New Cats, 40' and Under

[hydrogonian]

It seems that most production cat manufacturers(ie: Privilege) have eliminated the lesser size cats from their offerings. In the spirit of sailing a cat that a couple can manage in all conditions, on a trans atlantic/pacific voyage, Id like to ask that a list be started for new production cats are still available in the 40' foot and under range. It seems that 42(more rare) and 44(more common) seem to be the default minimum sizes for new production cats.

Id also like consideration/comments to be given for the quality, suitability, characteristics and track record of the cats heritage for passagemaking, in addition to its mention for length alone. In other words, anything that you can add about it - positive or negative.

The logic behind this requirement stems from the possibility that a 100-120 lb female, with a level of experience that could be labeled adequate for such a task under the range of average conditions on the open sea, will need to be able to single hand the vessel easily, and in conditions that are not always perfect. This would be during the time period that the male is sleeping, or in the event that he should fall into less than perfect health.

If there is a slightly larger cat that you would think is fine for the job, then list it with your reason why the exception can be made for the larger size..

I know that there are plenty of used options, but many of these cats are becoming quite old, as it seems that the production building of smaller cats began to slow years ago. Id like to keep the list to new production cats.

I'll start with Fountaine Pajot, who it seems still produces the Mahe 36 and the Lavezzi 40. However, I have no experience with either of these cats.

Who else?

[studzbearcat]

the mahe 36 is still in production and is rated class "A" for offshore use, not like many of the smaller cats out there.

also the Lavezzi is not in production any more, it has been replaced by the all new Lipari 41, which is retailing for High $300's delivered to East Coast US. Much better design than the Lavezzi, faster, stiffer, and quieter.

Some of the mid 90's cats are still very good values, adn some unique ones were actually built lighter, stiffer, adn stronger than current models.

[D&D]

Continuing this thread's search for a listing of new production cats 40' and under...

Lagoon 380
Admiral 38 (& 40)
Leopard 40
Seawind 1000XL (& 1160)
Lightwave 38
FP Mahe 36

...and then there are the more performance-oriented designers whose vessels are either 'home' made or project built to order by shipwrights. I'm sure there would be a few of these, but I am only aware of...

Spirited 380 (Craig Schionning designed)
Barefoot 35 (& 40) (Tony Grainger designed)

[Anders]

Voyager 10. (33ft)

[ato]

how about this design...

Ecolocat40
catathai phuket thailand yacht builder/ power 34

am currently looking into coastal cruising cats up to 40 ft built in asia.
not sure the above would match your criteria of a blue water cruiser.
cheers

[paulrack]

The Maverick 400, a well built brand new design from Phil Southwell. You can check the video on it from the Cape Town boat show at Multihulls4us Forums - Powered by vBulletin. It is easily single handed with all controls back to cockpit, including single line reefing. It is a proper cruising cat with 1000l of water and 800l diesel.

[Scott730]

Check other threads and you will find comments on many cruising cats. The Mahe thread is extensive. Since I own one (Bias here!) and cruise with my wife, I find it just the right size and easy to handle as well as a capable blue water boat.

[barnakiel]

Catana 41. Almost there, very pretty. There is also a below 40' from RSA.

b.

[Dave]

Don't forget the new Leopard 38.

Dave

[D&D]

The Lagoon 400 looks impressive, incorporating a lot of cruising 'features' we like that were missing or not put together in other vessels, e.g. multiple (3) refrigeration options, bigger sail areas, and forward facing starboard side nav station (with electronics options to make it a genuine helm position). On the negative side, we prefer the 'stepped' cockpit roof (allowing helm vision over the saloon roof) of the 'old' Lagoon 380 (and many others of course) over the continuous roof line now becoming popular and we're not completely sold on the elevated traveller (great space benefits when you're on the hook, but perhaps not ideal when you're sailing in a big blow?) but there's always compromises eh?

[Gordon]

FP have a new 40' model the Lapari 41 and there is one in Perth WA. it was on show at the Manduarah Boat show. you can view some detail on the multihull solutions web site.