Newbie Question - One Hull or Two?

[nigheandonn]

I would like to upgrade from our 26 footer fin keeler to something with more room. Not sure if I should go the one hull ro two option. What would other forumites think of a suitable type boat in the 35 foot range - one hull or two? We generally sail with three children on coastal trips - low freeboard would be an advantage but most of our nights would be at anchor rather than marinas :would windage on a cat cause anchorage problems ?

TIA

Tony

[scook1]

There are so many things to consider, that it may be hard to answer the question. I have not heard that cats deal with much more windage issues. Hopefully there is a cat owner that can comment? The shallow draft is definitely an advantage.
Spencer

[eyschulman]

The choice between mono and multi has been covered on many threads and articles. The fact that you ask this question means that you need to do a lot of reading and get out on some bigger monos and multis in order to make any kind of selection. There are lots of pros and cons and plenty of heated passion for each type. I love GOOD examples of both. There are lots of common issues that separate the two about as much as overlaping issues and in the end it may come down to whats your style? I have owned mono and multi tied up next to each other and would choise the boat by weather my mood or how far and what type of trip. I doubt that somebody can tell you which is better for you.

[nigheandonn]

No doubt you are right - trial before deciding is definitely the way to go. My query was perhaps poorly put. I will try again. Are cats any more prone to anchor dragging incidents than monos of similar length? I'm trying to weigh up lighter displacement versus greater windage...

would love to have the option of both cat and mono to chose from ..we live in hope!!

[Fishman_Tx]

When in doubt, what will the budget stand (allowing a percentage for refit)? If your just coast hopping, an older used Gemini is within range of lower budgets as a first cat. Check yachtworld, there was a couple of reasonably priced Gemini cats in Cali last I looked.
Edit: Whoops! Not anymore.. still a couple of affordable cats out there but wrong coast..

[FSMike]

nigheandonn
I haven't noticed any difference between anchoring multis vs. monos, assuming equal seamanship and equal equipment. In the early days the sentiment seemed to be that you could get away with lighter ground tackle on multis, but most cruising boats now seem to be rigged with comparable gear, boat length vs. boat length.

[osirissail]

1. Cats are more expensive - significantly - than mono-hulls
2. At anchor Cats are superior as they do not roll in swells as mono's do.
3. For guests and partying, Cats give you huge common spaces and separation from the noises and hassles of having guests
4. Most everything else is more dependent upon your skills as a sailor/cruiser than Cat vs. Mono

[nigheandonn]

Thanks Everyone - lots of good points there.

[Richard Harper]

I switched from a 36' monohull to a 35' cat about 18 months ago. The monohull would tack back and forth at anchor when the wind piped up. This was somewhat uncomfortable but when it stays on one tack I knew the anchor was dragging.
With a bridle the cat stays almost dead down wind, even with the anchor dragging.
I don't have any measurements but it seems that the monohull tacking back and forth puts more strain on the anchor. It sure puts a strain on my nerves. The cat has more surface area exposed to the wind but it is in more streamlined shapes, not one big hull. And it stays aligned with the wind.