If I took a Cat & a Trimaran out sailing on a rough day,,,both on the same day. What one would I want based on comfort, reliability and confidence in seaworthiness?



I'm just a little concerned how much the Cat's will Heel or List. And is it the safest & easiest to sail out of the 2?

The EXPERTS around here will tell you the TRI is the way to go for all of the criteria you list.



I am pretty sure you had some earlier posts that Rick White responded to. Trust what he said in response. He's a PRO.

I have done alot of research on the two and from what I have read and the NA's that I have talked they all agree on this.



Size matters



Design Matters



Point of sail matters.



Shortly, a tri points better than a cat. A cat has more useable space and is "smoother off the wind"



A bigger boat 20-38 feet a tri wins due to the bridge deck clearance issue of a cat and the useable space in the hulls of the two. After 38 feet -- the cat is stronger due to the space issue. Also it depends on how "rough" the seas are. One thing you have to remember with either is once you get to about 18-20 knots in rough seas your taking your life in your own hands if your not dragging a drogue and trying to slow the boat down. Note. of course this is not a racing boat we are talking about. Everyone of knowledge about the subject agrees that a cat is a great touring platform for a small family and a tri is better for a couple who wants to cruide the world. It is all relative to what you want to do, how much you want to take with you and how much you want to spend in order to get there.



Personally, I like the space, redundancy, and feel of a cat over a tri.



Steve

Cats tip over and Tris just keep going! A trimaran will also allow mom and the kids to get out of the weather when the going gets "rough".



Bob

I neglected to mention that either a tri or cat the length will be 39’ plus.