Re: Catamarans vs Sailboats
Typically, most catamarans are relatively stable and do not heel much in excess of 5^. Because they are light and do not carry a heavy keel (which also adds wetted surface) they tend to move faster than monohulls having the same LWL (length at the water level). On the minus side, they point lower than monohulls, have a somewhat choppy ride when hit by waves. Their speed is compromized as they are loaded with people and equipment/supplies. While they have a remarkable initial stability, their stability is even higher when in the upside down position. (In other words, if the boat is allowed to capsize,it is not possible to flip it back without a crane or some rather exotic means.) Generally speaking, catamaran will not sink and thus can be said to provide some inherent safety to the crew.) Because they tend to ride fairly high on the water, their windage is significantly higher than for a comparable monohull. In areas where the water is thin (i.e. the caribbeans) the typically small draft is an advantage. This accounts in part for the popularity of this type of vessel there.<br /><br />By contrast, while monohulls are typically less nimble, they can carry much heavier loads without affecting their speed much. Although they heel much more than catamarans, the heeling is an inherent safety factor reducing the chances for capsizing given that the heeling lets the sails spill the wind. But if capsized (as may be caused by waves) the vessel may sink. <br /><br />There are many more significant differences and if you want to be more educated on the subject, you might do a lot worse than reading the book by Chris White (a naval architect specialized in design of catamarans).
