multiplehull

Multihull refers to a vessel with more than one hull. The most common types are catamarans, which have two parallel hulls, and trimarans, which have three hulls, consisting of a main hull and two smaller outrigger hulls. The design of multihulls offers several advantages over monohull vessels. The separated hulls provide inherent stability, reducing the need for ballast and allowing for a shallower draft. This increased stability also contributes to a smoother ride in choppy seas as the vessel tends to lift over waves rather than cutting through them. Multihulls can often achieve higher speeds due to reduced wetted surface area and increased stability, allowing for larger sail areas or more efficient engine power. However, multihulls can also present challenges, such as increased beam width which can make docking more difficult. Their construction can also be more complex and potentially more expensive than comparable monohulls. The principles behind multihull design are rooted in naval architecture and fluid dynamics, aiming to optimize buoyancy, stability, and hydrodynamics.