Easton 44' cats

[sgarlick]

Hi all,

This is my first post.

I'm seriously considering building an Easton 44' catamaran. I've seen some of Owen's boats and am very impressed with this design as an ideal blue water cruiser.

What I haven't done is sail on one, so I'd really appreciate hearing other people who might have some experience with this design. The cat is a 44' aluminium sloop, single inboard engine in one hull, with bow thruster for manuevering. Any experience, anyone?

Regards,

Steve

[Factor]

There was a story in a Multihull world (aus) or cruising world (USA) about an easton cat doing a run from NZ to Hawaii and then to PAC NW of USa, I will try and find the reference for you.

The boat got a very good write up

I must admit that Owen Easton's and Peter Kerr's (lizard yachts) aluminium boats are a favourite of mine.

[Nordic cat]

Looks quite nice, do you have some more specs, like weights, bridgedeck clearance to share with us?
Probably around the minimum size for an aluminium cat i reckon.

Got any more pictures?

Regards

Alan

[Factor]

I will keep digging to find these articles, but there was an article on a 43 foot Kerr design in Multihull World (oz) a few years ago, Bellatrix - The cruising star.

I think its edition 60 or 61 of the mag. Most of Peters and I think most on Owens boats have dagger boards. There is a Easton for sale in Oz at this site (look under 40-50 foot cats)Boats for Sale - Yachts for Sale - Used & New Boats @ The Yacht Hub there is some photos there.

[sgarlick]

Hi,

Here are some photo's of one of Owen's boats.

Steve

[David M]

I don't think one needs a bow thruster if one has twin screws...one just needs to know how to use twin screws effectively. It's a little different though for large sized yachts and workboats....just my opinion.

[Nordic cat]

Originally Posted by sgarlick

Hi,

Here are some photo's of one of Owen's boats.

Steve

How heavy are they? The Sail area/displacement ratio will give some idea of the boats performance.

What is the insulation like?

The only other sailing cats in this size, I have seen in aluminium are the french ones. Can find a link if you want. Read a test in the french multihull magasine, the performance suprised the testers positively..

Alan

[sgarlick]

David,

The boat needs a bow thruster as there is only one diesal, mounted in the port hull. This system works very well and reduces weight aft, plus allows a fantasic sized head in rear hull. The prop exits the hull through the side and pivots completely out of the water.

All up weight of the boat in heavy condition is about 10 tonnes.

Steve