regarding catamarans/trimarans
 

Considering a catamaran or trimaran for purchase, but have some curiosity
regarding their stability in the open ocean, as well as various weather
condition.

I've heard that the cat isn't really a rough weather boat, but does this
apply to the trimaran as well? What are some characteristics I should
expect of each?

Which model may be good to look for? Any suggestions as far as what problem
areas to consider? What's a good boat, new or used, to check out?


Thanks in advance.

regarding catamarans/trimarans
 

You will hear many things about cats and tris, mostly from people who haven't been onboard
them.

Although its claimed that cruising cats will capsize in heavy weather, the truth is that
there have been only a handful of real production cruising cats over 34 feet capsize while
cruising in the last 20 or 30 years. Most of the stories you hear about are racing boats,
homemade boats, smaller cats plus maybe a few that were lost in deliveries. One writer
claims that there have only been 4 capsizes in the last 50 years. And, none of them sank.

Trimarans have a more checkered record, but most of them are built for racing. There are
only a handful of cruising designs for tris. The Farrier class association confesses to
a number of capsizes while racing (about 1 a year?) but has only had only 1 "cruising
capsize."

I will say that just like monohulls, there are some cats that are made for coastal
cruising, others are suited for bluewater. I wouldn't be eager to try my PDQ in a North
Atlantic Springtime crossing, but its been done, and a dozen or so have been to Bermuda.
Prouts are better suited to nasty weather, but I'm not sure that being able to carry full
sail in 30 knots is really an asset for coastal cruising.

I've my boat in winds to 45 knots and 10 foot steep seas, and never felt a risk. And I've
sailed all day in 30 knots while wife & kid relaxed, cooked, played, etc. So when you
mention "rough weather" just what are you really planning for? Are you expecting to do
many ocean crossings, or are you just thinking it would be nice to have a boat the could
do it?

--
-jeff www.sv-loki.com
"The sea was angry that day, my friend. Like an old man trying to send back soup at the
deli."


"Chris" wrote in message
om...
Considering a catamaran or trimaran for purchase, but have some curiosity
regarding their stability in the open ocean, as well as various weather
condition.

I've heard that the cat isn't really a rough weather boat, but does this
apply to the trimaran as well? What are some characteristics I should
expect of each?

Which model may be good to look for? Any suggestions as far as what problem
areas to consider? What's a good boat, new or used, to check out?


Thanks in advance.

regarding catamarans/trimarans
 

"Jeff Morris" jeffmo@NoSpam-sv-lokiDOTcom wrote in message
...
You will hear many things about cats and tris, mostly from people who
haven't been onboard
them.

Although its claimed that cruising cats will capsize in heavy weather, the
truth is that
there have been only a handful of real production cruising cats over 34
feet capsize while
cruising in the last 20 or 30 years. Most of the stories you hear about
are racing boats,
homemade boats, smaller cats plus maybe a few that were lost in
deliveries. One writer
claims that there have only been 4 capsizes in the last 50 years. And,
none of them sank.

Trimarans have a more checkered record, but most of them are built for
racing. There are
only a handful of cruising designs for tris. The Farrier class
association confesses to
a number of capsizes while racing (about 1 a year?) but has only had only
1 "cruising
capsize."

I will say that just like monohulls, there are some cats that are made for
coastal
cruising, others are suited for bluewater. I wouldn't be eager to try my
PDQ in a North
Atlantic Springtime crossing, but its been done, and a dozen or so have
been to Bermuda.
Prouts are better suited to nasty weather, but I'm not sure that being
able to carry full
sail in 30 knots is really an asset for coastal cruising.

I've my boat in winds to 45 knots and 10 foot steep seas, and never felt a
risk. And I've
sailed all day in 30 knots while wife & kid relaxed, cooked, played, etc.
So when you
mention "rough weather" just what are you really planning for? Are you
expecting to do
many ocean crossings, or are you just thinking it would be nice to have a
boat the could
do it?


When I say "rough weather", I am talking worst-case scenario, open ocean
conditions.
30+knot winds, high seas, something that can really take a beating.

What would be a good size for say trans-atlantic cruising, assuming that's
an option?
I'm expecting to make routine crossings, something in the 30 to 50 foot
range would be ideal.

regarding catamarans/trimarans
 

Cats don't scale well below 35 - most are too narrow and don't have appropriate bridge
(under deck) clearance.

If you want a passagemaker, a Prout 37 has made as many circumnavigations as almost any
other boat.

But you tell us, how many long passages have you made, and what kind of boat are you
looking for?


"Chris" wrote in message
...

"Jeff Morris" jeffmo@NoSpam-sv-lokiDOTcom wrote in message
...
You will hear many things about cats and tris, mostly from people who
haven't been onboard
them.

Although its claimed that cruising cats will capsize in heavy weather, the
truth is that
there have been only a handful of real production cruising cats over 34
feet capsize while
cruising in the last 20 or 30 years. Most of the stories you hear about
are racing boats,
homemade boats, smaller cats plus maybe a few that were lost in
deliveries. One writer
claims that there have only been 4 capsizes in the last 50 years. And,
none of them sank.

Trimarans have a more checkered record, but most of them are built for
racing. There are
only a handful of cruising designs for tris. The Farrier class
association confesses to
a number of capsizes while racing (about 1 a year?) but has only had only
1 "cruising
capsize."

I will say that just like monohulls, there are some cats that are made for
coastal
cruising, others are suited for bluewater. I wouldn't be eager to try my
PDQ in a North
Atlantic Springtime crossing, but its been done, and a dozen or so have
been to Bermuda.
Prouts are better suited to nasty weather, but I'm not sure that being
able to carry full
sail in 30 knots is really an asset for coastal cruising.

I've my boat in winds to 45 knots and 10 foot steep seas, and never felt a
risk. And I've
sailed all day in 30 knots while wife & kid relaxed, cooked, played, etc.
So when you
mention "rough weather" just what are you really planning for? Are you
expecting to do
many ocean crossings, or are you just thinking it would be nice to have a
boat the could
do it?


When I say "rough weather", I am talking worst-case scenario, open ocean
conditions.
30+knot winds, high seas, something that can really take a beating.

What would be a good size for say trans-atlantic cruising, assuming that's
an option?
I'm expecting to make routine crossings, something in the 30 to 50 foot
range would be ideal.

regarding catamarans/trimarans
 

"Jeff Morris" jeffmo@NoSpam-sv-lokiDOTcom wrote in message
...
Cats don't scale well below 35 - most are too narrow and don't have
appropriate bridge
(under deck) clearance.

If you want a passagemaker, a Prout 37 has made as many circumnavigations
as almost any
other boat.

But you tell us, how many long passages have you made, and what kind of
boat are you
looking for?

I've made afew coastal trips in a Beneteau 32 footer, longer passages in a
47.7 footer.
Been on a smaller sport cat once, absolutely loved it.

All in all, I think 12 coastal, and 4 long passages.

Looking for something that can take the weather reasonably well, alittle
under 50 feet,
with good cruising ammenities, as well as a strong sail, somewhere over 500
sq. ft. to the sail.

Any ideas?

regarding catamarans/trimarans
 

A 50 foot cat is a monster boat - more space than a small house. I would guess that most cats over
cruising cats over 40 are sufficiently seaworthy. Remember, almost all of the charter cats in the
Caribbean got there on their own bottoms from Europe or South Africa.

But the layout of a charter cat is not necessarily what you want. You might look at the PDQ 42.

--
-jeff

"Chris" wrote in message
om...

"Jeff Morris" jeffmo@NoSpam-sv-lokiDOTcom wrote in message
...
Cats don't scale well below 35 - most are too narrow and don't have
appropriate bridge
(under deck) clearance.

If you want a passagemaker, a Prout 37 has made as many circumnavigations
as almost any
other boat.

But you tell us, how many long passages have you made, and what kind of
boat are you
looking for?

I've made afew coastal trips in a Beneteau 32 footer, longer passages in a
47.7 footer.
Been on a smaller sport cat once, absolutely loved it.

All in all, I think 12 coastal, and 4 long passages.

Looking for something that can take the weather reasonably well, alittle
under 50 feet,
with good cruising ammenities, as well as a strong sail, somewhere over 500
sq. ft. to the sail.

Any ideas?

regarding catamarans/trimarans
 

"Jeff Morris" wrote in message
...
A 50 foot cat is a monster boat - more space than a small house. I would
guess that most cats over
cruising cats over 40 are sufficiently seaworthy. Remember, almost all of
the charter cats in the
Caribbean got there on their own bottoms from Europe or South Africa.

But the layout of a charter cat is not necessarily what you want. You
might look at the PDQ 42.

--
-jeff

Wow, took a look at the PDQ. Thanks. Looks almost as roomy as my house at
42.
Nice layout too.

No, charter layout is probably not what I'm looking for. I'm thinking that
something mid 30-feet to mid 40-feet is great. Plenty of room, plenty of
comfort, seaworthy.

Can anyone tell me about Trimarans now? I've seen afew in video and on the
net, but not witnessed any firsthand. How well do they handle? Any quirks
to sailing them I should be aware of besides possibly high berthing fees?

Thanks.

regarding catamarans/trimarans
 

Hi Chris.

I agree with Jeff.

I have sailed on all sorts of boats, from 14 foot cats to 80 foot maxi's and
the cruising boat of my choice is a 40+ foot catamaran.

Last year we sailed a 50 foot cat from Vanuatu to Australia and, just off
Observatory Cay we were hit with a huge storm which whipped the winds up to
45 knots and seas of 20+ feet.
It hit us after dark but we could see it coming on the radar and planned
ahead. We triple reefed the main and Genoa and travelled through it no
problems at all.

I wasn't at all concerned for our safety.

Had we still been in Vanuatu we would have not left port until the storm had
passed, but on a 10 day voyage you have to expect you may get some bad
weather.

I guess it all depends on where you are going to sail it too. I know a 40+
knot storm in these parts is considered a bad storm, but I also believe that
if the same storm hit in some places of the Atlantic they would consider it
a miner disturbance.

One brilliant cruising cat that is made in Australia is the Perry 43.
I have never seen a better cat in it's class yet. (And no I don't represent
the company!)

Have a look at their web site at
http://www.perrycatamarans.com.au/main.htm

--
Garry Beattie
Ocean Spirit Trailer Sailer &
Small Yacht Cruising Emagazine
www.ocean-spirit.com



"Chris" wrote in message
...

"Jeff Morris" jeffmo@NoSpam-sv-lokiDOTcom wrote in message
...
You will hear many things about cats and tris, mostly from people who
haven't been onboard
them.

Although its claimed that cruising cats will capsize in heavy weather,
the
truth is that
there have been only a handful of real production cruising cats over 34
feet capsize while
cruising in the last 20 or 30 years. Most of the stories you hear about
are racing boats,
homemade boats, smaller cats plus maybe a few that were lost in
deliveries. One writer
claims that there have only been 4 capsizes in the last 50 years. And,
none of them sank.

Trimarans have a more checkered record, but most of them are built for
racing. There are
only a handful of cruising designs for tris. The Farrier class
association confesses to
a number of capsizes while racing (about 1 a year?) but has only had
only
1 "cruising
capsize."

I will say that just like monohulls, there are some cats that are made
for
coastal
cruising, others are suited for bluewater. I wouldn't be eager to try
my
PDQ in a North
Atlantic Springtime crossing, but its been done, and a dozen or so have
been to Bermuda.
Prouts are better suited to nasty weather, but I'm not sure that being
able to carry full
sail in 30 knots is really an asset for coastal cruising.

I've my boat in winds to 45 knots and 10 foot steep seas, and never felt
a
risk. And I've
sailed all day in 30 knots while wife & kid relaxed, cooked, played,
etc.
So when you
mention "rough weather" just what are you really planning for? Are you
expecting to do
many ocean crossings, or are you just thinking it would be nice to have
a
boat the could
do it?


When I say "rough weather", I am talking worst-case scenario, open ocean
conditions.
30+knot winds, high seas, something that can really take a beating.

What would be a good size for say trans-atlantic cruising, assuming that's
an option?
I'm expecting to make routine crossings, something in the 30 to 50 foot
range would be ideal.

regarding catamarans/trimarans
 

"Garry Beattie" wrote in message
u...
Hi Chris.

I agree with Jeff.

I have sailed on all sorts of boats, from 14 foot cats to 80 foot maxi's
and
the cruising boat of my choice is a 40+ foot catamaran.

That's my logic. I figure 40+ should be plenty stable in open water.

Last year we sailed a 50 foot cat from Vanuatu to Australia and, just off
Observatory Cay we were hit with a huge storm which whipped the winds up
to
45 knots and seas of 20+ feet.
It hit us after dark but we could see it coming on the radar and planned
ahead. We triple reefed the main and Genoa and travelled through it no
problems at all.

Which model 50 was that, if you don't mind?

I wasn't at all concerned for our safety.

Had we still been in Vanuatu we would have not left port until the storm
had
passed, but on a 10 day voyage you have to expect you may get some bad
weather.

I guess it all depends on where you are going to sail it too. I know a 40+
knot storm in these parts is considered a bad storm, but I also believe
that
if the same storm hit in some places of the Atlantic they would consider
it
a miner disturbance.

Well, I live on the east coast of Florida. Anything less than a good 70mph
wind is pretty much picnic weather down here. ;-)

One brilliant cruising cat that is made in Australia is the Perry 43.
I have never seen a better cat in it's class yet. (And no I don't
represent
the company!)

Have a look at their web site at
http://www.perrycatamarans.com.au/main.htm

Thanks alot for the info.

regarding catamarans/trimarans
 

G'day Chris.

Mate, sorry, I can't tell you the breed of Cat it was. I had never heard of
the breed before and the name escapes me at present. It was a home made cat
though, but very well done.

Let me clarify one thing from my previous post, which didn't sound quite
right when I re-read it.

When I said "I wasn't at all concerned for our safety." I meant we took all
the precautions necessary for the storm and, once we hit it, the boat
handled in a way that made me feel safe and not at all concerned for our
safety.

Best regards
--
Garry Beattie
Ocean Spirit Trailer Sailer &
Small Yacht Cruising Emagazine
www.ocean-spirit.com

"Chris" wrote in message
. com...

"Garry Beattie" wrote in message
u...
Hi Chris.

I agree with Jeff.

I have sailed on all sorts of boats, from 14 foot cats to 80 foot maxi's
and
the cruising boat of my choice is a 40+ foot catamaran.

That's my logic. I figure 40+ should be plenty stable in open water.

Last year we sailed a 50 foot cat from Vanuatu to Australia and, just
off
Observatory Cay we were hit with a huge storm which whipped the winds up
to
45 knots and seas of 20+ feet.
It hit us after dark but we could see it coming on the radar and planned
ahead. We triple reefed the main and Genoa and travelled through it no
problems at all.

Which model 50 was that, if you don't mind?

I wasn't at all concerned for our safety.

Had we still been in Vanuatu we would have not left port until the storm
had
passed, but on a 10 day voyage you have to expect you may get some bad
weather.

I guess it all depends on where you are going to sail it too. I know a
40+
knot storm in these parts is considered a bad storm, but I also believe
that
if the same storm hit in some places of the Atlantic they would consider
it
a miner disturbance.

Well, I live on the east coast of Florida. Anything less than a good
70mph
wind is pretty much picnic weather down here. ;-)

One brilliant cruising cat that is made in Australia is the Perry 43.
I have never seen a better cat in it's class yet. (And no I don't
represent
the company!)

Have a look at their web site at
http://www.perrycatamarans.com.au/main.htm

Thanks alot for the info.