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ArtifexStonemas · 08-03-2013, 09:35

Dear sailors, I am looking around and informing myself as much as I can on what is the best catamaran fit for me: I intend on cruising with it for 3 months of the year, including making passages. I am a one man band although sometimes my wife or a couple of friends may join.

What would be your suggestions on what brand, model, size, reliability of cats you know, price/quality, for what money do you get a reliable cat etc.

Any info that you have is very appreciated. I used to be a sailing instructor, then life happened but will slow down too. If you have any suggestions on crewing, please let me know because it is part of my decision process.

krafthaus · 08-03-2013, 13:27

Depends a bit on where you are sailing and the sort of conditions you expect to encounter, but you do mention passages. Oh yes....your budget is a factor as well. Lagoon 380 should do short crewed. Or a PDQ or Gemini if looking for something smaller and less costly.

Welcome to CF!

bryguy67 · 09-03-2013, 04:47

I agree, if you're going to singlehand her then keep it smaller. It looks like our PDQ32 is sold, but we have crossed Lake Michigan (60-90 miles) with ease and comfort many times on her. Everything is led back to the cockpit; no need to leave it, even to adjust the self tacking jib cars which can be done by popping up out of the hatches in the dinette. I have taken her on a shorter trip to another port on my own and anchored out for the weekend. After some practice with crew you could work up to it.
I'm sure any boat could be rigged for singlehanding; all it takes is money

ArtM · 09-03-2013, 07:45

There is a crewing forum here that seems fairly active. I would think you could find some couples with larger cats who would appreciate an experienced hand along, especially if you are willing to share costs.

Another factor to consider is your ability to handle the rigging. The smallest cruising cats are by necessity larger than the smaller cruising monohulls. Some people find the size and weight of the rigging to be uncomfortable to single-hand, though certainly possible.

My money would be on an older Lagoon (or FP or Leopard). The Gemini's and PDQ's don't offer the same level of comfort, though you might be able to get a newer model for the same money as an old lagoon, but I have never been to sea with any of them so take this as second-hand knowledge.

Mast heights are a consideration if you plan to sail the ICW in the U.S. The shorter mast is an option that some used cats will have.

ArtifexStonemas · 10-03-2013, 09:36

Great info all. Please keep it coming if you know more, have experienced something different/new/more

I appreciate all that you have taken out the time to respond.

Onno

ArtM · 10-03-2013, 22:45

I just noticed that you plan to sail only three months a year. In that case, you should look at the Moorings guaranteed income program. You get up to 12 weeks of sailing a year on your own boat, or another boat in their fleet. They charter your boat to others the remainder of the year.

The "gotcha" is that at the end of 4 or 5 years,you must take delivery of your boat and continue to make the remaining payments on it (if you still owe money).

There are other charter programs, but few offer guaranteed income. Also, the Moorings has some US based options starting this year. I don't know all the details of that, but i know it is not year-round charter, and it is not guaranteed income. If you don't need the guaranteed income, there are many options.

ArtifexStonemas · 08-08-2013, 08:47

Thank you. From reading a lot of info and constantly scowing available boats I get a little "iffy" about quality of the smallest lagoon member. PDQ has an excellent rep, but few available and the 44 which I love is way above my budget (unfortunatly).