By American Sailing
The catamaran versus monohull debate has been going on for decades, and if you’ve spent any time around sailors, you’ve probably heard strong opinions from both sides.
But according to Jeff and Jean of Two Can Sail, the better question isn’t “Which boat is best?” It’s “Which boat is best for the way you want to cruise?”
During this engaging American Sailing online class, Jeff and Jean shared insights gained from more than 45 years of sailing experience and time aboard over 260 different sailboat models, including 61 models of cruising catamarans. As licensed yacht brokers, ASA instructors, USCG 100-Ton Masters, and full-time cruising advisors, they’ve helped countless sailors navigate one of the biggest decisions in their cruising journey.
Throughout the class, they explored some of the most common assumptions sailors make when comparing catamarans and monohulls.
Is a catamaran really more comfortable offshore? Does the extra space justify the additional cost? How important is upwind performance for the average cruiser? And what ownership expenses catch new buyers off guard?
One particularly interesting discussion centered around the reality of cruising versus fantasizing. While many sailors focus heavily on windward performance, Jeff pointed out that most cruisers spend surprisingly little time beating into the wind. Instead, they often plan routes around favorable weather and trade winds, which can completely change how certain boat characteristics are valued.
The class also examined the hidden costs that prospective owners sometimes overlook. Purchase price is only one part of the equation. Dockage, haul-outs, insurance, maintenance, and even finding suitable marina space can look very different depending on the platform you choose.
Perhaps the most valuable takeaway was the reminder that every boat is a compromise. Features that make one vessel attractive may create tradeoffs elsewhere, and understanding those tradeoffs is often more important than searching for a “perfect” boat.
Whether you’re planning to purchase your first cruising boat, considering a future upgrade, or simply curious about the differences between multihulls and monohulls, this replay offers practical insights from two sailors who have spent decades helping others make informed decisions.
Cruising Catamaran or Monohull: How to Choose with Confidence
Replay is now available on demand.
Have you sailed both? Head to our forum and share your experience.
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Cruising Catamaran or Monohull: How to Choose with Confidence
“Which is better: a catamaran or a monohull?”
It’s one of the most common questions in cruising, but as Jeff & Jean of Two Can Sail explained during this class, the answer depends entirely on your goals, budget, and sailing style.
Drawing on more than 45 years of sailing experience and time aboard over 260 different sailboat models, Jeff and Jean explored the real-world tradeoffs between these two popular cruising platforms. Topics included comfort, performance, maneuverability, maintenance, costs, offshore capabilities, and life aboard.
One of the most important takeaways from the discussion was that there is no perfect boat. Every design involves compromises, and the “best” choice is the one that best supports your cruising plans.
Some of the questions explored during the class included:
• How do catamarans and monohulls differ in comfort at sea and at anchor?
• What are the true ownership costs beyond the purchase price?
• How important is upwind performance for most cruisers?
• What maintenance challenges should prospective owners consider?
• Why is chartering different boats before buying one of the smartest investments you can make?The replay is now available on demand for anyone considering a future cruising boat or simply curious about the differences between these two popular platforms.
For those who have sailed both, we’d love to hear from you:
What factor most influenced your preference for a catamaran or monohull?
Watch now: https://learn.americansailing.com/p/cruising-catamaran-or-monohull
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This discussion was modified 1 month, 1 week ago by
Diona.
learn.americansailing.com
Cruising Catamaran or Monohull
Trying to decide between a catamaran and a monohull? Learn the real-world pros, cons, and tradeoffs so you can confidently choose the right boat for your cruising dreams.
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This discussion was modified 1 month, 1 week ago by
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