Multihull Cruise-ability - Opinion Please !

[jbeede]

Hi, I'd really appreciate some advice from someone experienced with multi-hulls. I'm not a hugely experienced sailor, especially with cats. I'm considering acquiring and taking this boat (photo'd) out to sea. It's a 38' custom design. My concern is that the hulls seem to be floating really low in the water compared with other cats.

Can anybody give me a rundown as to what they'd anticipate my experience to be like with this baby? Would it be able to handle blue waters?

Thanks!!

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, jbeede.

[Cotemar]

jbeede,
Not enough info.
Where to you plan on sailing this cat.
Inland protected waters would be ok.
Daysailer would be ok.
Offshore "Not me"

[Factor]

I think you probably already know the answer, but in order to help, where did you photograph the boat, why are you interested in the boat, what boats have you sailed. Where is listed for sale, do you have an inventory from the broker.

[Sand crab]

Yes, more info like how old, cost, dimensions, equipment, etc. I agree that it is not a blue water cruiser but it might be worthwhile pricewise for other uses. BOB

[boatman61]

Great coastal cruiser but would hate a beat to the Islands in it....

[djmarchand]

Here's my take:

A lot of spindly stuff hanging off of it that probably wouldn't survive a serious green water wave.

Bridgedeck clearance looks good. Would have liked to see a bow shot.

That huge cabin superstructure just looks big, with lots of windage, no way to go forward except over the top and may not be strong enough- who knows.

David

[SaucySailoress]

Boy, that'th the stwangeth looking puddy cat I ever thaw.

[Sabbatical II]

Saucy, remember thy spelling! And the accent!

Greg

[boatman61]

Greg... you wouldn't understand 'Scouse' mate... be content...

[jbeede]

WOW! What a cool forum. i thought I'd be lucky if I got 1 reply. You guys really saved me a wad of cash... thanks for the insight and info.

I'm definitely looking for an offshore cruiser to do ocean crossings eventually, not just island hopping the carib.

Anyone interested in this boat, the ad is here:

38' Cruising Catamaran
and more photos are here:
KODAK Gallery | Photo Merchandise

Selling for 30k.

If anyone has a recommendation for a solid cat that I can get for around 30k, I'd be interested!

[vjm]

Take a look at a Heavenly Twins, if you can find one.

[Sand crab]

Expect to spend over 100K for a real blue water cruiser. Probably way over. Some of these older boats are marginal as for as offshore use but people have done it in them: Gemini, Catalac, Prout. There is an Admiral 38 that needs work for about 129,000. I'll bet you could get it for a lot less. Check out the trimarans. There are quite a few tris that are under 100K. At the lower end selection is limited and all the boats are old. Good Luck BOB

[smj]

I sure wouldn't call Prouts marginal offshore cruisers as they have more blue water miles than any other cat. There are some blue water multis for under $100,000 even some for under $50,000, Prouts, Heavenly Twins, Searunner tri and many more.

[snort]

I can't decide if it's more Monitor or Merrimac.