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sundowner · 09-07-2008, 12:09

Does anyone know any thing about Multihaven yachts? These cats are apparently designed by Australians, but then built in China. I would like to get some opinions about the quality, warranty, workmanship, etc. of both the vessels and the company.

Thanks.

colemj · 09-07-2008, 13:30

These were/are very, very poorly built cats with a lot of design peculiarities. They came out way over their design weight and barely float at all. Google around and you will see almost universally bad reviews of them. Multihulls magazine covered them, so you might start there. I have no personal experience with them and have never seen one live, so maybe I shouldn't be posting on them. However, I followed their whole design, build and business story closely the past couple of years and was astonished when I saw pictures and descriptions of the first boats.

Mark

Factor · 09-07-2008, 15:33

I dont think they were designed by Australians, the design was an old English design. The company principles were/are australian and yep built in China.

And yeah, build quality was ordinary and there were a lot of issues. I saw one at sanctuary Cove Boat Show -it was embarrasing for the people who were selling it.

For the same money you could have bought a seawind 1000 and had an ultra reliable boat. I wouldnt buy one for any money.

northerncat · 09-07-2008, 15:41

the plague you say, run flee for your life

sean

44'cruisingcat · 09-07-2008, 16:38

It's basically a pair of Prout hulls with a block of flats sitting on them. Very poorly constructed ones at that.

Steer well clear of them.

Lodesman · 09-07-2008, 16:43

Bob Norson had some choice things to say about the Multihaven cat - here's a link to The Coastal Passage - check pg 17: http://www.thecoastalpassage.com/papers/tcp20.pdf

cat man do · 09-07-2008, 16:43

Here you go (shudders) multihavenpics

Dave

shadow · 09-07-2008, 18:28

Thanks for the links to the photos Cat Man Do!! Now that I've seen what I've been hearing about.. I'm actually speechless!! Not to offend anyone but if I wasn't laughing so hard, I'd be crying!! I really feel for the owners of that one.. But hey, if they truly love it, God bless them and good luck.

As much as I'm dying for a boat, I would even say no to it even if given to me for free. Seems way more trouble then it's worth.

ireaney · 10-07-2008, 01:32

COOL!!
I want one

BigCat · 10-07-2008, 10:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lodesman

Bob Norson had some choice things to say about the Multihaven cat - here's a link to The Coastal Passage - check pg 17: http://www.thecoastalpassage.com/papers/tcp20.pdf

He's also building a small Oram. Good blog for those interested in boat building, with lots of photos. See: Building a cat, "The Bare Bones" Project

44'cruisingcat · 10-07-2008, 18:26

It's amazing to see how he is blaming the designer for his own mistake. The plans CLEARLY say "Trim inner sheer panel and chamfer panel to final length when fitting BWBB" (Back web back beam) It's right there in the photo!

so Mr Norson decides to trim the DECK! And then blames it on Bob Oram? He also tries to blame Bob for him making his bridgedeck supports too short. NOWHERE does it say to shorten the bridgedeck.

I've had many conversations with Bob about builders failing to read the plans properly. I'm sure it's the bane of many designers lives. The trouble is, this blog is going to be read by a great many people, and many will take it to be entirely true, which it is not.

I have to laugh at the way he describes VP structures as "first rate" and "outstanding" Which they are by the way, but I still have the e-mail he sent me,describing them as "Techno-snot" and the person he was dealing with as a "sales puke"!

It was only after I rang them and explained what he needed, which is basically a smaller version of my shed, (something he appeared to be unable to do) that things went smoothly.

I suggest you not take eveything you read in The Coastal Passage as being gospel.

jjtctaylor · 10-07-2008, 18:51

Sold to Nauticstar Marine. Guess Bob Ford and Terry Dewhurst made their money and ran ! What is worse, they won't even endorse the product now in production. Huge risks with a Chinese venture. Must be willing to risk your own loss of IP, with or without patent. SO sad.

PLease check their own comment on the Nauticstar venture. Claims their Chinese boats may be hazards to navigation. Posted 3 June 08.

BUY CHINESE

That's a real OUCH !

cat man do · 10-07-2008, 19:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by 44'cruisingcat

It's amazing to see how he is blaming the designer for his own mistake. The plans CLEARLY say "Trim inner sheer panel and chamfer panel to final length when fitting BWBB" (Back web back beam) It's right there in the photo!

so Mr Norson decides to trim the DECK! And then blames it on Bob Oram? He also tries to blame Bob for him making his bridgedeck supports too short. NOWHERE does it say to shorten the bridgedeck.

I've had many conversations with Bob about builders failing to read the plans properly. I'm sure it's the bane of many designers lives. The trouble is, this blog is going to be read by a great many people, and many will take it to be entirely true, which it is not.

I have to laugh at the way he describes VP structures as "first rate" and "outstanding" Which they are by the way, but I still have the e-mail he sent me,describing them as "Techno-snot" and the person he was dealing with as a "sales puke"!

It was only after I rang them and explained what he needed, which is basically a smaller version of my shed, (something he appeared to be unable to do) that things went smoothly.

I suggest you not take eveything you read in The Coastal Passage as being gospel.

Not suggesting for a second that what you say isnt true

Dave

Want to sail · 15-11-2008, 18:54

Hi I'm new to posting but have been surfing the forum for months. My husband and I are researching buying a Cat to retire and costal cruise. Came across this 2007 Multihaven Catamaran for $99,000 and question What's up? I read the earlier posts here and would lilke additional information. We are obviously not experienced enough to notice many of the things in this boat that have been mentioned. Any input would be appreciated.
Really
Want to sail