CHOOSING THE RIGHT BOAT FOR QUEENSLAND WATERS
By Andy Kancachian
Few debates in sailing generate more discussion than the question of monohull versus catamaran. Ask a group of sailors gathered around a yacht club bar and you’ll quickly discover that loyalties run deep. Yet in Queensland, where cruising grounds range from the shallow waterways of Moreton Bay and the Gold Coast Broadwater to the offshore passages of the Whitsundays and beyond, the answer isn’t always straightforward. Both designs offer distinct advantages, and both come with compromises. The right choice often depends less on which boat is “better” and more on how, where, and with whom you intend to sail.
For many traditional sailors, the monohull remains the benchmark. There is something undeniably satisfying about the experience of sailing a single-hulled yacht. As the breeze builds and the boat heels gently onto its shoulder, it feels connected to the water in a way that many sailors consider the essence of sailing itself. That connection extends to the helm. A monohull provides constant feedback, communicating through the wheel or tiller how the boat is performing and when adjustments are needed. The signs of being overpowered are usually obvious, with increased heel and weather helm providing clear signals to reef or reduce sail.
Offshore, monohulls have long built a reputation for their seaworthiness. Their deeper keels help them track predictably through larger swells and provide stability in challenging conditions. Many sailors also take comfort in the fact that a monohull is generally designed to self-right in the event of a knockdown or capsize, an important consideration for those planning extended offshore passages.
There are practical advantages too. Monohulls typically occupy narrower marina berths and often incur lower berthing costs. Their reduced windage can make manoeuvring in marinas easier, particularly in strong crosswinds, while their generally lower purchase price can make them an attractive entry point into yacht ownership.
However, Queensland’s coastal waterways often expose the limitations of a deeper draft. Large sections of Moreton Bay, the Broadwater, and many island anchorages feature extensive shallow areas that can restrict access for deeper-keeled vessels. Careful tidal planning is often required, and some destinations simply remain out of reach.
This is where catamarans have transformed the cruising experience. Queensland is often described as one of the world’s great cruising destinations for multihulls, and it’s easy to understand why. The state’s extensive network of bays, sandbanks, islands, and protected anchorages, plays directly to the strengths of a catamaran.
The most obvious advantage is shallow draft. Many cruising catamarans can access areas that would be difficult or impossible for a comparable monohull. They can anchor closer to shore, explore shallow bays with confidence, and take full advantage of the region’s countless beaches and protected waterways. For families, this can completely change the cruising experience. Anchoring in sheltered, shallow water often means calmer conditions, easier access ashore, and a greater sense of freedom when exploring new destinations.
Space is another major factor driving the popularity of catamarans. The wide beam creates significantly larger living areas than a monohull of similar length. Saloons are brighter and more open, cockpits become true entertaining spaces, and separate hulls allow for increased privacy when cruising with guests or family. That additional space also contributes to comfort underway. Catamarans sail with far less heel than monohulls, allowing people to move around more easily, prepare meals underway, and relax without constantly bracing themselves against an angle. For newcomers to boating or family members who are less enthusiastic sailors, this can make a significant difference to overall enjoyment.
Performance is another area where perceptions have changed dramatically over recent decades. Modern cruising catamarans are capable of impressive speeds, often maintaining higher average passage speeds than comparable cruising monohulls. Faster passages can provide greater flexibility when planning around weather windows and allow crews to spend more time enjoying destinations rather than travelling between them. Catamarans are not without their drawbacks Their greater beam can create challenges when it comes to marina berthing. Suitable berths are not always available, and costs are often higher due to the additional width occupied. For owners who spend significant time in marinas, this can become an important consideration.
Windage is another factor. The larger profile that creates so much internal volume also presents more surface area to the wind. While modern catamarans are highly manoeuvrable, docking in strong crosswinds can require greater attention and planning than on a lower-profile monohull.
For many owners, the appeal is simple: a catamaran feels more like a waterfront apartment than a traditional yacht.
The sailing experience itself is also fundamentally different. While many sailors appreciate the level sailing characteristics of a catamaran, others miss the sensation and feedback associated with a heeling yacht. For these sailors, sailing is as much about the experience and feel of the boat as it is about comfort or speed.
Offshore, opinions remain divided. Catamarans eliminate much of the rolling motion experienced at anchor and underway, but some sailors find their movement in short, steep seas can feel sharper than that of a monohull. Personal preference often plays a significant role in determining which motion is more comfortable. Ultimately, Queensland is one of the few cruising regions where both designs make a compelling case. Those who value traditional sailing characteristics, offshore capability, and lower ownership costs may find themselves drawn toward a monohull. Sailors seeking space, stability, shallow-water access, and comfortable family cruising may discover that a catamaran better suits their lifestyle.
The reality is that neither design is universally superior. Both have evolved significantly, and both are capable of delivering exceptional experiences on Queensland waters.
Perhaps the real answer lies not in choosing sides, but in recognising that Queensland’s diverse coastline offers enough variety for both approaches to thrive. Whether you’re carving through offshore swells under sail or anchored in a shallow bay just metres from the beach, the best boat is ultimately the one that encourages you to spend more time on the water.
Published in print August-December 2026
