Trimaran vs Catamarans (updated 2022)

The different types of multi hull sailboats can be confusing to people new to the sport of sailing. Here we look at the main types of boat and list out the pros and cons of each.

Key differences between Trimaran and Catamaran

• This one is fairly obvious! A trimaran has 3 has hulls, a main hull with 2 outriggers and a catamaran just has 2 hulls.
• A trimaran is much more stable than a catamaran, with the outriggers (also called amas) acting like training wheels on a bicycle.
• A trimaran is a more suitable boat for beginners to start sailing in, due to the stability and ease of use when compared to a catamaran.
• When catamarans heel, one of their hulls leaves the water resulting in a loss of stability and potential capsize.  With a trimaran, the main hull remains in the water, with the leeward ama providing a predictable increase in righting moment and reliable stability
• Trimarans are faster than catamaran as a trimaran has less hydrodynamic resistance than the catamaran (just check sailing speed records)
• A trimaran is more suited to sail upwind than a catamaran, especially if it has a centreboard like Meermark trimarans do
• The main hull of a trimaran allows for a comfortable seating position vs a catamaran where you are just sitting on the trampoline that connects the 2 hulls

Trimaran vs Catamaran - which to choose

We think given the extra stability, comfort and speed offered, you should opt for a trimaran. Meermark offers both single and two person trimarans - why not look at the specifications of our models and see why a Meermark trimaran is likely to be your best option.