catamaran double masted

Solstice 35m Twin Mast Cruising Catamaran

Solstice is a conceptual catamaran designed by Yacht and Superyacht designer Andrew Trujillo. The British based designer conceived the yacht as a result of conversations with a Naval Architect friend of his who was currently testing a small twin mast recreational Catamaran.

“The conversation fired my imagination and brought to mind an old university project.  I recall that at University I had designed a catamaran and quite early on I realised that the conventional central placement of masts on the majority of Catamarans, although practical for most applications, is not ideal from a structural point of view.

I have had the chance and privilege to be involved in a catamaran project with a very respected production catamaran manufacturer of late and I thought it would be fun to try something a little experimental for myself. Naturally, twin rig catamarans are not new, with many racing and performance examples available, but I thought a cruising cat would be an interesting conceptual challenge, hence Solstice….”

7 Popular Sailboats with Two Masts (With Pictures & Prices)

Sailboats can come with one, two, or even more masts. You can also have different-sized masts placed on the front, back, or middle of your vessel.

Below, I have listed popular sailboats that have two masts.

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Check also: Average sailboat price examples .

Things to Know About Sailboats With Two Masts

When looking for sailboats with two masts, you should know what you are looking for. A Ketch is one type of sailboat with two masts.

Knowing this term can help you to nail down your search when looking for a boat with two masts.

These boats come in many shapes and sizes as well as many different types of designs. Generally, these types of boats have the taller mast being forward and the smaller mast near the aft.

Yawls are also boats that feature two masts.

These also come in multiple types and designs. The difference between the Ketch and the Yawl is that the Yawl has the larger mast in the aft instead of forward. They also have smaller sails and can be easier to handle.

Another type of sailing ship that features two masts is a Brigantine.

This ship has mixed sailing rigs which commonly features squared sails on the front part of the ship and triangular sails on the back of the ship.

These boats are often larger and require more people to handle them.

7 Great Used Boats with Two Masts

There are many benefits to used boats including a lower cost. You can get a larger boat for a lower cost if you choose to buy used.

When looking at used boats, you need to make sure you look at the boat and its features thoroughly to make sure everything is in great working order.

If you do not feel confident that you can properly look over a used vessel, you can even hire a marine inspector to look it over and let you know of any potential issues or needed repairs. You can use this assessment to decide what is worth it, or if the needed repairs fall into the budget.

It is much more common for a used boat to have more than one mast. This is because the newer sailboat models are creating their new designs with just one mast.

One mast ships are easier to handle and manage so new designs are trying to optimize design and ease of sailing.

Below are great used sailboats with two masts which I have arranged by price .

1. 1976 Westerly Center Cockpit Ketch

This 1976 Westerly Center Cockpit Ketch is a small 36-foot long sailboat with two masts. This is a solidly built cruising vessel that features a center cockpit ketch layout.

This boat has a small 38 horsepower engine perfectly fit to navigate its smaller size.

The interior features 1 single berth and 3 double berths all in 3 cabins. This boat also has 2 full heads onboard.

You also have a full galley with a 4 burner stove, refrigerator and freezer, stainless steel sink, and microwave oven.

This boat makes great use of limited space and offers many amenities in a much smaller frame.

Price: $37,000.00

2. 1978 Jeanneau Gin Fizz

The 1978 Jeanneau Gin Fizz is a trusted and popular two-masted design capable of crossing the Atlantic Ocean .

This boat is also very spacious for a boat that is only 38 feet in length. This model also won an award for “security, comfort, ease of handling, and ability to handle varying conditions.”

This particular used model has been well maintained and upgraded over the years.

This boat is great for family cruising, offshore passages, and even racing.

This boat features a 50 horsepower engine to help navigation.

Inside you can find 2 cabins and 1 head. You will be highly comfortable with air conditioning and other interior luxuries.

Price: $46,000.00

3. 1979 Freedom 40

The Freedom 40 is a classically designed centerboard ketch with two masts. This boat is a great sailor loaded for cruising on the wide-open blue water.

This sailboat is 40 feet in length and features accommodations for six people that include a double-v berth, another double berth, and two single berths.

There is also a full head that can be accessed both from the main salon and aft cabin.

This boat was recently painted and features newer interior fabrics, forced air heating, and much more.

You can find a dinette with separate freezer and refrigeration compartments, a stove with an oven and broiler, a double stainless steel sink, plenty of storage, and other interior features.

This boat also comes with an outboard motor with 50 horsepower and a hard bottom inflatable dinghy.

Price: $54,900.00

4. 1977 Puma 38 Ketch

The Puma 38 Ketch is a two-masted sailboat built for racing like the rest of the Puma sailing line. This brand prides itself on speed and maneuverability.

The 1977 Puma 38 is 34 feet in length with a backup diesel engine that can help you get where you need to go as well as docking into a slip. This motor features more horsepower than the average sailboat with 45 horsepower.

Features on this vessel include autopilot, electrical and manual bilge pumps, a full marine head, running hot water, and refrigerator.

This boat is made of fiberglass with teak finishes and looks well kept. You can find this boat in Spain if you are interested in purchasing it.

Price: $66,099.00

5. 1973 Morgan Out Island 41

Originally designed by Charley Morgan, the Morgan Out Island 41 is a center cockpit shoal-draft cruiser that features two masts.

This larger boat is 41 feet 3 inches in length and features many amenities.

This boat is the tri-cabin version and features interior heating, pressurized hot and cold water, a 2 burner gas oven, and a fridge.

This boat also seats up to 7 in the 3 cabins and the saloon. There are also 2 full heads on this vessel.

This boat is even equipped with an inboard motor . Inboard motors are easier when it comes to navigation including backing up, which is generally hard for sailboats to do.

Price: $68,596.00

6. 1970 Hinckley Bermuda 40

This 1970 Hinckley Bermuda 40 is a gorgeous two-masted boat painted with a mixture of desert sand and oyster white on the exterior and features a beautiful and well-kept deck.

This boat has previously had all her systems replaced and upgraded and features a 40 horsepower engine that was new in 2014.

This boat features a mahogany interior and sleeps up to 6 people in 2 cabins. You can also find a 3 burner propane stove with oven, fridge and compressor, new countertops and plenty of storage.

This boat is a stunning and highly upgraded “must-see” at a very reasonable price.

Price: $129,500.00

7. 1995 Amel Super Maramu

A newer model of sailboat is the 1995 Amel Super Maramu sailboat. This sailboat has two masts and is very long at 53 feet.

This boat features an aft deck, steps molded right into the hull, well-protected cockpit an many other features. This boat has a large 76 horsepower engine which is more than the average sailboat is equipped with.

Inside, this boat features 2 cabins and 2 heads with showers. There is also plenty of storage, air conditioning , and electric heaters. There is also a nice salon and galley with a refrigerator, dishwasher, chest freezer, microwave oven, 3 burner stove, and other appliances.

This boat is great for multiple days out on the water and is new and updated. Because of the year, this was manufactured and the features, this boat has a larger price tag than the previous models.

Price: $299,990.00

Final Thoughts:

Sailboats are a great way to enjoy a day out at sea. Most sailboat models come with sleeping arrangements and even a kitchen. This makes them ideal for trips that will take more than a day.

Having multiple masts allows you to harness the power of the wind better and can increase your speed and directional capabilities.

There are many great choices when it comes to boats with two masts, but newer models are starting to steer away from double mast designs. This does not mean that you cannot get a good boat with two masts.

Used boats can be great choices when it comes to purchasing a boat. This is even more true with large, yacht boats such as the ones listed above.

Just make sure when you buy a used sailboat you check that everything is intact and in good working order and if it is not, you have allotted space in the budget to fix what is needed.

Your new double-masted sailboat should provide you with plenty of long-lasting memories and adventures out on the water while you connect with the wind and the sea.

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Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Best catamaran and multihull: We sail the very best yachts on two and three hulls

• Toby Hodges
• March 20, 2024

Toby Hodges takes a look at all the nominees and the winner of the best catamaran and multihull category in the much-anticipated European Yacht of the Year Awards

There are many categories in the  European Yacht of the Year  awards, from the best  luxury yachts  and  performance yachts  to the  best yachts for families  and event a  best specialist yacht category. But with multihulls rapidly increasing in popularity, the best catamaran and multihull category was possibly the most hotly anticipated.

The small number of entrants in this category in no way reflects the rich range or huge demand for multihulls. Many new models were launched by the big yards in the preceding years and they’re struggling to keep up with bulging order books.

However, these three shortlisted represented a choice pick of the latest fast cruisers and each, in their own very different ways, are responding to this insatiable demand for high end space and pace cruising.

Best catamaran and multihull

Best catamaran and multihull winner 2024 – outremer 52.

My highlight test of 2023? Sailing this Outremer 52 for 200 miles over two days and nights! Quite how such a large vessel, one that is capable of doing laps of the planet in true comfort, is also capable of providing such enjoyable sailing is the secret sauce that helps scoop this prize.

And it was pushed hard for this award by the disruptive HH. But the Outremer is such a well rounded, measured and thought out yacht for bluewater cruising at a reliable speed – it’s the full package, a dream boat for family bluewater sailing and arguably the French yard’s best and most refined model to date.

Designer VPLP was tasked with replacing the popular and well proven 51 with more comfort and stowage, while maintaining the performance. It says it took the best of the 55 (which won this award two years ago), and the best of the 51’s deck plan to create this 52. The result means too many good features to point out here, from the variety of helm positions, including a completely protected position inboard using the swing pedestal, to the well conceived spaces. I’d therefore recommend reading our full test report online or in YW’s June 2023 issue!

Neel continues to enjoy its cruising trimaran niche, using the wow factor of bridgedeck accommodation combined with the type of sailing enjoyment and feedback monohull sailors appreciate.

The impressive lightwind performance and direct feel of a Neel I am used to. But I don’t think I’ve ever been so surprised by the amount of cabins or space as I was on this 52. It’s available with four to six cabins plus the option for two crew cabins aft! Some of this maze works well, other areas, such as the forward cabins in the main hull not quite so well. Horizon and rig sightlines and some finishing also leaves room for improvement.

The HH44 seemingly manages to achieve the space and pace balance in a compact 45ft package, while also being one of the most innovative and exciting new production yachts I have sailed. From its looks to layout, to practical on deck solutions such as swing pedestals, side gates through the bulwarks and transom gates that double as swim platforms and boost cockpit security, it’s packed with fresh thinking.

And on the subject of ‘fresh’, the natural ventilation encouraged into the yacht through those massive forward facing coachroof windows which open – a feat made possible thanks to a stiff carbon composite structure – negates any aircon requirements.

With its deep carbon boards and tall carbon rig the HH44 is a powerful, reactive animal to sail. However, it’s the incorporation of the first parallel hybrid electric drive units which really makes this high tech high performance cat stand out. The electric motors are attached to the aft end of conventional diesel engines, not only providing silent power, but renewable energy through regenerative drives while sailing.

Best catamaran and multihull 2023

Best catamaran winner – nautitech 44.

If the very best catamaran delivers the ideal comfort to performance compromise, here’s a catamaran that seems to strike the perfect balance.

For those who cite a lack of visibility and protection as reasons not to choose this aft helm route, try sailing this first – direct steering brings so much more helming pleasure that you get the enjoyable feeling and communication more associated with a monohull. The attention to keeping weight low and central, vacuum infused vinylester build and a low coachroof and boom all aid this performance. The fine entry Lombard-designed hulls allowed us to properly point upwind at 8 knots (in 13), but it was the hands-on steering sensation that really stayed with me.

While there’s no real inside/outside boundary – the saloon bridges both – the Chedal-Anglay interior design works well. It is not as voluminous as some, but is certainly enough to be smugly comfortable at anchor, finished to a good quality, with walnut Alpi trim as standard. The layout option for a ‘smart room’ office/laundry/bunk room or stowage cabin is indeed really smart.

Out of all the multihulls nominated or sailed last year, this cat impressed me the most under sail. It’s the ideal size to go distance sailing, with good performance, low draught and space for family and friends. It had me dreaming.

Balance 482

I was drawn to the Balance 482, thanks to the combination of good looking modern design, high average speeds and, chiefly, the profusion of clever thinking and practical ideas that it brings. The South African build uses a foam core with E-glass laminate and cored furniture for a light weight of 11.3 tonnes, but also with the ability to take a generous payload.

An electric furler option combined with screecher sail helps offer effortless handling and fun sailing, although the 482 prefers a breeze in the double figures. Smart options such as load cells on the rigging, a bowsprit camera to monitor the anchor chain, plus engine room and mast cams all help for maintaining vigilance. Other features we like include the solar panels properly installed on raised brackets, raincatchers built into the coachroof, and how all sheets and lines are led to the helm station. But the prize solution is the VersaHelm, which allows you to swing the wheel inboard, close off the helm station, and stand watch and steer from a fully protected position.

Catana Ocean Class

The Catana Ocean Class is a bulky model which is geared more towards creature comforts than the higher performance of its predecessors. That said, it uses carbon in the structure and roof, foam cored furniture, the tanks are mounted low in the hulls and it has daggerboards and fine entry bows. The weight savings help it offer a massive 5.5 tonne cruising payload, plus there’s capacious stowage and large tank, refrigeration and laundry capacity.

Positioned between Lagoon and Outremer, the Catana echoes a bit of its sister brand Bali’s concept with its internal cockpit-cum-saloon layout while providing good ventilation via large sliding doors and opening windows. We liked how it’s easy to handle solo from one helm station, including the electric remote control of the boards, plus the layout of the galley and navstation.

Those chasing speed and helming pleasure should perhaps look to the C-Cat 48, as it’s as close to helming a fast monohull as a cruising cat is likely to get and one of the rare times we enjoyed sailing upwind in light breezes on a multihull! This is largely thanks to a lightweight, stiff build – the Comar yard has managed to save 1.7 tonnes over the first boat (9.5 tonnes light) and increased the draught of the curved daggerboards to 2.95m.

A carbon roof and rig comes as standard, as well as an epoxy hull, full carbon deck, bulkheads and compression beam. It is a little quirky with comparatively small volumes, but this François Perus design will outperform most other performance cats and monohulls of a similar length.

The Excess 14 shares that direct sensation you get from aft helms and some of the performance of the C-Cat, but in a more balanced, voluminous layout for cruising. The Excess 14 benefits from the research of VPLP’s Vannes racing office, where attention was focused on weight reduction, with savings particularly in furniture, on improved stiffness (PET foam cored sandwich for main structural bulkheads), and the efficiency of deeper fixed keels.

The result is telling on the water, as it should be for any best catamaran contender, where you can log easy miles: we clocked late 7s upwind, reached in the late 8s and regularly averaged 9 knots with gennaker in 12-15 knots. Clear glass windows give acceptable visibility from the helms through the coachroof and the comparatively minimalist interior. In short it offers a good mix of volume, reasonable performance and enjoyable sailing – see our full review last month.

Sailing performance was another key facet in the battle of the big cats from the big cat yards, Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot. Both models offer luxurious amounts of space for home from home comfort, as watersports bases for long term cruising.

The decision to push the mast to the front of the coachroof to allow for a larger genoa than its recent preference for self-tacking jibs has paid off on the Lagoon 51. It helped us sail efficiently into the waves (albeit not pointing too high) before clocking double figures reaching with the code sail in 15 knots.

The Lagoon’s large flybridge with dual access is a USP at this size that will be a hit or miss deal breaker for many. The 51 offers unrivalled accommodation volume in three, four or six cabins, and relaxation zones, and good circulation through these big spaces. Once again the jury applauds Lagoon for thoroughly testing the prototype model during a six month tour. Over 100 have already sold.

We saw in our December issue how the experienced owners of the Fountaine Pajot test boat choose to live and work full time aboard their Aura 51. It’s a design that promotes space, enough to take friends, family and crucially for them, all the toys to enjoy at anchor. Its capability of averaging 8-10 knots also appeals, although the single side helm and hydraulic steering result in scant connection to the sailing in light winds (the same applies to the Lagoon).

The fact the yard already offers this in a hybrid version and has an electric and hydrogen model in the pipeline could sway some, but the decision between the FP and the Lagoon will likely come down to preference between a central flybridge or offset bulkhead helm together with interior design and layout.

If you enjoyed this….

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New 35m twin-masted catamaran superyacht concept, Solstice

Designer Andrew Trujillo has released this 35 metre twin-masted catamaran superyacht concept, Solstice .

She follows a 45 metre concept cat produced by Trujillo called Equinox and as with that idea, features strong environmental credentials and a layout planned to provide maximum privacy and quiet for the guests, within a 21 metre beam. The starboard pontoon is dedicated solely for guests, whilst the port pontoon is for use by crew for accommodation, laundry and the galley. Solstice has been designed to carry eight guests and between seven and 14 crew.

Trujillo, based in Shrewsbury in England, was inspired by talking to a naval architect friend who was testing a small twin mast leisure cat. He said, “The conversation fired my imagination and brought to mind an old university project. I had designed a catamaran and quite early on realised that the conventional central placement of masts on the majority of catamarans, although practical for most applications, is not ideal from a structural point of view.

“I have had the chance and privilege to be involved in a catamaran project with a very respected production catamaran manufacturer of late and I thought it would be fun to try something a little experimental for myself. Naturally, twin rig catamarans are not new, with many racing and performance examples available, but I thought a cruising cat would be an interesting conceptual challenge, hence Solstice .”

The 115ft sailing superyacht is conceived to be built in aluminium or GRP, said Trujillo. He said among the benefits of having two masts was that any twin-masted boat was able to carry shorter spars than a Marconi-rigged rival. “I understand that having smaller masts confers a number of advantages, in terms of handling and from a structural point of view,” Trujillo said. “Each mast is sited on a pontoon. This means that they are mounted on very rigidly and the compression loads are channeled on a part of the vessel that has plenty of structure and strength. A further advantage is that the vessel can sail effectively with rigging on just one of the masts, so she has an element of redundancy, which can be a definite bonus on a vessel designed to be capable of long-distance and global cruising.”

Cruising speed is estimated at 25 knots and the big cat features electric pod drive units which enhance maneuverability and create more space inside the hull. Two generators create the necessary electrical power to drive the boat when not under sail and will also cover the likely heavy energy consumption of the cat with a full compliment on board. The configuration would allow the vessel to work as a hybrid and if a suitable battery bank was installed, the boat could operate as an electrically powered vessel. She would also have the potential to use the prop as a generator when under sail, boosting her environmental credentials and extending her range.

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What’s a Boat with Two Masts Called: Two masted sailing boat types

Two-masted sailing boats will always have a special place in the hearts of many sailors. Many sailors consider two-masted sailing boats to be the most attractive and graceful of all sailing vessels. They have an obvious elegance, but what do you know about these two masted sailboats? Let’s find out!

Among the most important aspects are the fact that two-masted sailing boats offer greater sail balance, engineless sailing and more heavy weather options.

Even if the two masted sailboats are not so common, the sailing world has a few of them and what is more, they represent a proof of the evolution and improvement of sailing boats over time. There are an almost endless number of ways sailors have arranged their sails on boats over the years.

Two-masted sailing boats are classified according to the size and position of their masts.

There are different two-masted sailing boat types and two of the most popular are schooners and yawls.

The origins of schooner-rigged vessels are unknown, however there is evidence of them in paintings by Dutch maritime painters dating back to the early 17th century.

Schooners were developed by Northern European countries, while yawls are believed to be descended from the fishing boats of England.

Sailboats with two masts include yawls, ketches, schooners and brigs (known as brigantines). Yawls and ketches are both types of sloops, which means they have one mast, but the difference between them is that the yawl has a second mast stepped at the bow.

Ketches and Yawls have a lower mast, unlike schooners that have a taller aft mast, which is also known as mizzen. Ketch sailing boats have something specific: the aft mast is  located in front of the rudder post.

The yawl’s mizzenmast serves as a counterbalance for the jib sails, so that it doesn’t have to be hung from the forestay (the rope running from the top of the mast down to the deck). They’re usually smaller than ketches and have less rigging because they don’t carry as many sails as a sloop with two masts.

Yawls are faster sailboats than schooners because they’re lighter, more balanced and easier to sail upwind. They can also go faster because their shorter sails catch more wind. But schooners have larger payloads, which means more people or cargo — an important consideration for long trips without resupply.

Schooners are two-masted sailing boats, but instead of having a jib sail like yawls, ketches and most sloops, schooners have a fore-and-aft spanker sail like a gaff sailboat. These two-masted sailboats have at least two masts, the foremast being slightly shorter than the main mast.

Schooners are larger than yawls, ketches and other sloops and weren’t used very much in modern times because they were more difficult to handle. They’re still used in racing competitions today.

Schooners have a longer bow portion than yawls. The mainsail is aft of the mast, and either one or two foresails are in front of it. In a schooner, these are triangular sails; in a yawl, they’re trapezoidal. Yawls have bowsprits — poles that extend beyond the bow for the jib and stay sail to be attached. Schooners have small bowsprits that can support jibs but not large sails.

The term ketch derives from the word catch, which hints to how it got its name in the 17th century. Ketches were initially intended to meet the specific requirements of offshore net fishing.

Ketch is a type of sailboat that features two masts and two sails, commonly used as a racing and cruising boat. The mainmast of this two-masted sailboat is typically taller than the mizzen mast (aft-mast). Its name derives from catch.

Taller masts allow you to use larger sails, so ketch boats are able to achieve better speeds than similar boats with only one mast. Some ketch designs feature a gaff rig, which is similar to a yawl, while others feature a yawl rig, which looks like a traditional sloop.

Ketch boats may look easy to sail but the slightest mistake can lead to disaster. You must be careful when operating this type of boat because it does not have as much stability as other boats, especially when you’re manoeuvring in tight quarters or windy conditions.

A ketch may also be a small recreational boat with only one head-sail in use. Many modern designs have moved away from sail altogether and are powered by engine, while others use both sails as well as engines depending on circumstance.

The brigantine was once a tiny ship that carried both oars and sails. It was a favorite of Mediterranean pirates.

A brigantine is a square-rigged sailing boat with two masts, with a fully square-rigged foremast and two sails on the mainmast.

The mainmast is stepped forward of the deck, making it possible to sail into the wind using a triangular headsail known as a jib. The brig’s foremast is shorter than the mainmast.

The name of this type of boat with 2 masts is derived from the Italian word “brigantino”, which means brigand.

Also, this two-masted sailing boat type was most commonly used for coastal trade and pirate hunting. The brigantine had an advantage over other ships of the time because it could sail against the wind using both sails, making it easier to travel against strong winds.

Faster and easier to manoeuvre than a sloop or schooner, it was used for piracy and espionage.

FAQ: Two-Masted Sailboats

What do you call a two-masted sailboat.

Two-masted sailboats are of several types: yawls, schooners, ketches or brigantines.

Why do some sailboats have two masts?

The vast majority of sailboats feature a mainsail and a jib. These two-masted sailboats provide several advantages in terms of speed and maneuverability. These two masts may be configured in a variety of ways.

The foresail directs air beyond the back of the mainsail, generating greater power from the wind. In order to help menouvering, the foresail can be backed. So, adding sails makes things simpler for bigger boats, making them easier to handle in heavy winds.

What is the difference between a ketch and a yawl sailboat?

Because they are lighter, more balanced, and easier to sail upwind, yawls are faster sailboats than schooners. They can also go at a faster speed since their shorter sails collect more wind. Schooners, on the other hand, have higher cargoes, which means more people or freight – a crucial consideration for extended journeys without replenishing.

What is a one masted sailboat?

It's a sailing boat having a single mast roughly one-third the length's aft of the bow. A sailboat with a single mast usually has one headsail in front of the mast and one mainsail behind the mast.

What is a two-masted square rigger?

It's a brig with two square-rigged masts. A gaff-rigged fore-and-aft sail also called a "mizzen" is used in addition to jibs and staysails (stays'ls) before the foremast and staysails between the masts.

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What Is A Boat With 2 Masts Called?

Last Updated by

Daniel Wade

June 15, 2022

Two-mast sailboats hold special places in many sailors’ hearts. In addition to being dignified and majestic, a two-mast sailboat offers a perfect balance that can be easily achieved by adjusting the masts in many different ways. Let’s look at the different types of two-mast sailboats.

Whether you’re a sailboat fanatic or an interested observer, there’s something special about two-mast sailboats. In most cases, the first thing you’ll notice about a sailboat is the two masts. Generally, the mainmast is often taller than the aft-mast, which is often referred to as the mizzenmast. The mizzenmast is like a trusted old friend. It not only helps in stabilizing the sailboat under power but can also act as a bow thruster in certain scenarios. There are many reasons why sailors sing a lot of praises as far as two-mast sailboats are concerned. In heavier winds, you can break down the main mast and use the mizzen mast to give you a more balanced and comfortable sail even in the worst of conditions. But what is a boat with 2 masts called?

There are several sailboats with two masts. The most common ones include yawl, ketch, schooner, and brig. In most cases, the designs of the masts do vary but the main idea remains the same. They can have the extra mast either behind or in front of the mainmast. If the additional mast is in front of the mainmast, it’s known as a foremast but if the additional mast is behind (aft of) the mainmast, it’s known as a mizzenmast.

Let’s take a brief look at these two-mast sailboats.

Table of contents

A yawl is one of the most common types of two-mast sailboats. It has two masts: a mizzenmast and the mainmast. The mizzenmast is usually much shorter than the mainmast. This makes it an oblique type of a sailboat in the sense that the mainmast is located in the front of the boat while the mizzenmast is located in the rear past or the boat.

The mizzenmast of a yawl is mainly used to increase the helm balance and is located aft of or behind the rudder.

It’s always easy to confuse a yawl with a ketch so it would only make sense to clear up before going any further. They both have two masts with the mainmast at the front while the mizzenmast is smaller. The difference between a ketch and a yawl comes down to the location of the mast. In a yawl, the mizzenmast is behind the rudder post while in a ketch, the mizzenmast if in front of the rudder post.

Again, the mizzenmast of a ketch is nearly as tall as the mainmast and is used to carry a mainsail. Its main function, however, is to drive the sailboat forward and can sufficiently sail the boat, especially in heavier winds. This is very different from the mizzenmast of a yawl, which is only used to increase the helm balance and cannot drive the boat forward. This means that the mizzenmast of a ketch is bigger than the mizzenmast of a yawl. In short, the mizzenmast on a ketch is technically a driving sail while the mizzenmast on a yawl is more of a balancing sail.

A ketch generally has an advantage over a sloop in downwind or in heavy winds. This is because it has a variety of setups than a typical sloop. The mizzenmast gives you a lot of options to depower in heavy winds and find the most perfect amount of canvas to fly. It can also help in stabilizing the sailboat under the power given that the mizzenmast is naturally in an excellent position.

In essence, a ketch has many practical benefits that can be ideal in most situations in the waters. In addition to sailing peacefully on a beam-reach, a ketch is easily manageable and can give you a lot of options in various weather conditions and situations.

When it comes to a two-mast schooner (a schooner can have two or more masts), the foremast is usually smaller than the aft most mast, which is essentially the mainmast. As such, the main characteristic of a schooner is that the masts are almost of the same height but the foremost mast is slightly smaller.

Even though a schooner is easier to sail than say a sloop (one-mast sailboat), it isn’t very fast. This is why most sailors prefer a sloop to a schooner but it’s a sight to behold, especially when under full sail. While a schooner with a square topsail is the most common, there are others with sprit rigs that run diagonally. Schooners with spritsails are not ideal in big seaways because the sprit rig cannot be lowered since it could become unmanageable. On the other hand, the sprit rig is ideal in coastal waters given that the topsail can catch a high up breeze. 

Like the above-mentioned two-mast sailboats, the brig has two masts with the foremost mast squared. The mainmast can be squared, partially squared or triangular. Some brig sailboats have a lateen mainsail on the mainmast. Historically, brigs were used by pirates and were set in motion using oars. Its name is derived from the Italian word “brigantine,” which loosely translates to “pirate.” These types of sailboats were used by pirates the Mediterranean in the 16th century before they became sailboats.

The two most common types of brigs are:

Brigantine – The foremost mast is usually partially squared but the mainmast is triangular.

Hermaphrodite brig – It’s also known as the schooner brig or the half brig. The two masts are partially squared but the mainmast is gaff-rigged and topsail, which technically makes it half schooner.

When it comes to speed and maneuverability, brigs are easy to handle and maneuver and perhaps that’s why they were preferred by pirates. Again, brigs are generally larger than other two-mast sailboats or single-mast sailboats.

There you have it; there are various types of two-mast sailboats, so there’s not a single name that fits all. You can choose any of them as they’ll serve you perfectly, especially in heavy wind conditions.

Bon Voyage!

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I've personally had thousands of questions about sailing and sailboats over the years. As I learn and experience sailing, and the community, I share the answers that work and make sense to me, here on Life of Sailing.

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Andrew Trujillo’s Twin Mast Cruising Catamaran Concept Called Solstice

By Brody Patterson

Updated on August 31, 2017

UK-based yacht designer Andrew Trujillo presents his 35-meter (115 feet) twin mast cruising catamaran concept called Solstice .

The luxurious vessel is quite spacious for something of its size, though the overall setup was designed to provide as much tranquility and privacy as possible for those on board. Up to 8 guests can be accommodated in the two double VIP cabins, twin cabin, and Master suite. There’s also enough room for between 7 and 14 crew members.

The main salon is a sizeable space intended for formal dining, with seating for up to 14 people, with a buffet area and partly shielded pantry close by. Moving outside, the starboard side and part of the center feature an extensive lounge area, as well as more private seating space, a library, and card tables. In another nice touch, the space aft of the dining area has been designed to have either a grand piano or a large billiards/snooker table.

While Solstice is indeed only a concept and there’s no guarantee she will ever hit the waves, it’s nice to see designers always coming up with new intriguing and innovative creations. If not all, at least some of these features will surely make it into some of the great superyachts of the future.

[Charterworld]

About Brody Patterson

Brody has worked as a full time staff writer for Luxatic for over five years, covering luxury news, product releases and in-depth reviews, and specializing in verticals on the website alongside the tech & leisure section, as well as men's fashion, watches and travel. Learn more about Luxatic's Editorial Process .

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Catamarans: A Complete Guide to Multihull Boats

Catamarans have been a part of sailing history for centuries and continue to be popular for their stability, spaciousness, and performance. Developed by various cultures around the world, the principles of catamaran design have evolved over time to become optimized for both pleasure cruising and racing. This complete guide will help you understand the essentials of catamarans, their unique characteristics, and how to choose the right one for your needs.

From the basic concepts of multihull design, performance, and handling, we will explore the advantages and benefits of a catamaran in terms of safety and comfort on board.

Along the way, we will discuss maintenance considerations, distinctive catamaran brands and models, and how a catamaran lifestyle can compare to more traditional sailing options .

Finally, we will provide learning resources and frequently asked questions tailored to both seasoned sailors and newcomers to the world of catamarans.

Key Takeaways

• Catamarans are known for their stability, spaciousness, and performance
• This guide covers aspects like design, handling, safety, and choosing the right catamaran
• Resources and frequently asked questions provide additional insights for potential catamaran owners

Understanding Catamarans

Design Characteristics

Catamarans are known for their unique design, which features two parallel hulls connected by a deck. This design provides several advantages over traditional monohull boats, such as stability and speed.

With their wide beam, catamarans have a reduced risk of capsizing and can access shallow waters due to their shallow drafts 1 .

One of the notable aspects of a catamaran is its twin hulls, which offer increased living space and comfort compared to a monohull. Additionally, catamarans are often favored by recreational and competitive sailors for their excellent maneuverability 2 .

The materials used for constructing catamarans range from wood to fiberglass, and even aluminum for high-performance vessels. Aluminum catamarans are known for their strength, lightweight structure, and resistance to corrosion 3 .

Hulls and Construction

The hulls in a catamaran are crucial to its stability and performance. These hulls help distribute the weight evenly across the water surface, minimizing drag and allowing for smoother sailing.

In general, the hulls can be categorized into two types:

• Symmetrical Hulls : The hull shape is similar on both sides, which enhances balance and stability in various sailing conditions.
• Asymmetrical Hulls : One side of the hull is designed differently than the other, which can be advantageous when sailing upwind.

The construction materials used in building catamaran hulls also play a vital role in the boat's performance and durability. Common materials include:

• Fiberglass : A popular choice due to its lightweight, strength, and ease of maintenance.
• Wood : Traditional material that offers a classic look, but requires more maintenance than fiberglass or aluminum.
• Aluminum : Lightweight and strong, aluminum is an excellent choice for high-performance catamarans 4 .

Multihulls vs Monohulls

There's often a debate between the benefits of multihull boats, such as catamarans or trimarans, and monohull boats. Here are some key differences between the two:

• Stability : Due to their wide beam and reduced heeling, catamarans offer improved stability compared to monohulls. This makes them an attractive option for those who want to avoid seasickness or feel more comfortable on the water 5 .
• Speed : Multihull boats are known for their speed, which results from their ability to minimize drag and maintain a level sail.
• Living Space : Catamarans and other multihulls generally have more living space, as both the hulls and the connecting deck can be utilized for accommodation and storage.
• Maneuverability : While monohulls are known for their agility and ability to point close to the wind, catamarans can still offer exceptional maneuverability when properly sailed 6 .

Performance and Handling

Speed and Efficiency

Power catamarans have gained popularity for offering a unique combination of speed, efficiency, and stability. Their dual-hull design allows for less water resistance, which directly translates to higher speeds and better fuel efficiency compared to traditional monohull boats.

In addition, the wide beam provided by the two hulls ensures a stable ride even at higher speeds. This makes power catamarans ideal for cruising, fishing, and watersports ( Boating Beast ).

Sailing Dynamics

When it comes to sailing catamarans , the performance is affected by factors such as keel, rudders, mast, and sails.

Their wide beam and dual-hull design provide inherent stability and reduced heeling effect, making them less likely to capsize compared to monohulls.

I should also note that catamarans have a shallow draft, which gives them the ability to access shallow waters that may be off-limits to other boats ( Navigating the Waters ).

In my experience, the lighter weight of a catamaran and its aerodynamic design can contribute to remarkable sailing performance under different wind conditions.

The larger sail area relative to hull weight allows them to harness more wind power, further enhancing their speed and agility on the water.

Maneuvering and Docking

Maneuvering and docking a power catamaran involves understanding its unique handling characteristics.

The presence of two engines in separate hulls allows for more precise control in confined spaces such as marinas.

The maneuverability of these boats is typically improved by the use of dual rudders that are located close to each powered hull for efficient steering ( BoatUS ).

When docking under power, I find it helpful to carefully assess the wind and current conditions beforehand.

This is because catamarans can be more sensitive to windage due to their larger surface area above the waterline.

By understanding how these forces may affect the boat, I can make adjustments to my approach and successfully dock the catamaran without any incidents.

Safety and Comfort on Board

Safety Features

Safety is a top priority when sailing any type of vessel, including catamarans. A well-built catamaran offers several features aimed at ensuring the safety of those onboard.

First, catamarans have inherent stability due to their wide beam and twin hull design . This makes them less prone to capsizing than monohull boats. This stability allows me to confidently navigate various water conditions .

In addition to stability, catamarans are designed with positive buoyancy, making them almost unsinkable . Of course, safety equipment such as lifejackets, flares, and first aid kits should always be onboard and well-maintained.

Furthermore, you should also stay updated on weather conditions, avoid sailing in high-risk areas, and learn your boat's safe sail limits.

Living Spaces and Comfort

When it comes to living spaces, I value comfort and practicality as essential features for my time on the water. Catamarans offer a unique advantage in this regard, as their dual hulls create spacious living areas.

Most catamarans are designed with separate cabins in each hull, allowing for privacy and comfort when sleeping. Additionally, these boats typically feature shallow drafts , which means I can access shallow waters and anchor close to shore.

The main living area, or salon, is situated on the bridge deck between the hulls. It usually includes a seating area, a dining table, and a galley (kitchen). Large windows provide ample natural light and panoramic views, making the space feel open and bright. Some catamarans even have the option for an additional living area on the upper deck where you can enjoy the sun and breeze.

One aspect of catamaran living I truly appreciate is the ample storage available. Each cabin typically has built-in storage spaces for clothes, gear, and personal items. There are also designated areas for equipment such as spare sails, tools, and water toys. This makes it easy for me to keep my belongings organized and make the most of my time on the water.

Maintaining a Catamaran

Routine Maintenance

In order to keep my catamaran in the best possible shape, I make sure to perform routine maintenance tasks. These tasks are essential to extend the life of the components and ensure smooth sailing:

• Cleaning : Regularly cleaning the deck, hulls, and sails prevents buildup of dirt, algae, and other debris that could affect performance.
• Inspection : Periodically inspecting my catamaran allows me to detect any potential issues before they become significant problems. I pay close attention to the rigging, sails, and lines on my boat.
• Lubrication : Keeping all moving parts lubricated is vital to prevent friction and wear on components such as winches and pulleys.
• Antifouling : Applying antifouling paint to the hulls of my catamaran helps prevent the growth of marine organisms that can damage the boat and reduce its speed. Make sure to do this at least once a year.

Dealing with Wear and Tear

Despite my best efforts to keep my catamaran well-maintained, wear and tear is inevitable. Here's how I deal with common issues that could arise from regular use:

• Repairs : When I notice signs of wear on sails, lines, or rigging components, I make it a priority to repair or replace them promptly. Neglecting these issues can lead to more significant problems and affect the boat's performance.
• Hull maintenance : If I find dents, scratches, or stiff rudders on my catamaran's hulls, I address them immediately. Repairing any damage not only ensures smooth sailing but also prevents further issues from developing.
• Sail care : Over time, my sails can become stretched, torn, or damaged due to exposure to sun, wind, and saltwater. Regularly inspecting them for signs of wear and making any necessary repairs or replacements helps maintain optimal performance.
• Rust and corrosion prevention : Since my catamaran is made of various metal components, I need to protect them from rust and corrosion. I routinely check for signs of corrosion and apply anti-corrosive treatments when needed.

Catamaran Brands and Models

High-Performance Models

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in high-performance catamarans. I have seen a variety of brands and models that have impressed me with their performance capabilities. One notable brand is Fountaine Pajot , which has a long history of producing a range of sailing catamarans and power catamarans. Some of their popular models include the Tanna 47 and the Bali 4.4 .

Another high-performance catamaran I've come across is the Leopard 40 . Known for their speed and exceptional handling in various conditions, the Leopard brand started with sailing catamarans and has since expanded to include power catamarans. Their models range from 40 to 53 feet long, offering both power and luxury for those looking for a thrilling experience on the water.

Cruising Catamarans

When it comes to cruising catamarans, the Lagoon brand is synonymous with luxury and comfort. With a range of sailing catamarans from 40 to 70 feet long, Lagoon offers spacious catamarans for extended bluewater cruising. Their 60- and 70-foot power catamarans are equally impressive, providing ample living space and smooth sailing experiences.

I've also found the Aquila 42 PC to be a remarkable cruising catamaran. With a focus on design and innovation, Aquila has produced catamarans perfect for exploring the open sea with friends and family. Their spacious, stable designs allow for a more enjoyable and serene journey, ensuring you arrive at your destination comfortably.

The Catamaran Lifestyle

Anchoring and Cruising

I find catamarans to be a fantastic choice for cruising and anchoring , which is a critical part of living the catamaran lifestyle . Catamarans have several advantages when it comes to anchoring and cruising, such as:

• Stability : Due to their wide beam and twin hulls, catamarans remain stable during anchoring, which reduces the risk of seasickness.
• Shallow draft : Thanks to their shallow draft , catamarans can anchor close to shore, enabling better access to protected coves and more beautiful beaches.
• Speed : Despite their large size for cruising vessels , catamarans are generally faster than monohulls. This is a result of their slim hulls and reduced water resistance.

When it comes to anchoring, catamarans can make use of their shallow draft to anchor in locations that other boats cannot. This allows for a greater range of cruising spots, which makes the overall experience much more enjoyable and unique.

Living on a Catamaran Full-time

For many catamaran enthusiasts, the dream of living full-time on a catamaran is entirely possible. While not without challenges, there are several factors that make living aboard a catamaran an enjoyable experience:

• Spacious living areas : Catamarans generally have more living area compared to monohulls, providing ample space for the whole crew.
• Privacy : The separate hulls allow for private cabins, ensuring that everyone on board has their space.
• Stability : As mentioned earlier, catamarans are stable vessels, making living on them more comfortable than monohulls.

Choosing Your Catamaran

Comparing Models and Features

When I start to look for the perfect catamaran, the first thing I focus on is comparing various models and features .

I determine the key factors that are essential for my needs, such as size, passenger comfort, and performance. By doing so, I can identify which catamaran models are most suitable for me.

For example, if I plan to sail with a large group, I would look for a catamaran that offers ample space both inside and out.

To help me with my comparisons, I usually create a table or list of the different models and their features:

This visual aid makes it easier for me to sort the options and prioritize my considerations, such as price, yacht type, and brand.

New vs. Second-Hand

Another critical aspect of choosing a catamaran is deciding between a new or second-hand boat.

Both options have their pros and cons, and ultimately it depends on my preferences and budget.

If I can afford a new catamaran, I get the advantage of the latest design , features, and technology. Plus, I typically receive better warranty coverage and support from the manufacturer.

However, new catamarans are more expensive and can have long wait times due to high demand.

On the other hand, purchasing a second-hand catamaran can save me a significant amount of money, and I might find a high-quality boat with low mileage or well-maintained by the previous owner.

However, this option carries more risks, as I need to be knowledgeable about potential maintenance issues and conduct a thorough inspection before purchase.

Learning Resources

Books and Manuals

When it comes to learning about catamarans, there are plenty of books and manuals available.

One of the highly recommended books is Multihull Voyaging by Thomas Firth Jones. This book provides a comprehensive understanding of multihulls, including catamarans, and is an essential guide for any beginner sailor.

Another great book to check out is Catamarans: The Complete Guide for Cruising Sailors by Gregor Tarjan.

With a foreword by Charles K. Chiodi, publisher of Multihulls Magazine, this book covers all aspects of cruising catamarans. It includes detailed information on design, construction, and maintenance, as well as tips and tricks for sailing a catamaran.

Here are a few more books that I find valuable:

• The Catamaran Book by Tim Bartlett, an excellent resource for both beginners and experienced sailors
• Catamaran Sailing: From Start to Finish by Phil Berman and Lenny Rudow, a comprehensive guide to both catamaran racing and cruising

Online Content and Photography

In addition to books, you can find plenty of online content and photography about catamarans.

Websites like Sailaway Blog and Boating Guide offer tips, techniques, and how-to articles for sailing catamarans.

Many of these sites also include stunning photography, showcasing these beautiful vessels in action.

For those who prefer Kindle or e-books, many of these resources are available in digital format.

This makes it easier for you to access them anytime, anywhere, allowing you to keep learning and improving your catamaran sailing skills.

To further enhance your knowledge, you can also join online forums and communities dedicated to catamarans.

These platforms provide invaluable advice and first-hand experiences shared by fellow sailors, as well as recommendations for additional learning resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

What factors should be considered when choosing a catamaran for full-time living?

When choosing a catamaran for full-time living, consider its space and layout , as it will become your home.

Look for a design with a comfortable living area , ample storage, and sufficient berths for the number of people living aboard.

Also, consider fuel efficiency , ease of maintenance, and the catamaran's cruising range .

Lastly, the overall cost of ownership , including insurance and mooring fees, should be considered.

How do catamarans perform in rough sea conditions?

In general, catamarans are known for their stability, which is primarily due to their wide beams. This makes them less prone to capsizing when compared to monohulls.

However, their performance in rough sea conditions will depend on the specific model and design of the catamaran. Some may perform better in certain conditions than others, so researching and selecting the right design is essential.

What are the key differences between sailing a catamaran and a monohull?

One of the main differences between catamarans and monohulls is stability.

Catamarans have a wider beam , which makes them more stable and minimizes the risk of capsizing.

They also have shallower drafts, which allow them to access more shallow waters compared to monohulls.

Additionally, catamarans often have larger living spaces, making them more comfortable and suitable for cruising and full-time living.

What are the advantages of catamarans for long-distance cruising?

Catamarans offer several advantages for long-distance cruising.

Their wide, stable design provides a comfortable ride and reduces the risk of seasickness.

They can also attain higher speeds due to their reduced drag and generally sail faster than monohulls on certain points of sail.

The shallow draft allows them to explore more coastal areas and anchor closer to shore. Lastly, their spacious interiors make them ideal for extended cruises and living aboard.

How does one assess the value of a used catamaran on the market?

Assessing the value of a used catamaran requires thorough research and inspection.

Start by comparing the age, model, and condition of the catamaran to similar listings on the market.

Take note of any upgrades or additions made to the boat, as these can affect the price.

It's essential to inspect the boat in person or hire a professional surveyor to ensure there are no hidden issues that could affect its value.

What essential features should be looked for in a catamaran intended for ocean voyages?

For ocean voyages, look for a catamaran with a strong, well-built hull designed to handle rough conditions.

Safety features such as liferafts, adequate flotation, and sturdy deck hardware are crucial.

A reliable engine and well-maintained rigging and sails are also essential.

In terms of living space, opt for a catamaran with a comfortable, spacious interior and ample storage.

Last but not least, good navigation and communication systems are necessary for long-distance ocean voyages.

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DOUCE FRANCE

Douce France is equipped for charter worldwide, discovering the most beautiful locations whilst offering the highest standards of yachting. Guests appreciate her spaciousness and intimacy, her elegance and fine stance on the water. At 42.2 metres she is the largest schooner sailing catamaran in the world. The aft deck is an exquisite sunbathing area and lends itself to cherish a perfect ocean sunset. Her trampolines offer room for guests to sprawl out on and feel the sea spray as she glides along. A total of twelve guests may be accommodated in the six-air-conditioned staterooms, each of them attractively lined with pale sycamore wood. Each spacious room offers the option of either a queen double of twin single bed arrangement and also leaves sufficient room for a convertible desk or dressing table. Each stateroom has its own en-suite shower with a separate head compartment. Douce France has all the requirements for a perfect holiday in secluded locations with a high standard of service and a welcoming crew.

Special Features :

- Largest schooner sailing catamaran in the world - Great Deck Space - Diving Facilities on Board - Exclusive Locations - Worldwide Experienced Crew - Captain Pascal (on board since 2006) - 6 Convertible Cabins - Great for Large Families

Activities : Wakeboard , Kayak , Scuba diving equipment , Snorkeling equipment , Waterskis , Windsurfing , Fishing equipment , Donut , sea scooter .

Summer : East Mediterranean Greece - The Cyclades Islands | Naples & Amalfi Coast | Tuscany & Elba | Greece – The Ionian Islands

Winter : East Mediterranean Greece - The Cyclades Islands | Naples & Amalfi Coast | Tuscany & Elba | Greece – The Ionian Islands

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DOUCE FRANCE: Relocation

The perfect charter yacht featuring high standards of service and a professional crew, DOUCE FRANCE is the largest schooner sailing catamaran in the world. While featuring elegance on the water, she also provides spaciousness and intimacy to her guests on board. DOUCE FRANCE offers...

DOUCE FRANCE : Special Offer September

Offering the highest standards of yachting, DOUCE FRANCE is the largest schooner sailing catamaran in the world. She was designed by famous naval architects Van Peteghem & Lauriot and constructed in 1998, but highly maintained in both interiors and exteriors. DOUCE FRANCE gives guests...

DOUCE FRANCE : New Listing

DOUCE FRANCE is equipped for crewed cruises, this magnificent catamaran welcomes you in the greatest comfort while discovering the most beautiful places. The catamaran has 6 luxurious cabins to welcome up to 12 guests on board. Do not hesitate to contact us if you want more information...

• Receive the brochure of this yacht
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2022 Boat of the Year: Best Performance Catamaran

• By Cruising World Editors
• December 15, 2021

During and in the four days immediately following the US Sailboat show in Annapolis, Maryland, the  Cruising World  judges inspected and sailed on 27 boats vying for recognition. Learn more about the boats in our  2022 Boat of the Year  »

OK, confession time. When the roster of nominees for the 2022 Boat of the Year awards was released, the contest’s team and judging panel couldn’t help themselves, and quietly put three check marks, little symbols of anticipation, alongside a trio of boats: the untamed cats that would vie for the title of best performer in their class. After all, both Balance and Seawind had entered the winner’s circle in previous BOTY competitions, and it was clear they’d have a serious contender for the throne in yet another player from cat-crazy South Africa, the Kinetic KC54. How’d it go? Let’s just say, nobody was disappointed. The conditions on Chesapeake Bay were ideal for putting the three nominees through their paces, and the trio of scalded cats all acquitted themselves superbly. 

For 2022, if anything, the trend for flybridge catamarans is on a major upswing. New cats for 2022 from both Lagoon and Fountaine Pajot continued down that design path, putting an emphasis on living accommodations, not performance. But not aboard the latest Seawind 1600 , a brand originally built in Australia that is now produced in Vietnam. And that suits judge Tim Murphy just fine. “This boat was very dialed in,” he said, “and one place Seawind has always been innovative is with their helms. This one was really great; it was -outboard and aft with great visibility, sort of half-protected where you could step in and out. There was also good access to the boom and mainsail, which you don’t always see on cats. The deck layout was excellent, particularly the forward trampolines. Some cats have lacings with large openings where you can twist an ankle, but these were nice and tight.”

“Compared to other Seawinds that I’ve seen, I was just blown away with it in terms of what it could do and how it performed,” said Ed Sherman.  “It’s a fairly conservative boat in terms of technology compared to some of the other boats in the same category, which depending on a potential buyer’s state of mind, could be either a good thing or a bad one. I loved the centralized winch aft which is where all the sail-handling takes place. It’s pretty brilliant for a short-handed crew, and it’s all in a very safe and easy-to-access location that a cruising couple can deal with without scaring the heck out of themselves.”

The Kinetic KC54 is a fresh entry in the cat universe, and we’ll let Tim Murphy get right to the point: “This is a fairly new company that was started within the past couple of years. My breath was absolutely taken away by this boat; it was spectacular. I think it was the best-built boat in the entire fleet. It’s an all-carbon boat, with a foam core, epoxy resin, all infused–fantastic. The whole boat felt integrated. You didn’t feel like there was a conflict between the forces in terms of accommodation versus performance.” With a price tag approaching $3 million, it perhaps should not be astonishing. That was a major factor in evaluating the boat, and while it did not win its class, the experts panel did present it with a Judges’ Special Recognition prize to honor the boat’s overall excellence.

“It was my personal favorite in this year’s contest,” said Sherman. The materials that were used are absolutely the highest quality available in our industry at this point, and it’s a very high-tech boat in terms of systems.” Gerry Douglas was also duly impressed: “This was the Tesla of sailboats. I think that that was their model. In terms of design and execution and technology, it hit all three of those marks. This boat is built without compromise, and what it cost was not an issue, they just wanted to do the best they could in every aspect of the boat. The construction was impeccable, the fit and finish was amazing. There are some very clever design things in the boat, but it all really worked seamlessly.”  

With that level of competition, the Balance 482 had a tall order to overcome to win its class. And it did. “The sailing performance was excellent,” said Douglas. “The boat felt really good. The steering was terrific. The structure of the boat throughout was exemplary. Storage is really good. Visibility was good. Ventilation was great. There was even a rain collection system on the cabin top, which is the only one of the boats we looked at had that. It was very well concealed because the gutters formed a handhold going forward. The solar panel installation was also well done. The panels were encapsulated into a fiberglass tray that elevated the deck so the panels wouldn’t overheat. Very clever.”

The driving force behind Balance cats is Phil Berman, a world champ at racing beach cats who brought that passion to developing and marketing fully found cruisers. Judge Murphy knows him well: “Phil comes from a very strong view of wanting to see boats that have solid sailing performance. He’s also a strong proponent of daggerboard boats, which tends to be quick shorthand for the dividing line between cats that are more about payload versus cats that are about performance, but not so much where you’re going to fly a hull or break a rudder. There’s a balance within a boat that really performs that you can still live aboard.” A winning balance, it turns out, with the Balance 482 securing its position as the Best Performance Cruiser for 2022.

• More: balance catamarans , Boat of the Year , Boat of the Year 2022 , catamaran , Kinetic Catamarans , print 2022 jan , Sailboats , seawind catamarans
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Understanding the Two-Masted Sailboat

By Matt Claiborne

Two-Masted Boats with Fore-and-Aft Rigged Sails

A ketch is a two-masted sailboat. The rear mast, called the mizzen mast, is shorter than the forward main mast. The mizzen mast is mounted forward of the rudder post.

A yawl is similar to a ketch, but the rear mizzen mast is moved farther aft, behind the rudder post. This makes the mizzen on a yawl seem like an afterthought, almost like it’s attached to the railing. 

If a two mast boat has masts of equal height or the forward mast is the shorter of the two, it is a schooner. They can have as many masts as the design called for.

Benefits of Two Masted Sailboats

Easy to balance steering forces

More sail plan options for heavy winds

Lower sheet loads mean smaller and less expensive

Lighter loads on smaller sails for easier handling

Shorter overall mast height for bridge clearance

Mizzen can be used as a riding sail at anchor

2 Masted Ship Examples with Square Rigged Sails

A brig is a double mast sailboat with both masts square rigged. In addition, it has fore-and-aft staysails and jibs and a mizzen sail on the aft mast–which is usually gaff-rigged.

A brigantine is a ship with two masts, with the foremast square-rigged and the aft mainmast fore-and-aft rigged.

The Two-Masted Sailboat

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What Type of Sailboat is This?

By: Zeke Quezada, ASA Equipment , Sailboats

While sailing in the Sir Francis Drake Channel in the British Virgin Islands I noticed a peculiar catamaran heading in our direction. A two-masted catamaran. Have you seen a boat like this? Does it have a name?

How often do you see a sailboat and realize that it has a different sail plan or configuration and most likely has a different name?  

This guide to sailboats should help you identify the types of sailboats you might encounter while on your cruising adventures.

You’ll be able to find even more info on these different type of sailboats in our series “What’s in a Rig.”  

What type of a boat is this…?

A sloop rig is a boat with a single mast and a fore and aft sail configuration. Sloops date back to the early 17th century but didn’t really become popular until the 20th century. The likely reason for their popularity is their ability to efficiently head upwind and how relatively simple they are to control – great for short-handing.

Cutter Rig:

A variation on the Sloop is the Cutter Rig. Although it has gone through some changes through the course of history, the modern cutter rig is generally a set-up with two headsails. The forward sail is called the Yankee, and the one slightly behind it is the staysail.

There are many who feel that this very old but very innovative sail plan is superior to the more popular and ubiquitous sloop rig and others. The junk is predicated upon fully battened sails, a characteristic associated with more modern racing vessels, and they typically lack any standing rigging (stays and shrouds). Due to the full batten set-up, the sails maintain an efficient, consistent shape and are fast, especially downwind. In a big breeze, junk owners will attest that they’re extremely easy to reef and, as an added bonus, are inherently self-tacking.

They are two masted rigs with a main mast and a (smaller) mizzenmast that is set in front of the rudder post – they carry a jib just like a sloop. Generally, ketches will be in the 40-plus foot range. The reasoning for this is that before sailing hardware was as advanced as it is now, designers were looking for ways to carry a good amount of sail but make it manageable at the same time. This configuration served that purpose and, while doing so, also gave sailors quite a few options for various weather conditions and situations.

Like, the ketch, a yawl is equipped with two masts, a main and a mizzen, but ordinarily, on a yawl, the mast is smaller and set behind the rudder post. While some yawl sailors contest the small sail configuration that hangs over the stern as an aid to heaving to and steadying life at a mooring, most concede the mizzen on a yawl is not what it is on a ketch. Typically, it doesn’t provide any horsepower to speak of or ease-of-handling benefits in splitting the rig like a ketch or schooner might.

A gaff rig employs a spar on the top of the sail, and typically other sails can be set in conjunction with that mainsail with the gaff. Often, on the smaller, non-tall ship, gaff rigs, there will be a small triangular sail that fits between the main and the mast like a puzzle piece – this is the topsail.

A cat rig is a single mast situated well forward, near the bow, which carries a large single sail and has no standing rigging, sometimes referred to as “unstayed.” An Optimist, Laser or Sabot are common (smaller) examples of a cat rig, but many bigger boats utilize the set-up.

A schooner is a sailboat with at least two masts, with the forward mast (foremast) being a bit shorter than the main mast. Although a schooner can have more than two masts, most were just two. During the time of their popularity, this smaller and better upwind setup allowed for a more efficient and manageable sailboat. It was the preferred choice of pirates, privateers, slaveship captains and others.

So what type of boat is this? Let us know. Find us on Social media and share your thoughts @AmericanSailing

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Boomless double masted Catamaran...

Discussion in ' Multihulls ' started by Skip JayR , Oct 13, 2015 .

Skip JayR Tri Enthusiast

Hi, folks ! ... I fell over this picture on the FB profile of a French sailor ... but I didnt get there any details about this (kind of) boat. Beautiful snap, isnt ? (The excellent photo in high resolution 1920 × 1080 here ) Interesting concept of boomless double masted rig. - Is it a Wharram ? Happy Sailing  

luckystrike Power Kraut

Skip JayR said: ↑ Interesting concept of boomless double masted rig. - Is it a Wharram ? Click to expand...

Bingo... Got it from the CruiserForum.... Its a Wharram 63 Pahi www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5KKhg5OkYk Interesting the concept ... The Pahi 63 is a tribal boat, suitable for expedition sailing and for larger groups of people to cruise or eco-charter. The deck/accommodation layout resembles a village, with a central public area including ‘well’ and (optional) ‘hearth’, surrounded by private cabins. This centre deck and the separate aft and fore deck areas give three large emotionally different spaces, enabling people to have hours in seeming solitude. This deck layout combined with the 'Flexi Space' hull cabins (all with their own entrance) enables 8-10 people to live peacefully together for weeks at a time. The Pahi 63, based on traditional Polynesian double canoe principles, is most suitable for use in warmer climates. A giant ! Impressive boat... The Catamaran Nirwana... The catamaran Largyalo with its revolutionary energy concept powered by sun, wind and water, absolutely independent of fossil fuel.  

Spiv Ancient Mariner

The rig looks nice, simple and forgiving, but how does it sails? Any info, reports etc, anyone?  

Spiv said: ↑ The rig looks nice, simple and forgiving, but how does it sails? Any info, reports etc, anyone? Click to expand...

aabella Junior Member

The boat is Pilgrim, a Wharram Tiki 38. This boat has crossed the Atlantic. Here is a video about the crossing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COFTwFRJlHY  

upchurchmr Senior Member

That is one of the more ugly boxy boats I have ever seen. The one with the red sails is very strange with the placement of the jib. I came across a guy who had never sailed, while we were on the water. He had the jib sheeted to the weather side, going no where, and he wouldn't change it because he "knew" that was the proper way. In spite of 10 boats sailing past him because the mainsail airflow was completely destroyed. Looks like he moved up to a bigger boat.  

Clarkey Senior Member

Skip JayR said: ↑ Good question... on my own yet I have not sailed on a Wharram... all what I see is a strong boat I'd trust in rough weather, too. That remembers me a video about " Woody Brown " one of the multihull pioneers I found in following article: Sailing Catamarans & Trimarans – History of Multihulls (part 2/2… author: Michael Kingdom-Hocking) The video shows a kind of "Wharram type" Woody Brown created and sailed.... these boats go like hell, sailing them on the limit (by a talented and experienced sailor) they are still safe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7JEOwbyWr7Y Click to expand...

And Brown's boat doesn't look like some kind of a garden storage building was added, twice. You might also check out the actual shape of Manu Kai's hulls. Not the symmetric straight vee that Wharram started out with. Actually I believe Brown's designs started out from a Polynesian influence.  

aabella said: ↑ The boat is Pilgrim, a Wharram Tiki 38. This boat has crossed the Atlantic. Here is a video about the crossing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COFTwFRJlHY Click to expand...

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Eric de Bisschop and James Wharram - Catamaran pioneers Clarkey said: ↑ Not really fair to describe Woody Brown's boat as "Wharram Type" considering it predated Wharram's first cat by almost 10 years. Perhaps we should call Wharrams 'Brown type'? Click to expand...

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How Are Catamaran Masts Fixed Down

Most masts on production multihulls are fixed, non-articulating, aluminum extrusions and are therefore preferred for their reliability.

above Yves Parlier's radical "Hydraplaneur" showing her advanced stepped hulls and biplane rig. Note how the masts are stepped on the crossbeams and not on deck; this reduces compression loads and allows a lighter build.

Shroud, forestay and leach tensions are counteracted by the compression of the mast on the central crossbeam, necessitating this critical zone to be one of the strongest structures on a catamaran . Loads are measured in tons. In some recent mishaps, high-strung and under-built America's Cup racing monohulls broke in half because of these massive rig forces.

below The absolute best way to attach shrouds to a multihull. Aramid lashings are very strong, extremely reliable and easy to visually inspect.

We should also look at rotating masts which, if properly designed, have advantageous applications even on a cruising catamaran.

As we have seen, multihull masts must cope with a large range of loads. Since momentary rig forces can be 50% higher than on monohulls, the entire rig and its support system must be stronger. This can either be achieved by beefing up the wall thickness of the mast section or by increasing its cross-sectional area. Both have their advantages and drawbacks, and it is again up to the designer to find the proper balance. Increasing the wall thickness of the mast will make it stiffer, but also heavier. On the other hand, enlarging its chord will increase windage and, if non-rotating, will spoil the important incidence of air onto the leading edge of the mainsail. Both solutions bear undesirable features, especially up high on a multihull. Another way to resist bending is to leave the mast section as it is and add more shrouds and stays, which again is not the best in terms of windage and air drag.

Halyards can exert a considerable amount of additional compression onto the mast; therefore, it is recommended that 2:1 halyards be utilized wherever practical. Long halyard tails might need more care in handling and stowing, yet the asset of having more purchase power to raise the mainsail, or haul someone up the mast, are additional benefits of a two-part halyard.

Often, increasing the mast's cross-section is the only way to accomplish column stiffness; yet being able to shape that larger section into an aerofoil, and streamlining it into the mainsail, seems to have additional benefits. That is where the rotating mast comes in. Similar to a fixed mast, it can be self-supporting and held upright by only three wires, yet because it needs to rotate the compression is less. Mast engineers' prime objective is to structure a column that resists bending under axial compression. But, unlike the fixed non-rotating mast type, there is less down force on the mast as it is allowed to pivot around a ball located at its base. Shroud tension is usually considerably less and the big advantage of being able to turn the mast's leading edge into the oncoming airflow will reduce windage. In fact, it will effectively "pre-bend" the wind onto the mainsail luff.

Usually the angle of attack of the mast can be changed with control lines and a purchase system, which is located under the gooseneck or close to the mast base. Being able to rotate the mast will clean up the turbulence on the all-important back side of the mainsail

Typical Catamaran Rigs seif-supporting carbon mast double spreader tall rig single spreader rig

Optional Running Backstays

Optional Running Backstays and will benefit both light-air and heavy-weather performance. The efficiency of the mainsail can be considerably improved by permitting mast rotation to the correct angle of attack in relation to the apparent wind. Most of the drive of a sail is developed on the low-pressure, leeward side, and reducing turbulence where it counts will be rewarded with higher speeds.

Rotating masts are not without drawbacks as we will discover. First, they can be considered a big moving part and we all know that whatever moves could shift more than we would want and break. Further, careful attention must be paid to the proper engineering of the hounds and the mast base. A lot of loads congregate in those zones, yet they must be designed to allow for safe operation and movement. Lastly, rotating masts present aligning problems for navigation lights and radar units. Often complicated electronic compensators need to be installed to allow for recalibrating rotation angles.

Wing masts are basically rotating masts taken one step further. Their cord is exaggerated and they can generate massive lift. Some advocates swear by them, some even say they are practical storm sails, yet in my mind they are too high to be used as heavy-weather sails and can easily overpower the boat. Since they cannot be reefed, they are impractical and cannot be recommended for cruisers.

Freestanding masts had a short blip on the monohull radar screen in the mid '80s, when Freedom Yachts built its mandrel spun carbon masts at TPI in New England. They made a lot of sense as they eliminated standing rigging. They were below Forward crossbeams should always be attached to the hulls by a pin, by far the strongest way to deal with the massive loads experienced in these crucial areas. Small Delrin bushings allow minimal flex, thereby dissipating the slight torque movement of the beam. Some boats which have rigid attachments can develop fatigue cracks in that important zone.

above With no one standing at the wheel, modern autopilots reliably steer the boat for days on end. Observe the poled out clew of the asymmetric spinnaker, braced to windward, to present more sail area to the wind.

all keel stepped and needed to be braced by massive structures at deck level. A monohull, which can dump wind pressure when heeling, can dissipate mast loads easier than a super stable multihull. Few biplane, free-standing rigs have been tried on catamarans, but the feasibility, especially in view of the deck loads, is questionable. The essence of a multihull is light weight and stiff construction. The need for heavy bracing would negate this philosophy. Most importantly, fast multihulls bring the wind forward and sail upwind all the time, which necessitates a decent headsail and tight forestay - both of these are omitted features on freestanding masts. Besides it would be nearly impossible to "keel" step a mast into a catamaran's hull.

Aside from the spruce and telephone pole rigs of the past, the most popular material for masts is aluminum and carbon. The subject of carbon fiber masts is a long one and best reserved for mechanical engineers. If one is looking for all-out performance, no matter what the price, carbon fiber makes a lot of sense. Any ounce saved up high in the rig is worth ten times its weight down low. Carbon fiber is a man-made miracle and its stiffness characteristics are among the best in the world. It is incredibly resilient in both tension and compression and shows great durability. And - it is very expensive! The truth is that one has to really weigh the benefit of a few pounds saved aloft versus the $80,000 it will cost to do so. However, carbon as a material has to be carefully scrutinized. In fact, it is produced in a variety of moduli and a top-quality aluminum mast could be better than a low modulus carbon type. Reliability is also an issue. Lately there have been a number of lightning strikes on carbon rigs, which could have something to do with their conductivity characteristics. If I were to build a personal multihull racer, carbon would be my choice (if I could afford it). For an easily serviced world voyager, I'd take a good aluminum mast any day, and get a longer boat with the savings.

Continue reading here: Catamaran Jib Camber

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Readers' Questions

What holds the mast on catamaran in place?

The mast on a catamaran is held in place by various components, including: Standing Rigging: This consists of stainless steel cables or wire ropes that are tensioned to support the mast vertically and prevent it from moving side to side. The standing rigging includes stays (fore and aft) and shrouds (port and starboard). These are attached to the hulls or crossbeams of the catamaran. Spreaders: These are horizontal bars or rods that are attached to the mast and extend to either side at various heights. They help to hold the shrouds away from the mast, providing additional stability and distributing the forces from the mast. Forestay and Backstay: The forestay is the wire rope that runs from the front of the mast to the bow of the catamaran, helping to support the mast forward. The backstay is a similar wire rope that runs from the top of the mast to the aft of the catamaran, providing additional support and preventing the mast from moving aft. Mast Step: This is the point where the mast is attached to the catamaran's deck or crossbeam. It is typically a sturdy base with a pivoting mechanism or a fixed support to allow the mast to rotate or remain in a fixed position. Compression Members: These are additional structural components, usually made of carbon fiber or aluminum, that help distribute the compression forces from the mast into the hulls or crossbeams. They provide additional support and ensure the integrity of the catamaran's structure. Overall, the combination of standing rigging, spreaders, forestay, backstay, mast step, and compression members work together to hold the mast securely in place on a catamaran.

Why dont cantamarans have masthead sloop rigs?

Cantamarans, also known as catamarans, generally don't have masthead sloop rigs for a few reasons: Stability: Catamarans are known for their stability due to their wide beam and twin hulls. By using a fractional rig instead of a masthead rig, the center of effort of the sail is lower, which helps to maintain stability. Reduced heeling: Heeling is the process of a boat leaning over due to wind pressure on the sails. Catamarans already have reduced heeling compared to monohulls because of their wide beam. A fractional rig further reduces heeling by positioning the center of effort closer to the yacht's centerline, resulting in less force acting to tip the boat. Performance efficiency: With a fractional rig, the sail plan can be more easily adjusted to the prevailing wind conditions. By varying the mainsail and jib size independently, catamarans can optimize their performance in different wind strengths, allowing for better upwind and downwind sailing. Mast height limitations: Masthead rigs are typically limited by the height of the mast due to stability considerations. Catamarans often have a larger sail area compared to monohulls, and a masthead rig would require a significantly taller mast, which can introduce challenges in terms of stability, weight distribution, and overall design. That said, there are some catamarans that do use masthead rig setups, particularly larger cruising or racing catamarans that are built specifically for certain purposes. However, the majority of catamarans utilize fractional rigs for the reasons mentioned above.

How hard is it to step a mast on a catamaran?

Stepping a mast on a catamaran can vary in difficulty depending on various factors such as the size of the catamaran, the design of the mast stepping system, and the experience of the person or crew undertaking the task. Typically, stepping a mast on a catamaran involves raising the mast into an upright position and securing it in place. This may require careful maneuvering, coordination, and physical effort. Smaller catamarans with lighter masts and simpler systems may be relatively easier to step, especially with the help of a few people. However, larger catamarans with heavier masts or more complex mast stepping mechanisms may require additional equipment or a more experienced crew. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions, consult with experienced sailors, or seek professional assistance when stepping a mast on a catamaran, especially if you are not familiar with the process. Safety precautions and proper knowledge are crucial to prevent damage to the boat, equipment, or injury to individuals involved.

Can catamaran lagoon drop sail mast?

Yes, it is possible to lower the mast on a Catamaran Lagoon. In order to do this, you will need to remove the standing rigging, the headstay, and possibly the backstay, depending on the model of your boat. Next, you will need to secure the mast to the deck with a couple of lines and then safely lower it down with a come-along or some other lifting or lowering device. Once the mast is safely down, you will need to secure it to the deck securely.

Can the mast be lowered on 50ft catamaran?

Yes, depending on the type of mast setup, it is usually possible to lower the mast on a 50 foot catamaran. This may require the help of a professional rigger, and in some cases, structural modifications may need to be made.

How far back from the front of a 50 ft catamaran is the mast?

The distance from the front of a 50 ft catamaran to the mast can vary depending on the type of catamaran being referenced. Generally, a 50 ft catamaran mast is located around 15-25 ft from the front of the boat.

How big a mast for a 16 foot Catamaran?

The size of the mast for a 16 foot Catamaran depends on the type and design of the boat. Generally, the mast should be 2-3 feet longer than the water line for most sailing boats.

How is a mast supported on a leapord catamaran?

A mast is typically supported on a Leopard catamaran with a combination of the hull and a rigid support structure that ties the two hulls together, such as spreaders. The spreaders also provide additional stability to the mast and provide greater resistance against side-loading and vibration.

How deep does the mast on a catamaran need to be?

The depth of the mast on a catamaran will depend on the size and design of the particular catamaran. In general, masts can range from as low as 6 feet to as high as 40 feet.

Are sailin gmasts under compression?

Yes, a sailing mast can be designed and constructed to handle compression. Masts are designed with specific sail plans, vessel type, and operating conditions in mind. The material used to construct the mast must also be able to withstand the compression created by the sail plan. For example, a carbon fiber mast may be used to provide superior compression resistance. Additionally, the mast may be designed with additional reinforcements, such as shrouds and stays, to further increase its compression resistance.

What is a catamarans rigging and mast?

A catamaran's rigging and mast is designed to support the sails and the boom which extends beyond the mast. The rigging consists of a series of cables, webbings, and supports which are used to tension the sails and to hold the mast in place. The mast is a tall, vertical structure which rises from the center of the boat and is used to hoist and support the sails.

What is mast material catamaran?

Mast material for a catamaran typically consists of aluminum or carbon fiber. Aluminum masts are typically more budget-friendly, but carbon fiber masts are lighter and more durable. Both offer great benefits, so it is up to the individual to decide which material best fits their needs.

Does a cruising catamaran mast pivot at the deck?

No, a cruising catamaran mast does not pivot at the deck.

Does it matter where the mast is placed on a catameran?

Yes, the mast placement on a catamaran affects the boat's balance and performance. The optimal mast placement depends on factors such as boat type, size, and design.

How to get mast up on small catamaran?

To raise the mast on a small catamaran, first secure the halyard to the boom and secure the boom in the mast step. Next, hoist the mast up and attach the forestay, shrouds, and any additional stays and rigging. Finally, adjust the rigging and forestay tension, and clip the halyards to the cleats.

How is the mast attach on a catamaran?

The mast of a catamaran is usually attached through a combination of a compression post, mast step, and rigging. The compression post runs through the bridgedeck and supports the mast step, which is a metal plate fastened to the deck with bolts. The rigging consists of a set of wire stays, shrouds, and a forestay that attach to the mast step and pull the mast up into proper alignment.

What is a carbon fiber mast on a catamaran diagram?


How is a mast fixed to a boat?

A mast is usually fixed to a boat through a step, which is a metal tube or collar firmly attached to the boat's deck, to which the mast is then attached with bolts, straps, or pins.

How to make catamaran mast?

Building a catamaran mast requires specialized tools, materials and knowledge of boat building. First, you will need to purchase a set of mast building plans that include all the required materials and specifications. Next, you will need to gather all the materials, including aluminum or carbon tubes, aluminum or carbon booms, standing rigging, and running rigging. Once you have all the materials, you will need to mark out your mast plan on a piece of plywood and then cut the pieces to size and shape. The next step is to assemble the mast using clamps, rivets, and glue. When assembling the mast, use epoxy resin to ensure a good bond between the parts. After the mast has been assembled, you will need to sand and apply two coats of paint. Finally, you can attach the mast shrouds, spreaders, and halyards to secure the mast in place.

Can you put a mast on a catamaran boats?

Yes, you can put a mast on a catamaran boat. Many types of catamaran boats have a mast and a sail that can be used to propel the boat.

Do multihull sailing yachts brake masts often?

No, multihull sailing yachts typically do not break masts. However, due to the nature of their design, they can experience higher loads on the rigs, which can lead to a broken mast in extreme conditions.

How is the mast fixed to a catamaran?

The mast of a catamaran is typically held securely in place by a combination of shrouds, stays and adjustable backstays. The shrouds and stays attach the mast to the deck at either side of the boat and help to absorb any shock loads. The backstays are then used to tension the mast and keep it in the correct position.

How to rig a mast for a catamaran?

Secure the bottom of the mast to your catamaran. This can be done by attaching the mast to a bracket or collar at the base of the hull. Attach the halyard to the top of the mast. Many catamarans come with a pre-attached halyard, but if yours does not, you will need to secure the line to the top of the mast. Connect the standing rigging to the mast. This typically involves attaching a series of lines and turnbuckles to the sides and top of the mast. Lubricate and adjust the mast and rigging. You may need to lubricate any moving parts, such as the turnbuckles and halyard, and adjust the mast so that it is in the correct position. Secure the sail to the mast. Attach the sail to the mast using a series of battens, ropes, and cleats. Check for any loose lines or hardware and also check the mast for any signs of damage or wear.

How are catamaran masts fixed down?

Catamaran masts are typically fixed down with a variety of methods, including an adjustable bridle system connected to the hulls, static bridles connected to eye plates on the hulls, or even directly bolted down to the crossbeam. Additionally, some masts are held down with a combination of ropes and tackle systems.