Catamaran vs Monohull: Which Should You Charter or Buy?
Which is better for you?
Both monohulls and catamarans are widely available for charter, and each offers unique advantages and trade-offs. The best option for you will depend on factors like your travel destination, the size and preferences of your group, and what you’re hoping to get out of the experience. Chartering both types is also a great way to help you decide which to invest in if you're considering yacht ownership.
Space, Sailing, and Expenses
Catamarans have about 1.2 times the space of a monohull. In other words, a 40-foot catamaran should have the deck and interior space of a 50-foot monohull, so you can charter a shorter cat and still have plenty of room. Catamarans usually have large cockpits that serve as social hubs, flybridges that add deck space, and biminis that protect you from rain and sun so you’re not doused in afternoon squalls or baked to a crisp in the tropics.
Catamarans also have more interior space and even a vessel under 40 feet can have up to four cabins. They usually provide easier berth access and have hull windows with opening portlights so you get better air and light even down in the staterooms. Also, on a catamaran, the cabins are usually better separated for more privacy.
On the other hand, if you don’t need the space (for example, if you’re chartering as a couple) a monohull will be both easier to manage shorthanded and cheaper to charter. Even small catamarans are big and so is their gear. Hoisting the mainsail on a cat without an electric winch can be a job for two big guys while almost anyone can raise the mainsail on a 40-foot monohull. Also, the pressures on big sails can be intimidating so when sailing shorthanded, a monohull may be the better choice.
There’s also the pure sailing aspect to consider. Although cats sail beautifully downwind or on a beam reach, they’re not known for their snappy tacks or their ability to make good progress when close-hauled. Monohulls, on the other hand, tend to sail well even upwind and provide more of a purist sailing experience.
Finally, monohulls are more affordable to charter than catamarans but they’re getting scarce. You can still find plenty of monohulls to charter in the Mediterranean — including in popular destinations like Croatia and Greece — but in the Caribbean, you can expect to find more catamarans.
Motion, Maneuvering, and Draft
Some people love the motion of a monohull – the rhythmic swaying under sail. Others turn green, especially when the boat heels or they spend time below deck when the boat is on its ear. Catamarans have a different motion. Downwind with following or quartering seas, catamarans tend to waddle, but since they don’t heel (much), they generally induce less seasickness. This is key if you’re chartering with friends and family who have delicate stomachs or with kids and older folks who may not be steady on their feet. You also don’t have to be as vigilant when stowing your stuff on a cat since they tend to stay upright.
On the other hand, catamarans slam. When heading upwind in a seaway, most cats tend to hobbyhorse and slam the bridge deck into head seas. A monohull will usually slice through waves more efficiently, and even if you motorsail, a monohull will need less power (and therefore less fuel) to push through oncoming waves.
Docking and maneuvering is a toss-up between one hull and two. Monohulls have the advantage in Med mooring situations (which are used all over the Mediterranean and in some parts of the Caribbean) where you back up to a dock. They simply require less space on a quay than catamarans, which can be twice as wide. But, when backing into a tight space with a cross breeze, there’s nothing like a cat with its twin screws set 20 feet apart to provide better control and maneuvering. There’s no need for a bow thruster on a cat so you’ll look like a pro whether pulling up to a fuel dock, Med mooring on a crowded quay, or keeping station in a blow while anchoring. Maneuvering is almost always easier with two engines, giving catamarans a clear advantage over monohulls when moving forward, backward, or even sideways.
Finally, if you’re chartering in shallow waters like the Bahamas or Seychelles, a catamaran will serve you well. Cats have shallower drafts and can get into more places. An extra foot under the keel can save your whole vacation.
Placing a Yacht in Charter
The availability of monohulls versus catamarans varies by destination. In Europe, monohulls are still more popular in charter because Europeans tend to be sailing purists and continue to be devotees of single-hull sailing (although catamarans have gained popularity in recent years). However, in the Caribbean and Bahamas, catamarans dominate due to their warm-weather appeal and shallow drafts. This is a consideration if you’re contemplating purchasing a yacht and placing it in the charter. Cats are more expensive, so they generate more income for the owner (depending on location). The demand for catamarans in charter is growing rapidly, so it’s likely your boat will be chartered more often, even during the shoulder season.
If you need guidance, Navigare Yachting can help! We'll walk you through what kind of boat is best suited for the location you’re considering. We will also help with outfitting the boat so it’s a popular choice for charter and guide you through the purchasing, financing, and insurance processes. We’ll even help you sell the boat at the end of the charter program.
There’s no right or wrong choice between a catamaran and a monohull, and your needs may vary by destination and who you bring along. If you’re looking at placing a boat in a charter management program as an investment, we will help you figure out the pros and cons, so that you can enjoy chartering and owning a boat — regardless of how many hulls it has.
Continue your research: explore Navigare Yachting's ownership programs.
Navigare Yachting is a five-time 2024 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award winner, trusted by over 400,000 charter guests since 2001. With over two decades of expertise and a global presence in 12 sought-after destinations, Navigare offers more than just unforgettable sailing experiences—we offer a smarter way to own a yacht. Whether you're looking to offset costs through charter income or enjoy hassle-free ownership with full-service management, Navigare Yachting makes yacht ownership seamless, rewarding, and global.