Our Top 5 Favorite Things About Catamarans

What are your top 5 benefits of having a catamaran?

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“I love the spacious galley up configuration. I can cook and still be a part of the group. ” Cindy (Chef/First Mate)

The Five Best Things About Owning a Long-Distance Cruising Motor Catamaran (From the Perspective of Sol Searcher)

Living aboard a long-distance cruising motor catamaran has brought incredible adventures for all of us—me, my husband Bob, and our dedicated, hardworking crew. While each of us values different aspects of life on the water, we all agree that our catamaran offers unparalleled benefits. Here are the top five things we love most about it, with each of our unique perspectives on why life aboard is so rewarding.

1. Incredible Stability and Smoother Cruising

Me: The catamaran’s stability is a huge plus, especially when working on my video projects. Thanks to the dual hulls, our catamaran is far steadier than single-hulled boats, which means I can set up my equipment without worrying about everything shaking or toppling over. I love being able to capture smooth, clear footage of our travels—whether I’m documenting stunning sunsets, taking candids of Bob snorkeling, or filming the crew reeling in their biggest fish ever. The stable platform allows me to truly focus on capturing the beauty around us.

Bob: For Bob, the stability is all about easy access to the water. As a lover of all things aquatic: swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and diving, he appreciates that our catamaran is a steady base. Whether he’s loading up his gear, diving off the back, or coming back up from a swim, he doesn’t have to worry about the boat pitching or rolling. It lets him enjoy the water as much as possible, knowing he’s got a safe, stable platform waiting for him when he’s ready to dry off.

Our Crew: For the crew, stability is essential for safety and efficiency. They can focus on handling the engines, navigating, and managing lines without constant balancing. The smoother the boat, the easier it is for them to carry out their work—whether it’s securing supplies, preparing meals, or planning our next destination.

2. Expansive Space for All

Me: I absolutely love the spaciousness of our catamaran. With separate cabins, a large salon, and plenty of outdoor lounge areas, it’s easy to find a quiet corner to unwind or find a spot with perfect natural light. On longer trips, the open layout really helps us feel comfortable and less crowded.

Bob: Bob is all about the comfort and social side of our space. He loves that we can bring family and friends on board and still have room for everyone. The flybridge and aft deck are perfect for conversations or meals, and he’s always up for a gathering where we can share good food and laughter while taking in the scenery.

Our Crew: For our crew, the spacious design provides ample storage for gear and supplies. Our galley is open and spacious for a boat kitchen! They appreciate the dedicated areas where they can keep their fishing equipment organized and the generous storage for food, which is crucial for long-distance planning. The extra space means they don’t have to worry about frequent restocking, which allows us to enjoy uninterrupted voyages and less time in marinas. And they can have a larger cabin than a monohull would allow.

3. Shallow Draft for Better Access to Choice Anchorages

Me: I love the shallow draft of our catamaran because it lets us explore those hidden, shallow spots close to shore. Being able to anchor near secluded beaches or tucked-away coves is a dream for capturing unique footage, away from crowded spots. These locations give me a chance to capture stunning natural backdrops and enjoy the quiet beauty of remote locations.

Bob: For Bob, shallow-draft access is ideal for reaching the best snorkeling and diving sites. Being able to pull up close to reefs, coves, and shallow bays means he can explore more unique underwater spots, often right off the boat. It’s an underwater adventurer’s dream!

Our Crew: The crew appreciates the shallow draft for safety reasons. In rough weather or when conditions change unexpectedly, we have more options to anchor in protected, shallow areas. This flexibility makes a big difference in maintaining a stable anchoring experience and everyone on board sleeps better. 

4. Efficient Fuel Use and Eco-Friendly Options

Me: I’m thrilled about the catamaran’s fuel efficiency—it lets us travel longer distances with fewer refuel stops, and it’s better for the planet. We also have plenty of solar panels, so we can rely on renewable power for our day-to-day house needs, which makes everything feel more sustainable and self-sufficient.

Bob: Bob loves the fuel efficiency because it means more uninterrupted time to explore. He enjoys planning extended trips where we’re out on the water for days, with no need to detour for fuel. That freedom lets us truly immerse ourselves in the journey, often discovering spots off the beaten path.

Our Crew: The crew values the fuel efficiency because it reduces downtime for refueling and allows us the freedom to choose good refueling stops. When we’re out on longer voyages, it helps them focus on keeping us moving along rather than constantly thinking about logistics.

5. Extra Safety and Peace of Mind

Me: Safety is a big deal for me, and the catamaran’s design offers so much peace of mind. With dual engines and twin hulls, there’s an added level of security in case something goes wrong. I can relax and focus on enjoying the journey—whether I’m capturing photos, editing footage, or simply taking in the scenery.

Bob: For Bob, the catamaran’s safety features give him the confidence to reach more remote places. He knows we’re well-equipped to handle open water, so he feels free to explore without worrying about what might happen along the way.

Our Crew: Safety is top priority for the crew, too. With a stable, reliable vessel, they feel more comfortable venturing into diverse waters and managing unexpected conditions. Their peace of mind helps keep us all relaxed and confident on our travels.

Final Thoughts

For all of us—me, Bob, and our crew—owning a long-distance cruising motor catamaran has transformed how we experience the ocean. With unparalleled stability, ample space, shallow-draft access, fuel efficiency, and peace of mind, each of us gains something unique from this lifestyle. Whether Bob is exploring a hidden reef, the crew is landing the catch of the day, or I’m capturing another sunset on camera, our catamaran lets us embrace each journey to the fullest.