I've done 15 bareboat charters with Moorings, all on monohulls. It became apparent during my last 2 charters that maybe now that I'm in my 70s it might be time to turn to the dark side (just kidding) and charter a catamaran the next time. So I've got a bunch of basic questions that probably sound pretty stupid so bear with me and I hope to get some good information. We most likely will book a Moorings 4200.
What are the biggest differences in sailing. I know cats don't point as well and tacking is a bit different but this isn't a big concern. How difficult is reefing?
We've done 2 charters on a 46.3 mono and loved the fact the lines all lead back to the cockpit. On a typical cat, are the lines, including the main halyard, in the cockpit / flybridge?
I've watched videos and read about both anchoring and grabbing a mooring ball on a cat and figure we can learn the proper techniques pretty easily. Visibility from the flybridge would be my only concern.
I assume getting on and off from a dock is via the transoms. How difficult is this for a mobility limited person? How difficult is it to transfer luggage to the boat?
Similar question about getting on and off from a dinghy.
How difficult is it, once again for a mobility limited crew member, to get in and out of a dinghy if there is some wave action at the anchorage.
Outside of a nasty swell on the order of a Cane Garden Bay northerly swell (been there a long time ago will never do that again), how susceptible are cats to rolling at a "normal" anchorage? (Last trip a newbie had trouble sleeping in our mono if any sort of sideways roll.)
I really struggle backing into slips on a mono though the bow thrusters on the 46.3 made it much easier. How difficult is it to learn to use the dual engines for getting into a slip? Not sure I could master the crabbing technique but would be satisfied knowing how to back properly.
Any other tips from mono / now catamaran sailors would be appreciated.
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