Another awesome ocean going fast cat!

Nothing beats being out on the open sea with a fast catamaran! :)


Scubadoggy

The Best Sailing Video Ever! Everybody... Trimarans galore!

If you're feeling a little down, this video is GUARANTEED to give you an incredible pickmeup all day long! Tri-marans, catamarans, wind surfing, and wakeboarding behind them! 31 knots! Remember, a bad day on the water beats a great day in the office! Later!

Scubadoggy

Scubadoggy MultiHulls4Us Forum

I found this great forum "The Exclusive Multi Hull Website". Get information on Sailing, Design Characteristics, Product Announcements, and meet some Multi Hull enthusiasts like yourself. You can find it at MultiHulls4Us.com




And! Check out these videos at Gludy Boat Reviews! It's everything you could expect, just like being there!

Enjoy!

Scubadoggy aka Jeff Ferris

Cruising Catamarans Scubadoggy Gulf Coast Boating

With the choices out there for Cruising Catamarans, I can see why the massive confusion :) I had some great interest in Catamarans, followed by the overwhelming statistics of stability, speeds of at least 20 knots, multiple manufacturers, Boats NOT for Rock and Roll but stability, Trawlers, Live A Boards, and more ...



I have posted some outstanding boating information with my favorite pick so far being the Pacific Expedition ...

I have a list of more Catamarans yet to plow through, more to see, travel in, and get everyone additional information about :)

Scubadoggy aka Jeff Ferris Google Me :)

Florida's Gulf Coast Catamarans

Checking out some of the catamaran craft in the waters of Florida's Gulf Coast, I noticed a few essentials in the turning tides of boaters.

First thing and contrary to popular belief ... size matters :)

It seems people are seeking a bit more in the way of comfort, convenience, and space in their choices of water craft and my thought would stretch farther than Florida's Gulf Coast into the far reaches of the globe :)

Somewhere between the Solar Navigator ...



to the crude but effective vessels of the islanders ...



There lies a happy medium ...



Picture Found:
http://www.catamarandomrep.com/talen/english.html

"A catamaran is a type of boat (or occasionally ship) consisting of two hulls joined by a frame. Catamarans can be sail or motor powered. The word catamaran comes from the Tamil language, in which the word kattumaram means "logs bound together". The catamaran was the invention of the paravas, an aristocratic fishing community in the southern coast of Tamilnadu, India. Catamarans were used by the ancient Tamil Chola dynasty as early as 5th century AD for moving their fleets to conquer such south-east Asian regions as Burma, Indonesia and Malaysia." Read More at SolarNavigator.net

Scubadoggy on Catamarans Florida's Gulf Coast Boasting :)
Jeff Ferris

Scubadoggy on Facebook

Scubadoggys Choice Pacific Expedition

My Ultimate Choice in Long Range Power Expedition Catamarans!

"An interior that feels like a weekend cottage

If "this is huge!" is the common reaction to the PE-45 interior, then "this is palatial!" will be the reaction to the new PE-55 power catamaran. A full 20' x14' saloon and galley rivals many home living rooms. Whether your plans include cocktail parties or quiet time alone, the PE-55's living accommodation will impress even the most experienced cruisers. If there is any downside at all, it is only that you will be the most popular yacht in the marina or anchorage.

The PE-55 layout continues to utilize our trademark center hallway design which leads directly forward to the full beam owner's stateroom. You will enjoy avoiding the cumbersome up and down steps associated with the classic raised pilot house designs. With this unique layout you will enjoy increased safety at sea as well as a high level of convenience that comes from keeping the main living daily areas all on the same level." READ MORE

Jeff Ferris aka Scubadoogy

Scubadoggy Boat Trader

Visiting around this summer (I had a blast!) A real couple of Blasts with these past few hurricanes roaming the Floridas Gulf Coast. We were stuck in Miami on our way to the Florida Keys. Held up in fact by one of this years storms. Another incident down around Floridas Gulf Coast by Tampa slowed us down too, but we still took the JetSki roaming on the lakes and the bays here and there. Took a trip to the Bahamas, The Florida Keys, Tampa Bay, JetSkied our way around the lakes between Georgia and Florida and are ready to traverse the looming October fests that abound this up and coming time of the year. But.... Back to Catamarans, Boating in General, Floridas Gulf Coast and (for this post anyway) Boat Trader Online Magazine.

Browse new and used boats, catamarans, pleasure boats, yachts, pontoons and the like here at the Boat Trader. A great place to view types of cruisers side by side to get a better idea of what you Really want before you purchase.

Take a look around this massive site Boat Trader.

Jeff Ferris aka Scubadoggy Google Me

Lake Hartwell

Gulf Coast Boating

Captains Dodging Hit After Hit

"BILOXI — After Hurricane Katrina, Mississippi's charter boat captains said the third year - 2008 - would be the telling season about their industry's recovery.

That was before fuel prices shot up, the economy tanked and fishing restrictions tightened on one of their prized species.

"We are still reeling ... we're on our heels," said Capt. Jay Trochesset of the Silver Dollar. "We took a standing eight count from Katrina, and it seems like we've been ... no we have been dodging punches ever since."

The charter industry's future is just as uncertain today as it was in the months after the storm's devastating attack on the Gulf Coast on Aug. 29, 2005.

Prior to Katrina, the Mississippi Charter Boat Association had 100 members; now it's less than half.

"We've got 40 full-time members now, but I don't know how long we'll have that many," said association president Capt. Tom Becker of the Skipper. "Right now, the boat that was in the slip next to mine has not run a trip all year and is now out of the water. It might be for sale." READ MORE: www.ClarionLedger.com

I had to share this news story to help get the word out. Get the news from a different perspective here.

Scubadoggy aka Jeff Ferris

Scubadoggy For President 2008

Scubadoggy for the 2008 President who can get America in step! Scubadoggy will get things going and make things happen for the next term. Vote Scubadoggy in the Presidential Election and watch America SMILE!

Catamarans Willmar USA

Importer and Dealer For Fountaine Pajot Catamarans and ExclusivE 76! This is a great site just to browse even if you are not currently in the market for a great Catamaran! Listed as the #1 site for the purchase of new and used Catamarans. With a forum, calendar, link area, news, about us, and new Yaught Model section, this site is full of outstanding Catamarans, photos and adventure awaiting you.

For new and used multi hull sailing on Floridas Gulf Coast or and coast this is the place to stop by for a tour.

Read More: http://www.willmarusa.com/index.html

Coast Guard Finds ... In Gulf Coast

"Coast Guard finds 5 missing sailors in Gulf

By JOHN PORRETTO – 1 day ago

GALVESTON, Texas (AP) — A Coast Guard helicopter crew early Sunday rescued five regatta competitors who had drifted for 26 hours in the Gulf of Mexico after their boat capsized.

Rescuers were continuing to search for a missing sailor, identified as boat safety officer Roger Stone.

The search started after the 38-foot Cynthia Woods missed a radio check Saturday morning. The crew included four college students and two safety officers.

A helicopter crew from Air Station Houston pulled the five men from the water 23 miles south of Freeport, Texas, Petty Officer Renee C. Aiello said Sunday. They had drifted about five miles northwest of their capsized boat.

They were taken to the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, where all five were listed in good condition. They were suffering from sunburn and dehydration, said R. Bowen Loftin, CEO of Texas A&M at Galveston." READ MORE: http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5ixXv-ONpJKEckg8Ra5Kss80pIaMwD915SO800

Wow! This was such a touching and tragic story I had to share with everyone. God bless them and all of their families too.
Scubadoggy aka Jeff Ferris Google Me

Gulf Coast Boating On Florida's Caladesi Island

Voted The Nations Best Beach! Caladesi Island became a State Park In 1968. With the low waves and family friendly atmosphere, Caladesi Island is a brilliant get-a-way. You take a ferry over to visit the Island which adds to the "fun".

"Most beachgoers reach the island by a 15-minute, $9 ferry ride. Visitors -- unless they bring their own boat -- are limited to four-hour stays at the beach, which is a state park."

For More Visit CNN for the article: http://www.CNN.com

Or To Visit Caladesi Island At Visit Florida: http://www.visitflorida.com

Or Dr. Beach: http://www.drbeach.org/

Jeff Ferris aka Scubadoggy Google Me

Gulf Coast Boating In Sarasota

Checking into the Sarasota area more for some great Gulf Coast Boating Stories!

Scubadoggy Manta Catamarans Update

I just received the update on how well the Manta Catamaran Migration went along and had to share!
Jeff Ferris aka Scubadoggy Google Me

"Manta Catamarans
May, 2008
2008 Manta Migration.

Well, the 2008 Manta Migration is history and what a time was had by all. Twenty-five boats were signed up with five of these being Powercats. We met the first evening at the Castaway's Restaurant in Boot Key Harbor, Marathon. The welcome packs (tote bags donated by West Marine) were stuffed with hats, T-shirts, key floats and cozies. Scott Financial (Kim Madigan) sponsored our get-acquainted cocktails and hors d'oeuvres while we got the agenda down and determined how the races would be run over the next few days. Someone once said that "cruiser's racing" is sort of like the special Olympics, but this does a dis-service to the special Olympics.



The skippers meeting for the first race was held the next morning at 9am with stragglers coming in a bit late due to the good time the previous evening. The Powercats were the marks and they had a poker run going in--as the sailors went by they would throw a bag of sand (with a playing card hidden in it) to the mark boat. When it was all over the Powercat that had the best poker hand would win a bronze Manta trophy. This provoked a few wild moments as the sailors got close enough to get the card to the Powercat without hitting either them or the other racers.

We raced to the entrance of Bahia Honda State Park where a potluck dinner was planned. Leo and Betty Hilke on "Dues Paid" were the winners of the first race, but we all had a great run. Image Blocked


The next day was a laid back run down to New Found Harbor where Manta sponsored a dinner at the Parrot-dise Restaurant. But, before we all met for chow the Blind Dinghy Races were on. This is a timed event where usually the wife tells the skipper where to go while he can't see. A new record was set by Tom and Sally Reed from "Seacret" in hitting one of the marks six times (the old record was once). Thank heavens these are inflatables we are using and that the Kosmacs on "C-Level" have a sense of humor. Sally demanded and received a glass of wine on finishing dead last. This is an honor Sarah and I held from last year, so we empathize with the Reeds. Howard and Debra Reed of "Joint Venture" were the winners with a perfect time. Interesting that both first and last were both named Reed!

Saturday started with an anchor start race out of New Found Harbor. The trick is to get the anchor and sails up while watching all around you for others doing the same. Lots of fun and very educational. "Now and Zen" and "Storyteller" were the two fastest boats with Ralph and Leslie on "Now and Zen" taking the honors. A ways back were "Seacret," "Manta One," and "St. Christopher" all locked in a dual and all finishing within seconds of each other after a 20 mile race (and some great tactics on Seacret's part). After the race we all sailed by Mallory Square looking really good when we were blasted by some of our racers who took to dinghies with large water guns who said they were "blessing the fleet." Over twenty Mantas sailing by was a sight, and we constantly got comments on our great looking boats. We held clinics on rigging, spinnaker handling and maintenance while spending some great times together.

The final evening was an awards dinner in Key West sponsored by Manta where all the trophies and donations from our vendors were given out. The Powercat poker run (and final trophy) was won by Marty and Buena Silverman of "Seapaws" with a royal flush.

We are starting to plan next year's Migration which will take place in April, as in years past. We hope that our owners will continue the input on where to have it; those of you thinking of buying a Manta this year will contribute as well. So far we have had it in the Florida Keys and the Abacos, and we have loved both areas.

Fair winds and smooth sailing."

Visit MantaCatamarans To See The New MkIV Sailcat!


Dan Even
Manta Catamarans

Scubadoggy Catamarans Kelsall

The design, shape, functionality, and modular assembly of the Catamarans here at Kelsall are unique, interesting, and exceptional.

They are based in New Zealand, but have South African, and South American dealers as well.

Check out the About Kelsall Catamarans:

"Kelsall Catamarans

Kelsall Catamarans was established in Cornwall, United Kingdom in 1965. The company's boat design and boat building operations produced a wide range of craft, all based on the use of PVC foam. Three projects by this company were the largest boats of their type at the time. Kelsall Catamarans Limited now runs its successful office from New Zealand since moving here in 1998. We have over 40 years of specializing in catamarans and composites, and developing the KSS (Kelsall Swiftbuild Sandwich) custom build process. We are the World Leaders in this field."

Jeff Ferris aka Scubadoggy Google Me

Scubadoggy On Catamarans

Depending on the size of Catamaran that you are searching for, and style, what you are going to use it for, how you are going to use it, who are you taking out, and the numerous other decisions that you will need to make, sometimes you are left shaking your head about which Catamaran is for you?

Here is a basic thought process for you and your decision making:

Start off looking without any thought of price. Don't even let it come into your initial thought process because you want to "Know" what exactly you want "Before" you find the best one to suit your budget. What if you find a great boat in your price range and purchase it, but then "Remember" that you wanted this other feature not offered with the one you purchased, but it is on another Catamaran of equal price? Bummer situation.

Make a list as your looking of all the features you would like to have. Then put the features in order of importance to you. It will make your final decision much easier.

Space, Power, and How does the Catamaran handle are going to be big decisions. Get comfortable when looking at the craft, is there enough storage, passenger, and gear space for diving or snorkeling.

Where are you going to take the craft? On the bay? To the Caribbean? :)

Take your time above all, do your research. I have many Catamaran sites listed here on my blog to get your feet wet so to speak. Then venture out and really look at the Cats out there, get up close and personal. Enjoy!

Jeff Ferris aka Scubadoggy

Scubadoggy Off Clearwater Coast Large Whale

Cool! Sperm Whale Off Floridas Gulf Coast!

"The giant aquatic mammal, believed to be a sperm whale, was spotted heading south about a half mile offshore off Sand Key Beach in Clearwater." Read More

Jeff Ferris aka Scubadoggy

Scubadoggy Welcome To Tampa Bay

Holy Cow! The Things That you can do in The Tampa Bay Area, Gulf Coast Of Florida!

"Welcome To Tampa Bay

You want Florida, you want it all, and you only want to unpack once. No problem. You want Tampa Bay. Here, a single day's itinerary might include breakfast at a waterside cafe, a visit to Busch Gardens Africa, The Florida Aquarium, a streetcar ride to Channelside Bay Plaza for shopping, a Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Devil Rays, or Lightning game, topped off with a stay in one of our luxury hotels or resorts. Then on to historic Ybor City where the Cuban sandwiches are hot and crisp, the cigars are hand-rolled, and the colorful streets are lined with fun."

This little verbage says it all! Tampa Bay and the surrounding area has the best white sand beaches, the best water fun and parks, the best amusement parks, in one area....unpack once, and have all the fun a Florida Vacation can give you! Catamaran along the coast and stop in as you go for fun in the sun!

"What next? White, sugar sand beaches, sport fishing, jet skiing, parasailing, and join the party in January as rowdy swashbucklers invade Tampa for the Annual Gasparilla Pirate Festival." READ MORE: http://www.visittampabay.com/