[PUP] power catamarans

[Philip Eslinger]

Some years ago (almost six now) when I was considering what kind of  
power cruising boat to purchase, I gave considerable thought to the  
benefits of a power catamaran.   The apparent hull length of two  
hulls gives many performance benefits: higher speed than a monohull  
at higher power settings and lower fuel consumption at lower power  
settings. The lateral stability of the wide beam precludes the need  
for stabilizers and provides a fairly comfortable anchorage.   I  
researched the claim that cats were more prone to capsizing and  
concluded that, without a mast and sails, they were not, particularly  
after seeing several tank tests on hulls.

Cats do have a problem with heavy seas.   Most cats have an anti-slam  
nacelle under the bridge to ameliorate the slam of water that comes  
up between the hulls in a head sea.  I have to admit never having  
been on a cat in such seas, but I've asked those who have.   
Apparently this slam can be quite uncomfortable and even dangerous.   
One of the all aluminum power catamarans used as a dive boat in Maui  
had to be sent to Oahu and be re-welded because head seas caused the  
cabin to break away from the hulls.

While there are many advantages to a cruising power catamaran, there  
are also significant disadvantages which contributed to my decision  
to go with a conventional monohull.   Scott is correct when he says  
that berthing in a marina is a major problem.   The ride in heavy  
weather was a factor.  While a cat might make a wonderful coastal  
cruiser when you can pick and choose your weather, I question its  
comfort when crossing oceans.   The last disadvantage is a big one:  
marketplace.  While much is being done with catamarans down in  
Australia and New Zealand, they haven't received wide acceptance in  
North America.  When I retire from cruising, I'd like to be able to  
get a fair value for my boat.

Phil Eslinger
Flat Earth N50
Ko Olina, Hi