Catamaran vs Monohull: Which Should You Charter?

Once you've decided how to charter, the next question is what: a two-hulled catamaran or a single-hull sailing yacht. They're genuinely different holidays.

Space and comfort

A catamaran wins decisively here. The same length gives far more living space, wide flat decks, a big cockpit level with the saloon, and cabins in the hulls that feel like proper rooms. It barely heels, so people who dislike the tilt of a sailboat — and anyone prone to seasickness — are much happier aboard. For families with young kids, cats are hard to beat.

Cost

The monohull wins here, and it's not close. For the same length a catamaran typically costs 60–90% more to charter, and because cats are wide they pay higher marina fees (often 1.5–2x a berth). If budget is the priority, a monohull gets you afloat for far less.

Sailing feel

This one splits people. Monohulls heel, point higher into the wind, and give the classic “sailing” sensation keen sailors love. Catamarans sail flat and fast off the wind but don't point as high and can feel less engaging to a purist. If the sailing itself is the point, many choose a monohull; if the boat is a floating base for swimming and lounging, the cat wins.

Quick guide

• Choose a catamaran if: you have kids, a mixed group, anyone who gets seasick, or you want space and stability over budget.
• Choose a monohull if: budget matters, you love the feel of sailing, or you're a couple/small crew who don't need the extra room.

Browse available catamarans below to compare space and prices for your dates.