GL: Cats for the loop

[M S]

A lot is going to depend on what your disability is.
 
Most Cats still have stairs to get to the different areas. Also a lot of the
newer boats over 40 foot have what I consider extreme freeboard pushing 6+
feet. It allows for nice standing headroom inside and keeps waves slapping the
bridge deck down. If you are docking it is going to be a problem getting tied
up without help on the dock and getting on and off can be a problem if you
can't get the stern stairs next to the dock.
 
One nice thing about the power cats is if you keep the speed down in the 6-8
knot range, you get really nice fuel efficency, but if you need it, most will
do 15-20 knots.
 
On the loop we have seen a lot of power cats. The two most common:
 
The PDQ 34 seems to be the most common. It has nice wide side decks and is a
managable size. We would consider it if switching to a power cat. Haven't seen
any of the larger versions.
 
The other that we see a lot of are the Endevor cats. They have a mid 30foot
and a 44 foot model. I think of these as being like a Jeep. If you look at it
stricktly from a styling point of view, they are butt ugly. If you look at how
form follows fuction they are gorgeous. Excellent interior space. I would
definetly consider swapping out or Gemini for an Endevor 36 if the price was
right. (not sure if they are still building the smaller version)
 
One word of advice when getting a slip. Give the marina your length, width and
draft. If you tell them you are a catamaran some marinas will charge extra (or
even claim they can't handle you). Of course if you get a monster with a 25
foot beam they will probalby catch on and charge you anyway. I figure if they
have all the pertinent data and we fit into a normal slip, they will have to
explain why they want more, which they probably won't. Push comes to shove,
we've never not been able to get a slip, but we only have a 14' beam.
 
As mentioned we have a Gemini sail catamaran. We do know of a couple that have
had the mast removed and the motor upgraded to a 60hp (typical is 25-40hp).
Haven't seen them, but they claim an 8 knot cruise speed. With our 25hp, we
can cruise at 6 knots. Excellent value for the price.
 
If stairs and docking are a concern, I would consider a house boat. Most have
modest freeboard and many have a single level layout. For most of the loop
they are plenty seaworthy. When you do get to the few places you have to go
offshore, just be patient and wait for good weather.
 
Mike & Tammy
Valhalla II (Gemini 3400)
Currently Myrtle Beach, SC