News and Events

Difference Between Yachts and Catamarans

30 March 22

If you’re new to yachts you might be looking for some clarity on the different types of vessels. Whether you’re new to the boating world or just looking for a refresh, we’ve put together a quick summary to help you understand the key differences. Yachts can be sailing yachts or motor-powered and generally come with the connotation of luxury. A Catamaran is a type of yacht with multiple hulls and because of this, they tend to be wider with more space on board.

What Is A Yacht?

A yacht is a vessel that’s either a sailing yacht or a motor-powered yacht that can range from 10 meters long up to over a hundred feet like our 2023 Ocean Alexander 35R Tri-Level Motoryacht. There’s no universally agreed-upon definition for determining a Superyacht. However, they can generally be defined by having a crew and a load line length of 24 meters plus.

 

All yachts are boats, but not all boats are yachts. Compared with a boat, a yacht is generally fancier and functions for relaxation and comfort rather than work like a fishing boat for example. They’re recreational and associated with luxury because they’re light and fast. 

 

The word “yacht” comes from the Dutch word “jacht” meaning hunter. They were traditionally used by the Dutch navy as a fast means to hunt down enemies and pirates in the 16th Century. They became more popular for recreational boating and by the 19th Century, they had become synonymous with luxury.

 

What Is A Catamaran?

A catamaran is a multi-hulled vessel, typically featuring two parallel hulls in contact with the water connected by a bridge deck. You’re likely pretty familiar with these designs due to the sleek style and gap between the hulls. They’re big and comfortable with spacious interiors. They also tend to be a bit more comfortable due to the additional hulls so they don’t heel in strong winds or waves.

 

The term “catamaran” comes from India. The original Tamil word “kattumaram” means “logs bound together”. They were built for fishing communities in Southern India and they quickly became a popular vessel throughout the world. It was in the 20th Century that they really became bona fide yachts and entered racing competitions.

 

Alexander Marine Australia offers a wide range of motor yachts, both new and premium brokerage. If you’re interested in getting into luxury boating or curious about a new vessel, our experienced staff can help you along each step of the journey with extensive knowledge to find a catamaran, sailboat or yacht to fit your lifestyle. Contact us today and turn your dreams into reality.