Calling Manta Sailcat Owners !

[srqw]

Manta Owners,

I just want to introduce myself because I am new to the forum, but my name is Graham. I joined the forum because I managed and ran many departments of Manta Catamarans USA for many years. I sure loved that place, and all of the custom Mantas that we sent off. But I know many of you were probably confused when they closed their doors in 2008. I know their website still comes up in Google, and there are telephone numbers you can still find online but none of these are working or overseen by anyone. In fact, sadly the old Manta manufacturing facility is now a gym But any ways with that said, there has always been talk of someone coming around to re-purchase or re-open the company. Sure wish I had the funds! But after they closed their doors I ran across so many forums of confused Manta owners that needed questions asked or even material/part information regarding their vessel.

I worked hands-on with every step of the manufacturing process on probably just about every Manta out there today so I just wanted to open this forum and let you know if you have any questions or concerns I'd be glad to help answer them

Happy Cruising

[Sand crab]

Hi Graham and welcome. I visited your website and saw the nice finish work. I wish some of the french boats were this good. So 3 questions.
1. It has been posted before that the last couple of Mantas had some issues. Do you know the specific builders number of these boats and whether the issues were rectified. Was it you who helped these buyers out at the very end?
2. What happened to the Manta molds? Any proof they went to China? And are they going to resurrect it there? Are they going to call it Fufen which is the Chinese word for Manta?
3. I'm sure you read this thread which evolved to a discussion of the "Manta 50". Can you give us any details like if a mold was built and where is the mold, how it was constructed and by whom, etc.
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...d-70150-3.html
Bob

[Intentional Drifter]

Hi, Graham and welcome to CF! I know there are many Manta owners who would be happy to hear of your kind offer. You folks built some very nice boats!

ID

[colemj]

Originally Posted by Sand crab

2. What happened to the Manta molds? Any proof they went to China? And are they going to resurrect it there? Are they going to call it Fufen which is the Chinese word for Manta?

The Manta molds are in Xiamen China. No boats are being produced yet.

Mark

[threadkiller]

This may or may not be the spot for this, but as it is a new thread on Manta cats, I will try it here.

My wife and I are about to start boat shopping in earnest, the Mantas look great, owners seem to love them, how do they perform? With the amount of gear that comes on them stock, are they a bit, well, um, shall we say 'well padded'?

[srqw]

FUFEN....I hope not.
As far as the Manta Molds go I am not sure if they are actually in china or not. As of 6 mos. ago they owner of the facility Manta operated out of was still in possession of them.. What has transpired since the last time I spoke with him is unknown to me. I did hear that someone purchased the molds a couple of months ago, but was told that the were in the St. Pete area. Also, not sure of any truth to that.

Manta 50 ? No molds were ever produced for a 50, Nor were the ever any discussions about moving forward with a 50 that I was aware of.

[perkie43]

Graham, Thanks very much for setting the record straight. We bought ours hull #66, named "Paragon", which we renamed "Galileo", in March 2011. Loving it. Like others, we were very confused with all the internet chatter.

Here's hoping Mantas will rise once again and be built in the USA!

Craig and Mary
S/V Galileo #66

[pbr]

The molds for the 42 sailcat and 44 powercat were purchased by a Chinese manufacturer, the name and molds are available for purchase if someone is interested.