The monohull contingent happily points out the catamaran's downsides. They are more expensive to buy and maintain, harder to maneuver and will not self-right if capsized. But for the ever-growing band of catamaran enthusiasts, the advantages trump the disadvantages. The modern cruising catamaran offers stability for those who don't like life on the tilt – or rocking like a cradle at anchor. Two hulls and a connecting bridge provide copious amounts of living space both below decks and above, enough to make any monohull owner envious. And with their shallow drafts, catamarans can tiptoe into skinny waters that are untenable for deeper draft vessels, giving cats a wider range of cruising grounds. As a result, they can also anchor closer to shore. Hardcore proponents might even argue that there's no better life raft than a capsized catamaran, which is almost unsinkable. [links]