The word “catamaran” is plagiaristic from kattumaram, a Tamil word used to refer to logs that have been bound together. A catamaran is a multi-hulled watercraft that features two parallel hulls that have the same size. The catamaran is a geometrically stabilized craft that derives its stability from its wide beam instead of a ballasted keel like how monohull boats have been built. The Austronesians originally invented the catamaran to enable them to expand to the Pacific and Indian Oceans islands. Typically, catamarans have a smaller displacement, less hull volume, and a shallower draft than monohulls of equivalent length.
Catamarans differ from trawlers because the former is meant to be stable sailing vessels, while the latter are intended for fishing and leisure activities. Catamarans can often move more quickly than trawlers, but they sacrifice hauling power and carrying capacity in order to do so.
Catamarans differ in size from small rowing or sailing vessels to huge naval ships and roll-off/roll-on car ferries. The space between the catamaran’s two hulls might be occupied by a simple casing threaded with webbing to support the crew.
Uses of the Catamaran
The catamaran was invented by the fishing community, ‘Paravas,’ in Tamil Nadu around the 17th century. The primary reason it was most suitable for fishing is the availability of the two hulls, which offered balance and stability during fishing expeditions. Compared to other fishing boats, the catamaran is best suited for this activity.
Nowadays, the advanced models of catamarans are used for recreational purposes. Unlike in the past, where the catamarans were made of logs, today’s catamarans are mainly made of carbon fiber constructions or fiberglass.
Common types of catamarans and their best uses
As it has been noted, some catamarans are pretty innovative in the way they are crafted. Unlike most boats and other water vessels, the catamarans have not become extinct or inoperative over years of continued use. The catamarans command unique respect, which makes them adapt more magnificently to the changing times and era. Among the renowned catamarans and the functions they are best suited for include;
1. Sailing Catamarans
Over the past several decades, sailing catamarans have made enormous strides. Small daysailing catamarans are the best choice for inexperienced sailors because they offer a safe and straightforward learning platform and can easily be accessed in resorts. Roto-molded plastic or fiberglass are the main types of materials used to make these small sailing catamarans. The best option for beginners is that they are propelled via sails and typically lack auxiliary engines. Therefore, beginners can sail through the puddling of the waters. Sailing catamarans can achieve a speed of up to 300 nautical miles in a day.
2. Cruise Catamarans
The cruise catamarans are also referred to as ferry catamarans or luxury catamarans. They are believed to offer the best possible superfluity to the passengers who board such ferries when taking a trip. A unique thing that has made cruise catamarans more attractive to the crowd is the addition of engines. The speedier nature of the cruise catamarans ensures the passengers get the cruise trip of their dream without experiencing any lapse in time. Some examples of the most popular cruise catamarans globally include the Stena Voyager, which operates in the Irish Sea, and the Victoria Clipper IV, which runs between Seattle and Victoria in the USA.
Some uses of catamarans
Catamarans are used for recreation by people who want to know how it feels to sail. A catamaran does not have a place where you could reside. Catamarans are considered for entertainment because of the comfort and safety it offers. Its space allows you to carry your family and friends along during vacations, trips, expeditions, and holidays.
An Overview of Trawlers
A trawler boat can be used for either fishing or cruising because of how easy it is to maneuver it. Not only is a trawler boat more comfortable but also easy to handle. Trawlers are the best picks when you want to experience long-distance expeditions with a combination of absolute freedom and comfort. Trawler boats are used for many purposes. When used for fishing, its primary goal is to transport the fish to the ports and fishing equipment and fishers. Cruising is another use of a trawler boat. Many people prefer spending their holidays and vacations in trawlers cruising from port to port. The main reason you are buying the trawler should determine the one you choose.
Why you are advised to purchase a trawler
Though you might find the prices of trawlers to be high, having one is encourages since you will need it during your vacations and renting one is very expensive. Nowadays, you can choose to finance from different sources whenever you feel that the trawlers’ prices are sold at intimidating. A bank is one of the external sources of financing you should choose to pay for your trawler.
1. It has ample space that allows for luxurious holidays
A trawler has a high freeboard that makes it capable of holding large volumes. The trawlers’ saloon and cabins are also very well-spaced. When going for holidays and vacations, you have no reason not to bring your family and friends along since space is available. For people who would like to be left in private, the trawler also caters to this aspect.
2. It is self-sufficient and caters to free traveling
To prevent cruisers from frequently stopping to refuel the trawler during long adventures, a trawler is built with a fuel tank that can intentionally hold large volumes of fuel to bring an end to the annoying refueling stops. Additional measures that have been equipped in a trawler to avoid the frequent unplanned stops is the availability of power supply from wind power systems and solar panels on the trawler. To facilitate long and untroubled adventurous journeys, the trawlers are also fitted with ample water storing capacities.
3. Comfy, safe hull bottom to cover well-balanced boating
When cruising, a trawler is offered perfect steadiness by the safe and comfy assured hull bottom. However, this hull bottom only allows the trawler to move at a speed of not more than 1o knots. A trawler will still be able to move on the sea just how it is used to, even when the conditions are unsuitable. Potential mishaps such as loss of balance when the waves are challenging and capsizing are prevented by the scientific keenness used in assembling the hull bottom.
A Brief Guide to Buying a Trawler or a Catamaran
1. Budgeting
Though a catamaran or trawler might be selling at a special price that seems affordable, you are supposed to know the amount of money the equipment will use for insurance and other expenses such as maintenance. Buying any of this equipment is, however, accessible but not cheap. To know the approximate value of owning one, you should first visit the websites and online platforms and see the different options. The trawler or catamarans model you choose is also a determinant of the amount of money you should have.
When buying a boat becomes too expensive for you, using a boat loan calculator to determine the type of item that fits your budget should be done. Also, it would help if you established whether a new one or one that has previously been used would fit your budget. It is wiser to buy one previously used since the price is relatively lower than choosing a new one. However, when purchasing a used trawler or catamaran, you should ensure that the product’s performance is still good. Ensure that the trawler or catamaran you choose has a warranty and the return policy is evident in case the product fails to meet your expectations.
To share the cost of purchasing one of these products, you should tag along your friends to contribute for one for your holidays since space will be huge enough to cater to many people.
2. The model and make of the product to be chosen
The amount of money you are planning to spend on a trawler or catamaran determines the make and model you will get. Before you have made your final decision, comparing different makes and models to know the one that is worth topping up money for should be done. Using Google to know the most superior brands is a good option because the information is readily available. Also, when the selection of the most acceptable product becomes a challenging task, ask for guidance from professional sailors or dealerships.
Checking and comparing the specifications of each product is encouraged because you will quickly know the one that is worth spending your money on. The lower the price at which a trawler or catamaran is sold, the poor its performance. On the other end of the spectrum, the catamarans sold at high prices are often known to be superior in their functionality. To buy the best products, you should have those that are sold from their maker companies.
Final Verdict
Though you might be torn between buying a trawler or catamaran, you are supposed to assess the type of needs you want to satisfy and choose the appropriate product. Both the trawler and catamaran are sea vessels, but their specifications, features, and functions are different. Thorough research should know how the two products differ and the roles they are best suited for.
