Catamaran Charter vs Motor Yacht: Which One Fits Your Charter Needs

You’re looking at yacht options for your next vacation, and you’ve narrowed it down to two choices: a catamaran or a motor yacht. Both will get you on the water, but they’re different in ways that actually matter when you’re spending a week (or more) living aboard. Let’s break down what you need to know.

What Makes a Catamaran Different

A catamaran charter features a yacht with two parallel hulls, creating a wide, stable platform that sits relatively flat on the water. That means you can walk around without holding onto rails, your coffee stays in the cup, and if someone in your group gets seasick easily, they’ll be thanking you for the vessel choice. There’s also minimal rocking, even when you’re anchored in a bay with some chop. As a result, you sleep better, and your kids (if you’re bringing them) won’t be constantly off-balance.

Space is another thing catamarans do well. Because of that wide beam, you get generous outdoor deck areas. Many catamarans have a forward lounging area between the hulls where you can sunbathe or read. Inside, the layout typically puts cabins in each hull. This means most cabins are roughly the same size, which prevents the “who gets the small room” conversation. Most come with private bathrooms, too.

Catamaran charters typically cruise at 8-12 knots under sail or motor, prioritizing comfort and fuel efficiency over speed. This is ideal for island hopping where destinations are close together. They also feature a shallow draft, meaning you can anchor closer to shore than deeper-hulled boats. This opens up secluded bays and beaches that other yachts can’t reach.

What Does a Motor Yacht Charter Bring to the Table

Motor yachts are all about power and speed. These boats can cruise at 15-25 knots, with some sport models pushing 30+ knots. If your charter itinerary covers a lot of ground, this speed difference adds up. Let’s say you want to visit five different islands in a week. On a catamaran, you might need to skip one or sail through the night. On a motor yacht, you can hit all five with time to spare.

Motor yachts also prioritize interior comfort with climate control, luxury furnishings, and multiple entertainment areas. If the weather turns bad or it’s too hot outside, you have comfortable spaces to retreat to. The crew aspect differs, too. Motor yacht charters almost always come fully crewed. A professional captain handles navigation, and crew members manage service, meals, and anything else you need. It’s a more hands-off experience.

However, fuel consumption is higher on motor yachts. You’ll burn more diesel covering those distances at speed. This usually shows up in your Advanced Provisioning Allowance (the 25-35% of charter fee that covers fuel, food, and other costs during your trip).

Where Catamarans Win

Families book catamarans for good reasons. The stable platform means less seasickness. Wide decks give kids a safe space to move around. Water access is easy (low sides, stairs, or platforms right to the water). Equal cabin sizes prevent sibling fights or awkward moments when traveling with friends. Nobody gets stuck with the “lesser” cabin.

If you want the actual sailing experience, catamarans deliver. Many guests enjoy raising sails, harnessing wind, and the quieter engine-free cruising. It feels more connected to the environment. Plus, you get some of the best swimming spots and most beautiful anchorages in shallow bays, thanks to the catamaran’s shallow draft.

Cost matters too. Catamaran charters typically start around €15,000-25,000 per week for quality 50-foot models. Larger luxury catamarans run €40,000-70,000 per week. Fuel costs stay reasonable, especially when sailing.

Where Motor Yachts Win

In the catamaran vs motor yacht debate, speed changes what’s possible. With motor yachts, you can cover 100+ nautical miles in a day. This opens up ambitious itineraries. At the same time, weather flexibility improves with power. If conditions aren’t great for sailing, you motor through and keep your schedule.

What’s more, the master suite on most motor yachts takes up more space than catamaran master cabins. If that matters to you, motor yachts typically deliver bigger master accommodations.

The Money Question

Catamaran charters typically run €15,000-70,000 per week, depending on size. Motor yachts range from €20,000-35,000 for smaller models up to €100,000+ for large luxury vessels. Keep in mind that motor yachts burn more fuel. Thus, your APA (that 25-35% prepayment covering fuel, food, and expenses) will be higher. Catamarans use less, especially under sail.

What Actually Matters for Your Decision

• Think about your group first: Traveling with kids? Catamaran stability helps. Group of friends wanting equal rooms? Catamaran. A couple wanting luxury? Go for a motor yacht.
• Your itinerary matters, too: Short distances between stops (like the Greek islands)? Catamaran works. Ambitious plan? Motor yacht saves time.
• Weather sensitivity in your group?: Catamarans reduce seasickness. If someone gets queasy easily, this makes a difference.
• Some destinations favor one type: For example, Greece has way more catamarans available for charter. The sailing conditions and short distances between islands suit catamarans better. On the other hand, Caribbean works well for both.

Book Your Perfect Yacht Charter with G2G Yachting

You know your group and your budget. You have a sense of what kind of vacation you want. If you picture mornings with coffee on deck, afternoon swims in quiet bays, and evenings from a stable platform, go catamaran. If you picture covering a serious distance with formal service and luxury amenities, choose a motor yacht.

Both deliver good experiences. The question is which one matches what you actually need. At G2G Yachting, we specialize in matching charter guests with their ideal yacht, whether it’s a catamaran or a motor yacht. With over 111 catamarans and 39+ motor yachts available across our key destinations, including Greece, Croatia, Italy, Spain, the Caribbean, and more, we guide you through every decision to ensure your charter exceeds expectations.

Ready to figure out your charter? Our team is ready to help you create unforgettable memories on the water.

Speak to our yacht charter experts today and leave your holidays in good hands!

Writer: Anna Skyfta