catamaran or motor yacht

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Catamaran vs. motor yacht (4 powerful differences explained).

• Post Written By: Boater Jer
• Published: July 13, 2022
• Updated: September 25, 2022

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The Catamaran Vs. motor yacht, a comparison that has lasted for ages, is one we will finally put to rest in this article. We promise to make spotting their differences easy. 

Differences Distinguishing the Catamaran Vs. Motor Yacht

At the end of this section, everything that distinguishes these two sailing boats from each other will be at your fingertips.

The Shape And Number Of Hulls

As you must be aware, motor yachts have mono hulls, while catamarans (CATS) have multi-hulls. 

But what does this mean? 

First, you need to understand that a boat’s hull refers to the body of the watercraft. It sits on top and also lies below the water. 

The mono hull takes a V-shape, and most of the bottom of the hull will be underwater. However, when dealing with CATs (multi-hull) systems, you’d notice a planning or displacement hull system. ( source )

Only a tiny section of the hull’s bottom will be below the water with these hulls. It makes the catamaran perfect for shallow water sailing. ( source )

The presence of the multi-hull system in the catamaran is the basis for most of its advantages. Some of which include; 

• Better stability when docked and when underway
• Saving fuel costs when the weather is favorable

Number Of Engines 

The number of engines in the catamaran and motor boat is another crucial player that determines the difference in performance.

Cats often feature twin engines which translate to higher speed and better maneuverability. Not to mention that if one engine fails, you have a backup engine. ( source )

These Catamarans and their dual engines are also known to sail faster downwind. It is traceable to the shallow immersion of the hulls, which means less drag. ( source )

However, when placed in an upwind sailing showdown, the motor yacht wins. It is because the undercarriage will experience pounding and slapping. ( source )

Available Space And Comfort

The difference in available space is as clear as day. It is because of the difference in the hull shape.

The catamaran has ample space in areas like the salon, galley, and flybridge. Even its cabins are more comfortable, and you’d be able to sit upright. Also, unlike the motor yacht, several cabins in a catamaran are ensuite. 

Additionally, comfort is a priority on the catamaran. It can fit larger electronic appliances like fridges, dishwashers, and freezers. Besides, you can finally say goodbye to sea sickness caused by wave impact with the CAT. Accelerometer tests show that catamarans have a 25% reduction in G forces. ( source )

Pricing And Cost

Also quite clear is the margin in the cost of purchasing or chartering a catamaran . Compared to a motor yacht, you’d find that you’d be spending more on the catamaran. 

Additionally, since catamarans are larger, you’d spend more to get a berthing space in the marina. But you also should know that the catamaran is not all cons and no pros in terms of cost and pricing. After all, it suffers only a slight reduction in resell value.

Final Thoughts

We’ve informed you about the differences between a catamaran and a motor yacht. Ensure you consider the time of the year you plan sailing, your budget, and the number of people on board before opting for either of these sailing choices.

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• What are the main differences between sailing a yacht and a catamaran? https://plainsailing.com/blog/yacht-v-catamaran
• Catamarans versus Monohull yachts – why the popularity of catamarans is growing https://yachtharbour.com/news/catamarans-versus-monohull-yachts—why-popularity-of-catamarans-is-growing-4152?src=news_view_page_bar
• Powered Catamarans Vs. Monohull Motor Yachts  https://infinityyachtsales.com/2021/10/powered-catamarans-vs-monohull-motor-yachts/
• Sailing Catamaran Vs. Sailing A Monohull Yacht, https://www.sailingeurope.com/en/sailing-tips/sailing-catamaran-vs-sailing-monohull-yacht
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Introduction

The benefits and compromises of owning a power catamaran are usually obvious for different consumers, depending on their circumstances, boating ambitions and level of experience. However, a rapidly growing number of seasoned boaters are learning the joys of owning a catamaran and end up becoming firm catamaran supporters.

We have witnessed amazing changes to how families go boating together on a catamaran. For many families, the catamaran yacht has enabled their kids to join and bring their friends without overcrowding the boat. Guests do not have to be seasoned yachties to enjoy the day in the stable and protected cockpit. While entertaining can be done with style and without stress.

The most compelling argument of all must be this: seasoned monohull boaters are converting to catamarans by the truckload. Many converted former motor yacht owners are now passionate advocates of power catamarans. For experienced yachties demanding performance, the advantages are simply too great to ignore.  It is rare to hear of any catamaran owners ever going back to a monohull. Once you become a catamaran owner, you are hooked for life.

“Why should I buy a power catamaran instead of a similar sized motor yacht?”

We are regularly asked by buyers “why should I buy a power catamaran instead of a similar sized motor yacht”. Like everything, there are benefits and compromises to the power catamaran. Despite ourselves being firm Catamaran converts and lifetime believers, below we offer a balanced comparison of the pros and cons.

Advantages of Monohulls

A monohull, as the name implies, has just one hull. This is the most common type of hull design, but why? To produce a well balanced comparison lets start by investigating the benefits of monohulls:

Slow roll period

• Many brands and builders to choose from

More usable space below waterline

Familiar handling.

While monohulls roll back and forth far more than a catamaran, monohull fans will argue that the slow roll period of a monohull has a comforting effect.

There any many brands and builders to choose from as most builders still only produce monohulls. Whilst this trend is changing, 50+ years of composite boat building has been heavily monohull focused. This does mean that there is a far greater selection of vessels, designers and brands and builders to select from.

Whilst the monohull comparably has less interior space, the wide waterline beam (width) allows for greater use of the internal hull height. This either enables builders to mount tanks and storage below cabin floors or to actually expand the cabin below waterline. As a catamaran gains performance via its light displacement and narrow waterline beam, this is often not practical on a catamaran.

Jumping from one boat to another will feel extremely familiar as the differences in handling between brands is minimal, with the exception of planning hull vs displacement hull. Focusing on planning hulls, however you will quickly feel familiar jumping from one boat to another. On the contrary, the difference in handling from a monohull to a power catamaran are immediately apparent.

Disadvantages of Monohulls

Now that we have seen the advantages of a monohull, lets analyse some disadvantages one might encounter while boating on a typical V-bottomed or deep-V motoryacht.

Low stability

Bow steering, rolling at anchor, significant bowrise.

Due to the wide flat hull shape required to get the monohull more quickly into planning mode, it can produce a rather bumpy ride when motoring through waves. Performance through waves can be significantly improved or diminished depending on the hull shape. For instance, a deep V hull will be more comfortable through waves than a shallow V. However, both are significantly outperformed by even the worst power catamaran designs.

A monohulls heel angle is directly affected by weight placement. Moving too much weight to port or to stbd will cause the vessel to heel. This is significantly noticeable when at anchor however even underway an incorrectly loaded monohull can dangerously heel. This can be overcome underway by the use of trim tabs. However, is best overcome by conscious weight placement and management.

Bow steering usually occurs when motoring at speed in a following sea or when passing another vessels wake. If you are inexperienced and do not know what is happening it can be quite frightening. Basically, the boat will suddenly and often expectantly turn hard in one direction while rolling hard in the opposite direction, despite your efforts to steer straight. Bow steering can be prevented with the installation of trim tabs. They can enable you to raise the bow up and out of the water when in a following sea. Trim tabs are not needed on a catamaran due to the natural separation of hulls bow steering.

At times you will undoubtedly come across anchorages that aren’t completely flat. When this happens, monohulls, that rely on the weight of their COG (center of gravity) to be aligned below their COB (center of buoyancy) to keep them upright, will start to rock from side to side. Things roll around inside, plates go flying. It’s uncomfortable or sometimes impossible to cook, and only the hardiest of yachties will be getting any sleep. 

While all of this is going on, at the next mooring ball, the power catamaran owners are sitting in their cockpits sipping sun-downers, barely noticing the movement, quietly getting tipsy before a long night’s sleep.

The degree of bowrise varies with monohull designs. However, for those of you unfamiliar with this term, bowrise is the tendency of a boat to point its bows up in the air before it gets into planning mode and then settles somewhat. This puts passengers through an uncomfortable, and sometimes unnerving experience whilst also exposing the vessel to a decreased level of stability and safety.

POWER CATAMARAN

Advantages of power catamarans.

Whilst individual designs can vary by design and their usage, the benefits below are typically universal for most catamarans. In comparison to the equivalent length monohull a catamaran shall deliver the following advantages:

Superior ride comfort

Enhanced stability at anchor and underway, up-scaled cabins and interiors, larger single level cockpit and saloon, significantly improved fuel consumption.

• Drastically improved close-quarter maneuvering

Catamarans experience slower deceleration through wave impact. This significantly reduces slamming through waves. This has been measured with accelerometers in like for like tests to have a 25% reduction in G forces when riding over waves.

Due largely to their wider beam, catamarans have a remarkably higher righting moment compared to monohulls. This prevents them from rolling side-to-side when at anchor, and keeps them sitting level both underway and at rest . This is regardless of placement of people or luggage, this also eliminates the need for catamarans to use trim tabs.

More interior volume, especially in power catamarans that carry their beam all the way forward. Even applicable in the smallest cats that will usually have stand up headroom in each cabin, unlike smaller monohulls. As a result of this increased volume, a power catamaran will always feel over sized – more fairly compared to a monohull 15-20% longer in length. A 35ft power catamaran for instance is more fairly matched against a 43ft motor yacht.

Catamarans generally provide far more living space in the main salon and cockpit in comparison to similarly priced monohulls. The galley, main salon and cockpit are also all on one level, above the water line … making life aboard as well as your view much more enjoyable.

Due to their reduced displacement and wetted surface area power catamarans are impressively efficient. The wider monohull bows create a large bow wake and greater resistance, which require more HP to get onto plane. Not only does this burn more fuel, but also enables a catamaran to get onto plane under just one motor. This is a significant safety advantage, enabling a boat with only one working engine to return to shore before dark rather than limping home at below planning speeds. The ability to plane at lower RPM’s enables cruisers not wanting to travel at groundbreaking speeds to achieve highly efficient low speed planning. Vastly expanding their cruising ground while not breaking the bank nor taking all day to get to the next anchorage. Learn more about power catamaran fuel consumption HERE>>

Drastically improved close-quarter maneuvering: A large separation between the port and stbd engine drastically improves close-quarters maneuvering. This enables a power catamaran to literally rotate within its own waterline length by simply putting one engine in reverse, and one in forward. Add a joystick control and you’re in command of one of the easiest boats that you will ever dock.

Disadvantages of Power Catamarans

Despite the significant benefits gained by the power catamaran, there are also a few unusual traits associated with powercats:

Outward banking

Snaking at anchor, tunnel-slap, unusual appearance.

When making sharp turnsm a monohull will bank (roll) into the turn. A catamaran, on the other hand, due to its increased stability and righting moment will actually bank slightly outward. If coming from a monohull background, initially this sensation will feel unusual. However, If you have no prior expectations regarding the outward bank offers ,no benefits or disadvantage over the inward bank.

Due to the power catamarans wide beam and asymmetry, when at anchor a shifting breeze will cause the vessel to turn to port and stbd in a snakelike movement.  If the wind has some strength and continues to shift, this movement can become uncomfortable. We therefore recommend attaching an anchor bridle whenever anchoring which completely eradicates this effect.

In certain conditions, catamarans can experience tunnel slap. This is where a wave passing under the tunnel rises up and slaps the wingdeck surface causing a thud or slapping sound. This effects different catamaran designs in various ways depending on whether they are of displacement or planning type. A displacement catamaran requires a high wingdeck to overcome the wave crest heights in order to ride over the top of the waves. Planning catamarans, on the other hand, should have narrower and shallower tunnels. This forces a compressed air mixture through the tunnel, creating a cushioning and lifting effect lifting the catamaran above the surface of the water with intensity increasing as speed increases.

When asked, many monohull owners claim they do not like the unusual appearance of a power catamaran. Whilst styling preference is subjective, at Makai we have worked hard to design a power catamaran that delivers all of the benefits of a catamaran. Whilst doing so with attractive and unmistakable styling.

CONCLUSION : Power Catamaran or Monohull?

Whilst each have their own advantages and disadvantages the final choice is completely down to personal preference. Clearly, we are die hard catamaran believers, but we also believe that what is most important above all else is just getting outside and on the water, having fun and being safe. So, when you find the boat that does all of the right things for you, go for it!

Learn more about MAKAI Yachts HERE>>

Learn more about the MAKAI M37 HERE>>

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Power Catamaran Popularity Rising

• By Victor Tan
• March 18, 2024

Aromas from sizzling steak, local lobster and freshly caught mahi mahi wafted through the air as an inflatable Santa ballooned on the flybridge of Mark and Janeen Traylor’s Horizon Power Catamarans 52 . The Georgia-based couple was in Marsh Harbour, Bahamas, preparing for one of their most memorable family Christmas dinners.

Coker and Cathy Price of South Carolina also had what they described as their “best family vacation ever” aboard a catamaran—an Aquila 48 they chartered in the British Virgin Islands.

These are just two examples of boaters who have joined the shift toward catamarans in the past decade or so. While a catamaran or two used to be an anomaly at a marina, an increasing number of boaters are embracing the volume and efficiencies that catamarans offer. Marinas along the US East Coast are now building docks with transient catamaran cruisers in mind, and some charter companies now focus on cats because an increasing number of customers prefer them.

The Traylors made the transition from 35- and 60-foot monohulls to a 53-foot Horizon power cat. The Prices owned several catamarans smaller than 30 feet long before buying an Aquila 36 , christened Nauti Cat after Cathy.

“If you’re at anchorage, it’s much more stable. If you’re on a monohull, it just doesn’t take much at all to tip it from side to side,” Mark says. “It’s very family-friendly. As far as the amount of space that you get on it and having people be able to move around the boat and not feel like you’re right on top of each other, comparing it to a monohull, there’s just not much of a comparison at all.”

Coker also says there’s no comparison: “I don’t know why they even make monohulls anymore.”

Catamaran builders are seeing substantial increases in customer demand. Darren Henn, VisionF Yachts and Silent-Yachts sales broker for the United States, says that before the pandemic, Silent-Yachts sold four or five vessels a year. Since 2020, the builder has sold 15 or 16 hulls a year at an average price of $3.8 million to $7.6 million, he says.

Prestige Yachts, which launched its M-Line of catamarans with the debut of the M48 at the 2022 Cannes Yachting Festival, has sold more than 20 of the hulls and recently launched a new flagship for the line, the 65-foot M8.

The Silent VisionF 82 , which made its global debut at the 2023 Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, has a 32-foot-6-inch beam with an open-layout flybridge that, alone, could comfortably host upward of 20 guests. The 581-square-foot salon is dedicated entirely to socializing.

“I think it comes back down to usable space on the boats,” Henn says. “People want to be able to host parties. They want to be able to have friends. If you’re on any other vessel of similar size, you’re going to be able to put a fraction [of the] amount of those people. Once you see the bow of this vessel, you’re going to be like, ‘Man, you can put 100 people up in the front.’”

Other boatbuilders are designing catamarans to appeal to even more styles of boating. Aquila’s 47 Molokai , for instance, is a center-console sport-fisherman that can reportedly top out at around 62 knots and cruise at about 42 knots. It also has a cabin belowdecks for a couple to use on a long weekend. The wide-open, performance-centric design is much different from the first cats that came onto the market years ago.

“Traditionally, catamarans are boxes on the water, rectangles on the water,” says Alain Raas, Aquila brand manager for MarineMax. “You’re starting to see the more sporty look, the swept lines. And then you’re also getting up in speed now. All of our models, we’re really focused on semiplaning or planing hulls. We’re not just focused on going slow. We want to have the option to go fast for our clients.”

Another factor driving catamaran popularity is charter bookings. The Moorings now offers close to a dozen power and sail catamarans as part of its charter fleet. MarineMax Vacations specializes in power cats, and Regency Yacht Charters says it’s seeing broad demand for even bigger cats, such as the Sunreef 80.

Some of those charter clients, like the Price family, go on to buy power catamarans. They took delivery of Nauti Cat in January 2023. Its stability makes for an easy cruise from South Carolina to the Bahamas, they say, and its 2-foot draft allows for shallow-water approaches with family and friends aboard near Edisto Beach, South Carolina.

The Traylors say they’re not going back to monohulls. As of this writing, they were preparing for their first Abacos season aboard a new Horizon PC60 .

“The catamaran charter market is just exploding,” says Bob Denison, president of Denison Yachting. “We’re going to continue to see the growth in the catamaran segment of the market take off, and it’s never going to be a trend. This thing is here to stay. I think in 50 years, catamarans are going to be just as common as monohulls.”

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• Motor catamarans range

Motor Yacht MY.6

A sophisticated motor yacht

Length overall

Beam overall

Standard Power

Option Power

The array of equipment and quality of finishes all combine to deliver the pleasures of sailing and living onboard.

An elegant finish

The range of living spaces, both inside and out, afford ample privacy as well as idyllic spaces for socialising.

The stepped hull communicates smoothly with the sea, while the design of her hulls and superstructures enhances space onboard. The MY.6, with its advanced equipment, increases the distance that you can cruise. With an economical speed of sixteen knots , it is possible to envisage many extended trips without compromising on comfort. The steering has excellent assistance whether you’re on the flybridge or in the saloon, so you can choose to be sociable or enjoy time alone – it’s up to you.

Motor Yacht MY.6 in video

Discover the MY.6

A design that opens the door for travel

The layout, featuring two cabins with queen-size double beds, an owner’s suite with a king-size bed, and a bathroom with a separate shower for each, optimise the sense of privacy that is important for long cruises. A central forward cabin is perfect for giving children their own exclusive space.

Features Motor Yacht MY.6

Version Maestro

1 owner’s suite + 1 bathroom / 2 double cabins + 2 bathrooms + 1 Skipper cabin

Displacement unloaded

Full load displacement

25.4 T(Approx.)

Fresh water tank

2 x 92 Gallons

Diesel tank

2 x 264 Gallons

Up to 357 NM

Andrieu Yacht Design

Andreani Design

The large saloon with its double sofa offers relaxation and comfort with breathtaking views. A hydraulic table can be adapted to cater for a number of different configurations. The galley has all the storage space and quality appliances you need for preparing a gourmet extravaganza.

Indoor & outdoor areas

Unique design and incomparable spaces.

The foredeck features a lounge where you can enjoy the cool breeze or soak up the sun. The immense flybridge on this yacht, protected by a soft-top, can comfortably accommodate all guests at any time of day. The back platform is ideal for swimming.

Virtual visit

As if you were there….

Welcome aboard this exceptional yacht for a 100% immersive visit. Explore her interior and exterior living spaces in minute detail!

• Technology & Navigation
• Construction & Design

Waiting times for a Fountaine Pajot motor yacht may vary according to the stage of your project, the model you want or your navigation area. Some Fountaine Pajot dealers have new motor catamarans ready to sail ! Contact your nearest dealer HERE to ask about the availability of the boat of your dreams!

Visit your nearest Fountaine Pajot boat dealer to buy a new motor yacht from our range. You will benefit from personalised advice through the Fountaine Pajot dealer network. Discover our network HERE

The price of a Fountaine Pajot power catamaran varies according to the size of the model chosen and your cruising project. Our dealers are at your disposal to guide you in your choice of fittings, packages and options to best suit your boat purchase project. You can find out the starting price of the boat your choice on this page HERE .

IPS engines, fitted on some Fountaine Pajot motor catamarans are designed to offer greater energy efficiency, which translates into better fuel economy compared to other systems of propulsion. The overall design of IPS engines aims to optimise a boat’s performance in terms of speed , manoeuvrability and fuel economy. And of course, IPS engines offer excellent manoeuvrability thanks to steerable propellors, thus facilitating manœuvres in tight spaces like harbours.

Spacious and comfortable when sailing, Fountaine Pajot motor yachts also offer fine cruising speed. Depending on the model and the engine installed on board, they can reach a max speed of 24 knots and 18 knots in fast cruising mode.

Power catamarans are naturally more efficient than monohull power boats . Depending on the model and the engine installed on board, at a high cruising speed, i.e. around 18 knots, motor yachts in the Fountaine Pajot range can reach between 260 and 425 nautical miles. At an “economical” cruising speed, they can reach up to 1000 nautical miles. The Power 67, the Flagship model in the range, can reach up to 4000 nautical miles at economy cruise speed. Take a look at the boat comparator here

Thanks to its architecture with two floats and a central suspended platform, its mass is divided by two and better spread. Thinner hulls decrease the Archimedes thrust and require much less energy to move the keel through the water. Half the consumption of a monocoque is the result, increasing the range of motor catamarans for long crossings and long stays at anchor. For the same length, a catamaran gives much more living surface . The great width permits much more spacious cockpit space as well as a huge interior-exterior living space on one level,

Innovative, high-tech composite materials constitute most of the structure of our motor catamarans : hulls, flybridge, decks, bulkheads and more. Fountaine Pajot has perfected a resin injection and infusion technique, an advanced technology that gives our boats all their robustness. Thanks to this expertise, we can make our motor yachts considerably lighter while maintaining consistent quality . Injection also makes it possible to meet the most stringent environmental requirements, in line with the commitments of the Fountaine Pajot Group.

15-meter motorboat

Interested in this model?

Your local dealer will be happy to advise you and give you more details about this model!

A voyage into the Motor Yacht world of Fountaine Pajot

Dive deep into the Fountaine Pajot experience through testimonials, news, webcasts, podcasts, press reviews, photo and video reports... Together, let’s redefine the parameters of Motor Yacht cruising!

20 Feb 2024

A new way to experience Motor Yachts

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All about the new Fountaine Pajot Motor Yachts with Stéphanie de Loustal.

25 Jan 2024

Welcome to the new Fountaine Pajot sites! A brand-new experience…

Fountaine Pajot Owners Rendez-vous 2016

For its 40th anniversary, Fountaine Pajot met up with owners of Sailing Catamarans and Motor Yachts to mark this special occasion.

15 Jan 2024

Exclusive Events | Which Motor Yachts to visit in 2024 ?

2023 magazine

25 Sep 2023

Fountaine Pajot reveals a new 80-foot power catamaran yacht

Yacht Style – MY5

16 Sep 2023

Step aboard the MY6 and enjoy a guided tour

Long distance cruising aboard a catamaran motor yacht MY 44

Patrick and Janet

30 Aug 2023

Unmissable motor yachts at the 2022 Cannes Yachting Festival

Discover the full test of the MY4.s by BoatTEST.com

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Follow the adventures of Fountaine Pajot Owners, discover news and upcoming events, and take advantage of exclusive invitations to explore the Motor Yacht of your dreams.

Compare models

Motor Yacht MY4.S

Hosting capacity

Skipper cabin Oui

Bunk beds Non

Skipper cabin Non

Motorisation

Cummins Non

Speed ​​and autonomy

Technical information

User-friendly areas

Sunbathing Oui

Kitchen Oui

Sunbathing Non

Kitchen Non

Discover the prices

Double rooms

Your contact details

One last step before reaching the next page & discovering the prices proposed & main options for this version! You'll then be able, to schedule a live chat with your local dealer to discuss all the options and configurations available for this model!

Your home port

Any questions?

No pack information currently available online for this Flagship model. We will get back to you directly. Thank you

Would you like to configure this model’s options or set up another model?

Make an appointment with your nearest dealer and choose the boat of your dreams.

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Lagoon celebrates its 40th anniversary with you!

In 2024, Lagoon wants to celebrate its 40th anniversary with you. Throughout the year, there are numerous events waiting to be discovered.

Catamarans to live your dreams

At Lagoon, we do everything we can to make your sailing to the ends of the earth as enjoyable as possible, but when it comes to choosing your model, it's up to you!

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Owners' testimonials

Lange family and “spirit of ponta preta”.

There was a time when my whole being turned into a trance as soon as the leaves were moving in the trees, as I was thinking about the potential windsurf session that I was missing.

PRESS REVIEW