Why Do Catamarans Have Trampolines?

Anyone uninitiated in the world of catamarans would naturally be surprised to see a trampoline on this special type of watercraft. It’s made for traveling or fishing with much more space than a traditional vessel. We can get into the details later. But why do catamarans have trampolines? What’s the use of it?

Simply put, trampolines are used to utilize the empty space between the two hulls of a catamaran or even a trimaran. You’re getting an extra usable flat space without impacting the boat’s performance and speed.

The space could have been used for other purposes, so why trampolines? Well, there are a few reasons which we will be discussing throughout the article.

7 Reasons Why Catamarans Have Trampolines

While adding a trampoline between the two decks of a catamaran can be a source of fun, it’s not the only reason.

1. Good Alternative to a Solid Deck

The less weight of a boat compared to the surface area, the better it is for the boat’s fuel consumption and speed.

Good Alternative to a Solid Deck

You could have a solid deck and no empty space between the two hulls of a catamaran just like a monohull sailboat. It’d still sail on the sea, but you would lose much of the speed.

But if you reduced the amount of solid deck and used something much more lightweight to fill it up, it’d make more sense. That’s where a trampoline makes so much sense. But other factors are backing it up.

2. It’s Lightweight

Catamarans are a step above the standard sailboat vessels you see on the water. They are made for more stability and speed while enabling a luxurious experience.

If you choose to bring anything on the catamaran, you have to take the added weight into consideration. A trampoline made of polypropylene mesh is a perfect addition to a catamaran’s design.

It doesn’t sit above the deck surface so it has no effect on the aerodynamics. And it’s lightweight enough to be considered negligible compared to the overall weight.

And the lack of a metal frame like the traditional ground trampolines makes them the most suitable option.

3. Drains Water Quickly

It’s pretty self-evident that a trampoline doesn’t hold water and drains quicker than any fabric.

Drains Water Quickly

This is vital to a catamaran’s speed and its body’s weight distribution. When you’re out on the sea, with each wave, it’s normal for some water to get up on the deck area. If this water doesn’t get drained, it will create an extra load pressure.

With trampoline nets covering a large area in the middle, it makes sure that the water doesn’t stay on for more than a few seconds.

4. Effect on Wind Resistance

The sailboats are designed to minimize wind resistance as much as possible. So, any addition to the design would have to be following the original air dynamics.

What makes a trampoline such a perfect addition? It’s the flat surface as well as the mess design. There’s little to no added wind resistance, especially since it stays flat with the deck.

Even if you put a net enclosure, there wouldn’t be any significant change in the aerodynamics of the vessel.

5. Utilizing the Empty Space

If you look at the design of a catamaran sailboat, you’ll notice that there is a significant amount of empty space between the two hulls. It was necessary to make the boat stable for long cruises on the turbulent sea. It’s certainly more stable than any monohull sailboat.

But the empty space could easily be utilized if you put a trampoline in there. It won’t affect the total weight of the boat so there’s no decrease in speed.

6. Adds More Deck Area

The deck area on a catamaran is almost half of the total area. A good chunk of it is lost to the boat’s necessary equipment and boundaries. If you put a trampoline on the boat, you could increase deck space.

You could potentially increase the number of people you can bring on the boat if you have a trampoline.

7. Comfortable Space for Leisure

Comfortable Space For Leisure

We all love to lay down on the hammock swing and let the cool breeze touch our bodies. Want to experience all that on a sailboat? Well, you could if you had a trampoline net installed on it.

You can tan, lie down and have fun with your friends. Let the water hit your body each time the deck gets close to a rising wave. It’s all so refreshing.

Are Trampolines on Catamarans Safe?

Trampolines are considered safe regardless of where you install them. However, there are always cautions to take care of. It’s more when it comes to catamaran trampolines. Since you’ll be on the sea, it’s practically forbidden to jump on it if the boat is moving regardless of its speed.

Are Trampolines On Catamarans Safe

You’ll be putting yourself in danger if you do that. Fortunately, trampolines for catamarans are made differently since you don’t need so much bounce.

Final Words

So, why do catamarans have trampolines? Simply put, it’s to maximize the potential of a catamaran. It allows for more efficient aerodynamics while maximizing the fun and relaxation at sea. But it’s crucial to control yourself on a catamaran trampoline if you’re used to the more fun version, the ground trampoline.

Last Updated on May 3, 2023

Photo of author

Rufag Milar

Glad to have you here! Hope you got exactly what you came looking for here. My team and I work hard to put out the site’s content. So, we hope that you like each that is on the site at the moment.

Leave a Comment