9 Essential Gear Picks for Taking Kids on a Catamaran Excursion

Sailing on a catamaran with kids promises incredible memories, but the combination of wind, water, and constant motion can quickly overwhelm unprepared young sailors. Having the right gear on board transforms a potentially stressful day of managing sunscreen, wet gear, and seasickness into a seamless, joyful adventure. With these specialized items in your deck bag, you can focus on the horizon while keeping the kids safe, comfortable, and dry.

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Preparing Your Kids for the Motion of a Catamaran

Catamarans offer a unique, stable-feeling ride because of their dual hulls, but they also produce a distinct, rapid motion as they bridge swells. Unlike monohulls that heel gracefully, catamarans remain relatively flat but can flick and pitch quickly over waves. This “hobby-horsing” motion can catch children off guard, making it crucial to prepare them before stepping off the dock.

Start by explaining the boat’s movement to your children, framing it as a fun, active ride rather than something to fear. Point out the horizon early and encourage them to keep their eyes on the shoreline or distant points if they begin to feel uneasy. Keep them in the center of the vessel near the cockpit where motion is least pronounced, rather than at the extreme bow or stern.

Begin any motion sickness protocols—whether natural bands or child-safe remedies—at least 30 minutes before casting off. This proactive approach gives their bodies time to adapt before the inner ear registers the motion of the waves.

Youth Life Jacket – Mustang Survival Rev

A high-quality life jacket is the single most critical piece of safety gear for any child on a boat, keeping them afloat and visible in the event of an unexpected fall. On a fast-moving catamaran, a standard, bulky orange vest will cause chafing and discomfort, leading to endless complaints and unsafe resistance to wearing it.

The Mustang Survival Rev stands out because of its high-mobility design and breathable, lightweight materials that do not restrict movement. Its segmented foam construction contours to a child’s body, meaning they can sit, climb, and play on the netting without the jacket riding up into their chin. The bright, high-visibility colorways and reflective accents ensure you can easily spot your child anywhere on the deck.

• Weight Range: 33–55 lbs (Youth/Child size)
• USCG Rating: Type III Approved
• Material: Premium soft-touch fabrics with cooling mesh panels

This vest is designed for active wear, but parents must ensure the adjustable crotch strap is pulled snugly to prevent the jacket from slipping over the ears in the water. It is not designed to turn an unconscious wearer face-up like a heavy Type I commercial vest, so constant adult supervision is still mandatory. It is the perfect choice for active kids who need comfort all day, but not ideal for toddlers under 30 pounds who require specialized infant collars.

Polarized Sunglasses – Rheos Gear Eddies

The glare of the sun reflecting off the ocean surface and a catamaran’s white fiberglass deck can cause severe eye strain and fatigue for young eyes. Standard fashion sunglasses offer little protection against this blinding glare and are easily lost to the depths at the first gust of wind.

Rheos Gear Eddies are specifically engineered for the marine environment, offering polarized Nylo lenses that cut through water reflection while remaining incredibly lightweight. Best of all, these sunglasses actually float, saving you from watching another pair sink to the ocean floor when they inevitably slip off a wet face. The frames are durable and flexible enough to survive being dropped, stepped on, or stuffed into a crowded daypack.

• UV Protection: 100% UVA/UVB protection
• Material: Ultralight, floating TPX frame material
• Lens Tech: Anti-scratch, anti-fog, and oleophobic (oil-resistant) coatings

While the floating design is a lifesaver, these sunglasses do not come with an integrated strap, so adding a floating eyewear retainer is highly recommended for younger, high-energy kids. They fit most elementary-aged children well, but toddlers will find them too loose. They are perfect for kids who love watching marine life beneath the surface, but aren’t necessary for infants who spend the trip shaded under the bimini.

Waterproof Dry Bag – Sea to Summit Big River

A catamaran deck is a dynamic, wet environment where sea spray can easily penetrate standard backpacks, ruining dry clothes, snacks, and electronics. A reliable dry bag keeps spare warm layers and essential gear bone-dry, even when stored on the open, splash-prone netting.

The Sea to Summit Big River dry bag is built from heavy-duty 420D nylon, making it tough enough to handle abrasive non-skid decks and sharp catamaran hardware. Unlike flimsy, lightweight dry bags, this model features multiple lash loops, allowing you to secure it firmly to the trampoline netting or deck cleats so it won’t slide overboard. The roll-top closure seals out driving spray and heavy downpours with absolute reliability.

• Capacity Options: 5L to 65L (20L is the sweet spot for kid gear)
• Base: Oval shape resists rolling on sloped decks
• Waterproof Rating: IPX6 (heavy spray and temporary immersion)

To ensure a completely waterproof seal, you must roll the top collar at least three times before clicking the buckle. This heavy-duty bag is not meant for underwater diving or prolonged submersion, but it excels at protecting gear from deck spray and puddle pooling. It is ideal for families carrying extra layers and sensitive electronics, but overkill if you only plan to bring a single towel and a water bottle.

Mineral Sunscreen – Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Lotion

Sunburns happen incredibly fast on the water because the sun’s rays reflect off the sea, double-exposing sensitive young skin. A high-performance sunscreen protects children from painful burns while resisting sweat and water run-off during active sailing.

Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Lotion relies on non-nano zinc oxide to block harmful UV rays without the harsh chemicals that can irritate a child’s skin or eyes. Unlike chemical sunscreens that wash off easily, this mineral formula clings to the skin to provide reliable protection even when kids are constantly splashed on the bow. Furthermore, it is a reef-safe formula, which is a strict requirement for many catamaran excursions visiting protected marine sanctuaries or coral reefs.

• Active Ingredient: 20% Non-Nano Zinc Oxide
• Water Resistance: Rated for up to 80 minutes of swimming
• Certifications: Leaping Bunny certified, gluten-free, and vegan

Mineral sunscreen is thick and takes a bit of effort to rub in completely, often leaving a slight white sheen on the skin. This white layer is actually a helpful visual indicator, letting you see exactly which spots you missed before the kids run off to the bow. It is the gold standard for sun-sensitive children, but might feel too heavy for older kids who prefer a quick, clear spray.

Water Shoes – Native Shoes Jefferson Child

Catamaran decks get incredibly hot under the midday sun, and fiberglass non-skid textures can be tough on tender young feet. A solid pair of water shoes protects kids from hot surfaces, sharp deck hardware, and slippery transitions while boarding.

The Native Shoes Jefferson Child combines the breathability of a sandal with the toe protection of a sneaker. Molded from lightweight, shock-absorbent EVA material, these shoes grip wet decks exceptionally well without leaving scuff marks on the boat’s gelcoat. They are completely water-resistant, dry almost instantly, and feature all-over perforations that let water drain away while keeping feet cool.

• Material: Injection-molded EVA
• Sizing: Toddler size 4 to Children’s size 3
• Cleaning: Hand washable and odor-resistant

Sand can occasionally slip through the ventilation holes, which can cause minor irritation if not rinsed out periodically. These slip-ons are exceptionally easy for kids to put on themselves, but they do not have adjustable straps, so getting the correct size is crucial to prevent them from slipping off in deep water. They are perfect for transition areas like docks, tenders, and shallow beaches, but aren’t meant for serious hiking once you get ashore.

Insulated Water Bottle – Yeti Rambler Junior

The combination of salty sea air, wind, and active play can quickly dehydrate children, even on cooler days. A dedicated water bottle encourages consistent hydration and prevents salt spray from contaminating their drinking water.

The Yeti Rambler Junior is a rugged, double-wall vacuum-insulated bottle that keeps water ice-cold for hours, even when sitting under direct sunlight on a hot deck. It features a leak-resistant Straw Cap that kids can easily open with one hand, minimizing spills when the boat pitches. Built with durable 18/8 stainless steel, it survives being dropped onto hard fiberglass decks without denting or cracking.

• Capacity: 12 ounces
• Dishwasher Safe: Yes (cap and bottle)
• Material: BPA-free stainless steel with DuraCoat finish

This bottle is relatively heavy when full, which might make it cumbersome for toddlers to carry themselves over long distances. The straw cap must be folded completely down to be leakproof, so younger children may need a reminder to close it after taking a drink. It is a fantastic choice for keeping drinks refreshing in extreme heat, but too heavy for families looking to pack ultra-light.

Waterproof Camera – GoPro HERO12 Black

Capturing the excitement of sailing, jumping off the side, and spotting marine life requires a camera that can handle salt spray, drops, and complete immersion. Standard smartphones are far too risky to use over open water, especially with eager kids wanting to take photos.

The GoPro HERO12 Black is completely waterproof out of the box down to 33 feet, allowing you to hand it to your kids without worrying about water damage. Its HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization ensures that videos shot on a bouncing catamaran look incredibly smooth rather than shaky and chaotic. The rugged housing can survive drops onto hard decks, and the front-facing screen makes it easy for kids to frame fun family selfies.

• Video Resolution: 5.3K at 60fps / 4K at 120fps
• Waterproof Depth: Up to 33 feet (10m) without a housing
• Battery: Enduro rechargeable battery for cold/hot weather performance

Operating a GoPro has a slight learning curve, and the small touch screen can be challenging to navigate with wet fingers. To prevent this premium camera from sinking to the bottom if dropped, always pair it with a floating hand grip or a secure wrist lanyard. It is an unmatched tool for families wanting high-quality action footage, but unnecessary if you only want to take basic photos from the safety of the dry cockpit.

Packable Beach Towel – Nomadix Original Towel

Traditional cotton beach towels are bulky, heavy, and take hours to dry once they get wet on a catamaran. Packing multiple heavy cotton towels leaves you with a soggy, salt-crusted mess that weighs down your gear bag.

The Nomadix Original Towel is crafted from post-consumer recycled plastic bottles but feels soft like microsuede. It is engineered to absorb four times its weight in water while drying up to four times faster than standard cotton. Because it packs down to the size of a small water bottle, you can easily fit several of them into a single dry bag, leaving plenty of room for other gear.

• Size: 72.5″ x 30″ (full-sized towel)
• Material: 80% Recycled Polyester, 20% Nylon
• Features: Slip-resistant, sand-resistant, and odor-resistant

The material has a different, flatter texture than plush cotton towels, which some children might find less cozy initially. However, its ability to shed sand with a single shake and dry quickly in the boat’s rigging makes it vastly superior for marine use. It is perfect for space-conscious travelers, but not the best choice if you demand a thick, fluffy terrycloth feel.

Motion Sickness Band – Sea-Band Child Wristband

Seasickness can ruin an excursion in minutes, turning an exciting boat ride into a miserable experience for the entire family. Having a non-medicated, fast-acting solution on hand is essential for dealing with unexpected wave action.

The Sea-Band Child Wristband uses acupressure to target the P6 (Nei-Kuan) point on the wrist, helping to prevent and relieve nausea without any drugs. This means there are no side effects like drowsiness, leaving your kids energetic and ready to enjoy the day instead of sleeping through the sail. They are reusable, washable, and start working within a few minutes of application.

• Mechanism: Plastic stud applying pressure to acupressure point
• Sizing: Specifically sized for children’s smaller wrists
• Safety: Drug-free, FDA-cleared, no side effects

These bands must be positioned precisely to be effective, so parents should assist children in placing the plastic stud exactly three finger-widths below the wrist crease. They must be worn on both wrists simultaneously to achieve full effectiveness. They are an excellent, low-risk preventative tool for any child, but may not be powerful enough for severe, long-term motion sickness in rough offshore seas.

How to Secure Kids and Gear on the Netting

The forward trampoline netting of a catamaran is the most thrilling place for kids to sit, but it requires strict safety protocols. The open weave allows waves to splash up from below, which can easily wash unsecured items like sunglasses, sandals, or hats straight through the mesh. Before letting kids step onto the netting, establish a clear rule that all loose gear must be clipped to the boat’s railing or packed away in a secured dry bag.

Have children wear their life jackets at all times when on the netting, and ensure they remain seated rather than standing or jumping. The movement of the boat is amplified at the bow, and a sudden wave can lift a light child off their feet. Situate them toward the center of the netting, away from the hard edges of the hulls and crossbeams, to prevent bumped heads and pinched fingers.

Use carabiners or heavy-duty gear ties to secure your dry bags and water bottles directly to the catamaran’s safety lines or trampoline lacing. This keeps your essential gear within arm’s reach while preventing it from sliding into the sea when the boat heels or encounters a wake.

Cleaning Saltwater and Sand Off Your Gear

Saltwater is highly corrosive to marine gear, zippers, and electronics, while abrasive sand can ruin seals and scratch delicate lenses. Once your excursion ends, establishing a quick rinse routine will dramatically extend the lifespan of your equipment. Use a freshwater washdown station at the marina or a simple gallon jug of tap water to rinse off life jackets, water shoes, and dry bags before packing them into your vehicle.

Pay special attention to zippers on your dry bags and the charging ports of your waterproof cameras, as salt crystals can quickly build up and lock them shut. Rinse these areas thoroughly with fresh, running water, then leave them open in a shaded, well-ventilated area to dry completely. Never store wet, salty gear in a hot trunk, as this accelerates mold growth and fabric degradation.

For items like the GoPro or polarized sunglasses, use specialized microfiber cloths to gently wipe away dried salt spots rather than your t-shirt, which can trap abrasive sand particles and scratch the surfaces. A little post-trip maintenance ensures your gear remains in peak condition, ready for your next family day on the water.

Conclusion

Outfitting your family with the right gear ensures that your catamaran adventure remains safe, comfortable, and stress-free. By investing in durable, marine-grade essentials, you protect your kids from the elements while creating a fun, secure environment on deck. Pack smart, secure your gear, and enjoy every moment of your time on the water.