World Class Catamarans
2-1
CHAPTER 2
PERFORMANCE
OVERVIEW
This chapter will provide information on the performance characteristics of your catamaran;
This is not a substitute for seamanship training or hands-on experience. First time boat owners
should use the resources detailed in Chapter 1 to learn proper methods of boat operation. Expe-
rienced boaters who have never owned a catamaran, should study this chapter completely. Do
not assume that previous boating experience will apply to all situations, as there are several
subtle differences in the handling characteristics of twin hulled boats. For existing catamaran
owners, this chapter should be a reference.
MOTOR TRIM
The smooth riding characteristics of a catamaran are a result of the twin hull design. Their
ability to slice through oncoming waves is far superior to the slamming characteristics seen on
conventional vessels. Motor trim plays an integral part in how your catamaran accomplishes
this. In a level or bow down attitude, your boat will slice through larger chop but you may expe-
rience sluggish performance, a wetter ride and increased bow steering in a following sea. In a
bow up attitude the boat will perform better, but may ride less smoothly. Experiment with the
trim settings in various sea conditions to determine what you are most comfortable with. When
using the trim to correct a listing condition, imagine an “X” connecting the starboard engine to
the port bow, and port engine to the starboard bow (see drawing below).
BOW UP CONDITION
To correct a bow up condition on the port
sponson, adjust the motor trim “down” on the
starboard engine. This will help the starboard
sponson to rise and level the vessel. If moving
to the lowest trim setting on the starboard
engine does not correct the list, trim the port
engine “up” to assist the change. Reverse the
instructions to accommodate for a bow up con-
dition on the starboard sponson.
BOW DOWN CONDITION
To correct a bow down condition on the port
sponson, adjust the motor trim “up” on the
starboard engine. This will help the starboard
sponson to fall and level the vessel. If cavitation
occurs on the starboard engine, lower it to cor-
rect the problem, then trim the port engine
“down” to assist the change. Reverse the
instructions to accommodate for a bow down
condition on the starboard sponson.
