build a cat

Hi there. I would like to know where I can get a 40 to 50 foot alum catamaran cruiser built, or would it be cheaper to get a used one.

 

It will always be cheaper to get a used one.

 

I thought "build a cat" would involve more than "what is cheaper: to BUY a new or a used one".
<edit: "to get a cat built" - Mike, I got you wrong. My bad, ok?

 

Lots of places

Click >>>>> aluminium boatbuilders

 

Start by making a list of the features you require.
Then prioritize those which are most important.
Then see how well existing boats fit your list of requirements or if a custom build is warranted.

 

My apologies, Mike. I mis-posted.

I was not thinking when posting. For most boats, it is less expensive to buy used than to build. This is not always the case for catamarans. If you build the boat yourself, it is often less expensive than used. However, this is uniquely a function of the demand for used catamarans.

 

You would have to build it yourself though. Labor costs to hire the build out make it more expensive than used.

 

http://www.harwoodmarine.com.au/pics/under_construction/cyber_14/CYBER_4800_BROCHURE.pdf

 

Barry Choy of Chow design has worked with a yard in Washington State for a aluminum cat. You might contact him for details.

 

My apologies for not being more specific. I am thinking of a sailing catamaran 40feet or bigger. depending on cost. I would like alum. Something that i can live aboard.

 

While there are available cats out there 40'+ in alum, I believe you will find most in fiberglass or cold molded. If your really set on alum you will be severely limiting the field of potential boats, many of them quite excellent vessels.The range of what is available in Catamarans is very wide and varied, from big heavy boats with lots of comforts to more spartan speedsters and everything in between.

Live aboard?

how many souls
what level of comfort
what range is necessary? coastal, long ocean passages, etc
will there be "home" waters?
budget
etc...

and I'm curious, why alum ?

Steve

 

Yes, why aluminum?

Gregor Tarjans excellent book Catamarans The Complete Guide For Cruising Sailors (page 157) states that Aluminum cats under 50' will be heavier than a similar composite vessel. This is because of the thickness of the metal plates required. Apparantly you can't use thinner plates. So, why aluminum? Please don't tell me you don't care about weight. BOB
PS. Tarjan is a naval engineer specializing in cats and knows way more than you or I will ever know about this.

 

Before selecting a design you have to determine the vessels purpose and area of operation.

Cruising is too broad a term.

Many good posts pertaining to material choice relative to size.

The last Aluminum sailing Catamaran for private ownership I worked was a 65 ft vessel. I did two mock ups, the first was circumnavigation, the second was circumnavigation with high latitude capability, meaning operation in freezing conditions, and recovery from dead boat emergencies in very cold waters.

The dangers to the boat/rig, in terms of loads, must be considered. Also, de-icing procedures, and enclosed bridge visibility and operation. Even with all the advanced design the vessel was not design for sea ice operation. It was designed to operate in icy waters under light conditions, and had provisions like skeg rudder/keel and ice skirts to protect the props and rudders.

The goal was to go around the ice, and not through it.

The point being, that even the same exact boat hull design, size and rig layout required two very different equipment lists and capabilities between the two versions I presented.

Mark

 

You might like to contacthttp://www.lizardyachts.com.au/news.html they have launched quite a number of custom aluminium cats over the years.