You will hear many things about cats and tris, mostly from people who haven't been onboard
them.

Although its claimed that cruising cats will capsize in heavy weather, the truth is that
there have been only a handful of real production cruising cats over 34 feet capsize while
cruising in the last 20 or 30 years. Most of the stories you hear about are racing boats,
homemade boats, smaller cats plus maybe a few that were lost in deliveries. One writer
claims that there have only been 4 capsizes in the last 50 years. And, none of them sank.

Trimarans have a more checkered record, but most of them are built for racing. There are
only a handful of cruising designs for tris. The Farrier class association confesses to
a number of capsizes while racing (about 1 a year?) but has only had only 1 "cruising
capsize."

I will say that just like monohulls, there are some cats that are made for coastal
cruising, others are suited for bluewater. I wouldn't be eager to try my PDQ in a North
Atlantic Springtime crossing, but its been done, and a dozen or so have been to Bermuda.
Prouts are better suited to nasty weather, but I'm not sure that being able to carry full
sail in 30 knots is really an asset for coastal cruising.

I've my boat in winds to 45 knots and 10 foot steep seas, and never felt a risk. And I've
sailed all day in 30 knots while wife & kid relaxed, cooked, played, etc. So when you
mention "rough weather" just what are you really planning for? Are you expecting to do
many ocean crossings, or are you just thinking it would be nice to have a boat the could
do it?

--
-jeff www.sv-loki.com
"The sea was angry that day, my friend. Like an old man trying to send back soup at the
deli."


"Chris" wrote in message
om...
Considering a catamaran or trimaran for purchase, but have some curiosity
regarding their stability in the open ocean, as well as various weather
condition.

I've heard that the cat isn't really a rough weather boat, but does this
apply to the trimaran as well? What are some characteristics I should
expect of each?

Which model may be good to look for? Any suggestions as far as what problem
areas to consider? What's a good boat, new or used, to check out?


Thanks in advance.