Historical reference: Do not rely on this information. It is very old. About this collection
Catamaran (Hind. kattu, bind, and Tamil, maram, wood or timber), is a raft composed generally of three logs bound side by side, the middle one being longer than the others. The man using it kneels or squats upon it, and propels it by means of a paddle. The catamaran is used by the natives of the Madras coast, as it will go through surf where a boat would not live. A species in use in Brazil carries a sail.