A Trusted Source For Boating Information Since 2019

Can A Catamaran Cross The Atlantic Ocean? 7 PoInts To Consider Before Adventure!

Can a catamaran cross the Atlantic? Find out at Boating.Guide

Disclaimer: You might notice that we recommend products in some articles. We may earn a commission for referring you if you click the link and buy a product.

We only recommend products we’ve tried/tested/own (that’s why you won’t find thousands of affiliate links on my site). If you have experience with one of the products we’ve mentioned, please share your experiences in the comments at the end.

Advertisement

Top-rated trolling motors on Amazon

Can A Catamaran Cross The Atlantic Ocean?

Catamarans come in many sizes and for different uses, from personal watercraft to yachts and even ferries. However, can a catamaran cross the Atlantic Ocean with those two hulls? That’s the question we intend to answer, and the results might surprise you!

Catamarans are suitable for long-distance travel due to several advantages in their design. Specifically, cruise catamarans are the best for great-distance travel, among other types, and these can cross the Atlantic Ocean. 

Are Catamarans Good For Long-Distance Travel? Can A Catamaran Cross The Atlantic?

Catamarans are known for their two hulls and wide beam. This design induces stability, increased buoyancy, high speed, and motion comfort. Additionally, the wide beam ensures space in catamarans for food provisions and supplies storage suited for long-distance travel. 

The high speed of catamarans can outrun storms, and their stability reduces the chances of the vessel capsizing. Interestingly, the Seacat Hoverspeed Great Britain catamaran performed a nearly three-day journey and was known to be the fastest sea crossing of the Atlantic in 1990. Hence, catamarans are reliable and safe for long-distance travel. (source)

There are several advantages of catamarans used for long-distance travel, which are attributed below. 

Advertisement

Top-rated fish finders on Amazon

Heeling

Catamarans tend to experience very little to no heeling, thereby allowing the ship to usually stay flat on the water when exposed to wavy sea conditions. Consequently, this allows the passengers and crew to accomplish activities and tasks commonly rather than uncomfortably at an angle. (source)

Rolling

The rolling (i.e., potential movement from side to side) of ships varies according to design. The more rolling a ship experiences, the higher the tendency of passengers to experience motion sickness. However, the double hull of catamarans often does not sway from side to side in a swell. (source)

Stability And Comfort

Catamarans are known for stability - always good for entertaining onboard. Find out more at Boating.Guide.
Can A Catamaran Cross The Atlantic Ocean? You need a stable craft – and the more giant cats offer that.

Consequently, the little to no rolling of catamarans promote better sea comfort to passengers who often do not experience motion sickness. Additionally, a significant reduction in heeling and rolling factors causes catamaran vessels to have more stability. (source)

Wide Living Space

The platform connecting the two hulls of catamarans provides more potential space for leisure and comfort to both passengers and crew. For example, open decks may be established for whale watching and fishing activities. Additionally, hammocks may be deployed for passengers to sunbathe. (source)

Privacy

Additionally, one may also build closed decks on catamaran platforms. For example, one can allocate more deck space to passenger cabins which can induce more privacy for family and friends while resting. (source)

Shallow Draft

The double-hull configuration of catamarans allows them to have a wide beam and a lighter weight distribution. It enables catamarans to enter shallow water environments like coral reef areas. Passengers may then enjoy SCUBA diving, snorkeling, and swimming in such places. (source)

Additionally, for convenience, you can do emergency maintenance (e.g., damaged hull) on beaches or other shallow areas. 

Advertisement

Top-rated boat gps on Amazon

Two Engines

The two hulls of catamarans can accommodate twin engines. Twin engines can induce more speed. Also, one engine failure would not compromise the movement and safety of a catamaran as one engine can still function. (source)

Interestingly, twin engines can allow a catamaran to maneuver a 360-degree turn which is a tremendous advantage in close-spaced terminals/marinas. 

Can A Catamaran Cross The Atlantic Ocean? Well, They Are Difficult To Sink, So…

Catamarans are challenging to sink due to the twin hull configuration keeping the vessel positively buoyant. Even if one hull is damaged, the remaining hull can keep the boat afloat. (source)

Fuel Consumption 

Catamarans can be designed as hybrids that enable these vessels to use solar, wind, and fuel energy generators for propulsion. Hence, catamarans tend to save more fuel than their monohull counterparts. (source)

Environmentally Friendly

As catamarans can be hybrids, these vessels may alternatively use energy sources (i.e., solar, wind, and fuel) for propulsion. Therefore, these vessels are more eco-friendly during long-distance travel. (source

Types Of Catamaran

There are several types of catamarans for different purposes of sailing, such as:

  1. Racing catamarans
  2. Beach catamarans
  3. Cruising catamarans 

The cruising catamaran is suitable for long-distance travel or anywhere around the world. This catamaran type can manage rough sea conditions and have particular perks more suited for the journey than the other types. 

Advertisement

Top-rated boat seats on Amazon

Cruising Catamaran Attributes

Cruising catamarans have the following attributes which make them suitable for long-distance travel:

  • Positive buoyancy material
  • Watertight hatches
  • High-strength cockpit windows
  • Redundant systems (e.g., bilge pumps, navigation lights, radios)

These attributes lead to a safer and more reliable long-distance sea-faring vessel. Additionally, these attributes are not available in racing and beach-type catamarans. 

Can A Catamaran Cross The Atlantic Ocean? Let’s Talk Duration.

The duration of crossing the Atlantic by catamarans varies according to weather conditions, vessel speed, and route. The journey may take approximately 2-4 weeks with an average speed of 9-10 knots. 

However, little or no wind support during several days may cause an extension for a few days in travel. 

Hence, the best choice would be to allocate one month’s worth of food provisions and supplies to account for unfavorable weather conditions and the well-being of passengers and crew. 

Route Planning 

It would be best if you carefully plan routes to ensure safety. Modern technology can now easily map out the ideal route for the journey, especially if choosing routes to get to destination/s faster. Weather forecasts can also aid in which route to take or avoid. 

Crossing The Atlantic In Winter

The enclosed and high-strength cockpit of catamarans protects them from winter and rainy weather elements. Hence, catamarans are safer to sail than monohulls during winter. Additionally, catamaran crews can operate their vessels from inside or outside enclosed cockpits, as with winches and sails, which can also be automated. 

Advertisement

Top-rated boat bumpers on Amazon

Catamaran Flooding

Catamarans have excellent compartments, with the cockpit high beyond the waterline. For example, one hull is damaged and needs to be fixed immediately. Yet, the boat is not entirely in danger of flooding as one hull can keep certain parts of the vessel afloat. 

Hence, the cockpit could be challenging to be flooded from the hulls and is the main reason catamarans do not usually sink. 

Catamaran Safety Equipment

Can a catamaran cross the Atlantic safely? The answer is yes, with the right-sized ship, the right crew, and the proper safety equipment. The vast deck space of catamarans allows for storage of high-tech contained life rafts and emergency supplies. This makes them ideal for such an adventure.

Catamaran Speed

The high-speed capability of catamarans also contributes to safety. For example, a catamaran can outrun rough weather conditions due to its high speed, which is potentially and simultaneously generated from twin engine power and wind (i.e., through the deployment of sails) energy. (source)

Risk Of Injury

There is a high risk of injuries onboard catamarans, especially in rough weather conditions. Additionally, tools and equipment can be hazardous if encountered by accident. It is essential to ensure the storage of first aid medical kits and to address passenger/s and crew who may be injured during the journey. (source)

Summary

Overall, catamaran attributes on heeling, rolling, stability and comfort, vast living space, privacy, shallow draft, two engines, hard to sink, fuel consumption, and eco-friendly potential allow these sea vessels to be well suited for long-distance travel, thereby fit for crossing the Atlantic Ocean. 

Cruise catamarans are the most ideal for crossing the Atlantic Ocean. Additionally, essential considerations must be made on the following factors: route planning, crossing the Atlantic during winter, flooding, safety equipment, and speed. 

Advertisement

Top-rated boat anchors on Amazon
  • Crab Island by Pontoon: A Fun Watery Boating Guide Destination in 2023

    Crab island isn’t an island at all, but an underwater sandbar that’s become the Mecca of boat relaxing and watery good times. Learn more at www.Boating.Guide.

  • Upgrade Your Boating Experience: Adding a Third Pontoon Made Easy!

    Advertisement As the sun sets over the tranquil waters, the gentle hum of the engine and the soft lapping of waves against the hull create a symphony of serenity. Boating enthusiasts know there’s nothing like being out on the water, surrounded by nature’s beauty. But what if we told you you could take your boating…

  • How Long Does It Take A Canoe To Go… (Canoe Calculator Here)

    Advertisement You asked, and we answered: Here’s a calculator to determine how long your canoe trip will take. The calculator uses the average speed of an average canoe in calm water. Here it is: The Canoe Trip Time Calculator: Canoe Trip Calculator Enter the distance: Kilometers Miles Calculate Advertisement Canoe Articles & Information replica rolex…

  1. Fernandez, R.P. and Redondo, F.A.G. On the origin, foundational designs, and first manufacture of the modern catamaran. Internation Journal of Maritime History, NA (2022) NA. doi: https://doi.org/10.1177/08438714221075417, Accessed July 16, 2022 
  2. Luhulima, R.B., Setyawan, D. and Utama, IKAP Selecting monohull, catamaran, and trimaran as suitable passenger vessels based on stability and seakeeping criteria. The 14th International Ship Stability Workshop (ISSW), September 29 – October 1, 2014, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia., Accessed July 16, 2022 
  3. De Melo, G. and Echevarrieta, I. Improving the efficiency of a high-speed catamaran by replacing the propulsion system. The International Journal on Marine Navigation and Safety of Sea Transportation, NA, NA (2015) NA., Accessed July 16, 2022 
  4. Deakin, B. An experimental evaluation of the stability criteria of the HSC code. International Conference on Fast Sea Transportation FAST 2005, June 2005, St. Petersburg, Russia., Accessed July 16, 2022 
  5. Ferry, M., Wan Nik, W.B., Ahmad, M.F., Gasperz, F. and Manuputty, M. Comparative study of hybrid catamaran versus diesel monohull boat as a ferry for short distances routes. Indonesian Journal of Naval Architecture, Vol 1., No.1 (2013): NA., Accessed July 16, 2022 
  6. Sunardi, Efani A., Oktiyas, M.L. Design of the eco-friendly shallow draft fishing vessel. Research Journal of Life Science, Vol. 2, No. 3 (2015): 199-204., Accessed July 17, 2022 
  7. Dzan, W., Chang, S. and Hsu, K. Designing and building a catamaran and its stability analysis. 2nd International Conference on Robot, Vision and Signal Processing, 10-12 December 2013, Kitakyushu, Japan., Accessed July 17, 2022 
  8. Santosa, P. The configuration of engine-sail catamaran fishing vessel. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, NA (2019) doi:10.1088/1757-899X/462/1/012008, Accessed July 17, 2022 
  9. Luger, T.J., Peham, D., Mayr, B., Gromer, G., Raab, H. and Luger, M.F. Emergency preparedness and long-distance leisure catamaran sailing. Science & Sports, Vol. 26, No. 3 (2011): 174-178., Accessed July 17, 2022 

replicarolex

Advertisement

Top-rated kayak accessories on Amazon

Share this post with your friends

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Join us in our love for all things water. And Adventure.

Planning some Pontoon Boat DIY? Learn more at Boating.Guide.

Upgrade Your Boating Experience: Adding a Third Pontoon Made Easy!

Advertisement As the sun sets over the tranquil waters, the gentle hum of the engine and the soft lapping of waves against the hull create a symphony of serenity. Boating enthusiasts know there’s nothing like being out on the water, surrounded by nature’s beauty. But what if we told you you could take your boating

Read More »
Do Kayaks Tip Easily? Find out at Boating.Guide.

Do Kayaks Tip Easily?

Advertisement Do kayaks tip easily? I wondered this myself when I first started kayaking years ago. Learning to kayak is like learning to ride a bicycle. It would be best to learn how to balance a position that may not be part of everyday life. It is a learned sense of balance that only comes

Read More »
Life Jackets

Boating Safety – Life Vest And Life Jacket Types

Boating is one of the greatest pastimes of our day. There’s something about the water and sun that will fill you with so much joy that it seems like a taste of heaven. Boating is going to give you so many unforgettable experiences. The kinds of experiences that you can’t get anywhere else. This is why if you are considering getting into boating, you should go for it.

Read More »
Mooring ropes on a sailing vessel.

Rope Types Every Boater Should Know

Rope can come in a variety of sizes, colors, and types. It can be made from any fibrous, stringy, and obviously long-stranded materials. For boating, depending upon the purpose of the rope, there are a variety of different types that you will encounter.

Read More »
A bass boat driven up onto the beach from shallow water is shown in this file photo

Are Bass Boats Good For Shallow Water?

As fishermen, we know the importance of being able to navigate your boat in shallow waters. After all, the shallows will present a lot of opportunities to make a nice catch. But it’s essential to know the limitations of your boat. If you get too engrossed in fighting the fish, you can quickly bring the vessel too close to the shore.

Read More »
Can You Use A Bass Boat In Saltwater?

Can You Use A Bass Boat In Saltwater?

Advertisement Bass boat in saltwater? Really? Going fishing on a fine sunny day might come to your mind. However, you only have a bass boat as your best companion. It leaves you to question if you can use your boat in saltwater? Saltwater contains a tremendous amount of salt, as the name suggests. This salt

Read More »
Scroll to Top