Cat v. Monohull

[craboutofwater]

I am fairly new to the concept of cruising but have set a goal to purchase and live aboard a boat by next summer.

I plan to mostly cruise coastally, perhaps explore the Caribbean a bit with my older children. I have been looking mostly at monohulls but have suddenly become interested in the catamaran concept.

What are the pros and cons of each for the type of cruising I will be doing?

[Hudson Force]

Dear Craboutofwater, Many of us are rolling with laughter reading this question. Not with any disrespect, for the question is very sound, but there is likely no other question, except, "Which anchor should I use?" that has been hashed over as much as this one.

You may wish to use the search function to read some of these threads or just hang on here for the ride. You will find many strong and valid opinions and some, like mine, that will say, "..just buy what strikes your fancy!"

Sure, there are pros and cons, but the outcome will always be a compromise.

I never dismay with a renewed "old question". Bring it on again, but if you don't like repeats; then, just calmly abstain.

[craboutofwater]

Thanks Hudson. I realize its a pretty broadly based inquiry, and one with no end of discussion. I will laugh along with everyone and soak in whatever tidbits come out of it.

[leftbrainstuff]

Charter some vessels.

Sent from my SM-N900T using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[Hudson Force]

Here are the basics that others might expound upon:
1. Cost of purchase
2. Draft
3. Cabin space
4. Speed
5. Different forms of movement when sailing
6. Different response to cargo weight
7. and maybe some form of safety
8. and maybe some aesthetics that I don't see

[SVNeko]

come on, man.

[Kenomac]

We like both.

[nautical62]

I like that Catamarans sail flatter, tend to have lower draft, spread out sleeping accommodations and usually have a salon at cockpit level. (No steep steps and good visibility) I like that one can lift the dingy on davits between the hulls and still walk off the end of each hull to swim. I like the spacious cockpit and ease of getting around the boat. I like the maneuverability and redundancy that comes with having an engine in each hull.

The big disadvantage of cats in my opinion is the price tag that usually goes with them.

[TeddyDiver]

If I had the dough I'd buy a Schionning cat but I don't so a DIY mono instead..

[Dulcesuenos]

I heard Monos may be outlawed in the future. Might want to buy now before the new law drives cat prices even higher.

Sent from my STUDIO 5.5 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

[Hudson Force]

Originally Posted by Dulcesuenos

I heard Monos may be outlawed in the future. Might want to buy now before the new law drives cat prices even higher.

Sent from my STUDIO 5.5 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

OK, I'll bite on this lure. I recently admitted on another thread that I'm slow to understand humor. So, obviously there's no such pending law; therefore, the punchline that I'm waiting for must be related to the already higher cost of a catamaran compared to the monohull. Some have suggested that the actual cost is not very different when you calculate the expense per square foot. Is that the message hiding in this post?

...or is it a suggestion that the anxiety about the choice is driven by an unjustified paranoia? Yes, this could be the message.

Help me, Dulcesuenos, am I close?

[DumnMad]

First decision is to determine a functionable lifestyle: - marina live-aboard, at anchor live-aboard, employed coastal cruiser, unemployed traveller etc.

Next is to set the boat budget that will match the lifestyle,

The boat to choose becomes clearer as you clarify your expected lifestyle and its cost.

[Cotemar]

1) A monohull is 1/2 of a Cat and they do not lean.
2) Cats are just like being at home, only on the water.
3) Most woman hate monohulls, but LOVE cats.
4) Cats are all about Chillaxing.
5) Cook while sailing without STAPPING in.
6) Cats are all about the light-360 degree view. No dark Mono cave-no view.

Here is a picture of a 44 Cat and a 44 mono (Lights on)

[Adelie]

Originally Posted by Dulcesuenos

I heard Monos may be outlawed in the future. Might want to buy now before the new law drives cat prices even higher.

Sent from my STUDIO 5.5 using Cruisers Sailing Forum mobile app

Troll?


A house is but a boat so poorly built and so firmly run aground you would never try to refloat it.

[Adrenaline]

Pro's and Con's
Con's and Pro's
Pro's and Con's

You have to figure out what best fit's your needs and wants.

BUT, If your married and she goes on both, your choice just went away. You will be a Cat person. (That's what happen to me.)

Million articles and threads on this topic and they all say the same thing. Good luck