Cats versus dogs, sweet versus savory, live bait versus artificial lures; there are certainly more than enough topics to be divided on, and catamarans (cats) versus monohull vessels is yet another worth adding to your list. As a boater, the waters you travel, and the purposes for which you do so, play heavily into your choice of vessel. Hopefully, we can shed a bit of light on the differences, pros and cons on these vessel varieties in order to ensure that you buy the right boat for the job.
Catamarans
The Pros:
- Cats are, generally, much more stable than monohulls due to the weight displacement offered by multiple hulls.
- The cabin space in cats are often much wider and situated above the waterline, providing added comfort for cruising or enjoying a day on the water and sunshine.
- Cats, even capsized, very rarely sink, due to high buoyancy.
The Cons:
- Historically, cats are notorious for the risk of capsizing, though modern designs have greatly improved their safety.
- Due to these vessels being wider than many monohulls, they may be a bit trickier to dock.
Monohulls
The Pros:
- The price of monohulls is often lower than comparably sized cats.
- Monohulls provide a traditional “feel” while boating, which many prefer to the flatter plane provided in a cat.
- Though cats are more stable, monohulls don’t slap the water as much when cruising at higher speeds.
The Cons:
- Monohulls are far less stable that cats while on the water.
- The risk of sinking is much higher in a monohull, whether from a leak or after capsizing.
- Due to the fact that most of the main living space in a monohull is below the waterline, these spaces can often feel claustrophobic.
Like so much in boating (and life), the decision really comes down to personal preference. We recommend taking a trip on both varieties in order to see which vessel best fits the feel that you’re looking for while on the water. Just remember: no matter whether you choose to team with catamarans or monohulls, Hi-Tide has the perfect boat lift for the job.
