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Knucklehead · 18-10-2011, 05:37

I have been cruising the "for sale" adv for a while and read up on most of the popular cats. While doing this most favorite of past-times, I have come to the conclusion that Mantas are held in high regard. Compared to the others; Leopards, Fountaine Pajot and Lagoons, I am thinking that I am missing something. What is it that makes them so attractive?
karl

Sand crab · 18-10-2011, 07:08

I'll try to answer this. They really are well thought out, both interior and exterior. They do have a good use of space and the boat feels a bit bigger than it is. The interior doesn't have that cheap furniture fitout like some cats have. They come mostly fully loaded for better or worse. The bimini arch with the sling seat is really clever. They are well built with foam core. I've never heard of a Manta with core, osmosis or delam issues like so many others. The camber spar jib is really simple to use and the boat is set up for short handed sailing with a practical helm position. The electrical wiring is a work of art and should be used as a guideline for all installations worldwide.
They do have their downside: kinda heavy (being fully loaded), kinda slow like most production cats, and low bridgedeck clearance but still think overall their qualities are better than most and you will pay for that.
There are other boats that also have a good rep. Catana, Seawind, and Maine Cat just to name a few. Outremer has a solid fiberglass hull so no core problems. They are spartan inside but really really fast. BOB

night0wl · 18-10-2011, 07:36

Are they in business anymore??

Knucklehead · 18-10-2011, 07:51

not that I am aware of, but, I don't know for sure. anyone else?

Sand crab · 18-10-2011, 08:09

The owner got cancer and died about 5 years ago and the company went into a tailspin and went belly up. Really sad.. BOB

Jeannius · 18-10-2011, 08:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by night0wl

Are they in business anymore??

Someone has the molds, maybe Endeavour. I like the way Manta is a fully thought out ready-to-go cruising cat. Not fast but who cares about that when you are cruising.

Privilege is the other quality manufacturer not already mentioned above and their 2nd hand prices reflect that as well.

Sand crab · 18-10-2011, 08:18

Mantas demise is here
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ran-15109.html and more
http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...tas-38418.html
A forum search on Manta will give you lots of info.
Jeannius, You are right about Privilege. I'm sure I missed others. BOB

JJ77 · 18-10-2011, 09:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by night0wl

Are they in business anymore??

Hello,

Their site is stil alive;
Manta Catamarans Sales & Charters

their bootshowdates end at 2005 though.
Nice looking cat.

Regards,

JJ

perkie43 · 18-10-2011, 09:40

There is also a Yahoo User's Group.

Sand crab · 18-10-2011, 09:52

Good current Manta site here. These guys are fiercely loyal even after they sold their boat. Gotta admire them.
Links BOB

night0wl · 18-10-2011, 11:26

Those molds and tooling are probably still valid. Wish someone would buy them up and resume production!

deckofficer · 18-10-2011, 15:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeannius

Someone has the molds, maybe Endeavour. I like the way Manta is a fully thought out ready-to-go cruising cat. Not fast but who cares about that when you are cruising.

Privilege is the other quality manufacturer not already mentioned above and their 2nd hand prices reflect that as well.

I sure like the large nav station Privilege gives the customer. At home I find myself with two desks in an L shape with two more table tops for all that makes up my "work station/man cave". Need room for 2 computers, 4 flat screens, HAM radio, weather station, clear desk top for bill paying and writing.

smj · 18-10-2011, 15:25

Unlike the Lagoon Leopard FP etc. they are built as a cruising boat for an individual, not a charter boat. They were originally a Jeffcat designed by Eric Lerouge. I believe the Jeffcat was quite a bit lighter and faster than the Manta. The only one I have seen with core problems was one of the original 38's that had Nidacore as a core. It got fresh water in the core from a leaking above the waterline thru hull and the core turned to a mushy stinky mess.