- Nemo – click photo for brochure
Until about 15 years ago, there were very few catamarans both cruising and chartering in the BVI. In the early years, they were not considered terribly seaworthy. However, with the advent of better design and construction, catamarans have become highly popular and may now outnumber monohulls in the all-inclusive Virgin Islands charter fleet.
Layout
The layout on a catamaran is dictated by its rectangular shape so you typically have 4 essentially equal staterooms. (Note: the two forward berths are for crew). That said, there are also catamarans that can accommodate up to 10 guests or more. Most cabins are ensuite with private head (toilet) and shower. As with monohulls, the showers can be “wet” (integral with the head) or “dry” (have a separate shower stall).
Beds can be elevated requiring you to climb up to get in or normal bed height. Most modern cats have full air conditioning these days. Socializing is done in the salon that also includes a dining area. The galley can be part of the salon or might be located in one of the pontoons.
The big draw for catamarans is the spaciousness of the deck. The cockpit provides ample space for outside dining, lounging or dancing! Forward, there is the trampoline strung between the pontoons allowing you to lay over the water as it rushed under the boat. Some catamarans now also have fly bridges where the captain steers and controls the sails while giving him (and you) a bird’s eye view of the deck.
Entrance to the water is made easy with steps down the aft pontoons. Some cats also have a ladder that goes down from the tramp and at least one boat has a hydraulic lift astern for the dinghy that doubles as an in-the-water lounge area. Fun!
Stability
Due to the nature of their design, catamarans are more stable than monohulls. With 2 or more hulls, they will not heal in the wind as do monohulls.
Rates
Catamaran rates begin at about $7000 for 2 guests and go up from there. Because these boats are usually designed for more than one couple, the cost per person tends to go down as you add more guests so get your family or friends together and come on down!
Here are some fine examples of two very popular Catamarans.
Safari accommodates 8 guests in 4 ensuite cabins with full A/C. Note the flybridge. Safari also has recessed seating on the bow. Cockpit has a mini-bar and ice maker.
Click here for online brochure
Felicia accommodates 10 guests in 1 King, 3 Queens and 1 Twin cabins. Twins are for mature children. Ensuite heads and full A/C. Satellite TV in the King stateroom and salon.
Click here for online brochure
