Article written by Multihull Solutions’ Sales Consultant Joe Goddard, for Boatsales.com.au
When it comes to buying a catamaran, it’s very much a case of horses for courses. Some cats are built for performance, others for fast cruising with varying levels of compromise, while many more are intended to carry a big load and pack all the comforts of home. *Joe Goddard offers some catamaran buying basics to help you on your way…
Multihulls are the in-thing. The increase in demand for these craft has surprised many traditional monohull proponents and builders. Some 30 or 40 years ago, catamarans were designed and built for the daring adrenalin junkies or the few early adopters living on thefringe.
Australian designers like Lock Crowther, Jeff Schionning, and Tony Grainger have laid the foundations for today’s multihull design, with many projects undertaken by amateur builders.
The French designers and builders Fountaine Pajot and Lagoon now dominate global catamaran production, with the South African Leopard by Robertson and Caine giving them a run for their money.
Overall, the charter market has helped increase the demand and manufacture of heavier, slower and “apartment” style cats.
Of course, the advantages of multihulls over monohulls make practical sense for many boat buyers — they don’t heel over, they are fast, and have plenty of room. And these boats don’t need deep water and can easily be beached.
All very compelling reasons to buy a multihull, right?