Apples to apples cat vs mono maintenance costs

[nuru05]

So we all accept that cats are much more expensive to maintain, but how much does this hold true when you compare cats and monos of comparable sizes? So it seems that the general consensus is that a 38-40 cat is about the same amount of space as a 50-54 mono. So how do you guys feel the maintenance costs of the two compare on average? Does the heavier duty rigging, sails, etc of the larger mono exceed the redundant system maintenance of a cat? Or does the cat actually become a better value at that point?

[ol1970]

I can’t comment on the question, but I’ll add that one should also consider depreciation into their total cost of ownership. Some boats hold their value much better than others. Buying a $1M catamaran and selling it 5 years later for $800k costs you as much as buying a $600 monohull that you sell for $400k. (Holding costs not included but you get my point). Lots of variables to consider.

[S/V Illusion]

Why do you ask? Are you basing your purchase decision on which is cheaper or is this a purely academic question?

[Chotu]

They are about the same, apples to apples and similar boat to similar boat.

However, that can all change a lot of you need a slip. Then a cat is awful.

[Stewie12]

Normally a cat has two engines to maintain. More cost more work. If they are out drives then there is even more maintenance cost with the seals etc on the leg.

[Cpt Mark]

Originally Posted by Stewie12

Normally a cat has two engines to maintain. More cost more work. If they are out drives then there is even more maintenance cost with the seals etc on the leg.

Disagree. Most cat owners use 1 engine only in cruise mode. The extra engine gives you very little extra speed. So you use 1 engine for a while, then the other. In a perfect world, 100 hours would be 50 hours per engine vs 100 hours on a mono.

[barnakiel]

'Comparable sizes' is the exact problem. You can compare by LOA, or by volume, or by dead weight ...


Plus cats have two engines, fatter rigging, etc.


Other than these, you face as much as twice the berthing cost.


b.

[vpbarkley]

Cats have dual rudders vs. one on a mono.
Some cats have dagger boards which add maintenance.
Monos tend to self limit rig and sail loads by heeling whereas cats do not.
Cats have much more glass area; sealing is more of an issue.
I have read that cats are more likely to be struck by lightning.

[Tupaia]

The maintenance on any boat be it cat or mono is very expensive for what you get. Sailing boats are a wonderful way to travel but a lousy form of transport.


Probably the least cost for maintenance and running costs is a powercat.

[MikeFergie]

Maintenance - some people maintain unserviceable parts only and some people want their boats to look Immaculate and continually upgrade.

This makes comparisons hard

[barnakiel]

Cats hit by lightning more often?


Interesting.


Have just read an entry on one such hit in Webb Chiles blog today!


b.

[Factor]

Originally Posted by vpbarkley

I have read that cats are more likely to be struck by lightning.

Reference?

[wingssail]

Originally Posted by nuru05

So we all accept that cats are much more expensive to maintain, but how much does this hold true when you compare cats and monos of comparable sizes? So it seems that the general consensus is that a 38-40 cat is about the same amount of space as a 50-54 mono. So how do you guys feel the maintenance costs of the two compare on average? Does the heavier duty rigging, sails, etc of the larger mono exceed the redundant system maintenance of a cat? Or does the cat actually become a better value at that point?

"Does the heavier duty rigging, sails, etc of the larger mono..."g

I wouldn't assume that the mono has appreciably heavier rigging or sails. Catamarans have much more righting moment and stronger rigging is required.

[Eigenvector]

Originally Posted by wingssail

"

I wouldn't assume that the mono has appreciably heavier rigging or sails. Catamarans have much more righting moment and stronger rigging is required.

Nope. Rigging loads decrease with increase in beam/length. Given the same mast height.

[Joli]

Originally Posted by Factor

Reference?

http://marinelightning.com/catamaran/index.html#Probability