Catamaran vs monohull — which yacht to charter in the Caribbean
The honest headline: in the 18-knot trade winds you get most weeks in the Grenadines, a catamaran sails flat and drinks are still on the table; a monohull heels 15–20 degrees, feels alive, and reminds you that you are sailing. At anchor the difference is even sharper — a cat sits like a pontoon, a mono rolls gently on the swell. Which you prefer is largely a matter of what you want the holiday to feel like.
Space and layout is where catamarans win outright. A 45–50ft crewed cat typically gives you four ensuite guest cabins of a size a comparable monohull cannot match, a saloon on the same level as the cockpit, a full-width flybridge or aft deck for lounging, and forward trampolines for sundowners. For families with teenagers, or two couples travelling together, that extra 30–40% of living space changes how the week feels.
Monohulls hold their ground on sailing feel. They point higher upwind, handle light air better, and reward a skipper who wants to trim rather than motor. They also cost less to charter, take a narrower slip in marinas, and — for a couple or a small family who love sailing — deliver a genuinely more sailed holiday. Purists are not wrong.
Cost in the Grenadines for 2026, per week, all-inclusive of crew: a 45–50ft crewed catamaran runs roughly US $22,000–32,000 for up to eight guests, so US $2,750–4,000 per person per week; a 50ft crewed monohull runs roughly US $16,000–22,000 for up to six guests, so US $2,700–3,700 per person per week. Bareboat is around 40–50% less on both, but you provision, cook and clean yourself.
Verdict — families, groups of six or more, and anyone chartering for the anchorages and the beaches rather than the sailing: catamaran. Couples, keen sailors, and groups of four or fewer who love the feel of a boat under sail: monohull. Either way, the Grenadines is a great place to do it. Browse the fleet at /charter-yachts/grenadines-crewed-catamarans-svg and /charter-yachts/crewed-monohulls, or ask us and we will match a boat to your group.
Frequently asked questions
- Why do most families choose a catamaran?
- Level decks, more cabin space, better saloon and cockpit living areas, and less motion at anchor — all of which make life with kids easier.
- Do monohulls sail better?
- Upwind and in light air, yes. Monohulls point higher and feel more alive under sail. Catamarans are faster on a reach and much more comfortable off the wind.
- How much more does a catamaran cost?
- In the Grenadines, a 45–50ft crewed catamaran runs roughly 20–30% higher per week than a comparable monohull, but sleeps more guests in ensuite comfort.