Benefits of a Catamaran

The advantages of a catamaran far exceed those of mono hull boats. It is faster, more stable, more spacious, and has less draught, allowing a safer anchorage and the ability to get closer to shore. A stable platform, with virtually no roll or pitch, reduces fatigue, leaving the crew more alert and in control of the ship.

Stability

The catamaran relies on its width and buoyancy for stability. A sea catamaran will have a ratio of 2X1 (32 feet long it will be about 16 feet wide). For its buoyancy the catamaran relies on the innovative concept of its hulls including bulbs. This makes it easier and safer to navigate.

Speed equals safety

Although the catamaran is more comfortable and safer in bad weather, the speed of a catamaran also allows you to get away from bad weather more quickly. As it is about 70% faster than a mono hull, you will arrive at port more quickly and safely.

Anchoring

Sometimes, you need to leave an anchoring point because of high pitch, rolling, high waves and swells that make conditions very uncomfortable and unsafe. In a situation such as this, it becomes difficult to stay in place, forcing you to head out to sea in dangerous conditions. Because of its ability to handle pitch and rolling, the catamaran is by far the most comfortable craft when anchored.

Anchoring caracteristics

In the case of many boats, the bow acts as a sail, having the tendency to turn when moored in strong winds. It turns in one direction until the chain stretches and stops it, then turns in the other direction, and does so indefinitely, giving the impression that it could easily snap from the anchor. A catamaran’s anchoring is done by cables linking both hulls to the anchor chain, stopping the movement effect and providing a more stable position.

Draft

The catamaran has a much shallower draft, allowing for safer anchoring closer to shore. It also allows for the possibility of exploring areas where water is shallower without having to worry about running aground. The low draft is ideal when performing urgent repairs at low tide. Since the catamaran can easily be beached with its keels holding the bottom, antifouling becomes much less of a chore.

Stability and Comfort

Most boats roll and pitch, forcing you to hold on while struggling to remain standing. Normally, everything remains in place on a catamaran, because stability and comfort are way superior. With very little rolling and pitching, work becomes easier and safer.

Redundancy

The catamaran has many redundancies. That means two hulls to clean and ensure antifouling, double maintenance for the motor, etc. However, redundancy is a plus in this case: there are two independent charge systems on each motor, as well as two independant steering systems. The engine system also has more advantages than inconveniences; if an engine happens to break down, you have another one capable of providing proper propulsion and planing capability.

Handling

Catamaran engines are quite far apart (14’ on the Pro Cat) and that makes handling easier and more precise. Pro Cat has also added a joystick system that adds to this advantage as it allows for greater ease in lateral handling, when approaching a wharf and while working at sea without interrupting fishing activities. In addition, installing the joystick is not complicated and doesn’t require drydocking or risk compromising the hull.