Imagining a few days of complete disconnection on the open sea is easy: peaceful sunrises, anchoring in hidden coves, and unforgettable moments with friends or family. The real question is which type of boat can make that experience a reality with maximum comfort. The answer lies in a very special category: the catamaran.
At Motyvel, we have been by your side for over 35 years, with a presence in Mediterranean ports such as Port Adriano (Mallorca) and Port Balís (Barcelona). Today, we analyse everything related to the catamaran so you can choose the best model according to your sailing style, your needs, and the experience you want to enjoy at sea.
What is the difference between a catamaran and a yacht?
To understand it, let’s look at some key points:
Structure
- A catamaran consists of two parallel hulls connected by a central platform.
- A monohull yacht (most “classic” motor yachts and sailing yachts) has a single hull.
This twin-hull configuration provides:
- Greater transverse stability: the boat moves less from side to side, improving comfort while sailing and at anchor, especially in slightly choppy seas.
- More usable deck space: thanks to the wider beam, the outdoor areas feel like a spacious terrace over the sea.
Onboard experience
On a catamaran:
- Movements are smoother.
- Relaxation and sunbathing areas are usually generous both at the bow and stern.
On a monohull yacht:
- Sailing may feel more “sporty” and direct, but also with more rolling.
- The interior space can be very well designed, although the beam is usually narrower for the same length.
What is the advantage of a catamaran?
When it comes to leisure boating, the advantages of a motor catamaran align very well with what families or groups of friends usually look for.
Stability and comfort
The greater distance between hulls means that the boat:
- Rolls less.
- Provides more confidence for people who are not used to being at sea.
Usable space and layout
Another key advantage of a catamaran is its layout:
- Very generous outdoor areas.
- Easy circulation from stern to bow.
- Separate cabins in each hull, providing privacy and a “suite-like” feel.
Draught and access to coves
Due to their construction, many catamarans have a relatively shallow draught, which makes it easier to:
- Get closer to shallower coves.
- Feel safer when anchoring near the coast.
Outboard catamarans: agility, speed and ease of use
Within the world of the motor catamaran, models with outboard engines have gained prominence thanks to their combination of manoeuvrability, simple maintenance and good performance at cruising speeds. Let’s take a look at some models available at Motyvel:
YOT 36: the perfect balance between size and performance
The YOT 36 is a motor catamaran with almost 11 metres of overall length, a beam close to 4 metres (up to 5.30 m with the side platforms deployed), a draught of around 0.93 m, and two cabins with bathrooms.
Powered by twin outboard engines, usually Mercury V8s with 300 hp each, it offers a cruising speed of around 25 knots and a top speed of approximately 32 knots, while maintaining efficient fuel consumption for its size and capacity.
This catamaran is a great fit for:
- Families looking for a comfortable boat for day trips, occasional overnight stays, and a “home-like” feel.
- Groups of friends who prioritise cockpit space, good social areas, and easy anchoring.
- Sailors who value simplicity: accessible outboard engines, relatively simple maintenance, and intuitive manoeuvres.
Key benefits for the owner
For private owners looking for their first motor catamaran, the YOT 36 offers:
- Ease of handling: twin outboard engines and a generous beam make harbour manoeuvres and close-quarters handling easier.
- Relatively simple maintenance: easy access to the outboards makes servicing the propulsion system more straightforward.
- Ideal for day trips and short getaways: two cabins and bathrooms, fridge, hot water and sufficient comfort equipment to spend nights on board without complications.
YOT 41: more space, more comfort, more range
The YOT 41 develops the 36-foot concept further and adds:
- An overall length of 41.2 feet (around 12.55 m).
- A beam of 14.7 feet (approx. 4.49 m).
It was unveiled at the Cannes Yachting Festival 2024 as the second model in the YOT range. It stands out for its bowrider concept, large outdoor spaces and impressive interior volume.
The YOT 41 suits:
- Sailors with previous experience who want to step up in comfort.
- Families looking for more interior volume to spend several days on board.
- Owners who combine day trips with short coastal cruises or long weekends.
Key benefits for the owner
Compared to the 36, this catamaran provides:
- Improved stability thanks to the greater length and beam.
- Optimised liveability: more spacious interiors, easy circulation between areas, and the feel of a “larger” boat.
- Ideal for several days on board with the family: both deck spaces and interiors are designed for comfortable living during multi-day trips, without losing a sporty character.
Inboard catamaran: power, range and elegance
Inboard catamarans take a step further towards long-range cruising and an onboard lifestyle that feels like a “second home” at sea.
Within the YOT range, the representative of this approach is the YOT 53, a 53-foot motor catamaran designed for those seeking:
- Large interior volumes.
- Range for long passages.
- High-end finishes and comprehensive equipment.
YOT 53: luxury and performance for the most demanding sailors
The YOT 53 is a motor catamaran of around 16.20 m in length, with a beam that can reach nearly 9.95 m thanks to its fold-down side terraces, and accommodation for 3 or 4 cabins with 3 or 4 bathrooms, depending on the configuration.
This is the first inboard model in the YOT range, developed by Catana Group with the aim of offering an ocean-cruising catamaran that combines performance, comfort and contemporary design.
Key features of the YOT 53
- “Floating villa” interiors: a spacious saloon, well-equipped galley and bright cabins, with special emphasis on the owner’s suite featuring direct access to a private forward terrace.
- Powerful inboard engines: twin Yanmar engines of 440 or 550 hp, shaft drive, and fuel tanks of approximately 1,950 litres, designed for long distances.
- High-end finishes: refined carpentry, large glazed surfaces, fold-down side terraces and a contemporary design conceived for cruising.
Key benefits for the owner
An inboard catamaran of this level offers:
- Quieter navigation: the engines are more isolated than in an outboard setup, reducing noise in the living areas.
- Greater range: the combination of large-capacity fuel tanks and a cruising-oriented design allows long passages to be undertaken with confidence.
- Excellent storage capacity: large lockers and well-designed technical spaces make it easy to carry luggage, water equipment, water toys and everything needed for days or weeks on board.
- Complete comfort: from the cockpit open to the sea to the fold-down terraces and smooth circulation, the boat is designed so that life on board feels as comfortable as a high-end holiday home.
The best catamaran is the one that suits you
To the question “Which is the best catamaran?”, we have a clear answer: there is no single perfect model, only the one that best fits your way of enjoying the sea.
Our experience working with prestigious brands such as YOT Catamarans allows us to advise you so you can choose the catamaran that truly matches your profile as a sailor.
If you want to take the next step, contact us or visit Motyvel to find out about purchase or charter options for top-brand boats and sailing yachts. That way, the next time you think of peaceful sunrises, hidden coves and special moments at sea, you’ll be one step closer to experiencing them aboard the perfect catamaran for you.
