Another "Best Cat" thread with a twist

[BlueBuddha]

Hi all, I've enjoyed reading the multiple threads on "best cat" suggestions. I am curious about people's opinion in a specific situation not fully covered in other threads. If you met the following profile (fantasy world time), what 1-3 cats would be on the top of your list:

1. You have no budget constraints. Assume you can pay cash for ANY boat. Assume whatever it costs, it does not affect your savings one bit. So take money completely out of the equation. I know, it's silly but humor me!

2. You are interested in spending multiple years circumnavigating. You want to go everywhere including Antarctica, Alaska, North/Norwegian Seas, etc.

3. You don't want a crew other than your partner except for long ocean crossings. So the boat should be EASY to sail short handed given that you would be short handed 95% of the time.

4. You like space and comfort over speed. So given #3, you want to find the largest cat that can still be comfortably managed between 2 people.

5. For sake of making this more interesting, you can't simply build a custom one from scratch. You have to buy an existing model, but you are allowed to make any modifications you want (remember $ is not an issue in this fantasy world!).

I know that "every boat is a compromise" - but what changes would you make to your ideal boat if you wanted to minimize the compromises?

So what boats would be on the top of your list and what modifications would you make? What dream accessories would you include?

Two options to get started.
- Antares 44i with a more modern interior so it doesn't look like my grandma's cottage.
- Lagoon 450 with some sort of custom-made retractable hard and enclosed bimini for the fly bridge (like the ones that come with new expensive convertibles cars)

How about you?

[Steel sails]

In my opinion there aren't any production cats suitable for artic / Antarctic expeditions. Not saying it can't be done but it would not be prudent.
Regards
Paul

[BlueBuddha]

Good point. I fixed it. Assume no Antartica, etc. Just good ol bora bora

[django37]

This does well in the Arctic: http://www.acinorway.com/

[BlueBuddha]

Originally Posted by django37

This does well in the Arctic: http://www.acinorway.com/

Quite impressive to see the L450 in the Artic.

But I would definitely not only install a hard bimini, but also a way to pump in heat into the fly bridge .

[SwissMocha]

Privilege 4.5

I don't want a fly bridge. I know, it's popular nowadays, but for ocean crossing I don't want to climb to the top of the boat for steering.

I'd like a genset, some heating, maybe some cooling. Scuba equipment with compressor.
I would want to have 2 large heads instead of 4 small. 2 cabins instead of 4. Lots of storage, a room with a workbench.
Galley up - more sociable.
Bbq.

Then of course I'd want to be retired with enough money in the bank to go cruising for the rest of my days.

Great thread, thank you Bluebuddha

[BlueBuddha]

Originally Posted by SwissMocha

Privilege 4.5

Thanks! What I love about these threads is getting to know boats I didn't even know existed. But yet again that's mostly because I'm such a rookie.

The Privilege 4.5 looks like a sports car!

[svHannabel]

Here's a few to consider:

Broadblue Rapier 550 - Very modern with all control lines inside the main cabin
Sunreef 58 - Supposedly designed for family cruising w/o crew
Discovery 50 - Designed to be easily double-handed

[BlueBuddha]

Originally Posted by svHannabel

Here's a few to consider:

Broadblue Rapier 550 - Very modern with all control lines inside the main cabin
Sunreef 58 - Supposedly designed for family cruising w/o crew
Discovery 50 - Designed to be easily double-handed

Now that's what I'm talking about!!! .

- The Broadblue Rapier 550 inside helm station would not work because it makes me think I'm flying a spaceship and I'm afraid of flying. Just kidding!
- The Sunreef 58 has a kitchen twice the size of my current one!
- The interior of the discovery looks like Lagoon's rich uncle :-)

Those are some beautiful boats!

[SwissMocha]

Originally Posted by BlueBuddha

Thanks! What I love about these threads is getting to know boats I didn't even know existed. But yet again that's mostly because I'm such a rookie.

The Privilege 4.5 looks like a sports car!

Of course you can go for a Privilege 4.9 or 5 series or even bigger. Just look at the pics on their website! Groupe Privilège Marine - Chantier naval - Privilège - Yacht bateau de croisière de luxe
Wouldn't life be great on one of these...

Personally I think around 45 ft is plenty for two people, even with the occasional guest. My current appartment ist smaller!

[Catalysis]

Some Antares photos designed for short-handed round-the-world sailing
Paul


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[Imprezza72]

CW 57 need I say more?

[weavis]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImU82SmmtQI

[BlueBuddha]

Originally Posted by weavis

That is one gorgeous boat!

[Sailingcouple13]

You said no budget. .go for the 90ft gunboat available now. Start your trip in the next month.

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