Any input on this boat?

[jjcarr1]

Noob, thinking about taking the leap. Yeah, cart before the horse and all. But wanted to see if anyone had some observational input on this boat (other than location):

https://www.yachtworld.com/yacht/199...elite-9021800/

[sailorboy1]

those are well known and mostly favorable regarded boats

[jjcarr1]

Yeah, the research I've done says they are blue-water capable, but relatively small (ish) and manageable. I like the idea of a single engine instead of 2 diesel engines on most larger cats.

[Thomas1985]

That one appears to have a defect where a second hull has grown from the original hull

[jjcarr1]

Originally Posted by Thomas1985

That one appears to have a defect where a second hull has grown from the original hull

Can you explain?

[sailorboy1]

Originally Posted by jjcarr1

Yeah, the research I've done says they are blue-water capable, but relatively small (ish) and manageable. I like the idea of a single engine instead of 2 diesel engines on most larger cats.

most boats are bluewater capable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Tupaia]

Originally Posted by jjcarr1

Yeah, the research I've done says they are blue-water capable, but relatively small (ish) and manageable. I like the idea of a single engine instead of 2 diesel engines on most larger cats.

These are excellent boats and this one looks to be in good condition (from the photos!) reality can be different and it is a long way to travel to check.

The single diesel is good in lots of ways but the transmission uses a Sillette Sonic leg that can have issues. Being in a remote location this could be a problem so it would be essential to make sure this in particular is in good serviceable condition.

Don't worry about comments from half boat owners their luditte attitude precludes them from evolving to a superior form of sailing boat with a second hull.

[jjcarr1]

Originally Posted by Tupaia

These are excellent boats and this one looks to be in good condition (from the photos!) reality can be different and it is a long way to travel to check.

The single diesel is good in lots of ways but the transmission uses a Sillette Sonic leg that can have issues. Being in a remote location this could be a problem so it would be essential to make sure this in particular is in good serviceable condition.

Don't worry about comments from half boat owners their luditte attitude precludes them from evolving to a superior form of sailing boat with a second hull.

Yeah, I've seen that the Sillette is the most likely point of failure on this boat. They aren't sold anymore, but the mfgr does make parts available.

The layout/size of this really seems ideal. And, I've heard Prout's are very sturdy.

[massnspace]

Beware.

The Sonic drive. Poorly engineered (in my opinion), and you may or may not (may not) be able to get parts for it as time goes by….

Look at the Gemini catamaran forums for many stories of folks having issues with the drive, and also the stories of people chucking it and converting the engine/drive system to outboard motors because of this….

You could be stuck in some far away foreign port with no transmission….

[Kettlewell]

Prouts are good boats, but slow compared to some modern cats. They are bluewater capable. For a first boat I would be very wary of purchasing in Tahiti unless you already know the ropes there. It will be expensive to get out there to see her, get a survey, etc., and any repairs will be much more difficult and expensive to do. Best to learn in your backyard or waters closer to home, IMHO. You can't trust any boat listing or broker to be honest with you, at least until you know them. I have visited boats that were listed as turnkey that had holes in the bottom.

[jjcarr1]

Originally Posted by massnspace

Beware.

The Sonic drive. Poorly engineered (in my opinion), and you may or may not (may not) be able to get parts for it as time goes by….

Look at the Gemini catamaran forums for many stories of folks having issues with the drive, and also the stories of people chucking it and converting the engine/drive system to outboard motors because of this….

You could be stuck in some far away foreign port with no transmission….

Yes, it has potential for problems, but as you point out, you can always go outboard. It feels like a lot less potential problems than having 2 motors, shaft seals, etc.... and what I've seen says parts are available for them.

[jjcarr1]

Originally Posted by Kettlewell

Prouts are good boats, but slow compared to some modern cats. They are bluewater capable. For a first boat I would be very wary of purchasing in Tahiti unless you already know the ropes there. It will be expensive to get out there to see her, get a survey, etc., and any repairs will be much more difficult and expensive to do. Best to learn in your backyard or waters closer to home, IMHO. You can't trust any boat listing or broker to be honest with you, at least until you know them. I have visited boats that were listed as turnkey that had holes in the bottom.

Yeah, I'd go see it in person, wouldn't buy sight unseen. Adventure/disaster potential is high.

[jjcarr1]

And yes, I treat all boat brokers like I do used car dealers.

[Tupaia]

Bon voyage! Raiatea is an amazing place to start an adventure. Don't forget to take a chart.

[fxykty]

Originally Posted by Tupaia

Bon voyage! Raiatea is an amazing place to start an adventure. Don't forget to take a chart.

Why bother? That’s what smart phones and charting apps are good at - not carrying out of date paper charts. Agree that French Polynesia is a great place to start sailing a boat and Raiatea with its charter bases has repair services available.