Mono or multi

[Randy S]

I know it is an age old discussion. However I have been trying to decide between a monohull approx 40ft Morgan out, and a 34 cat possibly Gemini.. Mainly would be using in the gulf and carribe. Curious on others thoughts. Thanks.

[billknny]

Originally Posted by Randy S

I know it is an age old discussion. However I have been trying to decide between a monohull approx 40ft Morgan out, and a 34 cat possibly Gemini.. Mainly would be using in the gulf and carribe. Curious on others thoughts. Thanks.

Anyone who answers your question without asking you an hours worth of questions about how you intend to use the boat, and your needs and desires is telling you the kind of boat THEY want--not what you should have.

You'll have to tell more if you want really useful comments.

[Stu Jackson]

Your choice of mono might make more leeway than forward.


Get two hulls, they'd be more stable.


Direction-in-which-you-want-to-go-wise.


bill's right. Very, very right.


Happy hunting.

[Randy S]

Ok, little more back ground on me if that helps any ? Prior USCG was on a boarding party in the Carribe, long time ago ! Many places I would like to go back and enjoy. Yeah here is the kicker > very little actual sailing experience only as a kid on hobbies.

I do not intend to single hand, simply for safety reasons and would want at least 2 other pob. I can navigate no problem and I know basic seamanship.

I like the Morgan for its room, and solid hull, and shallow draft. However the Gemini is also shallow draft, and seems may sail better than the Morgan in the gulf, and carribe.

That's alittle more info, appreciate any feed back.

[44'cruisingcat]

Al I can suggest is that you look at examples of both boats and decide which one you'd prefer living on.

[syPhilos]

All I can tell you is what we'd want, but that's of no use to you ...

Which boat is right for you depends on a lot of factors, and personal preferences that aren't factual at all.

Maybe you can start with a list: write down what your future boat MUST have (dealbreakers). Maybe a keel stepped mast? Minimum size bunks? Headroom?
Whatever - this is your list to write
Next to it, add a column with whatever you'd LIKE your boat to have that aren't dealbreakers but things you're willing to compromise on.

Next, search for boats (in your area) that fit the MUST HAVE list. Take a serious look at these boats and see which ones you like, and why. And what you don't like and why.

Both mono's and cats have their pro's and cons - some simply cos of the number of hulls, some depending on where you sail them or even the current route and weather.

For now, my $0,02: don't focus on the number of hulls so much but more on which boats you like, what your dealbreakers are etc. and then work out which boats fit the bill ...

[Randy S]

Thanks.

[boatman61]

If your looking at cruising the E Caribe neither..
Its near 1000nm into the wind to Antigua and both are crap to windward.

[Randy S]

Ok, fair enough, point taken. With this said, what kind of hull is best for those winds, or that route. By the way I would be sailing from Biloxi

[boatman61]

For me mono.. and not a Euro flat bottom plastic fantastic at that.. Slam as bad as a cat.. almost.
Met a guy in Horta, Azores who was sailing a 40ft Morgan to Europe.. slow and heavy and he struggled to make 100nm a day crossing from the Caribe.

[Dave_S]

Why not bareboat on both. Split a holiday and test them out.

[Randy S]

That was one reason I liked the older solid hulls the Morgan out has to offer. Irwins and 424 also have well built hulls.

I have noticed differences in the hull shapes/designs of the cats, I am guessing for this reason.

[Randy S]

Good idea, logistics and timing, not personally knowing someone that has both. But before writing a check would be the smart thing I agree.