Just a few more points about powering. I have a
Seawind with two 9.9 outboards. It is common for boats, even other similar size cats, to pass me going in and out of the harbor. Top speed is just over seven knots. I have also had one of the outboard props lift out of the
water in some sea conditions. Geminis and Catalacs are usually faster than me under power. On the other hand when I trim the big square top and lift the outboards up in the pods I leave them in the dust.
Also keep in mind two screws amidship, be they outboards or whatever, allow a cat to turn 180 degrees in its own length. I love how easy it is to park the boat where I want it.
As to inboards or outboards my take is both have their good points, but a lot depends on your personal style. Inboards do have more power to bash through big waves, wind, or
current. But if you are a gentleman sailor who does not bash through things outboards have plenty of power. I normally only motor a few minutes to open
water, put up the
sails, and cut the motor; if the
weather is bad I stay in the harbor. There is really no right or wrong answer to this issue, just personal style.
Also keep in mind the Gemini has an advantage in skinny water, something there is a lot of in some places like the
Bahamas. But a PDQ has a lot less to worry about as long as you have 3.5 feet of water or so. Again no right or wrong, just personal style.