5 reasons why a power catamaran is the best way to explore Grand Cayman

Half of the fun of going out on the boat is being on the boat. Even if you do not consider yourself a “boat person,” there are a few things you should consider when hiring any boat for a day on the water. Different types of boats are more comfortable to ride in, taking less impact from the waves, which is more agreeable for sightseeing. Some boats are more spacious, so every member of your family or friends group can spread out while soaking in the sun. There are boats that provide better shade, allowing you to enjoy more time on the water. And some types of boats ride differently on the waves, making every seat an equally outstanding viewing point, meaning no fighting over who gets to sit up front.

There is no doubt about it — when selecting a vessel for your private charter adventure in Grand Cayman, you want a power catamaran. Let us tell you why...

Monohull vs Catamaran

First of all, what does it mean for a boat to be a “catamaran”? The word originally described a vessel made by tying two logs together, first created by the Paravas, a small society of fishermen on the southern coast of India. In modern times it is used to describe a boat that has two hulls, or body segments, rather than one.

A Smoother Ride

By having a channel for air and water to pass through between two body segments, there is less riding the waves up and down and, more importantly, less pounding. In order to maximize the quality of your experience exploring not only Grand Cayman’s most popular water attractions, such as Stingray City, but other treasures our marine environment has to offer, it is imperative to avoid getting clobbered during the journey. Whether on a speedy trek to beat the crowds or a slow, relaxing cruise, a power catamaran guarantees a gentle soar through any temperament of seas. The weather is very kind to us in sunny Grand Cayman; however, you wouldn’t want a few measly waves to ruin the boat trip you booked months in advance. This smoother ride also provides confidence that you’ll have a fabulous time in our crystal-clear waters, no matter the conditions.

More Stability at Rest

“I am fine when we are moving, but I get a little nauseous on the boat if it is stopped.” If this sounds familiar for any of your traveling companions, let this be the selling point for hiring a power catamaran for your private charter: because of their dual-hull design, power cats are more stable when the boat is anchored. Even if you plan to be in the water most of the time, there is a certain interval required to get a boat settled in each new location, information your crew will share, plus the time it takes to get ready and enter the water. There’s also a brief period to get the boat underway again between stops. A short lag rocking side to side in the waves can be the difference between an upset stomach or not. A power catamaran all but eliminates the side-to-side rocking monohull boats experience when stopped — meaning fewer sick tummies, more fun on the water, and more time to see all there is in the North Sound of Grand Cayman.

Better Accessibility

Many sites you’ll wish to visit in the North Sound are in shallow water; the shallower a boat can go, the closer you can get. Monohull boats often need a deep ballasted fin to stay upright, whereas power cats balance naturally with their two hulls and don’t require this fin. This means a power catamaran can get you closer to what you want to see. Rather than having to swim into an attraction, you can often step right off the ladder onto the site. This is especially helpful for little ones, new or non-swimmers, and seniors, making every activity more user-friendly.

Extra Roomy

Boating is better when you have plenty of your own space to stretch out. Catamarans are more spacious than monohulls. A boat with one hull has seating in the bow that comes to a point, whereas a power catamaran has wraparound seating in the front. Catamarans are also typically a bit wider, creating ample room for all — in both sun and shade. A private charter with Crazy Crab means the boat is all your own, so no worries about encroaching on others. Crazy Crab also has the newest power catamarans in Grand Cayman with up-to-date amenities and designs for maximum comfort.

The Best View from All Seats

If you like the breeze in your hair and the best view, you’ve probably always raced to get a seat in the front of a boat, right? On a monohull, the bow sits higher at speed, so it goes over the waves (and is also the bounciest). With a power catamaran, the bow doesn’t rise as high because water passes between the two hulls. That means the 180-degree view from a sunny seat in the front is just as fabulous as the view from a shaded seat in the back. No one will miss a single beat of the action or contour of the scenery when you choose a power catamaran.

There are loads of boats that take passengers to see Stingray City, Starfish Point, our world-class snorkeling, and the bioluminescent bay in Cayman, but at Crazy Crab, you are more than passengers — you are our honored guests. Your private charter on your power cat is individually tailored to you, with enough options of activities and extraordinary island experiences to fill a whole day on the water. Check out our event planner to start building your private charter today!