Santa Barbara Channel Boat....

Looking for some ideas. Local boats (30 feet and under) like Radon and Andersons have deep cutaways in the forefoot to reduce "pearling" when returning from the islands on a fast downwind run. Others I have seen like Parkers and SeaDories and Whalers (butt breakers) - well, they are what they are and probably a hand full down wind.

in either case - for the 40 miles there and back (more or less) we are talking about substantial fuel consumption, ($$$) Yes, you get there and back quickly.

On the flip side, the bucket rollers like Willards and Grand Banks are great but you know.... roll roll roll. Down side it takes a half a day to get there and the same back...

So, where does this go? I want to keep this under 36 feet. I want a compromise and it seems that I cant find a happy medium - go faster - you will pound - slower, you loose time and you roll.

The only light that I can see is a catamaran, (and their expense) Im ok with this - I just need to know if this is really the right path - I know of power cats but I wonder if they used much MORE fuel.

I look forward to any insight into this

cheers

Power cats are a good way to go for sure (yes, am a bit biased, and I have a soft spot for them, as my avatar photo shows) - I think you can reckon on many power cats having better miles per gallon than similar size monohull boats.

I see what the OP means about those boats with cutaway forefoot, it appears to be a local solution to local conditions, and generally works OK with well-veed hulls. I don't think fuel use is greater with cats, unless the comparison is between a twin-engined cat (pretty well mandatory), and a single-engine monohull. A lot of people when they switch from monos to cats, don't go back, when they change boats, which tells you something, and I would say if you are going to run a twin-engined boat anyway, that makes the decision a fairly easy one.

True. Seems that the choices are few - practically. More choices over 40 feet but $$$. I do like the Aspen Cats/Proas. Seen some of the Aluminum cats in Alaska. I do like Richard Woods Skoota design - in the 28-32 size. Those seem just about right.

Re the 40 miles out into the Gulf, what is the slowest cruising speed that you would be happy with?

Richard's Skootas are wonderful designs, but they might not be too keen on going places offshore at 30+ knots..

Here is a search I did on Yachtworld for Powercats in the Gulf and the lower East coast, between 26' - 36', and under US$100,000 (an arbitrary choice - you can easily change it) - would any of these vessels appeal to you?
(Power) Power Catamaran Boats For Sale https://www.yachtworld.co.uk/core/listing/cache/searchResults.jsp?cit=true&slim=quick&ybw=&sm=3&searchtype=advancedsearch&Ntk=boatsUK&Ntt=&is=false&man=&hmid=0&ftid=0&enid=0&type=%28Power%29+Power+Catamaran&fromLength=24&toLength=36&fromYear=&toYear=&fromPrice=&toPrice=100000&luom=126&currencyid=100&city=&rid=104&rid=105&pbsint=&boatsAddedSelected=-1

Be aware that it is often the case where it will cost more to build your own boat, than to buy an existing second hand boat.

Thanks for the link - but thse boats are more sport / recreation. I need something with a little more (not a lot) accommodations, that's the challenge. Sea Sport 32 looks petty nice - but darn you need a 40 foot slip because of its beam - but cats are going to wide - cant help that.

For reference, here is a link to a Sea Sport 32 for sale - they have 12'6" beam.
32' SeaSport Pacific 3200 2000 | Seattle Yachts https://www.seattleyachts.com/used-yachts-for-sale/32-Pacific-3200-2000-PURA-VIDA/6901705_2/amp

What are your thoughts regarding Glacier Bay cats?
Here are some for sale on Yachtworld -
Used power boats for sale - YachtWorld https://www.yachtworld.com/boats-for-sale/condition-used/type-power/?makeModel=glacier%20bay

The Aspen 'proa' cats are very nice, but they seem to be rather expensive -
Used power boats for sale - YachtWorld https://www.yachtworld.com/boats-for-sale/condition-used/type-power/?makeModel=aspen

Glacier Bays are very nice - started by the Aspen Cat owner - very nice - seems there is no really inexpensive solution...