TOP THREE BUDGET CATAMARANS

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Welcome to Chasing Latitudes! Have you ever imagined the smell of the ocean air as your boat crashes through the waves? The freedom that comes from casting off the bow lines and heading out to sea to explore new places you can’t reach by car or airplane? Then this channel is for you.
You will not see white sand beaches here, restaurant reviews, beach parties, selfies or Japanese knives. What you will find is factual information based on decades of sailing experience.
My channel is specifically meant for one thing and one thing only, to help YOU find your new to you fancy-dancy yacht of your dreams and get on the water in the fastest, most time efficient manner.
Don’t get caught up in looking at old boats! I focus on mostly newer vessels, built in 2000 or later because I want you to spend as much of your time as possible sailing, not practicing your restoration skills on an old boat attempting to bring it to its former glory.
You want to take advantage of the amazing newer technology and modern hull designs when it comes to sailing. This is going to make your vessel far easier to sail solol or short handed and make them far more comfortable and efficient to live aboard full time or even just weekenders without buying more boat than you need.
I offer a wide variety of services including consulting where I will take you through the entire process of how to budget properly, choosing what vessel size will work for your needs, what type of vessel, I will help you shop for vessels, determine offer prices, schedule surveys, talk with brokers, teach you how to do your own pre-survey, walk you through hiring the correct surveyor and help you avoid all of the common pitfalls that you will find when purchasing used sailing vessels.
The consulting does not stop there, I will be with you every step of the way and long after you have purchased your vessel as consulting also comes with lifetime access to the members area,.
Chasing Latitudes hosts a large, active private members area where the members are more than happy to offer their own experience to solve problems, host private videos for ASA Sailing quizzes (ASA 101, 103, & 104), and live stream videos which feature anything from member cruising to boat shopping, boat comparisons, and other live content with chat from the subscribers to my KZbin channel and channel members.
It’s time for YOU to get on the water. Come aboard!

[@piecebeapawnuian1810]

Thanks!

[@ChasingLatitudes]

Thank you so much

[@RebootTheCatamaran]

As the owner of a 2009 Lagoon 380s2, I’d like to add that they sail well for a catamaran, and are considered to be sturdy and reliable bluewater boats. Some things to look out for on them are mold in the interior voids and making sure the large cabin windows have been rebedded since they like to pop out. I’ve rebedded mine 👏

[@ChasingLatitudes]

Thank you so much, I really appreciate your first hand insight

[@jstanovic]

My cousin had a Gemini. We would cruise down the intercostal waterway....cooking shrimp on the grill drinking a beer. Living thr good life!

[@KirkThomson]

I always learn something watching your videos. Thanks Chris!

[@ChasingLatitudes]

Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment

[@gcanada3005]

Easy Chris, 24:00, I think everyone learned the Jeff lesson.

[@whyme8068]

Some of your comments are hilarious. I feel the same about the roundness of older Fountaine Pajots, not just for the looks, but for the inefficient use of space. I also hate the tiny double sinks they put into all these catamarans when there's enough space to put a good sized sink.

[@ChasingLatitudes]

Thank you for watching, to be fair I sometimes crack myself up by the nonsense that comes out of my mouth

[@islandbound63]

I like that the Gemini Legacy is twin engine vs. the weird configuration of the 105M and 105MC. Everyone is swapping them out for outboards because you can't get the parts for the outdrive when they go on the fritz.

[@paulcharlesworth-bq7id]

What do you think of the 1997 freedom 40/40, I Enjoying your episode on budget catamarans and thinking of Mono Hulls when I ask the question.

[@ChasingLatitudes]

The age is what concerns me mostly on a vessel from the 90s

[@paulcharlesworth-bq7id]

@@ChasingLatitudes I know that age is an issue. But it's the only way to get the sail plan that I like.

[@Tamaralsherman]

Off to your website to become a member I shall go

[@ChasingLatitudes]

Patreon to become a member, website for consulting 😁

[@SailingSisu]

Hey there! It's great to see your enthusiasm for learning and exploring different options. Keep up the curiosity! Just remember, age shouldn't deter you from considering a catamaran if it meets your needs. Keep sailing and exploring! ⛵️😄🌊

[@ChasingLatitudes]

Merry christmas

[@christopherpeters8958]

Ok you’re hilarious. Just one question, Why don’t you like double sinks?

[@RobbyP1969]

I've always been attracted to the Gemini. Seems perfect for what you said, the Caribbean crawl. Does anyone know anything about the Tomcat? The same size with a similar layout and purpose, it uses outboard, fold up engines. To me, that makes ease of repair, and even replacement, so much easier. There aren't nearly as many of them as the Gemini, however. So maybe the Gemini is the better choice? And if I recall... it's the Lagoon 450 that has the bulkhead issues. Everything I've read about the 440 is that it's, arguably, the best Lagoon out there.

[@Patriotsounds]

I like the calm music juxtaposed by your boat eviscerations. Gonna get your book and subscribe to your website. No nonsense and to the point, I like it. 👍

[@ChasingLatitudes]

Looking forward to having you

[@jesusfollower83]

I noticed you skipped over the privilege 37. I know it is older than 2000 but they seem like a solid boat, thoughts?

[@markberger5739]

Interesting, how about a video about some bigger multis that can go anywhere off grid for long time etc ? . thanks

[@ChasingLatitudes]

Sure, I have some up but I can do another

[@InvistanoExteriorcomEricoSouza]

Hey Chris ! Merry Christmas and thank you for your videos. Please could you talk about A/C in future videos? How important it is or it isn't when cruising in the Caribbean ?

[@ChasingLatitudes]

Merry Christmas, in the Caribbean its 100% needed

[@boatman909]

The Gemini 105MC that crossed the Atlantic (40 knot winds) was a stock boat being delivered to the UK by the designer and his son. There are 3 vids on utube covering the journey. The designer said he was surprised how well the boat performed, and never seemed to be out of control.😊

[@boatman909]

Just discovered an Aussie who has a Gemini 105 MC that he sailed single handed from Fiji to Vanuatu across the Pacific. He has a series of videos on utube under BriansGemini105MC. He said the boat performed great, and he would regard it as a genuine blue water boat. I have read that the water tight flotation tanks have a tendency to fail and need to be checked regularly. It is these that enable the boat to be classified as a blue water cruiser.

[@chrisr819]

Yes and they said they would never doing that again

[@hterrebrood]

Slapdash circumnavigated a 105MC

[@johnq.public2621]

@@chrisr819 Thanks for answering my question!

[@chrisr819]

Well if the owner of Gemini states he would never do it again...that says all i need to know to skip it.

[@THIRDRATEPRODUCTIONS]

I enjoyed the video. Im surprised you skimmed over several what i deem great budget cats, im curious to hear your opinion. 1st is the 2000 prout 38 for 100k, very comparable to the Gemini. You ask why would you tho? This boat has an updated design that does away with the unfavorable solid front bridge deck and 3ft longer giving it great sea worthiness. All lines led to helm, stay sail, category A ocean rated. You see these all over the world. 2nd, Admiral 38, any south African built boat can handle the caribbean just fine, basically a leopard clone, design wise. So similar lay out, smaller price tag. there is one for sale in the US rn for 145k way nicer then that moorings. 3rd, Although different in design. But no less capable the Australian Dean's that are for sale. Ocean rated boats found all over the word now often bellow 200k. 4th there are the Manta 42's falling bellow 200k. Sure no factor support but a devoted owners group. A boat way ahead of its time in many respects and very single handed and "blue water" capable! In many respects i feel some of these are more value for money then the 380 or the Gemini which feel more like rvs with sails! Small gally, wet head, tiny fidge/freezer etc. Anyway, merry Christmas to all🎄

[@philpot3478]

Liked and sub'd, because of the jeff part. lol I don't know who jeff is, which episode was his comment in? I think I'd like sailing, and both of your videos thus far were informative and entertaining.

[@scottbouchie8583]

I agree with all the things you said about the legacy I would like to add they have have shaft drive less of a maintenance issue and on a older lagun or a leopard the saildrive and motors are going to be replaced soon an that's about 50 grand plus insurance companies don't want to issue full coverage policies on boats 20 years or older so I decided on a 2016 gemini legacy its no blue water boat but if you pick your weather window your fine so far I like the legacy.

[@richardlewis5641]

Another great video,Chris 🤩

[@ChasingLatitudes]

thank you :)

[@johnfinton7728]

Chris, enjoy watching your videos, I own a 60 foot Beneteau and am in transit to florida from California. I am currently in Papagayo Costa Rica. Would love to chat with you about your delivery business. I am unclear how to reach u little older and not a Tec guy jf

[@ChasingLatitudes]

Just shoot me an email, [e-mail]

[@johnfinton7728]

Emailed you my contact

[@ChasingLatitudes]

@@johnfinton7728 I dont see an email

[@johnq.public2621]

😃👍👏👏👏 I'm liking the Leopard 38 ft. (maybe the 40ft.) able to be single-handed, relatively shallow draft, under 40 ft., able to be dried out at low tide, beachable, several on the market, big owners' community, capable of safely crossing oceans. For me, anything older than 2014 is a no go.

[@orion_13]

The issue I have with the leopard boats is the lack of sail trim options. This leads to spillover or luffing at the top of the head sail. I've watched that happen to the "curiosity" leopard in many videos. Take a look the only option to trim that sail is to slide forward or aft. I would love to see someone setup a delron 3d adjustment for the head sail.

[@Boatlessguy]

Which is why designers are moving masts forward and going with larger mainsail and less headsail ... cats sail by numbers and not feel, mono's can easily tell when overpowered, cats tend to get to the breaking point before you find out you should've decreased sailarea a long time ago

[@RebootTheCatamaran]

Catamarans are not like cars; a well cared for 20 year old catamaran looks and runs well compared to a beat up 4 year old ex-charter boat. Once we started looking at older owners versions we found a gorgeous catamaran in great condition.

[@orion_13]

@rebootthecatamaran I'd rather have a 4-year-old excharter than a 20-year-old based on the ones I've seen/been on. The charters have an incentive to keep things fixed and looking well. A 20-year-old boat has seen some weather no matter who has owned it.

[@orion_13]

@Boatlessguy What I'm referencing is the lack of trim/tuning on most cats. Yes, the Outremer types can adjust what I'm talking about but who has 1.5 to 2 million for a boat?

[@MrJon1961]

Thanks Chris for another great episode. I have just downloaded your new book and spreadsheet as looking for a 36 to 40 foot live aboard next year with a budget of £70k in the UK

[@ChasingLatitudes]

Awesome, if you need any help don't hesitate to reach out

[@MrJon1961]

I suspect I will be taking uou up on one of your consulting packages early next year. In the meantime may I wish you a marry Christmas and prosperous New Year

[@CrazyCoonass911]

I wanted you to mention Wharram soooo bad. Thoughts?

[@danherlong]

Me Likie, the price on these are great, but the the shame is strong from other boaters and brokers.

[@LockdownuG]

Dis good shit man. Subbed

[@Haladmer]

Your comments on the older Fountaine Cats nailed that "something" I couldn't really put my thumb on that I didn't like about the feel of their interior.. Jetsons feel with a lot of misused space. While I know an owner or two who love them, things like their signature extended sugar-scoops just never really landed with me. For the Moorings 3800, aren't those basically re-branded Lagoon or Leopard 38s (at least since late 2010-early 2020s), or did they actually have their own designs?

[@ChasingLatitudes]

Yes,

[@THIRDRATEPRODUCTIONS]

It's basically the base of base models of a leopard 38

[@ChasingLatitudes]

@@THIRDRATEPRODUCTIONS hence BUDGET

[@aarontate133]

Very nice, thank you:)

[@airborneranger-ret]

Liked, subbed, bought your book :) I tend towards the Gemini because of it's size. :)

[@shanevillis4079]

Lagoon 450 also had bulkhead issues.

[@ChasingLatitudes]

Yes

[@infantrymanejb358]

Me and the lady are talking about doing this but we wanna be in the pacific. I’m completely at a loss though as to what I’m looking at. Lots of research to do.

[@bradynixon8900]

I reckon the best value cat has to be a second hand Nautitech 44 or 46 open. They look mint, great interior, quicker than most production boats and affordable. Before you troll me with comments about cost I’d add that $600k for a second hand cat has to be better than $1.8m for a FP or Lagoon or the squillion dollar price tag for any other cat. Duh.😂

[@ChasingLatitudes]

I would agree however these are budget cats, so sub 200k. I am sure you are aware a comparable nautitech is jsut over 200k for something like the 2008 nautitech 40and normally at that price they are across the pond , Fantastic catamaran, just didnt quite make the cut off however it should have. Good comment, I think I will do a video specifically on those as like you stated they truly are fantastic catamarans

[@bradynixon8900]

@@ChasingLatitudes do it. Such a nice boat. I went a wandering a boat show here in Auckland and all the FP’s and Lagoons of similar size were way lower on build quality than a Natitech and freakishly expensive by comparison.

[@handroids1981]

@@ChasingLatitudes I look forward to your Nautitech cat video, Chris. Many thanks in advance.

[@jaxbchjim]

omg literally spit my coffee out at the flux capacitor 😂

[@peteh8077]

I think a PDQ 36 is highly underrated.

[@ChasingLatitudes]

Fair enough

[@TOOMENETOYS]

Have you heard much about the quality issues ? I’ve seen a lot of comments online pertaining to the gel coat crazing etc . Might be worth the paint job for the lower price of some out there I guess but I worry about other issues like lightweight build etc . I would probably only consider a newer one like a legacy with the yanmars . Sailing performance without the daggerboards concerns me on the new ones also . Supposedly the later hulls were built by Catalina so I guess that’s a turn off for you Chris !

[@ChasingLatitudes]

I like the legacy quite a bit

[@johnkosowski3321]

It is the 450 Lagoon that had bulkhead issues.

[@ChasingLatitudes]

Yes i always get the models mixed up on that one

[@THIRDRATEPRODUCTIONS]

Lagoon's build quality is very questionable across the board for the last couple of decades, especially the first decade of the 2000's. For example, nahoa had their bridge deck separating on their 2005 410! And I've heard of issues with 380s. Its a shame too because they are all so well laid out for cruising, but i weary big time of that era. For a budget Lagoon, I'd buy a tpi any day when Lagoon still overbuilt. Just my opinion, of course.

[@Tsavo1]

Chris, I'm set to retire in 1.5 years. I plan to move to the Philippines, because of the cost of living, and buy a sailboat to sail and or charter. If I bought that boat stateside, how much does it cost to have it sailed to the PI? I live the idea of learning to sail as crew to someone like yourself, but what would that typically cost?

[@ChasingLatitudes]

@@Tsavo1 far to much just buy there

[@Tsavo1]

@@ChasingLatitudes Thank you!

[@ErikEslinger]

It is the Lagoon 450 that has bulkhead issues, not the 440.

[@markdonahoo2912]

Why don't you simply add in the filter 2001? Just like you do the price.

[@gcanada3005]

I figure in 3-4 years I will engage you to buy me a boat. So I can take it around the world. I wish It could be sooner unfortunately Junneau won’t sponsor me and give me a new boat right now. I figure if i Watch and listen, learn, maybe go on a trip or two in a few years. Then I’ll be ready. Merry Christmas buddy, glad I sifted through all the KZbin trash to find you.

[@scoutdogote]

I still think I need a wooden 60' ketch so I have room for my 9 German Shepherds and a herb garden.

[@ashleykerlin]

Did you realise your screenshot of your book cover has your name as ″Christpoher″?

[@ChasingLatitudes]

Um no, I'm an idiot, thank you so much

[@TOOMENETOYS]

@@ChasingLatitudesit’s ok you just had a potato moment !

[@fawqman2764]

That Moorings 3800 has been on the market over a year

[@ChasingLatitudes]

Yeah I assumed something was wrong with it

[@ThePipeiper]

Stopped watching after I heart the word subscribe the fourth time. FFS MAN. If you make good content it will sell itself. If you don’t , repeating subscribe only makes shit content worse and decent content annoying.

[@lincolnlincoln27]

How did too low raw water pipe escap notice? desiggned by who? No raw wwaterHeat exchanger used?.... would be safer!!! than having sea water entring engine crankcase/combustion chambers!!!!

[@kattnhatt]

nice job - "comment below"

[@delfersi79]

I chartered a Gemini once, found that it was the worse of both worlds. Get hit by waves twice, no visibility from the helm station, slow boat, no outside table for drinks or dinner so not sure how you would spend "most of your time outside". They do fit in a monohull slip but that it is about the only thing going for it. Do yourself a favor and charter one for 1 week+ before you buy one. I really like this channel but completely disagree on this one.

[@ChasingLatitudes]

It happens, always get the boat that works for you best 😁

[@handroids1981]

Yep, I'll happily monohull for the rest of my life before buying a Gemini. _However_ - I would much rather live on one than be literally sleeping in a cardboard box on the streets... So there is that.

[@ChasingLatitudes]

@@handroids1981 valid

[@bassnfool2]

I love my Gemini.

[@cylasbelknap367]

I sailed one in the keys for 2 months. It slammed like a bastard going upwind and at anchorages with any significant chop thanks to the bridge deck being about 6” above the water in the stern but off the wind most of the slamming was gone and the speed off the wind was fun, I got her up to 10-12kts a few times sailing in 25+ kts of wind. The main thing I really liked was the draft which was 2.5 ft with the boards and rudders pulled up. It let us explore a lot of cool places and on one occasion we even ran her up on a beach for the night which was fun especially for me as someone who mostly sails monohulls. I’d prefer something else for long trips but for shallow water like the keys or Bahamas it’s hard to beat if you like exploring out of the way places.

[@xoxo9970]

Just look at how much sails and all accessories have gone up in price and you will understand why the price of boats is plummeting it is too expensive an investment people would rather rent a boat for a week than own one

[@ChasingLatitudes]

yeah they are pricing everyone out

[@xoxo9970]

price race on boats This is just the beginning Europe has introduced New taxes on petrol and diesel I can take an example Swedish kronor a liter of diesel costs SEK 17 in 2027 a liter of diesel will cost SEK 35 to 40 little goodbye to all boats nobody can afford to drive them in the future sailboats motorboats Everything will be SEK 0 value and also cars that run on gasoline and diesel

[@xoxo9970]

12,75 US gal lqd that is what the diesel will cost in 2027 at least in Europe

[@SVHahalua]

You are so misinformed on so many of these boats. I do not do biz with brokers that don't know about boats. Although we have seen a handful in the caribbean, I do not think that the Gemini is a good caribbean sailor because of the almost non-existent bridge deck. The 380 is not a good choice of a boat only due to the fact that there is zero galley space. Mantas do not break the forward beam (where did you even hear that?) and they are high performers.

[@ChasingLatitudes]

You clearly have zero idea what your talking about, first off I'm not a broker, secondly I've sailed every single boat I talk about, I sail on average 30,000 nm a yeah and have for years

[@Bruce-f9l]

The price drop is because it was over-priced in the first place

[@ivanqueija39]

Miamidity 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@BrokePhilanthropist]

All those boats bought in the 80s are getting old and costing a lot of money to boats updated and stored

[@ML-ql5kj]

does the 380 compare to a gunboat. just kidding!

[@ChasingLatitudes]

;)

[@fredbrillo1849]

GEMINIS are junk. If you like stress cracked gel coat and only 1 engine, theyre perfect.

[@ChasingLatitudes]

They only turn into gremlins if you feed them after dart