Mono or multi

[Tanya _Shane]

We are new to sailing and would like to know which hull would be best for long voyages from Australia to pretty much any where. Are their disadvantages to having a multi hull in open waters?

Really appreciate anyone’s advice!

[Tillsbury]

You will as many people on both sides of this fence. You should certainly spend a few days sailing both to see which you prefer. Some love one and would never set off in the other.

Budget will come into it too — the big cats are all nice and flash but a whole heap of cash. If your budget doesn’t stretch to new or almost new then you are likely to find a lot more boat in a monohull, mainly because twenty years ago that was pretty much all you could buy, at least in proven economic numbers.

[Dulcesuenos]

I'm going to say both are great, sail on both and get the best boat you can afford to go with. multis have their advantages. During one Atlantic crossing rally I was in it seemed the multis (all 42' to 45') and really large monos faired better then monos (49' to 60') in 38 to 45 range. Several monos couldn't get away from bad weather got the crap kicked out of them. A couple hung it up and quit sailing. I will say after watching a large mono roll and yawl for 26 hours behind us while broad reaching in 10 to 15ft seas I was very glad to be on a cat.

[dcstrng]

I tend to agree with Tillsbury; that answer for many folks may have little to do with sea keeping or the vessel themselves -- the days of the home-brew multihulls built by a semi-vagrant youngsters seem far behind us and the store-bought variety are generally priced well north of what one can do with classic-plastic -- still if you've got $200-$400K laying about looking for a target, then they could be a serious option... Every time we hit the shows my wife wants one, but I've told her she has married the wrong husband for her dream...

[44'cruisingcat]

Originally Posted by Tanya _Shane

Are their disadvantages to having a multi hull in open waters?

None.

[Training Wheels]

You can flip over and die.....[emoji47][emoji57]🤣

[fxykty]

Originally Posted by Training Wheels

You can flip over and die.....[emoji47][emoji57]🤣

This comment adds absolutely nothing to this thread and despite your emojis showing that your tongue is firmly in your cheek is still worthless. Please, just don’t bother posting like this unless you’re in the joke thread, OK?

For the OP, there is not enough of a difference in the safety aspects of most monohulls and catamarans for that to influence your decision. It boils down to your budget (purchase and maintenance) and your aesthetic, ergonomic and lifestyle preferences. Those you negotiate between you and your spouse through visiting and if possible sailing as many of the boats you can that you think you may like. Internet forum advice should fall very low on your decision making list.

[Training Wheels]

Thread police! And you really think that is a serious first post for someone?

[Dr. D]

Originally Posted by Tanya _Shane

We are new to sailing and would like to know which hull would be best for long voyages from Australia to pretty much any where. Are their disadvantages to having a multi hull in open waters?

Really appreciate anyone’s advice!

You are NEW to sailing and you want to sail LONG voyages from Australia?


NO hulls would be best. First you have to row a small boat....

[Perfect Ride]

Welcome Tanya, You can learn alot by visiting both types at a boat show to narrow down the selection by manufacturer and then see if you can crew or charter those that hold your fancy. If you are new to sailing, getting as much time on the water, in varied conditions, in advance of a purchase will pay off many times over. There are quality boats of each type and the advantages and disadvantages have as much to do with specific boat designs in each class as the number of hulls. I have owned both and would go off-shore in the correctly appointed and maintained versions of either.