The stunning island of Phuket can be sailed around in a number of different ways. Chartering a catamaran is an excellent choice we recommend if you’re looking for a relaxing, extended and stress-free cruise. A catamaran charter is the most convenient way to cruise in style and privacy. When compared to a monohull, a catamaran charter is more comfortable for large groups or families. With ample outdoor dining and lounging spaces, a spacious interior saloon, and many sleeping cabins in the hulls, it is no wonder catamarans have become popular among vacation goers.
In this article, we will be answering the question, “Why choose a catamaran charter?”, so you can be aware of its advantages and charm so you can use one on your next tropical getaway.
Reasons to Choose a Catamaran
1. They provide a lot of comfort and space
The catamaran’s interior provides all the comfort and space that you need. Thanks to the layout, space is not an issue, which places cabins in each of the boat’s four corners and links the two hulls with a saloon and an outdoor dining and lounging area. Two hulls and cabins in the bow and stern make for four sleeping spaces on most catamarans. Together, the sundeck and salon area make for a spacious communal space that serves as a focal point for passengers.
Crew cabins are located in the bow of larger catamarans and are typically smaller. Smaller catamarans often have a salon that converts into a double bed so that everyone on board can get a good night’s rest. The extra room and increased steadiness make them ideal for groups of 8 or more people, such as families.
2. They offer stability to avoid a rocky trip
Passengers on catamarans are less likely to experience seasickness because of the vessel’s excellent stability and comfort. Also, a catamaran’s hull doesn’t typically heel more than 5 degrees while sailing, which may be seen as a drawback by those who experience discomfort from mild to extreme motion on board. You get safer and more comfortable sailing, less seasickness for most passengers, no food or drink spills, and the freedom to move around the deck without interruption.
The dual hulls of a catamaran make for a firm footing that serves you well in any sea state or while the boat is anchored. A catamaran charter boat stays leveled as opposed to monohull sailing yachts, which rock heavily from side to side. Travelers may find the ship’s constant rolling on the waves uncomfortable, as it may cause them to maintain a state of muscular tension. A catamaran charter is for you if you’ve never sailed before or are a sailor who would like to sit back and experience the waves from the comfort of a yacht.
3. They ensure safety and stress-free sailing
While it’s true that no sailing vessel is inherently unsafe, many people feel most secure on catamarans. Special construction materials keep the boat afloat even if both hulls spring a leak. Since a catamaran has two engines, the safety of passengers is increased in the event that one engine should fail.
The stability of a catamaran means that, even in a severe storm, you will likely feel only slight motion. Even the most cautious sailor will feel comfortable on a catamaran charter. If you’re looking for a safe and eco-friendly sailing vessel, look no further than a catamaran. The catamaran’s clever layout makes it possible to simultaneously power up the engine and set sail.
4. Their draft is smaller compared to other sailboats
One advantage of catamaran design is a shallower draft because there is little to no keel. Catamarans have a draft of 1 to 1.2 meters, while sailboats have a draft of 1.9 to 2.3 meters. When sailing in sandy bays, this opens up the possibility of getting much closer to the shore or even beaching the hulls. Additionally, the shallow draft permits emergency repairs in shallow water and even bottom work when the tide is out. The keels of a catamaran can rest on the sand without assistance, making the “annual haul out” effortless even in remote locations.
5. They open up opportunities for exciting adventures
Experienced sailors and those who enjoy speeding through waves will also enjoy a catamaran charter. A catamaran’s lightweight and the absence of a keel, which is used to keep a yacht upright, give it a distinct advantage in terms of speed. Speeds up to twice that of conventional yachts are possible thanks to the submerged section’s low keel.
Catamarans excel in high-speed maneuverability thanks partly to the sharp hull bends that characterize their design. This layout lessens the boat’s impact with waves, increasing the speed with which it can travel. A catamaran charter will provide the utmost in luxury when traveling long distances by yacht.
6. They help reduce crew fatigue
A catamaran’s fore and aft pitching motion and minimal beam-to-beam rolling provide significantly more onboard comfort. A catamaran’s ability to maintain a level course under all wind conditions and reduce seasickness and fatigue for the crew is a major benefit. Anxiety, exhaustion, hunger, and cold all contribute to a general feeling of disorientation, which significantly contributes to seasickness.
As a result, the crew is more likely to make hasty judgment calls and commit other potentially disastrous acts of seamanship. The catamaran’s steadier hull will greatly reduce the likelihood of these problems, boosting morale and productivity. In motion, a catamaran simplifies every activity, including cooking. The view from the deck is much better than that from “down below,” so try to make your way up there if you can. Plus, it’s much more pleasant to sleep on a boat that doesn’t heel.
Catamaran vs Monohull
If you are planning a sailing vacation and can’t decide between a catamaran and a monohull, you must weigh the pros and cons of each to determine which is more suitable for the type of vacation you are planning.
The Benefits of Using a Monohull
- Monohulls cut through the water effortlessly and without the slapping that low-bridge-decked catamarans frequently produce.
- When placed side-by-side at an anchorage, a monohull typically swings much less than a catamaran.
- Some claim that sailing “flat” on a catamaran has significant advantages, but heeling is a lot of fun. Few sailboats can compare to the thrill of sailing a monohull.
- In terms of aesthetics, a monohull sailboat is unrivaled. There are some fairly mediocre monohulls on the market, but even the mediocre monohulls are superior to the majority of catamarans when it comes to the visual aspect.
The Downside of Using a Monohull
- Under sail and at anchor, monohulls are demonstrably less stable than catamarans.
- On still nights, ventilation throughout the boat can be difficult if it doesn’t have air conditioning.
- Due to the shape of the boat and the amount of usable space each design provides, square foot for square foot, each area of a monohull is typically smaller than its counterpart on a catamaran.
- All primary living areas are located below the water’s surface. One can begin to feel a bit like a mole person after an extended period aboard. However, most sailors are accustomed to this. For non-sailors or people with claustrophobia, this can be pretty unsettling.
The Benefits of Using a Catamaran
- Catamarans offer significantly more living space in the main salon, galley, and cockpit than similarly priced monohulls. In addition, their cabins are frequently larger, and even the smallest cat in the fleet has stand-up headroom in each cabin.
- When you decide to set sail, you do not typically need to scramble to stow your belongings or use bungee cords to secure them. Even in moderately rough seas, most objects remain in place.
- Even if you puncture a catamaran, it will continue to float because it lacks a massive, lead-filled keel. They have so much inherent buoyancy that it is nearly impossible for them to sink.
The Downsides of Using a Catamaran
- Catamarans can’t sail as close to the wind as a monohull. Still, most sail faster than a monohull on a reach, so if you fall off a few degrees and sail fast, you can usually get to the same place in the same amount of time and sometimes even more quickly, despite having to cover more distance.
- Catamarans require twice as much space and frequently cost twice as much to dock.
- Catamarans with comparable sleeping capacity and amenities cost more to charter than monohulls, though this is not always the case.
Bottom Line
If you plan to charter a vessel for a sailing vacation, one thing is certain: the type of vessel you choose will affect your cruising experience. When it comes down to it, a catamaran is an excellent option for the sailboat that you should pick for your adventure around the beautiful island of Phuket.
If you are looking into chartering a catamaran on your next vacation in Thailand, then Isabella Yachts is the crew you’ve been looking for! Isabella Yachts, founded in Phuket in 2012, specializes in crewed and bareboat charters for day/weekly voyages across the Thai and Myanmar islands. With over ten full-time employees based in Phuket throughout the year, we can provide assistance 24/7 and are always willing to assist. Our crew also speaks Thai, Italian, Spanish, and French.