Shaft Drive Catamarans
Why Antares Chooses Shaft Drives
Antares doesn’t cut corners by installing sail-drives. Instead, every Antares comes equipped with a shaft drive propulsion system — the most reliable choice for bluewater and global cruising catamarans. While sail-drives offer easy installation for builders, shaft drives deliver the critical advantages long-distance sailors need.
Key advantages of shaft drives
The following key advantages of shaft drive propulsion for a global cruising yacht are an important decision factor for anyone considering such a voyage.
Low Maintenance
Shaft drives require far less maintenance than sail-drives, with no complex gearbox or exposed aluminum prone to galvanic corrosion.
Easily Serviced
Unlike sail-drives, shaft drives can be serviced without hauling the boat, a major advantage when cruising remote regions where haul-out facilities are rare and costly.
Best Handling Under Power
Shaft drives improve catamaran handling under power by placing the props in front of the rudders for precision maneuvering, while reducing drag and avoiding aeration in rough seas.
Balanced Boat
By positioning engines mid-ship, shaft drives ensure a better-balanced catamaran, with improved motion in waves and a more comfortable sailing experience.
Antares Shaft Drive
Watch this short video to see why sail-drive maintenance can be a challenge — especially in remote cruising areas. With shaft drives, Antares owners avoid these headaches.
Watch this video for an in-depth analysis of sail drives vs. shaft drives on sailing catamarans.
Example Photos of Sail-drive Maintenance
All sail-drives require regular maintenance. The question is: do you want to deal with this while cruising remote oceans? With an Antares shaft drive, you never have to worry — it’s standard on every Antares Catamaran.
