katamaran

A katamaran, also known as a catamaran, is a type of boat that uses two parallel hulls of roughly equal length connected by a deck or framework. The name is widely believed to derive from the Tamil phrase kattu maram, meaning "logs tied together."

Design and configuration: The twin hulls provide a wide beam, improving initial stability and allowing a shallow draft suitable for coastal and lagoon waters. A bridgedeck spans the hulls, creating a broad deck and living space. Sailing catamarans typically use a rig such as a fractional or masthead sloop; many designs have rudders mounted on the sterns of the hulls. Motor catamarans place engines in the hulls or on a transom and may resemble conventional cruisers less, but share the same two-hull principle.

Performance and handling: The reduced hull resistance per unit length and the wide beam can yield higher speeds and efficient sailing. Catamarans generally roll less at rest than monohulls, but their wide beam can require more careful docking and maneuvering, and they may exhibit pitching in certain seas. They have a shallower draft, enabling navigation in shallow waters and protected areas.

Uses and types: Sailing catamarans are popular for cruising, charter, and racing; motor catamarans are common as private yachts and passenger ferries in sheltered waters. Construction materials include fiberglass, aluminum, wood, and advanced composites. Sizes range from small daysailers to large cruising yachts.

History: Double-hull vessels appear in ancient seafaring traditions, including Austronesian cultures. The term catamaran derives from Tamil. In the modern era, cruising catamarans were developed in the 20th century and gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s, with designers such as James Wharram contributing to their spread and development.