If you’re planning a boat charter around the stunning islands of St. Martin, Anguilla and St. Barts, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to choose a catamaran vs. sailboat (monohull) for your day out at sea.
Both types of boats offer unique sailing experiences, but if comfort, space, and stability are top of your list, especially as a recreational charter guest, you’ll want to understand what sets them apart.
At Pyratz SXM, all the boats from our fleet are luxurious sailing and motor catamarans for a good reason: while both monohull sailboats and catamarans have their merits, for someone visiting St. Martin and looking for a fun time on a boat, a catamaran offers more comfort, space and stability, making it the perfect choice for travelers seeking relaxation and adventure at sea.
However, let’s break down the difference between catamaran vs sailboat, compare their pros and cons, and help you decide what’s right for your Caribbean escape.
What is a sailboat (monohull)?
A sailboat or monohull is the traditional, single-hull vessel most people imagine when they think of classic sailing. With one long, slender hull and a weighted keel for balance, monohulls are built for agility and performance on the water.
Pros and cons of a monohull sailboat
Pros of a sailboat (monohull):
- Iconic, traditional sailing experience
- Generally better upwind performance
- Self-righting in rough weather
- More maneuverable under sail
Cons of a sailboat (monohull):
- Constant heeling (tilting) while sailing, which can be tiring for guests
- Less interior and deck space
- Tendency to roll at anchor in swells
- Less stable for walking, dining, and lounging
- Limited redundancy in systems like engines and rudders
- Deeper draft restricts access to shallow anchorages
While monohulls are fantastic for experienced sailors chasing adventure, classic sailboats are typically less comfortable for recreational guests who just want to relax, soak up the sun, and explore hidden coves with ease.
What is a catamaran?
A catamaran is a multihull boat with two parallel hulls connected by a spacious deck. Modern catamarans are designed for stability, space, and smooth sailing.
Pros and cons of a catamaran
Pros of a Catamaran:
- Superior stability: No heeling, minimal rolling, and a steady, level platform
- Spacious deck and interiors: Ideal for dining, lounging, and onboard gastronomy (check out our exclusive dining experiences!)
- Shallow draft: Anchor close to shore in secluded spots others can’t reach
- Safer and more comfortable for families and groups
- Easy boarding from the water or dinghy
- Twin engines and redundancies for added safety (if one engines has a failure, you can still sail and make it to harbour with the other engine)
- Excellent deck space for extras like floating mattresses and sea-bobs
Cons of a Catamaran:
- Slightly lower upwind sailing performance compared to monohulls
- Larger beam may limit docking options in some tight marinas (not an issue around St. Martin!)
- Turns are slower and the boat loses impulse easier
In general, the few disadvantages of a catamaran are related only to performance and speed, and for recreational use, all the advantages (stability, deck space, easier boarding…) compensate by far any possible disadvantages.
Catamarans vs sailboat: catamarans win for luxury and recreational charters
Want to experience the ultimate Caribbean getaway? Check out our luxury boat charters in St Martin.
We work in 3 different Caribbean Islands, so check also boat charters by departing island:
