World Cat
2-1
CHAPTER 2
PERFORMANCE
OVERVIEW
This chapter will provide information on the performance characteristics of your catamaran; This is not a substi-
tute for seamanship training or hands-on experience. First time boat owners should use the resources detailed in
Chapter 1 to learn proper methods of boat operation. Experienced boaters who have never owned a catamaran, should
study this chapter completely. Do not assume that previous boating experience will apply to all situations, as there are
several subtle differences in the handling characteristics of twin hulled boats. For existing catamaran owners, this
chapter should be a reference.
MOTOR TRIM
The smooth riding characteristics of a catamaran are a result of the twin hull design. Their ability to slice through
oncoming waves is far superior to the slamming characteristics seen on conventional vessels. Motor trim plays an
integral part in how your catamaran accomplishes this. In a level or bow down attitude, your boat will slice through
larger chop but you may experience sluggish performance, a wetter ride and increased bow steering in a following
sea. In a bow up attitude the boat will perform better, but may ride less smoothly. Experiment with the trim settings in
various sea conditions to determine what you are most comfortable with. When using the trim to correct a listing con-
dition, imagine an “X” connecting the starboard engine to the port bow, and port engine to the starboard bow (see
drawing below).
BOW UP CONDITION
To correct a bow up condition on the port sponson, adjust
the motor trim “down” on the starboard engine. This will
help the starboard sponson to rise and level the vessel. If
moving to the lowest trim setting on the starboard engine
does not correct the list, trim the port engine “up” to assist
the change. Reverse the instructions to accommodate for
a bow up condition on the starboard sponson.
BOW DOWN CONDITION
To correct a bow down condition on the port sponson,
adjust the motor trim “up” on the starboard engine. This
will help the starboard sponson to fall and level the ves-
sel. If cavitation occurs on the starboard engine, lower it
to correct the problem, then trim the port engine “down”
to assist the change. Reverse the instructions to accom-
modate for a bow down condition on the starboard spon-
son.
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