monohull living

[Sham]

hi iv been interested in building a liveaboard catamaran for a little while considering something around 45-50 ft, mostly interested in this because of the extra space over a monohull and also the shallower draft although that isn't of great import, just recently my father mentioned that there are some pretty fantastic deals on 40-50 foot monohull hulls on gumtree from folks who haven't finished projects, so i am interested in the experiences of 40-50 foot monohull owners, specifically id like to know about spaciousness bellow decks and the number of people that can comfortably fit on board for extended trips (multiple months) if possible i would also like to use it as a home for years to come since a great many cities and large towns are on rivers and so are easily accessible from boats.
thanks in advance.

[MartinR]

Hi,

I lived many years on a 50´mono, and it was very comfortable. For cruising, we were often 8 persons onboard, long term.

You can not compare catamarans and monos by length. This is about the same question as "How long is your house". But Length*Beam gives you a good approximation. A 50´mono is about the same size as a 38´cat. Roughly same price also. And same speed. The rest is up to preferences mostly. Living in the water, compared to living above the water. For the tropics, I would probably choose the 38´cat, for Northern latitudes the 50´mono.

[danielamartindm]

Hi Sham,
The number of people who can comfortably fit aboard is dependent upon cabins for sleeping, as in monohulls; but cats afford extra living space that makes crawling out of your cabin in the morning a more gratifying experience. It's like the difference between a single wide and a bungalow. Be aware that any project you take over will likely have mistakes built into it by the previous builder. You can't even get away from this fact by buying a new factory cat, where the first year or two is often spent finding issues and trying to get the warranties to pay for their correction. That said, if you're used to living aboard a mono, you'll love a cat. As you look over the various plans and designs that are available, don't forget to factor in sailing performance as a consideration. If that is toward the top of your list, you'll be looking for a vessel with boards. Best of luck, mate!

[Sham]

Originally Posted by MartinR

Hi,

For the tropics, I would probably choose the 38´cat, for Northern latitudes the 50´mono.

thanks u make a few good points though why a cat for tropics and a mono for higher latitudes, sure waves and weather can be more serious in higher latitudes but both cats and monos can take a pounding and come out OK. also i understand the area differences between cats and monos however i would prefer to go with a boat around that size range for safety and practicality reasons (mono draws to much if it much bigger and cats end up with bridge deck slapping if to small)

[JPA Cate]

Sham,

Some of this will depend on where you are living. Some States in Australia do not allow one to live aboard. Check for your State.

Ann

[StuM]

Originally Posted by Sham

thanks u make a few good points though why a cat for tropics and a mono for higher latitudes, sure waves and weather can be more serious in higher latitudes but both cats and monos can take a pounding and come out OK.

It's not so much seaworthiness. Much more about living conditions at anchor or in a marina.

It's fairly easy to ventilate a cat in hot climates but hard to keep them warm in cold climates. Vice versa for monohulls.

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by StuM

It's not so much seaworthiness. Much more about living conditions at anchor or in a marina.

It's fairly easy to ventilate a cat in hot climates but hard to keep them warm in cold climates. Vice versa for monohulls.

...and more challenging to install AC in a cat...