Are Power Catamarans Safe?
Power catamarans are different than sailing catamarans by what may seem pretty obvious- their source of power that will propel you through the open seas.
While sailing catamarans use their sails to catch the wind, power catamarans use (typically two) engines to gain great speed as they travel the water. Both offer various safety features to make for an enjoyable, easy ride.
Are Power Catamarans Safe?
Are power catamarans safe? Yes, power catamarans are one of the safest boats in calm or rough seas for various reasons. Power catamarans have two engines that provide optimal navigation, power, and efficiency- especially when they can be used independently. Other safety features include the twin-hull, buoyant design, and vast cabin space.
When you begin to explore the features of a catamaran that make it safe, you will also find that these features positively supplement the boat’s ability to maintain high speed, offer a smooth ride, and be enjoyed by friends and family of all ages and boating experience.
Additionally, power catamarans are a top choice for many who are looking for a relaxed, yet adventurous ride on the water. As we explore various features that make power catamarans safe, you can rest assured that if you are planning to purchase or book a trip on a power catamaran, your safety should be of no concern.
What Features Make a Power Catamaran Safe?
There are many different features that we will explore concerning the safety of a power catamaran. These features may be similar to safety features on other boats, but in their unique combination, they provide this particular boat with a high safety rating in comparison to many.
Some of the features that make a power catamaran safe, as mentioned above, include their dual (independent) engines, twin-hull, buoyant design, and vast cabin space.
Dual Engines
Dual engines are one of the top safety features that may not be as easily recognizable. For example, a standard passenger (or even captain) of a power catamaran probably does not board and think, “Wow, these engines sure make me feel safe.” However, the safety features that dual engines provide are incredibly important.
Firstly, dual engines increase the navigability of a power catamaran. Particularly, if the engines are able to be used independently (in other words, are not connected to the same source of fuel, etc.), a sailor can use this to his advantage. The independently running dual engines can provide the ability to push back and forth between them to provide an easier method of navigating through the seas.
Additionally, this dual-engine setup provides twice the power for speed and fuel efficiency that is particularly helpful in the case that one of the engines goes out. If this were to happen, you would have a built-in backup source of power that would return you safely to shore.
This source of engine power is also helpful in rougher seas, providing an additional source of energy to get through even the toughest waves. Finally, this will be helpful in calm waters as well when there is limited wind to catch in a sail.
Dual engines also make docking on the beach much easier. Rather than having to catch a wave that will bring you to shore, the dual engine will power you to the shoreline.
This increases the safety for all of the passengers on board as they end their trip and get off of the boat. Rather than having to take an extended trip from your boat to land, they can simply walk right onto the beach. This adds safety, but it also makes it a much more convenient deboarding process, too.
Twin-Hull
The twin-hull is perhaps the most distinguishing feature of a catamaran and one that certainly provides safety as well. In fact, the twin-hull is typically the selling point for many boat enthusiasts when deciding to purchase this particular joy ride. The twin-hull provides the basis for many of the other safety components for the power catamaran as well.
First, the twin-hull provides a smooth ride, especially in comparison to a monohull. The twin-hull means that instead of water hitting the boat at a strong angle, thus crashing against the sides, the water will instead be propelled to move around two hulls (and the gap in between them).
This creates less likelihood of feeling the waves crash on the side of the boat. Not only does this affect the power catamaran’s ability to traverse rough seas, but it also decreases the chance of seasickness on board the power catamaran.
Secondly, the twin-hull also means that there are likely two engines (as referenced above). This means that the boat will have all of the safety of an additional engine powering it forward. With this, the twin-hull can effectively assist in navigation powers throughout the water- a safety feature that seems pretty clear.
Finally, the twin-hull creates an air pocket that will surround the base of the boat, thus reducing the overall impact on rough surfaces. Effectively, the air will be forced through the tunnel between the two hulls and then will travel to the edges of the boat in a circular pattern. This creates a resistance to the air and waves that would otherwise be hitting the sides of the boat directly.
Buoyant Design
The design of the power catamaran is such that it is made to be buoyant- something that is important for any boat, but especially in the case of rough seas or a storm. The design of a power catamaran is buoyant mainly because of its twin-hull as well as its overall proportionate dimensions.
The twin-hull not only provides an air pocket through the tunnel between the hulls that it helps to safeguard the boat, but it creates buoyancy as well. This means that the boat was crafted so that it will remain afloat in seas that are tough to navigate and would require a significant amount of force to capsize. Even if the boat were to turn over, the catamaran was designed to remain afloat unlike many monohulls that would naturally sink to the bottom.
This safety feature is obviously important as you would not want to sail in a boat that was not buoyant- that’s kind of the point of the boat. Keeping this in mind, it is certain that the power catamaran is safe in the event of even the worst of storms.
Finally, the design of the boat has a ratio that helps it to maintain a low clearance. Now, while this is not as directly related to buoyancy, it is important to consider for safety purposes. The boat can “remain afloat” in areas where there is lower clearance, such as when passing underneath any bridges for example.
This safety feature will ensure that your power catamaran does not have to navigate in another direction or choose an alternative route. Clearly, this also means that the design of the power catamaran will also prevent you from crashing into low hanging structures.
Vast Cabin Space
Another safety feature that has much to do with the passengers on board the boat is the vast cabin space. In the event of nasty weather, passengers can go inside the cabin to remove themselves from the predicaments and messiness of rain or hail. This is not only a comforting factor for those who do not wish to stand in the bad weather, but it is also a safety feature as well.
It is well known that rain and other forms of precipitation can make for a slippery surface. This is also true if waves were large enough to spill water over the edges of the boat.
Slippery surfaces can cause individuals to fall more easily- especially if they naturally have more difficulty balancing or holding onto something to remain standing. Thus, moving inside creates a better threshold for safety as passengers can avoid this altogether.
Finally, the spacious cabin on a power catamaran creates room for plenty of activities that you can imagine while hosting. This means that there will be plenty of room for seating for those who do not prefer to stand (or are physically unable to stand) for long periods of time.
You can rest assured that your boat ride will not need to be cut short due to varying levels of comfort standing outside in the fresh (or rainy) air.
Do Power Catamarans Capsize Easily?
No, power catamarans do not capsize easily as they were designed to withstand rough waters and high waves. The buoyant design of a power catamaran and its twin-hulls, along with the dual engine of the boat, create a safeguard against capsizing. In the unlikely event of a power catamaran capsizing, the boat was designed to still remain afloat- protecting passengers from sinking along with the ship.
Power catamarans can also use the force and power of the dual engines to propel them to safer and less rough territory. So, if the boat were to be in an area that capsizing was in question, the captain could use the benefits of the dual engines to navigate the boat to safety more quickly. The power catamaran does not rely on a sail to guide it and rather is able to benefit from the dual engines and twin-hull to get it to safety under the captain’s guide.
*Cover photo complements of Michael @ Tideline Boats