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TheLastPirate · 06-02-2019, 12:21

Im looking for a Prout Catamaran. Is there anyone that has been on and sailed on a Quest 33, and a Snowgoose 37? Its just me and my dog, and occasion short term visitors. I will cross oceans when the dogs isn't around anymore. Meanwhile Ill be doing coastal cruising, short hops offshore, etc. I will be living on the hook for the most part. Is there a huge difference in motion at sea between the two? What are other differences that would make you want to choose one over the other for my intended purpose.

Thanks

**boatman61** · 06-02-2019, 12:37

Apart from difference in amount of space and speed.. not a lot really.. higher marina fee's.???

TheLastPirate · 06-02-2019, 12:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by boatman61

Apart from difference in amount of space and speed.. not a lot really.. higher marina fee's.???

So offshore the Quest 33 and the Snowgoose 37 feel about the same, in heavy weather? The smaller one doesn't hobby horse considerably more? For example.
I guess my problem is, the 33 is a lot cheaper, but if Im going to wish I had a snowgoose down the road, Id rather get one while I can. If the 33 is almost the same offshore comfort wise, etc..maybe I don't need the snowgoose.

**boatman61** · 06-02-2019, 13:09

In heavy weather I doubt there will be any hobby horsing you'd notice.. that's more a mild to modest sea thing with wind forwards of the beam.. they don't like it..
however the 37 would be better for the long term for more comfort and speed if going long distances, also the greater tankage and storage space.. if you've the money, get the 37..

TheSchwartz · 06-02-2019, 13:10

Hi TheLastPirate,

I had a Prout Quest 33CS for about two years.
It felt secure but slow.
I really liked the sail plan and did use all three at once quite a bit in the San Francisco Bay.
What I really didn't like is the hydraulic steering.
The hydraulic steering gave no feedback and I couldn't tell how far off center the rudders were to maintain direction.
Further one can't put a marking on the wheel to mark straight ahead because whenever one uses the autopilot it changes.
All in all a comfortable boat but for me not enough fun to sail.

The next owner did the Bahaha on the boat and had a great ride down.

I hope that is helpful.

Steve

LeeV · 07-02-2019, 01:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheSchwartz

Hi TheLastPirate,

I had a Prout Quest 33CS for about two years.
It felt secure but slow.
I really liked the sail plan and did use all three at once quite a bit in the San Francisco Bay.
What I really didn't like is the hydraulic steering.
The hydraulic steering gave no feedback and I couldn't tell how far off center the rudders were to maintain direction.
Further one can't put a marking on the wheel to mark straight ahead because whenever one uses the autopilot it changes.
All in all a comfortable boat but for me not enough fun to sail.

The next owner did the Bahaha on the boat and had a great ride down.

I hope that is helpful.

Steve

Steve,

It's probably because I couldn't sleep and was up at 3am, but what you do mean when you say you can't mark TDC (top dead center) on the wheel because it changes due to the A/Pilot?

If you set your rudders perfectly straight (if possible), secure them and then mark the wheel (first with a marker and then with a leather wrap) you'll always have TDC marked, regardless of which way the AP turns the wheel out on the water. Am I missing something in my early morning stupor?!! ;-)

Regards,

mikedefieslife · 07-02-2019, 01:28

Hydraulic steering had creep so you can't mark TDC. It's something common to all hydraulic setups so nothing to do with Prout.

Normally on a cat if you have hydraulic steering, you'd have rudder position indicator (the AP would need one anyway), and you do develop a feel for when the rudders are centred. On my 35 if in doubt I can easily just swing my head and see them from the cockpit.

LeeV · 07-02-2019, 01:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikedefieslife

Hydraulic steering had creep so you can't mark TDC. It's something common to all hydraulic setups so nothing to do with Prout.

Normally on a cat if you have hydraulic steering, you'd have rudder position indicator (the AP would need one anyway), and you do develop a feel for when the rudders are centred. On my 35 if in doubt I can easily just swing my head and see them from the cockpit.

I've not experienced that; good to know. Thanks!

TheLastPirate · 08-02-2019, 07:00

So to sum up everyones thoughts so far,if Im understanding right. You guys feel if someone wanted to cross oceans, the 33 is fine, safe enough, stable enough, etc, but the snowgoose will give more room to spread out. So its more about how someone lives (minimalistic or materialistic) as to which one would suit them best. So both are safe circumnavigators, the snowgoose is roomier, a little quicker, and about twice the price. Speaking of which, a pre 1990 snowgoose should be under 65k correct? Ive seen a 92 or 93 advertised for 115k...which I think is about twice the actual value. Not a lot are for sale in the US right now, but around the world including the Caribbean 65k for a mid 80s to 90 or so seems about the going rate. And the 33s are around 35kish average.

**boatman61** · 08-02-2019, 07:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheLastPirate

So to sum up everyones thoughts so far,if Im understanding right. You guys feel if someone wanted to cross oceans, the 33 is fine, safe enough, stable enough, etc, but the snowgoose will give more room to spread out. So its more about how someone lives (minimalistic or materialistic) as to which one would suit them best. So both are safe circumnavigators, the snowgoose is roomier, a little quicker, and about twice the price. Speaking of which, a pre 1990 snowgoose should be under 65k correct? Ive seen a 92 or 93 advertised for 115k...which I think is about twice the actual value. Not a lot are for sale in the US right now, but around the world including the Caribbean 65k for a mid 80s to 90 or so seems about the going rate. And the 33s are around 35kish average.

Well.. in the UK currently there's only two 30+ Prouts for sale.. a 34 for £55K..
https://yachts.apolloduck.co.uk/boat...vent-34/567169
and a 37 for €93K.. 2001 Brit owned but lying in Turkey..
https://yachts.apolloduck.co.uk/boat...oose-37/576353

TheLastPirate · 09-02-2019, 06:53

So what would the speed difference be between the two? A quest and a snowgoose? How hard would it be for me to tow a 16 foot wooden self bailing skiff behind one of them, obviously not worrying about speed at that point. It weighs about 500-600 lbs with the motor. Down the ICW, small trips offshore maybe, then across to Bahamas and down the Islands. There wouldn't be a way to stow that topsides would there? its 15 foot and some change actually. Well plus the motor off the back. Has anyone towed anything like that with either model?

mikedefieslife · 09-02-2019, 08:46

The prices will tend to reflect the more the condition than anything else. A good well cared for 37 Elite, or Event 34 would be close to £75,000. A regular 37 or 31 could be had for a little as £20,000 after negotiation but would need a lot more work.

The 35s are little bit more difficult to judge since there aren't many around, the condition varies wildly.

**boatman61** · 09-02-2019, 09:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheLastPirate

So what would the speed difference be between the two? A quest and a snowgoose? How hard would it be for me to tow a 16 foot wooden self bailing skiff behind one of them, obviously not worrying about speed at that point. It weighs about 500-600 lbs with the motor. Down the ICW, small trips offshore maybe, then across to Bahamas and down the Islands. There wouldn't be a way to stow that topsides would there? its 15 foot and some change actually. Well plus the motor off the back. Has anyone towed anything like that with either model?

Going E to the Caribe like that.. buy a tug