Sailing catamarans are popular for their stability, speed, and spaciousness. For those seeking a compact yet capable vessel, several small catamarans stand out. This guide explores six top small sailing catamarans, highlighting their features, specifications, and suitability for various sailing needs.
6 Best Small Sailing Catamarans
1. Hobie 16
The Hobie 16 is a classic catamaran known for its performance and ease of handling.
Specifications:
- Length Overall: 16 feet 7 inches
- Beam: 7 feet 11 inches
- Weight: 320 pounds
- Sail Area: 218 square feet
- Capacity: 1-4 people
Features:
- Design: Twin-hull configuration with a trampoline for crew movement.
- Sails: Main and jib sails for balanced performance.
- Construction: Durable fiberglass build.
Analysis:
The Hobie 16 is ideal for both beginners and experienced sailors. Its lightweight design allows for easy transport and launching from beaches. The catamaran’s agility and speed make it suitable for day sailing and recreational racing.
2. Lagoon 380
The Lagoon 380 is a versatile catamaran that balances performance with comfort.
Specifications:
- Length Overall: 37 feet 9 inches
- Beam: 21 feet 4 inches
- Draft: 3 feet 9 inches
- Displacement: 14,300 pounds
- Sail Area: 1,076 square feet
Features:
- Cabins: 3 or 4 cabin layouts with en-suite heads.
- Deck: Spacious cockpit with direct access to the saloon.
- Engines: Twin inboard engines for maneuverability.
Analysis:
The Lagoon 380 is well-suited for coastal cruising and liveaboard lifestyles. Its design emphasizes ease of handling, making it manageable for short-handed crews. The catamaran’s ample living space and storage are advantageous for extended voyages.
3. Gemini 105Mc
The Gemini 105Mc is a compact catamaran designed for coastal cruising.
Specifications:
- Length Overall: 34 feet 6 inches
- Beam: 14 feet 6 inches
- Draft: 2 feet 6 inches (with boards up)
- Displacement: 8,000 pounds
- Sail Area: 500 square feet
Features:
- Hull Design: Retractable centerboards for shallow water access.
- Cabins: 2 cabins with a convertible saloon.
- Engines: Single inboard engine.
Analysis:
The Gemini 105Mc is ideal for sailors seeking a trailerable catamaran with the capability for extended coastal cruising. Its shallow draft allows access to shallow waters, and the retractable centerboards enhance performance. The catamaran’s interior is efficiently designed to maximize space.
4. Seawind 1160
The Seawind 1160 is a performance-oriented catamaran with a focus on comfort.
Specifications:
- Length Overall: 38 feet 6 inches
- Beam: 21 feet 4 inches
- Draft: 3 feet 9 inches
- Displacement: 11,000 pounds
- Sail Area: 1,076 square feet
Features:
- Deck Layout: Tri-folding door connecting the cockpit and saloon.
- Cabins: 3 cabins with 2 heads.
- Engines: Twin inboard engines.
Analysis:
The Seawind 1160 is suitable for sailors who prioritize performance without sacrificing comfort. Its innovative deck design enhances the living space and connectivity between indoor and outdoor areas. The catamaran’s performance capabilities make it suitable for both coastal and offshore cruising.
5. Prout Snowgoose 37
The Prout Snowgoose 37 is a robust catamaran known for its seaworthiness.
Specifications:
- Length Overall: 37 feet 4 inches
- Beam: 15 feet 9 inches
- Draft: 2 feet 6 inches
- Displacement: 12,000 pounds
- Sail Area: 700 square feet
Features:
- Construction: Solid fiberglass hulls for durability.
- Cabins: 3 cabins with 1 head.
- Engines: Twin inboard engines.
Analysis:
The Prout Snowgoose 37 is ideal for sailors seeking a sturdy and reliable catamaran for bluewater cruising. Its solid construction and seaworthy design make it suitable for offshore passages. The catamaran’s interior layout is functional, though it may be more compact compared to modern designs.
6. Wharram Tiki 38
The Wharram Tiki 38 is a 12-meter catamaran designed by James Wharram, known for its traditional Polynesian-inspired aesthetics and robust construction. This model emphasizes simplicity and seaworthiness, making it a popular choice among cruising enthusiasts.
Specifications:
- Length Overall: 11.60 meters (38 feet 1 inch)
- Beam: 6.20 meters (20 feet 4 inches)
- Draft: 0.75 meters (2 feet 6 inches)
- Displacement: Approximately 3,000 kg (6,600 lbs)
- Sail Area: 53.2 square meters (573 square feet)
Features:
- Design: The Tiki 38 features a traditional double-ended hull design with a simple rig, often a gaff-rigged schooner, which contributes to its distinctive appearance and sailing characteristics.
- Accommodation: The interior includes two double cabins and two single cabins, providing comfortable sleeping arrangements for a family or small crew.
- Deck Space: A spacious deck area, including a forward trampoline, offers ample space for relaxation and movement.
- Construction: Built using plywood, fiberglass, and epoxy, the Tiki 38 is designed for durability and ease of maintenance.
Analysis:
The Wharram Tiki 38 is well-suited for sailors seeking a traditional, seaworthy catamaran with a focus on simplicity and performance. Its shallow draft allows access to shallow waters, and the open deck layout enhances the onboard experience. However, potential owners should be aware that the Tiki 38 may not perform as well to windward as more modern designs, and the interior accommodations are more basic compared to contemporary catamarans. Additionally, the construction process requires a significant time investment, with estimates ranging from 2,200 hours for experienced builders.
Conclusion
Small sailing catamarans offer a wonderful balance between performance, comfort, and versatility, making them ideal choices for various types of sailors. From the speedy and fun Hobie 16 to the traditional design of the Wharram Tiki 38, there is a catamaran for nearly every need and sailing style. Whether you’re seeking a recreational boat for day trips, a more spacious cruising vessel, or a sturdy boat for offshore voyages, these six catamarans represent the best in the small catamaran category.
When choosing the right small catamaran, consider factors like intended use, sailing experience, and comfort needs. Each of the boats discussed here brings something unique to the table, ensuring that sailors of all preferences can find a vessel that meets their expectations.
