Which one should I choose?
If you are reading this it is because you are planning to do a yacht charter somewhere in the world, but you are not sure what type of boat you will have the best time with on your vacation, a sailboat or a catamaran. Don’t worry, here I will explain to you, based on my experience as a charter skipper for more than 10 years and owner of a boat rental company, the pros and cons of each of them.
There are many factors that depend on this decision, since renting a boat in Mallorca is not the same as renting a boat in the Canary Islands or the Caribbean.
It also depends on your experience as a skipper/captain and above all on the plan that you and your crew follow.
Catamaran Charter vs Monohull
While it is true that a catamaran offers more space and therefore more comfort, it also offers more stability, rolling is one of the things that usually matters most when renting a boat. But here come the buts, a catamaran does not sail the same way as a sailboat, if you intend to sail, that is, heel the boat and enjoy pure navigation without a motor, the catamaran will not sail as well, since the wind will blow it down a lot because it does not have a daggerboard or keel. A monohull will sail much better in both rough and good seas.
Catamaran rental vs sailboat in the Canary Islands
If what you are looking for is to rent a Catamaran in the Canary Islands, no problem, you can rent it, but make sure that the route you want to follow will be with strong winds and waves, that is, that they enter through a beam and from there to the stern, this way you ensure comfort in navigation. In addition, you will be able to sleep at anchor with greater stability, important since waves are common in the Canary Islands. Above all, I recommend renting the catamaran on the islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, as there are better anchorages and crystal clear waters as well as strong northeasterly winds. Find out about our organized catamaran routes
The Canary Islands are one of the first paradises in the world for pro sailing due to its constant northeasterly winds and warm weather conditions throughout the year. So if you really want to sail in the Canary Islands, I recommend renting a monohull to jump from island to island in the fastest and most efficient way.
Catamaran vs sailboat rental in Mallorca
If what you are looking for is to rent a Catamaran in Mallorca, in my opinion it is highly recommended, the sea is calm and there are no long navigations, a catamaran will allow you to anchor near the coast thanks to its reduced draft.
But as I said before it always depends on your plans.
A catamaran is more expensive than a sailboat, the price is higher, the ports will charge you twice as much (since it takes up two spaces), you will consume twice as much fuel (two engines) and navigation is more uncomfortable, but you will enjoy anchoring much more, so if your plan is to visit the coves of Mallorca spending a lot of time at anchor without needing to sail much and with a high budget, then I recommend renting a catamaran.
If your plan is to sail, take advantage of the 15 to 20 knot breezes that exist in the Mediterranean, enter ports to visit coastal towns, but also anchor in coves and with a smaller budget, then a monohull is your best choice.
