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GMac · 05-06-2008, 03:58

Rick, I'm happy to stand corrected. The weight is what is listed on the website. As for the other bit, that was from a lot of looking at Cats recently and that Catalac shape isn't what I'm told by many is the best for windward performance, some have been very derogatory. I believe a boat that doesn't go to windward well is not for me. But as I don't actually know anyone who has sailed one of those specific boats and if you say it's OK, I'm more than happy with that.

As for the money comment, that was more meant as you can get a lot more boat for those dollars if you look at other types. As most agree Cats aren't cheap in the scheme of things and that boat may very well be good value if talking multis but not when taking all types into consideration.

Room wise I'm not to sure I'd agree most of the time. I had a 28ft cat and a 30ft mono, the mono is a lot bigger inside. All depends on the boat I'd say.

By the way I had the Cat and now have a mono but are into another Cat. You can swap around without limbs falling off or stopping the world turning

Tropic Cat · 05-06-2008, 05:35

I'd be curious to learn which website you are referring to??? Mine is the only website I'm aware of, and in any case is completely accurate. My spec info was taken from the brochures, and you can just click on the original brochures on my website. I scanned them myself. Editorial comments are from experience. I believe I'm one of the few in the USA who have been on all Catalac models manufactured by Tom Lack Catamarans.

As for windward ability, that's a function of learning to sail the boat. The hull shapes are early an British design and work very well when sailed correctly. I already posted the leeway numbers. The boat sailing instructions are on my website as well, in the form of a letter from the Lack family and again from an editor from Practical Sailor Magazine, who happens to own a 9M.

Although it's certainly not your fault, it is interesting to see how 'facts' are repeated on the internet. That was one of the reasons that motivated me to put up the Catalac USA web pages.

Jeannius · 05-06-2008, 06:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickm505

I'd be curious to learn which website you are referring to??? Mine is the only website I'm aware of, and in any case is completely accurate. My spec info was taken from the brochures, and you can just click on the original brochures on my website. I scanned them myself. Editorial comments are from experience. I believe I'm one of the few in the USA who have been on all Catalac models manufactured by Tom Lack Catamarans.

As for windward ability, that's a function of learning to sail the boat. The hull shapes are early an British design and work very well when sailed correctly. I already posted the leeway numbers. The boat sailing instructions are on my website as well, in the form of a letter from the Lack family and again from an editor from Practical Sailor Magazine, who happens to own a 9M.

Although it's certainly not your fault, it is interesting to see how 'facts' are repeated on the internet. That was one of the reasons that motivated me to put up the Catalac USA web pages.

Rick... Just for your interest... I had the chance to buy the moulds for 2 of the 3 models back around 1990. I saw them advertised for a very small amount of money and thought of buying them as a future business opportunity. Didn't do it because of Lack

of storage space. Spoke to someone from the family at the time but don't think it was Tom.

Tropic Cat · 05-06-2008, 06:48

I uderstand that John Lack has the 8M moulds and still offers a 'one off' build.

The family actually ceased production in 1985 when Tom Lack was seriously injured in an automobile crash. For a few years they struggled with subcontractors doing the actual builds while they maintained sales and service. Apparently, it was an unsatisfactory arrangement.

There is more Catalac history on my website.

mikereed100 · 05-06-2008, 08:57

Carraig,

At 6'6" you will have a real hard time finding headroom in the saloon of any cat you will be looking at in your price range. An open bridgedeck design (again, the Wharrams come to mind) may be your best option. A nice deck tent can be rigged and I have seen a Pahi with a solid bimini like the Mainecats that looked very nice. Again, don't discount a tri. It will be easier to find one with the headroom you need in the main hull.

Mike

GMac · 05-06-2008, 12:37

The website was the one linked too earlier in the thread, as for the rest of your post I don't understand what you mean. But that's OK, if you say they go well to windward I do believe you.

Mike, we had a tent that covered the whole foretramp, it was fantastic spot for having a nice snore off.

Tropic Cat · 05-06-2008, 12:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMac

The website was the one linked too earlier in the thread, as for the rest of your post I don't understand what you mean. But that's OK, if you say they go well to windward I do believe you..

Yes, that's my web site

eyschulman · 14-06-2008, 21:44

With your ambitious plans it might be best if you get some offshore experience on other peoples boats as crew before you make the big leap into the sailing life.