easy 12 catamaran

Sea Eagle FastCat12 Inflatable Boat Reviews

8 Discount Packages available. starting at $1,699

I did a ton of research before I pulled the trigger on this boat and it paid off. My first trip was in San Diego in mission bay and the boat was perfect. My self and father-in-law fished the bay for a week with no issues and were blown away how stable the boat was and received a ton of compliments. The 5hp mercury outboard compliments the boat.

I love my Seaeagle 12 Fast Cat. Use it almost everyday in Florida. Customer service is great. Had a valve leak and they sent me a box and had it back in a couple of weeks with shipping time. Just the right size if I need to deflate it and store it. Great ride and just a solid built boat.

Boat is really great. I got all the extras with electric pump, seats, bimini etc. Sets up pretty quick and easy. I went with an electric 83lbs thrust motor and batteries ( 24 volt). I can run for hours! Great to take on vacation with us. We have an RV and like to bring the golf cart and the boat once deflated takes up no room at all.

The unit fits all of our needs. It is very stable with two passengers. Plenty of room to carry a cooler. The sun shade does act like a sail in the wind but you just make the best of it. The electric motor allows one to do some fishing and not have to stay in one spot for any time. Overall, good quality, came in a timely manner and was fairly easy to assemble. It definitely takes two people to move around when inflated.

Review (2/2)

I am using the 70 lb water snake trolling motor in the package. The top speed is 4-5 mph for one person. It could be slow depending on what you need, but I have enjoyed it because mostly I fish in small or mid size lakes. If you want to go to a large lake or river with strong current, you should have a bigger motor.

I am satisfied with the stability. I haven’t had flipping over yet. I do fish while standing and seating with no problem. I don’t like windy day, but I did when the wind was 10 knots. There was no problem.

I recommend you to have the canopy because my wife loves it and also it’s good for hot summer and recreational purpose. I am using the deeper for fish finder and 9 lb anchor too. The fish finder is easily removable and could be optional but you should have the anchor to hold the current position in windy condition.

I love this boat and keep going out until the lake is frozen.

Got my FastCat12 and got it put together today, going fishing in the morning. All I can say is I love it but buy the electric pump or have a football team standing by to help you hand pump it. I don't think they will air it up in 15 minutes either. I will order the electric pump on Monday! But love the rig, rides great with the 5 hp motor.

Great boat, the Water Snake electric motor is an exceptional upgrade. Dedicated oar locks would be a nice addition since I'm used to rowing out past the weed beds. Generated a lot of interest where I fish.

The Fast Cat is a great boat! It was worth the wait. The video made it very to assemble. We took it to the lake and it performed fantastic. There was lots of wind on the lake and the electric motor was awesome. The motor is perfect for trolling for trout. The Fast Cat is light enough for a retired couple to put it on the trucks roof racks. Thanks Sea Eagle for the perfect boat for us.

Sea Eagle FastCat 12 Catamaran Inflatable Boat

Disclosure: I am compensated for purchases made through some links on this site. Click for details .

The Sea Eagle FastCat 12 has a catamaran hull design that lifts the boat up and on top of the water to prevent the hull from slapping on the water for a super-smooth ride. This inflatable boat is perfect for fishing, diving, hauling gear, or a fun day on the water.

The durable FastCat is one of the most rugged inflatable boats on the market, made from a double layer of PVC reinforced 1000 Denier fabric and fully constructed with drop-stitch technology for a high-pressure, rigid, dependable, stable, and high-performance boat.

The FastCat12 can be inflated and assembled in a matter of minutes and it’s easy to pack up and stow away in almost any truck bed, SUV, or RV.

Other Sea Eagle inflatable boats that might interest you are the SE9 Motormount Inflatable Boats , PaddleSki Inflatable Catamaran Boats , and Inflatable Sport Runabouts .

Table of Contents

Top, Front, and Side Views – Sea Eagle FastCat 12 Catamaran Inflatable Boat

Overview of the Sea Eagle FastCat 12 Catamaran Inflatable Boat

	Raft, Cataraft, Catamaran
	Inflatable
	Lakes, Ponds, Inshore, Bays, Rivers
	Recreation, Fishing, Diving
	Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
	2
	Paddle, Electric Motor, Outboard Motor

Specifications for the Sea Eagle FastCat 12 Catamaran Inflatable Boat

(compare all inflatable boats)

	94 lbs (81 lbs. w/ Hull Only)
	13 lbs
	12′ 10″
	4′ 8″
	10′ 5″ x 3′ 4″
	2 Person or 1200 lbs
	Approximately 57″ x 27″ x 16″
Air	4 (Bow, Floor, Port, Starboard)
	8″ Width Drop-Stitch Gunwales
	6″ Thick Drop-Stitch Floor
	18″ Length 6″ Thick Drop-Stitch Bow Rocker
	4 Recessed, One-Way
	15 Minutes w/ Included Hand Pump
	All Drop-Stitch Construction
	Double Layer of PVC Reinforced 1000 Denier Fabric
	Quadruple Overlapped Superior Glued Seams
	6 hp, 15″ Shaft, 75 lb. Max. Wt.
	5 hp (up to 15 mph)
	10-15 psi

Related Content:

• What Hull Materials Are Used In Sea Eagle Boats?
• Understanding Heavy-Duty Inflatable Boat Air Chamber Materials And Specs

Standard Features of the Sea Eagle FastCat 12 Catamaran Inflatable Boat

• NMMA & CE Certified
• Rugged, high-pressure, reinforced, drop-stitch construction
• 15 Minute inflation and setup
• Completely self-bailing
• (4) Independent safety air chambers (bow, floor, port, starboard)
• (8) Conveniently located grab handles (3 port, 3 starboard, 2 bow)
• High-strength bow ring
• Dual EZ-attachment seating system
• Non-slip EVA foam-covered deck
• Removable transom for easy storage
• Canopy attachment grommets and D-rings for use with the optional Wide Sun & Rain Canopy
• (2) Universal Scotty Pads in the stern for optional Scotty accessories
• (2) Bench seats each with four pre-drilled holes on each end to accept optional Scotty Universal Deck Mounts for four more Scotty accessory mounting locations.
• Side bumper guards and full-length, underside rubbing strakes
• Printed owner’s manual with instructions

For a wealth of additional information, check out the Sea Eagle FastCat 12 Owner’s Manual .

Key Features of the Sea Eagle FastCat 12 Catamaran Inflatable Boat

Catamaran design.

The Sea Eagle FastCat has a catamaran-style hull with widely spaced side tubes that create lift to reduce center floor friction on the water.

The catamaran design:

• Reduces drag and improves speed
• Improves fuel efficiency
• Improves balance, stability, and handling
• Provides an incredible cloud-cushioned ride

High-Pressure, Reinforced, Drop-Stitch Construction

The Sea Eagle FastCat is made from a double-layer of PVC-reinforced 1000 Denier fabric that is drop-stitched together by joining the top and bottom of the floor and sides of the gunwales with tens of thousands of high-tensile strength threads.

The drop-stitch construction allows the boat to be inflated up to 15psi. This high pressure improves performance and provides remarkable stability, buoyancy, and a rigid floor stable enough to stand on.

The reinforced double-layer of protection allows the FastCat to bounce off rocks, logs, and other objects leaving the extremely durable boat unscathed.

Safety Air Chambers

With four separate air chambers, the FastCat12 adheres to the highest safety standards. In the unlikely event of a chamber failure, the boat will easily stay afloat to ensure your safety and that of any passenger.

Protective Rubbing Strake & Bumper Guard

This rugged inflatable boat has full-length underside rubbing strakes and side bumper guards for added protection from bumps and abrasions.

Multiple Grab Handles

The Sea Eagle FastCat 12 has eight heavy-duty grab handles conveniently located to make carrying and portage a breeze.

Note: This is an upgrade from the seven handles in previous models. Both the eight and seven-handle models are shown in various pictures.

Universal Scotty Pads & Attachment Locations

The FastCat 12 has two Universal Scotty Pads in the stern for optional Scotty accessories and two EZ-Attach Bench Seats each with four pre-drilled holes on each end to accept optional Scotty Universal Deck Mounts for four more Scotty accessory mounting locations.

Easily add rod holders, triple rod holders, cup holders, an anchor lock, bait boards, a camera mount, a transducer mount, and more!

EZ-Attach Bench Seats

Attaching the EZ-Attach Bench Seats is fast and easy. They can quickly and securely be attached by fastening four easy-to-screw knobs to four designated D-rings.

Removable Transom

The custom removable transom improves the storability and portability of the FastCat12 by making it lighter and allowing a smaller folded profile.

Install the transom and attach an electric motor up to a 6 hp outboard.

Attach Up To A 6 HP Gas Motor

The transom provides the ability to attach an electric motor or gas motor up to 6 hp. You can reach speeds up to 16 mph with the pictured Honda 5S which is part of the Honda Motor Package.

Canopy Attachment System

The Sea Eagle FastCat12 is equipped with a canopy attachment system for attaching the optional Sun & Rain Canopy. Protecting yourself and your passenger from the sun and rain has never been easier.

Non-Slip EVA Foam Covered Deck

While the high-pressure structural strength of the FastCat provides a sturdy floor on which to stand, the non-slip EVA foam deck covering provides secure footing and improved durability.

Industry Leading Stability

The high-pressure structural strength of the FastCat improves balance, stability, handling, performance, buoyancy, and rigidity for standing and carrying gear and supplies.

Transportable

The FastCat12 has an incredibly portable hull that will pack into almost any SUV, trunk bed, or RV for easy transport to and from the water.

Or leave it inflated and strap it to the top of your SUV, RV, truck rack, or inflatable boat trailer .

Easily get the FastCat 12 from your vehicle to water and back with an EZ-Cart or by use of its seven heavy-duty grab handles.

Customizable Solutions

A seemingly endless list of optional accessories can transform the FastCat into the tailor-made boat of your dreams.

Whether you are out to fish or have a fun day on the water, Sea Eagle Boats has designed the FastCat 12 to be easily customizable to meet your every need.

Sea Eagle FastCat 12 Catamaran Inflatable Boat Discount Packages

Sea Eagle FastCat12 – Deluxe Package

The Deluxe Package (Model Number FASTCAT12K_D) is the way to go when you have your own motors. Its features include two bench seats, one locking swivel seat, one Quick Release Seat Mount, one paddle, a manual hand pump, a repair kit, a boat carry bag.

• FastCat12 Catamaran Hull
• Gray Locking Swivel Seat
• Quick Release Seat Mount
• Adjustable Stand Up Paddle (66″-85″)
• SUP Pump w/ Pressure Gauge
• Boat Carry Bag

Sea Eagle FastCat12 – Swivel Seat Canopy Package

The Swivel Seat Canopy Package (Model Number FASTCAT12K_SWC) provides protection from the sun and rain. It features two bench seats, two locking swivel seats, two Quick Release Seat Mounts, one paddle, a manual hand pump, a repair kit, a boat carry bag, and the Wide Sun & Rain Canopy.

• Wide Sun and Rain Canopy
• Gray Swivel Seat
• 2 Quick Release Seat Mounts

Sea Eagle FastCat12 – Watersnake Motor Canopy Package

The Watersnake Motor Canopy Package (Model Number FASTCAT12K_WSMC) includes the Watersnake Venom 34 lb. thrust dual-purpose (salt/freshwater) electric motor for quiet speeds of up to 5 mph and infinitely variable forward and reverse speeds.

This inflatable boat package features two bench seats, two locking swivel seats, two Quick Release Seat Mounts, one paddle, a manual hand pump, a repair kit, a boat carry bag, a Wide Sun and Rain Canopy, two Scotty rod holders, and Watersnake electric motor.

• Watersnake Venom 34
• 2 Scotty Rod Holders

Sea Eagle FastCat12 – 50w Solar Boat Package

The 50w Solar Boat Package (Model Number FASTCAT12K_S50) includes the Watersnake Venom 34 lb. thrust dual-purpose (salt/freshwater) electric motor for quiet speeds of up to 5 mph and infinitely variable forward and reverse speeds.

This inflatable boat package features two bench seats, two locking swivel seats, two Quick Release Seat Mounts, one paddle, a manual hand pump, a repair kit, a boat carry bag, a Wide Sun and Rain Canopy with a self-charging solar panel, two Scotty rod holders, and Watersnake electric motor.

• 50W Solar Panel
• Wide Solar 50 Canopy
• Trolling Motor Power Center

Sea Eagle FastCat12 – 110w Solar Boat Package

The 110w Solar Boat Package (Model Number FASTCAT12K_S110) includes the Watersnake Venom 34 lb. thrust dual-purpose (salt/freshwater) electric motor for quiet speeds of up to 5 mph and infinitely variable forward and reverse speeds.

• 110w Solar Panel
• Wide Solar 110 Canopy

Sea Eagle FastCat12 – Honda Motor Package

Looking to have fun out on the water or get to your fishing spot fast? The Honda Motor Package (Model Number FASTCAT12K_HM) is the way to go! This package comes with the reliable Honda 5 hp four-stroke outboard motor for speeds of up to 15 mph and over 30 mpg.

This inflatable boat package features two bench seats, two locking swivel seats, two Quick Release Seat Mounts, one paddle, a manual hand pump, a repair kit, a boat carry bag, two Scotty rod holders, and the Honda 5S motor.

Sea Eagle FastCat12 – Ultimate Package

The Ultimate Package (Model Number FASTCAT12K_U) is aptly named. It comes with the incredibly powerful Torqeedo Travel 1103CL electric motor. This electric motor is 3 HP equivalent with instantaneous throttle response. That’s a lot of get-up-and-go from an electric motor!

This inflatable boat package features two bench seats, two locking swivel seats, two Quick Release Seat Mounts, one paddle, a manual hand pump, a repair kit, a boat carry bag, two Scotty rod holders, and the impressively powerful Torqeedo Travel 1103CL electric motor.

• Torqeedo Travel 1103CL

Sea Eagle FastCat 12 Catamaran Inflatable Boat Instructions

Instructions and owners manual.

Looking to buy a FastCat? Checking out the Sea Eagle FastCat instructions and owner’s manual will give you valuable information for making your decision.

Instructions and Owner’s Manual for the Sea Eagle FastCat

Sea Eagle FastCat 12 Catamaran Inflatable Boat Instructional Videos

These Sea Eagle videos demonstrate the ease of operating a FastCat12 . The boat’s inflation, setup, operation, breaking down, deflation, storing, and more are covered.

Sea Eagle FastCat 12 Video Instructions

Certifications

The Sea Eagle FastCat12 Catamaran Inflatable Boats have met the manufacturing standards of the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) for design, construction, and safety and have been certified by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) .

Who Are Sea Eagle Boats?

Sea Eagle Boats is a family-owned and run company located in New York. They have had a stellar reputation for making high-quality inflatable boats since 1968 and each of the boats in their lineup is a testimony to their excellence in the inflatable boat industry.

Sea Eagle Boats are lightweight, extremely durable, compact, easy to carry and transport, and above all fun! These inflatable boats pack down into carrying bags and can be stowed as luggage when traveling or stored in a car, SUV, van, truck, RV, or yacht. You can get Sea Eagles to almost any body of water for leisure, recreation, fishing, tending, rescue, and more.

Sea Eagle Boats Guarantee and Warranties

Sea Eagle Boats 4-Month Trial Guarantee: Try a Sea Eagle Risk-Free for 120 days! “If you’re not totally happy with your boat, just return it in good condition for a full refund of your purchase price .”

Sea Eagle Boats 3-Year Limited Warranty: 3-year limited warranty against any manufacturing defects.

Sea Eagle Boats 3-Year Extended Hull Warranty: In addition to the limited 3-year warranty, Sea Eagle offers a 3-Year Extended Hull Warranty to give you 6 years of total warranty against any manufacturing defects.

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5 Reasons To Buy An Excess 12 Catamaran [New Boat For Sale]

The xcs 12 is for sale in south florida + california..

The sight of an Excess 12 catamaran at full speed ahead with unique lines, open-air layout, and sporty gray and orange sails is simply seductive. And it’s not just us who think so, it won “Catamaran Of The Year 2020” by Cruising World and was honored with “Multihull of The Year 2020” by Multihulls World Magazine. There’s no denying that the XCS 12 is a breath of fresh air to the sailing world of catamarans.

If you’re looking for your next socially distanced escape, the Excess 12 is the perfect boat to sail around Catalina or the Caribbean. We’re highlighting the top 5 reasons to buy an Excess 12 and how it will exceed your expectations. This one-of-a-kind catamaran is for sale in South Florida and California .

1. Work With A Blank Canvas

While new boats come well equipped with an extensive list of factory options, customizing a new yacht to suit your preference is part of the fun. You can choose among interior wood choices, decor, entertainment, dishware, and storage options. It just depends on how you want to optimize your new boat.

A new Excess 12 is your blank canvas. It comes with options for the layout to accommodate exactly how you’ll use the catamaran. Got a big family? The 4 cabin, 2 head version seamlessly converts the office space into a double berth. A 3 cabin, 2 head layout is perfect for a couple who loves to invite friends onboard for extended sailing trips. The flexibility in working with a blank canvas lets you create your perfect Excess 12 catamaran.

2. Professional Orientation And Support

The Excess 12 is an adventurous purchase, but the beauty of this catamaran is that it’s fun and easy to sail. This catamaran offers plenty of sensations to create a more seaman-like concept that brings you closer to the sea. The XCS 12 has a generous sail plan — a self-tacking jib makes it easy for single-handed sailing, twin helms provide excellent visibility, and electric winches are conveniently placed on either side of the boat.

As a new or veteran boat owner, you’ll receive comprehensive technical and operational training when you purchase a new Excess 12 . Denison will explain how to keep your boat running smoothly from stem to stern. We also include on-the-water instruction with an expert captain to quickly build your confidence and accelerate enjoyment on the water. After your new boat is delivered, Denison’s factory-trained technical team is available to provide assistance when you need it.

3. Trade-In And Trade-Up

Beneteau designed a catamaran that combines performance and comfort. A notable feature on the Excess 12, and the entire Excess range , is the convertible coachroof. There’s no other catamaran designed with an optional retractable sunroof over the cockpit. Pulling the roof forward not only allows ample light to shine over the cockpit, but it also allows the captain to see the mainsail and know what’s going on with the sail trim.

If that sounds more appealing than your current boat’s design, Denison has a no-hassle trade-in program to help you purchase a new boat. We’ll help you receive the highest value for your current yacht towards the price of the new Excess 12. It’s not as complicated as you may think — we’ll handle the nitty-gritty details so you can plan your next cruise around The Bahamas .

4. Easy To Purchase

Denison recently sold an Excess 12 to first-time boat owners in San Diego, California. We helped them navigate the process of buying a new boat and set them up with a five day ASA catamaran course with West Coast Multihulls. While Denison makes buying a boat accessible for everyone, the overall process of buying a new yacht is easier than buying a used yacht. There are no surveys , haulouts, or engine inspections to complicate the process.

On top of that, Denison’s new boat brands come with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty to ensure peace of mind and reduced maintenance expenses. That includes Excess catamarans . Buying a new boat with warranty protection and local service means you can confidently pay and sail away.

5. Welcome To The Family

Twin helms aft, retractable sunroof, and flexible layout are just a few of the key features that make the XCS 12 stand out among a sea of ordinary catamarans. Beneteau thought of every last detail to ensure that you fully enjoy the experience onboard. When you purchase a new boat through Denison, you become part of our family. As one of the largest new boat dealerships in the United States, we buy in volume and pass the savings along to you. We’re excited to help your family enjoy treasured memories on the water.

Don’t miss the opportunity to own a new Excess 12 catamaran . She is a well-equipped boat, perfect for new or veteran boat owners. The Beneteau Excess 12 catamaran is for sale with Denison Yachting in South Florida and California . Contact Matthew Morrison or Don Margraf to inquire about this yacht and start your next sailing adventure.

Speak To A Excess Catamaran Specialist:

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Take 2 The Water

It's all about Fun on the Water

Sea Eagle FastCat 12 12ft Inflatable Catamaran Boat Review Features

Sea eagle fastcat 12 catamaran inflatable boat.

The Sea Eagle FastCat 12 Inflatable Catamaran is an incredible new addition to the Sea Eagle range of inflatable boats.  If you are planning on buying a great 2 seater inflatable don’t do it with first checking out this boat as it provide one of the smoothest rides on the water.

The catamaran hull is designed to lift the boat up and ride on top of the water.   No more bouncing around the waves and getting bruised

This catamaran-style, rigid, high-pressure, all-drop stitch constructed, easy to set up hull is the most innovative boat to hit the market! Preventing the slapping of traditional hulls. Friction is reduced, increasing fuel economy, and with four independent high-pressure safety air chambers, you’re guaranteed added safety.

The boat assembles in lightning quick time, is easy to pack up, fits into most any truck or SUV, and will entirely change the way you view inflatable boats!

Features of Sea Eagle FastCat 12 Inflatable Catamaran

The Revolutionary All Drop-Stitch Inflatable Catamaran Boat , the Sea Eagle FastCat12 is unique in so many ways with almost unlimited advantages: 1. It is a 12’10” fishing/recreational boat with a catamaran hull. 2. It rolls up and fits easily in any car trunk, SUV or flat bed truck. 3. It is made with double layer all Drop-Stitch technology that inflates to 15 psi and provides tremendous toughness and rock solid rigidity. 4. It takes an electric or gas motor up to 6 hp so it can be used on small ponds, inland lakes, wide open bays or seas & oceans…this is a boat that can be motored very long distances. 5. It draws only inches of water and can be fished in deep or shallow waters. 6. With a 6 hp Honda® motor, the FastCat12 goes 15 mph with 1 person or 12 mph with 2 people. 7. It is the most portable, practical,economical inflatable

Standard Features

• NMMA & CE Certified
• All rugged, high-pressure, reinforced, drop-stitch construction
• 4 x Independent safety air chambers
• 7 x Conveniently located grab handles
• Dual EZ-attachment seating system
• Removable transom for easy storage
• High-strength bow ring
• Non-slip EVA foam covered deck
• Canopy attachment grommets and D-rings
• Dual Universal Scotty Pads for use with optional Scotty accessories
• Bottom and side protective bumper guard rubbing strakes

Specification of Sea Eagle FastCat 12

Exterior: 12’10” x 4’8″ Interior: 10’5″ x 3’4″ Hull Weight: 113 lbs. with Transom Hull Material: 2 Layers of 1000 Denier Fabric All Drop-Stitch Construction Thickness: 8″ Side Chambers; 6″ Floor Chamber Inflation: 15 Minutes Weight Capacity: 2 Persons or 1200 lbs. Motor Capacity: 6 hp, 15″ Shaft, 75 lb. Max Wt. Deflated: 57″ x 27″ x 16″

Available Packages – Click to Learn More

• ← NRS Otter 150 Self-Bailing Inflatable Raft Tender Boat Review Features
• Alpacka Raft Gnarwahl Inflatable Whitewater Packraft Boat Review Features →

Privacy Overview

• Sports & Outdoors
• Boating & Sailing
• Inflatable Rafts

Returnable	Yes
Resolutions	Eligible for refund or replacement
Return Window	30 days from delivery
Refund Timelines	Typically, an advance refund will be issued within 24 hours of a drop-off or pick-up. For returns that require physical verification, refund issuance may take up to 30 days after drop-off or pick up. Where an advance refund is issued, we will re-charge your payment method if we do not receive the correct item in original condition. See details .
Late fee	A late fee of 20% of the item price will apply if you complete the drop off or pick up after the ‘Return By Date’.
Restocking fee	A restocking fee may apply if the item is not returned in original condition and original packaging, or is damaged or missing parts for reasons not due to seller error. See details .

Return instructions

Item must be in original condition and packaging along with tag, accessories, manuals, and inserts. Unlock any electronic device, delete your account and remove all personal information.

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Sea Eagle FastCat Catamaran 2-4 Person Inflatable Boat-Rigid, High-Pressure, All-Drop Stitch, Easy Setup, Self-Bailing

Delivery & Support

• This item will be shipped by the seller. To learn more about this seller’s shipping methods, visit the link below and look for the tab called “Shipping”. You will be able to track your Amazon order in your orders . If you need more help with tracking your package, please visit Track Your Package .
• Learn more about Sea Eagle Boats’s shipping policy
• The A-to-z Guarantee protects you when you purchase items sold and fulfilled by a third party seller in our store. It covers both the timely delivery and the condition of your items. If you're not happy with either and can’t resolve the issue directly with the seller, you can report the problem to us for further assistance. Learn more about A-to-z Guarantee
• This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt. You may receive a partial or no refund on used, damaged or materially different returns.

FastCat12 Deluxe Package

FastCat12 Swivel Seat Canopy Package

FastCat14 Deluxe Package

FastCat14 Swivel Seat Canopy Package

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Size	Large
Color	Red/White
Brand	Sea Eagle
Material	Plastic
Product Dimensions	154"L x 56"W
Item Weight	101 Pounds
Age Range (Description)	Adults
UPC	023634084901
Manufacturer	Sea Eagle Boats

About this item

• OPEN COCKPIT FOR MORE SPACE: For a 12' boat, FastCats offer an incredible amount of usable space. They EASILY hold 2 to 4 adults and several hundreds of pounds of fishing or camping gear.
• GREAT SPEED WITH SMALL MOTORS: The FastCat12 goes 15 mph with relatively small outboards - 5 hp engines power these boat easily across lakes or bays.
• UNBELIEVABLE FUEL EFFICIENCY: These low cost motorboats use almost no gas. FastCasts can go literally 50 miles or more without refueling a 3 or 6 gallon tank.
• 15 MINUTE SETUP: The FastCat 12 can be setup and fully rigged in 20 minutes. So you spend more time on the water and less time to get on the water.
• STOW IN A CORNER OF YOUR GARAGE: Because FastCats are inflatable, they pack down to a fraction of their inflatable size and can be stored in the winter in a large closet or in the corner of a garage.

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Product description.

Don't purchase or consider another boat without checking out the new and incredible Sea Eagle Inflatable FastCat Catamaran Boat for the smoothest ride on the water!

Tired of being bruised up and bounced around by waves, back jarring rough rides, added fuel cost, and lack of cockpit room? The Sea Eagle Inflatable FastCat Catamaran Boat is the solution to all these problems and more!

This catamaran-style, rigid, high-pressure, all-drop stitch constructed, easy to set up hull is the most innovative boat to hit the market! The catamaran hull design lifts the boat up and on top of the water as if you're riding on pillowy clouds with hydro foiling shock absorbers preventing the slapping of traditional hulls. Friction is reduced, increasing fuel economy, and with four independent high-pressure safety air chambers, you're guaranteed added safety.

The Sea Eagle FastCat inflatable catamaran series will entirely change the way you view inflatable boats!

The FastCat Inflatable Catamaran Boat

FastCat12 Catamaran Inflatable Boat Deluxe Package

Now LIGHTER, STRONGER, and EVEN MORE PACKABLE - Welcome to the future! Due to the latest technological advancement in double-layer, high-pressure, all-drop-stitch, fusion technology, the current generation FastCat12 is 19 lbs. lighter than its predecessor. Weighing in at just 94 lbs. versus the previous 113 lbs. It's also incredibly stronger due to the fusion welding process and much easier to fold and pack up. The future is here - order yours today!

The FastCat12 is a rugged, dependable, rigid, high-pressure, all-drop stitch constructed, rapid self-bailing, two-person, inflatable, FastCat12 Catamaran Boat that provides incredible deck space and "The Smoothest Ride On The Water!"

A great package for those who already have their own motors. Featuring two bench seats, one driver's locking swivel seat, one Quick Release Seatmount, a paddle, manual pump, repair kit, and boat bag.

Standard Features of the FastCat 12 Inflatable Catamaran Boat

The removable transom makes the FastCat12 lighter and easier to pack down smaller and check as luggage. Attach the transom and you're ready for up to a 6 hp outboard.	The EZ-Attach Bench Seats are quickly and securely attached by four easy to screw on and off knobs. Attaching your bench seats has never been easier.	Seven conveniently located heavy-duty grab handles for ease of carrying and water re-entry.	Comfortable seat with locking swivel. Great for boats with gas motors.

Great Features of the FastCat12 Inflatable Catamaran Boat

Car top it, or stick it in your trunk. The FastCat is easy to transport to and from the water. Hull packs down to approximately 57" x 27" x 16" to fit in most car trunks, pick-up trucks, SUVs, and motor homes. (2nd seat not included.)	4 Separate Independent Safety Air Chambers for added safety: Starboard Side, Bow, Floor, and Portside. Providing an added level of security and peace of mind.	Add a second seat, canopy, motor, Scotty fishing accessories, and make it your own! The FastCat can be outfitted to fit your boating needs. (Additional accessories shown not included.)

Sea Eagle Inflatable FastCat 12

(Motor and 2nd Second Seat Not Included)

"""""""""""""""Don't purchase or consider another boat without checking out the new and incredible Sea Eagle Inflatable FastCat Catamaran Boat for the smoothest ride on the water and sale prices! Tired of being bruised up and bounced around by waves, back jarring rough rides, added fuel cost, and lack of cockpit room? The new Sea Eagle Inflatable FastCat Catamaran Boat is the solution to all these problems and more! This catamaran-style, rigid, high-pressure, all-drop stitch constructed, easy to set up hull is the most innovative boat to hit the market! The catamaran hull design lifts the boat up and on top of the water as if you're riding on pillowy clouds with hydro foiling shock absorbers preventing the slapping of traditional hulls. Friction is reduced, increasing fuel economy, and with four independent high-pressure safety air chambers, you're guaranteed added safety. The Sea Eagle FastCat inflatable catamaran series will entirely change the way you view inflatable boats!"""""""""""""""

Product information

Technical details.

Size	‎Large
Color	‎Red/White
Brand	‎Sea Eagle
Material	‎Plastic
Product Dimensions	‎154"L x 56"W
Item Weight	‎101 Pounds
Age Range (Description)	‎Adults
UPC	‎023634084901
Manufacturer	‎Sea Eagle Boats
Item Package Dimensions L x W x H	‎53 x 27 x 11 inches
Package Weight	‎125 Pounds
Item Dimensions LxWxH	‎154 x 56 x 0.1 inches
Brand Name	‎Sea Eagle
Warranty Description	‎3 Year Manufacturer Warranty
Model Name	‎FASTCAT12K_D
Suggested Users	‎unisex-adult
Number of Items	‎1
Part Number	‎ASTCAT12K_D
Style	‎FastCat12 Deluxe Package
Included Components	‎Hull and Related Package accessories

Additional Information

ASIN	B08SF4CG3T
Customer Reviews	4.3 out of 5 stars
Best Sellers Rank	#184,479 in Sports & Outdoors ( ) #89 in
Date First Available	January 7, 2021

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Excess 12 Review

In this review, we will answer the questions why the Excess 12 catamaran became the Boat of the Year 2020, why Beneteau created a competitor to its Lagoon, does the 12th one really look like the Lagoon 40 , how many Excess 12 layouts will the topRik marketplace can offer if you decide to buy this cat.

As usual, we draw our conclusions by seeing it with our own eyes and steering with our skipper's hands. In confirmation (or contradiction), we present the opinions of the best marine journalists, including those who were on the jury that tested the catamaran for the title of the Best Boat of the Year.

Catamaran Excess 12 opened a line of new models from the French group Beneteau. Brand Excess Catamarans goes under the motto “Be immoderate”, and in many ways corresponds to it, especially considering that we are talking about a cat that is little less than 12 meters long and 6.7 meters wide. The team of naval architects and designers from VPLP design really didn't hold back when they reduced the weight of the Excess 12 by almost a ton compared to the Lagoon 40, which was taken as a basis, and which dimensions are identical to the 12th.

The same vacuum infusion technology and balsa core sandwiches were used to manufacture the structures. Using these methods, the deck and hull above the waterline were made. But even though the deck that is glued on top is completely identical to the Lagoon 40, the shape of the side floats is different – they have two more voluminous chines.

This is what allowed the designers to take advantage of this increased space and come up with a completely new interior design concept. When VPLP was working on lightening the catamaran, it was the designers who made a big contribution by redesigning the interior trim.

But the three-section design, on the principle of which the Excess 12 is built, was transferred from the Lagoon 40 - this is how the bridge is made, as well as deck and hull below the waterline.

That is, with the same dimensions as the Lagoon 40, the first Excess catamaran weighs much less and can offer its passengers more space to live on board. Read about the organization of this space, the change in seaworthiness and the control features of the Excess 12 below.

Features of Excess 12

• Brand: Excess
• Hull type: Catamaran
• Overall length, m: 11.8
• Width, m: 6.73
• Draft, m: 1.35
• Displacement, t: 10.1
• Air draft, m: 18.27
• Water tanks, l: 300
• Exterior design (Architect): VPLP design
• CE Certification: A: 10 - B: 12 - C: 16 - D: 20
• Mainsail type: Square top
• Jib type: Self-tacking
• Mainsail area, m²: 50
• Jib area, m²: 32
• Code 0 area, m²: 67
• Engines, hp: 2x29 / 2x45
• Fuel tanks, l: 2 x 200

Virtual tour

Max. speed excess 12.

The maximum speed of the Excess 12 yacht depends on several factors, such as: wind conditions, sea state, and sail configuration. However, the manufacturer states that the Excess 12 has a maximum speed of approximately 17 knots (19.6 mph or 31.5 km/h) under ideal conditions.

Review Excess 12 by TopRik Team

“Somehow I don’t think that this is a copy of Lagoon 40, as they call it,” our skipper said thoughtfully, when the topRik team (not the full crew) approached the pier. As we got closer and looked at the Excess 12 from the transom, we realized what he was talking about.

It was enough to see two helms spaced along the sides to understand that this boat is far from a complete copy of the Lagoon 40.

Therefore, we decided throughout the test, if possible, to draw parallels with this distinguished yacht in order to find out how the first model of the Excess brand differs from it with its “Be immoderate” motto. Apparently, an additional helm was added in accordance with this message.

But let's get back to the transom. We must admit that we are already familiar with these ladders with comfortable steps spaced along the sides, the lower of which is wide enough to serve as a swim platform. A special ladder is used to descend into the water and climb out.

The middle part of the transom is given over to a large locker for life rafts, there are also davits on which an inflatable motor boat is attached. Davits are designed to hold a boat (or 1-2 local jet ski) weighing up to 150 kg.

Another common feature of the two compared catamarans is the lack of a flybridge, which is quite understandable for a vessel of this size.

We agreed that the float contours have been changed, and in the Excess 12 they are more ribbed and significantly expanded towards the bow, which gives hope for higher ceilings and more roomy spaces below deck. The shape of the side windows has been changed, but their number has remained the same, which promises enough natural light in the cabins.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves, especially since our skipper has already run up the ladder to the stern of the yacht. Keep up!

In the Cockpit

While the team leader inspects the control posts, we place ourselves around the table in the cockpit. It has already been mentioned that we went to the exhibition with just half of our crewmen, so we could only approximate the accommodation characteristics of the cockpit. The four of us were comfortably seated at the table, and a couple more people could sit with us. Opposite the table and along the transom there are two more large sofas, so that only at the stern can all the 10 people declared by the manufacturer fit all at once – possibly, even more than that. To quench their thirst, there is a spacious freezer for cooling drinks and ice cream.

And let's not forget that excellent seats for two people are provided in front of the helms. With sorrow and some surprise, we learn that these helmsman seats are actually an additional optional purchase.

This sorrow was sweetened by the excellent organization of the helm station as a whole. Immediately behind the helm there is a panel with a compass , chart plotter , various indicators; to the right of the helmsman behind the starboard helm there is a throttle stick and another set of the indicators necessary to control the operation of yacht equipment.

An identical helm station is also on the port side (pictured above), with the exception of some nuances, for example, the absence of a chartplotter.

In the two photos above and in the photo below, you can see how conveniently the winches are located, how well the sheets and halyards are wound, how they can be hidden in special bags so that they do not get under the feet of the helmsmen and do not create dangerous obstacles for the passage of passengers. Also check out the roof rails that provide safety while walking on the side decks of the Excess 12.

Both helms offer excellent views of the entire catamaran. Moreover, the bow of the opposite float is visible through the cockpit door and large untinted saloon windows. At the same time, the helmsman has a full view of the deck along his side, the sails and, of course, the entire stern.

From the two photos below, you can appreciate how well all parts of the catamaran are viewed from the left and right helm stations.

Notice that the right post is the main one? And not only because there are more cables that control the sails and rigging. Devices on the panel on the left side - an option.

Well, it is understandable, although disappointing, that the cockpit roof does not extend to the helm stations, otherwise the helmsman will not be able to see the sails. In return, the helmsmen will save themselves from the sun and rain with the help of a bimini . By the way, the roof over the cockpit can be supplied with an opening part, as in the Lagoon , then a full view of the sails opens up.

Speaking of sails... Excess 12 has two versions - Standard and Pulse. The Pulse version differs from the Standard in having additional sails of 5 m² and a mast that is almost 92 cm higher. The mast extending far aft is characteristic of both versions. This makes it easier to manage the mainsail when sailing alone or in pairs, as it allows you to reduce the area of the mainsail. A self-aligning boom and a square top mainsail are also featured in both versions.

For Pulse versions are provided with gray tri-radial laminate Incidence sails. Code Zero in this version is almost 8 m² more than in the Standard version.

We found out in practice that this is a universal sailing plan, with which the Excess 12 catamaran is perfectly controlled even by one experienced skipper, and for a pair of helmsmen it is not a problem at all.

On the Deck and the Bow

And now let's go along the deck to the bow of Excess 12. At first glance, this is an extensive sunbathing area with soft mattresses and sunbeds, hanging nets and even a ladder to the roof. But this frivolous spectacle is a disguise for serious engineering developments.

Therefore, if circumstances permit, remind your friends, children or charter passengers that the nets are not a trampoline and are not strung here for entertainment at all. Firstly, they reduce the weight of the boat, secondly, they help to overcome wind resistance, and thirdly, they do not allow the catamaran to burrow into the wave and bounce with each shaft.

And the ladder to the roof is not so much to make it easier for those who want to sunbathe, but to make it easier to work with sails. We saw this skeptical grin on the faces of entrepreneurs from the charter business, imagining how they explain all this to passengers. Well, use your imagination...

The anchor chain is recessed in the channel and fed to a vertical electric anchor winch. The anchor is extended to a safe distance from the hull, which eliminates damage when it is raised and lowered, as well as during pitching.

Fans of physical activity, speed under sail and maneuvering can order a bowsprit. A removable bowsprit allows you to shift the center of sail and increase the area of the rig.

On the foredeck there are hatches into the bow compartments, which can be used as places for storing fenders, water toys, equipment for diving, hunting, fishing, etc.

In the Saloon and the Cabins

It's time to go down to the cabins, and the way there runs through the saloon. A sliding door and sliding windows connect the cockpit and saloon spaces. And one of the tables in the galley, which is located under the window, can be turned into a bar counter or can be used for distribution of hot meals from the saloon to the cockpit.

After looking around in the cabin, we decided that this boat could have a grand party somewhere in the marina, inviting passengers from neighboring yachts to visit, if, of course, they are not much larger than the Excess 12. See for yourself and figure out how many people will fit on the stern.

In the corner you see another control post - the skipper's table, which is equipped with a chartplotter and indicators that show the status of the equipment and other parameters that the skipper has to constantly monitor. There is a comfortable seat in front of the table. On the same side there is a full-fledged galley.

Here in the photo above you can clearly see that one of the surfaces of the L-shaped galley can serve as a bar or serving dishes, where you do not have to stand in line.

Large windows around the entire perimeter let in maximum natural light, and opening portholes and a large cockpit door provide maximum fresh air. Even passengers in the cabin have access to a 360-degree view and healing sea air.

You can see the entrance to the cabins in the previous photos. The manufacturer offers a choice of several versions of the configuration of the cabins. The layouts below show the location of the cabins in the catamaran hulls in different versions of their equipment.

In the case of 3 cabins, the master cabin occupies the entire float. This space is divided into several zones - a conditional bedroom, a conditional office or living room and a bathroom. In the sleeping area there is a large island double bed, a shelf and a bedside table, in the living room there is a table that can be used for work, a wardrobe, a pouffe for sitting.

The dressing room is quite large for a catamaran, not even up to 12 meters. In addition to a separate shower, washbasin and toilet, there are storage lockers. All this is illuminated and ventilated through skylights and side windows.

The 4-cabin version is two double cabins in each hull with two bathrooms - one for each hull, or the same cabins, but each with a separate toilet.

It should be noted that we tested a catamaran with 3 cabins, and it seemed to us that even the shared bathroom for two cabins was cramped. But for charter flights, where complete strangers can meet, perhaps even tighter, but separate places of hygiene are justified.

Advantages of Excess 12

As usual, let's start with a disadvantage. For our experts, this was the lack of storage space. Even in the galley, where there are usually a lot of lockers, they turned out to be deplorably few. Although if there is a desire, the required number of lockers can be added. The main thing is not to get carried away so that the added storage spaces and their contents do not cancel out all the work of engineers to reduce the weight of the vessel.

The advantages of the Excess 12 sailing catamaran topRik team include:

• Safety. The catamaran is stable when maneuvering and big waves. During the manufacturing process, the latest technologies are used. Optimally safe and reliable equipment has been selected that provides full control of the boat.
• Quality. When making the deck and hulls of the boat, innovative materials were used. The interiors use natural fabrics, wood veneer, etc.
• Multivariance. Thanks to the design, safety, quality equipment and sufficient comfort for life at sea, the yacht can be used for family cruises and charter flights, as well as for sailing alone or together with a special other.
• By reducing the weight of the vessel, the seakeeping characteristics of the Excess 12 have been improved, in particular, tacking under sails in strong winds.
• Affordable price of Excess 12 considering the high quality and safety.

Reviews of Excess 12 from Professionals

Here are the ratings given to the catamaran Excess 12 by well-known journalists and yachtsmen Kevin Green and Mark Pillsbury. Mark participated in testing the boat for the title of Best Midsize Cruising Catamaran for 2020. And the very first review belongs to the yachtsman and freelancing writer for yachting magazines, Zuzana Prochazka.

The author of the review goes into detail about the idea of a new range of cats from Beneteau, which is aimed at those who want to feel at one with the boat and are constantly looking for something new in both monohull and multihull yachts. Zuzana believes that Excess 12 has exactly that to offer.

She liked the engine control knobs mounted on both sides of the helms, located at the level of the helmsman's hips so that she could reach them without looking, which is very important when mooring, since you need to control all parts of the vessel, although it is not so wide.

Zuzana doubted the ability to control the opposite bow of the catamaran through the cockpit and saloon windows, until she personally checked and made sure that the visibility was really excellent.

Zuzana tested a convertible catamaran with a manually opened cockpit canopy. On the one hand, as the author of the review noted, this opens up a view of the sails, but on the other hand, problems arise when you need to go to the mainsail bag.

The author noted that she was impressed with the testing at sea, despite the fact that there was a light breeze of only 7-10 knots. At the same time, the team managed to accelerate the cat to 5 knots in a 50-degree apparent wind, and increase it to 5.4 knots with a 75-degree AWA speed.

The reviewer immediately supported the idea of an open and fast catamaran, which does not look like a monster. As an experienced yachtsman, he noted the optional high sail layout, which is able to create some thrills and speed up the movement of huge hulls in lighter airs.

Kevin also noted the lack of a soft top cockpit roof - not enough room to reach the end of the boom, although the boat he was testing had a fiberglass roof.

He liked the reaction of the paddle rudders to the helms, as well as the organization of the control of the sails. Kevin concluded that this is a functional boat that does not require a large crew to operate.

The cat the team tested was equipped with a code 0 bowsprit, which, as the author noted with characteristic irony, is an excellent choice for those "who prefer the sound of rushing waves to the chugging of diesels in light winds."

As a result of testing, which Mark Pillsbury attended, Excess 12 received the title of Best Midsize Cruising Catamaran for 2020. This, as noted by the reviewer, was facilitated by “great weather”. It should be noted that the tests were going to be postponed due to the forecast, which predicted a storm, and subsequently the forecast came true. How assures Mark, "did we have one heck of a ride before gusts topped 40 knots".

He noted the enhanced sail plan of the Excess 12 compared to the Lagoon 40, which is provided by the Pulse version. It was this version that was installed on the tested boat.

The jury noted that it was easy to manage the catamaran even in severe pre-storm conditions. After setting the sails, excellent tacking was achieved with just a turn of the helm.

The boat raced at over 8 knots with winds ranging from 25 to 30 knots, while steering was very responsive.

Summing up the review, the author recalled a popular phrase from his college days "Anything worth doing is worth doing to excess". That's exactly what he did when he rode the Excess 12 on a very windy day, says Mark Pillsbury.

Video Reviews of Excess 12

If a picture is worth one thousand words, then a video is absolutely invaluable.

Let’s start with a big, in-depth, 30-minute review by BoatLife – almost all of your questions will be answered after watching this:

Interior overview with not commentary with pleasant music:

Another detailed review, this time by Sailing Ruby Rose:

NautiStyles surprised us with a thorough walkthrough of Excess 12 – lots of helpful information:

And if you still have doubts, here’s some drone footage of the yacht at the sea:

Thorough testing of the boat by various groups, as we were able to verify, shows that the Excess 12 catamaran has excellent seakeeping characteristics both under engines and under sails. The cat is maneuverable and easy to handle: having two helms, it can easily be steered by one experienced skipper.

Excessive luxury is not provided for on board, but comfort for a long stay on board is provided at an excellent level.

There are various options for completing cabins - for a couple, a family or a large company.

The Excess 12 is highly stable, reliable, allows up to 10 people to cruise safely, although the number of passengers, crew and guests can reach up to 20 people in the parking lot or in protected waters.

Based on this, we can conclude that the Excess 12 catamaran is perfect for:

• yachtsmen who do not like unnecessary restrictions in comfort, but want to feel the power of sails and wind in their hair;
• sailors who prefer solitude in the open sea;
• caring parents who want to spend a lot of time with their children in natural conditions, but in safety and without asceticism;
• couples who want to stay together in the middle of the ocean;
• those who have many friends and do not want to part with them even on a cruise;
• those who wish to buy their own fast and comfortable first catamaran at a bargain price.

Of course, Excess 12 is ideal for commercial use. It is quite comfortable and spacious for passengers of a charter.

And one more purpose of this small but cozy catamaran is a prestigious purchase for organizing corporate sea trips.

Price calculator

Where to buy excess 12 at a bargain price.

If, after reading the material, you have a question where to buy Excess 12 at a bargain price, we have good news for you: you have already solved this problem for yourself by visiting our marketplace. We will do the rest ourselves:

• find out in detail in which configuration you want to see your Excess 12;
• we will negotiate with the manufacturer or dealers to select Excess 12 at a favorable price;
• we will control the fulfillment of your requirements for the configuration of the cat;
• we will issue all necessary documents, including customs;
• we will deliver the yacht to the destination you specify;
• we will provide all accessories and equipment that are not included in the standard and optional equipment: fenders , dishes, bed and table linen, rugs, towels, watermaker , tools, etc.

All consultations will be given free of charge by our employees by phone, through e-mail or through feedback on the website. Our specialists are practicing yachtsmen who are well aware of the features of single-hull and multi-hull sailing and motor yachts. They will not allow you to impose unnecessary equipment on you, but they will accurately indicate what you cannot do without at the sea.

Beginning yachtsmen are invited to take IYT Yacht Training Course "International Bareboat Skipper" in our school SimpleSail, which is an official partner of IYT Worldwide. Bareboat Skipper qualification received at our school allows you to automatically receive International Certificate of Competency (ICC).

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Excess 12: Best Midsize Cruising Catamaran

• By Herb McCormick
• Updated: December 9, 2019

Excess. Or does it? That was the primary question to be answered when determining the top boat among this trio of nominees in the Midsize Cruising Catamaran division. The Excess 12 was the first highly anticipated model to debut in the United States from a new brand recently created by the French boatbuilding giant Groupe Beneteau. It was up against stiff competition from a pair of long-established, well-entrenched French cat builders: Fountaine Pajot, with its new Elba 45, and Lagoon Catamarans—also part of the Groupe Beneteau colossus—with a fresh 46-footer. Who would emerge victorious in this rousing cat fight?

Judge Ed Sherman was impressed with the Elba 45 right from the get-go. “During our motoring test, it was immediately evident that this was one of the quietest boats in the fleet,” he said. “At 70 decibels in cruising mode, that was extremely low. And even when we kicked it up to high speed, at 2,800 rpm, it was still recording just 72 dB in the main cabin area while doing 9.2 knots, which is excellent. And the entire boat—the ­deckhouse, the interior layout—the way it was ­s­­tructurally engineered, was solid. It indicated to me that this was a strong boat that’s going to last for a while.”

As it turned out, the judges weren’t finished grading or ­discussing the Elba 45.

The panelists then turned their attention to the two Groupe Beneteau contenders, which perhaps significantly, were sea-trialed in some of the most extreme conditions in the long history of Boat of the Year .

The Lagoon 46 is laid out with the steering station and sail controls situated well aloft in a raised, flybridge-type configuration, which for judge Ralph Naranjo, took a little getting used to. “If you’re down below and the boat’s on ­autopilot, and something ­happens where you need to blow the traveler because a thunderstorm’s coming, you’re going to have to hurry,” he said. But Naranjo’s opinion of the boat also changed for the better during the stiff sail tests, which the 46 handled with aplomb. “I came away liking the boat more after sailing and motoring it than I did during the dockside inspections,” Naranjo said. “Under power, she was lovely to maneuver. Even in the big breeze, you could hold station using ­forward and reverse.”

Of course, both the Lagoon and the Fountaine Pajot will be used both by private owners and in charter fleets, and needs to satisfy the requirements of each. Whereas the judges considered the 38-foot-6-inch Excess 12 a purer sailboat, one that could be operated by a couple and serve as a fine, fast cruiser, which is why they ultimately named it the Best Midsize Cruising Catamaran .

“I like having the sail controls and the main living space on the vessel all on the same level,” Naranjo said. “You have that nice continuity between the main saloon and the cockpit, so the off watch is only a few steps away from the helm and all the action. And I liked the overall workmanship. It really performed in the heavy air. I think she’s a great boat.”

“We gave the Excess 12 a ­structural ­workout, and it did very well. It felt very solid.”

“One of the strongest features is the removable Bimini over the cockpit,” judge Dan Spurr said. “When it’s retracted, you have really good visibility of the sails. When you don’t need that visibility, when it’s raining or you’re motoring, you can pull it back and have some shade and sun protection. The kind of convertible option is nice. On a lot of cats with a fixed hardtop, you can’t see anything and have to go to one side or the other to check sail trim.”

“I really liked her as well,” judge Ed Sherman said. “At one point sailing, we saw 43 knots of apparent wind. And it just remained relatively quiet and in control. So we certainly gave it quite a structural workout, and it just did very well. It felt quite solid. I like the helms aft. I think they’re really onto something here. I was very impressed.”

So, to once again pose the question from the top of this write-up, does nothing succeed like this Excess? Aw, c’mon. You know the answer.

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• Overall Boat of the Year
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• Best Full-size Cruiser
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• Best Midsize Cruising Catamaran
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EXCESS 12 SOPHISTICATED DESIGN

With unique, graceful and seductive lines, let yourself be carried away by her design. The visibility from the helm station, the fine touch of the wheel, the opening bimini roof... everything has been done to allow you to fully live the experience of the Excess 12.

Excess 12 WELCOME ON BOARD!

The Excess 12 adopts a marked chine and a pronounced deck sheer, creating unique lines. Her twin helm stations, located aft, offer a maximum of sensations and create a more seamanlike concept that brings us closer to the sea. The light and precise helm and the opening bimini are reminiscent of the pleasures of helming a monohull. The cockpit of this boat is bathed in light thanks to its opening roof. On the outside there is the usual trampoline between the hulls, great for sunbathing, as well as the large exterior table. The hulls have a large volume with the option of a three double cabin or four double cabin version. With her completely new lines for the coachroof, a short nacelle and the taller Pulse Line rig, the Excess 12 brings a breath of fresh air to the world of cruising catamarans.

OPENING TO THE STARS

The Excess 12 gives you the unique opportunity to transform your cockpit to suit your desires.

TWIN AFT HELM STATION

From one helm station to the other, the Excess 12 offers an ideal view of the sails, the sea and the bows.

A MODERN ATMOSPHERE

The Excess 12 has been designed to offer you a lively atmosphere on board your boat.

BREATHTAKING DESIGN

The Excess 12 has an assertive and qualitative personality that breaks with the codes of traditional sailboats.

INSPIRED BY RACING, BUILT FOR CRUISING

Thanks to her sporty rig offering a super advantageous aspect ratio and the optional Pulse line rig, the promise of thrills is guaranteed.

DESIGNED FOR SENSATION CRAFTED FOR EMOTION

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WELCOME ABOARD THE EXCESS 12 IN 360° MODE

THE ESSENTIALS IN FIGURES

Discover the specifications of the Excess 12 catamaran with sporty rig and sophisticated design.

Square-top mainsail

50 m² / 538 sq.ft

Self-tacking jib

32 m² / 344 sq.ft

Code 0 (option)

67 m² / 721 sq.ft

Upwind sail area

82 sq.m. / 882 sq.ft.

Upwind sail area PULSE LINE

88,5 m² / 952 sq. ft.

Overall length

11,8 m / 38'7''

11.74 m / 38’

6.73 m / 22’1’’

18.27 m / 59’11’’

1.35 m / 4’5’’

Light displacement (CE)

10,1 T / 22,712 lbs

CE Certifications

A: 10 - B: 12 - C: 16 - D: 20

Fresh water capacity

300 L / 79 US gal

Holding tank capacity

160 L to 320 L / 42 to 85 US gal

Fuel capacity

2 x 200 L / 2 x 53 US gal

2 x 29 HP to 2 x 45 HP

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Salon and cockpits

3 cabin version, 4 cabin 2 head version, 4 cabin 4 head version, roof standard, roof option.

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Excess 12 Details

The Excess 12 was the first catamaran in the Excess line, introduced in 2019. The models now include the 38-foot Excess 12, the 48-foot Excess 15, and the all-new Excess 11. Two other models will eventually join the lineup. 

All Excess models share the design vision of Groupe Beneteau, which is to provide sailors with the nimble and thrilling excitement of sailing like a modern monohull but with the space and accommodations of a cruising catamaran. The Excess Team has succeeded with the Excess line.

With a length of 38 feet, beam of 22’5”, and a draft of 4’3” this mid-sized catamaran is ideal for a couple or family. The standard mast clearance is under 60 feet, so sailors on the East Coast can clear all bridges along the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). 

The Excess 12, as all other models, have two helm stations aft, in each corner of the stern. These positions provide an unobstructed view forward to the bow and beyond, so the person at the helm can sail the boat much like a traditional monohull, with nothing blocking his or her view forward, and with the water’s only inches away. (Much different than traditional catamarans where the helm is positioned on a bulkhead in the cockpit or on the flybridge, far off the water.)

All sheets and halyards lead back to the starboard helm, the primary steering station, and there are large Harken winches to assist in sail management. Thoughtfully, the builder included dedicated bags for the sheets and halyards to keep clutter in the cockpit to a minimum.

One might think the exposed location of these helm stations would be a concern in terms of weather protection, especially compared to bridgedeck helms. While that may be true to some degree, one can fit the small bimini over each helm, and mostly enclose the station with removable Isinglass. 

But the reality is—even on cats with bridgedeck helms—when making a passage or when the rain is coming down in buckets, the crew will most always engage the boat’s autopilot to keep the boat on course, and stand watch in the protected cockpit or saloon.

To improve the feel for the helmsman, the steering uses Dyneema lines to connect the wheels with the rudders. This offers a more direct feeling, and one can feel weather helm coming on and work to balance the boat and sails. Finding the groove is difficult with other steering systems.

The lack of tinting in the saloon windows allows unrestricted view of the entire boat from either helm, which is much safer than wondering how close the other bow is to other boats when heading down a crowded fairway. With the sliding convertible bimini open over the cockpit, the person at either helm can easily see the mainsail and its telltales. This is a sailor’s catamaran for sure.

There are three layouts available: a three-cabin boat with two heads, a four-cabin layout with two heads, and a four-cabin version with four heads, that last being the obvious choice for charter operation. The configurations with two heads are dry heads, meaning each has its own separate shower.

The Excess 12 carried 79 gallons of fresh water, and either 42 or 85 gallons for black water, depending on whether there are two or four heads. Fuel capacity is 106 gallons total, with two rotomolded 53-gallon fuel tanks, for the two Yanmar 3YM30 29hp diesel saildrives.

The Excess follows a contemporary interior theme of Honey Teak plywood and sand-colored wood flooring to keep the interior bright and inviting. The saloon may seem compact, until one slides open the door into the cockpit area, turning the entire space into one open and spacious living area. There is a reason so many cruisers have fallen in love with the living space on a modern catamaran, at anchor and under way.

The saloon includes a nav station, an L-shaped settee, and a galley with a three-burner gas stove and oven, stainless-steel refrigerator and large galley sink. The sliding door disappears when open and one can easily envision how nice this boat will be to live on when moored or at anchor while cruising. A large table in the cockpit is perfect for dining, games, and staying in touch with the world from a tablet or laptop. With the overhead bimini closed, there is lovely protection from the sun and rain. 

The deck plan and rigging on the Excess 12 reflects a performance orientation. The builder has tried hard to keep weight out of the boat, and the deck gear and rigging are clearly designed to make sailing fast, safe, and under control. Low-stretch Dyneema line is used for the halyards, and pre-stretched polyester lines are used for jib sheets and reef lines.

This Excess 12 and her sister ships reflect contemporary thinking at Groupe Beneteau, and future models will take this direction further, based on assessing owner experiences with the current models. Bringing back the joy of sailing, in a modern comfortable catamaran that is well suited for cruising and living aboard, is the essence of the Excess line.

The Excess 12 combines the important elements of performance sailing with accommodations that are all about comfortable cruising and living aboard. Let’s go have some fun.

Excess. Be immoderate.

Northwest 52 Details

Length Overall:	38' 7
Beam:	22' 1
Max Draft:	4' 5
Displacement:	22,712 lbs.
Horsepower (each):	2 x 29HP or 2x 45HP
Fuel Tank Capacity:	2 x 52 gal.
Water Tank Capacity:	79 gal.
Black Water Tank Capacity:	42 to 85 gal. (holding tank)

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DIY Cruising Catamaran: Complete Building Guide

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A brand-new cruising catamaran can set you back a hefty amount of money. However, a DIY cruising catamaran provides a more affordable way to own your own boat. While building a large boat can be an extremely challenging and time-consuming experience, nothing beats the pleasure of bringing your own boat to life. 

To build a DIY cruising catamaran, buy good design plans, determine your budget and find a working space. Next, choose your hull material, buy supplies and start building the mast beam. Build and sheathe the hull, install bulkheads, the interior, and finally, launch the catamaran boat.

In this article, you will find a complete guide to building your own catamaran. You will also find detailed information on why you may want to consider building your catamaran and approximately how much this project would cost. Finally, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of building a catamaran from scratch.

Why You Might Want To Build Your Own Catamaran

Most people might think that purchasing a used boat to repair and fix it up would be cheaper than a DIY cruising catamaran. But while building your own catamaran could be an enormous undertaking, it also comes with many advantages over buying something used. 

Other than the unique opportunity to create beautiful memories and experiences while cruising, sailing, and exploring beautiful coastlines, there are a number of benefits that come along with the DIY approach.  

Knowing Your Boat

Building your own catamaran provides you with intimate knowledge of your boat. You will know every corner, including where to find every bolt, wire, bulkhead, rib, hose, and support as you installed them yourself. This knowledge will enhance your confidence while at sea since you will have entrusted your life to a boat whose history you are aware of and deeply connected to.

Pride of Ownership

The satisfaction you get from crafting something with your own hands is immense. As a result, the knowledge that you built your boat from scratch will fill you with absolute pride and an immense sense of achievement. Furthermore, as an owner-builder, you get to keep and enjoy the boat for as many years as you wish.

Substantial Cost Savings

Building your catamaran will work out cheaper than buying a new or even gently used boat. Though you will likely require some additional labor since doing some things will require an extra pair of hands, if you are particularly good at DIY, you will save a significant amount of money on labor costs as a whole. 

Freedom To Create Your Own Designs

If you decide to buy a catamaran boat, it might not be easy to find one that meets your unique needs. However, instead of choosing from production boats that bear traditional and outdated designs, you can come up with an ultra-modern design or style for your catamaran. You also get to pick your layout, size, and equipment based on your taste and budget.

Great Learning Experience

Building your own boat will help you pick up numerous skills that will come in handy later when sailing your boat. As much as you might still require an expert to help you with specialized skills like carpentry or wiring, your new skills will serve you well. This will also be beneficial when it comes to your boat’s maintenance and fixing things for yourself. 

What To Look For in Catamaran Boat Designs

When deciding on the type of catamaran boat to build, you may want to choose a design that’s simple and easy to build. This is because doing so will allow you to spend a shorter time building the boat. 

You also need to have a set of requirements to guide you in choosing your design or what you might call an ideal cruising catamaran wish list. This is essential because, ultimately, you want to build a boat that offers outstanding qualities such as:

• Delivers good speed
• Affordable to own and operate
• Agile, strong, and easy to maintain
• Has a high resistance to capsizing
• Great for sailing and cruising
• Delivers a comfortable and easy motion underway
• Good handling ability and high performance under sail
• User-friendly embarking and disembarking
• Provides ample living and accommodation space 
• Presents a reasonable resale value

It’s worth noting that, in general, catamaran boats tend to offer a fair resale value mainly because of scarcity and the high price accorded to production models. So, if you build a well-constructed catamaran, you are bound to get a return that’s much higher than the cost of materials upon resale.

It’s also good to consider whether the design you settle on is from an established designer. This is significant because documentation of the building process is just as valuable when it comes to selling the boat.

How Much Would It Cost To Build Your Own Catamaran?

The cost of building your cruising catamaran will depend heavily on the size of the boat you plan to build and the skills you bring to the table. To give you an idea of probable costs, a professionally built 40 foot (12.1 m) long cruising catamaran could go for up to $300,000. 

Though building it yourself will undoubtedly be cheaper, most DIY boatbuilders tend to underestimate the expected costs. Your final costs should cover not only the cost of material and equipment but also the labor and time it would take to come up with the final product. 

If you were to build a 40-foot (12.1-meter) catamaran, your cost of materials would range between 20-30% of the total cost. Therefore, for $300,000 total, the boat’s materials would range between $60,000 and $90,000. The hull tends to range between 15-35% of the total build. Again, this depends on the finish and furniture.

But before you even start working on the DIY project, you will need to figure out where to do the work. If your home has ample space, then you can opt for a backyard building. But if you live in a small apartment, then you might want to consider renting a small garage at first and then move on to a boatyard later. This is one of the significant costs involved in building your multi-haul.  

What You Will Need

To get a clearer picture of how much the entire project would cost, let’s have a look at what else you will need to purchase.

• Good design plans
• Working space
• Ground tackle
• Matting and roving
• Equipment such as the engine, windows, rudders, deck fittings, mast, and rigging

In addition to the above, you also need to install plumbing and electricals. You may also want to consider going electric rather than using diesel. Not only will this drastically reduce your maintenance costs, but you get to use the regenerated power for all of your housing needs while sailing. 

Some catamaran boat designs help you save costs by advocating the use of less expensive corpus materials. Most of the material goes directly into making the boat, which means there is hardly any wastage on vacuum bagging . With this method, there are few molds and temporal building forms and fewer fillers to grind off as waste. All these factors reduce the time and cost it takes to build your catamaran boat.

That said, building a boat of any kind is a huge financial undertaking. As such, you still need to have the financial ability to keep building; otherwise, your project will stall or take much longer than anticipated. Instead of enjoying yourself and making memories cruising to faraway lands, you might end up spending all your time building a seemingly never-ending boat.

To reiterate, this project is more of a labor of love, given that it involves a tremendous amount of manual work. Calculating an hourly rate on the time spent building the boat and adding this cost to that of materials may make it seem a very pricey exercise. However, it is vital to understand that your time matters, and every hour you spend working for “free” should be included. 

With that in mind, you need to ensure that you are fully devoted to the boat construction project and are sure you want to do it before you begin. Stopping halfway because it seems like too much work would be incredibly costly.

How To Build a Catamaran

When it comes to building a cruising catamaran, you have 3 main options:

• You can buy an old boat and refurbish it.
• Purchase a bare hull plus deck molding for a home-boat building.
• Start from scratch and build everything, including the hull, on your own. 

As mentioned above, renovating an existing boat may end up being more costly than starting from scratch. To build a catamaran boat from scratch, follow the below step-by-step guide.

Prepare the Essentials

Before you jump into such a large project, there are several important aspects to consider:

• Buy your plans from an established catamaran designer. You can also get inexpensive, easy-to-build catamaran designs online.
• Get access to a large working space or build a shed . Depending on your climate, you may need to opt for climate control to avoid an excess of moisture in humid areas. 
• Decide on your choice of hull material. This could be fiberglass, aluminum, steel, wood, or ferroconcrete. 
• Start working on a bill of materials estimate. Include everything that you think you need to get a better idea of the initial costs.

Build the Mast Beam

Using wood and epoxy, cut and glue together the pieces of wood that will form the mast beam. Most of the work at this stage can occur in a garage since it involves building small parts. Still, the work could take up to 4 months, so be prepared to put in long hours.

Build the Boat Hull

Now, it’s time to build the boat’s hull. A catamaran comprises two hulls which are connected with a deck. Below is a short video showing how to build a hull mold:

This work requires a larger facility, so you might need to move out of the garage and into a boatyard. If you don’t have access to a larger workshop, consider building a shed where you can work as you do the construction. Make sure there’s enough room to fit the boat and also allow you to work comfortably. To cover the shed, you can use opaque white tarps. 

Sheathe the Hull

Get all the materials you require for this stage in the construction, such as lots of resin, fiberglass, and foam for use in the hull cores. You’ll also require matting and glass roving to sheath the hull . 

Sheathing helps to make the hull impervious to water and other marine borers. But first, you need to prepare the hull using a rotary sander. To make it as smooth as possible, use light, sweeping strokes. This is a very dusty task so be prepared to wear a facemask and safety goggles. 

Install the Bulkheads

Next is installing the plywood bulkheads . You might need to call in friends to help turn the hulls or use a crane. In this step, you will need to laminate the hull sides on the molded hull panels and bond them above the bulkheads. Ensure the bulkheads are snug and sealed in place.

Construct the Interior Structure

Over the next couple of months, the boat work will involve joining the hulls together with the beams that you had made back in the garage. Then, install the cuddy cabin, decks , and the cockpit . Soon the boat will start to take the shape of a catamaran.

Next, proceed to construct the major structural components such as stairs, hatches, mini-keels, and the interior. Then comes the work of fairing the boat, which is quite labor-intensive. 

Finally, it’s time to apply primer on the catamaran boat and start the paintwork. Before painting the boat, you will need to do additional sanding to finish off the two layers of primer as well as fill all the pinholes. Since it’s a large boat, the catamaran has lots of surface area; thus, the sanding could get extremely exhausting—mentally and physically—at this point.

The painting can take a while, too. The hulls are the easiest to paint, but the topsides, non-skid, as well as masking and prepping could seem never-ending. 

The final stretch involves working on the center bridge deck cabin and other final touches like installing the engines, electricals, and plumbing. This is also the time to fix the rudders, rigging, mast, windows, and deck fittings.

Launch Your Cruising Catamaran

After many months or years of hard work, your cruising catamaran is finally ready to test the waters. After lowering the boat into the water, check carefully in case there are leaks. If none, you can set up the sails and take your catamaran out for your first cruise. 

Below is a short video that takes you through the entire boat-building process:

If you don’t have deep pockets, don’t despair. It’s also possible to build an inexpensive catamaran boat, as shown in this post from the coastal passage .

The Pros of Building a Catamaran

Though it will be a costly endeavor, there are so many things to look forward to should you decide to build your own catamaran:

• It can be lots of fun.
• You get to have a new boat.
• It’s an excellent hobby for DIY enthusiasts.
• The effort is rewarding.
• It offers a great learning experience.
• You get the exact kind of boat you want.
• You can alter building plans and tailor the boat to suit your specific needs.
• It might be cheaper than buying a new boat.

The Cons of Building a Catamaran

Though there are a number of positive aspects to a DIY build, it is just as important to keep in mind that it won’t always be easy:

• Maintenance costs can be quite high.
• It’s both mentally and physically exhausting.
• It might require some technical know-how.
• It can take many months or even years to complete.
• It requires a lot of commitment to finish the DIY project.
• It might be challenging as well as expensive to get insurance.  
• You will spend almost all your free time building the boat. 

DIY Cruising Catamaran Tips and Tricks

If you are new to boat building, it would be a good idea to build a small boat first. This would give you a good indication as to whether you’d enjoy tackling a more extensive project like building a catamaran. Again, if you are the handy type, fixing your own electronics could also save you a significant amount of money. 

Here are more tips and tricks to get the most out of your DIY cruising catamaran:

• Lower your costs. Bring down your costs even further by sourcing for parts and supplies at marine surplus outlets, Craigslist, eBay, or wholesale suppliers. 
• Enhance your resale value. Most home-built boats are not easy to sell since they tend to be too customized. To enhance your resale value, it’s advisable to work with a standard design from a well-established naval architect.
• Follow the design instructions. Make sure to follow the designer’s instructions regarding the type of materials and tools to use during the build to avoid making costly mistakes.
• Maintain your original budget. Avoid any additional customizations once you have started building the boat. Using good plans and sticking to them ensures that your budget doesn’t spiral out of control.

Final Thoughts

Building a catamaran is about more than saving money. It’s fun, exciting, fulfilling, and can be a great learning experience. While it might take many months of back-breaking work, comparative shopping and sourcing for materials will help you save a lot of money. Still, at the end of it all, you’ll have a beautiful catamaran boat, all ready for your first cruising adventure.

However, if you have neither the time nor the energy to build your own catamaran from scratch, refurbishing an existing hull might prove faster and easier. It also works out much cheaper than buying a new boat.

Owner of CatamaranFreedom.com. A minimalist that has lived in a caravan in Sweden, 35ft Monohull in the Bahamas, and right now in his self-built Van. He just started the next adventure, to circumnavigate the world on a Catamaran!

One thought on “ DIY Cruising Catamaran: Complete Building Guide ”

Hello, I am a French Quebecer who is original, imaginative, creative and who finds that all boats and catamarans have a huge flaw and a very big lack of logic. I would have a brand new concept…. I am sending this message to any catamaran creator – designer to make those who have the opportunity and the intelligence to want to know about my innovative idea which will finally upset the market much richer. An idea that will totally change the concept of sailing, navigation and save so much worry!! All I would ask for is a small percentage of each sale of the new product. To be able to make me produce one when I have enough!! It is certain that like that, you just want to tell me: come on Mr. Lessard give us your idea but do not take your word to help me in return! But, if you are the kind of man to have only one word and maybe have a proof of your good faith if the realization of the project would make it… I will be very happy!! Giving it to everyone wouldn’t bother me either…. all I would like is to be able to find flax fiber (too expensive carbon) to be able to try to make my catamaran myself. Because not rich! Have a nice day and looking forward to having a message!!

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Easy Sarah Catamaran

Discussion in ' Wooden Boat Building and Restoration ' started by MCP , Aug 19, 2018 .

MCP Junior Member

Hi, This is my first post on this forum. I'm considering building a Sarah 12m (40ft) catamaran by Peter Snell. I was initially going to build a 40ft aluminum monohull but my current lifestyle will not allow that. Anyways. I have a couple questions regarding the Sarah and hope you guys will be able to answer me. Firstly, on some forum somewhere there is an active group or discussion on DIY Peter Snell catamaran builders. Something like diy-yachts.com... I can't remember. Maybe someone can point me in the right direction. < found > I'm quite comfortable with monohull parameters and their capabilities but I've just recently changed my mind to multihull. So I'm a bit in the dark when it comes to multihull design. I will use the boat mostly for coastal cruising but will have to do the occasional blue water crossing, Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans. How well is the Sarah designed? What I'm trying to ask is, how safe, in terms of structure is the Sarah? Will she withstand rough seas (should I encounter rough seas) on a blue water crossing? I know there are many parameters determining the safety and integrity of a boat (including the person operating the boat), but I need to know if the boat itself will be able to "handle" it. There is not much on their site and also no study plans available so I can't get any idea of the structural design between the hulls and the bridge.  

JamesG123 Senior Member

Out of curiosity, what about your lifestyle will allow a 40' cat but not a 40' monohull boat?  

I do not want to deviate from the topic. My wife recently passed away and we have a little 4 year old. So I need to keep him at home and need to look after him all the time. I can't work away from home with him. So I need to build on site (at my house) and I do not have the space to build a 40ft mono as it requires all the space at once. With the 40ft multihull I can build in stages and by the time the hulls are completed I can move site and put the whole thing together. By that time the little one should be old enough to take with off site (away from home) without me having to attend to him all the time. I do have space length wise but not for the beam. The 40ft mono has a 4meter (13ft) beam whereas the hulls for the multi is less than half that. That is it in short. It is a bit complicated... By the way, I found the site I was looking for: diy-yachts.com  

Sorry for your loss. That makes sense. Best of luck.  

rwatson Senior Member

Your situation with a young child really does call for careful logistical planning Just out of curiosity, I wonder if you would benefit from considering an alternate multihull ? The building methods are far simpler and less onerous than a two hulled plywood boat. CRUISER 60 – PERU – Harryproa http://harryproa.com/?p=488 "They are very safe and easy to sail. The crew sits in the sheltered cockpit on the windward hull, able to see most of the horizon, including the danger zone which is usually blanketed by deck sweeping genoas. They never have to venture outside the beams onto pitching, wet foredecks. The full ends, no rocker, centralised weight and location of the crew makes for a much more comfortable ride. The skipper, crew and passengers are all able to sit together, with very little effort and no movement required for gybes or tacks. Sails on an unstayed rig can be hoisted lowered and reefed on any point of sail in any wind strength. This is safer, and much easier than having to luff head to wind. Shunting is not only easy, it is low stress and can be reversed at any stage. There is no chance of getting in irons, no flogging sheets or traveller cars to catch unwary fingers, no picking the right time or surfing uncontrollably down a wave. In a person (or hat) overboard situation, the boat can be stopped in seconds and sailed back to them, then stopped again to get them onboard."  

Richard Woods Woods Designs

Do you really need a multihull as large as 40ft? Especially if you are building/sailing it singlehanded and have a young child to look after in the boatyard and then on board. You will find a 32-35ft cat plenty big enough and probably less than half the build time. There are a number of "cuddy" catamarans around that make it easy to build in sections. My 34ft Romany would be ideal for you for example. Check out Rosie Swale to see what can be done with a small catamaran and two young children Good luck with whatever project you choose Richard Woods of Woods Designs www.sailingcatamarans.com  

rwatson said: ↑ Your situation with a young child really does call for careful logistical planning Just out of curiosity, I wonder if you would benefit from considering an alternate multihull ? The building methods are far simpler and less onerous than a two hulled plywood boat. CRUISER 60 – PERU – Harryproa http://harryproa.com/?p=488 "They are very safe and easy to sail. The crew sits in the sheltered cockpit on the windward hull, able to see most of the horizon, including the danger zone which is usually blanketed by deck sweeping genoas. They never have to venture outside the beams onto pitching, wet foredecks. The full ends, no rocker, centralised weight and location of the crew makes for a much more comfortable ride. The skipper, crew and passengers are all able to sit together, with very little effort and no movement required for gybes or tacks. Sails on an unstayed rig can be hoisted lowered and reefed on any point of sail in any wind strength. This is safer, and much easier than having to luff head to wind. Shunting is not only easy, it is low stress and can be reversed at any stage. There is no chance of getting in irons, no flogging sheets or traveller cars to catch unwary fingers, no picking the right time or surfing uncontrollably down a wave. In a person (or hat) overboard situation, the boat can be stopped in seconds and sailed back to them, then stopped again to get them onboard." View attachment 142584 View attachment 142585 Click to expand...

Hi Richard, I had a look at your designs as well. Very nice designs. The whole thing is like rwatson said: "logistical planning" I still need to earn an income. So lets say it will take me at least 5 years to build. By that time he will be 9. But I'm guessing more like 7 years, that will make him 11. A capable deckhand. But I have other plans too. So I need the 40ft and also have the space to build a 40ft multihull. But the question is back to the Sarah? Thanks  

MCP said: ↑ Hi, Thanks, they look like very nice boats but too many things that can break. I need a simple long range cruiser. Click to expand...

The Harryproa boats are clever, but I think the OP has settled on the Sarah design and is asking specifically about it.  

If I was wanting an unbiased yet intelligent opinion of the Sarah design I'd ask Catsketcher, I'm sure he'll post here soon RW  

sailhand Senior Member

Hi mcp don't let the name "easy" fool you, nothing could be further from the truth. I have known several of these builds and the experience has been , shall we say less than rewarding. The resale on these vessels in australia is far lower than the cost of materials. Have a look at yachthub for an a idea of resale value. Bear in mind that sale prices in australia are usually around 75% of asking price. Personally I think they have a reasonably good layout however I am not a fan of the hull shape, a bit too much rocker for my taste, each to their own. The latest schionning or oram design is a much better bet in my totally flawed and ill informed opinion. I will add that I am a friend and fan of oram design and have lived on one for 14 years. We normally beat everyone to the next anchorage and the build is the simplest I have ever seen by a huge margin. In a kit form I was involved in two hulls with bridgedeck and all the bulkheads in around three weeks. You walk on the keel panel so minimal fitout/weight/expense and the hull shape is quite good. Go with boards and kick up rudders I think it is really hard to beat that combination, many others would disagree, each to their own. If you check out 44c's posts on the cruisers forum you will see a great way to mount outboards. My boat is diesel shaft drives on a very shallow angle with boards and kick up rudders. My boat sits on the beach a lot and I have never had any problems. Where I sit mini keel boats have a lot of problems with damage to their keels and rudders. A large flat keel panel with little rocker makes for a great pad to sit on. I would do outboards if I did it again, simpler and cheaper. With your situation, given build space and schedule, assembling your own kit over a few years may be the best option. You save lots of money and the components can be easily stored. Boards/cases and rudders take some time and are also easy to store. Resin infusing foam panels is the way to go, much easier and really simple to do. The process is much cleaner and less toxic than hand laminating ply. End result is a foam boat with a much much higher resale value in australia at least. The infusion process requires minimal investment and the environment you are working in is much cleaner and dust and fume free almost. This is very important if small children are in the vicinity. As adults we accept protective clothing and understand the risks, kids not so much. Many epoxy projects of large magnitude result in the builders becoming allergic to the epoxy. By far and away most builders don't have any problems but if you do its all over. For a slightly higher initial cost, the two most important aspects of any build are the design and the materials. Bad design and cheap materials usually end up in misery and financial loss. The extra money invested initially will be returned twofold all else being equal. A foam boat in a good design is worth a lot of money when completed and the price difference on a boat that size would be under 10k difference in materials cost but the return would be huge. Good ply is not cheap and epoxy is a lot dearer in australia than vinylester , South Africa, I have no idea but it is worth some time to investigate. Foam also allows for a build without stringers frames etc. Your internal surfaces are smooth and easier to fair and paint and a far nicer finish than stringers and frames in my view. That's my two cents worth of absolute dribble make of it what you can, I am sure there will be many contrary views and goodluck deciphering it all. Maybe a good thread to start would be "if you were going to build a catamaran what would you build in what materials/configuration etc. Experienced catamaran sailors need only reply. You could ask the local blacksmith, or someone that has never been on a boat or built one but I'm not sure their advice would be very well informed. Good luck with whatever you do. Any boat is better than none Cheers  

Thanks for the replies so far. I did not get the answers I was looking for. But still appreciate your feedback. I'm still open for options. Schionning and Grainger will always be my first choice but not at that price. Not that it is too expensive, it is just a little bit out of my price bracket. I do have a short list of requirements from which I determine whether the boat is suitable or not. I still like Sarah very much. Might be hard chine which might seem little dated but I like all her parameters and looks too. Bridge deck clearance could have been a little more though. Something I've been playing with in my head is to do Sarah's hull in expoxy infused panels instead of ply... I still keep all the other structural parts, stringers and all. This will give me peace of mind for the long term. What do you think of that? I'm also looking at Mike Waller's 1100, 1160 and 1200 (More specifically the 1160 and 1200). What I do not like about his designs is firstly the high turret (or maybe it should be a bit more aft), it looks a bit out of proportion, and secondly the draft. Also think they are a bit heavy for the built weight without much additional loading capacity in terms of weight (that is if I read the values correct). But overall it is not a bad boat for what I want.  

MCP said: ↑ Something I've been playing with in my head is to do Sarah's hull in expoxy infused panels instead of ply... I still keep all the other structural parts, stringers and all. This will give me peace of mind for the long term. What do you think of that? Click to expand...

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Will cost go way or marginally up? Do you have figures? I still need to investigate. Time is not a real concern. But once again, will time go way or marginally up? Do you have figures?  

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Daniel Thomas in London

Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.

Geordie Greig, editor of the Independent and former editor of the Daily Mail, has accused his ex-newspaper of downplaying scandals and the impact of some policies in its coverage of successive Conservative governments.

In a revival of a long-running feud with Paul Dacre, editor-in-chief of Daily Mail and General Trust, which publishes the Daily Mail, Greig used a prestigious lecture on Thursday to suggest it gave Tory prime ministers Boris Johnson and Liz Truss an easy ride after he left in 2021.

“The moment my tenure ended, Johnson could be forgiven for thinking he’d gone to heaven. The paper downplayed the scandals that eventually forced him to resign,” Greig told an audience in London.

In a letter to the Financial Times in 2019, Dacre accused Greig of being “economic with the actualité” in an interview that year in which Greig said the Daily Mail had registered a surge in advertising after he took the helm.

The spat revealed the political divisions in Fleet Street between Dacre, a supporter of Brexit, and Greig, who backed Remain in the 2016 referendum.

Dacre edited the Daily Mail for more than two decades before being succeeded by Greig in 2018. Greig was in post between 2018 and 2021.

Giving the Hugh Cudlipp lecture hosted by the London Press Club, Greig asked whether “parts of the Tory press in Britain exacerbate the problems of the Tory party by losing perspective and being too partisan?”

Citing the Daily Mail’s front page the day after Truss’ “mini Budget”, which read “At Last! A True Tory Budget”, Greig said: “Homeowners, people who had worked and saved hard for their retirement — the very people Conservative newspapers claim to stand for — thrown to the wolves.”

The £45bn in unfunded tax cuts set out by Truss’s government in its fiscal event on September 23 2022 spooked financial markets, triggering a slide in sterling and a sharp rise in mortgage rates.

“Not enemies of the people exactly — but perhaps enemies of accurate, prescient journalism?” added Greig, alluding to a Daily Mail front page in 2016 that pictured three High Court judges, who had ruled that Theresa May’s government needed parliament’s approval before it could trigger EU divorce proceedings, above the headline: “Enemies of the People.”

DMGT declined to comment.

Greig said newspapers that traditionally supported the Conservative party, including the Daily Telegraph, had urged people to get behind Truss. “The Conservative party did unite behind her — and now appears to be facing oblivion,” he added.

He defended the “long tradition in British newspapers of taking a political stance, supporting one party or another” but added that it was “never reasonable to bury sleaze and incompetence”.

Despite his criticism of the Mail’s coverage, Greig praised Jonathan Harmsworth, Viscount Rothermere, whose family owns the Daily Mail.

“Right from the start of my seven years as editor of the MOS [Mail on Sunday] and three years at the Mail I had an excellent relationship with the proprietor Lord Rothermere who generously gave me full sway and full support,” Greig said.

“He was generous, gracious and always allows his editors to edit as they deem fit,” he added.

Greig, who has been editor-in-chief of the digital-only Independent since January 2023, initially supported Johnson in the 2019 general election.

He vowed the Independent would hold a Labour government “to account”, describing an “ominous silence” by the main opposition party on tax and spending plans in this year’s election campaign. 

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Trump advisers hope Biden stays in race, as they eye alternate scenarios

After dismissing suggestions the president could withdraw, the Trump campaign is beginning to consider having to tweak its message.

Donald Trump and his campaign hope President Biden stays in the race, according to four people familiar with private discussions, believing they can beat him even with Trump’s felony conviction and other charges. But they are also ramping up attacks on Vice President Harris.

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Publicly, Trump and his allies have dismissed suggestions that Biden could withdraw from the race, insisting that it is too late for Democrats to change course. Privately, they have started preparing for different possibilities, and feel it could be harder to beat another Democrat who is not Biden or Harris.

“I’m going to show up and I’m going to campaign whether it’s him or somebody else,” Trump said in an interview Monday with Richmond radio host John Reid, referencing polls showing him doing as well or better against other Democrats.

“The funny thing is we’re beating him badly in the polls, but nobody else is doing any better,” he added in an interview that aired Monday with radio host John Fredericks.

Letting Biden be the focus of attention is unusual for Trump, who is more accustomed to dominating the headlines. But he has laid low since the debate, with no public events scheduled this week. A running mate announcement is expected as early as next week, with the Republican National Convention to follow the week after.

The Trump campaign’s message to surrogates after last week’s debate was that Biden is the Democratic nominee and Democrats are stuck with him, according to a Republican close to the campaign, who like others interviewed for this article spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. Biden struggled through the 90-minute faceoff, setting off widespread alarm in his party.

“It sure seems they want Biden to stay on the ticket. They think he’s vulnerable, and they like where they’re at. You can see they are not excited at all about the prospect of him leaving the race,” said David Axelrod, a longtime top strategist to Barack Obama.

Trump advisers were privately stunned at how poorly Biden performed, believing he would be a stronger debater, people familiar with the matter said.

Taylor Budowich, who leads Trump’s outside political action committee, said the clips from Thursday’s debate “would make for devastating campaign commercials.” But Budowich also said that Harris being the nominee “has the ad team cackling with excitement.” On Wednesday the PAC, known as MAGA Inc., circulated an attack on Harris headlined, “Is Invasion Czar Kamala Harris the Best They Got?”

Biden’s campaign and the White House have insisted the president remains committed to running and are planning a fresh round of campaign events and at least one television interview. The campaign announced raising $127 million in June, ending the month with $240 million in cash on hand, compared with Trump’s $111.8 million raised and $285 million in the bank.

The incumbent and his aides have sought to stay on the attack against Trump, hitting him over abortion and the Jan. 6 , 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by a pro-Trump mob, among other issues. On Monday, Biden responded to a Supreme Court decision on presidential immunity, saying it would leave Trump “more emboldened to do whatever he pleases” in a second term.

The Trump campaign expects Biden will be the Democratic nominee, Trump spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said. “We are confident no matter what that we will be victorious in tying any Democrat on the ballot to Biden and to the Democratic Party,” she added.

The Trump campaign has begun airing ads suggesting Harris was celebrating Biden’s struggles, showing her laughing in a way that is meant to appear villainous and collapsing the Biden-Harris campaign logo to remove the president’s name. The campaign is also attacking other Democratic candidates for their past defenses of Biden, accusing them of covering up the president’s decline.

Republicans have indicated that they would attack any Democratic effort to replace Biden as an affront to Democratic primary voters and the democratic process.

“What would be a bigger threat to democracy than taking a candidate post-primary, when millions of people, Democratic primary voters, have already voted and try to replace him at a convention with a few hundred Democratic leaders?” Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), a potential running mate, said after Thursday’s debate. “That is the biggest threat to democracy that’s been contemplated in American government in the last few years.”

Outside the campaign, lawyers at the right-wing Heritage Foundation researched ballot access laws in all 50 states to be prepared to oppose any effort to remove or replace Biden after he officially becomes the Democratic nominee.

“Our research has basically uncovered that it’s extraordinarily complicated and absolutely ripe for ample opportunities for litigation,” said Mike Howell, director of Heritage’s Oversight Project. “You got to dance with the girl you brought to prom. An American election can’t be made up as you go, and the fact that such a massive lie was told to the American people isn’t a convenient enough excuse to circumvent laws.”

“We like to live by the rule that when your opponent is in the process of committing suicide it’s best to stay out of the way,” said Ralph Reed, chairman of the Faith and Freedom Coalition. “I think after Thursday we’re going to leave the stage to Joe Biden and the Democrats who have organized themselves into a circular firing squad.”

Trump himself has been largely quiet this week, and some advisers said they want him to delay his vice-presidential announcement as long as possible to let Democrats stew in their own troubles. Two people who have spoken to Trump in recent days say he continues to focus on Vance and Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) as potential choices, while also mentioning other names, such as North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum (R).

“He truly I don’t think has fully decided,” one person who has spoken to him repeatedly said.

Leavitt said: “Very soon President Trump will make an announcement on a vice-presidential running mate who will be much more qualified and competent than Kamala Harris.”

Kellyanne Conway, a longtime ally of Trump’s, argued that Trump didn’t need to say much about the debate. “The art of politics is to tell people what they can’t see, not what they can,” Conway said. “People simply can’t unsee what they saw in that moment.”

While Democrats have plunged into panic over Biden’s poor showing at Thursday’s debate and ability to execute the campaign or serve another four years, Trump has welcomed more favorable developments, with a Supreme Court decision that delayed and could possibly eliminate his criminal jeopardy. His lawyers secured a delay of his sentencing for his 34-felony conviction in New York until September, if at all, as the judge said he will consider the effects of Monday’s Supreme Court decision saying presidents are immune from prosecution for official acts.

Some Trump campaign staff members have aired their glee at the Democratic meltdown by posting online taunts, sometimes profane, directed at Biden and his staff. But aides have also cautioned against getting cocky or endangering their own momentum.

“Right now the entire Biden reelection campaign is in a complete free fall,” Fredericks, one of the radio hosts, said in an interview Tuesday. “All you have to do is get out of the way. Let them implode.”

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Key dates and events: Voters in all states and U.S. territories have been choosing their party’s nominee for president ahead of the summer conventions. Here are key dates and events on the 2024 election calendar .

Abortion and the election: Voters in about a dozen states could decide the fate of abortion rights with constitutional amendments on the ballot in a pivotal election year. Biden supports legal access to abortion , and he has encouraged Congress to pass a law that would codify abortion rights nationwide. After months of mixed signals about his position, Trump said the issue should be left to states . Here’s how Biden’s and Trump’s abortion stances have shifted over the years.