9 Essential Catamaran Cruising Gear Picks for Weekend Sailors

Stepping aboard a cruising catamaran for a weekend getaway brings a unique sense of freedom and space. Unlike traditional monohulls, the wide beam and dual hulls of a multihull create a stable platform that requires a specialized approach to gear. Outfitting your catamaran with the right tools ensures that your short escape remains relaxing, safe, and efficient from the moment you slip the dock.

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Key Factors for Outfitting a Weekend Cruising Catamaran

Catamarans behave differently than monohulls on the water. They do not heel as much, but they have a quicker, more motion-heavy response to waves, which can cause gear to slide across the wide deck. Because of this unique movement, everything you bring on board must be highly secure and capable of handling a wide, windy footprint.

Weight distribution is also a major factor for multihulls. While catamarans offer massive amounts of storage space, keeping weight out of the extreme forward and aft sections is crucial to prevent the boat from hobby-horsing in a head sea. Therefore, your weekend gear needs to be lightweight, compact, and easy to stow in centralized lockers.

Finally, accessibility is key when moving across a wide trampoline and large side decks. Items must be portable and easy to carry, allowing you to move freely without sacrificing safety. Outfitting your boat with multi-functional, durable gear keeps the decks clear and your crew safe.

Marine Binoculars – Steiner Navigator Pro 7×50

To navigate safely, you must be able to spot channel markers, floating debris, and distant anchorage spots from a moving deck. High-quality marine binoculars act as your eyes on the horizon, allowing you to make quick decisions before potential hazards become real problems.

The Steiner Navigator Pro 7×50 is the optimal choice for weekend cruisers because of its legendary ruggedness and exceptional light transmission. The 7x magnification is the absolute sweet spot for stabilizing images on a rolling boat, while the large 50mm objective lenses pull in maximum light during dawn, dusk, or foul weather. Its Sports-Auto-Focus system means you only focus the eyepieces once, keeping everything sharp from 20 yards to infinity.

Before buying, keep in mind that these binoculars are relatively bulky and do not float on their own without an aftermarket flotation strap. Additionally, salt spray will eventually dry and crust on the lenses, so you must rinse them with fresh water before wiping them to avoid scratching the optical coatings.

This gear is perfect for cruising couples who prioritize quick, clear navigation in low-light conditions. It is not the right choice for casual sailors looking for a pocket-sized, lightweight monocular or those who prefer digital image stabilization on a tight budget.

• Magnification: 7x
• Objective Lens: 50mm
• Fogproof: Nitrogen-pressurized construction
• Focusing: Sports-Auto-Focus system

Sailing Gloves – Gill Championship Gloves

Handling high-load sheets and halyards on a catamaran’s extensive rigging can quickly blister and burn unprotected hands. A reliable pair of sailing gloves protects your skin from friction while giving you the grip needed to control heavy lines in wet conditions.

The Gill Championship Gloves stand out due to their Dura-Grip fabric on the palm, which provides incredible abrasion resistance and grip without holding onto water. The offset finger seams eliminate the painful pressure points common in cheaper gloves, and the pre-shaped construction contours naturally to your hand to reduce fatigue. They also feature a short cuff that stays clear of your watch.

These gloves come in both short-finger and long-finger versions. For weekend summer sailing, the short-finger model offers the best balance of dexterity for tying knots, though it leaves your fingertips exposed to cold. Wash them in fresh water after every cruise to keep the material from becoming stiff and crusty from dried salt.

These gloves are ideal for active crew members who handle sheets and halyards regularly. They are not suited for winter frostbite sailors who require fully insulated, full-finger neoprene gloves to stay warm.

• Material: Dura-Grip palm with 4-way stretch fabric
• Protection: UV 50+ sun protection
• Design: Offset seams to prevent pressure points
• Style: Short-finger or long-finger options

Handheld VHF Radio – Standard Horizon HX890

A handheld VHF radio is your primary safety link when working on the bow, anchoring, or riding in the dinghy away from the main helm station. It provides a reliable backup communication channel if the boat’s main power system fails during a weekend cruise.

The Standard Horizon HX890 is a powerhouse unit featuring a built-in GPS receiver and full DSC (Digital Selective Calling) distress capabilities. Its class-leading 6W transmit power ensures your signal carries over long distances, and the radio actually floats face-up with an automatic water-activated strobe light. The high-resolution screen is easy to read in direct sunlight, even when wearing polarized sunglasses.

To utilize the life-saving DSC functions, you must register for an MMSI (Maritime Mobile Service Identity) number and program it into the radio, which takes a bit of upfront effort. Also, remember to wipe down the charging contacts on the back with a damp cloth after saltwater exposure to prevent corrosion over time.

This radio is a must-have for safety-conscious cruisers who want a reliable, floating lifeline. It is not necessary for those who only sail in protected harbors within shouting distance of the dock and do not plan to leave the main cockpit.

• Output Power: 6W / 2W / 1W options
• Waterproof Rating: IPX8 (submersible to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes)
• Battery: 1800mAh Li-ion battery pack
• Safety Features: DSC Distress, GPS, Mob (Man Overboard) function

Inflatable PFD – Mustang Survival MIT 100

Safety on deck is paramount, but bulky foam life jackets often discourage people from wearing them. An inflatable personal flotation device (PFD) offers a low-profile, comfortable alternative that stays out of your way while you work the deck.

The Mustang Survival MIT 100 uses Membrane Inflatable Technology to reduce weight and bulk, creating a premium, flexible fit. The manual inflation cord gives you complete control over deployment, eliminating the risk of accidental inflation from heavy trampoline spray or sudden downpours. It provides 28 pounds of buoyancy when inflated, which is significantly more than standard foam vests.

Before buying, remember that inflatable PFDs require regular maintenance and inspection. You must visually check the status indicator window to ensure the CO2 cylinder is properly armed and green before casting off. Keeping a spare rearming kit on board is essential, as the canister is a single-use item.

This PFD is perfect for active, swimming-capable adults who want lightweight, all-day comfort on deck. It is not suitable for children, non-swimmers, or high-speed sports where instant, automatic inflation is required upon hitting the water.

• Buoyancy: 28 lbs when inflated
• Inflation: Manual pull-cord system
• Outer Shell: Heavy-duty 420-denier fabric
• Sizing: Universal adult fit

Boat Fender – Taylor Made Hull Gard Fender

The wide, flat topsides of a catamaran are highly susceptible to windage, making docking a precise and sometimes stressful chore. Quality boat fenders protect your gelcoat from expensive dock rash, piling scrapes, and friction damage while tied up for the night.

The Taylor Made Hull Gard Fender features a unique ribbed design that effectively minimizes rolling against the hull. Constructed from marine-grade vinyl, these inflated fenders have reinforced, molded eyelets that prevent tearing under high tension. The vinyl is designed to resist yellowing and chalking from constant sun exposure.

Catamarans often require larger fenders than monohulls of the same length because wind pushes against the wide cabin structure with significant force. Use a standard ball needle to adjust the inflation pressure to keep the fenders firm but yielding under heavy loads.

These fenders are ideal for cruising sailors who frequently tie up to high-friction concrete docks or raw wooden pilings. They are not the best fit for sailors with extremely limited locker space who would benefit more from flat, storable foam cushions.

• Material: Marine-grade vinyl with high-gloss finish
• Construction: One-piece molded design with reinforced eyelets
• Valve: Inflation needle valve for pressure customization
• Sizes: Available in lengths from 20 to 26 inches

Rigging Knife – Myerchin TF377 Gen 2 Crew Pro

In an emergency, you may need to quickly cut away a tangled line, slice through high-tensile rigging, or undo a jammed knot on the bow. A dedicated marine rigging knife is a specialized safety tool that must perform flawlessly in wet, high-stress situations.

The Myerchin TF377 Gen 2 Crew Pro is forged from titanium and German marine stainless steel, making it exceptionally resistant to saltwater rust. It features a locking marlinspike for untying stubborn, salt-baked knots and a heavy-duty serrated blade that easily slices through modern synthetic fibers like Dyneema. The lightweight titanium handle keeps the knife balanced and easy to manipulate with wet hands.

The locking mechanism on the blade and spike can be stiff when new, so apply a drop of marine lubricant to keep the action smooth. Always attach a lanyard to the built-in shackle loop and secure it to your belt to avoid dropping this tool into the water.

This knife is a critical tool for short-handed cruisers who need a dependable, one-handed emergency cutting tool. It is unnecessary for casual day-boaters who only need to open food packaging or cut light monofilament fishing lines.

• Blade Material: German 3/4 Serrated Pro-Grade Stainless Steel
• Handle: Lightweight Titanium
• Tools: Serrated blade, locking marlinspike, shackle slot
• Included: Cordura sheath and pocket clip

Portable Power Station – Jackery Explorer 300

Keeping phones, tablets, and handheld marine electronics charged can quickly drain a catamaran’s house battery bank. A portable power station acts as an independent solar generator, giving you the freedom to power personal devices anywhere on the boat.

The Jackery Explorer 300 packs 293Wh of lithium-ion energy into a highly portable, 7.1-pound package. It features dual AC outlets, a USB-C PD fast-charging port, and standard USB-A ports, allowing you to charge multiple devices simultaneously without accessing the boat’s main electrical panel. It charges quickly via a 12V DC outlet while you run the engines or through portable solar panels.

While the casing is highly durable, this power station is not waterproof. It must be kept in the dry cabin or placed inside a protective dry bag if brought out onto the trampoline or cockpit.

This power station is perfect for tech-savvy weekend cruisers who want to work remotely or run small appliances without stressing the boat’s primary batteries. It is not designed to run high-draw appliances like electric heaters, coffee makers, or air conditioning units.

• Capacity: 293Wh (20.4Ah, 14.4V)
• Outputs: 2x AC Outlets (300W continuous / 500W surge), 1x USB-C PD, 2x USB-A
• Weight: 7.1 lbs
• Recharge Time: Approx. 4 hours via AC wall outlet or 12V car port

Waterproof Dry Bag – Sea to Summit Big River

Getting your gear wet from spray, rain, or a splashy dinghy ride can quickly ruin a weekend cruise. A rugged dry bag keeps your spare clothes, towels, and sensitive electronics bone dry regardless of the weather.

The Sea to Summit Big River dry bag is built from heavy-duty 420-denier waterproof nylon, making it incredibly abrasion-resistant. It features multiple lash loops on the sides, allowing you to securely strap the bag to the catamaran’s trampoline or guard rails. The white interior laminate reflects light, making it much easier to find small items at the bottom of the bag.

To ensure a completely watertight seal, you must roll the top closure tightly at least three times before buckling it. This bag is designed to shed driving rain and heavy spray, but it is not intended for prolonged underwater submersion.

This bag is perfect for cruisers who transport gear to shore in an open dinghy or store gear on the exposed trampoline. It is not suitable for those who prefer structured, wheeled suitcases for dock-to-dock travel.

• Material: 420D nylon with TPU lamination
• Closure: Waterproof roll-top with field-repairable buckle
• Waterproof Rating: 10,000mm hydrostatic head
• Sizes: Available from 5 liters to 65 liters

Sailing Deck Boots – Xtratuf Sport Deck Boots

Wet fiberglass decks and slick trampolines can quickly become slipping hazards, especially during early morning maneuvers or unexpected squalls. Good deck boots provide the necessary grip to keep you sure-footed while protecting your toes from deck hardware.

The Xtratuf Sport Deck Boots utilize a slip-resistant Chevron outsole that provides exceptional traction on wet surfaces. Built from a high-performance foam material, they are much lighter and more breathable than traditional heavy rubber boots. The ankle-height design makes them incredibly easy to slip on and off when stepping from the hot deck into the dry cabin.

These boots tend to run slightly narrow, so it is wise to size up if you plan to wear thick wool socks during cooler shoulder-season trips. To maintain the breathability and longevity of the lining, always rinse the exterior with fresh water after use to clear away dried salt crystals.

These boots are ideal for weekend sailors who deal with early morning dew, slick dock boards, or active deck work in messy weather. They are not necessary for warm-weather sailors who prefer to sail barefoot or wear open-toed water sandals.

• Outsole: Non-marking slip-resistant Chevron outsole
• Material: High-performance waterproof foam
• Lining: Breathable mesh lining
• Height: 6-inch ankle-height silhouette

Securing Gear Against Catamaran Trampoline Motion

The spacious trampoline on a catamaran is a popular spot for relaxing, but it is also a high-energy area when the vessel is underway. Waves hitting the bridge deck and wind rushing between the hulls can easily lift loose gear. Lightweight items will act like sails, while heavy, loose gear will slide around and damage the net or fiberglass.

To keep your equipment safe, adopt a strict policy of securing everything before you leave the dock. Use heavy-duty carabiners, bungee cords, or webbing straps to secure dry bags, water bottles, and fenders directly to the pad-eyes or perimeter frame of the trampoline. Never tie gear to the center of the netting, as this stretches the material and creates a tripping hazard for the crew.

In rough seas, the best practice is to clear the trampoline entirely. Move all non-essential gear into the forward lockers or the cockpit to keep the bows light and prevent items from catching the wind. Keeping the forward deck clear ensures a safer, more hydrodynamic ride.

Saltwater Washdown and Storage Tips After Your Cruise

Saltwater is highly corrosive to marine equipment, causing zippers to seize, metal to pit, and fabrics to rot over time. Before leaving your catamaran at the end of a weekend trip, give all your gear a thorough rinse with clean, fresh water. Pay close attention to metal snaps, buckles, and zipper tracks where salt crystals tend to collect.

Once rinsed, allow all gear to dry completely in a shaded, well-ventilated area before stowing it away. Packing damp gear into dark cabin lockers will quickly lead to mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors that are difficult to eliminate. Hang items in mesh bags inside your lockers to keep air flowing around them.

For electronics like handheld VHFs and power stations, wipe the casings down with a damp microfiber cloth and apply a thin layer of dielectric grease to the charging contacts. Keeping your gear clean, dry, and protected ensures it will be ready to perform reliably the next time you head out for a weekend adventure.

Investing in the right catamaran gear transforms your weekend cruise from a series of minor frustrations into a smooth, relaxing escape. By prioritizing durability, safety, and smart space management, you protect both your crew and your boat. With your gear properly selected and secured, you can focus on the horizon and enjoy the unique freedom of multihull sailing.