Multihulls – the rising stars in the yachting market 

In recent years, multihull yachts have gained popularity. Although their concept was born long ago, they have only recently achieved success in recreational sailing.

What is a multihull?

A multihull is a vessel that has more than one hull. A vessel with two hulls is called a catamaran, while one with three hulls is a trimaran. Very rarely, there are vessels with more than three hulls, typically used for specialized purposes. 

Advantages and disadvantages of multihulls 

• Stability and safety – one of the greatest advantages of multihulls is their high stability, resulting from their wide beam. Compared to monohulls, they have significantly smaller heeling angles during sailing, which increases crew comfort and a sense of safety.
• Speed – multihulls often achieve higher speeds than monohulls of the same length, mainly due to lower hydrodynamic resistance and the lack of ballast. This allows for more efficient sailing, especially on favorable courses and wind conditions.
• Space – with two hulls, there is significantly more space, both inside and outside. This provides more room for cockpits, storage, and other amenities.
• Maneuverability – multihulls typically have two separate engines, one in each hull. This allows the yacht to rotate in place, providing greater control and reducing the impact of tides and wind during navigation.
• Comfort – all of the previously mentioned factors contribute to greater comfort while sailing, especially for families and people prone to seasickness.
• Experience – some argue that multihulls do not offer the same sailing experience as monohulls. Monohulls are less stable and more susceptible to wind and waves, making sailing more exciting.
• Transport – monohulls are smaller, and thus easier to transport. If you plan to transport your boat, this is something to consider when making a purchase.
• Maintenance – a hull requires regular cleaning and protection. Having more hulls means more work or costs. The same applies to engines.
• Costs – multihulls are more expensive to produce, and therefore, their price is higher.

Important provisions in the sales agreement 

If you’ve already decided on a multihull, it’s important to pay attention to specific provisions in the sales agreement related to this type of vessel, which should address: 

• responsibility for inspecting each hull individually,
• structural condition of the crossbeam (i.e., the wider beam – cross elements running between the hulls),
• a detailed handover protocol, divided by hulls and onboard equipment,
• conditions for rejection after a survey revealing structural defects,
• costs of testing and insurance (which will typically be covered by the buyer). 

The agreement should also specify how the multihull yacht will be handed over. Due to the size of these vessels, the transport cost is significantly higher compared to monohull equivalents. It’s important to define whether the handover will take place on land, on water, or ready for further transport. 

For more information on yacht sales agreements, see here: Pitfalls in yacht acquisition agreements – how to avoid troubles?

For tax-related matters related to the purchase, see here: New yacht and VAT – do you need to pay and when?

Market situation 

The market for the most popular multihulls, catamarans, is growing dynamically. Depending on the source, its value is estimated to be between 900 million and 2.2 billion dollars. In 2024, according to analysts, catamaran sales doubled compared to the previous year, accounting for one-third of total yacht sales. Forecasts predict continued, intense growth in the coming years – by 2030, the market value is expected to reach between 1.5 billion and approximately 3 billion dollars.

source: https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/catamaran-market

source: https://www.marketgrowthreports.com/market-reports/powered-catamaran-market-107733

Summary 

Multihull yachts are increasingly asserting their position in the yachting market, becoming an attractive alternative to monohulls. With high stability, more space, excellent performance, and enhanced sailing comfort, they are particularly well-suited for recreational, family, and charter sailing. However, they require an understanding of their specifics – higher purchase and maintenance costs, greater service requirements, and a somewhat different “sailing experience.” The dynamic growth in sales and optimistic market forecasts indicate that multihulls have already become one of the most important segments of the modern yachting market.