Maine Cat 30

[EmeraldCoastSailor]

Well now I am looking at Maine Cat. I am trying to find a fun to sail cat that can get under 50' bridges yet still be able to deal with GOM waves so I can avoid the GICW whenever possible. I want some cruising comfort but don't need much. This boat looks like great fun but I have always sailed cats with two diesels which I like; this boat uses dual 9.9 hp outboards. Does anyone have any experience with Maine Cats they can share?

[smj]

I've sailed quite a bit on my friends MC 30. Really well built fun boats to sail. They aren't race boats but good solid performers and easy to sail. My friend did a direct passage from Galveston to Ft. Myers in the winter with absolutely no problems. I believe their average was well over 7 kts for that sail.

[danielamartindm]

The two couples I've known who sailed MC30s loved them. Fun to sail, ICW friendly, sea kindly for coastal conditions, and well able to handle the coastal GOM region where wind and seas are traditionally kinder than offshore in the Gulf. Dual outboards are VERY maneuverable, but lacking in battery recharging ability. If you "don't need much cruising comfort," I think an MC30 will beat your expectations. They're really well thought out.

[Boatguy30]

To be a bit contrary, there are two in town here. Worked on both quite a bit.

While I can't recommend another design in the size range, I would be looking for something either with more accommodation or something that would sail much better if looking to go minimalist

[Paul L]

Originally Posted by EmeraldCoastSailor

Well now I am looking at Maine Cat. I am trying to find a fun to sail cat that can get under 50' bridges yet still be able to deal with GOM waves so I can avoid the GICW whenever possible. I want some cruising comfort but don't need much. This boat looks like great fun but I have always sailed cats with two diesels which I like; this boat uses dual 9.9 hp outboards. Does anyone have any experience with Maine Cats they can share?

For those that aren't native southern US speakers:
GOM - Gulf of Mexico
GICW - Gulf Intracoastal Waterway

[smj]

I would recommend contacting Capt. Ralph Drahos if interested in the MC 30. He has delivered probably over 100 MC's and I'm guessing has more miles under his belt on them than anyone. I believe he has a ton of respect for their seaworthiness and performance.