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19-09-2021, 22:24
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#316
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: NZL - Currently Run Aground Ashore..
Boat: Sail & Power for over 35 years, experience cruising the Eastern Caribbean, Western Med, and more
Posts: 2,129
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Re: 60 foot Catamaran for Couple?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pelagic
Jmh, location also plays a big part in choosing boat, equipment, SOP and solutions.
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Yes I totally agree with this and your other points too (and I already understood your situation and your boat - same with your comments in other threads about a covered on deck area for the tropics, one lives ondeck a lot in the tropics unless on a full aircon (power?) boat. And if it's not blazing sun then it's pouring rain...).
Location is also relevant to the OP who proposed crossing the Pacific, not marina hopping in Florida.
Can the same boat do both? Yes of course. But can one boat (or the way in which it is setup) be more suitable than another? Definitely.
Even in the Caribbean parts (or technicians) take time to arrive so a recurring theme that I have mentioned is the ability to keep cruising in the mean time, using alternative equipment, giving time to effect the necessary repairs without too much inconvenience to life onboard.
This should especially be the case for the average cruising family these days who are not trained engineers, and who are also more likely to prefer/need the modern comforts for living.
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19-09-2021, 23:28
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#317
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CF Adviser
Join Date: Oct 2007
Boat: Van Helleman Schooner 65ft StarGazer
Posts: 10,280
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Re: 60 foot Catamaran for Couple?
Quote:
Originally Posted by jmh2002
This should especially be the case for the average cruising family these days who are not trained engineers, and who are also more likely to prefer/need the modern comforts for living.

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The best mindset is to enjoy the creature comforts when they work and be prepared to do without.... while still enjoying your cruise.
Experienced cruisers will come to realize that heaping lots of money and compexity into a boat does not mean reliability.
Learning how to derate and baby the equipment, is your best investment.
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19-09-2021, 23:44
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#318
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: NZL - Currently Run Aground Ashore..
Boat: Sail & Power for over 35 years, experience cruising the Eastern Caribbean, Western Med, and more
Posts: 2,129
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Re: 60 foot Catamaran for Couple?
It might indeed be the better mindset, but many of the newer generation of cruisers (and their wives and/or children) just don't want to do that.
Otherwise everyone would be buying Wharram Catamarans...
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20-09-2021, 00:14
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#319
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CF Adviser
Join Date: Oct 2007
Boat: Van Helleman Schooner 65ft StarGazer
Posts: 10,280
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Re: 60 foot Catamaran for Couple?
Quote:
Originally Posted by jmh2002
It might indeed be the better mindset, but many of the newer generation of cruisers (and their wives and/or children) just don't want to do that.
Otherwise everyone would be buying Wharram Catamarans... [emoji3]

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I think that is why having a tiny partner from a 3rd world country who is prepared to snake under the main engine to take bilge photos, is almost a necessity!
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20-09-2021, 00:20
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#320
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: NZL - Currently Run Aground Ashore..
Boat: Sail & Power for over 35 years, experience cruising the Eastern Caribbean, Western Med, and more
Posts: 2,129
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Re: 60 foot Catamaran for Couple?
LOL, yes!
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20-09-2021, 04:12
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#321
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Chesapeake Bay
Boat: HR 40
Posts: 3,651
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Re: 60 foot Catamaran for Couple?
Quote:
Originally Posted by donradcliffe
Docking is not a one man operation.
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Sure it is, or can be. It just makes preparation and planning that much more important. I'll be doing it three times this week for various local boat moves.
Training and practice for line handling. Training and lots of practice for boat handling. Awareness of conditions. Failure mode analysis i.e. what can go wrong and what would I do about it.
__________________
sail fast and eat well, dave
AuspiciousWorks
Beware cut and paste sailors
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20-09-2021, 04:16
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#322
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Australia
Boat: Milkraft 60 ex trawler
Posts: 4,651
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Re: 60 foot Catamaran for Couple?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pelagic
I think that is why having a tiny partner from a 3rd world country who is prepared to snake under the main engine to take bilge photos, is almost a necessity! 
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A box of ACME inflatable midgets work as well.
Alas,I have not found a reliable source
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20-09-2021, 04:27
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#323
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Registered User
Join Date: Jul 2015
Boat: Hanse 531
Posts: 1,082
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Re: 60 foot Catamaran for Couple?
During my brief CF history, this is the most depressing thread I've read so far!
Just saying. Smiling also, though, but also saying!
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20-09-2021, 04:31
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#324
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Southern California, USA
Boat: Beneteau 473
Posts: 238
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Re: 60 foot Catamaran for Couple?
Quote:
Originally Posted by dc9loser
I am a Major Airline Captain. I currently run a 40 foot single screw houseboat just fine. My last sailboat was a McGregor 26X. That is the biggest sailboat I have ever run.
I can figure out how to dock a 60 foot Cat, it has two motors and bow thrusters.
My concern is those huge sails. Muscle power is inert against those forces. How reliable are those electric wenches?
And back to the maintenance costs?
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Electric motors are probably the most reliable things on boats. On my last boat, a Freedom 32 sloop, I even replaced a small diesel with an electric motor setup. On my present 47 foot sloop we do all our sail management with electric winches, ( tacking, furling, reefing, bow thrusting), and a even a motorized swing-lift to lower and raise the outboard on and off the dinghy.
When the old timers give me heat about electric motors and tell me they would never trust electric motors to do such important stuff like that I always ask; “Then how do you start that big Diesel engine of yours?” Ha!
By the way, I’m 73 and singlehand my 47 masthead quite easily, all the while keeping in mind my non-electric capabilities in case something goes awry.
__________________
Beneteau 473
Freedom 32, F-24 Tri, Morgan 41 Classic,
Rawson 30 (circum. nav.)
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20-09-2021, 05:03
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#325
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Chesapeake Bay
Boat: HR 40
Posts: 3,651
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Re: 60 foot Catamaran for Couple?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pelagic
No right or wrong ideas when brainstorming, so the anger and rudeness is unwarranted as Auspicious notes.
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Thank you.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pelagic
to see if I've missed something
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Indeed. I don't trust anyone, including myself. Check and double check and check again.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pelagic
In the end, his decision will be based not on hard data, but a gut feeling, kneaded over time.
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I agree. It's an educated opinion. You know you've made the right choice when you walk or dinghy away and turn back to look and feel calm.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Simi 60
But a decent beach is an advantage for a cat and, with enough bodies could be manhandled up a beach.
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I'm not crazy about hiring an entire village but drying out is longstanding technique. That approach has lots of implications. Refrigeration (air-cooled which I otherwise don't like or a variant on keel cooled like Isotherm SP). Power. A/C.
You have to know the boat. Can rudders take a vertical load? Sail drive locations? Survey the beach for rocks?
Quote:
Originally Posted by dc9loser
Why two haulouts?
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I made a slew of assumptions. Some might be wrong.
I figure one before leaving the US for bottom paint and full service of all underwater gear and likely adding some system you decide you want. I assumed you'd have a great time and perhaps spend more time in the South Pacific islands and--further assuming sail drives--need seals. Then I assumed the NZ requirements for bottom condition are still in play and you'll haul for bottom paint again. That's three, two in the South Pacific. If you do one in the US and one in the South Pacific you're ahead. Plan for the worst and hope for the best.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dc9loser
Curious, when do LHAs roll over?
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I was referring to LCAC-1 turnover. You (well, Bell-Halter in my day) start building LCAC upside down. This was very clever and reduced risk and construction schedule. "Turnover" was when the partially complete craft is turned right side up for machinery installation and the cabin construction. You can think of an LCAC as a helicopter that never gets out of ground effect. That's how the Navy considers them. https://www.navy.mil/Resources/Fact-...-cushion-lcac/ . As an element of curiosity, my father was Technical Director at JSESPO in the early 70s and oversaw JEFF A and JEFF B. Then I worked on LCAC in the 80s.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pelagic
Taking the anchor scenario as an example.
On my own Lofrans Titan windlass, it has a manual lever you can see in the photo to recover if power fails.
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Which leads to one of my (many) pet peeves. Lots of production boats have an interlock that keeps the windlass from work if an engine isn't running. Someone somewhere decided this is a good idea presumably to keep owners from running their batteries flat. Not a very experienced or clever person in my view. What if you (not you Pelagic) lose engine(s) running an inlet and can't get the anchor down? How many people remember how to release the clutch and have the skill and touch to engage without breaking their wrist?
One of this week's local boat moves is a big motor yacht going to a yard because the engines keep overheating. *sigh* Guess what's on my checklist? Is there an interlock? I'm also bringing my own winch handle.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pelagic
If internal gears jammed, don't think I would use a Spinnaker halyard to hoist up as any surge and snag could be catastrophic for the masthead . Slower but a deck mounted manual winch would be my preference .
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This is my preference. Another reason for two separate snubbers vice a bridle (although hard to beat a bridle permanently rigged on a cat).
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pelagic
Lastly, if threatening weather is an issue, I'm always prepared to let anchor go with a subsurface bouy, position fix and come back for it .
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I like to be prepared for that although I consider it a last resort. I may need that anchor before I have a chance to get back to it.
__________________
sail fast and eat well, dave
AuspiciousWorks
Beware cut and paste sailors
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20-09-2021, 09:37
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#326
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CF Adviser
Join Date: Oct 2007
Boat: Van Helleman Schooner 65ft StarGazer
Posts: 10,280
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Re: 60 foot Catamaran for Couple?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Auspicious
Which leads to one of my (many) pet peeves. Lots of production boats have an interlock that keeps the windlass from work if an engine isn't running. Someone somewhere decided this is a good idea presumably to keep owners from running their batteries flat. Not a very experienced or clever person in my view. What if you (not you Pelagic) lose engine(s) running an inlet and can't get the anchor down? How many people remember how to release the clutch and have the skill and touch to engage without breaking their wrist?
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A windlass is probably your biggest electrical load along with Thruster (sometimes used together) so it makes sense to have safeguards to make sure you have enough power.
On larger yachts the anchor windlass have AC motors, so often a 2nd Generator is paralleled to retrieve chain.
My boat is only 42 ton so the windlass is 24v from house bank, but I do not retrieve unless Gen and 70amp charger is on to keep AGMs voltage up.
A main engine with a high output alternator at idle (Mark Grasser) is my backup power
To clarify, most large yachts gravity feed when putting anchor out and there are many good reasons for that when you are dealing with 500 to 2000 ton displacement producing significant momentum
So like my Lofrans Titan with cone clutches, you do that every time with no drama.
Looking at photo
Outer wheel is the Clutch control, backing it out with the manual lever allows Gypsy to freewheel, so always make sure the Brake wheel (sticking up) is tight.
Loosening the Brake allows anchor to free fall as quickly as you wish and adjust resistance to lay out straight along the bottom tightening bake 80% for final Dig in until Chain comes up hard and a couple of links squeal out .
A cruising boat should have a backup anchor ready to go and preferably a 3rd setup stored aft in the lazarette in case you had to release your fouled primary in an emergency

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22-09-2021, 04:15
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#327
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Brisbane
Boat: S&S 40
Posts: 1,045
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Re: 60 foot Catamaran for Couple?
That's a big lump of a floating condo.
Everything is heavy
You won't be able to handle the thing because you are unsure and asking for opinions will not make it easier.
Maybe take a crew?
Good luck
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22-09-2021, 04:52
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#328
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2018
Boat: 50ft Custom Fast Catamaran
Posts: 12,231
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Re: 60 foot Catamaran for Couple?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Wireless1
Electric motors are probably the most reliable things on boats. On my last boat, a Freedom 32 sloop, I even replaced a small diesel with an electric motor setup. On my present 47 foot sloop we do all our sail management with electric winches, ( tacking, furling, reefing, bow thrusting), and a even a motorized swing-lift to lower and raise the outboard on and off the dinghy.
When the old timers give me heat about electric motors and tell me they would never trust electric motors to do such important stuff like that I always ask; “Then how do you start that big Diesel engine of yours?” Ha!
By the way, I’m 73 and singlehand my 47 masthead quite easily, all the while keeping in mind my non-electric capabilities in case something goes awry.
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I’ll second this. I had always thought electric motors would be a weak point. No, as it turns out, humans are the weak point!!
I’d say it’s far more likely to pull something in your arm or shoulder, or maybe injure yourself, making manual operation of a big winch very uncomfortable or impossible.
The electric sheet winches on my last 50ft monohull are from 1985 and they work great!! Lewmar I think they were. No issues. 2 speed electric winches.
I figured a few years is all you’d get out of an electric motor. I was wrong.
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07-10-2021, 16:00
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#329
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2021
Posts: 5
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Re: 60 foot Catamaran for Couple?
Hoping this is not too far off topic - I found this thread by searching for haul out locations for 60+ yacht. First @dc9loser, I have enjoyed your responses to the less than helpful.
Have you looked at the silent yachts? Now if you love to "sail" they are probably not an option. I'm a few years out from even considering the expense (they are expensive - maybe outside your budget as you probably won't find a used one much cheaper than new at this point) but they are on my list as maintenance should be minimal compared to power or sail boats/yachts. I'd prefer a 40' range as many here have suggested, but the 62' tri-deck is on my dream list. I also want to get away from the crowds and don't care for marinas (but knowing where to haul out is important too). The Silent Yachts should handle long hauls at roughly sail boat speeds with no tacking (and backup generator if need to go faster or bad weather). For island hopping, they should be so much simpler and faster than a sail boat - without needing a fueling dock. AC/Watermaker/noiseless - add a scuba compressor and I'm golden.
Anyway, good luck in your search and future travels - I hope to do the same someday.
-Brian
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09-10-2021, 03:22
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#330
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Marine Service Provider
Join Date: Jan 2018
Boat: FP Maldives
Posts: 303
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Re: 60 foot Catamaran for Couple?
I always thought that for private use the max size should be up to the mid 40s, unless you don't have a family but a football team. Going bigger, unless a chartering business, makes no sense to me.
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