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$500.00 Reward for Catamaran under $120k

10K views 45 replies 17 participants last post by  Renato 
#1 ·
Aloha All (from Jack & Nicole)

We are new to this forum. We have posted this on another popular forum and got some leads and went and viewed some cats. But still have not found "the one" so we are still shopping. If we have posted in the wrong area please let us know..


We are a younger couple in our 30s looking to make the dream come true on a budget. We have been saving and planning for 6 years. We are now ready to set out on a 5 year down wind circumnavigation. I have been doing scuba instruction and captain work for the past 10 years. I will continue to do this as we do our circumnavigation. Nicole is a flight attendant with a lot of friends that fly for free, so we will also be doing light chartering. Nicole also writes and is working towards her dive master certification.

So this is the part where you come in. We are offering a $500 reward to anyone that leads us to the catamaran we PURCHASE. ( $500.00 payout only once for the cat we PURCHASE not to every lead we get!!!!) We know 120k is on the low end for a cat like we want. The catamaran kitty did not grow as big as we hoped. So we are looking for one great deal on a catamaran. We are hoping that someone out there knows of a cat that we have not yet seen on the web, as we are VERY familiar with the listings on the top ten or so websites.

We don't mind a cat that needs work but the buying price would need to be less than 120K. We would do most the work our selves if possible. A cat that needs re-powering, sails and TLC would be fine.

We are looking for something bigger than 36ft. and less than 45ft.
We realize that the budget may not allow us every feature that we want, but here are the ideal features we are looking for in order of importance: good bridge deck clearance, straight shafts, owners version, galley up and dagger boards. We want a low maintenance simple boat, but not a wooden boat. Again, we know it may be nearly impossible to get every feature we want, but the more features, the better its a compromise. We really like the 39 Privilege, the TPI lagoons and the Admirals.

If you, yourself, have a cat that is worth more than 120k and if you want to see it make a circumnavigation but you don't have the time or money and don't enjoy long passages, we may consider an agreement where the current owner would get some free charter weeks every year. This could be a great opportunity for everyone.

We are not looking to have someone do a web search for us. We have been spending hours a day on all the popular web sites for more than 6 months. We are just offering a little reward if some one sees a cat for sale on their dock or anchorage.

We are cash buyers and can travel just about anywhere today to see the right boat. Please personal message any potential cats.

Well, thanks for reading and we hope to give you the $500 reward soon.
Jack & Nicole


Ps: To the nay sayers, Yes we are 100% serious we will pay by cash, money order, paypal, cookies, or Rum your choice.
 
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#2 ·
Gotta be something for you in the Caribbean somewhere! Just an idea, maybe check with different multihull associations. I used to be a member of BCMS in Vancouver BC. They had a website and links to boats for sale, and members who built their own.
 
#6 ·
This is on the hard at my marina.

Good luck, looking forward to my check!!!!!
Aloha Farcry
Thank you for the links. We have actually went down to Virgin Gorda and looked at the 37 lagoon. It is not the one for us..
As for the island packet we are wanting to stay above 37ft as it says in the add. But does look like a nice boat....

Thanks for keeping us in mind.
Jack
 
#7 ·
Amp,

As a former catamaran owner (2007 Gemini) who has returned to the dark side (monohull), I can definitely say that whatever 37+ foot catamaran you buy for 120k or under will be a clunker and serious fix up type - even the older 1980's boats in that size range go for more than that.
You can sort of see that from the two links Farcry posted.

Since you've been doing the web search for six months or more now you already know that.

Having said that - Gemini's have circumnavigated, as have Jaguar's. You might want to down size the boat footage so you can up size your dream.
 
#10 ·
Amp,

As a former catamaran owner (2007 Gemini) who has returned to the dark side (monohull), I can definitely say that whatever 37+ foot catamaran you buy for 120k or under will be a clunker and serious fix up type - even the older 1980's boats in that size range go for more than that.
You can sort of see that from the two links Farcry posted.

Since you've been doing the web search for six months or more now you already know that.

Having said that - Gemini's have circumnavigated, as have Jaguar's. You might want to down size the boat footage so you can up size your dream.
Aloha Chuckles

Thank you for your insight and information..
I know I am at the bottom of the price range for a cat above 37ft. But the
truth is good deals do come along especially in these unsure economic times.
We are going to hold out for a bit longer before we start a major compromise
like length. We would probably go with the longer water line wharrans first.

As for down sizing the cat to up size the dream you are spot on. That is one of the most common mistakes people make. I am trying to keep it in balance.

once again thank you..
 
#8 ·
Jack,
I've not seen the Lagoon in person but have heard it is very fairly priced. Could you elaborate on what specifically did not work for you? As Chuckles is alluding to, for the price point and length you are looking for, there isn't much to be had. Have you considered some boat repo websites or hurricane damaged vessels? I also absolutely agree with Chuckles that bang for buck a Gemini is very hard to beat in the cat world. Good luck with your search and post when you purchase something, please. I find the boat hunting process very interesting.
 
#11 · (Edited)
Aloha Farcry

Yes I agree with chuckles but we are going to hold out for a bit longer. As
for the Gemini I have been on them. I also fallowed Slapdash all the way around on theirs. We even meet them on Tortola. That being said they are in the back up line if we cant find something more to are liking. As for the 37 lagoon on Virgin Gorda it simply did not feel right for us.

I only know of one boat repo website national yacht liqadators in FL.
Do you know of any others???

I will surely post are cat on here hopefully very soon.
 
#12 ·
Here's a couple to check out, if you haven't already:

Aloha kwaltersmi

Thank you for your post. I do know of both of these cats. I have seen the Shuttleworth in person on Kauai. It is a beautiful cat with great design and build. It has crossed my mind to inclose the bridge deck to make it more livable. But the water line is short. I really like this cat but it just does not fit.

As for the FP athena I really don't want saildrives

Thank you much
 
#13 ·
uhhh, you aren't willing to compromise on length but you would do a wharram? Have you ever been on a Wharram? I was on a 48' Wharram and it was very little bang for the buck, very little interior space for its length and not very well laid out imho. Plus they are mostly wooden...

It's pretty amazing that gemini's have circumnavigated, though I do remember reading that the owner of the company took one across the atlantic in order to "prove" that it could be done, and it was pretty miserable...

I mean, don't gemini's have the bridgedeck clearance of a pontoon bridge? They are pretty heavy for their size, and I can't imagine them not slamming all day long in any type of short chop... any links to the blog of that person who circumnavigated in one?
 
#15 ·
I mean, don't gemini's have the bridgedeck clearance of a pontoon bridge? They are pretty heavy for their size, and I can't imagine them not slamming all day long in any type of short chop... any links to the blog of that person who circumnavigated in one?
The Slapdash | No Fixed Address

I've read most of this blog in bits and pieces, and I do think it confirms some of your observations about the suitability of a gemini for a circumnavigation. Nonetheless, these folks--starting with zero sailing experience--certainly prove that it can be done.
 
#14 ·
Also, just out of curiosity, 120K can buy one sweet ass monohull, I get the whole multi hull thing and if I had the choice I would take a multi over almost any mono, but for that amount of money you can have a mono with plenty of space, and one that is just as fast as a loaded down cat on a passage... maybe even an aluminum (ie indestructible) one for that amount of money...
 
#25 ·
Aloha Peterchech

It all comes down to simple comfort... We have spent lots of time on both for work and pleasure. We think they both have their good and bad. But for comfort at anchor where you will spend about 80+% of your time on a circumnavigation a cat rules.. We have a lot of other reasons but that is the big one.
You are so right we can get a sweet mono for the 120k. It may come down to a mono but that is like plan G. We still have plan A B C D E F all being something with 2 or 3 hulls.

Thanks for your input and please keep a eye out
 
#16 ·
Aloha all

$500.00 IS STILL UP FOR GRABS!!!

Just a update we are still on the hunt for "the one" catamaran to call are home.
We have one that we really love but it is a little out of are budget so we are trying to negotiate. We don't want to over extend our self's and not have much of a cruising kitty.

So all we want for christmas is a catamaran :)
 
#17 ·
May I ask if you are limiting yourself to a catamaran? Are you considering all the different types of vessels for your journey? Perhaps the advantages/disadvantages of the variously equipped and priced boats could be worth it? I ask, because we used to be a catamaran wannabee's, 20 years ago.
 
#26 ·
Aloha Capnblu

It all comes down to simple comfort... We have spent lots of time on both for work and pleasure. We think they both have their good and bad. But for comfort at anchor where you will spend about 80+% of your time on a circumnavigation a cat rules.. We have a lot of other reasons but that is the big one.
You are so right we can get a sweet mono for the 120k. It may come down to a mono but that is like plan G. We still have plan A B C D E F all being something with 2 or 3 hulls.

We would consider a Tri if we can not find the cat we want. We know we can
find a cat but it may not have the features we want. We have found some that fit close but have saildrives. I have worked with and on saildrives and do not like them. We may need to compromise more and go saildrives but we are not at that point yet..

Thanks for your input and please keep a eye out
Great to hear you have been happy with your cruiser for 20 years..
 
#20 ·
$121,000. This boat is a 1993. If you ever saw a 93 Gemini, the difference in quality of construction would be quite evident, especially the amount of stress cracks compared to a PDQ (none). Also, the PDQ has an 18.5' beam, twin engines, higher bridgedeck clearance, 2 queen size berths, unobstructed helmsmans view, etc. Over-all, no comparison.
Marc
 
#23 ·
Amhpimious1,
There are several catamarans on the 'owner for sale site' that are within your budget. There is a PDQ 32 that they are asking $89,000. I see some nice boats there once in awhile, and you can sign up for alerts. Since they are for sale by owner, there may be more negotiation room, since there is no broker involved. Give it a look, unless you have already discovered it.

http://www.catamaransite.com/catamarans_for_sale.html
 
#28 ·
Amhpimious1,
There are several catamarans on the 'owner for sale site' that are within your budget. There is a PDQ 32 that they are asking $89,000. I see some nice boats there once in awhile, and you can sign up for alerts. Since they are for sale by owner, there may be more negotiation room, since there is no broker involved. Give it a look, unless you have already discovered it.

Aloha Mokakat

Thank you for the heads up on the 32 PDQ. We are really wanting to stay above 37 ft. A 32ft on a open ocean crossing, we feel is very small for us. Not saying it cant be done. Out of the boats we have been out their in we have never looked at each other and said wish we were in a 32ft. :)

We are fully aware that the 120k is limiting us but it will work out in time.
I do like the catamaran owner site I much prefer dealing with a owner over a broker.

Thank you very much and please keep a eye out in your cruising grounds.
 
#32 ·
Aloha Jane

Thank you for your post.
We have been very lucky and have found
A cat. We should be closing on the deal
Soon. I will post the cat when the deal is done.

I would like the info on the cat you have found
Just incase things dont work out.

Thank you again
Jack.
 
#35 ·
Hi Jack
Yes. it could be your dream cat, is a proven circumnavigator and designed for cruising not charter. However, I will not be seeing the owners until next weekend and I will let them contact you with details if they choose to do so. Their price could be a little higher than you wwere willing to pay, but you would need to work out everything with them and I will put it to them.
 
#36 ·
Hello Jack and Jane,
we're now getting close to the sale of our home and soon to be looking for a catamaran in a similar price range as Jack.

Jack,
We emailed a few times before on that popular forum. I would be interested in the catamaran you originally found if your deal doesn't go through and you decide to purchase the cat from Jane's lead.

Jane,
similarly, I would be interested in hearing about the cat that you mentioned to Jack if things between Jack and the owners don't work out.

I'm not trying to poach a deal or anything, just dipping my toe into the boat buying water.
Regards,
Lorry
 
#37 ·
Jack,
Haven't seen an update of whether you purchased your boat, but good luck with your search and purchase. I am also looking to a cat with similar features for a 1 year sail in the Bahamas and north Caribbean. Ealier you mentioned seeing a 1993 Lagoon in BVI. Can you PM me some details, I have been in contact with the owner, but it looks like it may be too much work to get it ready. I just wanted your opinion, as you actually saw the boat.

If anyone knows of a good buy, a cat in the 34 to 38 foot range. My budget is around $150,000, but I could go a little higher for the right boat. My preference is a Lagoon 38, Fountain Pajot 35-42, PDQ 36, Leopard 38.
 
#39 ·
#40 ·
Marc, Thanks for the link! I went out yesterday and looked at the pictures of your boat, and it look very nice. You can tell when a boat is well taken care of! I didn't see a price anywhere, and the PDQ forum site seems to be having some issues right now. I will send you my email in a PM, and you can send me the pricing information.
 
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