Quote:
Originally Posted by miki23
Any experience comparing those against the 1160? Are there other similar designs that I've overlooked?
Also... do I want an 1160 Lite instead? Given the mission, would outboards be sufficient, and would the ability to hoist them out of the water while in the slip save much on maintenance?
Sorry for the brain dump, and thanks for any wisdom anyone has to share!
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I have been on board the Open 40,
Seawind 1160, and
Maine Cats. Here is my thoughts on comparison
The Open 40 is a beautifully built boat with an emphasis on social spaces at the expense of the sailing experience. The helm is just outside the social space and out in the elements so no fun in rough or wet
weather. Sail controls are not convenient. The social seating is excellent but those comfortable seats provide poor seating for a lookout. The person responsible for operating the boat will be continually up and down from the table to touch sail controls, adjust the helm for see what is going on around the boat. Sailing speed and windward performance will be similar to other condomorans, nothing wrong with that, but a clear distinction when comparing to a Seawind or
Maine Cat .
The Seawind and
Maine Cat are both performance sailing boats designed for people that like to sail. They are of a class to themselves. Weight reduction is an overriding theme on both brands. Narrow
hull forms,
dagger boards (standard on the Maine Cat, an option on Seawind), and lifting outboards give very satisfying speed and windward performance.
I am a big fan of outboards on these lightweight catamarans. Lifting the outboards delivers a burst of speed by reducing drag in the water. The outboards are economical to maintain and operate. One can find lots of discussion of this on previous threads, suffice to say they
work very nicely on these boats.
Comparing the Seawind 1160 to the Maine Cat requires more focus, because these boats have many similarities. Both are excellent brands. The Seawind 1160 Lite is the closest comparison to the Maine Cat 38.
On the Seawind the flow between the saloon and
cockpit is very well thought out. The balance of space between
salon with the table and cockpit with very inviting seating is excellent. The connection between galley down and
salon table is aesthetically pleasing. I like the salon table size but not the square corners. The aft bench seat and barbeque is brilliant.
The Seawind helm is well integrated into the social space, but just outside the overhead cover. Take a jacket if it is raining or cold. Sail controls are right there. I think Seawind might have an option for improving cover overhead of the helm. Fit and finish on the Seawind is good, to my eye superior to the big three brands.
The Maine Cat 38 takes the flow between salon and cockpit to another level by merging salon and cockpit into a
single enclosed space surrounded by windows. The helm and sail controls are completely integrated into the social space. Visibility is excellent from the salon, and anyone in the salon can serve as lookout. One can sit at the salon table and mind the helm from the same chair. There is no need to go outside of the protection of the salon when operating the boat, making the boat a joy in cold or wet
weather. This same salon enclosure provides excellent sun protection.
With the well though out helm and sail controls the Maine Cat is divine for
single handling. But when others are on board anyone operating sailing controls or
anchoring is in direct line of sight to the helms-person. This significantly reduces the opportunities for miscommunication.
The Maine Cat 38 salon table is set up for 4, and with some imagination dinning for a crowd can be managed. Another table down in port seats 6. Fit and finish on the Maine Cat is excellent.
And the Maine Cat is fast.
FULL DISCLOSURE: I walked the path comparing these very boats and the
Leopard 40 or 45. We now own a Maine Cat 38.