PDQ 32 vs Gemini 105MC

[Jerry Woodward]

Rather than hijack another thread, I thought I'd start my own. I am looking at buying a catamaran for caribbean cruising within the next year or so. We are a couple, late 50's, and want a relatively simple, easy sailing cat for liveaboard/cruising. Currently, the Gemini 105MC and PDQ 32 or 36 are at the top of my list. I haven't sailed on either one, so I definitely need to do that. From my reading, it seems like the Gemini 105MC and PDQ 32 are similar weights, and lengths. The PDQ is 2' wider. Similar sail areas.

Perceived advantages of the PDQ:

Outboards vs single diesel with stillette drive leg. I like the concept of the outboards and ease of working on them. The stillette seems to be a big problem on the Geminis. The lack of charging can be compensated for by adding solar, wind, generator. I am concerned about noise though. I am also not sure about the true cost advantage, since diesels last so much longer and require less periodic maintanence.

Much more pounding on the Gemini due to lower bridgedeck clearance
Better visibility on the PDQ:
Better build quality on the PDQ.
The slide back coachroof seems like it would be nice.
The PDQ holds it value better
Kanter ranks the PDQ32 much higher than the Gemini

Perceived advantages of the Gemini:

The Gemini is faster, as far as I can tell. But I'm not sure how significant this is, and whether this difference will still be apparent with the all the stuff you need for cruising.

The Gemini points better due to drop down centerboards.
The Gemini fits into standard slips.
Gemini's are less expensive: A 97 PDQ 32 is listed at $119,000 on YW. At this price, one can get a 5 year newer Gemini, and there are a lot more to choose from.

Pop up rudders wont get damaged if they hit ground.

Am I missing something? Are my assumptions correct? Are there other cats I should be seriously looking at?