catamaran meaning of word

catamaran (n.)

East Indies log raft, 1670s, from Hindi or Malayalam, from Tamil (Dravidian) kattu-maram "tied wood," from kattu "tie, binding" + maram "wood, tree." It also was used in the West Indies and South America.

Entries linking to catamaran

three-piece bathing suit with separate bra cups held on by Velcro, 1967, from tri- + bikini , falsely presumed as a compound in bi- . For a similar malformation from tri- , compare trimaran , "a central hull with a float on each side" (1949), based on non-PIE catamaran .

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updated on October 19, 2017

Dictionary entries near catamaran

What Is A Catamaran? Does It Have Engines Or Can It Only Sail?

Catamarans are a type of boat that has two hulls connected by a platform. They offer many advantages over traditional monohull boats, including increased stability and improved speed. This article will explore what exactly catamarans are and how they can be powered. We’ll also look at the differences between sailing and motor-powered catamarans to help you decide which one is right for you.

What Is A Catamaran?

A catamaran is a type of boat with two hulls connected by beams. It is usually powered by sails, although all modern catamarans come with inboard motors for propulsion. Catamarans are traditionally used for sailing, fishing, and leisure activities . They can be used in both fresh and salt water, and their light weight allows them to travel at high speeds without using much fuel.

Catamarans are known for their stability and durability due to their wide beam and shallow draft. This makes them ideal for traversing shallow waters or areas where the sea is choppy and unpredictable. They also have the advantage of being able to turn quickly and maneuver easily in tight spaces. Additionally, they provide a smooth ride despite rough seas since the two hulls help to reduce wave impact on the boat itself.

Advantages Of Catamarans

Catamarans offer many advantages to sailors and other seafaring travelers. The primary benefit of catamarans is their stability, due to the fact that they have two hulls that are connected by a platform. This design makes them much more resistant to waves than monohull vessels, which makes them ideal for activities such as fishing or leisurely cruises near shore. Catamarans also tend to be lighter, faster and more fuel efficient than monohulls, making them an attractive choice for sportier outings such as racing or overnight trips. In addition, catamarans can either be powered by engines or sails, giving you the flexibility to choose whatever type of propulsion suits your needs best.

Types Of Catamarans

Catamarans come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from luxurious yachts to fast-moving racing boats. They offer a unique sailing experience, with their twin hulls providing stability and comfort while still able to reach high speeds. Catamarans can be powered by engines or sail, enabling them to move swiftly through the water. Some are designed for serious racing, while others are equipped for leisurely cruising on the open waters. With so many options available, there is sure to be a catamaran that will fit any sailor’s needs. Whether it’s speed or comfort that you’re after, a catamaran can provide an unforgettable experience on the seas.

Sailing Vs. Motor-Powered Catamarans

Catamarans offer many advantages over monohulls and have become a popular choice for many reasons.. They are lightweight, stable, and provide ample space onboard. However, there is one major decision to make when purchasing a catamaran: whether to choose a sailing or motor-powered version.

Sailing catamarans have the traditional look of a boat with two hulls and tall sails, while motor-powered catamarans come equipped with engines and resemble more of a powerboat. Both types of catamarans offer their own unique benefits and drawbacks. Sailing versions are cheaper to purchase but require the sailor to be knowledgeable in sailing tactics in order to navigate easily. Motor-powered versions are more expensive but can be easier to operate in certain conditions due to their greater speed and maneuverability. In the end, it comes down to personal preference as both types can provide an enjoyable experience on the water.

Benefits Of Chartering A Catamaran

Catamarans are a type of sailing vessel with two hulls that are connected with a frame. They are typically very stable and have plenty of deck space for passengers and amenities. Catamarans also come equipped with two engines, so they can travel in calm waters even when there’s no wind to power the sails. The engine also allows them to get back quickly against strong winds or tides, making them great for long trips and passages.

The major benefit of chartering a catamaran is the amount of space it provides compared to traditional monohulls (a boat with one hull). This makes them ideal for larger groups, as they can accommodate more people without feeling cramped. Additionally, catamarans offer great stability in the water – even in choppy conditions – allowing you to feel safe and secure while onboard. Plus, since they don’t require as much maintenance as other boats, they’re perfect for longer periods of time on the water. All these factors make catamarans a great choice for any travel vacation with friends and family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are catamarans suitable for excursions.

Catamarans are a popular choice for those looking to charter one for an excursion due to their spaciousness and stability. They provide more than enough room for comfortable traveling as well as plenty of storage space, making them an ideal option for extended cruising. Additionally, all catamarans are equipped with engines, allowing for easy navigation and maneuverability when needed. All in all, catamarans make great vessels for vacations and traveling and can be a great way to explore the waters.

What Is The Best Type Of Catamaran For Ocean Voyaging?

When it comes to ocean voyaging, the best type of catamaran is a modern performance cruiser. These vessels are designed to combine speed and comfort, with a shallow draft for navigating in and out of shallow waters. Modern performance cruising catamarans feature two hulls connected by an open deck, often with engines that give them greater maneuverability. They also generally have larger living spaces than traditional monohulls, so they can provide more comfortable accommodations during long voyages.

How Many People Can Typically Fit On A Catamaran?

A catamaran is a type of boat with two parallel hulls. Depending on the size, it can typically fit anywhere from 4-12 people plus crew. It’s important to note that the number of passengers will depend on the size and design of the boat, so it’s best to check with a manufacturer for more specific details.

A catamaran is a great choice for those looking to explore the ocean in style. They’re spacious and versatile, making them suitable for all sorts of travel plans and excursions. Plus, they can be powered by either engines and/or sails, so you can decide which works best for your needs. Charter prices can vary depending on your vacation needs. All in all, a catamaran is an excellent choice for anyone wanting to explore the open seas!

If you’re considering renting a catamaran, it’s important to do some research first. There are many different kinds to choose from depending on what your entire party has on their travel wish list – and make sure that you have a safe and fun voyage!

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Tim Walz's DNC pep talk and new Covid vaccines expected: Morning Rundown

Tim Walz accepts the Democratic vice presidential nomination. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is expected to drop his presidential bid and endorse Trump. And what to know about the upcoming new round of Covid vaccines.

Here’s what to know today.

Tim Walz accepts VP nomination with a high-energy pep talk

Tim Walz officially became the Democratic vice presidential nominee last night, delivering a keynote speech on the third day of the Democratic National Convention that hammered home the theme of “freedom.” 

"When Republican use the word 'freedom,' they mean that the government should be free to invade your doctor's office, corporations free to pollute your air and water and banks free to take advantage of customers," Walz said. He added that Democrats see "freedom" as the ability to "make your own health care decisions" and "kids' freedom to go to school without worrying about being shot." 

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Walz also touted his small-town roots and his experiences as a teacher, football coach, veteran and gun owner, highlighting the passage of gun safety laws, free school lunches and paid family leave while he was governor of Minnesota. 

And Walz didn’t skip the word that thrust him into the national political zeitgeist just a few weeks ago: weird. Taking aim at the right-wing Project 2025 plan, Walz asked the audience, “Is it weird? Absolutely. But it’s also wrong and dangerous.”

Read the full story here.

More Democratic National Convention coverage:

• Watch highlights  from Night Three of the DNC in 3 minutes.
• Sixty years to the day that civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer delivered an iconic speech at the 1964 DNC,  Harris is set to make history  in her own address tonight.
• The final night of the convention  will feature gun violence survivors .
• In a surprise appearance, Oprah Winfrey heaped praise on Harris and Walz  while making a few digs  at Trump and Vance.
• Former President Bill Clinton  framed the election as a “clear choice”  and slammed Trump as a narcissist consumed by concerns that have nothing to do with everyday problems.
• Nancy Pelosi may be a villain  in President Joe Biden’s inner circle, but the DNC made clear she’s a hero to the rest of the party.
• The border was a major theme  in multiple speeches, solidifying Dems’ shift to a tougher stance on immigration. 
• The parents of American Israeli hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin made an emotional plea for their son’s return that left many in the convention hall shedding tears.
• Meanwhile, the uncommitted delegates to the DNC said the Harris campaign  denied their chief request  to feature a Palestinian American speaker.
• What if Trump had said no to Biden’s early debate proposal a few months ago? NBC News chief political analyst Chuck Todd plays out what this week could have looked like instead.  Read the full analysis.

RFK Jr. to set aside presidential ambitions in favor of another

Third-party presidential nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is expected to drop out of the race and endorse former President Donald Trump , two sources familiar with the plans said. Kennedy announced yesterday that he will give a speech tomorrow in Phoenix addressing the “path forward” for his campaign. Trump will also be in nearby Glendale, Arizona, for an event. 

A group close to Trump — including his son Donald Trump Jr., right-wing commentator Tucker Carlson and business executive Omeed Malik — worked behind the scenes to pull Kennedy into their corner, the sources said.

Trump suggested in an interview this week that Kennedy would do an “incredible job” as a secretary of health and human services. Kennedy, a famous anti-vaccine advocate and conspiracy theorist, hasn’t shied away from floating his interest in a Cabinet position under Trump. But a position as an HHS secretary, by historical comparisons, would be an odd choice. For one, Kennedy has openly advocated for dismantling offices like the FDA and CDC and rebuilding them with like-minded fringe figures. Here’s what else Kennedy has advocated for.

More 2024 election coverage:  

• How RFK Jr.’s exit from the presidential race  would help Trump , according to polls.
• Trump said his priority in November is  making sure Democrats “don’t cheat,”  echoing his previous efforts to undermine the election.

New Covid vaccines are expected soon

The FDA could approve a new Covid vaccine as early as today, two sources familiar with the agency’s planning said, which could see them become available in a matter of days. The updated vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna are designed to target the KP.2 strain, while a third vaccine from drugmaker Novavax will target the JN.1 strain.

However, the CDC says both of those strains have largely faded from circulation. Millions of Americans have already had Covid during the ongoing summer wave, meaning their immunity is bolstered, at least for a while.

So who should get vaccinated and when is the best time to do it? The CDC recommends everyone ages 6 months and older get the new shots, but if you’ve been sick recently, you might want to consider delaying your vaccination. NBC News’ health reporters explain everything you need to know about the new vaccines.

Politics in Brief 

Hunter Biden: A federal judge presiding over Hunter Biden’s tax case laid out the schedule for the impending criminal trial of President Joe Biden’s son, starting with jury selection in two weeks. 

Election losses: Nearly half of the 23 DeSantis-backed school board candidates in Florida lost their elections, while six others were forced into runoffs. The results of Tuesday’s election indicate the Florida governor’s reputation is tarnished after a failed presidential bid.

Rule change: People with HIV can no longer be barred from enlisting in the U.S. military, a federal judge ruled, striking down the Pentagon’s last remaining policy limiting the service of those with the virus.

Want more politics news? Sign up for From the Politics Desk to get exclusive reporting and analysis delivered to your inbox every weekday evening.  Subscribe here.

Staff Pick: A poginant end for gay penguin ‘power couple’

Penguins are monogamous creatures, mating for life and “proposing” to their chosen partner with the gift of a pebble. So when Sydney aquarium staff noticed male penguins Sphen and Magic “flirting” and building a nest together, they gave the new couple an egg to raise.

The gay power couple was celebrated around the world.

So I was very sad to learn that Sphen, the older of the two penguins, had passed away. Staff at the aquarium brought Magic to see Sphen’s body so that Magic could process that his partner of 6 years was not coming home. Upon seeing Sphen, Magic started singing, and the 45-strong penguin colony joined him in his mourning song. Sphen may have passed, but the love lives on. — Fiona Day, social media editor

In Case You Missed It

• The body of British tech magnate Mike Lynch was recovered from the wreck of a superyacht that sank off the coast of Sicily, a source familiar with the matter told CNBC.
• The U.S. added 818,000 fewer jobs over a 12-month period than previously thought, a significant revision that adds to recent concerns that the economy has been slowing.
• Enrollment for Black and Latino students at MIT dropped in the first class formed after the Supreme Court struck down affirmative action programs.
• Taylor Swift said she was filled with fear and guilt after the foiled terror plot that forced the cancelation of her Vienna concerts.
• A doctor accused of illegally supplying drugs to Matthew Perry before the “Friends” actor’s overdose death plans to return to his medical practice .

NBC Select: Online Shopping, Simplified

Flying can be taxing on your body, especially your skin.  These products  can keep your skin from feeling dry and dehydrated when you’re traveling. And those with oily or combination skin might benefit from a gel moisturizer, which is thinner and more lightweight.  Here are the best ones.  

Sign up to The Selection  newsletter for hands-on product reviews, expert shopping tips and a look at the best deals and sales each week.  

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