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nathaniel m abbott · 24-02-2007, 12:08

Hello out there.I have made some offshore cruises on 48ft monohull sailing yacht to the caribbean islands and Porto La Cruz Venezuela with 2-4 persons.
I need some feeback on purchase of a new Catamaran and Will sail back to the islands and Venezuela also Panama mostly Solo or with one crew-max 4 persons.For Cost reasons I have choosen two Cats, FP MAHE 36 and GEMINI 105 Mc the latest from factory.hope to stay in Islands or Pamama for a long time.Would appreciate any info-ideas-etc on the above Cat selections and any other help that might be helpful.
Thanks a lot Nat Abbott

sv_makai · 24-02-2007, 12:45

My first question is how you selected these two cats. If memory servers the Gemini is a narrow 14'ish beam and the FP is larger. While we were in the caribe we saw a few Gemini' and more FP's. Long time ago we looked at the Gmeini and they appearred to be very small for 2 people much less 4.

We sail a Maxim/Voyage 380 and 4 would be livable but can be crowded. The Gemini for a long trip may be crowded.

RonRicco · 25-02-2007, 06:23

For what it is worth, we are going from a 38' mono to a multi.. We have decided on the 105MC for many reasons including the shallow draft (18") and of course acquisition cost which is a factor for us...

Although if you are comparing the 105 to larger cats it will seem crowded, but compared to our mono there is no comparison on useable movement space and privacy...

IMHO the 105 isn't exactly set up for long range cruising as is, but for "US" it is the perfect family carribean cruiser

Brian

nathaniel m abbott · 25-02-2007, 07:59

Hi Brain. Thanks for your input and I am leaning in GEMINI 105 Mc direction,I will make final decision at boat Show.
Thanks again Nat Abbott

nathaniel m abbott · 25-02-2007, 08:11

Hi Capt BIL.Thanks for your reply and thoughts will make decision at boat show also have to look at BB38 as another advisement.
Thanks Again for input Cheers Nat Abbott

fhrussell · 26-02-2007, 07:06

Regardless of cost and accomodations, take a look at the bridge clearances of both boats. If you are sailing open waters, a higher clearance will be much preferred...

sv_makai · 27-02-2007, 05:27

While in the Caribe we saw a few gemini's and tons of FP's. The narrow width of the Gemini will make a bit rollier compared to the wider FP, but still much better than a mono anyday. In the states the Gemini has the advantage of being able to fit into most standard slips.

When looking at the cat's bridge deck is a concern. Makai has a low relatively low deck for an ocean going cat and is a bit noisier in the heavy weather, but the lower bridge deck and the design allows us to sail upwind at about 35 apparent and maintain good speed. We generally sail inside and faster than most of on mono friends and all of our cat friends. It is a trade off, just be sure of the design and the builder when selecting.

nathaniel m abbott · 27-02-2007, 06:33

Hi.SV Makai. Thanks for your reply and info it was very helpful.
Cheers Nat Abbott

44'cruisingcat · 09-03-2007, 02:54

It's a generalisation, but the wider the overall beam, the higher the bridgedeck clearance needs to be.

jean1146 · 09-03-2007, 04:05

Nat I have a Mahe coming pretty soon,I will share thoughts and pictures as soon as I can.JC.

RonRicco · 27-03-2007, 05:23

So what did you decide on Nat? We are doing a survey tomorrow on a 2002 105MC.

Jean.. Loooked up pictures of the Mahe on YW.. It is gorgeous!, although well above our budget. What is beam btw?

Brian

jean1146 · 27-03-2007, 07:37

Hey Brian.
It looks like I am going to Guadeloupe to get the Mahe and sail it back to Tampa.sounds pretty exciting trip.

RonRicco · 27-03-2007, 07:46

I am just up the street in NPR. Let me know when ya get it up here as I would love to see it in person.

Bri

nathaniel m abbott · 27-03-2007, 08:17

Hi FLYBRI737. I have to Go Gemini 105 mc for what I want to Do.Bermuda to Caribbean,Venezuela and back.Acqusition of Gemini fully loaded? I can handel at this time or next Year? Thanks for reply. cheers Nat Abbott