Suitability for Cold Waters ?

[Dulinor]

Obviously they'll still float just as well, but I occasionally hear multi's dismissed as "fine for tropical cruising." Is that primarily based on the difficulties many models have with sailing to windward or are there other concerns?

I've been considering a cat, but would want to include destinations like Puget Sound or Iceland if the mood struck. Assuming one had a Chris White, or other "performance" cat that could go upwind, what other concerns might one have? Insulate the deck/pilothouse? Ice concerns?

[capt_douglas]

Interesting question.

You might look at bethandevans.com and read up on their outfitting of Hawk for high latitude sailing. From what I can understand they were worried about condensation on the inner hull and stopping the loss of generated heat. Boaters who live in colder climates have also suggested bubblers and other cold weather tips.

Most cats have lots of windows and they'd have to be insulated or covered to slow heat migration. You've got two hulls and since cold sinks, you may need heaters in both hulls (and maybe not in the main saloon as heat rises).

[Lodesman]

Most cats are cored, so the insulation is already there. But having two hulls in the water and a lot of spread-out space makes heating an issue - you'd either need more heaters, an efficient ducting system or just be resigned to leaving some spaces or even a whole hull, cold. Paul Howard and Fiona McCall took a Manta 38 from Iceland to Cape Horn (interestingly switching to a cat having circumnavigated in a steel mono). There's contact info at the link if you want to ask them: Canadian Power and Sail Squadrons

[Factor]

See www.katiekat.net for a discussion on colder weather usage of a cat in Alaska.

[Catalysis]

The Antares 44i is a cat for all seasons.
Well insulated with a glass windshield.
Designed by Canadian Ted Clements.
More info at liveantares.com
Paul

[Dulinor]

These are great replies - thanks!

Digging through katiekat now, and already a number of tidbits including some I hadn't anticipated - Glass vs. Lexan for windows being one. Looks promising.

[Catalysis]

For clarity - the Antares salon windows are lexan. The fixed windscreens under the bimini are glass.
Paul

[DRS]

Espar diesel fired hot air heater ducted to both hulls, Electric heaters if we are plugged in and good blankets. A warm body to cuddle up with doesn't hurt either