Cant decide which boat to purchase

[pagethomasa@gmail.com]

I moved ot Florida in 2010 and at that time sold my 320 Catalina. I am now in the market for new boat and have narrowed it down to 2.

Catalina 350 and Gemini 105MC.

I have years of experience with Catalina's but not so with the Gemini.

Any feedback on Gemini catamarans would be greatly appreciated. I have looked at a 2006, 2010 and 2011. They dont seem to hold up to wear and tear as the Catalina's do.

Regards
Tom

[paxfish]

I've been aboard a few of each and I think the Catalina is a better built boat.

There are other cats in the 105 range though. Something like a PDQ 32 or an Edel 35 perhaps? What intrigues you about the Gemini? Space?

[Davy J]

What part of Florida are you located? The Gemini has an 18" draft with the boards and rudders up. Makes cruising on the west coast of Florida worry free.

There are two C350's on my dock, one parked right next to me. I owned a Catalina 25 for ten years, so I have experience with them as well.

Catalina's construction methods are a little better, but maybe not by a lot.

I looked at quite a few Gemini's. Depending on how they are cared for makes a world of difference. You will probably see a few 10 year old models that are in much better condition than a 3 or 4 year old boat. And vice versa.

I've had my Gemini a few years now and will probably not go back to a monohull. When I get to the point of stretching the Gemini's limits I will look into a larger catamaran.

The only thing that I really don't care for is having to motor into a steep chop on the nose. It will pound like a powerboat.

If you are on the west coast or the Keys, the Gemini can take you places that most sailboats cannot.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Tom.

[pagethomasa@gmail.com]

Thanks, its great to be back sailing again (well, after I finally buy). It is very true about Gemini's. Some have little or no pride of ownership, I have seen 2003's in great shape and 2010 had little pride of ownership and it showed.

It is true Catalina's age much better than the Gemini's, must be more quality materials.

I have viewed at least 15 boats in the past month and getting close ot making decision. I recently retired from GE and have all the time in the world now to sail

Regards
Tom

[Scaramanga F25]

Geminis are built by Catalina. LOL

[Davy J]

No, Catalina never produced a 105Mc. Catalina is now producing the Legacy model and have only been doing so for about a year and a half.

Performance Cruising Inc. produced the last Gemini 105Mc in 2010. Hunter began producing the Legacy model that same year. Hunter later went into bankruptcy and Marlow Marine purchased up the remains. Apparently Marlow-Hunter and Gemini did not come to an agreement and Catalina started producing the new models, I think, in 2014.

I have been on both models produced by Hunter and Catalina. The Catalina produced boats have much better fit and finish than any of the Hunter produced models that I have seen.

The Legacy model is nice, however, I wish they would continue to produce the 105Mc model with retractable boards and rudders.

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by Davy J

No, Catalina never produced a 105Mc. Catalina is now producing the Legacy model and have only been doing so for about a year and a half.

Performance Cruising Inc. produced the last Gemini 105Mc in 2010. Hunter began producing the Legacy model that same year. Hunter later went into bankruptcy and Marlow Marine purchased up the remains. Apparently Marlow-Hunter and Gemini did not come to an agreement and Catalina started producing the new models, I think, in 2014.

I have been on both models produced by Hunter and Catalina. The Catalina produced boats have much better fit and finish than any of the Hunter produced models that I have seen.

The Legacy model is nice, however, I wish they would continue to produce the 105Mc model with retractable boards and rudders.

Great post.

[Divevac]

I've been looking seriously at cruising monos and cats 35-40' for two years and recently decided (as a Stiletto owner) to refine my search to Cats. The Gemini was the first one I eliminated primarily for reasons of safety as the beam to length ratio is much less than the generally accepted 50%. The irony is safety has been compromised to fit the boat into a standard slip. I need more than a coastal cruiser. I also saw many many Gemini's with gelcoat crazing and other deck issues indicating movement in the structure.

Ironically if my search for a suitable Cat (preference is a PDQ 36) this season turns up empty, my backup is a Catalina 380...

[pagethomasa@gmail.com]

INteresting, good to know about Gemini, I thought it may be due to over exposure to the hot Florida sun. Anyone else have anything I should look out for in Gemini's?