Best Built Midsized Cats

[downunder]

Would have to second what JJB is saying about Australian custom designs, such as grainger, Schonning, Spirited and Oram, etc.

Taking the Spirited 380 as an example there must be well over 25 built to date and whilst many have been built with amateur builders many have been built by professional manufacturer. Stallion marine did a run of 3 x380's and all componentary such a rigging, engines, etc would have been approved by the supplier. Rigging is generally done by the supplier, engine manufacturer dealer approves installation and generally is present at commissioning.

Most states in Australia have several professional boatbuilders similar to Stallion that will professionally build these kit designs. One doesn't hear of to many quality control issues.

A quality builder in America should be able to do a similar job.

[JJB]

Originally Posted by downunder

Would have to second what JJB is saying about Australian custom designs, such as grainger, Schonning, Spirited and Oram, etc.

Taking the Spirited 380 as an example there must be well over 25 built to date and whilst many have been built with amateur builders many have been built by professional manufacturer. Stallion marine did a run of 3 x380's and all componentary such a rigging, engines, etc would have been approved by the supplier. Rigging is generally done by the supplier, engine manufacturer dealer approves installation and generally is present at commissioning.

Most states in Australia have several professional boatbuilders similar to Stallion that will professionally build these kit designs. One doesn't hear of to many quality control issues.

A quality builder in America should be able to do a similar job.

There have a number of 380's built in America recently, I understand there is also a few being built in Europe mostly by professional builders.

[Doodles]

I know the OP wants a new boat with a warranty, but based on what I saw at last year's boat show">Annapolis boat show I'd be looking for something used and well cared for. The interiors of everything new looked so Ikea-esque. This may be too far under his budget, but this looks gorgeous inside and very well cared for:

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi...g_id=2825&url=

[sandy daugherty]

Curmudgeon: I can firmly recommend Maine Cat to you. I don't own one but I have sailed on several. It may appear a bit more utilitarian on the interior compared to a Privilege, but it is sturdy, light, quick and very well designed.

It's open bridge deck design is different, but very useful. It can be heated or air conditioned without much fuss, or left open to be nearly transparent to the wind. The bridgedeck is extremely comfortable in all weather conditions.

Before you decide on anything, you must sail this boat.

[Factor]

Originally Posted by downunder

Taking the Spirited 380 as an example there must be well over 25 built to date and whilst many have been built with amateur builders many have been built by professional manufacturer. Stallion marine did a run of 3 x380's and all componentary such a rigging, engines, etc would have been approved by the supplier. Rigging is generally done by the supplier, engine manufacturer dealer approves installation and generally is present at commissioning..

For those that dont know the boat - heres a copy of an article on it

[downunder]

Curmudgeon,

If you contacted Spirited Spirited Designs - Home of the Spirited 380 by Craig Schionning

they could put you in contact with the American builders and owners of the 380's.

Those same builders would equally be able to build and other similar aussie/NZ kits. Grainger, freeflow, Ligard (who has several including the Fusions) and Roger Hill.

Guess you still need faith and a track record of the builder. In Australia there are a lot that are building for overseas clients as well.

Boat Building Services - Crick Boat Building

Streamline Catamarans. Contact Us

The Cat Factory | Catamaran Specialists | Perth WA

[Curmudgeon]

The Spirited 380 looks like a very nice boat. I wonder who could competently build one here in the Northeast US? Maybe the folks at Maine Cats, although they would probably prefer to build their own boats.

[Doodles]

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

The Spirited 380 looks like a very nice boat. I wonder who could competently build one here in the Northeast US? Maybe the folks at Maine Cats, although they would probably prefer to build their own boats.

I'm not sure about the NE, but I'll bet these guys in Florida would do a great job.

BoatSmith Marine Carpentry offering high quality, service in all areas of yacht carpentry.

They had a Wharram Tiki 30 at the Annapolis boat show and it was beautiful.

[JJB]

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

The Spirited 380 looks like a very nice boat. I wonder who could competently build one here in the Northeast US? Maybe the folks at Maine Cats, although they would probably prefer to build their own boats.

Last I heard Craig was hand picking some builders in North America, maybe email him and ask.

[webejammin]

Curmudgeon are you really looking at a kewl catamaran ? I thought you just got new sails and almost had your deck teak refinished ?

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by Factor

Go and have a look at some old ones of each brand - how they age is a small indication of the quality of build. Of course owner treatment etc is important but there are some builders whose boats look old quickly and some that seem to age well - all other things being equal.

INDEED ! ✓

[Curmudgeon]

Originally Posted by webejammin

Curmudgeon are you really looking at a kewl catamaran ? I thought you just got new sails and almost had your deck teak refinished ?

I do not have either teak decks or new sails.

[webejammin]

There must be another Curmudgeon in the PNW then.

[rgesner]

Best to add a special anchor like Dave did on Maxingout. search for Maxingout and check on his blog for pics and drawings

Originally Posted by Curmudgeon

<snip> If you are attaching a sea anchor bridle, you want an attachment point that won't pull out of the hull. Where would I attached the bridle on each hull of a Seawind? <snip>

[44'cruisingcat]

Originally Posted by JJB

Freeflow's look like really great boats too but I don't think any are in the water yet, I really like the design of them, I have a real soft spot for the 52.

Oram cats look great on his website but I find they are somewhat lack lustre when you actually see them, like their internal of a 44c is more like that of a 32, there is a 52 oram going around, looking at it's photo's the interior looks more like that of a 40.
But his 62c looks a great boat for world cruising, heaps of saloon space.

It's true Bob's boats are generally small for their length. Or I'd say they are long for their volume. Adding hull length costs very little, but improves seaworthiness, comfort and performance.

Having said that, an Oram 39C is a bigger volume boat than a Spirited 380, while "only" a foot (or so) longer.