, and several practical items that will make sailing very comfortable.

We have to admit that the design might look old going by modern standards, especially with the advent of easier sail handling systems. For example, the ketch rig design is no longer ideal and is out of fashion. But even with this downside, the Amel 55 remains a phenomenon; a legendary monohull sailboat that ticks all the right boxes in the sailing world.

2. Bavaria Cruise 46

Probably the most popular monohull sailboat in recent years, the Bavaria Cruise 46 is a formidable monohull sailboat that was voted "European Yacht of the Year" in 2015. Well, this shouldn't be surprising as you'll probably never find another monohull sailboat in its class that offers more comfort, more space, more luxury, and easier handling.

You can transform the boat's 3 cabins into 4 cabins by transforming the huge forward cabin into two smaller cabins in a few simple steps. In the bow, you'll find a large and luxurious master cabin that can be easily divided using an innovative Flexi-bulkhead.

Its sporty design on the exterior, lightweight composite steering wheels, and a flexible selection of wood tones makes it look so good while offering the best dimensions for both short and long trips. In essence, the Bavaria Cruise 46 is an elegant monohull sailboat that redefines modern sailboats with its clever and innovative design.

3. Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk II

Following in the footsteps of the original Hallberg-Rassy 48 Mk that was launched a decade ago, the Mk II was launched in 2014 as an updated version thanks to its modern profile, incredible hull portlights, and larger and frameless windows. This Swedish monohull sailboat is solidly built, gorgeously finished, and is famous around the world and among sailors for its kind and smooth behavior at sea.

Its center cockpit is a true definition of what comfort should entail at sea. This is a monohull sailboat that will provide you with steady sailing both upwind and downwind. It can effortlessly cover 200 miles a day and doesn't require you to be a pro sailor to be able to handle it. If anything, it offers smooth sailing and can be perfectly handled by a casual sailing couple .

In terms of additional features, this monohull comes with a large chart table, lots of stowage and space, a secure linear galley, as well as extra machinery and gear that would be of great help when out on the water. This is a well-thought-out monohull sailboat and is perhaps the best Hallberg-Rassy ever built. This boat guarantees reliability, top-notch quality, and superb resale value.

4. Catalina 545

As one of the largest monohull sailboats in the game, the Catalina 545 stands out in the way it's engineered and designed to make it a truly excellent monohull sailboat. If you're an ardent Catalina fan, you'll notice that the 545 has some of the most eyebrow-raising features in bluewater cruising.

For example, the fiberglass collar is designed all-round the top of the hull and shaped like a construction beam. This is to give the hull a more enhanced rigidity while providing a sturdy base for the deck. It's also designed with solid stanchions and cleats, as well as strong sheer rails.

This superb monohull sailboat is constructed with a set of scuppers that play a crucial role in draining near the waterline so that you can perfectly eliminate any development of streaks or strains on the top side of the boat. As far as the bow is concerned, the sprit brings to the table an essential but unique anchor roller, a self-tacking jib, and a light displacement that makes the boat quick even in light or moderate wind. In essence, this monohull sailboat is designed with simple but reliable systems that are easily accessible. Better still, it remains one of the biggest monohull sailboats around.

5. Discovery 55

Having been launched two decades ago in 2000, the Discovery 55 has unquestionably stood the test of time and remains one of the most preferred monohull sailboats for families and couples around the world. This is a well-balanced and elegantly designed sailboat that brings to the sailing world immense practicality, comfortable seating, a deep and secure cockpit, dedicated stowage, and a self- tacking jib among many other things.

If you've been on a sailboat and bruised or stubbed your toes, you simply appreciate hos the superb monohull sailboat is designed to keep you safe and secure at all times. From the grab rails and handholds to deep sinks in the galley, the Discovery 55 is designed with plenty of nifty details and the inclusion of many practical ideas.

This sailboat will probably never disappoint you. It is well-mannered, comfortable to live on for days if not months, and a true definition of modern and luxurious.

6. Contest 50CS

If you want a serious monohull boat that can help you extend your sailing ground with ease and perhaps without even realizing it, the Contest 50CS is the way to go. For close to two decades, this Dutch-made monohull sailboat has been a consistent performer even with its dry weight of 17.5 tons.

This monohull is designed with impeccable modern underwater sections and a completely balanced rudder. Although the in-mast furling may affect the boat's performance, this boat can still perform incredibly well without it.

The fact that this boat is designed with a mainsheet traveler and electric winches that can be easily accessed from the helm makes it an ideal boat for a small crew or if you're planning to sail shorthanded. The genoa is easy to tack and two people can easily gybe downwind under spinnaker.

In addition to having exceptional touches on the interior, you might be surprised to learn that the joinery finish of this boat is arguably among the best in the boating industry. This is a monohull sailboat that's easy to handle, well-built, and has weathered the test of time to still mix it nicely with the big boys of recent years. Well, the Contest 50CS might not be among the cheapest monohull sailboats around but its demand is still soaring even today.

7. Bénéteau Oceanis 45

Named yacht of the year in 2012, the Bénéteau Oceanis 45 remains one of the most popular monohull sailboats in the world and for a good reason. This is a sailboat that redefines the important themes that made the Oceanis 50 so popular in a much better way.

One of the most noticeable features of this boat is that the mainsheet is designed in such a way that it doesn't obstruct the cockpit as you tack or jibe. This just a start; the cockpit is nicely designed and will serve you just right during your sailing endeavors. This monohull sailboat comes with three or four cabins, two bathrooms, and has a larger cockpit than other boats in its class.

This is a boat that keeps up with the Bénéteau tradition of being ahead of the game in terms of innovation, attention to detail, and offering top-notch performance. Whether you're looking to live aboard or sail to the remotest of places, this gorgeous monohull sailboat has everything you need in place.

8. Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 36i

Another French monohull sailboat that makes it to this list, the Odyssey 36i is a great monohull sailboat that is acknowledged for having some excellent assets in terms of sailing as it is faster and more agile than most sailboats. This is, without a doubt, an elegant monohull sailboat that brings to the sailing world an overall melodious package in terms of its modern design, power, and capability when sailing.

Even though its hull is of modest size, this monohull sailboat offers great value as it is easy to sail, easy to moor, and dock. Its magnificent electronics, folding prop, and electric anchor winch seem to make everything so easy that you do not even need a crew to sail this boat. The hull is lively and offers good acceleration. Imagine a monohull that can clock around 6.4 knots when sailing upwind.

To be honest, the interior of this boat is still very traditional but the exterior looks quite modern. The exterior is designed like an avant-garde sailboat and looks appealing from just about every angle. In terms of performance, this boat is designed with a deeper keel, spinnaker gear, taller rig, and a much better standing and running rigging.

On the interior, the most noticeable feature is the removable dining table that can be easily removed to accommodate extra bodies. Apart from that, there is nothing complex about the cockpit and deck layout. The double-roller bow fitting is nice and it comes with an optional electric windlass. In essence, this monohull sailboat is designed with lots of features. It is good-looking and reasonably priced.

9. Gunfleet 43

For many sailors who have the dream of spending most of their time sailing to exotic places, the prospects of downsizing and living most of your essentials at home can be daunting. In other words, it's almost impossible to pack all your life in a 40 feet vessel if you've lived your entire life in a 2,000 feet house. While you can't bring things like your hot bathtub to the ocean, the Gunfleet gives you the chance of bringing most of your essential onboard thanks to its immense spaciousness.

This British-built monohull sailboat is modern, sleek, but kind of feels like a classic sailboat. It comes with an efficient hull that's laid up by hand to enhance attention to detail. The reverse transom brings to the fore a three-step ladder leading to the deck and a small swim platform. It's also designed with a low coach roof and a windshield that seems to taper towards the aft of the cockpit.

Its impeccable low profile gives it a contemporary look but the center-cockpit design is the most attractive part of its design. The aft deck section is expansive and comes with excellent twin zones for sunbathing. They're divided by a skylight and a hatch that lead to the master stateroom that's located below. Its two cabins and two heads are essential if you're planning for long passages. The interior is posh and offers ample natural light.

As far as performance and acceleration are concerned, this monohull sailboat holds well. It accelerates nicely even when out of tacks since the helm is responsive no matter the point of sail. This is an outstanding monohull sailboat that has a solid feel and will most certainly boost your confidence if you're planning to go for long passages even in snobbish conditions.

10. Island Packet 35

Designed to offer top-notch performance, stability, and comfort, the Island Packet 35 is widely known for its spaciousness, modern interior, U-shaped galley, and a vast cockpit that certainly compares to most modern 40 feet sailboats while still holding to the classic lines.

This incredible monohull sailboat is designed with a short spoon, generous spring to the sheer, and a chopped off transom. It is perfectly designed bowsprit elongates the sheerline, which essentially makes the boat appear longer, lower, and much better than it is. As far as the keel is concerned, this is a full keel that's not heavy but very moderate.

The interior of this boat will probably make you think that you're looking at a 40-footer sailboat. It's so spacious that you can use it for your liveaboard sailing escapades. It also offers notable improvements in performance and certainly surpasses some of the company's earlier models. In ideal conditions, very few boats will match the Island Packet 35 in terms of performance. This is a very stable and comfortable monohull sailboat that doesn't hold back as far as performance is concerned.

11. Bowman 40

Thanks to its medium-to-heavy displacement structure, the Bowman 40 is designed to sail across open seas with ease. A modern classic, this monohull sailboat looks pretty much traditional thanks to its overhanging bow, deep-bilged, and narrow shoulders. This makes it very powerful on the waters and offers a lot easier motion during long passages.

Better still, this sailboat is perfectly stable and enjoyable since you won't be thrown about even in strong waves. It's designed with handholds within reach both above and below the deck, as well as no sharp edges to ensure that you don't injure yourself. This is enabled by the balanced hull and carefully integrated sails, as well as ample ballast that's neither heavy nor lightweight. In short, this is a solidly built monohull sailboat that will serve you diligently even when you are confronted with stormy conditions.

Honestly speaking, the Bowman 40 isn't a racing cruiser but neither is it a slouch. It has the ability to sail through the heaviest of oceans and might arrive at your destination just at the same time as other lightweight sailboats. This is, without a doubt, a sailboat that's designed to take you offshore in all weather and sea conditions.

12. Bavaria Cruiser 51

Even though it is one of the largest monohull sailboats, you'll probably never notice this once you start sailing. Well, this is because it handles unbelievably so well and can easily and comfortably accommodate up to ten crew members thanks to its three cabins. To offer optimum luxury, this boat can be customized to have five cabins, which is clear evidence that it can meet various needs.

This boat isn't just about being spacious. Instead, it's designed with all functionalities to enable you to enjoy your sailing adventures. Whether you take a look at its exterior, interior, deck, or cockpit, you'll realize that every part of this gorgeous monohull sailboat oozes class. While the most striking of this vessel's interior is its enormous space, it's also designed elegantly and beautiful to ensure that you enjoy your sailing adventures.

In terms of its hull, you're getting a very agile boat that you can easily control even when the winds are extremely strong. In essence, this is a monohull sailboat that's well and generously proportioned in all aspects. It's modern, sleek, and will turn head whether at the dock or deep at sea.

13. Wauquiez Centurion 57

Thanks to its exciting Mediterranean-style design and functionality, the Centurion 57 is a serious monohull sailboat that feels robust, solid, and truly marks the reincarnation of the legendary Centurion generation of luxury monohull sailboats. Designed as a racing sailboat, the Centurion 57 is thoroughbred, powerful, and impeccably maneuverable but that doesn't mean that you have to use it as a racing cruiser.

Instead, it's comfortable, luxurious, and elegant and brings to the fore everything that French boat makers are known for: class, beauty, and reliability. Its hull is unquestionably one of the most powerful and versatile. It's designed to withstand the harshest of sailing conditions .

It has a very spacious and large cockpit that's designed to afford you maximum versatility while out there. This means that you'll get lots of free space to efficiently maneuver the boat in the tightest situations and also to make things a lot easier if you're sailing shorthanded. From the electric winches to the helm position, you can easily access the transoms.

This is a monohull sailboat that guarantees calm, luxury, and comfort without compromising on performance and speed. It oozes modernity, solidity, and immense attention to details.

14. Rustler 42

If you've been looking for a monohull sailboat that combines serious performance attributes to other crucial blue water cruising elements, look no further than the Rustler 42. This is a gorgeous, fast, and reliable monohull sailboat that remains the benchmark of all monohull sailboats of its size. It not only offers directional stability but can also carry immense loads and is solid enough even for long passages.

This is a classing looking monohull sailboat that perfectly combines traditional style with modernity and innovativeness. It is not only elegant but also very stable and should be an ideal choice if you're looking for the best liveaboard monohulls.

Its spacious cabin is big enough to offer standing headroom and, of course, plenty of storage within the lockers. The hull is hand-laid using glass fiber reinforced polyester to ensure that it's solid, reliable, and durable.

In Conclusion

There you have it; the above-described vessels are the best monohull sailboats today. They are designed to enhance your sailing experience and ensure that you always enjoy your time out there on the water. Whichever boat you choose, it's essential to ensure that it's in good condition, well-maintained, and in perfect shape for your adventures.

Until next time, stay safe and happy sailing!

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

by this author

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Monohull yachts: a buyer’s guide

There are many different types of monohull sailboats: habitable or non-habitable, dinghies or keel type monohulls, and racing or pleasure boats. At Dream Yacht Sales, we focus on the heart of the market: habitable, keel type monohull yachts . These boats are firm favorites, as they offer enough on-board comfort for you to welcome friends and family (our monohull boats for sale generally include several cabins and bathrooms); and give a feeling of complete security, thanks to a fixed keel.

Features of a monohull sailboat

The most noticeable feature of a monohull, is the fact it only has one hull . Apart from that, these yachts are characterized by their narrow designs, triangular-shaped bow and split living space across two floors .

Most marinas are designed to welcome monohull sailboats, whilst many struggle to fit the beam of sailing catamarans and power catamarans. Buying a monohull gives you two clear advantages when it comes to marinas : you’ll have an easier time finding a berthing space for the year in the home port of your choice and when you set sail, you’ll have an easier time finding a berthing space than your friend in a catamaran – which is why it’s much more beneficial to look at monohull boats for sale.

If you ask an experienced monohull sailor why they sail monohull yachts, they’ll tell you it’s the feeling you get from the boat . The pressure exercised by the wind in the sails of a monohull will cause it to lean transversally, (known as heeling). Contrary to multihulls, where heeling is almost non-existent (less than 5°), a monohull can easily reach a heel of more than 20° . The skipper will feel everything the boat is doing as it performs. Adjusting the sails is more delicate, and accelerations stronger. Monohull yachts give a true sailing experience .

Benefits of a monohull yacht

Sailors choose to purchase monohulls over sailing or power catamarans for a number of reasons, including the following:

Excellent balance

The keel is the weighted element at the center of the hull under the waterline, which allows the boat to be balanced , whilst also serving to counter drift on modern yachts. The rudder is the submerged part of the helm under the monohull sailboat. It is used for deflecting the flow of water under the hull to change the direction you’re sailing. It’s placed at the rear of the boat, and is most often directed by a steering wheel.

Tiller handles still exist on some monohulls (often sailing yachts shorter than 30 feet) as they take up little space, but are much more physical than the alternative – the steering wheel. Steering wheels are often preferred as they allow the boat to be maneuvered much more easily – particularly yachts over 30 feet long.

Two steering wheels means more space and visibility

The latest generation of monohull yachts are often equipped with two steering wheels, which offers two primary advantages: space and visibility. Having two steering wheels (one on the port, and the other on the starboard), allows an enormous amount of space to be freed at the center of the cockpit . This gives you more room to move while getting on and off the monohull yacht, and swimming whilst at mooring. Not only that, but for visibility, two steering wheels makes it easier to control the sails and the body of water when blocking upwind .

Capacity to sail upwind

The main advantage of a monohull sailboat is its capacity to sail upwind – an average of 10-20 degrees better than a multihull, which massively reduces the distances traveled at this speed. The shape of a monohull naturally fits the shape of the waves when troughs of several meters form , giving a sense of safety to those on-board, as every experience is felt at the helm.

The monohull has one other advantage: it has a relatively small surface in the water and it’s light ; making it easier to get it out of the water, and meaning its regular maintenance (refitting, anti-fouling etc) is less expensive.

The cost of buying a monohull yacht

From its purchase price, to berthing space and ongoing maintenance, a monohull sailboat costs much less than a catamaran . This is partly due to there being a much wider range of yachts available, than what is found with multihulls. For example, Dufour’s Grand Large range offers yachts a little more than 30 feet long, with two double cabins and one bathroom; whilst the smallest habitable catamarans usually measure around 40 feet and have a minimum of three double cabins. Because of this, monohulls are often better suited for small families, or groups of friends . For an equal size, between 40-60 feet, a monohull sailboat will also cost much less than a catamaran; with the price of a 40 foot catam aran often equal to a monohull of nearly 50 feet.

Berthing space is another thing to consider when choosing which type of yacht to buy. A berth for a monohull yacht generally costs 20-50% less than that of a similarly sized catamaran . This is often one of the biggest expenses for a boat owner and should not be neglected if you are looking to keep control of your budget. When you set sails, berths during your stops to fill up with water and food will also be much less expensive for you.

We represent the best of monohull yacht brands

There are many advantages to buying a monohull over a catamaran. At Dream Yacht Sales, we work in partnership with four leading and respected monohull boatyards: Jeanneau , Beneteau , Dufour and Wauquiez . We are dealers for these brands in some regions of the world, and can organize a sea trial or a visit to a boatyard to help you buy a good quality monohull yacht for the greatest value for money.

Contact our team today to discuss your needs, or select a boat on our site, configure it to your taste and we’ll provide you a quote there and then.

Alternatively, you can take a look at our other buying guides: Sailing catamarans Power catamarans

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Sailing Monohulls

Monohull sailboats are the most thrilling charter yachts.

Savor the Pleasure of Sailing on a Modern Performance Sailboat Without Compromising on Amenities.

Virgin Island Sailing® can help you book the ideal monohull sailboat for your sailing vacation.

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Tregomar Bareboat Charter in France

25.6 Length Total
1 Cabins Total
5 Max. Guests
Dream Yacht Charter
Yacht Type: Sailing Monohulls
Yacht Age: 2015
Manufacturer: Beneteau
Model: First 25 S

BIG-OR-NO () Bareboat Charter in France

29.1 Length Total
2 Cabins Total
6 Max. Guests
Yacht Age: 2016
Model: Mojito 8.88

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31.3 Length Total
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Sunsail 311 Classic Bareboat Charter in Italy

31.5 Length Total
Model: Oceanis 311

UNION Bareboat Charter in Croatia

31.7 Length Total
Yacht Age: 2018
Manufacturer: Dufour
Model: Dufour 310 GL

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Yacht Age: 2017

Maverick Bareboat Charter in British Virgin Islands

32.1 Length Total
3 Cabins Total
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Manufacturer: Bavaria

Popeye Bareboat Charter in France

32.3 Length Total
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Model: First 31.7

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32.8 Length Total
4 Max. Guests
Model: Bavaria Cruiser 34 - 2 cab.

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33.1 Length Total
Yacht Age: 2020
Manufacturer: Jeanneau
Model: Sun Odyssey 349

Venturi I Bareboat Charter in British Virgin Islands

Yacht Age: 2022

Sunsail 34 Premier Bareboat Charter in Greece

Yacht Age: 1-3 Years in Service

Sunsail 34 Classic Bareboat Charter in Greece

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Moorings 35.2 Club Bareboat Charter in Italy

33.6 Length Total
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Model: Oceanis 35.2

BALAVOINE Bareboat Charter in Croatia

33.7 Length Total
8 Max. Guests
Model: Dufour 350 GL

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Yacht Age: 2014
Model: Dufour 335 GL

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Terms and conditions, charter experts, llc terms & conditions.

PLEASE READ THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS (“ Terms ”) CAREFULLY AS THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS, REMEDIES AND OBLIGATIONS AS WELL AS A SECTION GOVERNING THE JURISDICTION AND VENUE OF DISPUTES. THESE TERMS ALSO CONTAIN A LEGALLY BINDING RELEASE, WAIVER OF LIABILITY, AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK. By creating a username, a login, clicking submit, using the services of Charter Experts, LLC d/b/a Virgin Island Sailing® (“ Broker ) or by accessing Broker’s website, you agree that you have read, and acknowledge your acceptance of these Terms. The Terms are subject to change at any time without notice at Broker’s sole discretion. Additionally, any transaction for which you have made payment shall be governed by the form of Terms in effect at the time of such payment notwithstanding any subsequent changes hereto.

If you are obtaining a quote, information, booking travel for and/or securing or procuring a Charter (as that term is defined in Section 1 below) for more than just yourself, all references below to “Charterer” or “you” (and derivations thereof) shall be read to mean you on behalf of yourself and each individual within your group for whom you are obtaining a quote, information, booking travel for and/or securing or procuring Charter.

These Terms shall be read together and construed, to the fullest extent possible, to be in concert with any other agreement by or among Broker and Charterer. To the extent they cannot be so construed, then in the event of any direct conflict between these Terms and any other agreement by or among Broker and Charterer (including but not limited to the agreement executed by Charterer for a Charter Reservation (as that term is defined in Section 1 below), these Terms shall prevail.

Prepaid Charter Reservations . Typically, Broker negotiates charter rates in advance with the yacht owner or charter company (“ Charter Provider ”) to obtain cost-effective rates, and facilitate reservations and availability for yacht charters, excursions and travel (the “ Charter ”). Broker also provides services to you by facilitating the booking of reservations for consideration and receives a commission from the Charter Provider (the “ Broker Fee ”). The Broker Fee is included in the pre-negotiated Charter rate provided to you, plus taxes and other fees where applicable. You agree that your payment is for the total amount set forth in the applicable Charter agreement (which Charter Provider may refer to as a Charter Contract, Charter Agreement, Booking Terms & Conditions, Instructions and Terms for Accommodations, as well as other derivations) provided to you by Broker (“ Charter Agreement ”). Upon execution of the Charter Agreement and receipt of the applicable deposit, you will have made a reservation for the Charter that authorizes Broker to facilitate the Charter on your behalf (“Charter Reservation”), including making payment arrangements with the Charter Provider. You further agree that Broker is a third-party beneficiary to the Charter Agreement and shall have the right to enforce such agreement to the extent it deems such enforcement necessary or advisable to protect its rights hereunder or under the Charter Agreement.

Broker retains the Broker Fee as compensation in arranging your Charter Reservation. The Broker Fee varies based on the amount and type of Charter and/or services provided by Broker. By making a Charter Reservation, you accept and agree to the relevant cancellation and no-show policy of the Charter Provider set forth in the Charter Agreement. Cancellation and no-show policies vary for each Charter. Carefully read the Charter Agreement and additional information provided to you by Broker. It is expressly agreed by Charterer that the Broker Fee is earned at the time the Charter Reservation is made. Late payment, wrong credit card or debit card details, invalid credit or debit cards, or insufficient funds are for your own risk and account, and you will not be entitled to any refund of any prepaid amount unless the Charter Provider expressly agrees otherwise under the Charter Agreement or in some other signed writing.

Charter Rules and Restrictions . Additional terms and agreements will apply to your Charter Reservation and any purchase or rental of equipment or other items, supplies, provisions and travel you may select. Please read those additional terms carefully. In particular, if you have purchased airfare, please ensure that you read the full terms and conditions of carriage issued by the supplier. You agree to abide by the terms of purchase imposed by any supplier with whom you elect to deal, including but not limited to payment of all amounts when due and compliance with the supplier’s rules and restrictions regarding availability, charges, fares, and use of products and services.
Payment . All payments must be made by personal check, bank/wire transfer, ACH payment and/or with a major credit card unless otherwise expressly stated. The total price for the Charter Reservation will be billed in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise stated. Some banks and credit card companies impose fees for international transactions. If you are making a reservation from outside of the United States on a US credit card, your bank may convert the payment amount to your local currency and charge you a conversion fee. This means the amount listed on your credit or bank card statement may be in your local currency and therefore a different figure than the amount provided by Broker for the Charter Reservation. In addition, a foreign transaction fee may be assessed if the financial institution that issued your credit card is located outside of the United States. Booking international travel may be considered to be an international transaction by the financial institution or card company. The currency exchange rate and foreign transaction fee is determined solely by your financial institution on the day that it processes the transaction. If you have any questions about these fees or the exchange rate applied to your booking, please contact your financial institution. Broker shall not be liable to you for any such service, conversion, or exchange fee.

Broker expressly reserves the right to cancel your Charter Reservation if full payment is not timely received as set forth in the Charter Agreement.

Cancellation and Rescheduling . You may cancel or change your Charter Reservation as set forth in the Charter Agreement by and among you, the Charter Provider and/or Broker. Please note that some Charter Providers do not permit changes to or cancellation of reservations after they are made, or after a certain date, as indicated in the Charter Agreement. You agree to abide by the terms of the Charter Agreement with respect to your Charter Reservation. Broker will not be responsible for reimbursing Charterer for any previously tendered deposits or payments by Charterer and disclaims all liability for the failure of a Charter Provider to refund or return any such funds.
Credit Card Transactions and Chargebacks . If for any reason, any Charter Provider is unable to provide the Charter, or any part thereof, for which you have contracted, your remedy lies against the Charter Provider, and not against Broker. However, Broker will use reasonable efforts to assist you and Charter Provider in reaching a resolution to a dispute between you and the Charter Provider. In the event that your payment has already been transferred from Broker to Charter Provider or to an escrow account, you agree that you will not seek a chargeback against Broker for such amounts transferred. You further agree to indemnify and hold Broker harmless from and against any liability, loss, damage or expense (including without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees) that Broker may incur in connection with chargebacks against Broker or under the Charter Agreement and your performance thereunder. If Broker incurs any costs, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, to recover any payments charged back by your credit card company or other financial institution, you agree that you will be liable for these costs. If your payment is declined for any reason, you agree to settle any amounts owed to Broker via money order, cashier’s check, personal check or bank/ACH transfer immediately.
Broker Responsibility . Broker makes arrangements with the Charter Provider. Broker additionally makes additional arrangements with other suppliers for the various components and other services that comprise your Charter (“Charter Suppliers”). Broker is not an agent of these Charter Providers or the Charter Suppliers (and the Charter Providers and Charter Suppliers are not agents of Broker). Broker expressly disclaims any liability for the actions or omissions of the Charter Provider and the Charter Suppliers. The Charter Providers and the Charter Suppliers reserve the right to refuse service to you at their sole discretion. Broker assumes no liability for the acts of the Charter Provider or the Charter Suppliers in refusing service. Broker is not responsible for schedule changes and does not offer compensation for those changes. Broker is not responsible under any circumstances for any injury or damages you may suffer, in connection with sea, air or ground transportation, hotel accommodations, or other travel or excursion services arranged by Broker.

You understand Broker is not the source or supplier of the Charter or other travel services you requested and acts solely as a broker for the Charter Provider and the Charter Suppliers. You agree that the Charter Provider and Charter Suppliers whose names appear in the information supplied to you are those who are solely responsible for providing the Charter you purchase. You consent to and request the use of the Charter Provider and the Charter Suppliers and agree to not hold Broker responsible should any of them: (i) fail to provide the Charter or travel services you purchased, whether or not such services are listed in the Charter Agreement or otherwise, (ii) fail to comply with any applicable law, or (iii) engage in any negligent act or omission that causes you any sort of injury, damage, delay or inconvenience.

By using Broker’s services, you waive and release any claim against Broker, its affiliated and subsidiary companies, and their respective officers, directors, employees, contractors, and agents, arising out of or in connection with any loss of or damage to property or injury to any person caused by reason of (i) any defect, negligence, or other wrongful act or omission, or any failure of performance of any kind, by any Charter Provider, Charter Suppliers, or any other provider of sea, airline, hotel, ground transportation or any other travel provider connected to or otherwise associated with the Charter, (ii) any claim for inconvenience, loss of enjoyment, mental distress or other similar claim, (iii) any delayed departure, missed connection, substitute accommodation, termination of service or change in fares or rates, and (iv) overbooking, flight or other travel cancellation, lost or misconnected personal property, or any claim arising out of the air transportation portion of your travel, and (v) or any other claim arising out of or otherwise related to the Charter Agreement or services provided by the Charter Provider and the Charter Suppliers.

Excepting only liability that directly arises from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Broker, you will not hold Broker responsible for any injury, damage or loss you may suffer while on a Charter, whether incurred on the Charter or in connection with any other rental, purchase, excursion or activity, regardless of the relationship of any of the foregoing with the Charter Provider or the Charter Suppliers.

Your Responsibility . By booking a Charter with Broker, you agree to defend and indemnify and hold harmless Broker, Charter Provider, Charter Suppliers, and each of their respective officers, directors, employees and agents, from and against any and all claims, causes of action, demands, recoveries, losses, damages, fines, penalties or other costs or expenses of any kind or nature, including but not limited to reasonable legal fees, arising out of or in connection with: (i) your breach of these Terms or the documents referenced herein; (ii) your violation of any law or rights of a third party; or (iii) your use of the Broker website.

You will review your Charter Agreement and travel documents for accuracy upon receipt. You understand that it is your responsibility to review the accuracy of all details in the Charter Reservation provided to you, and that you may contact Broker if you have any questions.

You assume full and complete responsibility for checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements of your destination(s), and all conditions regarding health, safety, security, political stability, and labor or civil unrest at such destination(s).

You understand that Broker recommends purchasing travel insurance to cover certain risks inherent in travel such as supplier bankruptcy and the inability to travel due to a medical or personal emergency.

No Warranties . All Charters, products, services, advice and information is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis without warranties of any kind, either expressed or implied to the fullest extent permitted under the law, including but not limited to, warranties of title or implied warranties of merchantability, satisfactory quality or fitness for a particular purpose. Without limiting the above, no warranty or guarantee is made (i) regarding the acceptance of any reservation request or Charter Reservation; (ii) regarding the availability of Charters, or any other product and/or services through Broker; (iii) that the use of Broker’s website will be error-free; or (iv) regarding the completeness, accuracy, reliability or quality of any information, content, data, service, advice or merchandise provided by Broker or through Broker’s website.

Broker has no special knowledge regarding the Charter Provider’s or Charter Supplier’s financial condition, unsafe conditions, health hazards, weather hazards, or climate extremes at locations to which you may travel during or otherwise in connection with your Charter.

Limitation on Liability . In no event shall Broker, Charter Provider, Charter Suppliers, and/or their respective affiliates, or any employees, agents, officers, directors, members or managers of any of the foregoing (“Broker and Charter Releasees”), be liable for any direct, indirect, punitive, incidental, special or consequential damages arising out of, or in any way connected with, your access to, display of or use the Broker’s website, the Charter or services provided to you in connection with the Charter (including, but not limited to, your reliance upon opinions of the Broker), whether based on a theory of negligence, contract, tort, strict liability, consumer protection statutes, or otherwise, and even if Broker and/or any other of the Broker and Charter Releasees have been advised of the possibility of such damages.

If, despite the limitation above, Broker or the Broker and Charter Releasees are found liable for any loss or damage which arises out of or in any way connected with any of the occurrences described above, then Broker, Charter Provider, Charter Supplier and the Broker and Charter Releasees will in no event exceed, in the aggregate, the greater of (a) the Broker Fee, and (b) One-Hundred Dollars (US $100.00).

The foregoing limitation of liability reflects the allocation of risk between the parties. The limitations specified in this section will survive and apply even if any limited remedy specified in these Terms is found to have failed of its essential purpose. The limitations of liability provided in these Terms inure to the benefit of Broker and/or its providers.

The foregoing does not affect any liability which cannot be excluded or limited under applicable law.

Limitation on Time to File Claims . ANY CAUSE OF ACTION OR CLAIM YOU MAY HAVE ARISING OUT OF RELATING TO BROKER’S SERVICES OR THE WEBSITE MUST BE COMMENCED WITHIN ONE (1) YEAR AFTER THE CAUSE OF ACTION ACCRUES, OTHERWISE, SUCH CAUSE OF ACTION OR CLAIM IS PERMANENTLY BARRED.
Waiver . No waiver by Broker of any term or condition set forth in these Terms shall be deemed a further or continuing waiver of such term or condition or a waiver of any other term or condition, and any failure of the Broker to assert a right or provision under these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.
Severability . If any provision of these Terms is held by a court or other tribunal of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason, such provision shall be eliminated or limited to the minimum extent such that the remaining provisions of the Terms will continue in full force and effect.
Governing Law and Mandatory Venue . The laws of the State of Florida govern the rights and obligations of the parties to this Agreement and the interpretation, construction and enforceability thereof. You agree that any action or proceeding initiated by Charterer against Broker shall be brought solely in the federal and state courts of Hillsborough County, Florida, and you submit to the jurisdiction of those courts and waive any objections to the exercise of personal jurisdiction over you by those courts. In the event any action or proceeding is initiated by Charterer in a court outside of Hillsborough County, Florida, Charterer agrees to pay Broker’s costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees associated with defending such action or proceeding and waives any and all defenses to the transfer of said action or proceeding, whether jurisdictional or otherwise, to a federal or state court in Hillsborough County, Florida.

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Monohull Vs Multihull

There has been a debate in the world of sailing foe some year over monohull vs multihull. Is one superior? What are the benefits and drawbacks of each? It’s a layered question and both have some great upsides and a few downsides. Is one better? That’s likely up to the individual sailor. But we can help you make that decision by breaking down each one.

What are Monohull Sailboats?

A monohull vessel is a boat with one single hull. This is your traditional sailboat , fishing boat, yacht, whatever you please. As long as you only see one hull in the water, it’s a monohull.

What are Cruising Catamarans?

Multihull boats are often called catamarans or cruising catamarans. That’s how you describe a boat with two hulls side by side. If you have three hulls it’s still a multihull but you might call it a trimaran. The word “catamaran” is from the Tamil language. It means “logs bound together.” Ironically, these older catamarans which gave us the modern word were not multihulled boats at all, but monohulled rafts. Go figure.

Are Cruising Cats Better than a Monohull Sailboat?

Here’s the question every new sailor wants to know. Which boat is best? It’s not as easy as all of that, though. Let’s break down some of the differences.

Monohull Design: These boats have a keel under the hull to aid in balance and stability. If a monohull sailboat were to be pushed over, gravity would help that heavy keel right it again assuming it wasn’t capsized and taking on water. That said, a monohull may heel as much as 20 degrees at speed. The interesting thing about this is that it’s either a benefit or a drawback depending on how you like to sail. For some sailors, this heeling is part of the adventure of being at sea. For others it’s a nuisance that spills drinks.

Monohulls are traditional boats and the oldest sailing vessels. They are well balanced and sleek. For a lot of sailors, a monohull is ideal because there seems to be less boat to worry about. A lot of sailing is based on the idea that you’re in a monohull vessel. You might consider this classic sailing.

Multihull Design: Because the boat is balanced on multiple hulls, they do not displace as much water as a monohull. The weight of the boat covers a much larger area. Living quarters on a catamaran can be above deck and below.

The stability of a multihull cat is superior because of this larger area. A monohull can tip with too much sail where most cruising cats will not. Multihull boats rarely heel more than 5 degrees up to 10 degrees or so at speed. As such, sailing in a multihull is often considered more relaxing, if that’s what you’re looking for.

One thing to be aware of is that, with little heeling, you may be slow to notice bad weather. A harsh wind will push a monohull around a lot more than a multihull. Since the heeling is so slight in a multihull, the wind can really pick up before you start to notice you may be heading into dangerous weather.

Monohull Space: The living space in a monohull is typically secluded below deck. This is a limitation of the design because where else would you put any living quarters?

Multihull Space: Many sailors looking for creature comforts at sea prefer multihull sailboats because of the extra space. A multihull vessel will offer as much as 50% more space than a similarly sized monohull. Remember, you have two decks here and maybe a flybridge. This means more storage space as well. But, as we will see when we cover boat speed, this does come at a cost.

Monohull Comfort: A monohull boat will have some sway and that can lead to seasickness for some people. You get some roll and pitch that can’t be avoided. That said, for those who are used to it, it’s a very smooth motion.

Multihull Comfort: Seasickness is much less of an issue on a catamaran. The ride is stable and it means sleeping and cooking are relatively safe and comfortable as well. The big downside for comfort with a multihull is the slapping. It takes a while to get used to the water slapping against the hull in a catamaran. This is something you don’t experience in a monohull.

Monohull Appearance: This is a tough one to judge. After all, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right? But many people do consider monohull boats to be sleeker and more visually appealing. Does that mean much on the open water? Maybe not. But think of it like a sports car. No one “needs” a Ferrari when a Volvo will get you there, too, but they certainly look cool.

Multihull Appearance: Because of the wide construction, catamarans are somewhat clunkier in appearance than a monohull boat. Not everyone feels this way but some people do consider multihulls uglier overall. This won’t affect performance in any way, of course.

Monohull Speed: The speed of a monohull boat is consistent and reliable but it’s generally slower than what you’d experience in a multihull. In fact, most cruising multihulls can get close to 25% more speed than a monohull sailboat. If you bump up to a trimaran they even sail faster. But that does come at a cost.

Multihull Speed: Even though a cruising cat can be faster, it won’t always be faster. A monohull sailboat is very consistent when it comes to speed. A catamaran is not. If you have a multihull boat that’s loaded with gear, it’s going to slow down noticeably. They have to stay light if you want to experience that speed. This is something most people do not consider, that the potential speed advantages will almost certainly be wiped out for any kind of serious blue water cruising.

So on a day trip for fun, you might choose a catamaran for the wind in your hair. But if you wanted to go on an extended voyage and still make good speed, a monohull could prove superior or at the very least equal. In practical terms, we don’t think there’s really much of a difference overall.

Monohull Sailing: When you’re pointed upwind, a monohull sailboat really shines. While a multihull is more stable much of the time, on rougher seas a monohull’s keel gives good balance and displacement. That makes for a better experience overall.

Multihull Sailing: Multihulls don’t point the same upwind as a monohull. As the waves pick up and the water gets rough, the feeling on a multihull goes from being stable and steady to decidedly unpleasant.

Monohull Anchoring: You do have to deal with limited anchorage when you’re in a monohull. A little bit of swell or shifting wind can make anchorage in a monohull a real problem. When you pull into a slip, docking and slipping fees will be much less in a monohull thanks to the limited space you’re taking up.

Multihull Anchoring: It’s typically much easier to manage this in a multihull. Changes in wind and swell have little effect on a multihull. You can also make use of many more locations not accessible to a monohull boat. The downside to this is trying to find space at a slip. Many slips won’t have room for a larger catamaran which is why you’re so likely to see them all anchored in a little bay or cove.

Monohull Maneuverability: Maneuvering a boat with a single engine or sails can take some practice and effort. This again is one of those things that some think is a drawback but others enjoy. There’s also the possibility that you’ll have better luck maneuvering a monohull in tighter spaces. If draft is not a concern, a monohull handles narrow rivers and channels better.

Multihull Maneuverability: The maneuvering of a multihull vessel can be a lot tighter and easier than a monohull. If you have two engines on a catamaran you can pull off a very tight 180 turn in a pinch, at least compared to a monohull. This makes navigating some marinas a lot easier.

Monohull Reliability: There is nothing inherently unreliable about the design of a monohull boat. These are, afterall, the old standby. But as we’ve seen there are some aspects that can be considered drawbacks. But a well made monohull boat should be reliable for many years.

Multihull Reliability: Like a monohull, there’s nothing that would make a multihull inherently unreliable. But it’s worth noting that if you have a catamaran with two engines, you have added reliability. If the engine on a monohull fails, you may end up stranded. If a multihull engine fails, you may still have a second to get you home.

Multihull Safety : Generally speak, a multihull boat is safer. Less heel means they are less likely to flip or capsize. And, if they do, multihull boats are far less likely to sink. The speed of a multihull can be considered a benefit as it can give you an edge both in outrunning poor weather or getting to help in an emergency. Enhanced maneuverability can help avoid danger. Finally, the potential for an extra engine can also get you out of trouble as well.

It is possible to flip a multihull boat, but not easy. You’d likely need to be experiencing very high winds and waves to do this.

Monohull Draft : Your monohull boat will have a sizable keel under the water. For that reason, you’re going to need to avoid shallow waters. This can be a drawback for navigating some rivers and inlets, as well as getting closer to shore.

Multihull Draft : The shallow draft on a multihull means it’s easier to get a catamaran closer to shore. You can also make your way down some rivers more easily as a result. It’s entirely possible to take a catamaran right up onto some beaches. This is an absolute impossibility for monohull boats.

Monohull Costs : A monohull will almost certainly cost less to buy than cruising multihulls. Maintenance and upkeep costs are usually lower as well. If you’re on a tighter budget, a monohull is typically a better choice.

Multihull Costs: Aside from initial costs, catamarans often have higher associated costs. You’ll need double dock space and that means double dock fees. Also, because you have two of everything, you need to essentially do double maintenance. The major cost benefit for a cruising multihull is that you can expect it to have a higher resale value one day as well.

Fuel efficiency is a point in favor of the cruising catamaran. Less drag means it uses fuel more efficiently so you spend less to go further.

The Bottom Line

There are a lot of advantages to sailing with a multihull vessel these days. In fact, sailing catamarans really outshine monohull boats in nearly every regard that we have listed. But does that make them better? Honestly, it’s not a fair question. They’re two different things. They have advantages and they may be better for you and how you want to sail. But you may also really prefer sailing a monohull. You may like the look and the challenge and the feel of the boat better. Any sailor who has tried both knows there really is a totally different feel to taking on the sea in a monohull versus a multihull.

We recommend trying both if you get a chance. You may agree that a multihull has many more benefits for you and your family. But maybe a monohull is still the best choice

About Chris

Outdoors, I’m in my element, especially in the water. I know the importance of being geared up for anything. I do the deep digital dive, researching gear, boats and knowhow and love keeping my readership at the helm of their passions.

Categories : nauticalknowhow

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Beneteau oceanis 423 clipper, côtre breton, comar comet 460, dufour 365 grand large, dufour 36 classic, jeanneau sun odyssey 54 ds, rpd yachts stefini 60, beneteau oceanis 343 clipper, fairways 37 fisher, bavaria 430 lagoon, genzel 38 phantom, beneteau first 405, beneteau oceanis 411 celebration, jeanneau sun odyssey 35, tofinou 8 m, kirie feeling 346, beneteau oceanis 411, beneteau oceanis 351, westerly 36 conway, jeanneau sun odyssey 45.2, italia 9.98 fuoriserie, nautor swan 441, why trust us , already 12007 boats sold through us, what is a monohull sailboat, the characteristics of a monohull sailing boat.

As the name suggests, the monohull sailboat - as opposed to multihull sailing boats - is a sailboat with a single hull . Sometimes equipped with an auxiliary engine, the monohull is propelled by the force of the wind and keeps its course thanks to the fins located in the water under the hull. The trajectory is controlled by the rudder which consists of the helm and the rudder (a 'wing' located at the rear of the hull and submerged in water). A monohull is either mono-rudder or twin-rudder. The thrills you'll feel on board a monohull depend on the speed it reaches. Speed enthusiasts can find what they're looking for among the monohulls.

The monohull can be divided into 2 parts: the rig and the hull. The latter is what allows the sailboat to float. It contains ballast, consisting of tanks filled with water, that stabilses the monohull by counterbalancing the list (this is an inclination of a few degrees under wind pressure or some other cause). The daggerboards come out of the hull: they are what will allow the monohull to stay on course. If the centreboard is ballasted, we will speak of a keel, which ensures the stability of the boat and prevents it from capsizing. As for the rigging, this is all the parts of a boat that contribute to its propulsion and manoeuvrability. As a minimum it is made up of one mast and a sail.

The advantages of monohulls

Choosing to sail on a monohull sailboat has several advantages:

the thrill of speed thanks to the high speed that can be reached;
a lower budget than for a multihull (berth, maintenance, handling);
its go-anywhere character : a monohull requires less space in a port and it is possible to deliberately run your sailboat aground;
easy manoeuvrability ;
good upwind performance ;
and it is a strong and safe boat : it is more difficult to capsize a monohull than a catamaran.

Deep sea or coastal sailing, regattas or day trips, you're bound to find a monohull that will fulfil your dreams .

What are the different types of monohull sailboats?

It is mainly the rig that allows you to differentiate between monohulls. So, you have:

the sloop : 1 mast and 2 sails, the most common rig;
the cutter : 1 mast (further aft than that of the sloop), 1 mainsail and at least 1 foresail;
the ketch : 2 masts (the main mast and the mizzen mast, located in front of the helm station) and at least 3 sails;
the yawl : 2 masts (the main mast and the swag mast, located behind the helm station) and at least 3 sails;
the schooner : minimum 2 masts (up to 6/7);
and the yole : propelled by either rowing or sailing.

Among the monohulls, we also find sailing super yacht as well as antique and classic sailing yachts .

Succumb to the charm of the monohull sailboats among the thousands of Band of Boats advertisements and set off over the horizon in your used monohull.

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Pelagic Dreams Senior Member

I have been reading about the benefits of Power Catamaran Yachts in terms of ride stability and better fuel numbers than that of a mono hull yacht of the same length. They seem to have larger deck spaces and comproable luxury amenities as a typical yacht. I don't want to get into a debate of one over the other, what I do want to find out is how the two compare in price? Let's say both... fiberglass, twin diesel, 3-4 stateroom en suite...50' to 80' I have also noticed that most of the current builders are non-US companies....France and Austrailia are the first to come to mind.

Two builders I would reference are Sun Reef 70', and the 65' Fountaine Pajot.

YachtForums Administrator

Pelagic Dreams said: ↑ Two builders I would reference are Sun Reef 70', and the 65' Fountaine Pajot. Click to expand...

Thanks for the Heads up. I am also looking at the Pacific Expedition 60' out of Oregon. Any news on them?

Capt J Senior Member

Pelagic Dreams said: ↑ I have been reading about the benefits of Power Catamaran Yachts in terms of ride stability and better fuel numbers than that of a mono hull yacht of the same length. They seem to have larger deck spaces and comproable luxury amenities as a typical yacht. I don't want to get into a debate of one over the other, what I do want to find out is how the two compare in price? Let's say both... fiberglass, twin diesel, 3-4 stateroom en suite...50' to 80' I have also noticed that most of the current builders are non-US companies....France and Austrailia are the first to come to mind. Click to expand...

NYCAP123 Senior Member

The thing is that cats are real comfortable in moderate seas or at anchor, and have great deckspace. So it depends what you see yourself cruising in or what you want to be prepared for. My biggest drawback is life in a sponson. The on deck master on the bigger cats takes care of that though. That Pacific Expedition 60' Pelagic Dreams mentioned has a real nice looking layout. So like every boat there are compromises and things one boat is better suited for than others.

RVN-BR Senior Member

Despite my limited experience, I must also point out that you should be aware that any marina you dock at will most probably charge you more than a comparable length monohull because of the beam.

RVN-BR said: ↑ Despite my limited experience, I must also point out that you should be aware that any marina you dock at will most probably charge you more than a comparable length monohull because of the beam. Click to expand...

From what I have read, not many boats love a beam sea. Tacking to a slight head and then a slight following sea seems like an answer to the ride differences of a power catamaran. It increases the course distance but makes the roll better to deal with. Am I "off course" in this philosophy?

Pelagic Dreams said: ↑ From what I have read, not many boats love a beam sea. Tacking to a slight head and then a slight following sea seems like an answer to the ride differences of a power catamaran. It increases the course distance but makes the roll better to deal with. Am I "off course" in this philosophy? Click to expand...

Capt J, thanks for the insight. From someone who has actually ran a cat I can heed your knowledge. We are looking at a cat in the 60' range. With that said, we are going to cruise at 6 months at a time with no time table to force us from one point to another. We can pick our weather as we will. As we speak, our boat of choice is a LRC Trawler such as the Bering 21m steel hull. My interest in Cats is due to its MPG and it stable roll platform. Living on a yacht for extended periods the "out doors" becomes very important and the Cats seem to have an abundance of wide spacious decks. We like the ability to passage at the 10knt speed, but if you have to out run weather....being able to get up to 17-20 knts. would be nice. We have not made up our mind, we are looking into all the possibilities for our future purchase.

brian eiland Senior Member

Domino 62 PowerCat Pelagic Dreams said: ↑ Capt J, thanks for the insight. From someone who has actually ran a cat I can heed your knowledge. We are looking at a cat in the 60' range. With that said, we are going to cruise at 6 months at a time with no time table to force us from one point to another. We can pick our weather as we will. As we speak, our boat of choice is a LRC Trawler such as the Bering 21m steel hull. My interest in Cats is due to its MPG and it stable roll platform. Living on a yacht for extended periods the "out doors" becomes very important and the Cats seem to have an abundance of wide spacious decks. We like the ability to passage at the 10knt speed, but if you have to out run weather....being able to get up to 17-20 knts. would be nice. We have not made up our mind, we are looking into all the possibilities for our future purchase. Click to expand...

Pacific Harmony http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/winter-yacht/1054-review-pacific-harmony-86-one-cool-cat.html http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/popular-yacht-topics/2386-perfect-yacht.html

u4ea32 New Member

Dont get fooled by comparing apples to oranges! The wonderful MPG attributed to cats is due to comparing apples to oranges. When comparing a heavy monohull to a light multihull, sure there are advantages. But comparing a light monohull to a heavy monohull will actually result in better MPG. Be aware that MPG is linearly related to displacement for a given hull form and speed. If you compare a heavy sportfisherman to a light one, the MPG basically varies by the displacement: one that weighs half as much as the other gets twice the MPG. In general, multihulls are built lighter because their performance and seaworthiness degrades dramatically and quickly with increasing displacement. As mentioned above, a heavy cat results in a low wing deck (aka bridge deck, the connection between the two hulls) and a low wing deck results in horrible slamming: uncomfortable, but also very bad for the structure of a boat. A key source of confusion is the clear evidence in the sailing world that the fastest sailboats are certainly multihulls, and in particular, catamarans. However, sailboat speed is primarily driven by weight and stability. By eliminating lead ballast, one gets rid of 50% of the weight. By using the righting moment due to bouyancy rather than displacement, its a winning formula. But even then, sailing multihulls only outperform sailing monohulls of similar displacement and stability once flying a hull. That's because two hulls (or three) going through the water require much more energy than one for the same displacement. More energy is required for two reasons: 1) more wetted surface, and 2) far more wave drag because the waves of the two hulls combine instead of cancel. Trying to squeeze incompressible water between two hulls takes a lot of energy! Here is a simple experiment if you've got a row boat or kayak or canoe: get going any comfortable speed in deep water. Then, go over some shallow water, say a foot deep. You will feel quite clearly that you slow down a lot, and it takes a lot more effort to try to even approach your original speed. This is the reason that ship speed trials are ALWAYS performed in deep water. Now, once a sailing multihull is sailing on the one hull far to leeward, speed increases dramatically. But of course, now you effectively have a very thin monohull, not a multihull! If you really want to achieve high efficiency as promised by power cat vendors, you really want 1) light, 2) long, 3) narrow, and 4) a single hull!

very interesting....has anyone done a test comparing a cat with a mono hull of the same displacement? Pound for pound, same gross tonnage, how do the figures compare. This is a big factor since doing my research I have really found the living "platform" of the power cat very impressive....but fuel does make the world go round.....as they say.

u4ea32 said: ↑ ......But even then, sailing multihulls only outperform sailing monohulls of similar displacement and stability once flying a hull. That's because two hulls (or three) going through the water require much more energy than one for the same displacement. More energy is required for two reasons: 1) more wetted surface, and 2) far more wave drag because the waves of the two hulls combine instead of cancel. Trying to squeeze incompressible water between two hulls takes a lot of energy! Here is a simple experiment if you've got a row boat or kayak or canoe: get going any comfortable speed in deep water. Then, go over some shallow water, say a foot deep. You will feel quite clearly that you slow down a lot, and it takes a lot more effort to try to even approach your original speed. This is the reason that ship speed trials are ALWAYS performed in deep water. Now, once a sailing multihull is sailing on the one hull far to leeward, speed increases dramatically. But of course, now you effectively have a very thin monohull, not a multihull! If you really want to achieve high efficiency as promised by power cat vendors, you really want 1) light, 2) long, 3) narrow, and 4) a single hull! Click to expand...

Pelagic Dreams said: ↑ very interesting....has anyone done a test comparing a cat with a mono hull of the same displacement? Pound for pound, same gross tonnage, how do the figures compare. This is a big factor since doing my research I have really found the living "platform" of the power cat very impressive....but fuel does make the world go round.....as they say. Click to expand...

brian eiland said: ↑ I would suggest you go review some basic displacement/hull-speed theory in vessel design. You are way off base. Click to expand...

u4ea32 said: ↑ Would be interesting to know the error. Please share. Click to expand...

Marmot Senior Member

Add this one to your reading lists: http://eprints.utas.edu.au/6787/1/C...e_of_a_Catamaran_with_Staggered_Demihulls.pdf

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Why Choose a Trimaran over a Monohull?

Why choose a trimaran over a monohull:.

Corsair Trimarans provide safe sailing excitement for the whole family

The first item on this list might surprise you. But trimarans are exceedingly safe – in fact many, including all of the Corsair trimarans , are virtually unsinkable. They’re foam cored, and relative to the displacement of the boat, the buoyancy of the materials is very high. Even were a Corsair to be fairly well destroyed (think passenger ferry) the remaining debris would remain at the surface providing something to cling onto. But there are some other interesting stats as well. Kids love trimarans – the nets make for great fun. And were they to fall into the water its reassuring that there are so many places for a person (or child) overboard to grab onto – see the net lines and the beams themselves in the picture to the right. There are also good places at the main transom to haul out a wet, heavy, miniature crewmember.

No gimmicks. Trimarans simply deliver stunning speed without foils, wings or electronic aids. Speed might have slipped from number 1 factor to number 2 in recent years – and given the advent of foiling monohulls you might think that’s fitting. But consider the costs involved in foiling monohulls and you’ll quickly find that Corsair trimarans have a far greater dollar-to-knot ratio. Operationally, trimarans are now seen as almost conventional in high-speed terms. So you can clock up 20-knot plus speeds with a boat that has a 35-year track record of success and safety, and without the need for professional crew.

For a trimaran, this counts as “heeling”

While you, the reader are no doubt the hardiest of sailors, there’s also no doubt that not everybody you sail with will be! Corsair trimarans, and most others, have a max heel angle of 12-14 degrees depending on the model. That’s “flat sailing” in monohull terms. And it means that rudders and daggerboards keep a reassuring grip and the speed therefore feels more effortless on the helm. That surefootedness transfers over to your crew – they’ll detect the confidence in the boat and the skipper.

Small Marina Footprint

Fold up and take only a small marina berth or land space

To achieve anything like the speed, and just a bit of the stability and comfort underway, you’d need a relatively large monohull by comparison. But due to the folding mechanism, a Corsair trimaran keeps a very modest marina footprint. Better still, they can be lifted (when folded) and are therefore easy to keep ashore. Want to keep your boat in the water but worried about growth on the floats/pontoons? Anti-fouling wraps from 3M are available from Corsair dealers – remarkably long lived, these are easily replaceable, and maintain a very quick surface. Boat bags, which keep growth away from the floats and main hull, are available for mooring and marina use.

Above Deck Space

Check out the huge unfolded beam of the 24-ft Corsair 760

Anyone with children will immediately identify with this one – Corsairs are fantastic for their wingnet and bownet space. When unfolded, the huge beam provides pound-for-pound the best boating platform around. The nets are often used as sleeping hammocks in extremely hot climates – not just for an afternoon nap, but actually during the night. And most trimarans can be fitted with a bimini, sail shade, or canopee when the sun is strong.

Trimarans are Synonymous with Trailerability

The new Corsair 880 Trimaran will be the Ultimate Trailer-sailer

In the next article, we’re taking a deeper look at trailering trimarans through an interview with the undisputed supremo in trailering tri’s – our very own dealer Werner Stolz from Germany. Trailerability is absolutely central to creating a new holiday experience every year, and for the racers it opens up a whole new world of high speed multihull regattas. That’s why Corsair trimarans are built light – of course it improves your sailing speed, but it also keeps your trailering weight down and reduce road risk. And that’s why the floats fold underneath – so your boat doesn’t get longer on the trailer when folded. For those who don’t want to commit to the same sailing grounds every year there’s no better solution than a Corsair folding trimaran.

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The current situation at Corsair Marine

Introduction

The benefits and compromises of owning a power catamaran are usually obvious for different consumers, depending on their circumstances, boating ambitions and level of experience. However, a rapidly growing number of seasoned boaters are learning the joys of owning a catamaran and end up becoming firm catamaran supporters.

We have witnessed amazing changes to how families go boating together on a catamaran. For many families, the catamaran yacht has enabled their kids to join and bring their friends without overcrowding the boat. Guests do not have to be seasoned yachties to enjoy the day in the stable and protected cockpit. While entertaining can be done with style and without stress.

The most compelling argument of all must be this: seasoned monohull boaters are converting to catamarans by the truckload. Many converted former motor yacht owners are now passionate advocates of power catamarans. For experienced yachties demanding performance, the advantages are simply too great to ignore. It is rare to hear of any catamaran owners ever going back to a monohull. Once you become a catamaran owner, you are hooked for life.

“Why should I buy a power catamaran instead of a similar sized motor yacht?”

We are regularly asked by buyers “why should I buy a power catamaran instead of a similar sized motor yacht”. Like everything, there are benefits and compromises to the power catamaran. Despite ourselves being firm Catamaran converts and lifetime believers, below we offer a balanced comparison of the pros and cons.

Advantages of Monohulls

A monohull, as the name implies, has just one hull. This is the most common type of hull design, but why? To produce a well balanced comparison lets start by investigating the benefits of monohulls:

Slow roll period

Many brands and builders to choose from

More usable space below waterline

Familiar handling.

While monohulls roll back and forth far more than a catamaran, monohull fans will argue that the slow roll period of a monohull has a comforting effect.

There any many brands and builders to choose from as most builders still only produce monohulls. Whilst this trend is changing, 50+ years of composite boat building has been heavily monohull focused. This does mean that there is a far greater selection of vessels, designers and brands and builders to select from.

Whilst the monohull comparably has less interior space, the wide waterline beam (width) allows for greater use of the internal hull height. This either enables builders to mount tanks and storage below cabin floors or to actually expand the cabin below waterline. As a catamaran gains performance via its light displacement and narrow waterline beam, this is often not practical on a catamaran.

Jumping from one boat to another will feel extremely familiar as the differences in handling between brands is minimal, with the exception of planning hull vs displacement hull. Focusing on planning hulls, however you will quickly feel familiar jumping from one boat to another. On the contrary, the difference in handling from a monohull to a power catamaran are immediately apparent.

Disadvantages of Monohulls

Now that we have seen the advantages of a monohull, lets analyse some disadvantages one might encounter while boating on a typical V-bottomed or deep-V motoryacht.

Low stability

Bow steering, rolling at anchor, significant bowrise.

Due to the wide flat hull shape required to get the monohull more quickly into planning mode, it can produce a rather bumpy ride when motoring through waves. Performance through waves can be significantly improved or diminished depending on the hull shape. For instance, a deep V hull will be more comfortable through waves than a shallow V. However, both are significantly outperformed by even the worst power catamaran designs.

A monohulls heel angle is directly affected by weight placement. Moving too much weight to port or to stbd will cause the vessel to heel. This is significantly noticeable when at anchor however even underway an incorrectly loaded monohull can dangerously heel. This can be overcome underway by the use of trim tabs. However, is best overcome by conscious weight placement and management.

Bow steering usually occurs when motoring at speed in a following sea or when passing another vessels wake. If you are inexperienced and do not know what is happening it can be quite frightening. Basically, the boat will suddenly and often expectantly turn hard in one direction while rolling hard in the opposite direction, despite your efforts to steer straight. Bow steering can be prevented with the installation of trim tabs. They can enable you to raise the bow up and out of the water when in a following sea. Trim tabs are not needed on a catamaran due to the natural separation of hulls bow steering.

At times you will undoubtedly come across anchorages that aren’t completely flat. When this happens, monohulls, that rely on the weight of their COG (center of gravity) to be aligned below their COB (center of buoyancy) to keep them upright, will start to rock from side to side. Things roll around inside, plates go flying. It’s uncomfortable or sometimes impossible to cook, and only the hardiest of yachties will be getting any sleep.

While all of this is going on, at the next mooring ball, the power catamaran owners are sitting in their cockpits sipping sun-downers, barely noticing the movement, quietly getting tipsy before a long night’s sleep.

The degree of bowrise varies with monohull designs. However, for those of you unfamiliar with this term, bowrise is the tendency of a boat to point its bows up in the air before it gets into planning mode and then settles somewhat. This puts passengers through an uncomfortable, and sometimes unnerving experience whilst also exposing the vessel to a decreased level of stability and safety.

POWER CATAMARAN

Advantages of power catamarans.

Whilst individual designs can vary by design and their usage, the benefits below are typically universal for most catamarans. In comparison to the equivalent length monohull a catamaran shall deliver the following advantages:

Superior ride comfort

Enhanced stability at anchor and underway, up-scaled cabins and interiors, larger single level cockpit and saloon, significantly improved fuel consumption.

Drastically improved close-quarter maneuvering

Catamarans experience slower deceleration through wave impact. This significantly reduces slamming through waves. This has been measured with accelerometers in like for like tests to have a 25% reduction in G forces when riding over waves.

Due largely to their wider beam, catamarans have a remarkably higher righting moment compared to monohulls. This prevents them from rolling side-to-side when at anchor, and keeps them sitting level both underway and at rest . This is regardless of placement of people or luggage, this also eliminates the need for catamarans to use trim tabs.

More interior volume, especially in power catamarans that carry their beam all the way forward. Even applicable in the smallest cats that will usually have stand up headroom in each cabin, unlike smaller monohulls. As a result of this increased volume, a power catamaran will always feel over sized – more fairly compared to a monohull 15-20% longer in length. A 35ft power catamaran for instance is more fairly matched against a 43ft motor yacht.

Catamarans generally provide far more living space in the main salon and cockpit in comparison to similarly priced monohulls. The galley, main salon and cockpit are also all on one level, above the water line … making life aboard as well as your view much more enjoyable.

Due to their reduced displacement and wetted surface area power catamarans are impressively efficient. The wider monohull bows create a large bow wake and greater resistance, which require more HP to get onto plane. Not only does this burn more fuel, but also enables a catamaran to get onto plane under just one motor. This is a significant safety advantage, enabling a boat with only one working engine to return to shore before dark rather than limping home at below planning speeds. The ability to plane at lower RPM’s enables cruisers not wanting to travel at groundbreaking speeds to achieve highly efficient low speed planning. Vastly expanding their cruising ground while not breaking the bank nor taking all day to get to the next anchorage. Learn more about power catamaran fuel consumption HERE>>

Drastically improved close-quarter maneuvering: A large separation between the port and stbd engine drastically improves close-quarters maneuvering. This enables a power catamaran to literally rotate within its own waterline length by simply putting one engine in reverse, and one in forward. Add a joystick control and you’re in command of one of the easiest boats that you will ever dock.

Disadvantages of Power Catamarans

Despite the significant benefits gained by the power catamaran, there are also a few unusual traits associated with powercats:

Outward banking

Snaking at anchor, tunnel-slap, unusual appearance.

When making sharp turnsm a monohull will bank (roll) into the turn. A catamaran, on the other hand, due to its increased stability and righting moment will actually bank slightly outward. If coming from a monohull background, initially this sensation will feel unusual. However, If you have no prior expectations regarding the outward bank offers ,no benefits or disadvantage over the inward bank.

Due to the power catamarans wide beam and asymmetry, when at anchor a shifting breeze will cause the vessel to turn to port and stbd in a snakelike movement. If the wind has some strength and continues to shift, this movement can become uncomfortable. We therefore recommend attaching an anchor bridle whenever anchoring which completely eradicates this effect.

In certain conditions, catamarans can experience tunnel slap. This is where a wave passing under the tunnel rises up and slaps the wingdeck surface causing a thud or slapping sound. This effects different catamaran designs in various ways depending on whether they are of displacement or planning type. A displacement catamaran requires a high wingdeck to overcome the wave crest heights in order to ride over the top of the waves. Planning catamarans, on the other hand, should have narrower and shallower tunnels. This forces a compressed air mixture through the tunnel, creating a cushioning and lifting effect lifting the catamaran above the surface of the water with intensity increasing as speed increases.

When asked, many monohull owners claim they do not like the unusual appearance of a power catamaran. Whilst styling preference is subjective, at Makai we have worked hard to design a power catamaran that delivers all of the benefits of a catamaran. Whilst doing so with attractive and unmistakable styling.

CONCLUSION : Power Catamaran or Monohull?

Whilst each have their own advantages and disadvantages the final choice is completely down to personal preference. Clearly, we are die hard catamaran believers, but we also believe that what is most important above all else is just getting outside and on the water, having fun and being safe. So, when you find the boat that does all of the right things for you, go for it!

Learn more about MAKAI Yachts HERE>>

Learn more about the MAKAI M37 HERE>>

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