Multihulls are another of the yacht world's foundation designs. But while they have been around since Noah's time, it should be noted he did, eventually, opt for a mono hull.
A multihull, also known as catamarans or powercats, can offer an incredible amount of deck space, but is tighter on volume below decks, in the all important cabin area. At the same time, the extra beam requires greater mooring space, and possibly cost.
These two factors have held back the multihull against its mono equivalent. The good news is that improved design and a growing appreciation of the multihull's other major benefit, stable and highly efficient performance, is now seeing increased popularity with buyers and more new models coming to market.
Berthing & cabins
If it were not for the popularity of marinas there would surely be a lot more multihull yachts on the water. The issue with the multihull is that the extra beam can make it expensive or difficult to moor in busy, popular marinas, taking up round one and a half spaces. However, in areas where harbours and swing mooring are more common, such as the Caribbean, you will find many examples.
Buyers will note a certain style flows through the multihull family, with a sleek, flybridge design offering a broad aft and forward deck as well as a raised area. The space on deck is significantly more than a mono hull an offer, as is the deck salon, which is usually wrapped in glass.
Below decks, two smaller hulls cannot deliver the volume of one large one, so expect a more intricate cabin layout. But there are more and more multihull builders coming through offering increasingly clever ways to enhance cabin space, and above 20m you might not notice the difference.
Ex-charter option
The used market for multihulls is an interesting place, with yachts split between private and ex-charter yachts. The latter can present good value but will have been extensively used and worn.
Multihull yacht key features
- Two or more hulls create a broad stable yacht
- Incredibly spacious deck spaces, including the salon
- Narrow hulls are highly efficient, requiring less horsepower for a given length
- Narrow hulls reduce cabin volume
- Often designed as a flybridge
