Any Owners of Asia catamaran

[CaptainRivet]

Hi,
I am very interested in getting a Asia catamaran stealth 12 or 13 for lifeaboard sail around the world.
Are there any owners here who can give me first hand experience about them?
Build process, good bad and ugly about them.
Whats real world performance numbers?
Payload?
How is living on them?
Is there a owner in europe i can fly in from canaries and have a look at the vessel in person, maybe going out for a day or two so i can see her in action ( willing to pay for that).
How is sailing in severe conditions with them, they are superlight.
Definitely wanna have inboard diesel like 20hp betas to keep things simple, then with big alternator to be used as gen too.
But if budget allows one hull beta hybrid engine, other hull electric with a small hybrid house/propulsion li-bank (will DIY that, to save money and more because i know what i have plus how my system works) focused on short distance getting in/out of marina, anchor bay. Longer distance motor on diesel and that combo allows i can either recharge the bank or drive with the 5kw the electric in the other hull too for more speed. Not an environmental nut head, its maintenance on one engine only, i can use it for propulsion or energy creation or both plus regen on both. Sailing most of time with a well performancing cat and short distance you need motor is done with electric that harms a diesel and just cost diesel. And that doesn’t need a huge, heavy and expensive LI-bank...a bigger hybrid bank used for house and propulsion is enough, i can always use the whole bank on anchor as i have a diesel if need to motor unplaned away eg storm coming.

To me: 53 now, liveaboard and retired. My girlfriend joins partly as she is still working.
Have a modified FP Lavezzi 40 (everything structeral is laminated, not glued anymore and structed stiffend up, Flexofolds, hydranet sails...) since 2020 because i went 15years earlier to retirement as that chance came up but lower budgets and thats what my budget allowed in 2020. soon in around 2 years some fix allocated investment gets free and i can use it to upgrade to what i originally wanted a performance oriented newer 40-44ft cat. Like the interior and for the 165k i paid i got a lot of cat which sails reasonably well for a production cat. sailing around the world in 10-15years on mainly barefoot route but go off the beaten track too, stop where i like how long i like.

Aim is to have a faster performance oriented cruising cat with focus on simplicity, budget and maintenance compared to last kn speed out of them so spare the expensive gadgets eg no carbon mast..not on a regatta around the world but a cat that can do 200nm+ etamals if condition are sufficient. Not looking for luxury, my Lavezzi interor with loads of gelcoat surface i like a lot and easy to maintain plus fine. But also not for a spartan race boat interior and some user "make my life easier luxery gadgets" like full electric galley with small dishwasher and also washing machine (the 3.5kg daweoo wall hanging is fine).

[dougaljackson]

Hey Rivet, we have a Stealth 13.2C, launched August last year, and have just spent 6 weeks living on her. So I’m happy to give some real world feedback.

First, we absolutely love it, but it’s definitely not a boat for everyone. Looking at what you want to do, maybe not so much? And I’d definitely be looking at the 14GT versus the 12m.

Performance: She’s very, very quick. We do at least windspeed and often 1-2 knots over in anything over 3 knots up to about 12-13 knots. We’ve pushed it to high teens racing. The flip side is it demands a lot of attention when it gets windier. She gets pretty flighty in anything over 18 knots true and will lift a hull. My partner and I are both very active whenever we’re sailing, and usually cruise heavily reefed. That’s not really a problem as it will comfortably do in the low teens on 1st and 2nd reef, and 10 knots on 3rd reef and staysail with no stress. I hand steer in over 22 knots true. She deals well with swell, but doesn’t like short sharp chop — she accelerates quickly, but also stops quickly. She goes upwind at 30 degrees apparent, to the point we can almost hold race monos. But she is quite sensitive to weight. It’s 3.7 ton and there’s not a lot under the water, so any payload is noticeable — even a full water tank. We’re fairly minimalistic, without sacrificing toys. But it’s not a boat you throw everything on. Our oven was 2kg heavier than the one they usually install, and they still give me sh!t about it, so that gives you an idea of their design ethos!

Build: We weighed in at 3.7 ton with sails at launch. We’re 20% carbon. They’ve done 80-100% carbon boats that weigh in at a ton less, and a 14m world cruiser that came in about a ton more. The quality of the build is incredible. It’s light, but very strong where it matters. Most systems are mechanical with a lot of dyneema, and can easily be maintained and fixed.

Finish: It’s hand faired and the paint job is flawless. But it does wear a little more, and if you prefer gelcoat that might be a problem.

Engines: We have 30hp outboards. They’re quiet, economical, and they work perfectly for us. They’ve done diesels, but I think it defeats the purpose of the design. It sails so well, we rarely use motors. The outboard system works well, essentially dropping into wells like big sail drives and lifting when under sail to be filled by 3D plugs. Perfect for SE Asia where there’s so much stuff in the water that you can lift them if a prop is fouled. We have 4 x 25 litre fuel tanks that we can fill at any petrol station. The only con is it does add one more thing to worry about if **** really hits the fan. Our plan is to switch to an electric outboard down the track if it becomes viable. They’ve done a full electric power cat (Earthling), so it’s not beyond their expertise.

Galley: We discussed induction with them initially, and they had a lot of reasons why they don’t recommend it. So if that’s a non-negotiable, it might be a problem. I would say we easily have the solar to run it in the tropics, but it might be an issue at higher latitudes. You might have a battle convincing them on the dishwasher!

Rig: We have a fixed carbon rig, dyneema rigging and Dacron sails. They will do an aluminium mast with wire rigging (and have in the past).

Comfort: It’s simple, but definitely not spartan or uncomfortable. Queen beds, dry heads with seperate showers, water maker, washing machine (Daewoo Mini), etc. They’ve done aircon in the past. As long as you’re ok with white on white. The interior finish is all hand faired and I’ve never seen anything like it. Keeps weight down, looks amazing, and also means no mould in the tropics. The windows drop down into cassettes, there’s wind tubes in the berths and a bifold or trifold door opens the saloon into the cockpit, so it’s well suited to hot climates.

Verdict/use: We couldn’t be happier. She’s perfect for us, racing and cruising SE Asia. You could definitely circumnavigate (and one of their boats, Wow, a Stealth 14GT was specifically designed to do that and has just completed theirs), but I’m not sure I’d personally chose this boat to do that. It would eat the miles, but it’s not a boat you just chuck up a parasailor and go watch a movie in the saloon.

Hope that helps. Feel free to shoot me a message or give me a call if you want more details on our boat. But definitely get in touch with Roger, Zam and Alan at Asia Cats. They’re great people and honest to a fault. They won’t push you in a direction that won’t be right for you.

[Tupaia]

Originally Posted by dougaljackson

Verdict/use: We couldn’t be happier. She’s perfect for us, racing and cruising SE Asia. You could definitely circumnavigate (and one of their boats, Wow, a Stealth 14GT was specifically designed to do that and has just completed theirs), but I’m not sure I’d personally chose this boat to do that. It would eat the miles, but it’s not a boat you just chuck up a parasailor and go watch a movie in the saloon

Didn't Wow have an issue with the chamfer panels after crossing the Indian ocean. She was hauled out for quite a while in La Reunion.

[CaptainRivet]

Originally Posted by dougaljackson

Hey Rivet, we have a Stealth 13.2C, launched August last year, and have just spent 6 weeks living on her. So I’m happy to give some real world feedback.

First, we absolutely love it, but it’s definitely not a boat for everyone. Looking at what you want to do, maybe not so much? And I’d definitely be looking at the 14GT versus the 12m.

Performance: She’s very, very quick. We do at least windspeed and often 1-2 knots over in anything over 3 knots up to about 12-13 knots. We’ve pushed it to high teens racing. The flip side is it demands a lot of attention when it gets windier. She gets pretty flighty in anything over 18 knots true and will lift a hull. My partner and I are both very active whenever we’re sailing, and usually cruise heavily reefed. That’s not really a problem as it will comfortably do in the low teens on 1st and 2nd reef, and 10 knots on 3rd reef and staysail with no stress. I hand steer in over 22 knots true. She deals well with swell, but doesn’t like short sharp chop — she accelerates quickly, but also stops quickly. She goes upwind at 30 degrees apparent, to the point we can almost hold race monos. But she is quite sensitive to weight. It’s 3.7 ton and there’s not a lot under the water, so any payload is noticeable — even a full water tank. We’re fairly minimalistic, without sacrificing toys. But it’s not a boat you throw everything on. Our oven was 2kg heavier than the one they usually install, and they still give me sh!t about it, so that gives you an idea of their design ethos!

Build: We weighed in at 3.7 ton with sails at launch. We’re 20% carbon. They’ve done 80-100% carbon boats that weigh in at a ton less, and a 14m world cruiser that came in about a ton more. The quality of the build is incredible. It’s light, but very strong where it matters. Most systems are mechanical with a lot of dyneema, and can easily be maintained and fixed.

Finish: It’s hand faired and the paint job is flawless. But it does wear a little more, and if you prefer gelcoat that might be a problem.

Engines: We have 30hp outboards. They’re quiet, economical, and they work perfectly for us. They’ve done diesels, but I think it defeats the purpose of the design. It sails so well, we rarely use motors. The outboard system works well, essentially dropping into wells like big sail drives and lifting when under sail to be filled by 3D plugs. Perfect for SE Asia where there’s so much stuff in the water that you can lift them if a prop is fouled. We have 4 x 25 litre fuel tanks that we can fill at any petrol station. The only con is it does add one more thing to worry about if **** really hits the fan. Our plan is to switch to an electric outboard down the track if it becomes viable. They’ve done a full electric power cat (Earthling), so it’s not beyond their expertise.

Galley: We discussed induction with them initially, and they had a lot of reasons why they don’t recommend it. So if that’s a non-negotiable, it might be a problem. I would say we easily have the solar to run it in the tropics, but it might be an issue at higher latitudes. You might have a battle convincing them on the dishwasher!

Rig: We have a fixed carbon rig, dyneema rigging and Dacron sails. They will do an aluminium mast with wire rigging (and have in the past).

Comfort: It’s simple, but definitely not spartan or uncomfortable. Queen beds, dry heads with seperate showers, water maker, washing machine (Daewoo Mini), etc. They’ve done aircon in the past. As long as you’re ok with white on white. The interior finish is all hand faired and I’ve never seen anything like it. Keeps weight down, looks amazing, and also means no mould in the tropics. The windows drop down into cassettes, there’s wind tubes in the berths and a bifold or trifold door opens the saloon into the cockpit, so it’s well suited to hot climates.

Verdict/use: We couldn’t be happier. She’s perfect for us, racing and cruising SE Asia. You could definitely circumnavigate (and one of their boats, Wow, a Stealth 14GT was specifically designed to do that and has just completed theirs), but I’m not sure I’d personally chose this boat to do that. It would eat the miles, but it’s not a boat you just chuck up a parasailor and go watch a movie in the saloon.

Hope that helps. Feel free to shoot me a message or give me a call if you want more details on our boat. But definitely get in touch with Roger, Zam and Alan at Asia Cats. They’re great people and honest to a fault. They won’t push you in a direction that won’t be right for you.

Thank you for this comprehensive review.... exactly my cup of tea.
Well the 13 is already at my budget limit, the 14GT won't fit.
Then they love my dingy setup, Highfield ultralight 340cm weights 43kg with 9.8hp tohatsu 2-stroke with 26kg plus 15l fuel tank makes 85kg for a 340cm for up to 6 person offshore capable to go long distance for diving spots...lighter not possible...

For me diesel inboards because
1)safer, gasoline in this amounts no, thank you
2) no issue with bad fuel, bad diesel you filter and then it still works...bad gasoline no.
3) more reliable, a simple 3 cylinder diesel like beta is just more simple and relaible then an outbord.
4) the diesel with each a 160A alternator is also a generator, if with shaft drive you could add a shaft gen simply made from an wind gen motor.
But yes for your purpose and location i would go outboard 2, 2 stroke Yamaha or Tohatsu. What asian fisherman trust their life daily and heavly abuse them is good for me...love my 9.8hp its the whole grail dingy outboard, starts the 1st pull every time.

If money wouldn't be an issue i would go for beta hybrid in one, and electric inboards in the other and a small hybrid bank for propulsion and house.
The beta hybrid generates up to 8kw and you can power with that the motor in the other hull too or recharge bank or recharge or motor of and regen from both when she is that fast.
Short distance in/out marina or anchor bay on electric, longer distance diesel. I bet the diesel will hardly havt to run but in emergency you have it.
Like this with its speed and regen you just need real 1000W solar above davids, 2x550W bifacial panels on davits for being longer on anchor and job done.

Sailing around world you need energy for fridge and freezer (ypu just need for food storage) a small dishwasher weights 18kg but only uses 8l of water plus its storage as all dirty dishes are in it=no mess. Runs every 3rd on mine verus 3x20l for wasing by hand and glasses are not as clean as by maschine. So at the end weight saving, energy saving as make 52l water is a lot emergy. 48V and and 5kw inverter keeps cables thin and light, and 48V LFP is light too. Smart done its not much more weight in the end.

[CaptainRivet]

Did you sail her in severe weather like 40kn+ and high sea state? Clear with this weight she is livley, already realize that on mine which is on the leighter side with real 8,5t totally loaded for a 40ft mass condo where i feel if i have 200l or 400 or 600l of water in the tanks.
Sailed on an ORC50 in that condition and at 40kn you need to deploy drouges to slow her down the waves....

[dougaljackson]

Great, 13.2C sounds like it could be the ticket then! Definitely go for the extra bulkhead vs the open layout.

Power: We have 1500W solar in flat panels and that's about the most we could fit on the curved roof. I've been on a few older boats with proper panels, so that wouldn't be an issue to get a bit more juice. And they're redesigning the cabin top to be flat, so that will get a bit more real estate too. Wow has a Watt&Sea, which given the boat speeds would be pretty effective? We're all 12V, so I'd be interested to hear their thoughts on a 48V system. I was surprised they don't do it for weight (they'll do anything to save weight), but I'm sure there's a reason. Their electrics guy, Peter, is really good. His wiring is a work of art.

Fridges: They build and insulate their own fridge/freezer units so they're very efficient. That said, we find our fridge is a bit on the small side, so we ended up getting another external 12V unit. I guess you could talk to them about building in additional refrigeration.

Conditions: The most wind we've had Haruki in so far was 28 knots and 0.8m seas at 3 seconds. Pretty tame for offshore. On 3rd reef and stay sail it was comfortable. The reefing system is quick and easy. Worth noting it is all done from the mast, not the cockpit. We do have laminated drogue attachment points built into the aft bulkhead if things get spicier. The most wind I've been in on a Stealth was on a 12m when cracked the big kite in a 40-knot squall during a race. Completely buried the bows to the point I was underwater on the forebeam, then it popped straight back up and took off. Didn't even come close to pitchpoling which was... reassuring.

Might be worth seeing if Asia Cats can put you in contact with Dave Liddell from Wow. He's pushed that boat hard in some nasty conditions. It's on the hard at Phuket at the moment and I think he might be putting her up for sale now their circumnavigation is done. That could be an opportunity too?

In terms of seeing a boat near you, Hurricane (older 13m) is up for sale in San Diego, but there was also meant to be a new one heading for the Med. Maybe Luna or Payu?

[Tupaia]

Originally Posted by dougaljackson

In terms of seeing a boat near you, Hurricane (older 13m) is up for sale in San Diego, but there was also meant to be a new one heading for the Med. Maybe Luna or Payu?

Luna was in Gibraltar a couple of months ago and was heading to Italy.