Monohull or Catamaran for 8?

[jerseygrl73]

Hi everyone,

My in-laws are experienced sailing monohulls. They have proposed chartering a 50 ft. monohull in June to sail the BVIs for a family vacation (7 days) and there will be 8 of us (2 teenagers and 3 adult couples). I have done this once before with 8 people, but on a 4600 Catamaran (Moorings). It was perfect for a large group and everyone had privacy and their own space for sunning and lounging around. I took a look at the 50 Ft. monohull online and am very concerned. Although it technically says 8-10 people, I don't see a lot of deck space for 8 people for 7 days. It looks like cramped quarters above deck for entertaining. Most of us will not be inside, but on deck the entire time except sleeping. I would like to suggest that they look into sailing a Cat instead but don't want to step on toes.

I would love to hear some opinions on this as I've only been on a monohull for day trips. Thank you.

[DDabs]

cat for SURE

[PhiSig1071]

No question, a cat of anywhere near the same length is going to have way more room.

[Cheechako]

Cat, most have 4 double staterooms

[fallingeggs]

Just did a charter in Greece on an Oceanis 54. for 7 days. Had 10 of us, all adults. It worked fine, but we spent most of the time on land. Really was on the boat only when sailing, sleeping and breakfast. If I were going to be on the hook for the whole week, a cat would have been much nicer, if not required.

Not my idea sailing vacation, but the wife's parents were paying, so I was still happy to join along.

[Sandero]

I am a mono hull sailor but for your week charter it seems a cat would be more comfortable. I don't think the sailing is as "thrilling" on a flatamaran... but they are fun and roomy and unless you are ashore a lot... more real estate afloat makes more sense.

[UNCIVILIZED]

There a lot of polite, & or sneaky ways of bringing up the wisdom of getting a cat instead. Particularly when you put the throught into someone's head so that they think that it's wisdom was arrived at by them. If, in fact, they're insecure enough so that discussing it openly & honestly won't work.

With the primary one (truthfully) being that the risk of motion sickness for those new to sailing, or who are rusty, will be significantly lower on a catamaran. Which also sync's up with the fact that if one person is seasick, the risk of others falling prey to mal de mer is pretty high. Given how people react to hearing, seeing, & smelling others who are suffering from it.

Thus chartering a cat for that many people, for a full week, is akin to trip insurance. And besides, who wants to be sick while on vacation in a gorgeous local with great sailing conditions?

Or, sell it from the fishing POV. In that you can trail more lines from a cat, & they also sail at speeds that are better for trolling. And who doesn't like fresly caught seafood? So...

Plus they're much easier to cook underway on. Particularly for large crews like you're talking about.

Also, there's the ease of boarding thing. From dinghies, water toys, or directly from the water. Ease of loading dive gear into the dink. Room for water toys onboard....

PS: There's a lot more privacy on a cat as well... Especially for couples

[akprb]

Be bold.......tell em CAT (then offer to cover the cost of the upgrade) ��

[manawatuman]

Are the teenagers sleeping together

[doublewide]

CAT
three character messages are not permitted on the forum. who knew?
CAT

[PhiSig1071]

Originally Posted by Sandero

I am a mono hull sailor but for your week charter it seems a cat would be more comfortable. I don't think the sailing is as "thrilling" on a flatamaran... but they are fun and roomy and unless you are ashore a lot... more real estate afloat makes more sense.

You have to get your insults right, "condomaran" was the term you were looking for. America's Cup cats sail pretty flat, and I doubt anyone would say they're not "thrilling".

To the OP, definitely get a cat. Significantly more room, both interior and exterior. Better layout for entertaining/socializing. Better layout for fishing (both underway and at anchor). Less chance of sea sickness.

Biggest reason for me would be safety. No heel, and dryer decks, mean less of a chance of an inexperienced sailor going overboard.

[boom23]

I've tried both, 49 Beneteau and Lagoon 450.

6 people would be my limit on a 50ft monohull. Get a CAT for sure.

[manawatuman]

Once you've had cat, you wont go back.