Comparison Catalac 9m and Prout Quest 31/33

[Thornley Barnett]

Hi

I intend to buy a catamaran and am happy to exchange windward performance for comfort to keep the wife happy

Looking at either a Catalac 9m or Prout Quest 31

Any comments on there good and bad point

 

[V1701]

Welcome, here's some Catalac 8/9 info on Yachtsnet Archive...

Older YBW prout 31 threads & more here...

Do as above for Catalac...

 

[fredrussell]

According to the Yachtsnet info, 600 Catalacs built. Does that make it the best selling cruising cat in the UK?

 

[Stemar]

We love our Catalac, but do get a twin diesel version - MUCH easier to manoeuvre - and probably cheaper to run than a petrol OB, especially if you shut down one engine once you're out of the harbour.

They have a reputation as being a bit of a motorsailer, but the other day we were doing 3-4 knots in 8 knots of apparent wind on a close reach, which I don't reckon is bad. She will remind you that gentlemen don't sail to windward, especially if things get bumpy, but that's another reason why you want the twin diesels...

I'm told that goodly number were sold to the USA and most were sailed across solo by the builder's wife, which must say something pretty good about 'em. And that cockpit - it's made for partying and barbeques!

The only downside is the headroom in the saloon. It's far too easy to bash your back coming up from the hulls, but you soon learn to be careful - unless you're a slow learner like me! Oh, and they're inclined to get droopy headlining, like a lot of boats of that era.

 

[Boathook]

I think that the Catalac has less beam than a Prout. I can normally squeeze my 9m into a standard berth.

 

[Thornley Barnett]

Thanks for all the information
I have researched on the site and net
I love the Catalac cockpit but the Prout seems to be the the better boat to sail
The only thing I know for certain is I don't mind motor sailing and max length cannot exceed 10m
Going to have to go and look at a couple

 

[Thornley Barnett]

I get back from Malaysia next week and will start looking however there is a Sunstar 32 in Lancashire that might be in my price range if the owner will take an offer

anyone know anything about these i can't find a review on the net only boats for sale

 

[C08]

The accomodation is quite different in the 9M compared to the Quest. The main forward cabin in the 9M is a private double berth where you can sit and watch the world go by with a cup of tea in the morning. The forward double in the Quest is just a curtained off forward section of the main cabin where you have to hurdle the seats and the berths are low without a view outside the windows. This reservtion does not apply to the very rare Quest "owners version" which has an elevated & private forward berth like the Catalac. The Quests were mostly single engined with a Sonic saildrive whereas the 9M, many had twin engines.
My impression having researched the same 2 boats s that the Quest may sail a bit better than the Catalac but the Catalac is a more comfortable and solidy built boat with the option of twin engines.

 

[capnsensible]

All subjective, I know, but I've sailed both. Much prefer either Prout. That's just me though....

 

[Chiara’s slave]

Subjectively, the Prout is better looking. Catalacs are many things to many men, and women too, but I’ve never met anyone who extols their beauty.

 

[Neeves]

I'll throw in - as you were in Malaysia - have a look at the Seawinds, particularly the 1000 - 10m. I don't know if they sold in any numbers in Europe.

Jonathan