Outside opinions on cats. What would you choose?

[Jeannius]

Originally Posted by Tupaia

Totally agree.


Both these boats are designed for charter.

BVI - Things that are important. Nice flybridge or forward cockpit for sunbathing. 3 or 4 equally appointed cabins with heads and showers. Will the generator run the AC all night when on a mooring? Can I motor to the next marina if the wind is against me? Are there enough fridges to cope with the demand for cocktails? Is the BBQ big enough? How easy is it to get on and off the stern into the dinghy?

RTW - Things that are important. Can I single hand this while my partner is ill or asleep? Can I run all the systems completely autonomously? How will I feel burying the bow in 8m waves? How safe will I feel at the stern surfing down 8m waves? How will I reef when it's blowing 40kts . . . down wind? Do I really need 4 heads and showers?

Crew across an ocean or get some offshore experience in some interesting weather before you make a decision to sail round the world in one of these.

Agree with you 100%.

[joelhemington]

Originally Posted by Morndenkainen

Like what? Both of these boats seem to be pretty well equipped. Solar, water makers, Lithium batteries, dinghies included, etc. If there's a better boat out there for the price and time I'm going to spend on it, I'd hate to think I didn't even bother to look at it.

Look at St Francis and Knysna which are both built in South Africa not for the charter market. When a boat starts out in South Africa, it has to be capable of crossing oceans or it will just sit at the dock. Your budget does seem realistic but you really should look at all options. Some of the European cats are excellent but priced accordingly. Australia and Viet Nam both have some good cat builders.

[Sail IC]

The leopard 44. For what is already stated, the Bali is not a good choice for any level of cruising. Personally I would pick the Hella as it sails better. But that is me, not saying it's the better boat.
If you want to, the Leopard would take you around the world comfortably, reliable, and safe.

[Factor]

Originally Posted by Letterkenny

I like Persians personally.

HAHAHAHA Hilarious, Never heard that joke before. So original.

[Letterkenny]

Originally Posted by Factor

HAHAHAHA Hilarious, Never heard that joke before. So original.

Does it help make it more original if I include a photo of my persian?

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by Letterkenny

I like Persians personally.

Although scotish folds are pretty cool as well.

[jim King]

I've owned two Leopards. A 444 and 45 (currently). The forward lounge is a big plus at anchor. It also has all lines easily accessible from the fly bridge.
I've done several 50 mile days and some in high seas with relative ease.
jim

[JPA Cate]

^^^^Surely you mean daylight hours only? Normally a day's run is 24 hrs. In our similar size mono, it would be a half day's run.....

Ann

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by jim King

I've owned two Leopards. A 444 and 45 (currently). The forward lounge is a big plus at anchor. It also has all lines easily accessible from the fly bridge.

I've done several 50 mile days and some in high seas with relative ease.

jim

50 mile days?

[belizesailor]

Originally Posted by Letterkenny

Does it help make it more original if I include a photo of my persian?

Cornish Rex for me. Good boat cats. Pic of my salty cat (RIP) stepping ashore on Isla Guanaja, Honduras. In the background is my other CAT-amaran that sailed from Durban, SA on its own bottom...and nobody died! Now in Panama. Good thing I didnt read the warnings from the armchair multihull experts here first or I would have missed out on years of great cruising!

[CarlF]

The Leopards have a better reputation for build quality. Very tough boats for a production boat.

Until recently all were delivered from Cape Town on their own bottoms. Some now go by ship but many owners still pick their boat up in Cape Town.

While they lack the daggerboards and light weight of a true performance cat design, they'll handily beat cruising monohulls of similar length.

[Mook1e]

Where can you find a new design Leopard 45 for that price? Because I would buy ASAP if it wasn't a hurricane salvage.

[CatNewBee]

I would prefer the Leopard 45. Nice cat and plenty of space.

[Nahbrown]

The Leopard 45,

[BYA2014]

Here's a great video outlining some of the critical considerations for on-deck.
https://vimeo.com/407732072

Also, a suite of web pages comparing volume, rather than just length to get a valid comparison of living and storage space and also features. (Compares actual specs and measurements for many boats--add more if you like, but those you're considering included.)
https://www.sailquests.com/1-benchmark-interior-sqft