Catamaran Stars of the Annapolis Boat Show

[xxuxx]

I just returned from the show and hands down the best made, designed and well thought out catamaran was the 50' FRANCIS PHANTOM-"PENELOPE" !
The second place honor went to the newLagoon 450! New larger cockpit, improved flybridge with suntan stations up top.

Third place went to the Leopard 46 with absolutely the best cockpit and helm station visibility and best bang for the buck.

IMHO

[fbchristo]

I too loved the St. Francis and it was great to finally see a Chris White catamaran. I keep hearing about them but had never seen one. Surprisingly enough although I was impressed with the technology on the Gunnboat I found flaws in the gelcoat (or whatever they use) work; sagging and bubbles. You would think for 3 mill they could get it all right.

[paulrack]

Looking at pictures of the Lagoon 450, how would you flake the mainsail and close up the stackpack with the boom so high?

[slap]

The winner of the show (for me) was the Atlantic 57. A cat made for sailing.

[xxuxx]

Originally Posted by fbchristo

I too loved the St. Francis and it was great to finally see a Chris White catamaran. I keep hearing about them but had never seen one. Surprisingly enough although I was impressed with the technology on the Gunnboat I found flaws in the gelcoat (or whatever they use) work; sagging and bubbles. You would think for 3 mill they could get it all right.

Notice that Gunboat didn't even get an honorable mention. It is an overpriced, underplanned vessel. The galley is horrible. The gunboat reps were obnoxious and rude. Forget Gunboat,

[Curmudgeon]

I was most imprssed with the Seawind 1160. But the St. Francis was pretty nice. Of course, I'm not exactly an expert.

[xxuxx]

I too liked the seawind 1160 for a smaller cat it is very well thought out. "I wouldn't kick it out of bed"!!!
OK, I'll give it 4th place.

[AllezCat]

I agree with the Atlantic 57 being the best boat there.
And the gunboat - just wrong "feeling" - All Hype?
There was a beautiful looking Privilege 60 there. I didn't go aboard - invitation only - didn't feel worthy.

[Doodles]

I went on most all the cats except for the Gunboat, and I was really disappointed with the interior finishes. I saw lots of veneer, poorly finished corners, locker doors that didn't meet evenly, sharp edges and mis-matched hinge screws for example. Most of the ones I was aboard (Lagoons, FP's, Seawind, St. Francis, Matrix, Prout) were at least $400K+ or a lot more. For that amount of money I expect better workmanship. The only exception was the Chris White designed Atlantic 55 (or was it 57) ... very nice.

[gwmort]

My wife was really taken with the Matrix and Discovery 50 cats. I had never heard of either one of them, but they were pretty.

[David M]

I'm pretty sure the Gunboats are painted, not gel coated. Gunboats are known for being light. They intentionally have spartan interiors to keep them that way.

Doodles, 400k is inexpensive for a big cat.

[Ozbullwinkle]

Originally Posted by paulrack

Looking at pictures of the Lagoon 450, how would you flake the mainsail and close up the stackpack with the boom so high?

Paul, I agree with you on this - it certainly looks like it would be quite a challenge doesnt it?

In general, I like the cockpit setup on the Leopard 46 as well but dislike the look of the "pimple on a pumpkin" helm station that pops up out of the hardtop - the lines of the older now replaced 47 look so much better.

As far as the Seawind goes they make nice boats but in my opinion, for what its worth, the external appearance of their designs, especially from side on, leaves a lot to be desired and they do not look as slick as other designs. I really wish they would come up with a new look & I'm an Aussie as well but they have sold quite a few so they do have appeal..

[David M]

Do you guys have any pictures to share of the cats?

[Sand crab]

Anybody catch the going price for a new Atlantic 57 in USD. Checked the website but no data there. Just wondering. BOB

[Doodles]

Originally Posted by David M

I'm pretty sure the Gunboats are painted, not gel coated. Gunboats are known for being light. They intentionally have spartan interiors to keep them that way.

Doodles, 400k is inexpensive for a big cat.

Oh, I know. That was where they started (FP 36, etc.). It's just I hate to brag, but the joinery and interior of my Wauquiez is way better than any of the cats I looked at and some were approaching $1M. Come on, its ridiculous you pay a half mil or more and get stuff that looks like Ikea made it.