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Inboard vs Outboard Engines on a Sailing Catamaran

Outboards vs Inboards on a sailing catamaran

As we get nearer to completion of our Seawind Catamaran we are starting to finalize our options for the boat. One of the most important option choice for us was if and which engines to upgrade to. The debate of inboard diesel vs gas outboard engines is a very interesting one in the sailing catamaran world. It is one that really had us on the fence. For now let’s go over all the engine options for the Seawind 1160 and although we are talking about this boat specifically the same points can and mostly do apply in some way to any other catamaran that may be debating inboard vs. outboard engines.

The Options

The Seawind 1160 lite comes standard with 20hp Honda’s with 20” shaft plus a 5” shaft extension mounted on a bracket on/under/through the bridge deck.

The first upgrade option is to 25hp Yamaha high thrust outboards w/ high thrust props and the same 20” shaft w/ 5” shaft extension.

Outboard engines on sailing catamaran

Lastly, Seawind offers an upgrade to 29hp Yanmar inboard diesel engines (3YM30) with sail drives.

Yanmar 3ym30 with saildrive

We won’t get into exact costs here because they tend to fluctuate from the engine manufacturers and distributors but what we can say is the upgrades to the 25hp high thrust Yamahas costs less than 1% of the base price of the boat and upgrades to the Yanmar 3YM30 inboard diesels costs 6%-7% the base price of the boat.

Fuel type, tankage, and location

The Hondas and Yamahas obviously run on gasoline whereas the yanmars are diesel. The gasoline tanks total about 71.3 gallons and are located in external lockers just forward of the mast as to be isolated and vented overboard below the bridge deck. The 3ym30 yanmars come standard with about 95 gallon total capacity with each tank being located in the bilge area roughly centered for and aft in each hull. Besides the obvious fuel capacity difference there are some other things to think about in this category. Many people argue that having diesel fuel onboard is safer than combustable gasoline which maybe true in theory but between ABYC standards and the quality that all Seawinds are known to be built to, it is unlikely that we would have a problem with gasoline stored and safely vented. In favor of gasoline as a fuel source, some people like the idea of having fewer different KINDS of fuel aboard. In the case of gas outboards we would potentially have the same fuel source as our tender so that our spare fuel canisters could be extra capacity for both our tender or our main engines. Additionally, if we chose the outboard option we could also choose the same exact engine for our tender so that parts, spares, filters, etc. could be transferable between all three engines. Lastly, the tankage location is a consideration. Would we prefer to have the diesel tanks which are located in the bilge and have extra storage in the lockers in front of the mast or have the gasoline tanks there and more storage in the hull bilges. These may be minor points in the grand scheme of these option decisions but none-the-less things to consider.

Fuel Consumption, Range, HP, and Torque

Hp is Hp at a given RPM but the things that can really fluctuate between these engines is torque and consumption. The 25hp high thrust outboards have about 60% more thrust in forward than the 20hp Hondas and 70% more thrust in reverse due in part to the fact that the Yamahas divert it’s exhaust out the leg instead of behind the prop in reverse. Diesel inboards are known for their torque and will have considerable more torque than either of the outboard options. One of the biggest factors in choosing which engines to go with are fuel consumption and range. According to Seawind the yanmars use about 70% the amount of fuel than the outboard options. I thought it would be a good idea to ask some current 1160 owners about their experience in fuel consumptions so I asked the Seawind owners group and out of a small but reliable sample size it seemed like the Yamaha outboards were seeing 1.5-2gph at ~6.5-7 knots boat speed and the yanmars were .9-1gph at ~7 knots boat speed this all is an average over real life motoring conditions. I didn’t get any intput from Honda owners, I think because almost everybody who chooses the outboard option goes with the Yamahas. This anecdotal evidence paired with the fuel capacity of the engines gives a Seawind 1160 lite with Yamahas a ~250 nautical mile range and with Yanmar inboard diesels a ~665 nautical mile range all a conservative estimate.

Fuel Consumption outboard vs inboard Seawind catamaran

Electrical Power

This is a category that was very important to us because we are going with a lithium house bank and I will explain why that is a factor in a moment. Outboards in general do not produce much electrical power especially compared to inboard engines and their big alternators. In our case the Honda’s produce about 12amps of power each at 12v, the Yamahas about 16amps each at 12v and the yanmars 120amps each at 12v. This is quite a significant increase in electrical power production for the yanmars which is important for us to take into consideration as full time liveaboards. It gets even more favorable for diesels because if you choose the lithium upgrade for your house bank then the alternators on the diesels automatically get upgraded to 200 amps each at 12v. That’s 2400 watts of charging capacity from each engine so not only do we get 2 engines to propel our boat but we basically get 2 generators at the same time.

Weight, Sailing Efficiency, and Drag

This is where the outboards win hands down. The outboard engines and components weigh roughly 150lbs less than the yanmar diesels EACH. That’s a total of ~300lbs difference total and when you take full fuel tanks into consideration it’s even more of a difference of roughly 530lbs total. Last but not least the yanmars come standard with a heat exchanger and 40L hot water heater on one engine and the outboards have an additional option of an 10L LPG hot water heater. So if we were going for maximum weight savings we could choose the outboards and forego the hot water heater and save another 25-30lbs. On the contrary, we know from experience that it is really nice to be making hot water while motoring underway or charging your batteries and not have to use an additional fuel source or system to do it. In terms of efficiency by choosing the outboard options we would be able to trim them up and out of the water while under sail so that we have much less drag in the water as well as less chance of catching weed and creating even more drag. If we do happen to catch weed or garbage with an outboard while motoring it is simple enough to turn it off, raise it, clear the debris, tilt it back down and continue on our way all the while still being underway with the other outboard. This compared to stopping the boat and fighting the offending piece of debris with a boat hook or potentially jumping in to have to clear the saildrive/prop in the case of inboards.

Weight Difference Outboards vs inboards on a Seawind Catamaran

Repairs, Maintenance, Accessibility, Replacement Cost

Yanmar diesels and diesels in general are known to be more reliable and longer lasting engines than gasoline outboards and this also lends itself to having a higher re-sell value if we ever sell the boat in the future. However, if an engine did need to be replaced in the future and out of warranty it would be far cheaper and easier to pop off an outboard and replace it with a new one. In addition, current 1160 owners say that accessibility to the outboards is easier for repairs and maintenance and even if they have to remove the engine for a more in depth repair it is possible while the boat is still in the water. However, most things can still be accessed, repaired, and maintained on the yanmar diesels while the boat is still in the water except what might need to be repaired/maintained on the sail drive unit or prop. This includes the boat needing to be hauled for every sail drive gear oil change including the first one which needs to be done at the 50 hour mark.

Noise and Cavitation

Seawind as well as current 1160 owners all say that the inboard diesels are far quieter than the outboards while motoring especially at the helm. Under sail in rough or choppy conditions waves can hit the outboards (tilted up) and brackets creating quite a bit of noise. Additionally, while motoring in rough or choppy conditions because the outboards are mounted under/through the bridge deck it is possible for them to cavitate which isn’t good for the engines, causes more noise, and affects motoring speed and efficiency whereas it would be really difficult to cavitate the inboard props all the way at the bottom of the hulls.

Each engine option has it’s own advantages and disadvantages with the most obvious ones being cost, weight, electrical production, efficiency (under sail and power), and range. It has been a really interesting going back and forth with each other over the past year weighing the pros and cons of each. We were seriously on the fence with our decision until ultimately something happed that pushed us to one side and like we said in the beginning we will let you know more about that in the future. I hope that this was informative for you if you if you are weighing the same or similar options on a Seawind or even another catamaran or at the very least an interesting thing to learn/think about. Let us know which option you would choose in the comments below and why, we are super curious.

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5 comments on “ inboard vs outboard engines on a sailing catamaran ”.

Loved the video on the Seawind 1160 Lite “Outboards vs Inboards.” I have one on order now with a build start date in June ’22. In the “Outboard vs Inboard” video you referred to four or five videos to follow on the other options you considered. I would love to see those but can’t find them. Would you share the links? I would especially be interested in your thought process around electronics. Thanks!

To my mind the diesels are the better choice if you plan on sailing around the world. The probability of being exposed to rough seas is high no matter the amount of planning. If you are going to stay coastal the it’s the outboards all the way. But how many years will you spend exploring the Caribbean before you wish to cross the Big Blue. And will this be your last purchase? I think not. Safety first and RESALE!

How many knots will be knocked off by the drag of the inboards compared to outboards? Ive got the same situation and no idea at this stage which way I want to go .

I have been racking around this same question in my head since being on a seawind in Annapolis a couple weeks ago. Then I came across the Oceanvolt website. I am thinking of putting Oceanvolt with a lithium bank in place of the inboard Yanmars and still having the outboards for redundancy. All of these systems combined would be pretty slick … I think anyway.

Just my thoughts.

Catamaran Drives Types – Outboards, Inboards and Drive Shaft Configurations

Post author By Patrick Davin
Post date September 23, 2020
1 Comment on Catamaran Drives Types – Outboards, Inboards and Drive Shaft Configurations

Catamarans these days have many options for their engine based propulsion, even more than monohulls due to the more diverse configurations of a catamaran. The traditional twin diesel engines is a popular arrangement, and dual or single outboard configurations are also becoming popular. When choosing an inboard engine, you then often have a decision to make in drive shaft configuration: traditional straight shaft, or a saildrive.

The drive type has long lasting consequences for how you use and maintain a boat, so it’s an important factor. It affects how much power you have for motoring into strong winds or against current, fuel economy, reliability, maintenance needs, and purchase plus maintenance costs. And let’s not forget noise level and liveability – the choice between diesel inboards vs gas outboards can have a big impact on cabin storage areas and engine noise level.

Single Gas Outboard

Outboards have always been common in smaller sailing boats (under about 30 feet) that don’t require a great deal of power to get them moving. However they’re now becoming popular with larger catamarans as well, up to about 40 or 45 feet. They offer several unique advantages over inboard diesel engines. First and foremost, they’re significantly less expensive than a diesel engine – a 30hp outboard might be around $4,000 while a 30hp diesel could easily be $20,000. They’re also smaller and lighter, and take up less space inside the hull – freeing up storage or accommodation space.

Smaller catamarans or lightweight ones can often get by with a single outboard. The advantages are in the weight and cost savings of only having one engine instead of two, and only one engine to maintain. The downside is it may make maneuvering in a marina a bit trickier, and there’s no backup engine if the one outboard has an issue.

Twin Gas Outboards

Catamarans have a unique advantage over monohulls in that they can have more than one engine. Two engines provide many advantages – redundancy in case one fails at sea and greater maneuverability in marinas. Many catamarans can motor reasonably fast on only one engine – which some owners do to save fuel and reduce engine hours – but two are nice to have for the redundancy and for pivoting easily in tight quarters.

Twin outboards are usually mounted at the aft end of each hull, or in drop-down lockers built into the cockpit. Some catamarans with twin outboards have them located in lockers under the cockpit seats (ex, Seawind 1160 lite and PDQ 36) which is handy because they can be raised to eliminate drag yet are easily accessible to work on, and don’t add an unsightly appendage to the stern.

Speaking with an owner of a Seawind 1160 lite catamaran with dual outboards located in a well under the cockpit seats, he noted appreciating all the space they freed up vs having inboard diesels installed at the aft of each hull. In the space normally occupied by diesel engines, they store two bikes, a kayak, a water heater and other gear.

He also loves that they’re quiet, fuel efficient, emissions efficient, and can be raised with electric tilt for zero drag in the water while sailing. One disadvantage he noted is the impellers are harder to replace, and he’s hauling out to make it easier to replace the gear oil along with impellers.

Outboards may not have as long a life span as diesels, but when it comes time to replace, he can do so relatively easily anywhere in the world, with much less work than replacing a diesel. One possible disadvantage is in rough seas or steep swell, outboard props may come out of the water – whether this can happen will depend on the design and size of the catamaran.

Single Diesel Inboard/Outboard Sillette Drive

A somewhat unique option is the Sillette Sonic drive (common on Gemini 105 catamarans) which is a type of saildrive. It allows using an inboard engine with an outboard drive leg exterior to the boat. The drive leg can be raised while under sail, providing the same no drag advantage as outboards, while having the engine inboard which protects it from saltwater. The drive leg is typically mounted from the bridgedeck or in a pod underneath.

Diesel Inboards with Direct Drives

Inboard diesel engines have historically been the most common option in mid to large size monohulls and multihulls. Diesels excel in delivering high working power while being exceptionally reliable over a long service life. Since a diesel is located inside the boat, it’s exposed to a lot less seawater than outboards are. Diesels can also support a powerful alternator to charge the house batteries, reducing the need for alternate power generation such as solar, wind or a generator.

The straight shaft is the more traditional option and is a tried and tested design from work boats to pleasure boats. In this design the propellor shaft connects from the engine (via a shaft coupling), passes through the hull of the boat (via a shaft seal) and connects to the propellor. Typically there will also be a strut forward of the propellor to stabilize the spinning prop shaft.

The advantages of this design are that it’s robust and easy to maintain. If your propellor strikes a submerged object, it may get damaged but isn’t likely to rip a huge hole in the boat. The main disadvantage in a catamaran is the shaft placement limits where the engine can be placed – it must be fairly far forward, and takes up more space due to the shaft and transmission arrangement. Additionally, since the shaft isn’t perfectly horizontal, the propellor works at a slightly lower efficiency.

Diesel Inboards with Saildrives

Diesel inboards paired with a saildrive are quickly becoming the most common installation option on newly built catamarans. With a saildrive there’s no shaft or strut needed, just a drive leg attached to the hull of the boat underneath the engine. A couple advantage of saildrives is that they’re easier for manufacturers to install, and allow more flexible positioning of the engine to free up greater interior space. Saildrives can also have higher efficiency due to the vertical orientation of the propellor. Saildrives often run quieter, with less vibration than a conventional straight shaft system.

There are a few possible disadvantages that boaters typically cite, relating to maintenance: watertightness of the saildrive seal, maintenance of the drive leg oil, and corrosion. The saildrive seal must be maintained or the boat could potentially flood. The drive legs also have gear oil which usually requires hauling out to replace (except for some newer saildrives which support changing it from inside the boat). Neglecting the maintenance could cause seawater to start mixing with the oil. Lastly, corrosion is a concern because the drive leg contains metal components which must be protected with sacrificial anodes.

Gasoline Inboards

Gasoline inboards, such as the Universal Atomic 4, are sometimes found on sailboats but are becoming much less common. A gas engine has greater risk of fire or explosion due to fuel vapor build-up. Fuel efficiency can also be slightly lower than a diesel engine, and engine longevity may be less than with diesel engines.

Electric Drive Type

Electric propulsion options are still a niche market in boating but are becoming increasingly popular as battery technologies advance. Electric systems can be other hybrid (electric recharging is assisted by a generator) or full electric (recharging only via solar and other non-fuel sources). Hydro generation can be a good recharging source on catamarans since their higher sailing speeds improve the output of hydro generators.

The advantages of an electric drive are: environmentally friendly, very quiet when operating, frees up space that a large engine and fuel tanks consumed, and relatively easy maintenance compared to diesel or gas engines. The main disadvantage of electric drives is the motoring range may be more limited, especially in the full electric option.

It’s great to have so many options in today’s catamaran designs. Having these choices allows you to prioritize what’s most important in your sailing and maintenance plans and adopt innovative technologies that make your boat best suited to your needs.

You can’t go wrong with the traditional choice of diesel inboards, but in mid-size lightweight catamarans you may also want to consider outboards for the space they can free up, lower initial cost, and quiet, drag-free sailing.

Tags Buying Advice

By Patrick Davin

Patrick is a full-time cruiser in the Pacific Northwest, sailing the waters from Seattle to Alaska.

1 reply on “Catamaran Drives Types – Outboards, Inboards and Drive Shaft Configurations”

I am looking for a silkette sonic mark 2 out drive in working order…1994 or newer…can you help?

Go-Fast Boats: Beginner’s Guide to the World of Speed

Speed on the water is a rush like no other, and if by chance it captures your imagination you’ll likely spend the rest of your powerboating days chasing it. Not everyone who enters the boating world discovers his or her inner speed gene. But for those who do, it quickly becomes a passion—and likely a lifelong one.

Here’s the good news for would-be go-fast powerboat owners: You’ll know immediately whether you love or hate the sensation of speed on the water—and all the challenges and responsibilities that come with it. As the water rushes by and the shoreline blurs, you’ll either be thrilled or terrified. There’s nothing in-between.

But assuming you end up on the “love” side of the equation, there are more than a few things that you, as a novice getting into go-fast boating, need to know. What follows is a quick, though by no means comprehensive, question-and-answer guide. It won’t provide everything you need to know, for the education of a Go-Fast boat, especially in the high-performance realm, never stops. But it will help you understand some of the basics.

Different Types of Go-Fast Boats Go-fast boats essentially break into two hull categories:

V-bottom (monohull)
Catamaran (twin smaller “sponson” hulls with a “tunnel” between them)

Picture “one of those Cigarette boats” and you have a classic V-bottom. Though most are powered by inboard stern-drive engines, a few are offered with outboard-engine power. Their lengths range from 20 to more than 50 feet. Most often, they have single or dual engines. They range from bare-bones, meaning a steering wheel, a throttle, and two gauges (speedometer and tachometer), to plush with multiple GPS units, front and rear video cameras, FLIR systems, monster stereos, plus cabins, and more.

Sticking with the Cigarette mental image, a traditional V-bottom sport boat has a closed deck and a cockpit behind it. Today’s fastest V-bottom sport boats top out at more than 150 MPH.

Center Consoles

More popular these days, however, are V-bottom-based “center consoles” with open-cockpit layouts with bolster seats and lounges from bow to stern and tiny-to-generous cabins inside the consoles. Most high-performance center consoles are powered by two to four outboards. Top speeds range from 60 to 85 MPH.

Go-Fast Catamarans

Today’s most popular go-fast catamarans range from 28 to 52 feet. Powered by twin inboard engines up to 1,750-HP, they can reach 180 MPH and beyond. Once again, it goes without saying—but still needs to be said—that boats in this rather extreme category take years of experience to learn to handle safely.

A sport catamaran, meaning outboard-engine-powered cats from 28 to 38 feet long, are the hottest things in the go-fast boat segment these days. Equipped with twin outboard racing-style engines, the fastest top out at 130 MPH. Thanks to the outstanding reliability built into today’s outboards and overall ease of use as compared to their larger, higher-maintenance stern-drive counterparts, sports cat popularity has exploded in the last five years.

How Much Does a Go-Fast Boat Cost? If you’re looking at an entry-level new go-fast powerboat, you can expect to spend no less than $100,000. That might seem like a lot of money and, in fact, it is, but it’s not out of line with the pricing in the rest of the powerboat world (more than a few ski/wake tow boats list for 50 percent more than that).

Of course, you spend far less than $100,000 in the pre-owned go-fast boat market. On the flip side, you can spend more than $1 million on a new custom creation.

Other Related Costs

Being new to go-fast boating and excited about the world you’re about to enter, you forget to ask this question. But it’s an important one, so we’re asking it for you.

Short answer: Yes.

Longer answer: Like all forms of powerboating, the high-performance segments include costs beyond the boat, the most obvious one being fuel. High-horsepower marine engines demand fuel, often higher octane and hence more expensive fuel, to make power. And they tend to burn a lot of it. By automotive standards, five miles per gallon is appalling. But powerboating—all powerboating—it’s world-beating, even for outboard engines.

Other costs include insurance, which is higher for go-fast boats than it is for boats in other segments. The faster the boat, the more expensive and expensive and difficult it is to insure. Though high-performance marine engines, especially Mercury Racing’s inboard, and outboard offerings, have become far more reliable than they once were, they still require more routine maintenance than the lower output engines found in general-use powerboats.

Go-Fast Boats: Frequently Asked Questions How fast can high-performance boats go?

To make things simple, we’ll define any powerboat that exceeds 70 MPH as a high-performance boat. These days, there are plenty of go-fast boats that can run more than 120 MPH and several models that—with enough horsepower—can top 180 MPH. It should go without saying but still needs to be said, that the highest tier of performance boats take years of experience and a careful, methodical progression to learn to handle safely.

How do I get involved in high-performance boating?

If your family owned a powerboat, there’s a good chance that you might end up owning one someday. Lifelong boat owners typically were exposed to the activity as children. To the outsider, the whole “powerboating thing” can seem intimidating, whereas those who grow up around boats have a hard-coded comfort level with all that boating entails.

Your best bet if you think a go-fast boat appeals to you? Get a ride in one. There are more than a few dealers around the country who can make that happen for you. If you like it, you’ll move forward. If not, move on.

Assuming you like it, you’ll need to take more rides—and we mean a lot of them—with dealers and builders. Don’t be afraid to ask hard questions and don’t be afraid to go elsewhere if the folks introducing you to the go-fast boating world can’t answer them.

How do I learn to drive (and safely handle) a go-fast boat?

Volumes could be written about the progression of go-fast powerboat ownership, but the most simple and solid path is to start small and work your way up.

For a novice, trying to dock a 50-foot, twin-engine V-bottom in a crosswind, much less run it at speed, would be a horrific and potentially dangerous experience. For a seasoned go-fast boat owner, it’s routine—but routine that always needs to be approached with respect and caution. More than a few owners of big, multi-engine catamarans started with a 20-foot V-bottom. And it took them years, as it will take you, to progress up the ladder. So be patient. Your life and the life of every passenger in your boat depends on it. And get instruction, whether it be from the manufacturer such as MTI or Nor-Tech or an outfit like the Tres Martin Performance Driving School. Listen, learn, ask lots of questions—there are no dumb ones—and take it slowly.

Nothing is without risk. Your job, through a slow progression, to experience and competent instruction is to do your best to minimize it. In time, you’ll be going plenty fast. That’s just what happens when the aquatic speed bug bites.

Original article posted on discoverboating.com

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How Fast Do Catamarans Go?

‍ Catamarans are known for their speed, and some vessels are fast enough to break world sailing speed records.

Catamarans can go between 15 and 30 knots, with the fastest achieving speeds well in excess of 60 knots. Sailing catamarans are sometimes twice as fast as monohulls and cut through the water with greater efficiency.

In this article, we’ll cover how fast catamarans can go based on factors such as size, sail area, and design category. Additionally, we’ll compare catamaran speeds to monohulls and trimarans and cover the reasons why multi-hull sailboats blow monohulls out of the water.

We sourced the information used in this article from sailing guides and hull speed calculations. Additionally, we sourced information directly from the manufacturers of common catamarans.

Table of contents

‍ Catamaran Speed by Type

Catamaran design can be split into different categories. After all, different vessels are designed for different tasks, as speed isn’t always the most important design consideration.

The fastest type of catamaran is the ultralight racing catamaran. These vessels have extremely narrow hulls and a remarkable planing ability. They’re designed to pierce waves and often achieve speeds in excess of 45 knots or greater, depending on conditions.

The second fastest catamaran variety is the sport catamaran. Sport catamarans often include a fairly good level of creature comforts in the cabin. They’re technically hybrid designs, because they are envisioned as a combination between a racer and a cruiser. Sport catamarans can achieve 30 knots or greater.

Cruising catamarans are designed primarily for safety and comfort. They’re often used for long offshore passages, where speed is important, but comfort is king. Despite their accommodations, cruising catamarans can still achieve a respectable 15 to 20 knots of speed—sometimes 50% faster than similarly-equipped monohulls.

Why are Catamarans So Fast?

Catamarans are remarkable vessels that can achieve amazing speeds. As a result of their unconventional design, typical calculations for hull speed (such as those used for monohulls) don’t always apply.

But what makes catamarans so much faster than equivalent monohulls? The first and most obvious speedy design element are the hulls themselves.

Catamarans don’t have a deep keel or a centerboard. This is because the second hull acts as a stabilizing device, and it helps the vessel track straight. The lack of a keel reduces weight (and equally important). It also reduces drag.

Additionally, catamarans behave in strange ways while underway. The hulls have a tendency to rise out of the water further the faster they go. This further reduces drag and makes it easier for the vessel’s speed to climb once it starts to move.

One additional characteristic is how the vessel’s sails point relative to the wind. Catamarans keep their sails perpendicular to the wind, which allows them to harness energy more efficiently. This is because, at a perpendicular angle, less wind energy is lost by spillage over the edge of the sails.

Are Catamarans Faster than Monohulls?

Yes, catamarans are typically faster than monohulls. They’re also a lot more stable, as their spaced-out hulls provide better motion comfort in rough seas. Catamaran hulls are narrower than monohulls, which also reduces drag and increases speed.

Catamaran vs. Monohull Speeds

We know that catamarans are faster than monohulls in most situations. But how much faster are they? Here’s a table of hull speeds for monohulls, which is a useful reference when comparing speed. Hull speed isn’t the absolute fastest that a boat can go, but it’s a good practical estimate for understanding the hydrodynamic limitations of single-hull designs.

Hull speed calculations for catamarans are more complicated. This is because catamarans have a greater length-to-beam ratio. And due to their narrow hulls and open center, they aren’t affected by the same hydrodynamic drag forces that monohulls are limited by.

For example, a 55-foot monohull sailboat with a waterline length has a hull speed of 9.4 knots or 10.9 mph. Its actual speed could exceed that in the right conditions, but rarely by more than a few knots.

Compare that to an efficient 51-foot catamaran, which can easily achieve speeds in excess of 20 knots in reasonable winds. That’s more than double the hull speed of a monohull with a similar waterline length and proves that catamarans operate under a completely different set of rules.

Wave Piercing

One aspect of catamaran design that makes them superior speeders is their ability to pierce waves. Specially designed catamarans have minimal buoyancy at the bow, which allows them to slice through waves instead of going over them.

This increases the speed at which catamarans can cover the distance. Think about it—a boat going over a wave has to use more energy to reach the same destination, as the height of the wave almost makes the distance further.

It’s like walking over a hill or on flat ground—you’ll take more steps walking up and down the hill than in a straight flat line. Wave piercing catamarans enjoy better stability, and they ‘take the flat road’ to a greater extent than monohulls.

Do Catamarans Plane?

Planing is when a boat’s hull rises out of the water due to hydrodynamic lift. This increases speed and efficiency, as there’s less drag but sufficient contact for stability. It also reduces rolling, as the bow only contacts the taller portions of the waves.

Catamarans have planing characteristics, but they generally don’t plane as dramatically as powerboats. This is still worth noting, as catamarans are specifically designed to use the phenomenon of hydrodynamic lift to gain speed and efficiency.

You’ll visibly notice a catamaran’s hull rising out of the water as it increases in speed. Compare that to a displacement monohull design (such as a classical cruising sailboat with a deep keel), which won’t rise out of the water in any significant way.

Are Catamarans Faster than Trimarans?

A trimaran is a catamaran with an additional hull in the center. Trimarans are usually less common than catamarans, but they have some of the same design benefits as other multi-hull sailboats.

At first glance, it would seem logical that trimarans are slower than catamarans. After all, they have an extra hull in the center, which likely increases weight and drag. However, there are more important factors at play here.

Trimarans are almost universally faster than catamarans. This has to do with weight distribution. Trimarans center their weight over the middle hull, using the outer hulls primarily for stability. This allows them to reap the benefits of a catamaran while increasing the efficiency of the wind power it captures.

Fastest Catamarans

Catamarans are popular for racing. There are several world records held by catamarans and numerous production boats with especially impressive speed-to-size ratios. Here are a few of the fastest racing and production catamarans ever built.

Fastest Sailboat Ever—Vestas Sailrocket 2

The Vestas Sailrocket is a specialized racing boat designed only for speed. This incredible vessel is actually the fastest sailboat ever built—and no wonder it’s a catamaran. A monohull simply can’t achieve record-breaking speeds when put head-to-head with a lightweight multi-hull.

The vessel, which earned the world sailboat speed record in 2012, has a modest 150 to 235 square feet of sail. Nonetheless, it managed to achieve a remarkable top speed of 65.45 knots in only 25 knots of wind. That’s about 72 miles per hour—in a sailboat.

Soon, a team of Swiss engineers will release their own version designed to beat the 65-knot speed record. Their vessel, which is a hydrofoil, will attempt to hit an incredible target speed of about 80 knots.

Outremer Catamarans

But what about production catamarans? How do they stack up, and how fast can they go? French boat builder Outremer Catamarans builds some of the fastest production catamarans ever built. These are not specialty racing boats—in fact, they’re average-sized cruising catamarans.

Let’s use the larger Outremer 51 as an example. This high-end cruising cat is known for its almost outrageous speed capabilities. In ideal conditions, owners of the Outremer 51 have reported speeds exceeding 20 knots for extended periods.

That’s a production catamaran with speeds that rival 20th-century warships. With such a fast boat, the world’s oceans start to appear a lot smaller. Plus, the genius design of the Outremer 51 allows it to be crewed by just two people.

But how do Outremer catamarans achieve such high speeds? The secret is in precise engineering and hull design, along with a sail plan that’s perfectly catered to the vessel. The hulls are sleek and narrow and designed to cut through the water with minimal drag.

From the bow, the Outremer 51 hulls look paper-thin. They increase in width gradually, which eliminates areas of sudden drag. These narrow hulls evenly distribute the vessel’s 21,825-lb displacement. Its low-buoyancy bows reduce drag and blast through waves instead of riding over them.

Daniel Wade

I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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Cougar Technical Specifications

Our Cougar Catamarans are available in 6-14 metres, including a 7 metre trailer version or harbour version, with options of inboard or outboard engines.

The 8m and 10m are built to meet the regulations enforced and approved to meet full Lloyds Register Special Service Craft Classification, MCA and SFIA.

The Cougar uses symmetrical hulls to give high buoyancy and substantial load carrying capabilities for a vessel of its size. From the outset the boat had to be able to house inboard conventional shaft drive diesels, together with the conventional keel fitted to the 8m and 10m. It also does all of this with flush decks and heaps of storage below. The design allows versions to be built without a keel, this enabling it for the person who may wish to have outboard engines fitted.

Criss Cross fibre glass matting is used on the Hull, the decking is made from NidaPlast, extremely light but tough sheeting material.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

7 metre Cougar Catamaran

Hull Length 7m

7m Harbour Version

7m Trailer Version

7m Outboard

8 metre Cougar Catamaran Inboard/Outboard

Hull Length 8m

Weight 3500-5500 kg*

8m Outboard

10 metre Cougar Catamaran Inboard/Outboard

Hull Length 10m

Weight 4500-6000 kg*

10m Outboard

10m Inboard

Wheelhouse options.

Stability of the cougar catamaran is amazing with very little movement and they have been coded for 12+2 although the majority choosing to code them for 10+2. All of our moulding and GRP work is done in our separate, temperature controlled moulding workshop, before vessels are then transferred into our fitting out workshop to continue their build.

Standard Potting Style Wheelhouse Moulding

Roof all-in-one
Height: 2 Metres (max)
Width: 2.1 Metres (max)
Length: 2.4 Metres (max)

Angling/Private style Wheelhouse Moulding

Separate roof
Width: 2.75 Metres (max)

Engine Options

The 8m version with pods and 115hp outboards performs at least as well as the version with inboard Nanni 115s. If you are considering having an outboard version, of course, please contact us.

Engine Specifications

18 knots top speed / 15 knots cruise
24 knots top speed / 18 knots cruise
27 knots top speed / 20 knots cruise
26 knots top speed / 19 knots cruise
28 knots top speed / 21 knots cruise
8 knots top speed / 22 knots cruise

Top Speed / Cruise

Get your quote today for a cougar catamaran.

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Testimonials.

A lovely 7 metre Cougar Catamaran by the team at Audacious Marine. This craft has now completed more than 1000 hours without issue and with exceptionally low fuel consumption, being run at a constant speed of 13kn with the two Selva Murena 25XS Outboards.

Audacious Marine Boats & Mouldings Ltd. Sally Shed, Military Road Ramsgate, Kent. CT11 9LG.

Registered in England, registration no. 12347588.

Registered address: 3 High Street, St. Lawrence, Ramsgate, England, CT11 0QL. VAT registration no: 344 294 494.

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The 8 Fastest Cruising Catamarans (With Speedchart)

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Cruising catamarans are some of the most comfortable boats to roam the water, making them fantastic for both long-term voyages and short-term vacations. Still, cruising catamarans can be great racing boats, but just how fast can they go?

Some of the fastest cruising catamarans include the Gunboat 68 (35 knots), Outremer 45 (25 knots), ORC50 (25 knots), FastCat 435 (20 knots), TS 42 (35 knots), and Lagoon 440 (20 knots). Yet, there are many more cats that can reach 35 knots safely.

If you are interested in knowing about the fastest cruising catamarans, I have you covered. I will be discussing some of the most popular, fastest cruising catamarans and the features that make them so excellent for sailors in need of speed. You will learn more about each catamaran’s speed and amenities, and I will let you know a trick or two to maximize your speed under sail.

CATAMARAN	SPEED (Knots)
Gunboat 68	35+
TS 42	35
Outremer 45	25
ORC 50	25
FastCat 435	20
Lagoon 440	20
Privilege Signature 510 (For reference)	13
Fountaine Pajot Astréa 42 (For reference)	10

How Fast Are Cruising Catamarans?

On average, cruising catamarans can reach top speeds of 15 knots , around 17.3 mph (27.84 kph). However, some exceptional, racing-designed cruising catamarans can reach up to 30+ knots in the right wind conditions.

When you want to better understand catamaran hull characteristics, I suggest the book Catamarans a Complete Guide (amazon link) by the president of Aeroyacht catamarans and that you check out my article Why catamarans capsize .

Factors That Impact Speed

Weight & size.

When you consider a catamaran’s speed, you will need to keep in mind the boat’s weight and narrowness. A vessel that can travel at 15 knots will still move slower if the boat is heavy or has a wide, extensive hull. When increasing the total weight of the boat, the boat “sits” lower in the water, thus increasing water drag and reducing speed.

Why trimarans are faster than catamarans!

Now that we know how weight impacts sailing characteristics, it follows that; if you are planning on racing your catamaran, you should remove as much luggage or extra gear as possible. Eliminating as much weight as possible will help you travel at your cat’s maximum speed .

Narrow Hulls

The hydrodynamics of the ship will heavily affect your speed. Narrower boats can chop through the water with less effort, making slender ships with pointed hulls far faster than wide vessels. So if you are looking for the fastest one available, you should look for a slender hull.

Slim hulls vs. space is a common tradeoff for catamarans optimized for family sailing .

Wind will also affect your ship’s speed, so do not expect your cruising catamaran to reach the maximum speed without heavy wind. Generally, cruising catamarans have two large sails (at least) to power them through the water, and some are so efficient that they can travel even faster than the wind.

Although a strong wind is needed to energize the sails and move the boat, too much wind will instead make the sails less efficient, and maximum speed is most often attained at lower wind speeds but with flat water.

Light Weight Materials

Faster cruising catamarans are often made from carbon fiber materials and fiberglass to keep the weight down. If you are looking for the quickest catamaran that you can find, you should note the materials that the ship is made out of and try to get one that is primarily made from carbon, glass, and resin materials.

While you are looking for the perfect catamaran for you, you should keep in mind what you NEED and what is NICE with your ship. Usually, this decision is between size and speed, but some of these excellent vessels have both.

Lightweight materials are usually costly; for example, a carbon fiber mast will probably cost you +$20 000, depending on the cat’s size.

I have written a buyer’s guide that explains the concept of NEED vs. NICE , which will make choosing the right boat faster and more accurate.

Gunboat 68 (+35Kts)

Gunboat 68 is a cruising catamaran designed to reach the highest speeds possible. Made by Gunboat, the ship uses Grand-Prix racing boats’ designs to develop the speediest cruising catamaran on the market.

Gunboat 68 is made entirely from carbon composites, which keeps the ship lightweight and fast. Gunboat 68 is the perfect catamaran for anyone who wants to reach the highest speeds possible while maintaining control of the vessel and not bouncing around too much.

Gunboat 68 has comfortable, spacious living quarters, though it also has a spacious deck with luxurious seating. Indeed, this cat has it all, making it one of the best cruising catamarans for racers and casual sailors. The design maximizes all of the living spaces and uses lightweight materials to add elegance and luxury to a speedy racing catamaran.

Gunboat 68 is one of the fastest cruising cats out there, with its maximum speed at more than 30 knots . Gunboat 68 can achieve these fast speeds, thanks to its lightweight construction and narrow hull design.

Still, Gunboat can customize your ship’s plan to accommodate your needs. Whether you are looking for a faster, more lightweight boat with a more extensive sail or a more comfortable cruiser, Gunboat 68 is an excellent option for you.

Specifications

Maximum Speed: 35 knots
Length: 68 ft (20.75 m)
Beam: 29.9 ft (9.1 m)
Draft: 3.9 ft (1.2 m) board up and 9.84 ft (3.8 m) board down
Displacement: 23.7 tonnes

TS 42 (ORC 42)

The TS, or Tres Simple , cruising catamarans, designed by Marsaudon Composites, are some of the fastest cruising catamarans in the world.

Marsaudon developed the ship’s plans using racing boats’ streamlined designs and combined them with a cruising catamaran’s comfortable living spaces. The TS 42 has an inverted hull which helps it glide on the water swiftly without requiring much fuel, but it also has a spacious below-deck area with plenty of luxuries.

TS cruising catamarans are often considered the fastest cruisers on the market, with their speed comfortably reaching upwards of 35 knots in the right wind conditions. Generally, TS catamarans can sail at 20 knots, even with moderate wind. They are the perfect catamaran for racers and high-speed travelers, and yet they still have the amenities of a pleasant live-in vessel.

The TS 42 has a large galley and comfortable cabins, making it a cozy home or vacation vessel. With multiple bathrooms, large windows, and open lounge spaces, these catamarans are superbly comfortable to live in.

The deck and cabin space are divided by a large, openable window, which adds extra light and ventilation to the living areas. It also has plenty of on-deck space, which is rare in such a small vessel with an inverted hull.

If you think I’m using too many confusing nautical terms, you’ll find all the answers on my Catamaran parts explained page .

Length: 42.8 ft (13 m)
Beam: 24.3 ft (7.4 m)
Draft: 4.9 ft (1.5 m) with boards up and 7.5 ft (2.3 m) with boards down
Displacement: 5.8 tonnes

Outremer 45

Based in France, Outremer (pronounced uutremeer 😉 ) designed their Outremer 45 to be a long-lasting cruising catamaran that sails smoothly at high speeds. The Outremer 45 can reach about 15 knots, but the most comfortable sailing speed is 10 knots. However, it can travel up to 25 knots in the right wind conditions, making it a quick ship with all of a perfect cruising catamaran’s luxuries.

It is made for durability from carbon, vinyl ester, and divinycell so that it can last many years without repairs. The Outremer 45 has a narrow hull, and it is designed to be as thin as possible to maximize speed and fuel efficiency. Outremer 45 still has comfortable living quarters with large windows and lounge spaces within the boat. Indeed, it sacrifices no comfort for speed.

In this article, I talk a lot about catamaran characteristics, both interior and exterior, if that’s something you want to better understand, then I recommend an article where I write about trade-offs in design choices .

The Outremer 45 was initially designed to be a boat that would last 50 or more years, and it excels in its durability. It has an open, uniquely expansive side deck and plenty of on-deck conveniences that make sailing a breeze in the ORC50.

With supreme safety features such as tall railings, slip-free grips on deck, and enclosed lounge spaces, it is one of the safest catamarans available (is safety your top concern? I wrote a list of the safest catamarans on the market).

Maximum Speed: 25 knots
Length: 48 ft (14.6 m)
Beam: 23.3 ft (7.1 m)
Draft: 3.3 ft (1 m) with boards up and 6.7 ft (2.04 m) with boards down
Displacement: 8.2 to 11.1 tonnes

Marsaudon Composites ORC50

Marsaudon Composites designed the ORC50, or Ocean Rider Catamaran 50, with both speed and comfort in mind. The ORC50 can be used for cruising, but it is also a great racing boat that has been awarded honors from many races worldwide.

Marsaudon borrowed designs from racing skippers to plan the ORC50, bringing together a cruiser’s comfort with the speed of an award-winning racing boat.

This cruising catamaran is lightweight, which allows it to gain speed at a fast rate, but still has comfortable living quarters inside the boat. It has a rotating carbon mast, which helps to eliminate turbulence over the mainsail and therefore increasing sail efficiency and speed!

With strong winds, the ORC50 can reach up to 23 knots , making it extremely fast for a cruising catamaran. The ORC50 can easily reach speeds much faster than the wind speed, which is a unique quality of this fast, yet comfortable catamaran.

The ORC50 is an excellent long-term living ship with its many organizational compartments, expansive galley, and well-ventilated sleeping cabin. It also has plenty of couches and seating areas built into the boat, and its intuitive design adds plenty of comfort to the cruising catamaran without weighing down the ship.

Length: 50 ft (15.23 m)
Beam: 27 ft (8.2 m)
Draft: 5.6 ft (1.7 m) with boards up and 8.9 ft (2.7 m) with boards down
Displacement: 13 tonnes

FastCat 435

African Cat’s catamarans, including the FastCat 435, are designed for speed and racing. This ship is mainly composed of epoxy, fiberglass, and carbon components, making it very lightweight to ensure that it travels as swiftly as possible.

The FastCat 435 may be as light as possible, but it is durable enough to last for many years in the most extreme conditions.

The FastCat 435 has comfortable living quarters and well-designed comfort spaces so that you can get the most out of your trips. The FastCat also has a green hybrid design, and it uses primarily electric power, which can help you prolong your sailing and use less fuel.

I find solar-powered/electric cats pretty exciting, so much so that I wrote an entire article called The Best Solar-Powered Catamarans on the subject.

The FastCat is an excellent option for anyone who wants a smaller cat with a comfortable design and incredible speed. FastCat’s electric power is also a unique, favorable feature for anyone who wants to use less fuel.

Maximum Speed: 20 knots
Length: 42.7 ft (13 m)
Beam: 24.4 ft (7.4 m)
Draft: 3.9 ft (1.2 m) with boards up
Displacement: 2.4 tonnes

The Lagoon 440 cruising catamaran, like the FastCat, has an electric powering version, which cuts down on fossil fuel usage and ensures that your ship will keep moving. The Lagoon 440 is also among the easiest catamarans to maneuver, thanks to its electric drivetrain and automatic engines.

The speed of the Lagoon 440 usually maxes out at 10 knots with low winds, but with higher winds, it can quickly gain speeds up to 20 knots (some argue even higher, but I’m doubtful). The Lagoon 440 is an excellent cruiser and comfortable catamaran, but it is not an all-out racing cat.

Lagoon is a well-known brand, but there are some caveats, and are Lagoons still making good catamarans?

Below the deck, the living spaces in the Lagoon 440 are magnificent. The ceilings are high, allowing the tallest of passengers to stand in the cabin. The many storage compartments and furnishings have a modern, elegant design. The interior is one large primary cabin with a few private spaces below the deck.

Length: 44.6 ft (13.6 m)
Beam: 25.3 ft (7.7 m)
Draft: 4.3 ft (1.3 m)
Displacement: 10.5 tonnes

Fountaine Pajot Astréa 42

Fountaine Pajot designs some of the most luxurious yet speedy cruising catamarans available in the world. They are renowned for their safe, durable designs that make sailing a comfortable, relaxing experience. And on a personal note, i think the name sounds beautiful!

Their cruising catamarans use an inverted hull design that has become a signature mark of Fountaine Pajot vessels. This hull type allows the water to pass beneath the ship quickly, which increases the speed and fuel efficiency of the cat.

The Astréa 42’s primary benefit is its spacious, comfortable living quarters and large, open deck spaces. The ship’s interior spaces have large windows, large lounging areas, and plenty of storage compartments.

The cabin’s ventilation is also excellent, which reduces the classic musty smells of sea living. You can also get two different models of this catamaran, either in a one-cabin option or a two-cabin option, making it an excellent vessel for larger or smaller families.

The Astréa is ideal for long-term sea living and family vacations (it is not as fast as some more racing-oriented cats). Although the Astréa is not the speediest cat available, with its speed maxing out at about 10+ knots, even in favorable wind conditions, its luxurious atmosphere and comfortable cabin spaces make up for its relatively slow speed.

Don’t get me wrong, despite its lower speed compared to the boats on this list, the Astréa 42 can still get you places quicker than many other cruising catamarans (and most monohulls). So, if you want all of the elegance and comfort of a cat and are not too worried about racing, this ship is an excellent option for you.

Maximum Speed: 10 knots
Length: 41.3 ft (12.6 m)
Beam: 23.6 ft (7.2 m)
Draft: 4.1 ft (1.3 m)
Displacement: 12.3 tonnes

Privilege Signature 510

The Privilege Signature 510 is a long-distance cruising catamaran designed for long-term voyages and sailing in extreme weather conditions. It features a durable, weatherproof design that will protect you from rainy and cold weather while sailing.

The helm and living spaces are completely covered, making it safe to live in, even in cold or stormy weather. It also has an automatic sail adjustment system with the controls at the helm, allowing you to make any adjustments from the helm’s safety and comfort.

Privilege Signature 510 also has an elegant, well-designed living space with plenty of amenities, including an accelerated cooling system, a spacious bathroom and kitchen, and plenty of windows for natural lighting.

With an elegant floor plan, this cozy ship is perfect for long-term living.

The Privilege Signature is not the fastest catamaran on the market, with a maximum speed of around 13 knots. Still, it is one of the quicker cats considering its elaborate amenities and comfortable size.

Maximum Speed: 13 knots
Length: 50 ft (15.24 m)
Beam: 26 ft (7.98 m)
Draft: 5 ft (1.57 m)
Displacement: 25 tonnes

Although cruising catamarans are great boats for slowly cruising along the water, they can also be swift, substantial racing boats that reach speeds of up to 35 knots. These speedy cruising catamarans still come with all of the amenities of leisure boats, but they also reach incredible speeds without rocking or tossing.

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

Catamaran With Motor? 8 Types Explained (For Beginners)

The catamaran’s design reduces the waves and wind’s effects, allowing the boat to travel farther and faster compared to monohulls of comparable sizes.

Table of Contents

However, the wind and waves are unpredictable, so catamarans use motors as either backup or the main propulsion based on their construction.

In this article, we provide all the answers concerning questions about the propulsion systems available to catamarans:

Do Catamarans Have Motors?

Catamarans, including power and sail types, have motors and other mechanized propulsion systems. Except for small cats used in coastal waters, most large catamarans come with different engine combinations even if they have sails.

Do Catamarans Have One or Two Motors?

Catamarans can have two engines because they have two hulls.

This makes them highly maneuverable while underway and makes handling in shallow and tight waters a breeze.

However, many large cats use only one engine. With two engines, you have more maneuverability over the boat, but one engine may increase the speed and fuel efficiency since it reduces weight.

One of the best combinations in a cat is to pair two engines with counter-rotating propellers. The level of control this configuration provides in the water, especially at the marina, is mind-blowing.

Whether you are backing up or mooring, you can adjust the two engines independently to achieve many of the things monohulls find difficult.

So, what propulsion systems are available to catamarans?

Whether you are looking to buy a power cat or sail cat, both feature engines. There is a wide range of power options for different uses based on your budget, preference, and craft design.

8 Types of Motors Used in Catamarans:

1) single outboard.

You will find this in small-sized catamarans of about 25 feet and below.

While single outboards cut cost and weigh less, they can be difficult to steer under power except when you use the motor to turn.

This is because the motor needs the water to flow over the rudders to turn the boat.

Except for owning a small catamaran, a single outboard is not the most efficient propulsion system for this watercraft.

2) Two Outboards

Like monohulls, you can use two outboards on a catamaran.

Smaller cats such as the Seawind 1000 and Gemini 32 can be fitted with two outboards for improved maneuverability in tight quarters and redundancy.

This setup is great for small cruising catamarans because it is far lighter than two large diesel engines, allowing you to store more essentials on the boat.

Catamarans may be faster than monohulls, but their speed decreases with the load they have to bear, so cat owners try to keep their boats as light as possible. Another benefit of this configuration is that two outboards are more affordable compared to diesel engines.

Plus, you can run on one engine if one dies on you while on the water.

However, this arrangement has some serious shortcomings.

Outboards are not the best means of propulsion on the open seas. Because of their inherent weakness, outboards don’t last long, and their reliability decreases with increased exposure to the harsh saltwater environment.

The design of outboards makes them less suitable for choppy waters.

While you can use outboards in twin configurations for catamarans, they perform best on smaller monohull watercraft.

3) Single Diesel

This is common in custom catamarans.

It comprises a single diesel engine in one hull, which reduces weight and makes it more affordable.

However, this configuration can make turning in tight quarters almost nightmarish except for highly skilled skippers.

The boat will turn easily to the side opposite the engine location. For example, the boat will turn with little starboard issues if the engine is in the port hull.

However, you may require several boat lengths to maneuver it to port.

For best results, plan your turns well in advance and do a lot of practice to perfect docking in tight quarters to avoid costly mistakes.

4) Single Diesel Engine with Retractable External Drive

This combination is popular with Prout catamarans, using a Sonic Drive-by Sillette.

It comprises a cockpit diesel engine paired with a steerable external motor.

The arrangement reduces weight and does not create drag when the drive leg is out of the water.

However, the reverse lock mechanism may not work sometimes. Also, the steering yoke and bellows may not work properly when you need them.

This setup is best for smaller boats where two engines’ thrust will be overkill, and they help to save cost and weight.

If your catamaran is on the heavier side, you want to go for something sturdier and more powerful.

A 32 feet Gemini catamaran will make an excellent candidate for this arrangement as the boat can use a single-engine with no problems.

5) Diesel with an Outboard

People who use this configuration do so to save cost and counterbalance the single diesel engine’s powerful thrust.

The auxiliary could be smaller petrol or electric-powered outboard motor.

When you are on the open seas, the diesel gives you enough propulsion during calm weather when you can’t use the sails. The outboard helps in shallow waters, although it is often useless on the high seas, especially during turbulent weather.

The smaller outboard also provides less turning power when it’s very windy than running two powerful diesel engines.

You save space, reduce weight, and keep a few extra thousands of dollars in your bank account.

6) Twin Diesel Engines

For larger catamarans, especially cruising types capable of transatlantic and transpacific voyages, the standard propulsion comes from two large diesel engines.

Each engine is housed in one hull, providing exceptional longevity, fuel economy, and incredible amounts of horsepower to help you through the rough seas in the shortest time possible.

This combination is excellent for redundancy, even though most catamarans can run efficiently on one engine most of the time.

The downside of having two diesel engines is weight, cost, and maintenance.

Diesel engines, compelling models that produce upwards of 40-45 horsepower, can set you back by tens of thousands of dollars. But they will deliver over 8000 hours of work-life easily.

In terms of reliability, durability, longevity, and performance, nothing trumps diesel engines in the marine industry.

Diesel engines are safer to operate as they do not have the same explosion and fire danger as petrol or gas engines. They are easier to maintain and simpler to operate.

Plus, they are the most mature propulsion system in the seafaring world.

However, diesel engines are also heavier and will take up more hull space.

That means less space to store your gear, but it’s a worthy sacrifice considering the capabilities diesel engines offer your boat. Diesel boats not only drive your propeller but can also provide the energy to run every electrical system on board, including navigational equipment, cooking, air conditioning, entertainment, among others.

7) Hydraulic Propulsion

Some catamarans use hydraulic propulsion systems, although these are not popular.

Hydraulic systems are better suited to terrestrial applications as they are prone to many problems that can complicate matters for you while underway:

One , hydraulics generate additional heat, which makes them inefficient.
Second , they can be uncomfortably noisy, making socialization difficult and defeating the whole purpose of leaving city life’s buzz.
Third , hydraulic systems are prone to leakages, which increase their running cost and harm the environment.

These factors make hydraulics less efficient compared to diesel and petrol engines.

8) Electric Hybrid Systems

This propulsion system comprises a diesel engine and an electric motor.

The main issue with this configuration is the complexity of the systems and their overall lower efficiency.

Other Propulsion Systems:

As technology advances, sailors and marine engineering experts continue to find new and better ways to improve seafaring while reducing the planet’s carbon footprint.

This has led to solar, wind turbine, water, and pure electric motor propulsion systems.

For example, the Solarwave Sailor 64 is a solar hybrid-powered catamaran with an installed capacity to generate 15KW, enough to power everything on board the boat.

Solar and electric systems are silent and clean. However, they are insanely expensive and not as reliable as diesel and petrol engines. Also, they require banks of batteries, which add a lot of weight to the cat.

Final Words

Catamarans may look out of place, but many of these vessels offer more flexibility regarding power options.

You can choose from outboards, inboard diesel engines, and even go for the newer electric or solar-powered models.

However, the diesel engine remains the best power system available today for catamarans and other boats.

For reliable performance and mind-blowing thrust capabilities, experienced sailors depend on the time-tested diesel engine.

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How Fast Does a Catamaran Go? (The Truth Unveiled)

Have you ever wondered just how fast a catamaran can go? Whether you’re an experienced sailor or just curious about these unique vessels, youre about to have your questions answered.

We’ll look at the fundamental aspects of a catamaran, as well as the factors that affect its speed.

We’ll also cover the average and maximum speeds of a catamaran, the variations in speed, and how the size and design of a boat can impact its speed.

Finally, we’ll look at how weather conditions can affect a catamaran’s speed.

Get ready to uncover all the secrets of how fast a catamaran can go!

Table of Contents

Short Answer

The speed of a catamaran depends on the type and size of the boat, as well as the weather and water conditions.

Generally, a catamaran can travel at speeds of between 6-8 knots (7-9 mph) when under power, and as much as 20 knots (23 mph) under sail.

The speed can also vary significantly depending on the size and weight of the craft, the number of crew, and the type of propulsion system used.

What is a Catamaran?

A catamaran is a type of boat that is characterized by two hulls connected by a framework, typically used for recreational purposes such as sailing, fishing, and cruising.

Catamarans can be made of various materials, including fiberglass, wood, and aluminum.

The advantage of a catamaran is that its two hulls provide stability and balance, making them easier to handle in choppy waters compared to other types of boats.

Additionally, the two hulls provide a larger surface area, which makes them more efficient at cutting through the water and achieving higher speeds.

The speed of a catamaran depends on a variety of factors, such as the size and weight of the boat, the weather conditions, the type of engine, and the type of hull.

Generally, a catamaran can reach speeds of up to 15 knots, or around 17 mph.

Larger catamarans may have the potential to reach speeds up to 20 knots, or 23 mph.

The top speed of a catamaran will vary depending on the size and design of the boat, as well as the weather conditions.

For instance, if the weather is calm with no wind, a catamaran can reach its maximum speed, as there is no resistance from the water.

However, if the weather is choppy with significant wind, the boat may not be able to reach its maximum speed, as there is more resistance from the water.

Additionally, the size of the engine will also affect the speed of the catamaran, as larger engines will be able to generate more power and propel the boat forward at a faster rate.

Lastly, the type of hull will also affect the speed of the catamaran, as some hulls are designed to be more efficient at cutting through the water.

Factors that Affect Catamaran Speed

When it comes to speed, catamarans are unique vessels compared to other types of boats.

They are designed with two hulls, usually made from lightweight materials such as fiberglass, and they are typically used for recreational purposes.

The speed of a catamaran depends on a variety of factors, including the size and weight of the boat, the weather conditions, and the design of the boat.

The size and weight of the boat plays a major role in determining its speed.

Larger catamarans tend to be heavier, and, as a result, may be able to reach higher speeds due to their increased mass.

On the other hand, smaller catamarans are typically lighter in weight and, as a result, may not be able to reach the same speeds as larger boats.

The design of the boat also affects its speed.

Catamarans are designed with two hulls, which help to reduce drag and increase speed.

Additionally, the shape of the hulls can affect the boat’s speed.

For example, a catamaran with a V-shaped hull will be able to cut through the water more easily than one with a flat-bottomed hull.

Finally, the weather conditions can have a major impact on the speed of a catamaran.

Wind and water conditions can significantly affect the speed of a boat, as can the temperature of the air and water.

Warmer air and water temperatures can create drag and reduce the boat’s speed, while colder temperatures can make the boat more efficient and allow it to reach higher speeds.

Overall, the speed of a catamaran depends on a variety of factors, including the size and weight of the boat, the design of the boat, and the weather conditions.

Larger catamarans may be able to reach higher speeds, up to about 20 knots, or 23 mph.

Average Catamaran Speed

When it comes to the average speed of a catamaran, several factors must be taken into consideration.

The size and weight of the boat, as well as the weather conditions, can all have an impact on how fast a catamaran can go.

This is due to the fact that catamarans are designed to be lightweight and have two hulls that provide stability and balance.

However, larger catamarans may be able to reach higher speeds of up to 20 knots, or 23 mph.

The top speed of a catamaran will depend upon the size and design of the boat, as well as the weather conditions.

For instance, a smaller catamaran may have difficulty reaching higher speeds if it is being sailed in rough waters.

On the other hand, a larger catamaran with a more powerful engine may be able to reach faster speeds in both calm and choppy waters.

In addition to the size and weight of the boat, the type of motor, if any, can also have an effect on the speed of a catamaran.

Catamarans can be powered by both outboard and inboard motors, and the type of motor will have an effect on the speed of the catamaran.

Outboard motors are typically more powerful and can increase the speed of a catamaran, while inboard motors are generally quieter and more fuel efficient .

Finally, the type of sail used on a catamaran can also have an effect on its speed.

Different types of sails can provide different amounts of thrust, which can affect the speed of a catamaran.

For instance, larger sails can provide more thrust, allowing the catamaran to reach higher speeds.

On the other hand, smaller sails can provide less thrust, resulting in slower speeds.

Additionally, the shape of the sail can also have an effect on the speed of the catamaran.

Overall, the speed of a catamaran can vary depending on the size and design of the boat, as well as the weather conditions and type of motor or sail used.

However, larger catamarans with powerful motors and large sails may be able to reach higher speeds of up to 20 knots, or 23 mph.

Maximum Catamaran Speed

When it comes to the maximum speed of a catamaran, the answer varies depending on the type and size of the boat.

A smaller catamaran, such as a recreational sailing boat, can typically reach speeds of up to 15 knots, or around 17 mph.

However, larger and more powerful catamarans may be able to reach speeds of up to 20 knots, or 23 mph.

For example, a racing catamaran may be able to reach these higher speeds due to its larger size and more powerful engines.

It is important to note that the maximum speed of a catamaran will also depend on the weather conditions.

If the boat is being operated in a strong wind or choppy waters, it may not be able to reach its full potential speed.

On the other hand, if the weather conditions are favorable, the catamaran may be able to reach its maximum speed.

In general, the maximum speed of a catamaran is based on the size and design of the boat, as well as the weather conditions.

If you are looking for a fast and efficient boat for recreational purposes, a catamaran may be the perfect choice, as they can reach speeds of up to 15 knots, or 17 mph.

However, if you are looking for a boat that can reach higher speeds, a larger and more powerful catamaran may be the best option.

Variations in Catamaran Speed

When it comes to determining the speed of a catamaran, there are a number of factors that come into play.

The size and design of the boat, the weight of the passengers, and the weather conditions all have an impact on how fast a catamaran can go.

Larger catamarans with more sail area can reach higher speeds, as can boats that are lighter in weight.

In addition, the wind and waves can affect the speed of a catamaran, as can the type of engine and propeller installed on the boat.

The size of the catamaran is an important factor when it comes to speed.

Generally, larger catamarans are able to reach higher speeds than smaller ones, as they are able to carry more sail area and have larger engines.

Smaller catamarans may be able to reach speeds of up to 15 knots, while larger ones may be able to reach up to 20 knots.

The weight of the passengers is also an important factor when it comes to speed.

Heavier passengers will slow the boat down, while lighter passengers will enable it to reach higher speeds.

The total weight of the passengers and cargo should be taken into consideration when estimating the maximum speed of the catamaran.

Finally, the weather conditions can affect the speed of a catamaran.

Wind and waves can slow a catamaran down, while calm conditions can allow it to reach higher speeds.

In addition, some catamarans are equipped with engines and propellers that can allow them to reach higher speeds.

In general, a catamaran can reach speeds of up to 15 knots, or 17 mph.

Boat Size and Design Impact on Speed

When it comes to the speed of a catamaran, the size and design of the boat are two of the most important factors.

Smaller catamarans tend to be lighter and more maneuverable, allowing them to reach higher speeds.

On the other hand, larger catamarans are typically heavier and less nimble, which can limit their top speed.

The design of the catamaran also plays a significant role in determining its top speed.

Modern catamarans often feature a V-shaped hull that is designed to cut through the water with greater efficiency, allowing them to reach higher speeds.

In addition, some catamarans feature a design that minimizes drag, allowing them to reach even higher speeds.

Finally, the type of propulsion used on the catamaran can have a major impact on its speed.

Most recreational catamarans are powered by outboard engines, which are designed for efficiency.

However, some larger catamarans may be powered by inboard motors, which can provide greater power and speed.

Weather Conditions Impact on Speed

When it comes to the speed of a catamaran, the weather conditions can have a significant impact.

Wind, waves, and other environmental factors can all influence the speed of a catamaran.

In light winds, a catamaran will typically reach a slower top speed than in more favorable wind conditions.

Catamarans are designed to take advantage of the wind and use it to their advantage, so when the wind is strong and steady, a catamaran can reach its maximum speed.

On the other hand, in choppy, wave-filled waters, a catamaran may struggle to reach its top speed.

Additionally, wind direction can also affect a catamarans speed.

If the wind is blowing in the same direction as the catamaran is moving, it will provide a helpful boost to the boats speed.

However, if the wind is blowing against the catamaran, it will slow it down.

In addition to wind, waves can also have an impact on a catamarans speed.

In calm waters, a catamaran can reach its top speed relatively easily.

However, in rough waters, the waves can slow the boat down significantly.

This is because the catamaran is essentially riding up and over the waves, and the energy it takes to push the boat over the waves takes away from the energy the boat is using to move forward.

Additionally, the waves can cause the catamaran to become unstable and less maneuverable, which can have a negative effect on the boats speed.

Finally, temperature can also affect a catamarans speed.

In colder temperatures, the water may be more dense, which can slow the boat down.

Additionally, colder temperatures can cause the catamaran to become more brittle and prone to breakage, which can also slow the boat down.

On the other hand, in warmer temperatures, a catamaran can reach its top speed more easily.

Overall, the speed of a catamaran is heavily influenced by the weather conditions.

Wind, waves, and temperature can all have an impact on the boats speed, and understanding these factors can help you get the most out of your catamaran.

Final Thoughts

Knowing the average and maximum speed of a catamaran can be helpful when making decisions about which type of boat is best for a given situation.

Factors such as the size and design of the boat, as well as the weather conditions, can have a significant impact on the speed of a catamaran.

If you’re interested in learning more about catamarans and their speeds, considering taking a boat safety course or visiting a local boat shop to find out more.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

Sailing Catamaran Speed

You’ve probably heard that one of the best reasons to get a catamaran is because they’re fast. After all, there’s a race any time there are two sailboats on the same waterway.

But like all things in boating, speed is a relative term. Catamarans seem fast to those coming from slow and heavy monohull sailboats, but cruising catamarans are still pretty slow vessels. There are indeed high-tech racing catamarans breaking speed records all the time. Still, the vessels that most liveaboard cruisers venture out on are only slightly faster than their monohull counterparts.

For this article, we will look at the types of catamarans people live on and cruise on. Forget about those fantastic America’s Cup yachts or those multihull go-fast fishing boats for a few minutes.

I have had experience cruising and living aboard both catamarans and monohulls. For five years, my wife and I enjoyed catamaran sailing on a Lagoon 380. We then switched—for many reasons—to a Cabo Rico 38. The Cabo Rico is a traditionally-designed monohull with a full keel and a heavy displacement. In other words, it’s about as far away from a “speedy” catamaran as one can get.

How fast can a catamaran go, measuring catamaran speed, catamaran speeds vs monohull speeds, sailing cruising catamarans, performance cruising catamarans, racing catamarans, power cruising catamarans, catamaran top speed, faqs – how fast are catamarans.

white sailboat on sea near green mountain under blue sky during daytime

There’s no doubt that catamarans are some of the fastest sailboats around—but there’s also a lot of misinformation and misunderstanding online about how fast they really are.

Realize that not all catamarans are created equally. There are cruising catamarans built to carry their passengers in comfort. And then there are racing catamarans built for nothing but speed. Somewhere in between, there is a poorly-defined category of “performance cruising” catamarans that stir passions.

So, are catamarans fast? Well, it’s all relative. But, if you compare them to monohull sailboats of similar sizes and capabilities, the catamarans are usually faster for several reasons.

The speed difference is even harder to measure in the cruising catamaran category. One of the reasons catamarans beat monohulls during races is because they are built light with no ballast. But a heavily-laden cruising cat ready for an ocean crossing is hardly “lightly loaded.” Will it still beat a similarly heavily-laden monohull? Sure! But probably not by as much as you might think.

Boats measure their speed in knots. Traditionally, this was measured by a tool known as a knot log. The modern equivalent is an underwater instrument with a spinning wheel that effectively measures the speed of the water passing over the hull. So long as no currents are present, that speed will equal the boat’s speed over the ground (SOG).

Satellite navigation allows us to measure our SOG more accurately, but this isn’t a great indication of boat performance since it will be affected by tides and ocean currents.

For landlubbers, one knot is equal to about 1.15 statute miles. So, in other words, when we say that a sailboat cruises at 6 knots, it means it’s going about 7 mph.

But before going any further, consider this—the maximum speed that a sailboat makes is generally a pretty meaningless number. Maybe the knot log pegs to 13 knots for a few seconds, thanks to a strong gust of wind while you’re headed down a large swell. Does this mean you’re driving a 13-knot boat?

A voyaging sailor who has made a long passage will have little interest in this sort of number. When you’re crossing oceans, what really matters is how many miles pass under the keel each day. The more miles you tick off, the shorter the passage. So most sailors learn quickly to look past the “fastest speed in knots” number and find real-world stats on passage miles.

Comparing speeds between radically different sailing vessel hulls is like comparing apples to oranges. Even seemingly similar boats, like “cruising sailboats,” the differences between one and the other are endless.

For example, let’s say you wanted to compare 38-foot monohulls to 38-foot catamarans. The speed of a monohull is limited by waterline length, which means you’d have to look at a hull that is significantly more than 38 feet in most cases. On the other hand, the catamaran is known for long swim platforms on inverse transoms and plumb bows—meaning most 38 foot cats have nearly 38 feet of waterline.

Then, what sort of hull design makes a fair comparison to a catamaran? Would it make sense to compare a transitional, salty 38-footer with a full keel? Probably not. Most sailors interested in the cruising catamaran lifestyle would more than likely be comparing it to a modern monohull with a flatter bottom, fin keel, and spade rudder.

What about the catamaran? There’s a lot of variation in the catamaran field regarding performance. If speed is your goal, you likely want to compare the high-end performance brands—Outremer, Gunboat, HH, and the like. These boats are becoming more popular, but most cruising cats you see on the water are not performance models. Instead, they are the big and comfortable cruisers made by Lagoon, Leopard, or Fountaine Pajot.

Finally, how can you fairly compare the stats? Boats sail differently in different wind speeds and at different points of sail. In other words—there are a lot of variables that make it hard to answer the question, “How fast can a catamaran go?”

Polar charts for each vessel can provide some clues to make a somewhat fair comparison. Polar charts are graphical plots of a sailboat’s performance in different wind conditions and at different points of sail. Manufacturers seldom publish since no two are ever perfectly alike. They are less of a boat specification and more of one sailor’s results for a particular boat. Most owners make their own polar diagrams, but they’re still a tool for those looking to get an idea of a model’s performance in the real world.

Speeds of Various Types of Sailing Catamarans

There are several distinct catamaran classes, and predicting speed means understanding what the designers were building the craft to do. You might be surprised to learn that the first “modern” catamarans popped up in the New England racing circles in the late 1800s. Nat Herreshoff’s Amaryllis is particularly famous from the time .

Since then, catamarans have been synonymous with speed. But in today’s world of many different multihull designs, it’s important to set your expectations accordingly. As you would not buy a Ferrari for its cargo space, don’t expect your minivan to win any races at the track.

Examples of cruising cats include popular models made by the big-three catamaran makers—Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot, and Leopard. However, there are dozens of other companies making these boats. The market and industry for cruising catamarans have never been larger.

Most of these boats are engineered to provide comfortable accommodations for voyaging. They first became famous as vessels for sail charter holidays, where their huge cockpits and private cabins made them much more popular than the smaller and cramped monohull options.

As a result, they’re not built with high-tech components or super lightweight performance rigs. Instead, they’re the catamaran equivalent of a Hunter or a Catalina sailboat—mass-produced on an assembly line. That keeps prices lower than other types of catamarans, but it also means that they’re not winning any races. The makers use traditional layups with end-grain balsa-cored fiberglass to keep costs down. In addition, they usually feature stub fin keels, which are foolproof to sail but will not provide the upwind performance of a lift-making daggerboard.

Still, without ballast and when lightly loaded, cruising catamarans can move. They show their colors in light air when heavy displacement-hulled sailboats usually make their poorest showing. Since these moderate conditions also make for great cruising, these boats can provide a lovely ride in smooth weather.

Cruising catamarans can’t plane or anything, but their narrow hulls create an effect that means they can beat the hull speeds of a similarly sized monohull. Of course, it’s not a precise number since every boat and crew is different, but generally, you could expect speeds to be about one and a half times that of a same-sized monohull.

These catamarans are still rigged for comfort, but they’re built using the highest-quality and lightest-weight materials. While their hulls are rigged for comfortable living, they are generally designed much sleeker than regular charter-style cruising catamarans. The hulls are narrower, and you’re unlikely to see tall flybridges or forward lounge seating.

Several companies are making these boats. But in the world of catamarans, a performance cruiser is the upper end of the market. If you want a car comparison, Lagoons are something like a Chevy sedan, whereas an Outremer is like an M-series BMW. A Gunboat would be even more exotic, like a Ferrari. Not only are they more fashionable brands, but they’re also made to higher standards with cutting-edge designs .

It’s also worth noting that the category of “performance cruising cat” is a sliding scale. Some companies make vessels with better materials and craftsmanship than the cruising cats but aren’t designed for speed. Others build cats that are all about performance with few amenities.

With every new model, companies building these cutting-edge boats are attempting to boost the “performance” and the “cruising” aspect of their vessels. As a result, amenities and speed continue to get better and better.

Any racing sailboat is not designed for comfort. Especially on a catamaran, accommodations take up space and weigh the boat down. True racing vessels are designed to not worry about the crew but optimize every element for speed. Once the boat is designed for the desired performance, they’ll squeeze in bunks and storage wherever they can.

As such, there’s not much point in comparing them to liveaboard or cruising sailing vessels—they are too different. Some modern racing catamarans even fly above the water on foils. This makes for a high-speed boat and a considerable risk for sailors traveling for pleasure. Gunboat tried to make a foiling cruising cat in the G4 model, but it didn’t go so well for them.

Power cats run the same gamut of designs that sailing catamarans do. Power catamarans and sport catamarans designs are popular in powerboat circles for the same reasons they are in the sailing world–their hull designs allow for smaller underwater profiles and high speeds. There are many fast catamarans out there with twin engines and average speeds of well over 70 knots. Most recreational vessels cruise at about 20 knots, however.

Power catamarans also offer a smooth ride, making them a popular choice for large vessels like passenger ferries. There are even military vessels that use two hulls, like the stealth M80 Stiletto .

As you can see, catamaran speeds vary from just slightly better than monohulls to extraordinary flying machines. But cats are about much more than just speed. Their open and bright living space makes living aboard an entirely different experience than living on a monohull. Their cockpits flow into their salons for a full-time outdoor living feel that no other type of vessel can match. There are many reasons to choose a catamaran as a liveaboard sailboat.

How fast is a catamaran?

The answer depends on many other questions, like what sort of catamaran is it? And if it’s a sail cat, how fast is the wind blowing?

Sailing catamarans come in all different shapes and sizes. Some are optimized for living space and comfort, while others are designed with fast cruising speeds being the sole goal of the boat. The Gunboat 68, one of the fastest cruising sailboats currently made, can exceed 30 knots.

The world of power cats is much the same. Some power cats can do well over 70 knots, while most cruising boats top out at around 20 knots.

Do catamarans have a hull speed?

A hull speed is a characteristic of traditional displacement-hulled sailing vessels. The properties of the hull shape under the water create drag that limits the overall speed that the vessel can achieve. Even if you keep adding more power (or more wind), the vessel cannot exceed its designed hull speed for any length of time. Hull speed is a factor of waterline length.

Multihulls, however, have an entirely different underwater profile than monohulls. Their narrow hulls and shallow keels mean that drag is not the limiting factor. With this in mind, designers can tweak catamaran hulls to plane and cruise well above the hull speed of a similarly sized monohull.

What is the fastest cruising catamaran?

The market for fast-moving cruising cats has never seen more innovation than in the past decade. This type of boat has taken off, spurred in part by new designs and the overall popularity of multihulls for cruising. The industry leader in fast multihulls is generally considered the French-based company Gunboat . After all, one of the company’s mottos is “Life is too short to sail a slow boat.”

The company’s largest boat to date is the Gunboat 90 Sunshine . However, the delivery of the company’s current flagship, the Gunboat 68 Condor , from France to St. Maarten, provides some real-world numbers. In the delivery crew’s words, “Our max speed exceeded 30 knots a couple of times, and the max 24-hour run was 328 nm.” To save you the math, that works out for an average speed of 13.7 knots for their best day.

Matt has been boating around Florida for over 25 years in everything from small powerboats to large cruising catamarans. He currently lives aboard a 38-foot Cabo Rico sailboat with his wife Lucy and adventure dog Chelsea. Together, they cruise between winters in The Bahamas and summers in the Chesapeake Bay.

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Sunreef Catamaran 88DD
SC-46 the high performance catamaran by Outerlimits.
All American Marine
Sea Speed Catamaran Stock Photo
Boat, Speed boats, Catamaran
A New Breed of Cat: High-Performance Power Catamarans

COMMENTS

Inboard vs Outboard Engines on a Sailing Catamaran
I thought it would be a good idea to ask some current 1160 owners about their experience in fuel consumptions so I asked the Seawind owners group and out of a small but reliable sample size it seemed like the Yamaha outboards were seeing 1.5-2gph at ~6.5-7 knots boat speed and the yanmars were .9-1gph at ~7 knots boat speed this all is an ...
How Fast Do Catamarans Go? 5 Examples (With Pictures)
Nov 8, 2023 · Similar to sailing cruising catamarans, they also have power cruising catamarans. These also have living quarters and are stable while out on the water. The speed of these vessels highly depends on the motors equipped and the size of the boat itself. Like passenger transport or ferries, catamarans have a high speed of about 40 to 70 miles per hour.
Catamaran Drives Types – Outboards, Inboards and Drive Shaft ...
Sep 23, 2020 · A somewhat unique option is the Sillette Sonic drive (common on Gemini 105 catamarans) which is a type of saildrive. It allows using an inboard engine with an outboard drive leg exterior to the boat.
Go-Fast Boats: Beginner’s Guide to the World of Speed
Go-Fast Catamarans. Today’s most popular go-fast catamarans range from 28 to 52 feet. Powered by twin inboard engines up to 1,750-HP, they can reach 180 MPH and beyond. Once again, it goes without saying—but still needs to be said—that boats in this rather extreme category take years of experience to learn to handle safely.
How Fast Do Catamarans Go? - Life of Sailing
‍ Catamarans are known for their speed, and some vessels are fast enough to break world sailing speed records. Catamarans can go between 15 and 30 knots, with the fastest achieving speeds well in excess of 60 knots. Sailing catamarans are sometimes twice as fast as monohulls and cut through the water with greater efficiency.
Cougar Technical Specifications – Audacious Marine Boats ...
Our Cougar Catamarans are available in 6-14 metres, including a 7 metre trailer version or harbour version, with options of inboard or outboard engines. The 8m and 10m are built to meet the regulations enforced and approved to meet full Lloyds Register Special Service Craft Classification, MCA and SFIA.
The 8 Fastest Cruising Catamarans (With Speedchart)
Their cruising catamarans use an inverted hull design that has become a signature mark of Fountaine Pajot vessels. This hull type allows the water to pass beneath the ship quickly, which increases the speed and fuel efficiency of the cat. The Astréa 42’s primary benefit is its spacious, comfortable living quarters and large, open deck spaces.
Catamaran With Motor? 8 Types Explained (For Beginners)
Nov 8, 2023 · Catamarans may look out of place, but many of these vessels offer more flexibility regarding power options. You can choose from outboards, inboard diesel engines, and even go for the newer electric or solar-powered models. However, the diesel engine remains the best power system available today for catamarans and other boats.
How Fast Does a Catamaran Go? (The Truth Unveiled)
Short Answer. The speed of a catamaran depends on the type and size of the boat, as well as the weather and water conditions. Generally, a catamaran can travel at speeds of between 6-8 knots (7-9 mph) when under power, and as much as 20 knots (23 mph) under sail.
Sailing Catamaran Speed - My Cruiser Life
Jun 15, 2022 · The speed difference is even harder to measure in the cruising catamaran category. One of the reasons catamarans beat monohulls during races is because they are built light with no ballast. But a heavily-laden cruising cat ready for an ocean crossing is hardly “lightly loaded.” Will it still beat a similarly heavily-laden monohull? Sure!

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