If you’re planning to buy or charter a multihull boat, you might be wondering which one is better: trimaran or catamaran. Both have their pros and cons, and the decision ultimately depends on your needs and preferences. In this article, I’ll explain the differences between these two types of vessels to help you make the best choice for your needs.
Post updated: 10 November 2023
Differences Between Trimarans and Catamarans?
If you’re in the market for a new vessel or plan a family vacation on the water, you might wonder what the differences are between a catamaran and a trimaran.Â
Let’s see what they are:
Catamaran
A catamaran is a multihull vessel with two or twin hulls that are parallel to each other and fixed to a wide beam.
This design offers stability and speed, making it a popular choice for cruising long distances comfortably and even racing.
They also provide more interior space than trimarans, allowing for larger cabins and more storage.
When it comes to sailing performance, catamarans are known for their speed and agility.
Their twin hulls allow them to easily glide over the water, making them popular among boaters.
Cats are stable, fast, spacious, and super comfortable and are more stable at anchor than trimarans. However, catamarans tend to perform better in downwind conditions than in upwind conditions.
Trimaran
A trimaran is a multihull vessel that has three hulls. The two smaller outrigger hulls are attached to the center hull, which is larger and used for most of the boat’s functionality.
This design offers even more stability than a catamaran, making it a great choice for those who want to sail in rough waters safely.
The three-hulled design makes them super stable, and as mentioned above, they can easily handle rough waters. They also have a smaller turning radius, making them easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
Another important thing to know about Trimarans is that they provide a decent degree of livability, but they fall short of catamarans in two regards. First, they heel more than cats, making it difficult to do things like cooking on board. Second, they support much less load than catamarans.
Pros and Cons of Catamarans and Trimarans
Before making a decision whether to sail a catamaran or a trimaran, there are pros and cons you must consider. Let’s see what there are:
Catamarans
Pros
- Stability: Catamarans have two hulls, which makes them extremely stable. This means that you are less likely to experience seasickness or feel the boat rocking in rough waters.
- Space: Catamarans have a lot of space both inside and outside the boat. This makes them great for large groups or families who want to spend time together without feeling cramped.
- Speed: While not as fast as trimarans, catamarans are still faster than monohulls. They perform better in downwind conditions than trimarans and are great for long-distance cruising in calm waters.
- Shallow Draft: Catamarans have a shallow draft, which allows them to enter shallow waters and anchor closer to shore.
Cons
- Cost: Depending on how well the Catamaran is equipped, it can be more expensive than trimarans. Not always, though.
- Harbor Cost: As catamarans have a very large beam, this means that a berth at the marina will be higher.
- Navigation: Catamarans tend to struggle sailing close to the wind.
Trimarans
Pros
- Speed: Trimarans are known for being faster than cats and single-hull boats. They can easily reach high speeds and are great for racing or long-distance cruising.
- Stability: Trimarans are more stable than catamarans due to their three hulls.
- Space:Â Trimarans are wide, but the interior is less spacious than catamarans.
- Safety:Â Provide exceptional buoyancy. If a trimaran capsizes, there is almost no chance it will sink.
- Navigation: Trimarans can sail in any weather condition and perform much better upwind than cats.
Cons
- Berthing: Trimarans are more difficult to maneuver in harbors, making finding a berth in crowded marinas more challenging.
- Maneuverability: Trimarans require more ability from sailors to beach without difficulty than catamarans.
- Loading:Â Trimarans struggle to carry as much weight as catamarans.
- Sailing: Trimarans require more effort and work on the deck.
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Design and Structure
When it comes to design and structure, there are significant differences between trimarans and catamarans. Below, I’ll walk you through these two multi-hull vessels’ geometry, hydrodynamics, weight, and materials.
Geometry and Hydrodynamics
One of the most significant differences between trimarans and catamarans is their geometry. A trimaran has a central hull with two outriggers connected to a large beam, while a catamaran has two parallel hulls connected by a central platform.
This twin-hull design gives catamarans a unique sense of balance and stability. On the other hand, trimarans offer superior stability and adaptability in various water conditions thanks to their three-hulled design.
The central hull of a trimaran is typically longer and narrower than the hulls of a catamaran, which leads to better hydrodynamic performance.
Both trimarans and catamarans have different hydrodynamic resistance characteristics.
For instance, trimarans have less wetted surface area, which means they experience less drag as they move through the water. This feature makes trimarans faster than catamarans in rough weather conditions and high winds.
Performance and Speed
When it comes to performance and speed, there is a clear winner between trimarans and catamarans. Trimarans are known for their speed and are often faster than catamarans of the same size and weight. This is because of their unique design, which has speed and safety qualities that provide significant advantages over catamarans.
Trimarans have less hydrodynamic resistance than catamarans due to their narrower central hull, which allows them to slice through the water more efficiently in rough seas.
While catamarans are also fast, they often fall short of trimarans in terms of speed and performance. But that’s not always true in downwind conditions because cats are light, and their sails are positioned equivalent to the wind, making them faster than tris in downwind conditions.
Heeling and Capsizing
One of the biggest concerns when it comes to stability is heeling and capsizing. Heeling means the boat leans from one side to one side, while capsizing is when the boat flips over completely.
Both trimarans and catamarans heel, but trimarans provide greater stability and are less likely to capsize due to their three hulls. However, this doesn’t mean a trimaran can’t capsize.
In rough conditions, if a wave gets higher than half the size of the beam, the boat can flip over, but because trimarans have exceptional buoyancy, they float on the surface of the water and can serve as a rescue platform, but they won’t sink!
Comfort and Space
One important factor to consider when choosing between a cat and a tri is comfort and space. So, let’s look at these two types of boat’ accommodation: storage, cockpit, and living quarters.
Accommodation and Storage
One of the main advantages of catamarans over trimarans is the amount of space they offer. Catamarans typically have larger cabins and more storage space than trimarans. This makes them a great choice for longer trips, as you’ll have plenty of room to store all your gear and personal belongings.
Trimarans, on the other hand, have smaller cabins and less storage space. This can make the passengers feel a bit cramped, especially on longer trips.Â
However, some trimarans do offer creative storage solutions, such as under-bunk storage compartments or overhead storage racks. Note that the latest models of trimarans are extremely spacious and offer as much comfort and space, if not more, than catamarans do.
Weight
Another difference between trimarans and catamarans is their weight. While trimarans can potentially be built lighter than some catamarans, catamarans are lighter on average due to having one fewer hull requiring structure and ballast.
The weight distribution of a trimaran is also different from a catamaran, with more weight concentrated in the central hull. This feature provides better stability and performance in rough seas and upwinds.
Catamarans, on the other hand, can support more load than trimarans. This feature makes them ideal for long-distance cruising and liveaboard lifestyles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which has better resale value – trimarans or catamarans?
Resale values for both trimarans and catamarans can depend on factors such as the boat’s age, maintenance, and overall condition. Generally, catamarans have a larger market and may hold their value better due to higher demand, especially among cruisers and charter companies. However, a well-maintained trimaran can still attract buyers who value speed and performance.
Q: Which type of boat is more suitable for long-distance travel: trimaran or catamaran?
Both trimarans and catamarans are fantastic for long-distance travel. Still, catamarans are often preferred among sailors for extended cruising due to their larger living spaces and privacy on board. However, if speed is a critical factor for your journey, a trimaran might be a more attractive option.
Q: What factors should I consider when choosing between a trimaran and a catamaran?
When deciding between a trimaran and a catamaran, some key factors to consider include your intended use, performance expectations, available space, and budget.
You should ask yourself:
- What are your primary sailing goals – speed, comfort, cruising, or racing?
- How much living and storage space do you need for your crew and equipment?
- What kind of stability and performance characteristics do you value most?
- Are you willing to compromise on space or speed for the sake of your preferred multihull design?
Final Words!
So, what’s the best boat? Well, both are great. The choice between a catamaran and a trimaran will depend on your needs and personal preferences. If you are looking for a peaceful trip at a slower pace with plenty of space for the whole group, a catamaran will be your best bet. On the other hand, if you want to zip through the water and get your blood pumping, a trimaran is what you need!
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Have you sailed a catamaran or a trimaran? If so, please share your experience in the comments below.
Daniella has been passionate about travel, the sea, and nature for many years. As a child, she frequently traveled throughout the Mediterranean and continued with her journeys throughout her adult life.
Her experiences have created the desire within her to share her love for traveling with other passionate and adventurers who want to discover beautiful horizons and new cultures.
Hey, well I’m definitely the Catamaran girl. I love my space and don’t really need the thrill of the ride as much as I value the relaxation and holiday-type feeling. What’s your personal choice? Well since I’m more the sailor’s wife than the sailor, those other problems don’t really apply to me, do they? hahahaha what’s your personal choice?
Hi May,
We have something in common, because I am not a fan of racing . I love comfort and space, so I would go for a Cat!
Have a great day:)
I would go for the trimaran as it’s more stable in tough conditions as I would like to explore the world, not that I want to race. Catamaran is my go to option if I just want a nice vacation boat or something I agree that that one is better if you don’t want to race. I won’t buy a boat in the near future though, I certainly have not got the money, and I live at the wrong location, not far from the sea but still, I can’t even drive (no license). Great article though and I love boats. Wondered what the difference about these 2 are and now I know.?
Hi Stephanie,
Sorry for the late reply. I had a minor technical issue:)
Yes, trimarans are extremely stable and are faster than catamarans. However, those beautiful boats are quite expensive and if you plan on sailing around the world, you’ll need a small crew with you to handle the boat:).
I am glad this article helped you know what’s the difference between a trimaran and a catamaran.
Let me know if you need more info. I am always happy to help.
Thank you for the comment and I wish you a lovely day.
This is a very informative comparison of the trimaran vs. catamaran style sailboat. They look similar on the exterior to the untrained eye – but it seems like the differences are pretty dramatic. If someone was looking to charter one for a vacation – do you have a specific experience or preference for one or the other?
Hi Jeff,
It will depend on your personal preferences!
What are your needs? Can you be more precise?
I personally love to sail in comfort, I also need a lot of storage, so a cat is my favorite yacht!
Have a wonderful day:)
I have sailed ON a cat but never sailed one myself. Certainly a wonderful experience unlike a single-hulled vessel that rocks and rolls with the swells. That leads me to ask: if caught in rough weather (large swells and strong winds), how reliable is the trimaran? Does either configuration have limitations in this regard?
Hi Tom,
For the same size of boat, a trimaran have higher sailing performance ,a better ability to tack and go windward. So to answer to your question, a trimaran will handle better in strong winds and will go faster! But! Bear in mind that no matter if it’s a cat, trimaran, or monohull, the safety will all depend on when the sail will be shortened and how the boat will be handled in bad weather.
I hope it helped and if you have any other question , please feel free to get in touch:)
Have a great day!
Awesome write up on the differences between the two beauties. I have learned something new here. I am more of the adventure like person and your quick analysis of the Trimaran, tells me that I probably would lead to this option when choosing between the two.I will certainly browse around your site to check out other interesting articles you have on offer.Take Care, Roopesh.
Hi Roopesh,
Thank you for the compliment and you are very welcome to stroll around my website.
Take care too and wish you an awesome day!
It’s interesting to see the different opinions shown concerning of a debate. I don’t know about these vessels but I enjoyed reading it.
To me, I’ll go for Trimaran because of the modern interiors. I mean, it’s the modern feel that I’m looking for. That’s my main, personal factor.
Still, overall, I think it’s also suffice to say that these two cannot be compared because it’s not like with like. But that’s just my opinion. Trimaran for the win anyways!
Hi Tar,
So nice to see you again on my website:)
Yes, the trimaran Neel 45 has a modern look, but not every trimaran. Also, they are much faster than catamarans, sailors usually use them more for racing and catamarans for cruising.
Thank you for the comment, I really appreciate:)
I wish you a wonderful day!
I think now the Neel have brought out the 51 the game has changed somewhat. Lots more room ,walk around bed in master room. Lare shower in main head, the inside outside Cocloon as they now call it. Heaps of space below, fantastic headroom down below in central Hull. Much more classic looking boat on the exterior. Add the speed, stability and affordability compared to similar sized Cats and there really does not appear to be any more to be said. Of course it’s just my opinion and if money was not an option i think the Gunboat 60 would be the final choice, but for around 600k the Neel 51 has definitely set the standard. Take a look https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-997AEXfsk
Hi Kevin,
Well, that’s a beautiful trimaran you have here, effectively, this one looks much more comfortable and wider than the Neel 45! I would definitely choose the 51 over the 45! I’ve really enjoyed watching the video, and it would be interesting to write an excellent review on the 51:). I agree with you, the Gunboat is such a beautiful cat, and now it makes it even harder to choose between the two of them:)
Thank you for the comment and wish you a wonderful day!
Late arrival here but after reading and watching so many negative reviews about the Neel trimarans and the Neel 45 images of one build showing their train wreck quality, there is absolutely no way you can compare a Gunboat and a Neel. You’d be better off comparing it to the Yugo automobile.
The “Sailing Yacht Ruby Rose” did a recent video review of the newer Neel 47 posted on July 18, 2019 showing very clearly that its build quality is extremely lack luster. Although it was the Neel Trimaran that gave me the sea bug, one probably couldn’t purchase a poorer quality boat at any price. It’s an awesome concept but it’s a manufacturer no individual should consider buying from. I’m hoping one of the premium Cat builders will take on the task of providing a similar concept when I’m ready with my money.
Hello Eso,
The beautiful thing in life is that everyone has different taste and opinion. I am glad to have you here and thank you for sharing your experience with the readers, this will certainly be useful to many people.
I wish you a fantastic day!
Yes I’ve been looking at the Neel 51,
Its turning my attention some what.
It would make world cruising just that little bit faster and with room and comfort.
PS I like the engine room.
Hi Mercury,
Thank you for the comment!
The Neel 51 is a beautiful boat. She is more spacious and comfortable than the 45 Neel, but the 65 is even better!
However, the 51 is an ideal cruising trimaran to sail in comfort. She provides everything sailors have ever dreamed of such as speed, stability, space, and luxury. What more to ask for:)
Thank you again for the comment and wish you a wonderful day!
I own a Catana 47 with one owner and two guest cabins. I and my wife want four cabin boat so that We can sail with our two daughters and their family including grand children. Should I buy Catana 53, Outremer 51 or Neel 51?
Hi Rajen,
Thank you for commenting!
I am not a boat seller, but I will be more than happy to answer your question. The Catana 53, Neel 51, and Outremer 51 are fantastic boats. And to be honest, I would personally buy the Neel 51 because she is extremely spacious, lightweight and more stable than any catamaran out there.If you bring children, then you would want the boat to be safe.
The other boats are also great but tend to perform less well in strong winds and heavy seas than the Neel 51. So yes, the Neel 51 is unbeatable in all categories! At least to me:)
I hope it helped and, please, feel free to contact me if you need to know further information. I am always happy to assist!
Thank you again for the comment and wish you a lovely day!
It’s really a good Information. I have never been in any one of the rides but I feel personally Cat is better.
Do you guys know anything similar to this other then Cat trimaran like Semi-Submersible, drone etc. as I am doing a project that will help you to ride Cat Yourself alone!. Wish me good luck and please help me achieve my goal fastly, by sharing your precious knowledge and time. thank you in advance.
Hi Mohammed,
We would like to help you, but we didn’t really understand your question, could you be more specific, please?
Thank you for the comment!
Hello Daniella,
Firstly thank you very much for your kind response.
I would like to have some info about the Stability equation of Catamaran and different steering Mechanisms.
Hi Mohammed,
You are very welcome!
Please, check out these articles, I am sure you will find all the answers to your questions: file:///C:/Users/gofri/Downloads/6962-1-10720-1-10-20130718.pdf
http://www.sailingcatamarans.com/index.php/faqs/19-sailing-and-performance-questions/109-which-steering-system-should-i-use
I hope it helped! Don’t hesitate to contact me if you need more information, I’ll be more than happy to assist!
Dear Daniela
Thankyou very much for your Kind help.
Could you please give some Information about the construction guidance of Catamaran.
I want to construct my own for my experimental purposes.
Thankyou
Regards
Moulasaheb Md
Hi Mohamed,
I would like to help you, but you are not in the right place for this. If you are looking for sailing holiday, then I’ll be more than happy to help!
If you want to construct your own boat, I highly recommend you to check other websites.
Thank you for the comment and wish you a great day!