Ugly 2018 Catamaran: $144,900

[zamber]

I came a across a very ugly, but almost new catamaran on boat trader. It is custom and looked homemade like someone built it in his backyard. Would you say it is worth the low price of $144,900 if someone did not care that is is ugly?

How badly built do you think this might be? 40 ft is very big.

https://www.boattrader.com/boat/2018...maran-6862394/

[Tin Tin]

Ugly is in the eye of the beholder.

This boat looks fine. Some clever painting around, and between the windows with black in fill would transform it (only in my opinion)

[CarlF]

I wouldn't touch it if it wasn't built to a well known catamaran naval architect's engineering plans and that at least a dozen boats have been built to those plans.

First worry is structural. Catamarans have tremendous twisting forces as the hulls attempt to move independently. In the early days of catamarans before the naval architects figured out the engineering - they would occasionally break up at sea - breaking at the cross beam connections

The 2nd area of concern is the rig. It's a monohull rig with the shrouds set inboard and sort of a cutter foretriangle. But the forces on a cat's rig are much higher than a mono because the boat doesn't heel. Heeling puts the sails less perpendicular to the wind and reduces force on the rig. Usually cats put the shrouds out at the rail to get a wider base for a stronger rig.

$144k isn't cheap if the boat might break-up or be dismasted.

[Simi 60]

Originally Posted by zamber

I came a across a very ugly,

.
]

Not that bad

40 ft is very big

No its not

[boatman61]

She looks pretty good to me.. Decent freeboard so minimum slamming, defo better than a Lagoon of similar size.
A bit spartan inside but that's not bad, a blank canvas to place one's mark on.
Depending on the designer and more info on the build she could be a great buy for someone.
Can't fault anything topside..

[snort]

I thought it was very white on the outside. Was not at all impressed with the tv. I think someone's trying to pull a fast one.

[Chotu]

This could be a HUGE opportunity for someone.

Things to check:
*who is the designer?
*what is the method of construction? More pics of the build.
*did they follow the plans for the cutaway aft structural beam?

Observations:
*inquire with the builder regarding the exact laminate schedule on the structural cross beam bulkheads
*equipment bought isn’t the cheapest way to go, so you know they used good quality foam/epoxy/glass most likely and didn’t build to an overly constrained budget
*if built well to a good set of plans, maybe replacing the rig, it’s likely MUCH better than a production cat of similar size
*it’s a standard older design. Not sure who but it has very “old Outremer” looking hulls head on. From the side, it looks like any number of other cats of a certain era.
*it’s not ugly at all. Just very “normal” looking.


Potential issues:
*i see square holes cut everywhere deckhouse windows, doorways to staterooms. Square holes in structural bulkheads is a big issue. I’d even pass on the boat over that issue, unless they can be recut properly. Stress concentrations from square cutout corners are a big deal.
*monohull ketch rig. What’s going on with this? Who designed the rig? Why did they choose it? What are the specs on the rig? Compare to other cats of similar size.
*they got tired and used a lot of carpeting. I can relate. However, that’s a mold magnet you can’t clean. Might consider replacement of it with something better.
*they carried the deck too far forward and made the tramps too small. Tramps protect you from a pitchpole. These won’t do much to protect you. However, based on this rig, the focus on the diesels and the lengthened deck with small trains, it may be set up to be a mostly power cat with auxiliary sail.

[Sos]

A lot of good positive points already noted.

Looks like it has been well built from the pictures but have to agree that the rig does look so good!

If you are happy with the designer and build-up, a good surveyor will tell how well it has been built.

Must have spent years building it to then sell it?

[Knot Safety]

Looks like Chotu must have finished his build

[jimbunyard]

I agree she's pretty ugly, but at least she's ugly in the right places.

And, as noted, some 'accents' could 'doll her up' quite a bit.

The construction quality looks pretty good, I'd ask to see some construction photos and layup schedules. Ad says she was built in Maine, so there were at least some highly competent people close by to get advice from...

Epoxy/foam is generally lightest and strongest, provided the foam is structural, preferably PVC or polyurethane based.

The monocoque structure with widely spaced deck and sole (i.e. headroom) extended forward adds resistance to twisting forces, which can be a big problem with cats.

I'd be concerned about the thickness of whatever bulkheading is used and would want some verification of laminate schedules and core dimensions and placements.

I like the rig, it actually seems thought out for short-handed, long range voyaging, which might lend the boat to actually being built to that specification. Believe I see 3 jibs, (2 on the mainmast, 1 on the mizzen) a mainsail on the mizzen and some sort of sail that I don't know the name of (some sort of lateen sail?) on the main mast. Several small sails are much easier to handle than a couple of big ones and you should have a much better range and control. Some discussion with the owner is in order.

At that price, if she is as presented (a big 'if'), I wouldn't hesitate unless some glaring shortcomings were found in either her design or construction. Relative 'newness' is a big plus, especially with capital consumables (engines, sails).

That is if I liked cats.

[Chotu]

Originally Posted by Knot Safety

Looks like Chotu must have finished his build

Ha ha ha ha.

I WISH

[Tupaia]

Certainly warrants a look.
Says there is a survey available.
Can anyone identify the design or designer?

[gonesail]

Looks nice. Plastic ports? You have 145K to risk?

[hpeer]

What do you get when you mate a Maine Coon Cat with a Leopard?

For some reason I see some down east lobster boat in her linage.

This is not to disparage the boat. It all depends upon how you want to use her and what your plans are.

We are going into our 70’s and may want something more East Coast and knee friendly.

Therefore the split sail plan is a benefit.

New engines don't hurt a bit.

If staying inshore the windows and ports are not much of an issue.

Heat is nice.

20’ beam means more places to lift.

I think moving around the deck outside the cockpit in any kind of sea would be interesting.

Even the ugliest folks find a mate become happily married. You need to find the shining personality within. Ask my Wife.

[AronGlower]

I think this boat looks good, but I'm not sure I would give that much money for it.