Best Catamaran Before 2000

[phmadeira]

Hello

what is the best living / cruising catamaran before the year 2000 ?

[Laidback]

Almost impossible to single out one cat, which was the best living/cruising Cat before 2000.
In terms of ??????
----------------
Probably in the LOA range of 39 >>> 47 ft.
Owner versions
2 heads only
Galley up
35 HP diesels on shaft
Rudders on skegs
Beachable
Hardtop Bimini
etc
-----
Privilege
Prout
Catana
Grainger
Schionning
Admiral
Tennant
Dazcat
etccc...

[Tropic Cat]

Originally Posted by phmadeira

Hello

what is the best living / cruising catamaran before the year 2000 ?

The Catalac 12M was voted best live aboard and survived the Queen's birthday storm in '94. 100 ft waves 120 mph winds for 3 days.

Comfort and survivability.... it's my pick

[Laidback]

100 ft waves 120 mph winds for 3 days.

Super Typhoons produce the odd 50ft wave Tropical Storm Risk (TSR) for long-range forecasts of hurricane, typhoon and cyclone worldwide

[James S]

Lets be careful guys not to debate the storm, but focus on the boats...The members can search the specs of the storm.
Thanks All.

[Tropic Cat]

Originally Posted by Laidback

Super Typhoons produce the odd 50ft wave Tropical Storm Risk (TSR) for long-range forecasts of hurricane, typhoon and cyclone worldwide

James is right, but I can't resist. Tony Farrington wrote "Rescue In The Pacific" in which he interviewed storm survivors.

That storm was called the perfect extra-tropical meteorological "bomb".

[emcmia]

I have a '93 Privilege P-43 (Hull #9), three stateroom "Owner's Version" purchased in early 1995. Have replaced original 38hp Yanmar 3JH with (naturally aspirated) 56hp 4JH3E with ZF drives. Extended hulls 4ft which improved bouyancy, increased speed and decreased sqatting (with no apparent changes in handling or steering). Added hard bimini and over the years upgraded electronics. Very high quality workmanship and exceptional rigging, electrical and mechanical accoutrements with bulletproof kevlar hull construction (4ft draft with mini-keels, not dagger boards). Average cruising speed under power is 10-12 kts. Have reached 14-15 under sail, 25kts apparent, beam reach. Have logged about 20kNM to date. Wife and I always attend the new boat shows to see what's new and consistently agree that what we have doesn't justify replacement.

One cat owner's opinion. Good luck.

[markpj23]

You'd be foolish to overlook the Mantas.... not that I'm biased or anything

[multihullsailor6]

I'd vote for the "Freydis" designed by Erik Lerouge, many of which have circumnavigated.

[Full Sail]

I've been living on my 1999 FP Bahia 46, owners version for the last 6 months and I LOVE it. Galley is the only challenge, But I have plans on changing the sink.

[Sunspot Baby]

Prout

[schoonerdog]

The prout 45 once you enter it with the family layout is amazing, the room extends forward 20 ft and outward 20 ft over the hulls. The impression of space is unequalled by any catamaran under 50 ft, with fantastic woodwork and geniune water tight doors to forward compartments, something I've never really seen on another production boat. Excellent storage and cabins. It does all this without presenting a 12 ft high vertical wall like some of the square modern boats. Price in the mid 200s. A 98 or 99 Privilege would be another wise choice for a spacious, wonderfully appointed boat.

[oscar]

Funny.... I'll be asking the same question in 6 years. Actually, I'm doing the homework NOW so I'll know the answer THEN.

I go to boat shows and tell the sales mouth that I'm looking for a 6 year old version of whatever I'm on, and he/she will tell me it's brand new. Then I tell them I'll be buying it 6 years from now and then they lose interest and leave me alone to look around undisturbed......