Welcome to the forums! Oh, & I imagine that you know this, but there are some
multihull only
forums out there too, which might be worth a peek at a minimum.
Just a couple of thoughts in terms of what's worth looking at/considering:
- How much bridgedeck clearance does the boat have, and does it have much hanging down between the hulls? AKA slam factor.
- How well is the boat designed with an eye towards maintainance? You want something which is easy to
work on, and some boat designers aren't the savviest when it comes to putting thing in locales where it's possible to see them, or fit & swing a wrench.
Also, when you're looking at the boat(s) keep an eye on what the common brands of
parts are. Thus you'll find it easier to source spares in out of the way places, & not
wind up paying outrageous freight on them.
This applies to EVERYTHING on the perspective vessel(s).
- How well do the boats sail/what's it's reputation for same? To include does she have a versatile sailplan, which is easy to configure for all different types of conditions. And is each part of the system easy to handle by all onboard?
- Are the rest of the systems easy to handle by all onboard? And when you're pondering this question, think about the least capable
member of the crew fielding chore X, on a dark & stormy night. Alone.
- When you're looking at, and taking boats for test
sails, don't just limit yourself to catamarans. As there may be times aboard your boat where conditions pretty much replicate those onboard monohulls. So such will be good info to have/learn.
And make sure to take copious notes, & or videos of all of these things. Don't just trust them to memory. Make up a binder with divided sections on your top 5 or so. And don't hesitate to run them & their categories etc. by sailing friends which you make along the way for constructive criticism & insight.
Hope that helps a little bit, and that you both find what you're looking for & put some memorable miles under the keel(s) ;-)