Catamarans are fast and stable double-hulled vessels used in long distance sailing races. They were first designed by Indonesian fishing tribes and are still among the fastest sailboats available. They can be powered by sails or engines and are used for transportation and military purposes. However, they require skilled pilots and special transportation and storage accommodations.
Catamarans, often called ‘cats’ in sailing circles, are double-hulled vessels noted for their speed and stability in open water. These boats win many long distance sailing races, although traditional boat designers have not always accepted their unorthodox characteristics. This type of boat can be powered by sails set forward or by engines mounted at the center rear.
The first catamarans were designed and sailed by wealthy fishing tribes working in the Indonesian area of the Indian Ocean. The name is an English pronunciation of the Tamil word kattumaram, literally translated as conjoined records. Instead of using the traditional design of a canoe, early versions of this boat used two separate pontoons separated by a single deck and diagonal strapping, with a sail mounted on the forward section of the deck. Ultimately, its speed and maneuverability proved useful in defending the Indonesian trade routes.
These boats are still considered among the fastest sailboats available. Catamarans typically use deep V-shaped hulls to cut through the water, creating a phenomenon known as brushing. When running at full speed, boats of this design can only have a few inches of their hulls remaining in the water. Because their hulls are generally thinner than those of monohull ships, they are also noticeably lighter. The stability of two hulls and a central platform eliminates the need for additional ballast.
This is not to say that catamarans are easier to sail than other sailboat designs. Pilots often have to lean out of the opposing hull to counter the boat during a turn. They have a tendency to capsize if the sails are not reversed in time. Pilots cannot always follow a straight course while being steered, a series of zig-zags may be required.
Powered catamarans can be very large, with some high-end models rivaling yachts and small cruisers. Military ship designers are also creating fortified versions for use as fast transporters. Smaller types of glider engines can be purchased for a few thousand US dollars, while luxury models can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Special trailers may be required to transport catamarans over standard roads, as the vessel must be tilted to comply with loading width regulations. On-water storage slips can also be difficult to obtain due to the roomier dimensions of the boat.
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