Help me compare these cats for family of 9

[Barbar0ssa]

I'm looking for a catamaran that would work for my family of 9 (7 kids from 12-0) See more here.

I would prefer this to be a thought experiment about these two boats, and if you want to tell us we are nuts, do so on the other thread.

I came across a boat that seems to be custom designed for a large family live-aboard 1992 Kelly 50

The cockpit seems a little less than ideal for entertaining, and the bridge deck clearance looks low. When you add the short trampoline area, I'm guessing it will slam. Also, I think it is a one of a kind custom so there is no other info out there about the model. The interior seems custom made for us with sleeping (and the rest of the needed facilities) for 12 real people.

It seems like this might be perfect if we decided to go full time. We might even be able to have guests occasionally!

Is there something horribly wrong with the boat that I am too new to see?

Another possible option, is the 1998 Nautitech 475

It seems like the outdoor living would be better on the Nautitech. The wife likes the galley up (though this one needs some work) and I like the idea of fiberglass better than wood. The interior isn't quite as perfect for us as the kelly but when we are ready to sell, it sure seems like this would be easier to sell. It probably sails better too.

Is there something wrong with this one I'm too new to see?

How would you compare the two?

[Cherod]

I would say ( if you can afford it ) there is no comparison . Nautiteck for me

[Barbar0ssa]

Is there something scary I'm missing about the Kelly 50?

Is plywood construction a problem?

[Octopus]

Based purely on the photos and the spec, it is no contest.

The Nautitech looks like it would:

• Be easier and more forgiving to sail
• Hold together better in a storm (better materials)
• Involve less maintenance and repair
• Provide more reliable propulsion (twin engines)
• Be more manoeuvrable (twin engines)
• Be more pleasant to live on, particularly for a large family
• Has more and better and newer equipment (e.g. RIB, solar panels, generator, water maker, wind generator, sails etc.)
• Be better value (looks well cared for and to have had an easier life)
• Probably need less replacing (e.g. batteries look old on the Kelly)
• Provide a better (more modern) layout (for a family of nine)
• Provide more deck space
• Provide more living space
• Hold its value better
• Be easier and quicker to sell when you've finished with it (an often overlooked quality)

... in my opinion

Conversely, the Kelly might be easier to maintain and modify, i.e. no high-tech materials. If you run out of time or money or inclination in some remote corner of the planet you might find it easier to walk away from the Kelly.

*Tip: Listen to your wife, you won't regret it.

Chris

[Barbar0ssa]

What an awesome reply! Thanks, you've given me some things to think about!

[Octopus]

Also, Grenada would be a great place to start your adventure, Panama perhaps not so great (we loved our time in Grenada)

Island hopping in the Caribbean is a very benign environment to learn the ropes and there are good boatyards if anything needs sorting out on the boat

Chris

[Octopus]

The only piece of equipment that seems to be missing from the Nautitech equipment list is an automatic washing machine. With a family of nine, a full-sized automatic washing machine (AC) is going to save you a huge amount of time, energy and money (all of which will be in short supply). Run the generator once every couple of days to charge the batteries, run the washing machine, run the water maker and heat the (fresh) water for showers and everyone will be clean, happy and comfortable. It really does make all the difference to morale. Make sure you get a washing machine that fits through your narrow openings. We found an unusual space-saving top-loader with a vertically-oriented drum that worked well. We put the washing machine in one of the spare heads and used it as a dedicated laundry room, which kept all the mess out of the rest of the boat.


Chris

[danielamartindm]

Review your options carefully, down to the last details and specs of each boat, with exhaustive online searches. Then buy the one your wife likes.

[Barbar0ssa]

Those sound like the words of a very happy man!