Advantages

• Acceleration and Speed

  Large sails on tall masts mean power. Catamarans are the fastest of small sailboats in most any wind condition.

• Easy Beaching

  Small cats can be sailed onto a beach, which is easier than docking. Especially recreational catamarans with no daggerboards or centerboards (common on high performance cats).

• Stability

  Multihulls have great initial stability and when sailing in light–moderate wind. Stability on windy days relies upon the sailor's knowledge, experience, and ability to de-power the rig or reduce sail size. Otherwise, whoosh splash capsized catamaran.

  Stability fore and aft in windy conditions is greatly affected by hull length, shape, and volume—particularly in the bow area.

• Capacity and Comfort

  Large trampolines provide plenty of space for several people to sit.

  • Wings

    Cats like the Hobie Getaway offer wings so you may sit outboard on raised seats, allowing a more natural sitting position.

  • Trapeze

    Some cats offer trapeze, which suspends your body from a wire, your feet planted on the windward hull. You need only be adventurous; it's fun, not difficult.

Keep in Mind

The longer and heavier a catamaran's mast, the harder it is to raise it, and you may need to walk across a bouncy, non-solid trampoline while rigging.

Cats do not point as high (sail as close to the eye of the wind) as monohulls, and cats geared toward recreation especially, rarely turn as quickly or easily. Maneuverability may be an issue on small or crowded lakes.

Caution

Large sails are powerful. On a windy day you may capsize in a direction you didn't think was possible—and when you least expect it. Catamarans are more difficult to right, especially if you are lightweight, and particularly if you are alone.

Match sail power to your body, and you'll love sailing a cat!