When it comes to designing a catamaran, we have the choice of having the kitchen installed in one of the hulls or up on the main deck. For catamarans under 40 feet, the question regardings whether to have the galley up or down has become a debate since many raise discussion over the catamaran layout.
On large multiyachts, the preference is dictated either by the need for privacy between crew and guests, or on the contrary by the conviviality provided by a galley in the saloon. It’s 50/50 between these two options. In the 40-to-60-foot sector, 99% of galleys are “up”. However, for cats under 40 feet, there is a debate – the choice can be a difficult one because the smaller volumes raise real questions about the layout possibilities.
– Norbert Conchin, Multihulls World
With more than 250 catamarans produced and countless hours have been taken in designing one, we lean towards having the the galley in one of the hulls instead of that in the main deck. This has been featured in most of our models, including Seawind 1190 and 1260. Having the galley down brings out the “perfect balance between comfort and practicality while respecting the ergonomics and use of passengers on board”.
Or watch more of the Seawind “galley down” feature:
A Full Walk-through Tour from Sailing Ruby Rose
What does the sailing community say?
“Really depends on the size of the cat. On a 50 ft boat, probably makes most sense to use portion of saloon for galley. Shorter than that, galley down for sure. That said, most people’s opinions are driven by other model cats that feel like stepping into a submarine below. The pass-thru opening above cabinets, the large windows below, make for a nice galley down.”
“From a practicality point of view the traditional galley down with an open top to serve through and importantly to be able to chat to those in the saloon and on the wheel is best. It’s safer, hides the mess and has far more storage at eye height. The galley up option is has immediate appeal when viewing at a boat show but when at sea not the best to be practical. Seasickness is the only counter argument I suppose but that maybe only until your “sea legs” kicks in. In the larger Seawind like our 1260 sailing from Vietnam to the Whitsundays the arrangement worked very well. Storage great, ocean views and ventilation great and easy to chat to skipper. I still liked my bbq in the middle of the stern thou from our Seawind 1000 days when breezy.”
“Galley up. Always.”
“Galley down, nav station and panel up. Safe and effective boat operations should drive boat design and layout.”
“I prefer a galley down with more space in the salon, have galley down in my boat and use the bbq in the cockpit much more than the range anyway.”
What about you? Which side are you on?
More from Multihulls Word:
The location of the kitchen on a sub-40 foot catamaran: galley “up” or galley “down”