Ocean Catamarans 49

[merrick0507]

Hi to all
I see not many comments ts posted for many years on Ocean cat 48.8s
I have been looking to upgrade from a Seawind 1000 that we have had for 10 years or so to go further afield rather than coastal sailing in Australia.
an Ocean 48.8 is available nearby
Anyone have any experience or comments on them?
Living and cockpit spaces seem rather small for the length but obviously built as a fast blue water cruiser.
been looking at Catanas but don't like outside helm, and Dolphins and Privileges appealing but not many around that don't cost a packet?

[NevilleCat]

Songlines looks great! And foam not balsa. Good luck.

[GRIT]

An acquaintance of ours had one. He built the interior himself, which was common. Many were kit boats, but the structure was always factory built.

His accounts of its sailing prowess were always impressive. It sailed very well, and was comfortable. He sailed it as far as Australia, then sold it there. It's name was Gaia, back then.

If you want performance, I'm sure you'll like the Oceancat. If you're looking for more room, you can easily find more in other 49 footers, but you'll have to give up some performance.

Cheers.
Paul.

[davecalvert]

I knew Henry Locke before he started this project. He did exactly what he said he would do. He looked for the molds for this boat in France but, could not get them. He used an existing boat for a plug and made his own molds in a shop in Marathon, Florida Keys. We made sails for a few of these and I sailed on one. It was very fast with narrow hulls. I thought of buying a used one but, decided it was not good for the charters we had in mind.

[jdazey]

A friend of ours has one in Chesapeake Bay. The general parameters are similar to our Chris White Voyager 48 and sailing performance is about equal. It's a small 49'er or a long 42'er with regard to accommodation. I'd regard it as a strong candidate for someone who wants to voyage offshore.


Cheers,

[smj]

Originally Posted by davecalvert

I knew Henry Locke before he started this project. He did exactly what he said he would do. He looked for the molds for this boat in France but, could not get them. He used an existing boat for a plug and made his own molds in a shop in Marathon, Florida Keys. We made sails for a few of these and I sailed on one. It was very fast with narrow hulls. I thought of buying a used one but, decided it was not good for the charters we had in mind.

I remember that. He was building at the Marathon airport next to Coral Island Yachts. I think he pulled the molds for the OC 49 of a Freydis 46 or 49. He also pulled the molds for the Manta of a Jeffcat 42 I believe. Must have been a big LeRouge fan!

[merrick0507]

Seems no one has said much about Ocean 49 Cats since about 2008
I have the opportunity of getting one but for the size both living area and cockpit area seem pretty small for cruising
Any owners around for comment?

[merrick0507]

Whoops
Sorry I had missed some of the above entries Thanks for commenta

[workmaster2n]

I'm looking at a 2001 Ocean Cat 49 over in Australia. The owner claims that it was Henry's boat. Anybody know more about Henry's boat so that I could verify that claim? The current owner bought the vessel in 2012 in Florida.