Questions about Catamarans?

Gundog · 09-08-2007, 06:42 PM

I am looking into having a new Maxweld Catamaran built. I read and here people talk about what an awsome ride they are. I have never riden in one so I am wondering. In very rough or step conditions is there an advantage to the cat vs mono hull or is it the other way around? I understand they are great with wind chop. I am also wondering are there conditions when a mono is safer ride. I am wanting to compare apples to apples here so given both boats are equal in size?

What are the advantages and disadvatages to going with a cat? I plan on having a bigger boat built soon and I am looking at NR O/S, Koffler, Bolton, Woolridge, and the new Hewescraft pilot house for mono hulls and the Maxweld for a cat.

I like tin better than glass I have had both and I like a custom boat built to my specs and I can't get that in glass at least not in my price range. I am hoping to here some about the cats because I don't know much about them.

My use will be CR fishing and offshore off Oregon and Alaska and Puget Sound. This boat will have sleeping quarters and porta poty for mama. Lets here some thoughts.
Mike

Something Good · 09-08-2007, 07:29 PM

Send Maverick a PM. He has a 32' Maxcat and could tell you all about it. It is a very nice ride but you will not be able to have one built for the same price as the other boats you mentioned.

Sea Jypzee · 09-08-2007, 07:35 PM

You definitly want to talk to Maverick.

Gundog · 09-08-2007, 07:48 PM

Thanks guy I have talked to Maverick about this already but his boat is bigger 32' and has jet drive units. I am looking at building a 25-26' with outboards. Everything I have heard about cats sounds better than a mono hull but I am wondering if there is a tradeoff somewhere? It is kinda like when you here something is too good to be true I gues I am somewhat of a skeptic and I am just wondering if in some ways the monos are better.
Mike

Something Good · 09-08-2007, 07:59 PM

I think the trade off is the cost. Two hulls cost more to build than one. The only other thing I can think of is the headroom down in the berth and the awkward step down into the head.

Chrome Bumper · 09-08-2007, 08:15 PM

Less cabin space below deck. Cats tend to roll quicker than mono hulls.

Something Good · 09-08-2007, 08:34 PM

Are you talking Maxcats or a different brand? Displacement cats seem to roll pretty hard. I have been aboard Maverick in some pretty nasty seas and hardly noticed any roll at all. The planning hull handles much differently than other cats I have been on.

tomictime · 09-09-2007, 03:31 PM

your biggest issue will be cost, followed by room. Maxcats ride well in part because the seat is back from the bow AND due to hull design - rather complex tunnel w not much flat section in it. So your aft deck on a 25ish boat w much house is not going to be big. GREAT boat, go see Andy at the plant. I opted out when the 30' w twin O/B's crossed $.25 M

The big disadvantage of planning cats is tunnel spank and eventually sneeze. Generally if well designed and not overloaded, these happen in conditions/speeds that you most probably will not be fishing in. Do some homework, go for rides, see if the boat fits your needs.