Both monohulls and catamarans can be sailing boats. The useful comparison is between a yacht with one hull and a yacht with two: each offers a different balance of space, sailing feel and practical requirements.
The best choice depends on your crew, sailing plans and preferences. Here are the main points to consider before choosing a boat for a holiday or for ownership.
Living space and privacy
A cruising catamaran generally offers more usable space than a monohull of a similar length. Separate hulls can give cabins greater privacy, while the saloon, aft cockpit and forward lounging areas provide several places to spend time together or apart.
Modern cruising monohulls also make careful use of interior volume and outdoor space. Their narrower beam can be an advantage when finding a berth, although draught remains an important consideration.
Sailing feel and comfort
Monohulls heel under sail, giving a sailing experience that many owners enjoy. Cruising catamarans generally sail more level, which can make everyday activities aboard easier for some crews.
Performance depends on the individual design, loading, sails and conditions. Many cruising monohulls sail effectively close to the wind, while catamarans can be particularly enjoyable on reaching and downwind courses. Compare specific models rather than assuming all boats of either type behave the same way.
Handling and berthing
A catamaran's beam requires suitable marina space. Twin engines can help with low-speed manoeuvring, but windage, visibility and familiarity with the boat also matter. A monohull's narrower footprint may offer more berthing options, while its keel depth can limit access to shallow water.
Try both types if possible and assess how comfortably your usual crew can manage lines, sails and docking tasks. Handling is as much about the particular boat and crew as it is about the number of hulls.
Ownership and running costs
Compare the full ownership picture: purchase price, berth, maintenance, equipment and intended use. A catamaran may have more systems and greater berthing requirements. Comparing boats only by length can be misleading because their living space differs substantially.
Which one fits your plans?
A catamaran may suit a crew seeking generous space and separate accommodation for family or friends. A monohull may appeal to owners who prefer a narrower boat and a more traditional sailing feel.
Explore our Lagoon sailing catamarans, Beneteau sailing yachts and Jeanneau sailing yachts. For help comparing layouts and intended use, contact the Spartivento Yachts team.
