Catamaran Survey
Multihull Inspection in Turkey
A catamaran is not two monohulls bolted together. It has its own structural logic, its own failure modes, and its own inspection demands. We survey catamarans regularly, Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot, Bali, Leopard, and know exactly where to look and what to worry about.
Two Hulls, Twice the Complexity
Every system on a catamaran exists in duplicate, two engines, two fuel systems, two sets of through-hulls, two rudders, two steering mechanisms. The bridgedeck connecting the hulls is a high-stress structural member that takes repeated wave impact. The beam-to-hull joints carry enormous loads in a seaway. None of these features exist on a monohull.
A surveyor who primarily inspects monohulls will check each hull competently, but may not understand the specific stress patterns of a bridgedeck, may not know where to look for aft beam delamination on an ageing catamaran, or how drainage channels around a forward cockpit behave after a decade of use.
Catamarans are surveyed to the same method as monohulls, with additional attention to the bridgedeck, the beams and the two engine installations. Every builder has its own construction philosophy; what a survey records is the condition of that particular boat, not a verdict on the brand.
Dual Engine Systems
Both engines are inspected independently, oil analysis, impeller condition, exhaust elbow corrosion, shaft alignment and prop condition. Mismatched engine hours between port and starboard often indicate a replacement or major overhaul on one side.
Electrical Complexity
Catamarans typically have double the electrical load of a monohull, two battery banks, two alternators, inverter, solar panels, watermaker. We trace circuits, check cable runs between hulls (a common failure point), and verify that the shore power system handles dual-hull distribution correctly.
Rigging & Trampoline
Catamaran rigs are shorter but carry different loads than monohull rigs. We inspect forestay, shrouds, spreader fittings and mast step. Trampoline condition, lacing and attachment points are checked, a failed trampoline at sea is a serious safety hazard.
Catamaran Survey Questions
All makes seen in Turkish waters, including Lagoon, Fountaine Pajot, Bali, Leopard, Catana and Nautitech. The structural principles are the same on every catamaran; the make-specific points we pay attention to are set out in our make guides.
A full catamaran survey takes 1.5 to 2 full days, longer than a monohull of the same length because of the dual systems and bridgedeck inspection. The report is delivered within two to three working days of completing the inspection. Haul-out is essential for catamarans; in-water surveys miss too much on a multihull.
Bridgedeck structural damage from slamming, and beam-to-hull joint fatigue. These are expensive to repair, €10,000 to €30,000 depending on severity, and invisible from a deck-level walkthrough. They typically develop on charter boats that have been sailed hard in short seas, which is exactly the profile of most catamarans in Turkey.
Yes, and we strongly recommend it for catamarans. A sea trial lets us check engine synchronisation, steering response on both helms, rigging loads under sail, and, critically, listen for bridgedeck slamming at speed. We also test the watermaker, autopilot and generator under load. The sea trial is included in the survey fee.
Request a Catamaran Survey Quote
Tell us the make, model, year, length and current marina. We reply with a detailed quote and available survey dates.
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See also: Lagoon survey guide · Fountaine Pajot survey guide
Scope: The survey is non-destructive and nothing is dismantled; details on the survey types page.