catamaran cruiser

Our Cats Love the Water!

Catamaran Cruisers Houseboats

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Below are some questions asked by many customers considering the purchase of our great houseboats.  We hope these Q & A's can help you in your research to see if Catamaran Cruisers can fit your needs.  If you have more questions please give us a call @ 1-800-365-1255

Q.  What is the difference between pontoon boats and catamarans?

A.  The biggest difference is the stability and performance.  Pontoons are ordinarily round or "U" shaped which offer no planning surface or "chines", the result is they offer no lift as they move through the water and are more easily blown about by winds.  Our catamaran fiberglass hulls have a planing surface and design which allows them to lift up & over rough waters.  The hard "chines" of our hulls help stabilize the boat in crosswinds.

Q.  What advantages do catamarans have over mono-hull cruisers and houseboats?

A.  There are many advantages including no bilges to collect water or gas fumes, smoother ride & more stability.  Mono-hull houseboats are virtually flat bottomed which seems to float on the water's surface, as the water gets rougher so does the ride or motion of the boat.  Catamaran twin hulls cut the water in two places thus smoothing out rough water and considerably reducing "bobbing" motions.  

Q.  Why are Catamaran Cruisers fiberglass hulls better than aluminum or steel?

A.  Fiberglass, unlike aluminum or steel, will not corrode or rust, even saltwater will not affect it.  Fiberglass is easily repaired if it is ever damaged.  Additionally, fiberglass can be molded into desired shapes thus producing the desired performance characteristics.  Furthermore, fiberglass is stronger pound for pound than aluminum or steel.

Q.  Why doesn't Catamaran Cruisers offer inboard motors?

A.  Today's outboard motors are more reliable, lower cost, offer lower operating and maintenance costs. Unlike inboard motors, they require no winterizing.  The "kick-up" safety feature makes them ideally suited for shallow water use.  We install our motors on motor pods separate and behind the boat to help reduce noise and vibration, unlike built-in motors.

Q.  How do Catamaran Cruisers perform in comparison to other cruisers and houseboats?

A.  Our unique hull shape and low overall weight mean good performance even with lower horsepower motors.  Cruisers are generally faster but at the expense of high fuel consumption.  As far as stability, Catamaran Cruisers are much more stable when underway or docked.  

Q.  What about safety?

A.  Catamaran Cruisers offers multi-compartmented hulls.  They cannot be swamped.  The danger from sinking due to knocking a hole in the bottom is virtually eliminated.  

Q.  How do Catamaran Cruisers compare with cruisers as far as passenger comforts?

A.  Our boats offer more usable space- flat, open front and rear decks as well as an upper sun-deck.  Cabins are designed to get the maximum use out of the space available.  Single level floor design eliminates space-wasting stairs.

Q.  How does Catamaran Cruisers cabin construction compare to other cruisers?

A.  All of our standard models utilize a bonded gel coat fiberglass interior and exterior.  All exterior decks and roofs feature hand-rolled fiberglass with a non-skid surface.  Some competitors utilize stretched rubber on roofs and carpet on decks which will deteriorate and require periodic replacement.

Our exclusive "three-deck" construction means the cabin walls are on the outside of the floor and the cabin deck is separated from both the front and rear decks.  The roof is set down over the walls (like a shoebox lid).  The result is a sealed seamless cabin with maximum strength and weather tightness.

Q.  Do I have to have a generator?

A.  No, but it is a convenient optional feature.  When underway the onboard battery power provides lighting and water system pressure.  Gas is used for standard cooking and heating water.  Dockside hookups allow the use of 110v appliances and air conditioning when in a marina or an optional generator can provide power anywhere.  

Q.  How can Catamaran Cruisers be priced so much lower than comparable size cruisers or houseboats?

A.  We manufacture on a low-overhead production line basis.  We laminate our own cabin walls and produce our own cabinetry, molded fiberglass parts, and boat trailers.  In addition, all aluminum, wood & steel components are designed and built in-house.  This assures high-quality components and helps reduce production cost.  The results are true value and a better product at less cost.