Catamaran vs Monohull

A monohull gets its stability from a heavy keel under the hull. When the wind fills the sails, it leans over, or heels. A moderate heel is normal and safe, and many sailors enjoy it, but it means moving around with care, keeping things stowed and cooking at an angle.

A catamaran rests on two hulls set wide apart, so it stays close to level under sail. Drinks stay on the table and walking around the deck feels much like walking on a terrace. For guests who are nervous about the idea of a leaning yacht, this is often the deciding factor.

Width is the catamaran's big advantage. For the same length, it usually has a much larger cockpit, a saloon on the same level as the cockpit with wide windows, and a big area of trampoline netting at the bow for lying in the sun. Shade is usually easier to find, too.

A monohull's living space is narrower. The saloon sits below deck, reached by a short companionway ladder, and the cockpit is the main social area. Space is cosier, which some groups like and others find tight over a week. Our guide to cabins, bathrooms and space on board goes into what to expect day to day.

On a catamaran, cabins are typically in the two hulls, often at each corner, which puts some distance between them. Many charter catamarans have a bathroom (called a head on a yacht) for each cabin or close to it.

On a monohull, cabins are usually at the bow and stern, with the saloon between them. Heads are often shared between cabins, and the cabins at the bow can be more tapered in shape. Layouts vary widely by model, so look at the plan for the yacht you would actually be sailing on. See our yachts for the vessels on offer.

Monohulls usually point higher into the wind and give more feedback through the helm. You feel the yacht pick up speed in a gust and settle as it eases. For people who want to learn to sail, or who enjoy the sensation of sailing itself, that feel is a big part of the appeal.

Catamarans are fast on some points of sail, especially with the wind behind or across them, but give less feedback and tend to be less efficient sailing upwind. On light-wind days, both types often use the engine to reach the next harbour in good time.

In practice, the skipper chooses the course and how much to sail or motor based on wind, weather and the day's plan. Read about what the skipper does.

The two types move differently, and people respond to that differently.

• Monohull: heels steadily under sail and rolls more slowly. The motion is often described as smoother and more predictable once you are used to it, especially when the sails are up.
• Catamaran: heels very little, but in a short, steep chop the motion can be quicker and jerkier, as each hull meets the waves separately.

If you are prone to seasickness, our guide to seasickness on a sailing trip covers where to sit on each type and what helps most.

Catamarans are wide, which matters in harbour. In busy Croatian marinas and town quays, a berth for a catamaran can be harder to find and is often priced higher than one for a monohull of the same length, because it takes up more space.

Catamarans usually draw less water than monohulls, so they can anchor in shallower bays closer to the beach. Monohulls with a deep keel need a little more depth. Both use the same marinas, town quays and mooring buoys along the Dalmatian coast. Our guide to marinas and town quays explains how a typical evening berth works.

Ask yourself what matters most to your group:

• If comfort, space, privacy and a level deck are top of the list, a catamaran is often the easier choice.
• If you want the feel of sailing, or want to learn, a monohull often gives more of that.

Cost depends on the yacht, the season and what is included, so compare the total price of each option rather than the hull type. And because two yachts of the same type can differ a lot, base your decision on the actual yacht assigned to your departure. Check dates and prices for what is available.