Is a Catamaran a boat or a ship? I know what a catamaran is, a vessel made from two hulls. The word comes from the Tamil word “kattumaram“. Catamarans can be sail- or engine-powered. People refer to a catamaran both as a boat and as a ship. Which is it? I didn’t know. I decided to find out. Is a Catamaran a Boat or a Ship?
Catamarans can be either boats or ships. The more you read, the more confusing this becomes. Until you read this: “Cars lean outwards making a turn, while motorcycles lean into a turn. Similarly, boats lean outwards making a turn, while ships lean inwards. This is due to several factors, including their center of gravity and their system of propulsion.
Generally speaking, people agree that ships are larger. Some argue that it has nothing to do with size, but rather function. However, since catamarans are getting bigger, are they ships? Is a Catamaran a Boat or a Ship?
Almost everyone thinks they know the difference between a ship and a boat. That is, until you ask them for a definition. There are many differences. These terms confuse many people.
What is the Difference Between a Boat and a Ship?
There is a more technical definition: “On a boat the center of gravity is below the free-board, on a ship it is above.
In practice this means a boat, such as a submarine, will lean into a curve when turning while a ship will lean out.” “The difference between a ship and a boat is which way they heel or skid, when turning.
A ship will heel outward during a turn, a boat will turn inward during a turn. In other terms, a motorcycle will lean inward during a turn, a car, truck, etc. will lean outward. Same concept for ship vs. boat.”
Some Common Rules of Thumb
“The captain of a ship is annoyed when you call his vessel a boat. The captain of a boat is not annoyed when you call his vessel a ship.”
“Larger vessels are generally ships. One deck is a boat, more than one is a ship. Generally ships are vessels longer than 100 feet.”
“Ferries are always boats but nowadays are often as large as cruise ships and carry lifeboats. However, submarines are always termed boats.”
“It has nothing to do with size. It has to do with function. The function of a boat happens on its deck, the function of a ship happens inside it.”
Is a Catamaran a Boat or a Ship?
A ship’s captain must obtain a formal accreditation. All ships must carry a bona fide qualified captain. A bona fide captain has the powers to perform wedding ceremonies, sea burials and the power of imprisonment whilst on board a ship. These things cannot be carried out on a boat.
While talking about the difference between a ship and a boat, the first thing that comes to one’s mind is the sizes. Traditionally people consider a ship as a large ocean-going vessel, whereas boats are comparatively quite smaller in size.
Technically, there is a very thin line between them. This often leads to major confusion. Below are seven differences.
Sizes of Boats and Ships
The difference between a ship and a boat is the size. The easiest way to remember the difference between a ship and a boat is that “A ship can carry a boat, but a boat cannot carry a ship.”
Boats are regarded as more compact in size and displacement. By comparison, technically speaking, a vessel that weighs at least 500 tonnes or above is categorized as a ship.
Boat and Ship Navigation Technology
Technologically, boats are simple vessels with less complicated equipment, systems and operational maintenance requirements.
Ships operate for long times and travel across long distances. They use advanced engineering, heavy machinery, and navigating systems.
Boat and Ship Operational Areas
A major difference between ship and boat is that of their scope of operation. That is, their purpose.
Boats are operable in smaller or restricted water areas and include ferrying and towing vessels, sail vessels, paddle vessels, kayaks, canoe, patrolling vessels etc. Ships cross the oceans. Boats are smaller vessels that usually follow the coastline.
Ships are vessels that operate in oceanic areas and high seas. They usually include cruise vessels, tankers, container ships, naval ships and offshore vessels. They are ocean-going vessels and transport both passengers and cargo.
Boat and Ship Crew Size
This is one of the major differences between a boat and a ship.
The size of the crew on a boat depends on the size of the boat. It can be one person or a full-fledged crew depending on the size and purpose of the boat.
On the other hand, ships are huge in size. Therefore, by professionally trained navigators and engineers. A ship requires a captain to operate the ship and guide the crew.
Boat and Ship Cargo Capacity
A boat is small- to mid-sized vessel, which has a much smaller capability for cargo as compared to a ship. Mainly boats are used for recreational purposes, fishing, and ferrying people.
Ships are specifically made to carry cargo or passengers or boats. A boat is the generic term for a variety of watercraft. We know that ships are more monolithic. Boats come in all kinds of shapes and sizes.
Boat and Ship Construction and Design
A boat is much simpler in construction and build. Also a boat has less machines and design complexity.
Ships are complicated structures and have a variety of machinery and design for the safety and stability of the ship.
Boat and Ship System of Propulsion
A boat is often powered by sails, motor and human power. A ship has dedicated engines for propulsion. There are some exceptions for this, as ships also can depend upon sails. Boats can also be powered by motors.
Submarines are still termed boats. All other vessels operating in the high seas are ships. This is mainly because subs lean into their turns. I didn’t know this, but I can easily visualize it.
Conclusions
I thought I knew the difference(s) between boats and ships. I learned a lot in jumping down this rabbit hole. Generally, size is the factor, but I didn’t know about the center of gravity. And, I didn’t know about the leaning into a turn, but it makes a lot of sense.
The analogy between a car and a motorcycle was probably the clearest to me. This is something I can visualize and understand immediately, even tho it’s difficult to clearly describe. In Addition, there is the size difference between the car and motorcycle.
If you still have a question, you can ask and I will do more research and get back to you. Please leave your feedback and I will do what I can.
https://www.theguardian.com/notesandqueries/query/0,,-197783,00.html
https://www.marineinsight.com/types-of-ships/7-differences-between-a-ship-and-a-boat/