Best Blue Water Cat Around 35-40'

[Curmudgeon]

I have a monohull and know nothing about catamarans larger than a Hobie. What is the best blue water catamaran around 35-40 ft? What features should I care about most?

Assume a budget that would cover a semi-custom boat from a reputable builder.

[Eleven]

The FP's are good value. Accommodation more than performance, but adequate.
Otherwise look at the old Prouts, you'll get a good sound boat some ten to twenty years old that'll leave your cruising budget in good shape. Depends if second hand is good enough for you.

[Curmudgeon]

Actually I'm asking on behalf of a friend (powerboat owner) who doesn't have to worry too much about money. But, if a second hand boat is the best choice, then why not?

[Eleven]

Well the real bonus is they are cheaper to buy, don't depreciate quickly, and are ideal as a first boat.
Buying a big new one and deciding you don't like it is bloody expensive.
Mine's thirty years old and the price is still the same as the boat yard sold it for. Thirty thousand was worth a lot more then though. But you get my point. Better still go for a charter and find out what are good things and what just won't do.
Twin engine for an ex power boater. A/C? Basic or Luxury. And then generators, water makers etc and so on. A Cat is for life, not just a day sail.

[Curmudgeon]

The question is, what is the best blue water cat in that size range (or thereabouts)? I'm sure this guy can afford pretty much whatever he wants. He will certainly want solar panels, a watermaker and plenty of tankage.

[barnakiel]

Solaris not bad. (36')

b.

[cdennyb]

Seawind 1150 ?

[Doodles]

CATANA 42

I've always like these.

[gosstyla]

35' - 40' is a little small for a semi-custom cat but have your friend check out Schionning. They can probably even recommend a builder.

Schionning Designs, multihull boat design, Newcastle Australia

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by cdennyb

Seawind 1150 ?

Yes, the 1160 is very nice. I watched their promo movie. I'd be a little worried about those removable salon doors in rough weather, however.

[sww914]

F-41 by Farrier. Fast and strong and comfortable. If I had plenty of money that's what I'd buy. It also depends on what he'd really do with it. Some boats are much better for sunset champagne cruises around the bay and weekend BBQ's and maybe a week long trip, others are better for getting across an ocean with a ton of food and water quickly and yet others are good for crossing oceans slowly. I like the bigger Seawinds as well.

[Curmudgeon]

He wants to cross the Atlantic and cruise in the Med. Then he wants to come back and cruise in the Carribean. He's also talking about Brazil.

[paulrack]

The new Maverick 400 looks great. I researched vessels in that size and went for the Maverick.

[markpj23]

If you want a true cruising cat I can't say enough about the Manta. Everything on these boats is well thought out. Not flashy, but damn well functional. And a dream to sail short-handed. Stay away from the last few made as the company was sold off and quality took a dive. Find a 3 - 10 year old model in good shape and go for it. The Manta owners group is VERY active and is a wealth of information / technical help.

Yeah I'm biased - I bought one a year ago.

[maxingout]

I don't know about the best blue water catamaran under 40 feet, but there are lots of good ones. Manta and Privilege have much to commend them.

We purchased our Privilege 39 catamaran new in 1993, and we sailed it around the world. It was always up to the task, and we we always felt safe when sailing offshore. Here is some information on our Privilege 39:
SAILING OFFSHORE IN A PRIVILEGE 39 CATAMARAN AROUND THE WORLD.* CAPTAIN DAVE.

It's a robust cat that can take a licking and keep on ticking.

There are lots of pictures to view the cat from many different vantage points on that web page.