Buying a Catamaran...S.O.S.

[sailortaylor]

I just re-turned from the Miami Boat Show and I''m throughly confused about buying a Cat. I''m looking to purchase a Cat (owners version) with in the next year or two, tops, for live aboard purpose and for possible charter. At the Boat Show in Oakland in April I fell in love with the Lagoon 380, mainly because of the seperate stand up shower. But now I now I don''t want that one...the galley is too small, there is hardly any storage, and the $ for boat is way too high! In Miami, I did fine 4 Cat''s that I was interested in. That''s where YOU come in! Is there anyone out there that could PLEASE give me any info about the following 4 boats I would greatly appreciate it. 1) The EndeavourCat 44, Awesome Interior, loved the layout! My guestion is the narrow beam and high center of gravity, thus causing alot of rocking for a Bluewater boat? 2) Wildcat Mk 2, 35 ft. Great buck for boat ratio! (Warning,Wil Robinson) appeares to lack craftmanship work (lots of caulking) But did sail well with 12 onboard! I do question the rigging? 3) Voyage 380 and finally 4) the Leopard 38. Thank You, Taylor

[Wega24]

I am a couple of years away from that decision. But have visited a couple shows and do a lot of "homework" on the net.
From the 4 you mentioned I would prefer the LEOPARD 38.... especially if you can find an owners version.
I also like a fountain pajot 38 because of great living room and pantry ( I dont like all those silly beds and two showers )

If I had the money I would probably get me a new 38 Prout.

I am still partial to the PDQ 36 Classic ( I like the two outboards, simple and light, they dont "warm the bed" )

the other choices are not even close, due to various reasons, mainly workmanship, partly safety ( flimsy rigging on wildcat ) or simple HOUSEBOAT design...lol

You are in for a treat..... I had it all figured out, than i went to Annapolis and talked to people for 4 days and looked boats, now I have at least 4 options. But the Leopard still looks good ....

Thorsten

[gershel]

Hi,I have a 93'' PDQ classic.I find it to be perfect for a single or a couple.I''ve done the ICW 3 times. Twice singlehanded. This is my 4th cruising boat and by far the easiest to handle alone.It''s one of the only cats that you can see over the cabin top without climbing up-very important,especially when docking alone.I can get to my lines quickly& easily without jumping around.I get into places that I would never attempt in my old boats. Last Nov.2 PDQs,with OBs, left for Bermuda,then on to the Carib. 4days to Ber.5 1/2 to Tortola. Each boat had a retired couple.There are presently 5 taking the thorny path.I love this boat.
Marc

[rodneycoperbottom]

when you do the loop single handed .... how do you handle going through the locks? How do you get the mast lowered when you need it lowered?

[merttan]

Wow that's a first... Someone SOS even before being on the boat...

[sailingdog]

Rodney-

First of all, I don't see how your post relates to the thread.

Second, this was a dead thread, please don't revive dead threads—especially with off-topic posts.

Also, I would highly recommend you read the post in my signature, as it will help you get the most out of your time on sailnet.

BTW, it would help if you said what kind of boat you had, since lowering the masts and handling it will differ quite a bit from boat to boat. It might also help if you were a bit more specific about what LOOP you're talking about.

Garbage in ===> GARBAGE OUT as they say in the comp sci field.

Originally Posted by rodneycoperbottom

when you do the loop single handed .... how do you handle going through the locks? How do you get the mast lowered when you need it lowered?