In most marinas with sailboats, a noticeable shift has occurred in the past decade or two. Instead of the traditional sight of row after row of monohulls, catamarans are now competing for space. The global catamaran market is experiencing a surge in popularity, attracting both long-range sailors and short-term charterers who are drawn to the stability, space, and speed offered by multihulls. After centuries of classic monohulls dominating the oceans, the question arises: why the sudden shift to catamarans, and will this trend persist in the future? 
The global catamaran market has experienced a significant surge in sales, with the market size reaching USD 1.35 billion in 2021. Projections indicate a further 5.8% expansion from 2022 to 2030. Notably, medium-sized catamarans ranging from 30 to 50 feet have emerged as the top sellers, representing 38% of the market. Smaller catamarans closely trail behind in sales figures.
Rising Sales Trends Across Regions
Catamaran sales have been on the rise worldwide, with Europe leading the pack at 36.7% of the market share in 2021. This growth can be attributed to the increasing number of high-net-worth individuals and the rising popularity of water sports. Interestingly, the charter market in Europe has been slower to adopt catamarans, possibly due to space constraints in certain marinas. In contrast, the Caribbean and Bahamas have witnessed a surge in catamaran sales, driven by the vessels' shallow drafts and spacious layouts, which make them ideal for dominating the charter market.The Advantages of Catamarans
Catamarans have numerous benefits that are attracting more and more sailors to consider them as their preferred choice for sailing. Although monohulls still outnumber catamarans, there is a noticeable shift in the tide as more people are recognizing the advantages of catamarans.
More Space and Appealing Layout
One of the key advantages of catamarans is the amount of space they offer. With twin-hull boats providing approximately 1.2 times the space of a monohull in the same length boat, catamarans offer a significant advantage in terms of living and storage space. Additionally, the unique layout of catamarans, with most cabins located in the hulls and a spacious living area on the bridgedeck, adds to their appeal.
Speed, Stability, and Safety
Catamarans are also known for their speed, stability, and safety features. The two narrow hulls allow catamarans to sail faster than monohulls in a straight line, making them an attractive choice for those who prioritize speed. Furthermore, the stability of catamarans, with significantly less rocking and tilt compared to monohulls, appeals to sailors who prefer a smoother sailing experience. In terms of safety, catamarans are virtually unsinkable due to their two-hull design, making them less likely to capsize or sink compared to monohull boats.
Lightness and Shallow Draft
The lightness of catamarans, with most of the living space located above the waterline, offers panoramic views and an abundance of natural light, enhancing the overall sailing experience. Additionally, catamarans have a shallower draft, allowing them to access shallower waters and explore coves and beaches that are inaccessible to deeper-draft monohull boats of similar length.
In conclusion, catamarans offer a range of benefits that are appealing to sailors looking for more space, speed, stability, safety, and flexibility in terms of exploration. With these advantages, it's no surprise that more sailors are considering catamarans as their preferred choice for sailing adventures.
The Rise of Catamarans in Charter Industry
Charter companies and bluewater sailors are the driving forces behind the surge in catamaran sales. The appeal of multihulls is evident when considering the benefits they offer. Charter companies have been at the forefront of this shift, particularly those providing bareboat or skippered charters. They have recognized the suitability of catamarans for family and couples' holidays at sea, as well as for guests who may find it challenging to navigate narrow hulls and move around on a tilted deck.
One of the key reasons behind the popularity of catamarans is the luxurious full-height cabins, which offer enhanced privacy as they are often located in separate hulls. Additionally, the spacious outdoor decks and lounging areas are highly attractive. The expansive living areas and full-sized galleys with large windows, situated on the same level as the after cockpit, create vast social spaces and ample room for gatherings.
The Dominance of Catamarans in Certain Regions
In areas such as the Caribbean, the Bahamas, and parts of the Pacific, catamarans reign supreme due to their expansive decks for sunbathing and shallow drafts, allowing access to beaches and coves. However, in regions like Europe, particularly in countries like Greece or Croatia, monohulls continue to be the primary choice in the charter market.
Advantages Driving Charter Companies' Adoption
Charter companies such as The Moorings and Sunsail are strong advocates for catamarans. The Moorings, in partnership with Robertson & Caine, a renowned South African yacht builder, praises the design and technology of their award-winning catamarans. These features include an expansive flybridge, ease of maneuvering, and provision for en-suite cabins, making them ideal for chartering. Sunsail, on the other hand, offers catamarans ranging in size from 38 to 48 feet, built by Robertson & Caine and Lagoon Catamarans. They emphasize the impeccable balance between performance and maneuverability offered by their global fleet, spanning various regions worldwide.
The Benefits of Choosing a Catamaran for Bluewater Cruising
More and more sailors are drawn to the idea of embarking on long-term sailing adventures, exploring the world, and creating lasting memories. Catamarans are increasingly becoming the preferred choice for these bluewater expeditions due to a variety of reasons. The ample living space and smoother ride make them well-suited for extended sailing trips. For example, having the saloon and galley on the same level as the bridge provides convenience when crossing oceans, and catamarans offer significantly more storage space compared to monohulls of the same length.
The Allure of Ocean-Crossing Catamarans
Typically, ocean-crossing catamarans are around 40 to 45 feet long, which allows designers to incorporate a range of amenities such as spacious kitchens, separate dining areas, and expansive deck spaces. Additionally, the twin hulls of catamarans make them virtually unsinkable, and they offer favorable passagemaking speeds. These features, combined with the substantial living space, make multihulls an appealing choice for bluewater sailors.
Considering the Costs of Owning a Bluewater Catamaran
While catamarans may come with a higher price tag compared to monohulls of the same size, the benefits they offer make them a worthy investment. The increased internal and external space, as well as double the equipment such as engines, rudders, and hulls, justify the higher cost. Additionally, catamarans require double the space for slips, leading to higher slip costs. However, their fuel efficiency, thanks to shallow drafts and lighter weight, make them a cost-effective choice in the long run compared to monohulls.
The Key Players in the Catamaran Industry
When it comes to the catamaran industry, it is important to note that it is still relatively small in comparison to the market for monohulls. The majority of catamarans are constructed by a small number of builders, while there are also several smaller builders who are making significant contributions to the advancement of design and technology. It's worth mentioning that the power catamarans sector is also rapidly evolving. Major charter companies like The Moorings play a significant role in ordering a large number of customized catamarans from builders such as Robertson & Caine and Lagoon. They sell these catamarans to private owners as part of their yacht management programs and charter them out when not in use by the owners. There is no single best sailing catamaran in the market. Instead, there are various design approaches offered by different companies, each with their own range of models and layouts. These can be tailored for owners sailing with family and friends, or for the charter market, which has a demand for multiple cabins. Here are ten of the best-known catamaran manufacturers:
- Catana
- Excess
- Fountaine-Pajot
- Gunboat
- Gemini
- Lagoon
- Leopard/Robertson & Caine
- Nautitech
- Outremer
- Seawind
For those considering purchasing a catamaran, there are new and used catamarans available for sale worldwide.