The Origin of Catamarans

Originally a collection of fallen trees that were shaped and joined together with vines to form a stable floating platform. The next evolutionary step was to tie two canoes together with a central seating platform which could go further out to sea ideal for the fisherman. The central seating platform over time got bigger with longer hulls and eventually a mast and sails were fitted, a small shelter was constructed which enabled boats to go further afield and cross large oceans

The name catamaran is a Tamil word – Kattumaram.   Kattu - bind together  Maram - timber, wood, tree. These boats were originally used by the Tamil people to fish around the coasts of India.

Present Design

The present design is to totally cover the hulls and central deck area known as a bridgedeck with a deckhouse or saloon and to provide accommodation in the hulls.

Todays catamaran provides extremely comfortable cruising under sail or motor. The saloon with panoramic views on the same level as the a large cockpit area ideal for entertaining. 

One advantage as a sailing boat is that it does not need ballast in the hulls, this makes a sailing catamaran light and fast. The catamaran with an engine in each hull gives the boat exceptional manoeuvring ability. Interior layout on an average 40 ft cat is four double cabins, two double cabins and a central bathroom in each hull. Ideal for the leisure market.

Recent History

In the 1870’s Nathaneal Herreshoff the designer of many America’s Cup Boats and famous boats of the time, designed and built a range of fast racing catamarans that ahead of its day and didn’t go down at all well with the racing traditionalists, racing and consequently building ceased.

Catamaran Maintenance

Maintenance of catamarans is described fully in the main section. Click here to find out more.

Posted by : Team imardex-marine 2022