Why do Monohulls Beat Catamarans for Day Charters?
Before I explain why I chose a monohull for my charter business, let me say something that may surprise you: I genuinely like catamarans.In 2011 I crossed the Atlantic as first mate on a 62-foot Lagoon catamaran. It was an unforgettable experience. I had my own spacious cabin, a comfortable bed, and even the luxury of showering while looking out over the endless Atlantic Ocean. For long-distance cruising and living aboard, catamarans offer an incredible amount of comfort, space and stability.If I were setting off to spend months exploring the world by sea, I would certainly consider a catamaran.But a private day charter is a completely different experience.Over the years I've often been asked why I don't offer catamarans. One conversation with an Australian guest stayed with me. He specifically wanted to charter a catamaran, so I asked him what appealed to him about it. He couldn't really explain it—it simply seemed to be what he imagined as the ideal charter boat. That conversation made me think carefully about what actually creates the best experience for guests during a day on the water.
The Layout Trap: Why the Front is the Wrong Place to Be. Because of a catamaran's unique construction, guests who want to see the sea or enjoy the view naturally head to the front of the yacht. However, the bow (front) of any pleasure yacht is actually the worst place to sit for an extended period.
The Motion: The front experiences the most intense movement. Guests prone to seasickness are always much better off at the stern (back) of the yacht, where the motion is minimized and they can keep their eyes on the horizon.
No Social Setup: The front of a catamaran lacks a proper seating area with a table. It is difficult to comfortably share drinks, enjoy food, and socialize.
The Netting: The famous netting between the two hulls is designed for safety and weight reduction, not luxury. It is simply not comfortable for lounging during a day trip.
No Protection: You will not find any shade at the front of a catamaran. Under the Mediterranean sun, this quickly becomes uncomfortable.
The Sailing Dilemma: Because clients naturally gather on the forward deck, captains rarely—if ever—raise the sails for safety reasons.
The Monohull Advantage: Comfort and ConnectionThis is where the monohull shines. On my monohull, the primary guest area is in the cockpit at the back of the boat. From here, you can sit comfortably around a large table with a true 360-degree view of the Strait.