Any Gemini catamaran owners willing to take me sailing?

[brak]

If there are any Gemini catamaran owners reading this:

I am learning about these boats - I've read what I could and visited a couple "for sale" to look at. One thing that would really help is getting on board while underway.

If any of you are in US/(better yet) on the East Coast/(even better)in Florida and would not mind an extra pair of hands for a daysail - I would be glad to come on board and learn more from you.

[FarCry]

Are you willing to give up one third of your existing stability? At this rate you'll soon go absolutely nuts and ask about a-----------monohull.

[brak]

haha.

Monohulls have this big lead thingy bolted down below I have no doubts about their stability.

Seriously - that's what I'd like to get a feel for. I've been on a large catamaran before and that was definitely more stable than a small "tri".

Gemini's layout looks good to me, and relatively modest size is a plus in terms of maintenance. But I never sailed one.

[PalmettoSailor]

I'd love to hear about how these boats handle a blow as well. There's a lot to commend a Gemini for my sailing plan's but do wonder how one would handle a gale. They are pretty narrow in the beam by Catamaran standards so stability is a question for me, as are sail selection, reefing strategies and how the boat heaves to.

[brak]

To be honest, I don't even go so far as "handle in a blow". I'd just like to see basic handling - i.e.:
- How does it get in/out of a slip (considering a single engine vs. dual engines for bigger cats)
- How does it go under sail/points etc.
- How does it feel in a chop - i.e. bridgedeck/pounding/handling

Basic stuff - things that seem minor but (to me anyway) create a lot of "boat experience"

I doubt any owner would like to take me out in gale force winds

[pdqaltair]

I did take one on a test drive, 2008:
* Pounded on anything.
* Poor forward visibility.
* The owner had no docking problems. I think they are at least average, since the drive leg is steerable.
* The best livability for the size out there.

And from looking at older ones:
* Maintenance problems. Specifically the drive and the centerboards.

Narrow beam is both a strength and a weakness. They've been sailed far, so I won't through stones.

Since then, sailing my PDQ 32:
* Faster in light air with reacher.
* Same in heavy air, but will pound much more and is more tender.
* More rsik of breakage in heavy air (not mast or hull--accessories).


I bought something else, but I don't think they are a bad design. Every boat is a compromise.

[brak]

Could you perhaps elaborate on this "pounding" issue? Meaning - under what conditions would you experience it, how does it feel, is it a problem only because it's noisy and unpleasant or something else etc?

As a mainly monohull sailor I am not sure what to make of it.

[nemier]

Hi Brak,
Sorry if I have this incorrect, but are you currently sailing a Tri - and you want to try out a Cat? I'm interetsed why, because Tri's have recently just started to appeal to me and I'm researching them right now. Is there anything negative you have to say about the Tri?

[brak]

It's been fine for what its purpose is - but that purpose turned out not to match what I really want to do. Can't go back to small boats, I guess.

I am looking into something with more "interior space"

[pdqaltair]

Originally Posted by brak

Could you perhaps elaborate on this "pounding" issue? Meaning - under what conditions would you experience it, how does it feel, is it a problem only because it's noisy and unpleasant or something else etc?

As a mainly monohull sailor I am not sure what to make of it.

I'm sure this varies with the model; I only know of the 105 MC.

Basically, the bridge deck of a Gemini has very little clearance, perhaps only 3-6 inches, depending on the load. Most cats this size have 16-20 inches of clearance, although there are certainly other that ride low (Prout, Packet Cat). When going to the windward waves hit the underside of the bridge deck with a very solid "whomp" and the floor shudders. It does not slow the boat much--the Gemini is quite good upwind--and does not seem to be a structural concern. However, some find it unpleasant.

On a choppy day on the Chesapeake (20-25 knot winds) the Gemini will strike every third wave, while the PDQ will strike 1-2 times per hour. It less of a problem (all cats) with long period waves.

It is not as noticeable off the wind. It can occur at anchor.