Did Manta Catamarans Go Out of Business ?

[OKCUBye]

so, it's been a few years since this thread had any action...and i've been scouring the internet for info on the Mantas in anticipation of buying one within a year (or two)...

Is Manta still in business or not? Anybody out there know?

As well, i've found (i think) that Manta is also used as a model name for a cat built in SA by Endeavour...this is slightly confusing...Should i be concentrating on the American made Mantas? or are they actually the same company?

As well, if anybody hears of a US Manta 38 or 40 for sale, please let me know!

Thank you very much!

[OKCUBye]

Oh yeah...a Wildcat 35 too!

[GordMay]

You might try asking Manta Catamarans
2383 Industrial Boulevard, Sarasota, Florida 34234 USA
Phone: 941-306-1048
Fax: 941-238-0501
E-mail: info@mantacatamarans.com

[boatsmith]

That's a non-working # Gord

[TaoJones]

Originally Posted by OKCUBye

. . . if anybody hears of a US Manta 38 or 40 for sale, please let me know!

Originally Posted by OKCUBye

Oh yeah...a Wildcat 35 too!

Except that they're both catamarans, there's little else to say when it comes to comparing a Wildcat to a Manta . . . in my opinion.

TaoJones

[OKCUBye]

Originally Posted by TaoJones

Except that they're both catamarans, there's little else to say when it comes to comparing a Wildcat to a Manta . . . in my opinion.

TaoJones

mmmm...not quite sure what to make of that comment...

expound???

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by boatsmith

That's a non-working # Gord

Which may be telling evidence, especially since one of the co-owners, Dan Even, recently passed away.
You may want to try to track down Dan's partner, Pat Reischmann.

[Harriet]

Manta Catamarans (USA) has been out of business for some time now.

If you want to see what's on the market in 38 and 40, go to www.mantacatamaransforsale.com.

They are still the best boat in its price range, and having been made in America with US parts doesn't hurt either, esp. when looking at a used one.

Harriet Eisen
s/v Perseverance
Manta MkII Hull 86

[justlearnin]

the web site seems to be working
Luxury Custom Built Catamarans - Manta Catamarans - Made in the USA

[fvn]

Let me say first that I can confirm that Manta closed down or better say never started again after Evan left (or sold the business). I was at the factory in October 2008 and there was an unfinished boat desperately looking for someone to finish her. Someone (don’t remember the name) was desperately trying to sell me a boat in order to stop the foreclosure.
I was looking at a used Manta too and I can see how many almost new Manta come to the market.
1) For sure the original 5 years warranty that originally came with the boat is now gone, off course.
2) When I was in Sarasota (Manta factory) I spoke to different peoples and one rumor came to me: last few Manta built are not so well built as they used to do due to a declining factory quality and services. Actually I have been showing a boat in Sarasota that was going through a fixing of bulked that came loose after less than a year.
Off course rumors are rumors and nobody is perfect but I would like to know if someone is aware or can confirm and would help me with inputs on the matter.

[nettlesbe]

Colemj commented on this thread that the tooling is being sold at auction soon. Could PM him to see where he got that info.

If true, it sounds like we won't be seeing any new Manta's anytime soon. I feel for those who lost their warranty.

Seems like a lot of Manta's for sale now. Does the fact that the manufacturer is gone hurt the resale value of older boats?

[hanschristian38]

“Doma Group/Manta Catamaran” (Chap.7-Bradenton): Upright MX-19 Electric Scissor Lift (Driving Platform), Mitsubishi 3Klb. Cap. LP Forklift, (7) Rolling Stepladders, Pallet Jack, (4) shop vacs, Rolling Scaffold, Power/Hand/Air Tools, Ped. Fans (several), Forklift Dump Bin, Fiberglass sheets, Asst. New & Used Boat Hardware, Asst. Volvo eng. parts & More!! *intellectual prop. To be sold at later auction*

This was an auction back in March.

[markpj23]

One of the current Manta owners went to that auction and bought up many spares. They are now being sold / traded among the Manta owners group - which remains very active and supportive of all owners.

It is true that the last few boats built in Sarasota suffered from a failing company's shortcuts and attempts to stay afloat. I believe that the last one built was finished only because the buyer paid the factory workers directly instead of paying the company and hoping they funded payroll.

By and large Mantas are a well-built solid cruising cat that has earned its reputation and the outright love of 99% of their owners. I know for me it's the best darn boat I've ever owned and I will miss Nauticat once she's gone.

As far as boats losing value due to manufacturers demise..... when you list the makes and models you consider to be solid blue-water cruising boats, how many of those are still in business? Production boats (Hunter, Catalina, FP, etc etc) are still being cranked out, but are they on your list? Are the Pacific Seacraft boats now less well thought of due to that company's demise? Don't want to start a debate on this but the Mantas will hold up well, are holding their value and will be safe cruising cats for a long time.

If I ever get back to the sea - I hope it will be in another Manta

[Full Sail]

there's a couple of Manta's for sale at the Catamaran Company's Docks in Fort Lauderdale.

[smj]

As far as boats losing value due to manufacturers demise.....

If you look at PDQ and their 36' model they actually gained value when the company went down.