why do catamarans cost more than monohulls?

[Lt.]

I just don't get it?

[svBeBe]

When you say cost, I assume that you are speaking about selling price. Selling prices are generally set by the market. A seller wants to sell for the highest price he can get, and that is based on the market competition more than any other factor.

If you are referring to build cost, keep in mind that cats have doubled up on some equipment. That, no no means, is "the" reason, but it is a factor that increases build cost.

Now that you have a simple response, let the mono vs cat discussion begin...

Bill

[Lagoon4us]

Larger surface area = hull materials = dollars to build.

Larger Volume = accomodation = fitout = dollars to build

Machinery = 2 engines = dollars to build

Multiple duplicated systems = dollars to build

Relative profit margins are no different mono to multi.. Materials are similar no cost difference.
The boat market is an open market, no one sets prices as they wouldn't survive.

[cat man do]

Why does gold cost more than lead?
Why does fillet steak cost more than mince?
Why does a Ferrari cost more than VW?

[David_Old_Jersey]

They don't.

Not like for like on either hull lengths or volume.

For a broad comparison on LOA doubling is a tad unfair, more like adding 2/3rds....i.e a 40' Cat is the equivalent of a 65' mono. price those up and the Cat will likely be cheaper (+/-).

Obviously exceptsions apply (both on the size comparison and cost).

[Stingo]

Originally Posted by cat man do

Why does gold cost more than lead?
Why does fillet steak cost more than mince?
Why does a Ferrari cost more than VW?

Good answer.

[bruce smith]

Many say you buy a boat by the pound.
I disagree . High tech, high quality costs much more .
Cats can't have funky rigging or sails. They accelerate , or break.
Weight savings are expensive.
And of course, the market.
We are happy to spend way more money to spend less time to do what we love.

[noelex 77]

You pay more for the inverted stability
I better run for cover now.

[colemj]

You pay more for the extra space in which to mount and store guns and Rocna anchors (with SS swivels).

Mark

[Therapy]

You pay more for the ability to sit somewhere without bracing yourself so rigidly.

[callmecrazy]

It's two separate boats connected by a third boat on top... gonna be a bit more expensive.

But, the markup is probably ridiculous due to the 'prestige' of owning an expensive cat. I mean. If it's expensive it must be better, right?

[bobconnie]

The way I look at it, the higher Cats get the lower the prices get for the Mono hulls I want !! I kinda like it that way !! LOL

[maytrix]

DOJ is right. They don't.

[clankyjeffers]

If you think that is a problem - some marinas charge a boat and a half or double to berth
I have a Catalac 900 which is only 4 metres wide (same as some monohulls, but still get penelised

[Ex-Calif]

Originally Posted by maytrix

DOJ is right. They don't.

I agree that interior volumes being equal the prices are almost the same but used cats do get a premium.

I would say that cats get a price premium today due to supply and demand. Many cruisers have figured out that the catamaran is more a home on the water than a mono and more sellable to the admiral as a place to live. Because there are relatively fewer used cats on the market they currently get a premium.

You can look at mooring and sunsail and predict in a few more cycles (10-15) years there will be enough used cats to seriously dent the used boat prices market. This of course is dependent on the people in their mid-forties to fifty having the cash to buy in to the market in 2017-2022. My retirement date is in this range so I am hopeful.

Just one mans prediction. We'll know for sure in 10-15 years...