Looking to view some cats in Miami area

[JasonS]

Welcome. We went through a similar process not too long ago. It can easily take you one year of serious searching to find the right boat so you're not really too far out.

FYI -- The Annapolis Sailboat Show and Cruiser's Forum starts in 10 days. It's a great place to see and actually "test-sail" several cats during the show if you can make it up that way.

We're located in Lighthouse Point and went through several brokers until we found one that really understood what we were looking for and how best to work with him. We looked at Lagoons, Leapards, Admirals, FP's, Island Spirits, Manta's, Gemini's, a custom boat or two, and with the exception of the Gemini (ruled out in 5 minutes), all were 35-46 feet range, and primarily in the 38-42ft.

Happy to share details with you of some of our learnings on shopping for a Catamaran and going through the survey/purchase process.

We finally purchased our Manta 40 "Breathe" about 20 months ago and have not regretted a day since. On top of excellent build quality and comfort as a blue water boat, the Manta's were really built for sailing couples with occasional guests. It's a pretty unique boat that at first I did not appreciate and we initially ruled out, only to come back to it and realize what a great overall boat it is. No other cat has an active owner's forum, where you make friends regularly, as well as can ask a question and usually get several responses to solve a problem in the matter of hours.

Good luck with whatever boat you decide on - most importantly, don't let your dream disappear!!


Jason

[Tom and Maje]

Originally Posted by Mitchell87

I contacted Jeff and he is going to put together a list of vessels for me to see in a couple weeks when I get back to Miami. So thanks for the information.

I'm pretty tall myself. I'm 6'2" so decent headroom would be great!

Jeff is amazing. Have fun looking and tell him I said hi.

Maje

[Mitchell87]

Originally Posted by JasonS

Welcome. We went through a similar process not too long ago. It can easily take you one year of serious searching to find the right boat so you're not really too far out.

FYI -- The Annapolis Sailboat Show and Cruiser's Forum starts in 10 days. It's a great place to see and actually "test-sail" several cats during the show if you can make it up that way.

We're located in Lighthouse Point and went through several brokers until we found one that really understood what we were looking for and how best to work with him. We looked at Lagoons, Leapards, Admirals, FP's, Island Spirits, Manta's, Gemini's, a custom boat or two, and with the exception of the Gemini (ruled out in 5 minutes), all were 35-46 feet range, and primarily in the 38-42ft.

Happy to share details with you of some of our learnings on shopping for a Catamaran and going through the survey/purchase process.


Jason

I wish I could make it to the Annapolis show, but unfortunately I'm on my hitch until April 28.

I would thoroughly enjoy hearing of your experiences with the process and your thoughts on the various boats you looked at.

[Mitchell87]

Originally Posted by Tom and Maje

Jeff is amazing. Have fun looking and tell him I said hi.

Maje

I will for sure let him know!

[Tom and Maje]

The big sailboat show in Annapolis is in October.

Maje

[Mitchell87]

Originally Posted by Tom and Maje

The big sailboat show in Annapolis is in October.

Maje

Ok, great. Hopefully I'll be off then. Are there maybe any smaller boat shows coming up in May?

[Tom and Maje]

I don't know of any in May, but someone else might.
Maje

[Scaramanga F25]

Originally Posted by Mitchell87

Ok, great. Hopefully I'll be off then. Are there maybe any smaller boat shows coming up in May?

Caroline at Catco always has several boats, in one spot, in Ft Lauderdale as well as listings elsewhere.
They are the biggest and She is the leader in sales. Caroline is very knowledgeable and knows the state of repair of these cats as well as those for sale in the Carribean. She flies there regularly.

One can waste so much time chasing boats that aren't worth seeing.

[RKsailsolo]

Caroline Laviolet is knowledgeable and easy to work with, as I am sure Jeff Jones is too. I see they moved from their Las Olas Blvd site to LMC...I liked the Las Olas site but the Marine Center is no doubt more practical and right around the corner almost. http://www.catamarans.com/Layout-Tem...ne-Center.html

Also, check out the Moorings brokerage in nearby Dania. http://www.mooringsbrokerage.com/

Strictly Sail Miami happens in February, in your backyard perhaps, where the Cats are on prominent display. Annapolis in the fall is the mother of US sailboat shows and well worth the time. Give yourself two days to take it all in. Make hotel reservations now if you plan to go.

A friend had a monohull up the Miami River. As I recollect it was a bit of a motor to Biscayne Bay through some challenged neighborhoods but slip fees seem more reasonable.

[Sand crab]

The Cat Co is advertising an open house May 15-17 at the St. Augustine and Ft. Lauderdale locations. The say it's "The biggest display of cats" so it might be worth a look.

[Scaramanga F25]

Originally Posted by Sand crab

The Cat Co is advertising an open house May 15-17 at the St. Augustine and Ft. Lauderdale locations. The say it's "The biggest display of cats" so it might be worth a look.

Look up Caroline.
She will be there. She really knows her boats.

[Mitchell87]

Originally Posted by Sand crab

The Cat Co is advertising an open house May 15-17 at the St. Augustine and Ft. Lauderdale locations. The say it's "The biggest display of cats" so it might be worth a look.

That's awesome! I will definitely have to check it out. Thanks!

[Mitchell87]

Originally Posted by Scaramanga F25

Look up Caroline.
She will be there. She really knows her boats.

I tried calling Caroline at the number you provided, but I got a random person on the phone so I think she has a new number. I'm already hooked up with Jeff jones at the multihull company, but I suppose it wouldn't hurt to talk to Caroline as well.

[Scaramanga F25]

Sorry Mitchell 87

That was an old contact number I had .
Caroline can be reached at 954 449 7635