Rating of the best catamarans for 2020

The catamaran is a water vessel with two cylinders, which are interconnected by a rigid frame. The history of the construction is rooted in the distant past. Even the ancient Egyptians sailed on them. Watercraft were widely used to transport goods and people. They were distinguished by their weight, ease of control, stability on the water surface.

What are the designs

Manufacturers produce catamarans that differ in appearance, parameters, maximum speed, comfort, and basic characteristics. Before making the final choice, it is necessary to determine what it is for and what should ultimately be expected from it. There are several options:

1. Carry out treks along rivers with weak and strong currents.
2. Participate in competitions.
3. Carry out calm rafting in recreational areas.
4. To fish.
5. Enjoy sailing.
6. Teach children to water tourism.

Currently, there are a great many varieties of products:

• sports;
• sailing;
• motor;
• hiking.

But not everyone is satisfied with such a narrow functionality. Many seek to participate in serious competitions, and on weekends to gather a family and admire the scenery on a calm local river.

Let's dwell on the main models in more detail:

Kinds	Description
Plyosovye	They are obviously not suitable for a round-the-world trip, but for a rest on a calm river - what you need. For comfortable operation, tourists equip the model with a motor or a detachable sail.
Sports	The main difference is speed and maneuverability, as well as driving performance. The best for rafting on calm waters. It is possible to equip them with a sail or a motor. With additional features, they are in high demand. Excellent models for beginners who are keen on water tourism.
Inflatable	They are characterized by stability, convenient handling, and the ability to accommodate crew and luggage Hold the sail. Popular models are equipped with a motor, which makes it possible to move in complete calm.
Hiking	What you should pay attention to? The complexity of the chosen route. The design must meet increased requirements, be reliable and durable, easy to assemble and repair, easy to transport, with excellent driving performance.

How to choose the right product

Which one is better to buy depends on many factors. Specialists do not make mistakes when choosing, and beginners may encounter certain difficulties. It is worth listening to the recommendations of professionals, familiarizing yourself with the rating of high-quality products, viewing photos and reviews of the owners, reviewing new products, and determining the average price.

It should be borne in mind that cruise ships from the best manufacturers cannot be inexpensive. According to buyers, you need to be careful with online stores.You can order online, but you should take into account the possibility of getting a low-quality fake. Delivery can also be difficult due to its significant dimensions.

Experts advise to rent an analogue before buying your own catamaran. Many travel clubs provide such services. There you can choose models for a motor, for fishing, for recreation, budget options and popular models of various lengths, designs and colors. How much this pleasure costs depends on the service provider and the type of boat.

The main selection criteria that should be considered with any purchase are as follows.

Manufacturing firm

Give preference to proven and well-established companies in the market. It is impossible to say unequivocally which company is better to purchase the product. Today such brands as Belraft, Raftmaster, Triton are held in high esteem. Their products are distinguished by high assembly reliability, comfort, and long service life.

Number of rowers

In most cases, catamarans are produced in double and four-seater. They vary in price, have both advantages and disadvantages. It all depends on the client's requirements. So, four-seaters are considered more awkward and heavy, so the rowers will have to spend more strength and energy to control it. Moreover, the more people, the less well-coordinated the team, especially if there are newcomers there. It will be quite difficult to pass significant obstacles with high quality.

In a pair of two, the perfect harmony of the rowers is a prerequisite. Otherwise, entertainment can turn into a serious challenge. Therefore, if not professionals gathered, but like-minded people, then you should first try with a four. She forgives minor mistakes.

Design

The size and type of the vessel is of great importance. These parameters significantly affect the capabilities of a particular watercraft. The type of seats, frame, cylinders and so on is important.

Double layer floats or mono balloon

The collection often contains both internal containers and mono-cylinders. Professionals recommend opting for high-quality mono-balloons. Their volume differs, so everyone must decide on this indicator independently. Some people like nimble boats, for example "Triton", others prefer to look down on the 2TT.

Landing

Rest will seem comfortable and exciting if it is convenient for a person to sit on a catamaran. The safety of the athlete and the coherence of his actions depend on the quality of the seat and stops.

Frame

What it is? The structural element is present in any type of catamaran. In most cases, duralumin pipes are used in its manufacture. The peculiarity lies in their assembly. This affects the rigidity and the ability to hold shape under significant loads.

The connection of the rigid frame takes place by means of bolts. This allows the vessel to respond quickly to control movements. But this design has a negative attitude to all kinds of deformations and can break under significant loads. The elements of the soft frame are attached with rubber twists - special strips cut from used car cameras. The result is a reliable structure that is able to absorb the impact energy and make the catamaran more stable. But the response to the control strokes is a bit late.

Safety on the waves

Usually, boats follow the wave in their hulls. If you install it sideways, you can turn over. The sharp nose of the catamarans cuts the waves, so there is no need to be afraid of unforeseen events, regardless of the direction of movement and speed. Even with a side impact of a wave, the watercraft will retain its stability and balance. It should be noted that the substantial dimensions of the vessel and its cylinders have a positive effect on the stability of the product.

Passability

This indicator depends on the draft, the area of ​​contact with the water surface, the protection of underwater structural elements.Unlike keel models, a catamaran, getting into shallow water, does not lose its horizontal position and a certain speed. He is not afraid to get lost in coastal vegetation, snags, rapids, logs. The hard bottom helps to calmly pass such problem areas. Cylinders located under water have reliable puncture protection. As for the engine, transom and bottom, they are above the water surface.

Weight and elementary assembly

If you get the necessary knowledge and skill, then assembling the catamaran will not be difficult. You can fill the cylinders with air using an electric compressor, which is able to work from a conventional car cigarette lighter. The weight of the product is small, so it is easy to transport and carry to the destination.

Capacity and lifting capacity

The average length of a catamaran is 5 - 6 meters. The 6 l / s engine is ready to accelerate it to a speed of 20 km / h. To increase the speed, it is worth getting a 15 hp engine. The Fisher catamaran comfortably accommodates 10 people, while each crew member will have enough free space, personal comfortable chairs with comfortable backs. The giant accelerates to a speed of 20 km / h.

Safety

Unlike keel boats, catamarans are considered stable and unsinkable. Even if the structure is completely covered by a large wave, the force will push the cylinders to the surface, and the excess water will leave the vessel through the valves, which will enable the craft to move on without even slowing down.

Comfort

This quality is confirmed by the following characteristics:

• ease of management;
• the ability to choose the optimal speed;
• lack of dampness and cold due to the presence of an air gap between the water and the bottom;
• deck-type models with a flat surface, excluding slipping;
• storage compartments and lockers are very spacious;
• you can travel for a long time without stopping;
• if you wish, you can equip the ship with plastic furniture and everything you need for an active pastime.

Profitability indicator

It is perfect for catamarans. Having filled 10 liters of fuel, you can cover a distance of three hundred kilometers without refueling. If we take into account a real eight-meter giant, then he will have enough fuel for 200 kilometers. The number of people on board does not affect this indicator.

Rating of the best catamarans for 2020

Most inexpensive

Catamaran K - 2

Available for two or four people. The floats are of two-layer type, they consist of a plug-in chamber and a cover made of a rucksack durable material. In the production of the bottom, TESA awning fabric (700 - 800 g / sq.m) is used. The cover has loops for fixing the frame. The deck and inflatable seats are not included. You need to pay extra for them. The vessel can accommodate 4 people and cargo. If it becomes necessary to install additional equipment, then it is worth taking care of the motor or sailing rig.

The average cost is 22,000 rubles.

• high-quality materials of manufacture;
• laconic design;
• no frills;
• suitable for taiga rivers;
• reliability;
• safety;
• long service life;
• convenient to operate.

• absent.

Kids

It is very popular among lovers of outdoor activities and water adventures. Small dimensions allow training within the pool. Ease of operation will make it easy and comfortable to sail along narrow streams. It features symmetrical gondola lines, high undercutting and short waterline. The side, bottom and top are made of reinforced fabric. Frame - construction made of seamless duralumin pipes.

The average price is 28,000 rubles.

• good maneuverability;
• easy entry to the shafts;
• reliability;
• wear-resistant fabrics that have passed the tear test;
• the presence of a backpack for carrying gondolas;
• the package includes a repair kit and a frame cover.

• not installed.

Delta 280

An excellent floating craft for fishing enthusiasts. Tops the rating of tenacious, unsinkable, stable structures on rapids and rocky rivers. Differs in good directional stability, can move at a significant speed even with a strong current. The frame is made of aluminum alloy, so it weighs a little. It can be used to attach trunks, motor, transom, rods and other ammunition.

Products are sold at a price of 23,000 rubles.

• there is the possibility of installing various seats, including those with a backrest;
• Fits in a comfortable shoulder bag
• mobility;
• ease of transportation;
• overpowers hard-to-reach reservoirs;
• light weight;
• efficiency of assembly;
• long service life.

• absent.

Vitim 4

An inflatable boat designed for water travel and tourist trips on the water surface. Management requires experience and certain skills. It can be equipped with a motor up to 5 l / s or sail rig up to 7 sq. M. The two-layer construction incorporates an outer shell to provide shape and protection from damage and inner cylinders. High quality multi-colored material is used in the manufacture of the shell. Inner cylinders made of rubberized fabric. The manufacturer sewed loops and pockets of slings to the gondola, on which the frame is attached.

The average cost (without a frame) is 29,000 rubles.

• high build quality;
• use of durable material;
• durability;
• ease of use;
• reliability;
• the presence of handles for carrying the structure;
• the bottom seams are glued with good quality material.

• not installed.

Catamaran K - 6

Belongs to the category of light tourist ships. Equipped with spindle-shaped floats. The composition contains a cover, the top of which is made of a backpack material, quite dense, and an internal insert camera. Awning fabric was used for the bottom. The cover has hinges for the frame. Deck and inflatable seats are not included and sold separately. The installation of the motor and sailing equipment is provided.

It is immensely popular with those who prefer to travel across wide expanses of water, raft along rapids. Manufacturers for such purposes recommend purchasing special inflatable seats with knee rests. The frame in the taiga can be cut down on the spot.

The average price is 32,500 rubles.

• high quality fabric;
• strength;
• wear resistance;
• long service life;
• reliability;
• sustainability;
• comfort;
• versatility.

• not installed.

Foxy

Considered a child model. Used to get the first experience for young tourists. Differs in buoyancy and excellent workmanship. Mainly intended for teenagers, although adults can also use the construction for play. The short waterline and high undercutting allows the crew to easily and easily enter the shafts. The stability margin is maximum. All material that is used to manufacture the product is tested for rupture. There is no question of where to buy. The product is sold in all specialized markets.

The average cost is 34,000 rubles.

• participates in conducting children's water tourism competitions;
• compact;
• used for training in indoor pools;
• high quality;
• durable;
• safe;
• excellent buoyancy reserve;
• good maneuverability;
• frame made of seamless duralumin pipes;
• the presence of a repair kit, a cover for the frame, a backpack for transporting gondolas.

• absent.

Middle price segment

Valday 4

Perfect for those who prefer to have an active holiday in large companies, admiring the delights of nature, the splash of water, the sound of the wind. Used for hiking on lakes and rivers up to category 4. Accommodates four to six people and cargo.You can additionally install a transom, deck.

Despite its low weight, it has good lifting capacity and running characteristics. It can be moved by one adult. If you additionally stretch the deck, then one or two babies can easily accommodate on it.

Floats - two-layer construction: on top - skin, inner part - plug-in gas cylinders. The power shell is made of PVC - fabric, which is of sufficient quality and does not allow the cylinders to be damaged.

The vessel can be purchased at a price of 58510 rubles (including the frame included in the kit).

• frame made of aviation alloy with anodized finish;
• the fabric used for the manufacture is repairable;
• cylinders with welded-in baffles for safety;
• can be purchased both in a company store and ordered on the manufacturer's website;
• weight - 30 kg;
• withstands long tourist trips;
• ease of assembly;
• versatility;
• maneuverability;
• sustainability;
• excellent cross-country ability;
• ease of maintenance;
• suitable for commercial alloys.

• not identified.

Valday 6

Convenient and practical inflatable structure for 6 or 8 seats. Will master rivers and lakes up to the 4th category of complexity. A standard deck, sail rig and transom are provided as additional equipment. Despite its considerable size, its weight is small. Differs in driving characteristics, allowing you to pass both calm lakes and significant obstacles. An irreplaceable assistant for the rest of a large noisy company. You can safely accommodate eight people on the extended deck, full equipment, a bunch of things and little children.

The clever, no-nonsense construction is made from dense, durable PVC fabric. In the event of a breakdown, it can be easily and easily repaired on site. Frame mounts and cylinder filling assemblies have been thoroughly tested for reliability and durability. A repair kit is included in the package.

The average cost is 71,540 rubles.

• optimal ratio of weight and dimensions;
• roomy;
• easy to maintain;
• just going and taking apart;
• the possibility of self-repair;
• maneuverability;
• versatility;
• functionality;
• sustainability;
• long service life.

• not installed.

Arctic 600 Expedition

The manufacturer has specially developed a device for conducting expeditions on categorical rivers. Experts recommend purchasing a structure for a team of 6 people to pass rapids, as well as rafting at a significant speed along quiet rivers. You can additionally install a deck for luggage, as well as a motor. Thanks to the comfortable and well thought-out seats, rowers can work simultaneously without interfering with each other. Even active maneuvers are successful.

In the manufacture, a high-quality Israeli-made fabric with a density of 250 g / m2 is used. Internal cylinders are equipped with welded-in baffles for greater safety. All materials can be tidied up by yourself using the minimum repair kit that is included.

The average cost is 87,600 rubles.

• functional;
• universal;
• reliable;
• durable;
• agile;
• optimal carrying capacity;
• safe;
• high-quality assembly;
• practical seats with stops;
• excellent combination of price and quality;
• there is an assembly kit and a backpack for transportation;
• one-year manufacturer's warranty.

• absent.

North

Russian-made four-seater construction with a flattened deck. The four inflatable seats are equipped with knee rests. Suitable for both sports and active family holidays. Can be used by beginners for training. Will master the rivers of 4 - 5 categories of complexity, cope with the rapids. The presence of an underestimated draft allows the rowers to manage it comfortably. The seats can be removed and installed depending on the intended number of seats.

The floats are uniquely shaped to allow the vessel to overcome significant obstacles. Due to its small size, it has a low windage, which allows it to calmly pass rivers and lakes, rubble and narrow places.

The average price is 59,100 rubles.

• easy;
• nimble;
• compact;
• excellent buoyancy;
• reliable;
• long service life;
• suitable for training;
• can be carried by one person;
• just going;
• there are no additional complicating elements;
• repairable;
• sold in any specialized store;
• inexpensive.

• not identified.

Premium class

Fountaine Pajot Alegria 67

High class sailing yachts have been produced by the French manufacturer since 2017. The model is a cruising catamaran with a length of more than 20 meters, a draft of 1.7 m, a fiberglass hull. Inside there are six comfortable passenger cabins. It is the best in the lineup. Designed for four crew members and twelve passengers.

Outstanding designers have worked on the appearance of the structure. It turned out to be a full-fledged house on the water surface. It is popular with those who enjoy comfortable sea travel. The main features are the strictness of the lines, the impressive dimensions. Internal steps are safe. There is a jacuzzi with sea water. Solar panels help to increase the energy autonomy of the vessel. It is widely used for sea and ocean long journeys.

The product can be purchased at a price of 145,584,000 rubles.

• elegant;
• beautiful;
• stylish;
• rich design;
• comfortable;
• functional;
• reliable;
• solid;
• use of environmentally friendly materials;
• shallow draft makes it possible to plow shallow water areas;
• the presence of a recreation area and a jacuzzi;
• roomy.

• not everyone can afford that luxury.

Fountaine Pajot 59

The French shipyard Fountaine Pajot launched the production of comfortable yachts in 2017. This model belongs to the category of cruising catamarans. Length - 18.21 meters, draft - 1.4 meters, six passenger cabins are equipped. The body is made of durable certified fiberglass. The cost of the basic configuration is 106761600 rubles.

Sleeping places - 12, bathrooms - 6, keel - fixed, sailing capacity - 116 sq.m., seaworthiness class - ocean. Upper deck with deck saloon. Operated by a crew of three.

The creators achieved a unique result: a comfortable yacht was born with a cozy, soft interior and modern appearance, ideally combining social areas and nooks for private time. The developers tried to make sure that all people who went on a joint trip were comfortable and interesting. The main salon is 27 sq.m., the flybridge is more than 30 sq.m. All those present on the yacht can gather in these rooms at the same time. You can find free space to accommodate a hired crew.

• high comfort;
• safety;
• reliability;
• versatility;
• the opportunity to travel with a close family circle or a noisy company of like-minded people;
• excellent layout;
• optimal draft.

• not everyone can purchase such an expensive product for personal use.

Fountaine Pajot Elba 45

The length of the sailing cruising catamaran is only 13.45 meters. Inside it is equipped with three passenger cabins. The draft is small - 1.2 m. A large crew is replaced by one captain, who, with experience and knowledge, will successfully cope with this yacht. The design is not defiant, more standard. In the manufacture of the case, durable fiberglass is used. A deck salon is provided on the upper deck.

Considered a new double-hulled vessel. The designers gave preference to modern architectural solutions, which significantly influenced its dimensions. It is longer, sleeker, more functional than its counterparts. It features a large amount of free space.The saloon has a galley and comfortable sofas with tables for pleasant communication.

The average purchase price is 38,013,600 rubles.

• functionality;
• unique design;
• reliability;
• long service life;
• substantial dimensions;
• a lot of free space;
• equipped resting places;
• elevated control post;
• the presence of a guest cabin;
• can come close to the shore, enter small rivers or canals.

• absent.

Conclusion

Brand stores offer a variety of models of catamarans to choose from: deck and truss type, with and without sandwich structures, for going out to the open sea and descending mountain rivers. Before making a final decision, it is worth deciding on its main purpose, carefully examining the capabilities and characteristics. It is worth remembering that any product must be reliable, of high quality, safe and functional. It should be easy to manage, to be restored on its own. This is the only way to enjoy active recreation on your own boat.