What is the Smallest Multihull You Can Take Blue Water Cruising ?

[Lt.]

What is the smallest size and type cat you would go blue water cruising in? I wonder this because If i can get a smaller cat, then I will pay less for maintenance, fuel, marina fees and other things, won't I? Also it will cost me less to get a boat. But there are things I know I sacrifice. Like room for living and supplies. And others things. But I figure as Ive read this on the CF I will still have living space of about a mono roughly 10 feet longer than my cat so It cant be too bad a sacrifice with a cat, right? Or instead of saving the money then I could just get a really, REALLY good cat in a smaller size with some goodies. Right?

[Adelie]

Depends on how many people are going to go.

Solo: Flicka 20 or Cal 20.
Couple: Cal T2 (27') or Columbia 26
Couple w/ 1 small kid: Cal 28 depending on age and size of kid.
Couple w/ 1 large kid or 2 sm/med kids: Cal 34 or Columbia 34.2.

[tager]

I plan on blue waters under the keel of my Haida 26, Keet.

HAIDA 26 sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com

I would say 4000 pounds is about the minimum. I would not go offshore in a Cal 20.

[Boatguy30]

You asked about cat so I'd say the Tiki 21 as they have circumnavigated, but the 26 would be more realistic. They have very little interior space, but you can rig up a nice tent in anchorages.

For proper blue water cruising in comfort on a cat something around 32' is likely the smallest you'll want as most smaller cats (and most 30-38) just aren't good sea boats.

Consider a Searunner 31

Cheers,
Jeff

[Lt.]

2 people, normal. Sometimes maybe 3 or 4, no more than that unless its a day trip.

[simonmd]

I currently live aboard and solo sail my 30ft Catalac 900 in the Med' and I can tell you I am more than comfy! I have standing headroom in the saloon with seating for at least five around the table (or two if you like to put your feet up!), nice sized head and shower room, two cabins (was 3 but converted one for storage) and even room for a 32inch LCD TV in the main saloon.

Cost wise though, it's a double edged sword. You dont say where you are but here in Europe, you'll pay at least an extra 50% per berth so no saving there as that means im paying the same as a 15 meter berth with my 10 meter boat. Also, most cats have twin engines so there is the potential to double up on servicing costs there as well. Having said that, you have more options to avoid marinas and anchor as you'll be able to get more sheltered locations as you can go into shallow water and being more stable means its more comfortable too.

However, I didn't buy mine to save money, I bought it to be stable and comfortable. When im relaxing in my saloon for example, I can see out! Monohulls tend to leave you feeling a bit closed in, certainly compaired with a light and airy cat interior anyway. Also, when under way, there is less fatigue and stress do to the lack of heal. A flat ride is great when you have a nice cup of coffee!

[Reefmagnet]

A "Heavenly Twins" would be my choice. They are somewhere around 27 feet or so and have an enclosed bridge deck but not a lot of cockpit space (for a cat).

[Adelie]

Opps, missed the 'cat' part of the question.

Catalac 8m for a couple or a couple with kids.
CATALAC 27 (8M) sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com
Catalac 8M information

[georgetheleo]

My boat,a Richard Woods Scylla 36, Crossed the Atlantic from Georgeia to Spain and back via Brazil in 2003 on its maiden voyage-----and this was before it was fully equipted!

[webejammin]

Recently there has been a couple of Gemini 105Mc's that finished cyrcumnavicating the globe. For one or 2 people there really great and you will have room for guests. We love our Gemini 105Mc sv We be Jammin

[Redreuben]

For minimilist cruising <10m I would go trimaran.

[webejammin]

Originally Posted by Redreuben

For minimilist cruising <10m I would go trimaran.

We looked at trimarans before buying , we found not much room but there fast.

[barnakiel]

I think Yrvind is building a 10' mono to rtw:

Yrvind Ten 2012-01-14 - YouTube

I have seen a cat of approx 20' getting ready for a crossing, off course they were French.

I know a Hobbie has crossed some time ago (not sure if supported or not).

Personally, I would not go in anything that could be easily turned turtle by ocean swells.

b.

[tamicatana]

Second the TIKI 21'. Used to have one. Best storm boat I've ever been on, so far

James Wharram Designs - Rory McDougall returns home
Cookie's Jester Challenge 2010
Rory And Cookie

[simonmd]

If you are at the budget end of the scale, a Gemini will be out of your budget but the Catalac 9m can be picked up for reasonable money. Being a meter longer than the 8m, this is what my present 900 is based on and there is plenty of room.