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colemj · 04-02-2012, 15:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tropic Cat

Personally, in modern designs, I think Manta had it right

It is a stretch to call the Manta a modern design! It certainly remains a modern execution (if not the standard to reach for), but it is an old design. A Schionning Waterline or one of these Designs - FreeFlow 46 done with Manta execution would bring me to tears...

Mark

Therapy · 04-02-2012, 15:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by colemj

It is a stretch to call the Manta a modern design! It certainly remains a modern execution (if not the standard to reach for), but it is an old design. A Schionning Waterline or one of these Designs - FreeFlow 46 done with Manta execution would bring me to tears...

Mark

Nice.

When I get that kind of money I want an A-frame.

Sand crab · 04-02-2012, 15:10

I agree with ColemJ about the load carrying capacity of Catanas but I said that already. As for the Antares let's review the title of this thread. If you want to look at slim fast hulls with poor load carrying capacity then look at Outremer. And I like Outremer. I still think the best boat for the OP would be a still undiscussed boat. Did Imagine2frolics boat have boards?

Erik C · 04-02-2012, 15:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by colemj

I am currently staring right at a Catana 431 and 471, and recently spent a lot of time staring at an Antares and the Catana has wider hulls - most noticeably the sterns.

Disclosure: I love the Antares and Catana 431/471.

Mark

Agree, but those are not the Catana's they will be looking at. Within their budget they will have to look at the smaller models. Antares will be out of reach as well.

Cruising Couple · 04-02-2012, 15:21

I can't speak to the technical aspects that you're discussing regarding loads. However, I did go look at Antares and they are out of the budget.

Thanks All!

Darby

Erik C · 04-02-2012, 15:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cruising Couple

I can't speak to the technical aspects that you're discussing regarding loads. However, I did go look at Antares and they are out of the budget.

Thanks All!

Darby

I hate to say this but I think a quality catamaran that will meet and satisfy your needs will be out of reach. Maybe a good proven mono will be a better option than a compromised catamaran. The really important thing is to get underway, spend to much time saving and you might never leave.

colemj · 04-02-2012, 18:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erik C

I hate to say this but I think a quality catamaran that will meet and satisfy your needs will be out of reach. Maybe a good proven mono will be a better option than a compromised catamaran. The really important thing is to get underway, spend to much time saving and you might never leave.

Yes, most of us have been expressing this same sentiment in different ways. Given the budget, the choices are to stay with the current mono, which is a damn fine cruising boat. Get a different "go fast upwind machine" mono, or go with a catamaran that isn't a rocket upwind, but a great cruising platform nonetheless.

If going upwind was my most important criteria and how I thought I would cruise, I would go with a mono. Certainly, there are cats that will eat mono's lunches upwind, but given any sea state, they are not fun to drive that way for any longer than it takes to pass the mono.

Well, maybe passing the next one in line also. But not longer than that.

Mark

colemj · 04-02-2012, 18:55

And I forgot to mention that most of the upwind machine monos are going to be just as uncomfortable doing so as in a catamaran. If not more so given the heeling and pounding.

My bet is that whatever you decide on, you will look back at this point after your first year of cruising and think how funny it was that "fast upwind performance" was on the top of your criteria list.

Mark

Cruising Couple · 04-02-2012, 19:13

All points well taken and much appreciated. I think I should have entitled my thread ...... Best Blue Water Cat that Can Sail Upwind Should The Need Arise? LOL

As previously stated, we really don't want to sail upwind, however the wind is not always in our favor. Thus, the question regarding upwind. You all have given us great advice. I realize the budget is a constraint at this time and we will not let that hold us back from sailing. We are off to Mexico in April.

We are starting the research process now and know we want to buy a pre-owned cat and came in with a predisposed preference for Catana. I think given all we've read here, Catana is still in first place.

If we don't win the Florida Powerball tonight, we might need to rob a bank. LOL

Thank you all -- you are the best!
Darby

Palarran · 04-02-2012, 20:50

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sand crab

I agree with ColemJ about the load carrying capacity of Catanas but I said that already. As for the Antares let's review the title of this thread. If you want to look at slim fast hulls with poor load carrying capacity then look at Outremer. And I like Outremer. I still think the best boat for the OP would be a still undiscussed boat. Did Imagine2frolics boat have boards?

Darby, you really should look into I2F's boat. It should be in your price range. He was a regular poster here for many years and it was a good design. At least he bragged about it enough

There where a lot of features I personally liked.

Good suggestion Sand Crab.

Tropic Cat · 05-02-2012, 04:15

Last night we had a small get together in our marina. It started on a friend's monohull, a Morgan 36' center cockpit. A nice roomy boat. By 9:30PM our group had increased to 10 people (something about an ice chest full of beer). There simply wasn't room on this boat and the whole affair had to be moved to my boat, a 27' Catamaran where we remained til the wee hours (yes, my head hurts this morning).

Never forget the difference in boat design and that catamarans have 50% more room than a mono of the same LOA. When it's all said and done, they are just so much more comfortable. Which brings me to the very last point. That is to remind your husband that when you're happy ... everyone's happy.

The trick is to find a catamaran that won't break the bank. When you have some time, check out the For Sale by owner Cruising Catamaran listings in the link in my signature.

Michelhhhebert · 05-02-2012, 06:50

Dear Darby,'
I think you are focusing way too much on the capacity of going upwind, it seems that even the best cat (within your budget... and mine) will not keep up to your mate's expectation, i have owned 7 mono and now on a cat for 4 years and will never go back to a mono, they are missing a hull you know... the freeflowing between cockpit and saloon is unbeatable (the Freeflow design is not by the way) the possibilty of sitting in the saloon or cockpit no matter what the weather and enjoy a great view, the privacy of your own hull for you and your guests, the ease of access to tihe water, the uninterrupted vue even with the dinghy up... did i mention no healing? Move over to the bright side... you will never regret it

Caribsailor · 05-02-2012, 07:43

Most cats don't sail well upwind due to their fully battened main that can't be sheeted flat and their small jib. However, with the jib furled they make great motorsailors. Under power they can 'make their own wind' and pick up an extra knot or two. I've owned my 42' by 21' Fountain Pajot for eighteen years and if I had to do it all over again I would buy the same boat. It is currently for sale on cruisersforum.com