A displacement catamaran is a distinct proposition within the multihull world, and one that experienced cruisers seek out deliberately. Rather than chasing planing speed with light construction, these yachts use slender displacement hulls, generous load capacity and a sea kindly motion to cover long distances comfortably. The Yacht Collection lists displacement sailing catamarans.
The hull form is the key. A displacement catamaran hull is narrow relative to its length, which reduces wave making resistance and lets the boat carry weight without the speed penalty a beamy, lightly built cat suffers. Two such hulls, well separated, provide enormous form stability without needing ballast, so the yacht stays level while carrying tankage, stores and systems for extended cruising.
The behaviour at sea is what owners value. Bridgedeck clearance is generally set higher on these designs, so slamming is reduced, and the motion is a gentle pitch rather than the snap that a light multihull can produce. Loading the boat properly does not ruin it, which is not true of every catamaran. Structurally these yachts carry more laminate and more engineering, particularly in the bridgedeck and forebeam where racking loads concentrate. Survey accordingly, and inspect both sets of machinery. Browse the displacement sailing catamarans available and speak to our brokers about long distance multihull cruising.
