9 Essential Gear Picks for Sailing a Small Catamaran

Launching a small beach catamaran promises some of the fastest, most thrilling rides you can experience on the water. However, the combination of high speeds, dual hulls, and the constant threat of capsizing means your choice of equipment can make or break your day. Having the exact right gear ensures you stay safe, comfortable, and in control when the wind starts to howl.

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Crucial Safety and Rigging Steps Before Launch

Inspecting a catamaran before push-off requires a systematic walk-around because these boats experience immense torsional stress. Check every shackle, ring ding, and cotter pin on the mast step, forestay, and side shrouds to ensure nothing can wiggle loose under load. Taping over exposed pins with rigging tape is a vital step to prevent them from snagging sails, lines, or tearing skin.

Examine the trampoline lace-lines for fraying and ensure the rudders lock down cleanly and kick up when they hit an obstacle. A jammed rudder or a blown trampoline lace-line in mid-stride can turn a fun reach into an immediate capsize or a dangerous drift. Confirm that the drain plugs in both hulls are screwed in tight, as even a small amount of sloshing water inside a hull ruins buoyancy and handling.

Sailing PFD – Astral V-Eight Life Jacket

A personal flotation device (PFD) is your most critical piece of safety gear, but a standard life jacket will restrict your movement and snag on the rigging. On a fast-moving catamaran, you are constantly ducking under the boom, crossing the trampoline, and leaning out on the wire. You need a vest that moves with you, breathes well in high humidity, and does not ride up to your chin when swimming.

The Astral V-Eight Life Jacket is the premier choice due to its innovative Airescape ventilation system and high-back architecture. The mesh back panels prevent heat buildup, while the high-back design places the flotation foam high on the torso, clearing the path for a trapeze harness hook. Its heavy-duty 200-denier high-tenacity nylon shell stands up to abrasive deck grip and rigging hardware.

• Certifications: USCG Type III Approved
• Sizes: S/M (31″-37″), M/L (38″-44″), L/XL (45″-51″)
• Features: Front zippered pockets, knife lash tab, breathable mesh back

When fitting the V-Eight, adjust the side straps first and then the shoulder straps, ensuring a snug fit that stays below the ribs. This vest is ideal for active dinghy and catamaran sailors who prioritize mobility and cooling. It is not the right choice for offshore sailors requiring self-righting collar designs or integrated safety harnesses with tether lines.

Sailing Gloves – Gill Championship Gloves

Catamaran lines are thin, highly tensioned, and constantly adjusted to respond to wind gusts. Managing a loaded mainsheet or traveler with bare hands leads to painful blisters and lost grip in seconds. A proper sailing glove provides the friction needed to hold lines securely without causing hand fatigue or compromising finger dexterity.

The Gill Championship Gloves solve this with their proprietary Dura-Grip fabric on the palm, which offers incredible wear resistance and grip when wet. The seams are offset to eliminate pressure points, and the pre-shaped construction mimics the natural curve of a gripping hand. The short-finger design leaves your fingertips free to handle small ring dings, shackle pins, and knots easily.

• Material: Dura-Grip palm, 4-way stretch fabric on back
• Options: Short-finger or long-finger (with exposed thumb and index finger)
• Sizing: Unisex sizes XS to XXL

Make sure to rinse these gloves in fresh water after every outing, as dried salt crystals will stiffen the fabric and degrade the grip material over time. These gloves are perfect for active trimmers who need maximum feel and grip in warm to temperate conditions. They are not intended for sub-freezing winter sailing where full neoprene insulation is necessary to prevent frostbite.

Sailing Boots – Zhik Zhikgrip II Dinghy Boots

Sailing a catamaran involves moving quickly across wet, textured fiberglass hulls and trampolines. Standard water shoes slide easily and lack the ankle support needed when locked into hiking straps or hanging from a trapeze. High-performance boots protect your feet from hard hardware, keep your grip secure, and prevent foot cramping during long days on the water.

The Zhik Zhikgrip II Dinghy Boots feature a unique stud-patterned rubber grip that is designed to lock directly into Zhik hiking straps for unmatched security. Built from 4mm neoprene with a high-cut ankle profile, they provide both warmth and lateral joint support. The heavy-duty side zipper and secure ankle strap ensure the boots stay firmly on your feet, even in a high-speed capsize.

• Thickness: 4mm Neoprene
• Outsole: Proprietary non-marking rubber with Zhikgrip II studs
• Closure: Heavy-duty YKK zipper with hook-and-loop ankle strap

Keep in mind that these boots run slightly small, so sizing up is recommended if you fall between sizes or plan to wear thick socks underneath. They are ideal for sailors who hike hard or use trapezes and require maximum connection to the boat. They are not suited for casual, warm-water days where a basic low-profile bootie or bare feet on a soft trampoline would suffice.

Trapeze Harness – Zhik T3 Trapeze Harness

To keep a high-performance catamaran flat and fast in strong winds, you must get your weight as far outboard as possible. A trapeze harness connects you to the mast-mounted trapeze wire, allowing you to stand completely horizontal over the water. A poorly designed harness will pinch your hips, strain your lower back, and can pose a serious entrapment hazard during a capsize.

The Zhik T3 Trapeze Harness stands out for its ergonomic lumbar support and streamlined, lightweight construction that minimizes snag hazards. The quick-release spreader bar system allows for rapid ejection in an emergency, a vital safety feature if the boat flips. The seat area is reinforced with high-abrasion fabric to withstand constant sliding across non-skid deck surfaces.

• Material: Perforated neoprene back with Kevlar-reinforced seat
• Spreader Bar: Quick-release stainless steel bar
• Adjustments: Dual-side lace adjustment system

When setting up the T3, take the time to adjust the shoulder and leg straps on dry land to ensure the hook sits at a comfortable waist height. This harness is a must-have for sailors on wire-equipped catamarans like Hobie Cats or Nacras who want to push their speed limits safely. It is unnecessary and overly complex for casual sailors on boats without trapeze rigs, such as small rotomolded rotators.

Spray Top – Gill Pro Dry Sailing Smock

Even on warm days, the combination of wind and cold spray at high speeds will quickly sap your core warmth. A high-quality spray top acts as a barrier, preventing wind chill from setting in and keeping you dry without the bulk of a full sailing jacket. It needs to seal at the neck, waist, and wrists to prevent water from rushing in when you plow through waves.

The Gill Pro Dry Sailing Smock utilizes a 2-layer laminated fabric that is highly breathable yet completely waterproof and windproof. It features adjustable PU neck and wrist seals that create a watertight barrier against incoming waves and spray. The wide, adjustable neoprene waistband seals tightly over your PFD or neoprene pants to prevent the smock from riding up.

• Fabric: 2-Layer laminated waterproof fabric with durable water repellent (DWR) finish
• Seals: Adjustable polyurethane neck and wrist closures
• Fit: Relaxed fit designed for under-layering

Rinse the PU seals with fresh water and store the smock away from direct sunlight to prevent the seals from cracking or sticking together over time. This smock is perfect for high-speed catamaran sailors facing heavy spray, wind, or cooler water temperatures. It is not suitable for hot-weather sailing where a simple UV rash guard is more comfortable and prevents overheating.

VHF Radio – Standard Horizon HX890 Handheld

Small catamarans sail incredibly fast, meaning you can easily end up miles away from shore or your launch site in a matter of minutes. If you experience a rigging failure, a broken mast, or find yourself unable to right a flipped boat, cell phones are unreliable and easily ruined by water. A waterproof, floating VHF radio is your direct lifeline to marine assistance, emergency services, and fellow boaters.

The Standard Horizon HX890 Handheld is the gold standard because of its built-in GPS-enabled Digital Selective Calling (DSC). With the push of a red button, the radio transmits a distress signal with your exact coordinates to the Coast Guard and nearby vessels. The rugged, floating chassis features a water-activated strobe light that flashes automatically when submerged, making it easy to locate at night.

• Power Output: 6 Watts
• Features: Integrated GPS, DSC distress button, FM receiver, water-activated strobe
• Battery: Rechargeable Li-ion pack with AA battery tray backup

Before using this radio, you must register for an MMSI number to enable the DSC functions, which is a straightforward process online. This radio is essential for catamaran sailors venturing into coastal waters, large lakes, or busy shipping channels where help is a radio call away. It is overkill for small, landlocked ponds or supervised summer camps where rescue boats are already on hand.

Sailing Knife – Gill Marine Rescue Knife

A capsize on a catamaran can happen in a split second, and if a foot or harness line becomes tangled in the rigging, you can quickly find yourself trapped underwater. Having a dedicated safety knife mounted on your life jacket can mean the difference between a minor incident and a tragedy. This tool must be easily accessible with one hand and capable of slicing through tough, modern line materials instantly.

The Gill Marine Rescue Knife features a highly effective fully serrated blade made from titanium-coated 420 stainless steel for extreme corrosion resistance. The blunt safety tip prevents you from accidentally puncturing your trampoline, your inflatable hulls, or your own skin in a chaotic situation. Designed for single-handed deployment, it can be gripped securely even when wearing thick neoprene gloves.

• Blade Material: Titanium-coated 420 stainless steel
• Blade Type: Serrated edge with a blunt safety tip
• Mounting: Includes a low-profile locking sheath for PFD strap mounting

Always wash the blade in fresh water and apply a light coat of marine lubricant after saltwater exposure to prevent surface rust. This knife is a critical safety item for any catamaran sailor, especially those using trapeze harnesses or sailing in heavy winds. It is not designed for general camp utility or slicing food, as the serrated, blunt-nosed design is highly specialized for cutting high-tensile line.

Dry Bag – Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag

Because catamarans sit low to the water and spray is constant, anything on the trampoline will get soaked. You need a way to store car keys, sunscreen, dry layers, and safety gear without worrying about water intrusion. A dry bag on a catamaran must not only be completely waterproof, but it must also be exceptionally durable to withstand being lashed to the frame and kicked during maneuvers.

The Sea to Summit Big River Dry Bag is constructed from heavy-duty 420-denier nylon with a TPU lamination, making it incredibly abrasion-resistant and waterproof. It features heavy-duty hypalon lash loops on the sides, allowing you to secure it firmly to the trampoline or mast step with bungees or webbing straps. This ensures your gear stays attached to the boat even during a high-speed capsize.

• Material: 420D Nylon with TPU laminate
• Closure: Waterproof roll-top closure with field-repairable buckles
• Sizes: 5L, 8L, 13L, 20L, 35L, 65L (20L is the sweet spot for day sailing)

To ensure a watertight seal, always roll the top down at least three times before clicking the buckle shut, squeezing out excess air first. This bag is perfect for catamaran day-trippers who need to lash their gear down on a wet, fast-moving trampoline. It is not intended for scuba diving or prolonged underwater submersion, as roll-top bags are designed for surface water and spray resistance rather than deep pressure.

Righting System – Murrays Catamaran Righting Line

Unlike monohull sailboats with heavy lead keels that automatically pull the boat upright, a catamaran is stable both right-side up and upside down. If you flip, you must manually right the boat using your body weight as leverage. Trying to pull a catamaran upright without a dedicated righting system is incredibly difficult and often impossible, especially in strong winds.

The Murrays Catamaran Righting Line simplifies this process with its pre-measured knotted design that provides secure handholds when wet. The system mounts under the trampoline or around the mast step, keeping it tucked out of the way until it is needed. When the boat capsizes, the line is tossed over the upper hull, giving you a stable, high-leverage line to lean back on.

• Line Type: Heavy-duty, UV-resistant braided line
• Length: Adjustable to fit catamarans from 14 to 20 feet
• Configuration: Multi-pocket or knotted line for easy gripping

Make sure to practice deploying this line in calm, shallow water before you head out into deep, windy conditions so you know exactly where to grab. This righting system is an absolute necessity for any multihull sailor, particularly those sailing shorthanded or solo. It is not compatible with or necessary for monohull dinghies, which use centerboards for righting, or heavy keelboats.

How to Right a Capsized Catamaran Safely

Righting a capsized catamaran requires working with the wind rather than fighting against it. The first step is to quickly locate your crew and ensure everyone is safe and clear of the mast and rigging. Next, release the mainsheet and jib sheet completely; if the sails remain cleated, the wind will pin the boat down or flip it over again the instant it stands up.

Position the bow of the catamaran so it points into the wind at approximately a 45-degree angle. Throw your righting line over the top hull, stand on the lower hull near the front crossbar, and lean back into your trapeze harness or hold the line close to your chest. As the wind gets under the sails, it will help lift the mast out of the water, slowly rotating the boat back onto its hulls. Be prepared to slide off the hull into the water as the boat rights itself to avoid being trapped underneath.

Rinsing and Storing Saltwater Gear Properly

Saltwater is highly corrosive and leaves behind abrasive crystals that can ruin zippers, dry bag seals, and technical fabrics if left unrinsed. After every sail, thoroughly rinse all of your gear—including PFDs, boots, smocks, and metal shackles—with clean, cold fresh water. Pay special attention to zipper tracks, plastic buckles, and the moving parts of your VHF radio and rescue knife.

Hang your gear to dry in a well-ventilated area out of direct sunlight, as UV rays break down neoprene, nylon, and rubber over time. Never store your gear in a closed plastic bin or gear bag while it is still damp, which creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew. Once completely dry, store your equipment in a cool, dry place to ensure it is ready and functional for your next high-speed run on the water.

With the right selection of safety equipment, high-traction apparel, and preparation, sailing a small catamaran remains one of the most rewarding ways to experience the power of the wind. Investing in quality gear not only protects you from the elements but also gives you the confidence to push your boat to its absolute limits. Pack your dry bag, hook into the trapeze, and enjoy the ride.