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.
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 that Lagoon 380s have a documented issue with aft beam delamination, or that certain Bali models develop hairline cracks around the forward cockpit drainage channels.
We have surveyed over sixty catamarans in Turkey — from a 2003 Lagoon 380 in Göcek to a 2022 Fountaine Pajot Elba 45 in Bodrum. Each brand has its character and its known weaknesses.
The bridgedeck absorbs wave slamming loads in rough conditions. We inspect for stress cracks, delamination, water ingress through drainage channels, and reinforcement at beam attachment points. This is the single most critical area on any catamaran.
We moisture-map both hulls independently and compare readings. Differential osmosis — one hull significantly wetter than the other — can indicate a previous grounding, repair history or manufacturing defect. Both hulls are inspected for gel coat condition, keel strips and through-hull fittings.
The cross-beams connecting the hulls carry the entire structural load of the catamaran. Joint fatigue, cracking at the glass tabbing, and water ingress at beam flanges are inspected visually and with tap testing. Failed beam joints are the most expensive catamaran repair.
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.
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.
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.
Lagoon is by far the most common catamaran in Turkish waters — we have surveyed the 380, 400, 42, 450 and 52 models. Fountaine Pajot is second, particularly the Lucia 40 and Isla 40. We also have experience with Bali 4.1 and Catspace, Leopard 40 and 45, Catana, and several Nautitech models. For less common brands we can still conduct a thorough survey — the structural principles are universal.
A comprehensive 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 24–48 hours 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 adds approximately €300–€500 to the survey fee.
Tell us the make, model, year, length and current marina. We reply with a detailed quote and available survey dates on the same day.
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