The catamaran is characterized by having two hulls.
Catamaran is a term that comes from the English catamaran , in turn derived from the Tamil language word kaṭṭumaram (which can be translated as "tied wood" ). This is the name given to a raft made with logs used by the aborigines of India .
Currently, the concept is used to refer to a boat that has two joined hulls . These hulls are the same size and are parallel to provide stability to the ship.
The history of these boats
It is believed that, in prehistory , there were peoples who already used double-hulled canoes in the Polynesian area. Closer in time, at the end of the 17th century , it was the English navigator William Dampier who described the catamarans he observed in the Bay of Bengal .
The Chola dynasty, which had great power in southern India , used this type of boat to transport its soldiers. Thanks to catamarans, he was able to make raids in Southeast Asia and conquer various regions.
The catamaran today
As time went by, catamarans evolved and today they are used for different purposes. At a general level, it can be said that these are light ships , without ballast and generally with a shallow draft, which can be propelled by engines or sails .
Its double keel makes it stable and its design reduces heel (the inclination that occurs when moving away from the vertical ). Another characteristic of the catamaran is its low rolling, which reduces dizziness for passengers and crew.
Many catamarans are used as yachts.
A boat with multiple uses
Today catamarans are used in different ways. They are commonly used as yachts or recreational vessels . There are also companies that offer sightseeing tours on catamarans.
Another use of the catamaran is as a ferry or ferry . In these cases, the catamaran is used to connect two points, transporting vehicles and passengers.
Catamarans can even be used to assist or supply other vessels and be used for the development of fishing activities .
Catamaran rides
Let's see an example of the use of catamarans. In the province of Buenos Aires ( Argentina ) is the mouth of the Paraná River delta , an area of great attraction for tourism . There visitors can ride a catamaran to enjoy the natural beauties.
These catamarans have fixed departure times and follow a pre-established itinerary . In this way, people who purchase their ticket already know how long the ride will last and what places they will be able to see during navigation.
The catamarans that navigate the Paraná River delta have a variable capacity: some carry less than a hundred passengers and others, two hundred. Some companies offer lunch and more services on board.
On the island of Mallorca ( Spain ) you can also hire catamaran excursions. One of these tourist boats is the Oasis catamaran, with capacity for 57 passengers and a crew of three people. The Oasis is powered by two engines and has a two-story deck with a solarium, a bar and other amenities.