Catamarans are expensive. People looking for a home on the water will most likely opt to buy a catamaran. But why catamarans are expensive? These increasingly popular mini yachts are nimble, stable, easy to pilot – even for beginners – and fun. But those aren’t the real reason why catamarans are expensive….
Catamarans are expensive because they are high quality, easy to sail, fast, safe and extremely spacious. “Cats” are really seagoing houseboats that get their exceptional stability from having two smaller hulls instead of one larger one. But the REAL reason why catamarans are expensive is because they are seen as small homes.
Catamarans Really ARE Expensive!
Even ordinary sized catamarans can cost up to two million plus US dollars! I have researched why catamarans cost more and listed those reasons below. What I found may surprise you. It did me. As a result, I can tell you some reasons are obviously solid, but not all.
In this article, I cover the reasons I found why catamarans are expensive. Catamarans enjoy a well-deserved reputation as being excellent for partying, racing, sailing, cruising and living. As their popularity has soared, so have their prices. Let’s explore them together.
Let’s dive right in.
Self-Contained Living is Expensive
Living on a sailboat of any kind is a lot like living in space. As a result, you will need to find new sources for water, food and energy. Ironically as the saying goes: “water, water everywhere but not a drop to drink“. Water is necessary and sometimes you have to make it. However, that costs money.
Like Living in Space
As the captain, you must self-generate or defer nearly everything until you reach a marina. You will be responsible for food, water, cooking, cleaning and more. Modern-day sailors are a different breed. For example, even flushing the toilet (called a “head“) is costly.
Cats are Self-Contained
You must be self-reliant to enjoy living onboard a boat (a “liveaboard“). Sometimes this can be thrilling, satisfying and more than a little exasperating. Meeting the repair and maintenance challenges requires lots of money, lots of skills or constant learning. Most opt for the latter and learn as they go.
Catamarans Have Quality Engineering
Catamarans take a double sized berth at marinas and people see them as small homes. As a result, designers have decided that captains who can pay twice the price for berthing, can also pay more for their boats. Whether this is true or not, there is always a market for the finer things.
A Market for Finer Things
Step aboard and you will find there are many comforts to flatter the captain and impress the guests. Many successful entrepreneurs can entertain customers and friends alike with the roomy floor space with a fine view.
Exotic and Expensive Displays
You will be impressed by exotic displays like auto-pilot, GPS, AC, radar. Add to that fish finders, depth gauges, chart plotters and entertainment screens. Other equipment includes VHF, repeaters and wind generators. Add solar panels and electronic steering, home screens and Starlink WiFi. As a result, you will also want some extra security to protect your investment.
Cooking Is Easier On Catamarans
Cooking on a catamaran is also familiar. Cat galleys are like kitchens. This is because the boat doesn’t tilt to the side (called “heel”). Things don’t fall over. Two hulls are more stable. Because of this, catamaran galleys tend to have more space.
Cat Galleys are Like Kitchens
Cat galleys are often up on the deck. As a result, this makes cooking easier. And cooking is safer, as well. So you don’t have to climb in and out of the hull with your dinner in hand.
Catamarans are Nimble When Docking
Two motors means a catamaran can rotate in place! Catamarans are nimble both sailing and motoring in the harbor. This means their super modern design makes them easy to handle. Sometimes, even the cockpit is forward instead of aft, making for a clear line-of-sight.
Two Motors are Better
Sailboats have to depend upon bow thrusters inside the harbor. Not so for catamarans. Because they have a pair of motors that can be feathered, sailing can be a crew of one. That means a cat can be sailed single-handed. They run fast and that’s fun.
Power Generation Is Easier
Catamarans have lots of space for solar panels. Solar panels can be placed in areas that won’t be walked on. These can even double as an upper deck, and for rain catchment. Because of this, catamarans can generate more power than the average boat.
Solar Electric is Expensive Up Front
Modern catamarans are changing the face of “sailing” forever, and for the better. Sailboats in the past used to, well… sail. Now, they run on electric power with solar. Besides solar, they also use wind generators, hydro generators and regen (recovering power from coasting and braking). As a result, the new ReLiOn lithium batteries can power the boat.
Transition to Digital
We are in the midst of a major transition. Kodak was once the most trusted brand on the planet. Kodak invented digital photography, yet they lost control of their own invention. Because of this, it only took only 7 years to go from chemical to digital. In the end, everyone wins.
Transition to Electric
The world is already moving away from petroleum power. The switch from petroleum to electric power will probably also take about 7 years. We are already past one percent. Because of this, cars, houses and even boats will be electric. As a result, the air will be much cleaner.
Reliable WiFi on the Ocean
Many people are Working From Home. It’s important to get fast WiFi on the ocean. And, waiting for a marina may not be an option. Moreover, it may be slow when you find one. Because of this, most people are looking for faster WiFi. Moreover you must provide your own Internet.
Satellite WiFi
The only WiFi on the ocean used to be satellites with high latency. The satellites were 17,000 miles away! This made gaming too slow. Fortunately, there are better options for WiFi today.
Starlink WiFi
Today, Starlink is providing high-speed, low-latency broadband internet across the globe, even in the middle of the ocean. Of course, there are some costs with this. You will need a new antenna and some extra hardware. The exciting news is that Starlink is starting to deliver WiFi that’s very fast.
Cats Have Better Ventilation
All boats spend time on the water, which invites humidity. Your boat needs good ventilation to prevent condensation. Mold can result in lower property values and health problems. Mold problems can be very expensive.
All sailboats, including catamarans, lack hull ventilation. Fortunately for catamarans, the actual living space is located on deck. This gives catamarans the edge. Better ventilation means cooler breezes, less moisture and mold.
Cats Have Higher Resale Value
The sad fact of life is that all boats depreciate. This means your investment in a catamaran will lose value. You will need to understand this before you buy a boat. However, there is one factor in Americans’ favor and that is the value of the dollar.
Most catamarans are made in other countries. These catamarans will be less expensive when the dollar is strong.
Catamarans are Extraordinarily Stable
The horizontal design of the catamaran is familiar to young and old. Cats don’t pitch back and forth with every wave or wind gust. Walking is easy, even for those with mobility issues. This means you don’t have to climb stairs when getting into and out of the main cabin.
As a result of the legendary catamaran stability, seasickness and cooking problems are much less of a problem on cats. Normal socializing and dining with friends and family are more enjoyable at anchor and while traveling, even in rough weather.
No SeaSickness
Catamarans enjoy a horizontal orientation instead of the vertical aspect of sailboats. Because of this there isn’t the need for a deep keel or lead ballast. Cats are light on their hulls. As a result, the risks of your boat overturning are almost zero.
Catamarans are Much Roomier
Classic sailboats may look impressive on the outside with their tall sails. But catamarans are more impressive on the inside with roomy interiors and spectacular views. Catamarans are laid out like a house.
Everything is often on one “floor” and guests can easily move about from room to room. They don’t have narrow passageways or steep ladders. This is true for cockpit, galley, cabin, and even the main room (called a “salon”). Even the cockpit has more room and a better view of the “landscape” outside.
Vertical vs Horizontal
Even the large general room (called the “salon”) is comparatively massive. Not insignificant, is the fact that even the smallest catamarans have ample headroom for tall people. Even better is the fact that most catamaran surfaces are level.
Catamarans Afford More Privacy
Because the room layout has more “elbow room” your guests are allowed more privacy. This is a key reason why many people feel more comfortable on a cat. Even the kids sleep better in a more familiar environment.
Sleeping space on catamarans is often in the hulls, which are on opposite sides of the boat. This ensures complete privacy from each other, including night owls and hired crew members.
Recreation is Better on a Catamaran
Catamarans do not heel. People can comfortably stroll around a catamaran just like it was a house. This allows your friends and guests alike to feel at home and feel more comfortable.
Great Beaching Vessel
Most catamarans have a great platform for swimming or diving. Because of this, they are also great on sand bars and in shallow water. They can even travel in shallow areas where sailboats will run aground. These extra spaces are part of the reason why catamarans are expensive.
Swimming and Diving
Swimming and diving off of a catamaran is much easier. The wide space between the hulls includes staircases is at the back of both hulls. This diving platform can double as a dedicated frame for equipment and dinghy storage. This makes catamarans extra great for swimmers, snorkelers and divers.
Duplication is Expensive
The two hulls of a catamaran are mirror images of each other. This means two motors, two rudders and two living spaces. As a result, the up front cost is higher, but each side can back up the other when needed.
This means there is some extra up-front construction costs. Which, in turn, contributes to the higher costs of the final price tag. On the other hand, you will eventually have backup equipment for anything that needs repair.
Maintenance will be higher because both motors will need servicing. And the nearly double space needed, when available, while docked at a marina. Land transportation and storage, can also be expensive, when required.
Catamarans Have Greater Capacity
The two hull design has less resistance and rides higher in the water. As a result, the cat is relatively more fuel-efficient. This is why cats are faster, even when loaded.
Extremely light catamarans are excellent at racing for this reason. Cruising cats will also be faster than their monohull counterparts, tho extra weight will slow a boat of any description.
Catamarans Love Shallow Water
A catamaran sits much higher on the water. This is why a catamaran is good in shallow waters. A catamaran has more stability in calm water. This is also why a catamaran is noticeably more comfortable while relaxing or sleeping, and while at anchor or at the dock.
Catamarans can go into shallow waters, which is a real advantage for recreational activities like swimming and fishing. Monohull sailboats have a long keel that will run aground or be damaged in shallow water.
Catamarans Don’t Get Seasick
Do you get seasick? Even in rough weather, cats are less liable to pitch and roll with the waves. Plus, you get better visibility and great views in all directions. The cats with raised helm stations or flybridges offer a full panorama. This can greatly improve one’s attitude in a hurry.
Almost Unsinkable
Catamaran living space rides above the waves and is relatively quiet and more peaceful. This gives better ventilation for guests without expensive air conditioning.
Catamarans are virtually unsinkable. While this is not the whole picture, it is extremely unlikely that a catamaran will sink. Even if you breach hull, you still have a second hull to keep the catamaran afloat. Catamaran hulls will float even if they are in pieces.
Catamarans Are Faster
Let’s face it – faster is fun. Speed can mean the difference between “when will we get there” to “let’s keep going!” Catamarans are nearly always faster than sailboats of the same size. This is because they face less water resistance. Their narrow hulls don’t have to deal with the waves from their own bows.
This becomes clearer when we compare sailing speeds to something more familiar, like walking or running. Typically, cruising sailboats, including catamarans, move in the range of 3 to 8 knots. For comparison, 5 knots is a fast walking speed. This speed is normal on the water, but is not very fast when compared to other modes of travel on land.
Catamarans Need Advanced Security
Investments usually come with a risk. Catamarans are higher profile and more visible targets. There are modern-day pirates, even in modern times that know how to find opportunities. This is especially so in economically challenged areas. Having deterrents, prevention and essential data is important.
Why Catamarans Are Expensive
Drones and other advanced equipment is available to modern-day pirates. Sailing into exotic ports and harbors can make your catamaran a target. Sailing in open water can leave you and your sailors vulnerable without much recourse.
Modern security comes with a higher price than the ordinary devices. Having these installed by qualified experts can give you and your guests extra peace-of-mind. You can hide your security to make for a more enjoyable trip for everyone. All this comes at a cost.
Catamaran-Sized Financing
Most of the other things on this list are about the catamaran itself. Financing isn’t part of the catamaran per se, but like a car, it’s often a necessary part of the purchase. Because catamarans are expensive, it’s a good idea to get an idea of what the financing is like before you start looking for a boat.
You will want to know which cats are within your price range. This may also help you decide between a new or used model. Also, there are other options available. You can make catamaran kits that you can assemble yourself. This will require the use of a workspace, like a hanger or warehouse.
House, Travel and Boat Insurance, Oh My!
Like financing, this item is not about the cat itself. Self-insurance is always the least expensive option. And, if you can qualify for that, congratulations. Most people will want to ensure their investment. Policies may require you to avoid the hurricane season and some known pirate locations.
It’s best to know what these costs will be and plan for them before you buy a boat. The coverage for your catamaran may include boat-, traveling- and house-type issues.
Catamaran Marina Fees are Double
Catamarans are much wider than sailboats, catamarans take up almost twice the berth size in marinas. Because of this it means extra expense for docking and liveaboard. Most boat owners would agree that the catamaran is usually the party boat of choice at the docks. Catamarans are a great place for entertaining. Cats typically have extra room – friends, family, guests and business associates.
Even if you aren’t into throwing parties, the extra space is still nice for visiting with friends, lounging or just relaxing on the deck. The wide-open space also makes it easy to use the boat as a fishing platform. Catamarans also have extra space for fresh water, generators and solar panels.
Catamarans Fuel Two Engines
Two engines mean Catamarans can burn fuel fast. This can drive up costs. Cats can use just one engine. The captain can trade off unless both are needed. This can drive up the fuel costs fast.
A monohull navigates high waves and strong winds more efficiently. However, a catamaran is typically lighter, so it usually uses less than twice the energy.
The REAL Reason Why Catamarans Are Expensive
Catamarans are exceptionally well-made sailing vessels that command a premium price mainly due to their excellent build, layout, performance, and high demand. The REAL reason why catamarans are expensive is because they are seen as small homes.
Don’t let the length fool you. A 40 foot Cat has much more usable floor space and storage space than a 40 foot sailboat. While they are not exactly twice the size, they are twice the fun and twice the experience. And, many people agree that they are worth it.
Conclusions
Why Catamarans Are Expensive
In this article, I have discovered many reasons why catamarans are expensive. The biggest reason seems to be that most people see cats as small homes. That may not be completely accurate, but it is the majority opinion. There are many reasons for this. Once you have experienced this luxury, there really isn’t a valid comparison to just any sailboat. Certainly, catamarans are easily twice the fun and more.
First, the experience is memorable
Many people dream of sailing on a boat. Being on board a catamaran is often a memorable experience. You will dine under the stars, enjoy panoramic views of the ocean sunset and be gently rocked to sleep by the ocean.
Second, handling the challenge
Handling all of these different aspects of life presents a challenge to ingenuity, creativity, originality and out-of-the-box thinking. In the posts and pages to follow, I hope you will join me as we find the best answers for these challenges.
Third, there’s a lot to learn
If all of this blows you out of the water (sorry), you’re probably not alone. It is a lot. It is a lot of information, and and you will need to keep up your boat constantly. In the end, you will see it as totally worth it. You’re not alone. There are more people choosing to live on the water every day.
Last, I just love FREEDOM
Finally, I have done a bunch of research. I have found some interesting answers. Some are Do It Yourself, some are purchases. Some are creative ideas by combining old tools for new purposes. I love DIY that finds elegant, new answers. And I love superior technology when it just works. I love being creative. And, I love enjoying the fruits of my labors. I hope you do, too.
Join me as I share it with you!