gemini catamaran review

Are Gemini Catamarans Good? A Review of Popular Models!

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Are you interested in Gemini Catamarans, but you aren’t sure if they are up to par? Looking for my next boat i have done some extensive research into Geminis, here’s what I found!

Gemini catamarans are great boats, depending on what you are looking for. If you want a daytime cruiser, the Freestyle 37 or the Freestyle 339 Power are great options. If you want to take longer trips, the Gemini 105Mc and the Gemini Legacy 35 are ideal due to their multiple cabin designs. 

Next, we’ll go over the new models of Gemini boats, including one older model that is still regularly sold pre-owned. We’ll also discuss each boat’s pros and cons and whether or not the boats are suitable for you and your needs. 

Types of Gemini Catamarans – Old Models

The Gemini 105Mc Design Touch was one of Gemini’s most popular models. However, it is no longer in production. While no new ones are being made, you can still buy one used. Additionally, this boat is the predecessor of the new Gemini Legacy 35, so it’s essential to understand their differences. We’ll go over this boat in detail below. 

Gemini 105Mc Design Touch

This cruising catamaran has been one of the best-selling single-design cats since 1980. This isn’t surprising, considering this boat’s spacious layout and sound design. Every time you sail on this boat, you’ll feel safe and sound with its practically designed platform and kick-up rudders. While this boat is no longer being produced, many boat owners seek out used versions because of its amazing style and performance.  

Perks of the 105Mc Design Touch

Hull design ensures better performance.

The hulls of this boat are slim and teardrop-shaped. This helps ensure that the drag will remain at a minimum. Additionally, the hull design allows for more leeway when you’re under sail. Even more, the hull has a kick-up centerboard which enhances the boat’s windward pointing abilities, allowing for a better sailing experience. 

Raise Rudders for Shallow Waters

Inadvertently running aground is one of boat owners’ biggest nightmares. However, with the 105Mc Design Touch, it’s unlikely you’ll ever meet this terrible fate. This catamaran has a raised rudder design, ensuring that you can smoothly cruise into waters as shallow as 2 feet (61.0 cm) without hitting the bottom. 

Low Center for Added Safety 

Most boats today have a beam that measures about 50% of the length of the ship. However, the 105Mc Design Touch is unique in that its tiny beam only measures about 40% of the boat’s length. While both beam sizes have their advantages, the shorter beam on this catamaran makes it have a low center of gravity, ensuring that it remains upright, stable, and highly safe. 

Reasonably Priced 

This reliable boat is as functional as it is affordable. You won’t have to spend an arm and a leg to purchase this beauty. This is especially true if you get it used, which is your only option nowadays! 

What Are the Downsides of the 105Mc Design Touch?

Many users loved this boat and feel that it was one of Gemini’s best models yet. However, it does have a couple of flaws: 

• It only has one head . Only having one bathroom can be incredibly inconvenient, especially if you are overnighting with several people. For a boat with three cabins, it would be nice to have another head. 
• Its soft decks require maintenance . The decks are balsa-cored, meaning water can harm them over time. That means you’ll need to maintain the deck, especially around hatches, to keep the boat in tip-top shape. 

Specifications of the 105Mc Design Touch

• Overall Length: 34 feet (10.4 m)
• Beam: 14 feet (4.3 m)
• Displacement: 9,600 lb (4354.5 kg)
• Fuel capacity: 36 gallons (136.28 liters)
• Water capacity: 60 gallons (227.13 liters)
• Three cabins 

Is This Boat Right For Me?

The 105Mc Design Touch is a wonderful option for many people. This boat is especially great for: 

• It’s ideal for first-time catamaran owners with its low price and safe design. 
• Great for overnight weekend vacations with friends and family (if you can handle sharing one bathroom!) 

Types of Gemini Catamarans – New Models 

Gemini Freestyle 37

The Gemini Freestyle 37 has a flexible design that can accommodate your every desire. Whether you want a boat that is ideal for day-charters, family outings, or luxurious business cruises, the Freestyle has a layout for you.

Although this boat has a flexible and updated design, it still has the essence of the older Gemini 105Mc and the Legacy 35, providing you with new features you love and some of the old ones too! 

Perks of the Freestyle 37

Design is ideal for charters .

The Freestyle 37 has an incredibly flexible design, permitting you to set up your charter boat with all of the features you need. For example, you can choose to get this boat with a second head instead of the queen-sized cabin to accommodate “his and her” bathrooms, which is a must-have feature for most chartered tours. 

Additionally, you can alter the layout of the boat to accommodate your needs. Suppose you want to take out a large group of people to go snorkeling or sightseeing. In this case, you could arrange the deck with bench seats to fit as many people as possible. 

However, if you’d rather you use the catamaran to cater high-end parties or business excursions, then you could install chaise lounges, an outdoor galley, and a wraparound bar instead. So, no matter what kind of events you plan to hold on your catamaran, the Freestyle 37 has the perfect layout for you! 

Inexpensive Base Price

This boat has a low base price, permitting you to get the ship for a reasonable cost , then customize it based on your budget and needs. Additionally, it has a low cost of operation, which means you can actually make money from your charters instead of having to throw all of your hard earned cash right back into the boat. 

Even better, this boat allows you to easily change the furniture and outboard, ensuring that the boat always looks new and fresh without having to switch boats completely! 

Has a “Green” Version for Environmentalists 

One of this boat’s most significant advantages is that it accommodates an electric engine and solar panels, which are more environmentally friendly than diesel-run engines. Even if you aren’t an environmentalist, going green can save you money by lowering your operation cost. So, by selecting the green option, you’ll be protecting the environment and your wallet. It sounds like a win-win to me! 

What Are the Downsides of the Freestyle 37?

While this boat is an excellent option for a lot of people, it isn’t for everyone. Let’s take a look at the disadvantages of this catamaran below: 

• Not ideal for overnight trips with more than two people. This catamaran is an incredible sunset or daytime cruiser due to its open deck plan. However, it only has one cabin that can accommodate two people, so if you’re looking for something you, your friends, and family can take a weekend getaway trip on, this isn’t the boat for you. 
• Open design is not ideal for rough open waters. The open design of this boat is excellent for casual cruises around the bay. However, if you plan to take a trip across any serious body of water, this cat offers little protection. 

Specifications of the Freestyle 37

• Overall Length: 38 feet (11.6 feet) 
• Beam: 14 feet (4.3 m) 
• Displacement: 7500 lbs (3401.9 kg)
• Fuel capacity: 56 gallons (211.98 liters)
• One queen cabin (optional)
• One or two heads

This fun catamaran is an excellent choice for many sailors. We’ll go over this boats primary uses below so you can determine whether or not it’s the right choice for you: 

• Ideal for daytime cruises. 
• Great if you want to use it as a charter boat for sightseeing or events. 
• Perfect if you want an open platform that gives you the ability to “freestyle.” 
• It’s an excellent party boat with an open deck plan and seating area in the bow. 

Gemini Freestyle 339 Power

If you love to go fast, the innovative Freestyle 339 Power catamaran will give you the extra “oomph” you’ve been searching for. This boat has the original Freestyle’s stability and expansiveness but with a power-packed motor to quickly get you to your destination. If you are looking for a spacious, reliable, and speedy day cruiser, the Freestyle 339 Power is the ideal choice for you. 

Perks of the Freestyle 339

Dual engines for a faster ride .

This new Freestyle design is faster than ever before. It is powered by two Suzuki DF90A motors that allow for a typical cruising speed of 15 knots or a maximum speed of 22.5 knots, even when you have seven people aboard! This speedy ride will let you get where you want to go in no time. 

Incredibly Stable Design 

Unlike the previous model, the new Freestyle 339 has stability keels positioned behind the hulls, allowing her to draw only 18 inches (45.7 cm). Even more, the bows of this boat were revamped to include extensions. This permits the cat to lift up when its power increases. These features also enhance the boat’s stability, making her steadier than ever before. 

However, don’t just take our word for it! The Catamaran Company posted a review of the Freestyle 339 on YouTube. They were astounded by how smooth the ride was even when the boat faced choppy waves, an outward current, and wake from a passing ship. To check out this review for yourself, click the link below:

Versatile and Roomy 

The Freestyle 339’s helm is positioned in the front and center of the boat, giving you more space in your cockpit than in the previous model. This will provide you with plenty of room so you can invite all of your friends and loved ones on board your vessel for a day of boating fun. 

Additionally, the front of the vessel has two large bench seats where you and all of your friends can relax and enjoy the view. It also has an easy pop-out coffee table where you can enjoy a morning cup of jo or rest your drinks in the evening time. 

What Are the Downsides of the Freestyle 339?

Below, we’ll go over some of the potential downsides of the Freestyle 339: 

• It’s entirely motor-powered . If you love traditional catamarans with both sails and motors, this may not be the boat for you. The freestyle 339 is solely a power cat, with no sailing option available. 
• Not ideal for long trips . This catamaran only has one cabin and one head, making it great for daytime cruises but not ideal for more extended vacations unless just two people are traveling. Additionally, the boat doesn’t have a real shower. Instead, you have to use the extendable sink in the head to rinse off. This is fine for short trips but unideal for longer excursions. 

Specifications of the Freestyle 339 

• Overall length: 41 feet (12.5 m) 
• Hull beam: 14 feet (4.3 m) 
• Displacement: 10,000 lbs (4535.9 kg) when loaded 
• One optional cabin 
• Twin Suzuki 90 HP Outboards (larger 115 Suzuki engines available)

This boat is perfect for some uses but not so ideal for others. We’ll go over the ideal functions of this boat so you can determine whether or not it’s the right choice for you: 

• Perfect for daytime cruising. 
• Ideal if you enjoy the look of a catamaran but the power of a motorboat. 
• It’s a great “party boat” due to the open and customizable design. 

Gemini Legacy 35

This family-friendly cruising catamaran is stylish yet affordable. It is also effortless to maneuver, permitting you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. With its 34 inch (86.4 cm) draft, it’ll be easy for you to pull this boat close to your favorite beaches. 

Perks of the Legacy 35 

Provides a stable sailing experience .

The Legacy 35 provides a level ride with little to no heeling. The steering and twin rudders are smooth and easily adjustable as you move across the water. 

Affordable Price 

The Legacy 35 is approximately the same price as a mid-sized monohull, yet it has an interior space that is larger than that of most 40 foot (12.2 m) monohulls, making it a great bargain. So, if you want catamaran space for monohull costs, the Legacy 35 is a perfect choice.  

Reasonably Sized Beam 

This small 14 foot (4.3 m) beam makes the boat easy to move anywhere in the country. No special accommodations are required. Similarly, hauling the boat out of the water is a breeze since all you’ll need is a standard travel lift. Even better, you can keep this cat in a standard-sized slip, saving you time and money looking for a larger one. 

Different Layout Options Depending on Your Needs 

This boat traditionally comes with three cabins and one head. The head is located in the aft hull, and the owner’s cabin is located in the front, fitted with a queen-sized bed. However, if this layout doesn’t suit your fancy, you also have the option of getting a boat with two cabins and two heads. This layout would have a queen bed in the front of the ship and a double bed in the back. 

What Are the Downsides of the Legacy 35?

• Some users think it’s too heavy . Some Gemini boaters felt the Legacy 35 gained too much weight compared to its predecessor, the 105Mc Design Touch. They didn’t like how the added weight caused the boat to drag. 
• The boat needs another winch at the helm station . According to sailor Mark Pillsbury , the Legacy 35 would be better if it had another winch at the helm station, making tacks easier. 

Specifications of the Legacy 35  

• Overall Length: 35 feet (11.0 m)
• Displacement: 9,800 lbs (4445.2 kg)
• Up to three cabins 
• Up to two heads 

The Legacy 35 is roomy and affordable, making it an excellent option for many boaters. Let’s discuss exactly what this boat is best for below: 

• It’s ideal for weekend trips due to its multi-cabin design. 
• It’s an affordable option for first-time catamaran owners. 

Are Gemini Catamarans Right For You?

Gemini catamarans are safe, stable, and reasonably priced, making them ideal for beginners. 

The Gemini Freestyle 37 and Freestyle 339 Power are highly versatile, making them perfect for families, charter boats, or luxurious cruises. Users love these boats’ versatility and stability.

The Gemini 105Mc Design Touch and Legacy 35 are also great day cruisers. However, their additional cabins make them ideal for longer excursions as well. These boats are safe, easy to maneuver, and stable, making them perfect for family vacations. 

While these are great boats, they aren’t for everyone. If you’re in the market for a luxury catamaran with all of the bells and whistles, then Gemini cats likely won’t satisfy your needs. Similarly, these boats tend to be better for shorter sails than long-term sabbaticals. So, if you plan to sail around the world in your catamaran, you may want to choose a different brand. 

Final Thoughts 

Gemini catamarans are safe, stable, and reasonably priced, making them great all-around boats. Their freestyle line is ideal for day cruises or to be used as “party boats” due to their customizable design. Their Design Touch and Legacy boats can be used as cruisers or for extended vacations, depending on your needs. All around, these are fabulous boats worth looking into! 

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!

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Gemini 31/3000

Long america's only production cruising multihull, this boat has many fans..

Tony Smith sure knows how to make the most of a good thing. The British multihull lover has gotten more mileage out of one design than any boatbuilder we know. And why not? With more than 200 Geminis built to date, and interest building, why switch?

In 1972 Smith designed and developed the 26-foot folding trimaran Telstar in England. He brought the molds to the U.S. and built 350 of them before a devestating fire destroyed the molds in 1981. Desperate to resurrect his business, he grabbed some old catamaran molds he had—the Aristocat—changed the name and that same year launched the first Gemini 31.

Three years and 27 boats later, he retooled to produce the Gemini 3000, which is essentially the same boat, but longer. Today, yet another incarnation of that first design—the Gemini 3200—continues to sell well.

Several years ago, Smith planned to introduce a larger 37-foot version, but the cost was much higher and despite building one boat, he changed his mind. The multihull business in this country has been slow to take off. And as even the established monohull builders like Pearson and C & C have found out, there ain’t much room for error. Instead, Smith has refined the Gemini much like the Volkswagen Beetle. By listening to owners’ comments, and by incorporating his own evolving ideas, the boat has changed a good deal, though one would be hard pressed to distinguish, at a glance, between a 1984 Gemini and a 1992 model.

The funny thing about the Gemini is that it’s an old design. Ken Shaw drew the lines in 1969. There’s nothing particularly contemporary about it. However, by painting the cabin sides black (Euro styling), adding a swept-back fiberglass “pilothouse” and gradually adding length to the full-bodied hulls, the Gemini has always looked like she belonged with her contemporaries, whether that was the 1980s or 1990s.

The most important thing to remember when evaluating this design is that the Gemini is essentially used as a 30-foot live-aboard, cruising catamaran. While faster than most monohulls of equal length, it has no pretense of being a racer. How could it be with such a spacious interior? Further, many of Smith’s customers are older folks who are tired of heeling, don’t have $200,000 to spend, and don’t plan to circumnavigate. In fact, most Geminis we’ve seen are happily puttering up and down the Intracoastal Waterway along the Eastern Seaboard and Gulf Coast. It’s perfect for that.

Summing up the design gets a little dicey when offshore work is discussed. The Gemini’s liabilities here are several. Because of the substantial accommodations built on the bridge, which necessitates lowering it for headroom, and the solid bridge forward (as opposed to netting), it’s a bit heavy. Smith says that if loaded for extended cruising, there is not a lot of clearance between the bottom of the bridge and the surface of the water, and it will pound going to weather in choppy seas. Sailed light, the Gemini will do quite nicely and be much more comfortable.

The performance of full bridgedeck cats, such as the Gemini, also suffer a bit from the extra weight and windage. Smith, a racer at heart, admits that if he had his druthers he’d build an open bridge forward, but for his cruising clientele, the full bridge makes more sense.

Nevertheless, Geminis have, according to Smith, crossed the Atlantic, cruised the South Pacific and Caribbean.

Having spent a week cruising the Chesapeake Bay aboard a Gemini 31, we found the boat extremely comfortable and fun to sail. With a large queen-size stateroom forward and double staterooms aft in each hull, there’s room for Mom and Dad, Junior and Sis, each in their own private cabins.

Speed reaching and sailing upwind was about 50 percent faster than what we could do in our 33-foot Pearson Vanguard. We hit double digits just once. But sailing in moderate winds we’d make eight and nine knots when our Pearson would do five and six. Three or four knots may not seem like a lot, but for sailboats on an all-day passage, the difference cuts hours off sailing time.

Best of all, it’s level sailing. This makes for very restful cruising.

Punching to windward in a chop, we did buck a bit, and the quicker motion of a multi takes some getting used to. All in all, we came away impressed with its space and performance.

Construction

The key to high-performance multihull construction is lightness and strength. The rapid evolution of composite building techniques now makes possible the use of lightweight core materials, specialized fibers such as Kevlar, and strong resins that in combination yield a panel that is much lighter and stiffer than solid fiberglass or fiberglass with just “traditional” core materials such as end-grain balsa and PVC foam. Vacuum bagging helps assure uniform bonding of all the “parts.” Naturally, such construction is costly.

Construction of the Gemini, which is marketed as a comfortable, low-priced cruising catamaran rather than a spartan high-tech racing machine, is quite conventional. The hull is built of solid fiberglass—mat and woven roving. The deck is cored with balsa for stiffness. The new Gemini 3200 incorporates a layer of vinylester resin as a blister barrier. Twenty percent of the owners of older models responding to our survey reported “some” blistering—a below average incidence.

The centerboard trunks were laid up separately in the early boats, but Smith said it was difficult getting good tolerances for the centerboards to fit right. Now the trunks are part of the hull mold and the slot is a guaranteed two inches and the polyurethane-coated plywood centerboards 1-7/8″.

Obviously, to keep weight light, a multihull builder isn’t going to use any unnecessary laminations. Consequently, many multihulls feel flimsy compared to monohulls. One Gemini owner said, “The strength is a little lower than I would have liked, but it helps hold the cost down.” And, we might, add, the weight that is so important to multihull performance. The rock steady feel of thick decks is somewhat at odds with the requirements of multihull design and construction.

A frequent complaint of Gemini owners is gelcoat flaws. “Gelcoat has many voids,” wrote one owner. “Some gelcoat yellowing and crazing,” said another. The interior woodwork is acceptable to some owners, and not to others. “Woodwork finish is inept,” said one owner. “Finish work is my biggest complaint,” said the owner of a 1985 model.

Smith admits that leaky windows were a problem in early boats. The design has since been changed, including the use of Lexan in place of Plexiglas, and a new system to bed the large panels allows for thicker beads of sealant to absorb the expansion and contraction of the windows.

Most owners, however, seemed to feel that these are minor problems they’re willing to live with. They rate construction lower than other attributes of the boat, but overall still are satisfied with their choice of the Gemini. We’d like to see a bit more glass in the Gemini, or the use of a core for stiffness and strength, though we acknowledge it would increase the price.

Performance

Besides accomodation space and low heel angles, speed is a major factor in choosing a multihull. Only one owner expressed disappointment in his Gemini’s maximum speed attainable. True, it won’t hit those 15- to 20-knot speeds possible in more performance-oriented cats and tris. Nearly all owners, however, remarked on the Gemini’s good light-air performance. And, as we found during our week’s cruise of the Chesapeake Bay, the boat is definitely faster than a cruising monohull of equivalent size.

A key to performance in any multihull is keeping weight down. Unfortunately, many owners overload their boats and this has a direct effect on speed and pointing ability. It’s a problem with no easy answers for live-aboards and long-term cruisers: Either buy a boat with longer hulls and hence greater payload capacity, or live with sub-par performance.

A significant feature of the Gemini is its centerboards, which improve pointing and tacking considerably. Many production catamarans today have fin keels on each hull. The thought here is that the problems inherent with centerboards (broken pennants, jammed boards in the trunk) are eliminated, while acceptable upwind sailing characteristics are retained. This may be true, but there seems no denying that centerboards improve overall performance. Further, the fins add to wetted surface, which increases drag and adversely affect maneuverability.

It is interesting that author Bernard Perret wrote in the October 1990 issue of Cruising World regarding his search for a cruising cat: “We focused in on exactly what we wanted: two sideboards to help us tack more efficiently against the wind and to maintain a shallow draft…”

Having ourselves sailed on production cats without centerboards that were dogs to windward (close reaching was virtually impossible, leaving motorsailing the only option), we consider daggerboards or centerboards an important criteria in selecting a catamaran. Perret said he tacks his French-built 36-foot Naviplane through 115 degrees true, but that’s nothing to write home about. We’re sure he could do better if he wasn’t loaded down with cruising gear for five. Under optimal conditions, Smith says the Gemini can tack through 80 degrees. Burdened with bicycles, computers, three anchors, a library, and food for six months, that number is sure to increase.

A number of owners noted the boat’s lack of directional stability (because there’s not a lot of boat underwater). But they also acknowledged that it is very easy to steer, and that with the lee board down, it balances nicely.

The wide sheeting angle of the early boats made the genoa inefficient upwind. Smith says this has been improved, by means of lengthening the track, in the Gemini 3200.

Under power, the Gemini performs well. The outboard turns with the rudders for assistance in close quarters—most multihulls need it. And it retracts for sailing. The arrangement has been modified several times over the years.

The current Gemini 3200 comes equipped with a 40-hp. Tohatsu. Some 31 owners felt more power was needed. The results of our recent Reader Survey didn’t rate Tohatsus very highly, but Smith says a 25-inch shaft is very important for maximum performance.

The Mercury 35, standard on Gemini 31s and 3000s, is no longer made. The Tohatsu, he said, is the only engine in that power range available with a 25-inch shaft. In any case, motoring the Gemini at decent speeds, and in comfort, is certainly possible, though punching into head seas isn’t its cup of tea—multis are too light and their motors often too weak to grind out the miles like a heavy, diesel-powered monohull.

Twin Yanmar and Volvo diesels were available, but at such an increase in cost, few buyers would consider them. We’d take the outboard for cost savings, clean interiors, and ease of repair and maintenance. So what if it’s a little noisier? You’ll motor less with a catamaran than your old monohull anyway.

Accommodations

There are numerous appeals to the cruising cat—the large foredeck, large cockpit and the possibility of three or more private sleeping cabins. The Gemini has all three.

The full bridge means there is no netting between the hulls as seen on many cats. This adds weight, but does help deflect waves. From a particularly hedonistic point of view, the netting is best for lying on face down, watching the water fly by. On the other hand, footing is precarious. The full bridge makes anchor handling easier and provides for possibly a little extra stowage space.

The Gemini’s cockpit is large enough to walk around in, with good footing and stowage. Bulkhead wheel steering is convenient whether standing under the so-called pilothouse (added after hull #10), or sitting either on the bench seat or coaming top.

There is not standing headroom in the saloon forward of the 6′ 2″ pilothouse, but this isn’t a major item. Several interior plans have been offered over the years. The one we chartered had a 64″ x 75″ double berth forward in the starboard sector. The view from the bunk looking through the forward windows is stunning! The head with shower was in the port bow and aft, in each hull, was a quarter cabin. The 48″ x 75″ bunks in these weren’t quite as wide as a couple might like, but tolerable, and certainly more than big enough for kids. The nav station was amidships to port and the galley in the starboard hull, with 6′ 3″ headroom. Headroom forward is 6′ 0″ .

An interesting dilemma of outboard-powered boats is the question of generating power for live-aboard conveniences. Outboard engines aren’t able to generate the amps necessary to run a lot of hungry electrical appliances. To combat the problem, Smith has elected to use RV-type propane/12-volt/110-volt refrigerators. These are well suited to multihulls because they work most efficiently when level. LPG, of course, will be the usual energy source for these units, though at the dock shorepower works well. We sailed with a Dometic three-way refrigerator for several years and found them too poorly insulated for 12-volt service.

An instantaneous gas-fired water heater services the Gemini’s shower, which again eliminates the need for electricity.

About the only appliances that must then be accounted for are cabin lights, fans, stereo and pumps. This can be handled by several good quality batteries, though some owners note the need for alternate energy sources. Solar panels, in our experience, can help a great deal, but several fairly large ones will be needed. They are difficult to place where shadows won’t limit performance, and where they aren’t likely to be stepped on. Plus, their life expectancy is depressingly brief—several years in our experience. A better bet, for many cruisers, will be a pole-mounted wind generator capable of producing, say, six to seven amps in 15 to 18 knots of wind.

The Gemini 31 is a comfortable coastal cruiser that benefits from its builder’s undying devotion. The quality of workmanship isn’t what you’ll find in more expensive monohulls or multihulls, but this is also one of the few cruising multihulls that’s affordable to buyers in the $50,000 to $80,000 range—used or new.

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Gemini 105 Mc

10.5m long, beautiful accommodation, all this from a builder with recognised experience: here is the Gemini 105 Mc, a cat which is as comfortable taking you on a weekend trip, as on a sabbatical break...

Serious and strong construction; this is what has made the Gemini’s reputation.

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• Builder : Gemini Catamarans
• Finance your Gemini 105 Mc
• Articles about the Gemini 105 Mc
• Available in issue # 112

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The Gemini 105 Mc is a sailing cottage. Like a land cottage, it is cozy, comfortable, and sound. For multihull sailors, this 10.5 m (35 ft) catamaran gives great value in a modestly sized catamaran with a modest price to match. It is very clearly a boat design aimed at the owner, one who may want a boat for weekend and vacation cruising, or for a sailing couple on that extended cruise, the dream of a life time. For either, the Gemini is a successful design with three decades of experience in its pedigree.

The Gemini is an out-of-the-ordinary boat: in thirty years, more than 1,000 examples have been built.

The Deck Layout

The Gemini 105 Mc has a hard deck fore and aft. The bows extend about a foot beyond the fore hard deck. A foresail traveler and other sail controls occupy the space ahead of the forestay. A fiberglass deck extension forms a bowsprit that holds the anchor and is an attachment point for the forestay that holds a furling genoa. The foredeck is stepped. The step up creates space over the master berth that spans the bridge deck, and the salon. The cockpit contributes significantly to the living area on the boat. Few other catamarans of any size do so much ...

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The Boat Galley

making boat life better

Our Gemini Catamaran

Published on May 18, 2015 ; last updated on June 20, 2020 by Carolyn Shearlock

We’ve had a number of questions on how we like our Gemini catamaran or how was it to go from our previous boat — a monohull Tayana 37 — to it. Here’s our listing of the pros and cons.

In a nutshell, we LOVE our Gemini catamaran for what we are now doing — two people living aboard full-time, coastal cruising in the Florida Keys and going to the Bahamas for several months at a time. But I’m not going to say it’s the perfect boat for everyone.

Okay, with that out of the way, there are a few things that we need to say:

• The Tayana 37 is a true blue water boat. The Gemini is a coastal cruiser. They are very, very different boats and designed for different purposes.
• Because of that, it’s almost impossible to truly compare them.

When we bought the Tayana ( Que Tal ), we didn’t know if we’d cross the Pacific, but thought we might (we didn’t). We wanted a boat that left the possibility open. The Tayana did well for us in the Sea of Cortez and down the coast to El Salvador, but the reality is that the Gemini would have been great, too. Probably better.

Things that we particularly like about the Gemini ( Barefoot Gal is a 105M):

• The living arrangement. It’s just a good layout for us, with a large “living room” (settee and table). The whole boat is much lighter and brighter, too. We also like the fact that the cockpit opens right into the living area, without going up and down stairs all the time. It’s also easier to get into and out of the queen berth (side entry) as opposed to the V-berth on the Tayana.
• Huge cockpit. It’s great for entertaining or even just the two of us, with room to actually walk around. The Tayana 37 has what’s referred to as an “offshore” cockpit, meaning it’s very small so that if a wave breaks into the cockpit it won’t sink the boat. But that means that it’s a very tight fit for four people. The Gemini is a much better layout for having people over. When we bought Que Tal , we underestimated how much we’d use the cockpit for things other than just steering the boat.
• Maneuverability. The Gemini is so much easier to handle in close quarters, it’s not even funny. The drive leg makes it like having an outboard, in that you steer it as well as the rudders. The Gemini is also technically 3 feet shorter than the Tayana (34 feet vs. 37) but with the Tayana’s bowsprit, it’s more like 8 or 9 feet shorter in reality. The lighter weight of the Gemini also makes it much more responsive. And any full keel boat such as the Tayana, in the words of another Tayana owner, “backs like a drunken elephant.” In other words, you don’t have a clue where it will go. Less freeboard on the Gemini also makes it easier to pick up a mooring ball both as it’s easier for the person at the helm to see it and much easier for the person at the bow to pick it up. The stress level on the Gemini as we approach a fixed object (dock, bridge, lock or even a mooring ball) is so much less than on the Tayana. The ease of getting underway/returning resulted in us going for a lot of short (1 – 2 hour) daysails. We had no idea how much this one factor would contribute to our enjoyment of the boat — and we’ve both always loved boating!
• Ease of sail handling. The Gemini’s sails are considerably smaller than the Tayana’s and the boom is much lower to the coach house roof. It is so much easier to raise/roll out the sails and stow them again, and the spinnaker is also a much more manageable size and has a larger wind range. We never wonder if it’s worth the effort to set the sails, even for a short trip. We’re not getting any younger, either (Dave is 77 and I’m 55): easier sail handling and a smaller anchor mean we’ll be able to cruise longer.
• Speed. Despite being smaller, the Gemini is considerably faster under sail and power. Our one-day range is considerably expanded. We can sail a lot more both as we move at a reasonable speed even in light winds (the drive leg pivots up out of the water easily to decrease drag) and we can afford several hours of light-air sailing and still make our intended anchorage since we typically motor at 6 knots versus 4.5 knots on the Tayana. Believe it or not, the Gemini sails slightly closer to the wind than our Tayana.
• Shallow draft. Draft was never a big issue in the Sea of Cortez or along the coast of Mexico and Central America. But it is in Florida and the Bahamas. Our Tayana theoretically drew 6 feet but loaded for cruising it was probably closer to 6½ feet. The Gemini draws about 2½ feet with the centerboards up but the drive leg and rudders down. We can go lots of places that many other boats, including a lot of catamarans, can’t. And we like to explore off the beaten path. A related factor is that our bridge clearance is just 45 feet, also giving us the freedom to go places some others can’t . . . and we have a lot less stress going under those 54 and 55 foot spans!

Bottom line is that for what we’re doing , the Gemini catamaran is just plain a fun boat. But I want to emphasize the “for what we’re doing.” Should we decide that we want to go to the Virgin Islands, we won’t have the option of going offshore — we’ll have to island hop down (yes, I know a few Geminis have gone offshore but I’ve also read their accounts).

To keep the speed and maneuverability that we like, we have to watch how much we load on board — and that means that we can’t carry as many provisions. The guest arrangements are great if one person comes, bad for more (what’s billed as a double berth is 4″ narrower than a double bed). The galley arrangement isn’t quite as good, but it’s not at all unworkable. Finally, the motion of a catamaran is different than a monohull. Not necessarily bad but it does take some getting used to if sailing in chop.

The holding tank is small at 18 gallons. After a year of cruising, we switched to a composting head ( read more about our reasons here ).

Our Gemini is an “M,” built in 1999 towards the end of the “M” series and has many features of an “MC” such as composite centerboards instead of plywood. The MC has many features that we’d like but the available ones at the time of our purchase were out of our budget.

The current model is the “Legacy” and it is totally redesigned with the interior layout changed slightly and, most importantly to us, skegs instead of centerboards. While the skegs are lower maintenance and require no effort while underway (versus having the lower a centerboard if sailing above a beam reach), we like the improved windward performance that the centerboards bring over a skeg.

Everything is a tradeoff. We are extremely glad that we decided on a Gemini as we absolutely love it. Some of the things that we love about it — such as the speed — are fairly typical of catamarans as opposed to monohulls, while other items are more specific to having a small catamaran or even to the Gemini (maneuverability).

I’ve been asked a few times if we intend to get a larger boat now that we’re going to be living aboard full time. You’ve probably already guessed that our answer is no — the Gemini catamaran is big enough for our needs and its small size leads to many of the things that we like about her. Within reason, smaller is just easier . . . and costs less too!

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Reader Interactions

Lori Steinbrunner says

May 18, 2015 at 11:26 am

Couldn’t’t agree more. We also love our Gem.

Janet Lettrich says

May 18, 2015 at 11:56 am

This was a very informative comparison. Thank you!

The Boat Galley says

May 18, 2015 at 12:04 pm

Some of the differences we expected, such as the living arrangement and the large cockpit. But we didn’t realize how much easier she’d be to “move” — whether by motor or sail. And that’s turned out to be a big part of why we love her!

May 18, 2015 at 1:00 pm

I have only ever sailed monohulls. I am looking to live aboard in the next few years. I was considering a boat like your former one for the same reasons – like leaving the possibility of ocean crossing open. Still open to all possibilities, which is why your post gave me a lot to consider. Thanks again.

Mark Sierakowski says

May 18, 2015 at 1:11 pm

Rik Dove, food for thought, if you aren’t going around the world.

Jennifer Kelly Majoros says

May 18, 2015 at 1:30 pm

We wouldn’t trade our Gem either. Love it!

Connie Watkins Weaver says

May 18, 2015 at 1:37 pm

Thanks for the accounting! Very helpful!

Mary Facker says

May 18, 2015 at 2:06 pm

How much of a factor were tramps when you picked the Gemini? I love everything about it, except for I have this dream of laying out on the trampolines, and I’m not sure I can give it up. How much do you think you’d use them if you had them?

Carolyn Shearlock says

May 18, 2015 at 4:18 pm

We’ve been on some cats with tramps (friends’ boats) and didn’t use them as much as we’d envisioned. So we didn’t really consider them (or the lack of them) in picking the Gemini. I don’t think (I may be mis-remembering) I’ve seen any of the small cats with them — they just need the space for living quarters and storage. Probably the biggest thing is that since it’s solid up from, there is more wave slap when you’re beating. We don’t find it too annoying, but some people hate it.

Bob Kimble says

March 25, 2016 at 8:13 am

I too had wanted tramps when I bought my Gem, but the hard foredeck turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It was the perfect place for morning sun salutes.

Rik Dove says

May 18, 2015 at 9:10 pm

True. And I agree with the thought. Problem is… Dikenga and I have been through so much. She is family. I could never bring myself to sell my Tayana

May 19, 2015 at 7:57 am

Sounds like a perfect boat for the Keys. We had a 30′ Iroquois for 14 years with a trampoline and while the kids loved it, it made the boat wetter going into heavy seas. I’m thinking too, now that I’m older, it wouldn’t be as stable a platform for foredeck work. We moved up to an Island Packet catamaran 8 years ago with a solid foredeck. It’s very dry( has a pod to break waves) but there is slap at anchor if there’s a heavy chop( no fun on any boat, either). What’s nice about the Gemini and Island Packet is they usually fit into a conventional slip, being 14 and 15 foot beam, respectively. The cockpit is another “room” for us. Thanks for your thoughts on your model. We sailed a Legacy last summer as a demo, but could never afford a newer one.

Mark Krajcar says

May 27, 2019 at 10:56 am

I looked at the Gem’s and ruled them out for several reasons. I did find 2 of the IpY Packet Cat 35’s for sale and a friend and I each bought one of them. I’m getting ready to head off this year, circumnavigation and would love to connect with you. Perhaps Carolyn can assist us if you’re interested.

I emailed re the name of a product you’d recommended and I couldn’t remember. You got back to me in a day! I was very surprised and happy. Thank you so much.

Judy Richterman says

May 19, 2015 at 8:56 am

What a good comparison! We’ve been living aboard our Cal 39 in the Leewards since November 2014, and I have enjoyed the luxury of space and light when I visited friends with large catamarans. It didn’t occur to me that we could find a catamaran with maneuverability and a size that would be comfortable for gunk holing in the Chesapeake and the Florida Bay. My husband got very excited by your article. You’ve planted a seed for our next stage of cruising a few years down the road.

Tim Sheahan says

May 19, 2015 at 2:16 pm

Do you have problems with stress cracks,..a friend has one and has cracks along all his shrouds and basically all around the deck, everywhere anything is bolted thru.

May 19, 2015 at 6:43 pm

The gelcoat is a problem area on the Gems. Ours is chalky and has a lot of crazing. The company swears that it’s not structural and that is how it seems on all that we’ve seen and owners we’ve talked to — not pretty but not structural.

May 19, 2015 at 7:58 pm

Right, we’re doing his this fall, just curious if it was universal.

David Ditacchio says

May 19, 2015 at 6:07 pm

After owning our Gemini 105M for 15 years, we are putting it up for sale. It has been a great boat to own and we have had many great trips with it. We will miss it and all the great Gemini sailors that we have met over the past 15 years.

Happy/sad time.

Gregory Allen says

October 26, 2015 at 12:57 am

I have been hearing about the gemini so much that for the last year I have been researching every thing about this cat and the more I read the more I am looking forward to purchasing my own. I’m in love with it and have not even chartered one yet.

December 1, 2015 at 11:30 am

We bought our Gemini 105M from PCI in 2000. It’s been a great boat and we have had 16 years of great sailing. Health issues and age are catching up with us so we are putting our boat up for sale. We are spending this winter in Cocoa Village, FL.

December 1, 2015 at 3:53 pm

Glad to hear of your many fun years aboard! It must be a tough decision to sell her . . .

April 6, 2017 at 7:37 pm

Did you end up selling it ? Looking for a 105M Joe

December 15, 2015 at 9:41 pm

I’m looking at getting a Gemini legacy 35 for a live aboard and possibly some blue water sailing. What would be the pros and cons of this type of sailing occasionally. I have 2 children that will with me so accommodations should be just right.

March 24, 2016 at 6:14 pm

Those of you who are considering a Gemini:

Have a look at the Canadian-made “Tomcat.” We looked at one at Miami Boat Show and were very impressed. Very like the Gems, yet to us, better thought out. If we were in the Gem market we’d seriously consider them.

March 24, 2016 at 6:39 pm

We saw them 2 years ago and were also impressed. However there are almost none available used, and the backlog for new ones is several years long. Or at least it was then.

Jennifer Good Spires says

March 24, 2016 at 11:05 pm

I sure love mine. I can hardly wait for spring!

Dan N Jaye says

March 24, 2016 at 11:13 pm

Interesting, Carolyn; we’re not looking to trade boats any time soon but you make good points.

Michael McIntosh says

March 25, 2016 at 1:18 am

How many degrees off the wind will she sail?

March 25, 2016 at 12:00 pm

50-ish, depending on sea state. Smooth water, closer than that.

March 25, 2016 at 1:26 am

Love our Gem, nearly 5 years and counting…

Kimberly Fain Ward says

March 25, 2016 at 7:14 pm

We love ours, too! Paula L Mueller, did you see this?

Paula L Mueller says

March 26, 2016 at 2:22 am

I had read it before and just read the whole thing again ?

March 26, 2016 at 2:25 am

Courtney Cali T says

March 26, 2016 at 10:43 am

James Tex Kilburn says

March 26, 2016 at 10:46 pm

I’m currently refitting a Gemini 3000. We’re very pleased with her performance as a Costal Cruiser and plan on upgrading to a 105 in a few years!

werner thomas says

June 9, 2016 at 9:48 am

hi great comments evaluating your cat. The small cats do it for me too, I now have a Catalac 10m after my first cat a Wharram Tiki 30! The centerboard set up ibdeed better upwind sailing but so much weaker in gunkholing! It is amazing how these under 35 foot cats have such large living areas. I would not howecer use a Gemini where I am cruising with my Catalac because no chandlers, no technical backup. My Catalac can take quite a knock which leseer strong cars wpuldnt survive. Imagine hitting an old bridge head thats completely dubmerged and nowhere indicated on charts but in major river gere in Mozambique. Great blog keep it up, I admire those bloggers that entertain/inform us so well.

Dan Rupli says

June 17, 2016 at 5:03 pm

I love the whole idea of the Gemini 35, but will always want to go around the world at least one time. Is there no compromise between catamaran comfort and Tayana blue water capabilities?

June 17, 2016 at 7:51 pm

There are definitely boats that are in between . . . some of the 40-foot cats and some of the lighter monohulls. No boat can be everything, though, so you have to decide what’s important for you.

June 20, 2016 at 1:42 pm

Thanks for this insightful article. I am one of many investigating/considering the Gemini – I’m curious whether you found yourself sitting on the combing when handling the wheel? I had not realized the other advantages you pointed out regarding visibility/convenience in handling.

June 20, 2016 at 3:34 pm

We rarely hand steer — only when doing close quarters work. The rest of the time we let the autopilot do it’s thing. But yes, we usually sit up on the “upper level” on the side of the cockpit.

mikeoore says

August 14, 2016 at 9:53 am

Great article. We are close to a boat purchase and liked both the gemini cats and my lifelong favorite, the Tayana 37. Being so different, and generally for different purposes, it was hard to make a choice. Your story helprf. Thanks

August 14, 2016 at 10:17 am

We really like both, but they are very different boats and best suited for different types of cruising. Glad you found the comparison useful!

Brian Kepner says

July 21, 2017 at 6:54 pm

Hope Gemini sends you some swag for this article.. I might consider one if I ever see one up here in the PNW. Cats are very uncommon up here.

Charles Dalesch says

July 21, 2017 at 10:21 pm

Scott Taber time to get a cat

Diane Mercaldo says

July 21, 2017 at 10:38 pm

Nice to have the added living space that is lighter and brighter. Bridge heights, OH YOU’RE SO LUCKY,I’m jealous and depth is no longer a factor, CONGRATULATIONS, enjoy and safe sailing!

Paul English says

July 21, 2017 at 9:13 pm

I’m still struggling with the whole “blue water” distinction – and I realize it is not necessarily razor sharp.

What features did your mono have that made it blue water, that the Gemini doesn’t?

Does the Gemini itself preclude blue water from your perspective – like you wouldn’t consider an Atlantic or Pacific crossing with it? Or would you consider it with (presumably pretty expensive) modifications?

And a more general question – do you think you would have been ultimately “equally open” to blue water sailing by purchasing a non-blue-water boat to start with, then simply traded up when you were ready and certain that you were going to cross an ocean?

July 22, 2017 at 7:11 am

It has a lot to do with build strength. The Tayana has a much thicker and heavier hull that would be much harder to hole. The deck to hull joint is also much “beefier.” Chainplates are attached with more bolts and are themselves larger. Winches were oversized. Water and diesel tanks were much larger. It’s also a heavy displacement boat and comfortable (well, relatively!) in large seas. It’s also things like the size of cleats, having secure places to clip in on deck and a protected cockpit.

I know of one Gemini that circumnavigated (Slap-Dash) and while they beefed it up before they went, they did major repair in most of the big cities they hit along the way.

The designer of the Gemini took one across the Atlantic — again, with modifications.

The thing about crossing an ocean is that you don’t know what weather you’ll encounter and your boat has to be okay to handle large seas. Now, we could island-hop through the Caribbean, where we’d have numerous open water passages — but most just about 100 miles long. That’s a single day. You can get a pretty good weather forecast for the next 24 hours so even “unexpected” conditions aren’t going to have the huge seas that would be a problem.

So, while others may have crossed oceans in a Gemini, I wouldn’t.

As to your more general question. I think when we began cruising (2002), there weren’t the blogs and Facebook that showed people cruising on a smaller scale. Most information came from circumnavigators — or at least ocean-crossers — in books and Cruising World. So our initial thoughts were that we’d be like all those folks . . . and wanted that type of boat.

July 22, 2017 at 2:53 am

July 22, 2017 at 4:00 am

Totally agree! We love our Gem too!

Steve Barnes says

July 22, 2017 at 4:01 am

What’s your hull number? We are a 1999 M #651 and have wooden boards. In good shape now, but was a pain restoring them after barnacles got through the paint and water rotted several spots.

July 22, 2017 at 10:34 am

We’re 655, just 4 after you.

July 22, 2017 at 12:49 pm

Consider yourself lucky!

Thom Hounsell says

July 22, 2017 at 10:53 am

Nice analysis. Thanks!

Pam Carr Jackson says

July 22, 2017 at 2:39 pm

Doug Jackson and I had an Island Packet then bought a sailing catamaran (a Lagoon). Agree with everything stated regarding the benefits of a cat vs monohull!

July 22, 2017 at 5:08 pm

Love our 2004 Gemini 105Mc, s/v Ally Cat! She took us from MA to Grenada and back and now we are LOVING exploring all the skinny water aournd us in Buzzards Bay!! Found the most beautiful spot on Nantucket a couple weeks ago…anxious to see where we ‘discover’ when we go out again for a couple weeks in August 🙂

Lorraine Steyn says

July 22, 2017 at 9:26 pm

I just hate the motion of a catamaran, that jerky motion in chop. Spoiled the sailing for me, despite the pleasures of more space for a live-aboard life

Steve Olson says

July 24, 2017 at 3:28 am

Oh man, I’ll never go Cat. I’d much rather have the T37!!

Smith Angie says

May 15, 2018 at 2:47 am

Thanks for sharing this information.It’s very usefull for me

George Poole says

August 18, 2018 at 9:02 am

This is an Excellent review – Thank you so much for the information.

All the best to you

Frank and Cindy says

August 22, 2018 at 9:35 pm

All these years later and this post is still drawing comments! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the Gemini! We love our 105mc #816. S/V Mavis. I’ve been reading your stuff for years when owning a Gemini was just a dream! Fair winds and keep posting!

Thomas Pierquet says

September 18, 2018 at 11:03 pm

I am wondering what the boat speed is cruising at 2000,2500,and 2800 rpm respectively. I heard someone claim 8kts at 2800rpm. Is this possible? Or is that a stretch? I presently have a Beneteau 311 (cruises at 6kts@2800rpm) and have been considering a Gemini 105MC for more room. My wife would like to have a bigger cabin and more boat speed on the way home if no wind.. Also, how valuable is the option of the Screecher sail to the performance of these boats?

September 19, 2018 at 8:45 am

I’d say that’s a stretch. We can motor a little over 6 knots in very smooth water. Looking back on our logs, 5.8 is more common at 2800 — but remember that we are loaded for cruising/full-time living aboard, probably much more so than you would be if you still have a land-based home. We don’t have a screecher, so I can’t answer that — I know it would be fun on certain points of sail, but can’t talk to how it actually performs. I think we’d use it on the furler more than we use our asymmetrical spinnaker.

September 19, 2018 at 9:18 am

Thank you for your very timely reply. It’s always good to hear from an owner to get accurate information. I have been reading everything I can about the Gemini. I have decided that I want a 105mc to get the latest version with the centerboards. I would welcome all and any comments directly from owners of any of the performance positive or negatives. I enjoy my Beneteau 311 but need a main cabin bed with more room and more space for my grandkids to come along. Thanks again

October 2, 2018 at 1:14 pm

Great review of the boat. We are also considering a Gemini 105M along with a Prout Snowgoose. Can you comment on wave slap when at anchor on a typical night. I have been a power boater for years, have done a lot of anchoring out overnight and have never liked the chine slap at anchor if the wind is up.

October 4, 2018 at 9:04 pm

It all depends on the amount of wind and waves. Most nights, in a calm anchorage, it’s not noticeable. But if there are waves, you’ll hear them on the hull and you’ll hear some wave slap on the bridge deck.

JoAnna Mitchell says

January 25, 2020 at 10:21 am

Hi Carolyn, Thanks for this informative post! My husband and I are considering stepping up from our Hunter 30T to a Gemini 105MC. I have noticed in the listings that many have had the IO replaced with a standard outboard engine. What are your thoughts and what have you heard from other Gemini owners? Thanks for this page as well. We have used it a lot in preparation for our cruising future. JoAnna

January 25, 2020 at 12:35 pm

I know that many have made the switch but I think that more are still with the diesel. We did not want a gas engine as we simply didn’t want to carry that much gasoline on trips as it is MUCH more explosive than diesel fuel. However, they’re typically lighter weight and easy to have repaired or replaced should that be necessary.

Janet Smoot says

April 4, 2020 at 4:03 pm

We have owned our 2000 Gemini 105M for 8 years. We love it! We had a 25′ Catalina swing keel before that. Live the space..Plenty of sleeping for 4 people.The kitchen works great. Bought closed cell cushions for outside cockpit so very comfortable. Sail msilnly Potomac River and Chesapeake. But once we retire plan on longer trips. Works well for small grandchildren too. Can’t say enough good things about this cat. Never thought we could afford one. Gemini has now priced themselves out of the average sailor though. Thanks for the inciteful review.

Holly Henry says

October 8, 2020 at 11:03 am

Thank you for your website and information. We are looking at a 2000 Gemini 105M…it’s so difficult to find an MC. What does the MC have different that you would like? Thank you again for all of your information.

October 8, 2020 at 11:18 am

We have a 1999 105M.

Major changes in the MC:

• Mast is 1 foot taller and boom one foot longer, so mainsail is larger. Also bigger roach with the masthead crane.
• MC has an optional screacher.
• Seating at table is squared off, making it easier to nap on settees and huge difference in how easy the seats are to remove when you need to re-upholster.
• Table drops down to create a large bed for guests.
• Laminate centerboards instead of wood. Our 1999 M has the laminate boards, so it’s very likely the 2000 model does.
• Built-in air conditioning (this isn’t something we cared about, but it’s a big deal for many people)
• MC is 900+ pounds lighter, so it sails and motors faster with the same load.

October 8, 2020 at 7:08 pm

Thank you so much. Gemini’s are getting harder to find now that we are looking. Your website and info are invaluable to this part-time cruiser.

Mo Jacob says

August 13, 2024 at 11:49 am

Based on your experience would Gemini 105mc be able to cruise in mediterranean?

August 13, 2024 at 11:51 am

I believe that a few have.

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What do you like? What have you added, would you recommend adding it? What don't you like about living on a 105MC? Just an overall appraisal of living on one would be appreciated. It looks like we are leaning that way to retire and take to the Caribbean. Thanks  

we did for a few months...not the boat to take to the caribbean unless you are really careful with the weather. I did not like: the "RV" fridge..propane/12v/110v....it scared me the entire time. Were it my boat, it would come out and a marine or else just 110v go in. access to the mechanical drive leg is a chore, and kind of rube goldberg using the daggerboards required work that took me away from the helm access to places that somehow collect water is tough. Were it my boat, I would cut some access holes or find where the water is coming from...I think this is addressed in the newer 105MC tough to keep the weight off, while liveaboard I did like the master cabin and berth the tilt up of the dinette seat, and the foot ledge below the seat. My wife LOVED it, as she has short legs and could sit there for a long time and still be comfortable. stable, fast and easy to sail cockpit is very "captain" friendly and still has room for a companion or mate. she handles well under power fits in a "normal" width slip haul by a regular travel lift We added the usual liveaboard stuff, and a mattress pad. Ipod amplifier.we added a fly screen to the main "door" as the slider was getting way too much of a work out. We added a step stool for some docks to get on and off easier, often we docked bow in, to have more privacy. We added reflector insulation to the sun side windows and used it all the time. AC only on the really hot or humid days. All the best,  

Hey kd3pc, Since no good deed goes unpunished I wonder if you could elaborate on a few of the points you raised. Why did the Gemini require more careful consideration of the weather than other boats? What weather issues are the boats short comings? Do all the Gemini's have propane refrigeration and what makes it more of a risk than a propane stove? I really can't get excited about the looks of any Catamaran, but their advantages for the way I envision using a boat (Chesapeake Bay and perhaps ICW to points south) are hard to ignore so owning a Gemini is a thought that crosses my mind from time to time.  

Only in my dreams ... and love every bit of it ...  

Trying to take it from a dream to a reality.. Getting the kids to understand us selling THEIR house of memories is the hardest part so far...lol  

The Gemini would be good for the Chesapeake the ICW and the Bahamas. However getting out to the Eastern Caribbean will be VERY hard work in one when the short steep seas of the notorious 'Caribbean Two Step' are running. Small heavy catamarans do not do well out here. IMHO if you can not afford a 40ft + cat then a monohull is better. But if you can grit your teeth and once out to the Eastern Caribbean pick your weather windows carefully then it will do. BTW where would YOU sit in the cockpit at anchor in one. You do not want to be inside in the greenhouse in the sun.  

Thanks for the first hand feedback. I'm not really in a place to be thinking about changing boats at this point and for whatever reason I'm defintely more drawn to monohulls so when we are ready to upgrade, I'm guessing it won't be a Gemini despite its overall suitablity how I'm likely to use it. I expect a Gemini would pound pretty severely in the "Chesapeake chop". There isn't a lot of bridge clearance.  

In my case I think I can stand the chop for the times when it happens, when we are underway. We are looking to sail to location, spend a month or two there and then sail to the next location. We will be on the hook for 95% of our time and want something that is comfortable to live in while at anchor. As far as the heat, we are going to install an AC as well as a Watermaker. Part of buying in Gemini is buying a used one and add all the creature comforts, such as AC, watermaker and still have enough kitty to pay for gas to run the ginny to power it if needed.  

GCASKEW said: In my case I think I can stand the chop for the times when it happens, when we are underway. We are looking to sail to location, spend a month or two there and then sail to the next location. We will be on the hook for 95% of our time and want something that is comfortable to live in while at anchor. . Click to expand...

Gemini Owners Group Gemini_Cats : Gemini Catamarans  

keep coming back to see what's been posted ... as this is one boat I really would love to ultimately settle into ...  

I have belonged to the Gemini Group for years. I have found them to be honest and straight forward about the boats capabilities; reality based. The design of the hulls and various features have undergone changes since its inception just as you would find with any sailboat who's popularity has maintained its production; I believe more Gemini's have been built and sold than any other multihull. The designer and his son sailed the 105MC to Europe. Prior to the 105MC model the designer specifically stated the boat was not meant for open blue water sailing such as for RTW. There are 105MC's circumnavigating worldwide. Regarding motorsailing and multihulls, this seems pretty consistent with limitations that monohulls find themselves in. Simply go to any monohull blog of cruisers and read how they got from point A to point B and ultimately you will read how they motored at various times due to the needs of the conditions or limitations of the boats ability to sail. To say you would not have a boat you needed to motorsail on at anytime would mean you wanted a powerboat, at least to me, unless you were willing to wait for the conditions needed to sail, which for one reason or another people seem to just as soon motorsail to get going to their destination. Cal28 I think you would find that if you moved to a Gemini, most any model, you would increase your living area and comfort but I think if you tried to move more gear (weight of payload) onboard, from what you are carrying now on you boat you would hamper the Gemini's sea-keeping abilities. So in a nutshell you can go larger in a multihull but you cannot go heavier in payload without careful planning. This is the whole principal as to why monohulls were used early on to carry cargo, they have a higher payload for the waterline length. A multihull I like as much as some early Gemini's is the Catalac 9M. With modification, removal, of the non structural port side forward partition, the forward stateroom rivals the Gemini. The boats have been all over the world and they have the option of twin diesels for those days you need to motorsail. You can compare the Catalac's and Gemini's here for free Multihull Dynamics, Inc. - Home You'll find there is not a lot of difference between the 9M and the Gemini 3000.  

chucklesR said: I have seen and been aboard every model of Gemini. The OP asked about 105mc's rather specifically, not the old models. Those models were designed rather like your Catalac as your quoted piece from mdi said. I do see your point though Click to expand...

Headed to Miami in a few weeks to look at the Gemini and the Tomcat catamarans. The new lagoons are just out of our reach. We want to retire with no debt and house and boat paid for, I'd love the new lagoon but I don't want a loan so I can get one. Any other new cat's that anyone knows of that are in the low 200k's that I am missing. We are also going to look at new monohulls, but I really want a cat for the living at anchor.  

Yes, three (as far as I know) Gemini's have flipped, all three by charter folks (read no experience). Still - they can.  

The PDQs are probably the next step up from the Gemini, but its a very big step up in quality & design, and probably price. Marc  

I'm looking at a gemini34 to use as a liveaboard in the Sanjuan islands WA want to convert her to solar electric drive  

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• Sailboat Guide

Gemini 105M

Gemini 105M is a 33 ′ 5 ″ / 10.2 m catamaran sailboat designed by Tony Smith and built by Performance Cruising between 1982 and 2000.

• 4 / 15 Port Charlotte, FL, US 1997 Gemini 105M $59,900 USD View
• 5 / 15 Port Charlotte, FL, US 1997 Gemini 105M $59,900 USD View
• 6 / 15 Port Charlotte, FL, US 1997 Gemini 105M $59,900 USD View
• 7 / 15 Port Charlotte, FL, US 1997 Gemini 105M $59,900 USD View
• 8 / 15 Port Charlotte, FL, US 1997 Gemini 105M $59,900 USD View
• 9 / 15 Port Charlotte, FL, US 1997 Gemini 105M $59,900 USD View
• 10 / 15 Port Charlotte, FL, US 1997 Gemini 105M $59,900 USD View
• 11 / 15 Port Charlotte, FL, US 1997 Gemini 105M $59,900 USD View
• 12 / 15 Port Charlotte, FL, US 1997 Gemini 105M $59,900 USD View
• 13 / 15 Port Charlotte, FL, US 1997 Gemini 105M $59,900 USD View
• 14 / 15 Port Charlotte, FL, US 1997 Gemini 105M $59,900 USD View
• 15 / 15 Port Charlotte, FL, US 1997 Gemini 105M $59,900 USD View

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

From BlueWaterBoats.org :

After a 2008 Pacific crossing, the owner of a Gemini exclaimed, “the catamaran hull performs flawlessly in open blue water as well as the light winds of the Kona coast … the forward stateroom is queen sized .. the main cabin seats six … plenty of height in the full head with shower.” Great sailing and lots of living space – what’s not to like?

The Gemini is the most popular cruising catamaran in the world with more than 1000 hulls manufactured over nearly 30 years. While most of those hulls are in service as coastal cruisers, many have crossed the oceans. In 2001 the owner, designer and builder of the Gemini catamaran series, Tony Smith, sailed a new Gemini 105Mc across the Atlantic Ocean for a delivery to Southampton, England topping out at 18 knots of speed (surfing down the face of heavy seas). Many more of these adventures are chronicled in the Gemini Gems magazine (print and electronic versions) or the very active Gemini Yahoo forum.

A large cockpit with wheel steering and plenty of room for an afternoon picnic greats the sailor ascending the aft stairs. A generous, hard foredeck is surrounded by a stainless pulpit for the entire bow and lifelines running along the somewhat narrow side decks. With only about 8000 pounds of displacement, anchor chain and rode need not be overly heavy. Sailing a boat with such light displacement across the ocean requires careful consideration of heeling angles and reefing. Anything above seven degrees of heel means it’s time to reduce sail.

Returning to the cockpit allows the sailor access to the interior. Starting at the same level as the cockpit sole, immediately one is greeted by a salon table that comfortably seats four and even eight in a squeeze. Descending a few steps to the left and moving forward is found the head and shower. Hot water is provided by a propane driven instant heater, like an RV or many European homes. The big advantage is that if you have water in the two 35 gallon fresh water tanks, then you can have hot water.

In the aft part of both hulls are two births. The master cabin is in the starboard hull forward, featuring a queen sized bed. There is a tremendous amount of storage for dry goods in the galley and a propane driven refrigerator (using the ammonia cycle instead of a compressor).

The Gemini is mainly driven by the roller furled genoa and somewhat small main, though many sailors add screechers, asymmetrical spinnakers and jibs to their sail lockers. Each hull has a cable driven, hand-cranked centerboard that can be completely tucked into a trunk in the hull, reducing the draft (assuming the rudders are likewise raised), or dropped three feet into the water, dramatically improving upwind performance. While most sailing and motoring can be accomplished with both boards let half-way down, the ability to adjust the boards to wind, current, sailing or anchoring conditions is one of the Gem’s great strengths.

The 105 and 105MC are driven by a 27 HP Westerbeke diesel engine driving a Sillette tilting saildrive. The saildrive is often a source of concern and maintenance is critical on the bellows.

There are three models of the Gemini, the classic (1981-1990), the 3200 and 3400 (1990-1996) and the most popular, the 105M and 105MC (1996-2012). This article focuses on the most popular model, 105M and 105MC, which differ only in details of the interior construction. The classic, 3200 and 3400 were all manufactured in Annapolis, Maryland. Recently, Performance Cruising has partnered with Hunter Marine to manufacture the 105Mc in Alacua, Florida. There are nearly always pre-owned examples of all three types on the market.

The model most likely to be used in blue water is the 105M or 105MC discussed here. For this model, the hull lines were redrawn moving the maximum beam further aft to reduce wave drag. These new hulls have a 9:1 length:beam ratio. The new hulls also have a somewhat higher static stability. The newer hull design is stiffer, increasing seaworthiness for trans-ocean cruising.

The hull is solid GRP, laminated from woven roving and mat with isophthalic polyester resin. An outer layer of polyester resin and gel coat protects against osmosis. The decks and cockpit sole are GRP sandwich with balsa wood core.

Links, References and Further Reading

» A review of the Gemini 105M by John Kretschmer, Sailing Magazine, Aug 1999 » Chesapeake Bay Magazine’s review of the Gemini 105Mc

Original article submitted by Robert Malkin.

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> > Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on Cruisers Forums. 30-05-2012, 11:40   about what they think of them. Do you like them? Did they do well sailing ? Were they as "as spacious and airy" as advertised? Where did you store the dingy? And feel free to say whatever else comes to mind about them. They seem to be very nice looking to me. Also, what other are out there that are similer to the , or that are better than or the same as it, but In the same, I'm gonna say, 34-37 ft. size range. 30-05-2012, 13:40   Boat: Fastback 43 in protected waters, so I can't help with the part, but it sailed well, and I found it easy to handle. It's small enough (beam) that it will fit in a standard slip. For it's size, it is spacious, but not quite spacious enough for indefinitely (IMHO). I wish they made a 38' version. The aft cabins both fit two, but just barely. 30-05-2012, 21:52   Boat: Seawind 1160 . You'd be better off comparing to a 40'-44' when considering space. Other pros: • :*Gems sells at a point that is easier on the wallet than most cats of similar size •*It can get into really thin w/ boards raised •*The boards allow it to point better than cats lacking centerboards or daggerboards. •*An active and supportive owner community. See The cons: •*Build quality varies by •*You often see crazing. Though purely cosmetic, it's irritating to many • The w/ sonic drive leg is clunky for some •*Some slamming, though for me not as bad as what others have claimed it to be. I hope this helps. Gems are great boats. They're great at what they were designed for-- coastal cruising, with plenty of space and performance at a price that's generally more affordable than the other options that exist out there. You just have to acknowledge they're built to a price point. If you want a true cat that's designed from the outset to handle really serious seas, this isn't your best choice, but you also should know that no true cat is gonna be priced around a Gem price point anyway. Rob 30-05-2012, 23:48   of choice for a blog I was surfing through. I found this shortly afterwards. 31-05-2012, 03:34   Boat: Gemini 105Mc 34' up to a larger cat when we plan to sail more distant oceans, but it's perfect for the and . It's not comfortable sailling with a "right on the beam" chop, which can be annoying. Heavy downwind it is pure heaven and will surf speeds well over it's "hull speed." We averaged 9 kn. under sail wing and wing one day coming up the bay...we've hit 11 for brief periods. Others claim to have sailed even faster. 31-05-2012, 12:17   Boat: Catalac Catamaran build the is going to change the boat in any way? Does this mean Performance Cruising Inc. is kaput? I wonder as 'The Company' now has exclusive sales rights to the Gemini . It seems to be a twisted relationship at best. 02-06-2012, 16:21   Boat: Gemini 105MC 34 ft hull#753 to change the design that is selling all they are making already. is just contracted to build the Gemini cats not an owner. We love our 02 Gemini 105Mc with the oiled interiors sence it can be re-oiled and looks new after lots of use in it's 10 years. We looked at lots of sailboats both monohull and some cats and we compaired the and beds one queen and 2 double to a 53 ft monohull we seriously looked at. Our moorage is resionable because it fits in a std 40 ft slip ( we need a 40 ft slip because of our dingy davit makes us about 39 ft long and most can accomidate us. We like the dingy with the hammoc couch that adds so much extra room on . We live in the and really enjoy the encloseable and sail year round, even a light snow. I agree with what RobWrongshoes says, Seeing his Gemini at anchrage at Cypress island in the helped us make our desision to buy our Gemini 105Mc. We love having the model with the movable roller screecher track and when flying it with the main down wing and wing works super and can move at speed easily. Up wind sailing is really good with use of the centerboards it can easily point as well as many monohull boats. My best speed was with a 35kt wind off the beam was 14kt's and running down wind with the main and 150% gen we often get 11 to 12 kt's reefed. We love winds of 20 kt's and get great upwind performance. My only offshoe trip was from San Diago to and back it handled it great. My good buddy has a 105M sailing the and keeps it in West Palm Fla during seasion, he has only good things to say about it in his offshore sailing and has lived aboard about 9 months a year for the last 4 years. Recently there have been 2 different Gemini 105Mc's that have finished there cyrcumnavication with no problems. We lived aboard for the first year we owned our boat and can't waite untill we go crusing and live onboard full time again. 02-06-2012, 17:29   Boat: Catalac 12M (sold) 17-07-2012, 09:58   Boat: Lagoon 440 .. I have owned a Gemini 105Mc for 10 years, she was sailed across the Atlantic by the owner of Performance Cruising Tony Smith and his son. The video of the trip 45min can be seen on Utube, big seas and serious wind on more than one occasion. They hit in excess of 14 knots on a number of occasions and toped out 1t 18+. I have sailed her on the South coast of the UK, across Biscay, Atlantic coats of (November) and on to and never a worry. They are easy to sail and very comfortable for two. The one thing I would add is a for the colder climates. The drive leg is great if you get something round the prop, which I have on a few occasions. 20-07-2012, 12:58   Boat: gemini 105 great, check out Slapdash.com Jamie and Seth sailed one around the world last couple years. I didnt get one because the price, ended up with a older Prout 35 which I love. little wider little more room. The 105 started in the 90's so even the earlier ones can be cost you a few bucks. If you got the cash check out the 36. 22-07-2012, 13:27   Boat: Moody 34 22-07-2012, 14:24   Boat: 38/41 Fountains pajot 32. There's a LRC model in GA for 100k . Great shape looked at it myself. Even though its 2 births vs 3 the two births are each the size of the larger birth of the gem and one is equal to the two of the two rear births of the gem combined. In other words the Gems rear births are too small for two avg people. The is nicer in the pdq and the build quality far superior plus twin engines. 22-07-2012, 17:11   Boat: Catalac Catamaran 23-07-2012, 03:36   Boat: TRT 1200 out a lot or traveling, you'll want a heavier boat with 2 diesels to handle your , battery bank and . Safety, redundancy, , maneuverability (especially with high winds on the beam when docking), speed, battery capacity and cruising range, are all greatly increased with twin diesels. 23-07-2012, 04:18   Boat: Catalac Catamaran , Thread Tools Rate This Thread : Posting Rules post new threads post replies post attachments edit your posts is are code is are are are No Threads to Display. - - - - - - - Privacy Guaranteed - your email is never shared with anyone, opt out any time. News & Views Boats & Gear Lunacy Report Techniques & Tactics GEMINI 3000: A Very Affordable Cruising Cat The Gemini, the first production cruising catamaran ever built in the United States, was born from the ashes of a terrible fire that in 1981 destroyed the molds for the successful Telstar 26 folding trimaran that multihull enthusiast Tony Smith had just brought over from Great Britain. Eager to save his new Maryland-based business, Performance Cruising, Smith immediately started building catamarans instead, using molds for an old British cruiser, the Aristocat, designed by Ken Shaw back in 1970. The original Gemini 31, appropriately named the Phoenix, was rebranded with minor changes as the Gemini 3000 after the first 28 hulls were launched. In all, 153 of these boats (including the first 28) were built from 1981 to 1990, when the 3000 was discontinued and replaced by the Gemini 3200. All subsequent Gemini models built by Performance Cruising, including the 3200, the 3400, and two 105 models, though they grew slightly, have the same basic hull and deck form and interior layout as the first. A total of nearly 1,000 Geminis have been launched over the past quarter century, making them the most popular American-built cruising cats to date. Though the Gemini design concept is archaic by today’s standards, it still works well for contemporary cruisers who want a great deal of living space in a small inexpensive sailboat. As catamarans go, all Geminis are quite narrow, just 14 feet across, which means they can fit into most standard marina berths. In spite of the narrow beam, there is still enough room inside for a queen-size double berth forward in the master stateroom between the hulls, plus two small doubles in separate guest staterooms at the back of each hull, as well as a small but serviceable raised saloon with two settees and a table that can collapse to form yet another double berth. A modest but useful main saloon The galley is down in the starboard hull One of two aft double berths What this adds up to, in the case of the Gemini 3000, is a 30-foot boat with standing headroom that can honestly sleep four couples in a pinch, or three couples quite comfortably in private cabins, or a couple with several small children (or two older children who demand some space of their own). Throw in a good-sized galley, a roomy head with a shower, a nice long nav desk, plus a large comfortable cockpit, and you have a veritable poor man’s cruising palace. When it comes to performance Geminis are a mixed bag. They have a solid bridgedeck stretching the entire length of the boat from the stern to the bow, plus the bridgedeck is fairly close to the water, and this inevitably hampers a catamaran’s performance to some degree. The boats will pound and hobbyhorse a bit sailing into a chop, especially when overloaded. On the other hand, Geminis do have relatively deep pivoting centerboards to provide directional stability and lift underwater, rather than the inefficient shoal keels found on most dedicated cruising cats. In flat water a Gemini with its lee centerboard down could be rather closewinded for a boat of its type. On the Gemini 3000s, unfortunately, the genoa track is outboard and the wide sheeting angle makes it hard to take advantage of this potential. On later models the track was moved inboard to the coachroof. Example of a Gemini 105Mc, the last Gemini built by Performance Cruising Because their centerboards can be raised and wetted surface area thus reduced when desired, all Geminis are reasonably fast off the wind compared to others of their ilk, particularly if you hoist a spinnaker. Unlike most modern cats, however, they have conventional rigs with backstays, and cannot fly a large main with a fat roach. Still, as long as they are not overloaded (an important proviso aboard any multihull), Geminis do surprisingly well in light air and can generally outsail most monohulls in their size range. They also have retractable rudders housed in stainless-steel cassettes, which allows them to take full advantage of their boards-up shoal draft when venturing into thin water. Construction quality is mediocre at best, and though a few bold souls have taken Geminis offshore, the boats are best suited to coastal cruising. The entire hull (that is, both hulls plus the underside of the full-length bridgedeck) is formed in a single mold and is laid up as a solid fiberglass laminate of mat and woven roving. In the Gemini 3000 hulls polyester resin was used, and according to one consumer survey conducted back in the 1980s about 20 percent of owners reported some blistering. All subsequent models were built with an exterior layer of vinylester to prevent this. The deck, also formed in a single mold, is cored with balsa in all horizontal areas and is through-bolted to the hull on a flange. To save weight neither the deck nor hull laminate are terribly thick and this, combined with the free-floating bulkheads inside the hull, makes for a somewhat flexible structure. Flexing in older Gemini 3000s often leads to some crazing and spider cracking in the exterior gelcoat. This problem is usually only cosmetic, but more severe stress cracking may indicate delamination in some areas and should be carefully checked. Older Gemini 3000s may also have problems with leaky Plexiglas windows. These were later changed to Lexan, which works better in windows of this size. Other problems to look for include corroding steering cables and undersized deck hardware. Outboard installation on an older Gemini Though optional inboard diesel engines were available, almost all Gemini 3000s are powered instead by a single long-shaft outboard engine mounted in the middle of the transom. The outboard turns with the rudder cassettes, which greatly improves close-quarters handling under power, and can be raised when sailing to reduce drag. When the boat was in production outboard-powered 3000s were delivered with either 35 or 40 hp motors, but many boats currently are driven by 25 hp motors. Reportedly even a 10 hp motor can drive the hull along at 5 knots or better. Because alternators on outboard engines cannot generate much electricity, most Gemini 3000s have propane-fueled water heaters and refrigerators. The refrigerators can also run on 110-volt AC power when plugged in at a dock. All other DC electrical loads for lights, pumps, electronics, etc., must be kept at a minimum, or generation capacity must be augmented with solar panels and/or a wind generator. In most cases owners prefer to cope with the undersized DC system by keeping other systems as simple as possible. The latest iteration, the Gemini Legacy 35, under sail The cockpit on a Legacy 35. With no backstay and the main traveler on the targa roof, the cockpit is considerably more open If you are attracted to Geminis but are keen on buying a new boat, you’ll be glad to hear that Marlow Hunter (formerly Hunter Marine) has taken over production and has significantly modernized the design. The Gemini Legacy 35 , as it is called, is more of a mainstream cruising cat, with twin diesel engines, a diamond-stayed rig with a square-top mainsail, and fixed keels instead of centerboards. Build quality and the cockpit layout have also been improved. With a base price of $175K, the Legacy is considerably more expensive than a used Gemini, but is still significantly less expensive than most other new cruising cats. Specifications LOA: 30’6″ LWL: 27’7″ Beam: 14’0″ -Boards down: 4’9″ -Boards up: 1’9″ Displacement: 7,000 lbs. -100% foretriangle: 425 sq.ft. -With spinnaker: 675 sq.ft. Fuel: 20-40 gal. Water: 60 gal. D/L ratio: 149 -100% foretriangle: 18.55 -With spinnaker: 29.46 Nominal hull speed: 9.1 knots Typical asking prices: $35-65K Related Posts CATANA 58: A Luxury Cruising Cat With Speed Potential BOREAL 44/47: A Bulletproof Aluminum Centerboard Cruiser for High and Low Latitudes Dear All, thank you for the interesting report. Got an offer for a Cat Gemini 3000 30″, built in 1986. Need additionale the High, Length Dimension of the Mast and High from mast top until Waterline for for planning riding under bridges, as well as compl. technical data if possible Thank you so much. Best regards. Rolf Viehöver Satellite Beach, Fl . April, 8 th 2016. 80’0 Gemini wanted Seriously? You want to find an 80-foot Gemini??? No such animal, I’m afraid. Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Please enable the javascript to submit this form Recent Posts BAYESIAN TRAGEDY: An Evil Revenge Plot or Divine Justice??? MAINTENANCE & SUCH: July 4 Maine Coast Mini-Cruz SAILGP 2024 NEW YORK: Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous MAPTATTOO NAV TABLET: Heavy-Duty All-Weather Cockpit Plotter DEAD GUY: Bill Butler Recent Comments Charles Doane on BAYESIAN TRAGEDY: An Evil Revenge Plot or Divine Justice??? Nick on BAYESIAN TRAGEDY: An Evil Revenge Plot or Divine Justice??? jim on BAYESIAN TRAGEDY: An Evil Revenge Plot or Divine Justice??? Fred Fletcher on TIN CANOES & OTHER MADNESS: The Genius of Robb White Brian on THE BOY WHO FELL TO SHORE: Thomas Tangvald and Melody (More Extra Pix!) 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Since 2010, the company had been building its current model, the Gemini Legacy 35, in partnership with Hunter Marine, and then Marlow Hunter in Alachua, Florida. Gemini Catamarans , now a part of the Catamaran Group, got its start in 1981 when Brits Tony and Sue Smith set up shop in Mayo, Maryland, where they built the Telstar trimaran and early Gemini models. Eventually, production was moved to a new yard, where Performance Cruising, Inc. continued to build multihulls, including the popular Gemini 105M. By 2008 and 2009, faced with stricter environmental regulations and the affect of the global recession on boat sales, the company evolved to become Gemini Catamarans, joined the Catamaran Group and Tony’s daughter, Laura Smith Hershfeld, took over as president. The company’s present model, the Gemini Legacy 35, was launched in 2013, and to date, 44 have been built, bringing the total number of Geminis sold to 1,193. In a release announcing the move of production to Catalina, Laura said, “The choice was easy as Catalina’s philosophy mirrors our own. The success of our Gemini has been the balance of tradition and innovation coupled with actively soliciting feedback from our owners and our dealers. She was designed to be what my father called ‘every man’s’ Gemini, and we strive to keep her as fast, fun and obtainable as she has been for the last three decades.” Gemini Legacy 35 More: Cruising News , industry news , Sailboats More Sailboats Sailboat Preview: Elan GT6 Explorer For Sale: 1984 Camper & Nicholsons 58 Alubat Updates OVNI Models For Sale: Little Harbor 63 Ketch From Paradise to Medical Emergency: A Bahamas Nightmare Turns Lesson Learned Free Medical Advice: The Unwarranted, Unprofessional Edition Gatekeepers of the Waterway Rigging Redo: Our Switch to Synthetic Digital Edition Customer Service Privacy Policy Terms of Use Email Newsletters Cruising World Sailing World Salt Water Sportsman Sport Fishing Wakeboarding Did You Know That We Offer Contract to Closing Services? Click Here to Find Out More. Need Marine Financing? 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    AMI 320 Renaissance     Woods 22 Wizard     Woods 35 Banshee     Woods 35 Flica     Woods 36 Scylla     Woods 36 Vardo     Woods 38 Transit     Woods 40 Meander     Xquisite X5     Xquisite X5+ Gemini 3000 Review: A Budget Boat with an Offshore attitude Post author By Capt Chris German Post date August 18, 2020 Gemini Catamarans have gotten a reputation among sailors as a cheaper cruiser with a gift for sailing to wind. But it has been my experience that no catamaran goes to wind well and to compare cats on their windward performance is like picking a gold medal winner in the 50 yard dash from a field of sloths. Gemini is no different than any other cat I have sailed, but what they lack in performance and style, they make up for in affordability and modability. My first mate, Matt entered into the world of Catamarans when he found a used Gemini 30 in an estate sale in Connecticut. I joined him for the 12 hour drive from North Carolina to offer my expert opinion and eye for deals and when we came upon this one what a deal it was. The gentleman who owned it had passed and there was a storage unit full of extras and a yard bill that the family didn’t want to pay. In late October and November yard bills come due for winter storage and great many deals can be had when the yard starts putting thumb screws on the owners to pay up. Matt scored this boat for a budget price of $8500 and that left plenty over to refinish the boat when he got it trucked back to North Carolina. Digging in, he found a great many sins in the boat where quality corners were cut and cost cutting combined with weight control, left a decided flimsy boat that as Matt says, “ is perfect to sail from Maryland to the Carribean and that’s about it.” Built in 1985, Matt’s boat was laid in Mayo, Maryland at the Gemini plant. Designed by British Boat Builder Tony Smith, it was the second generation of the vessel with four designs total made from the same mold, the 3100, 3000, 3200 and 3400- but with different designs. This one proved to be no match for ages as the years were hard on this girl. Matt found lots of rot and mold that needed to be cut away where water intrusion compromised the soft goods like head liner and wall coverings. Bulkheads and deck joints were peeling away where glass was improperly laid up and wood coring rotted away. The wood cored top side had a few soft spots that gave the boat a flimsy feel and he found a ton of opportunity to stiffen up seams and joints with some judicious use of mat fiberglass. Once the loose joints were resecured he went to town with paint and gave the boat a whole new fresh feel and clean smell, even if it had lost all the charm that the builders intended. The 3000 has a decidedly light feel to the boat and gives a sailor pause before taking it out in any heavy breeze, but Matt enjoyed overnighting on the vessel while cruising the inshore waters of the Neuse River down to Beaufort. The boat was heavy enough to handle some of the more intense Ocean breezes, but light enough and shallow enough to gunk hole in the swamps and hiding holes of East Carolina. For storage and liveability this boat came in dead even because it’s original design lacked a certain quality with the rotten headliner and failing bulkhead joints and time had taken its toll. After gutting the thing, he made it his own complete with wine-filled Marty Moose Mugs and Jimmy Buffett tunes blaring at 2 am on the dock. What it lacks in polish, it makes up with Matt’s unique style and by focusing on the functionality of the boat he made a seaworthy vessel that serves him well. He found convenience in the 9.9 honda outboard at first that pushed the boat just fine while saving on gas. He tells me, were he to do it all over again he might scrap the fiberglass cockpit cover but I personally like the cover as it gave great protection to the helm and created a warm place to ring in the New Year last winter when I last visited. There were no major frills on this boat and the sail plan was entirely average with a genoa jib and standard main. It made great time downind on a reach but labored to go windward higher than 60 degrees like most cats. It’s deck design and talent for downwind sailing, made for a very comfy sail with minimal hobby horsing And the low profile cabin top made traversing the hard shell trampoline that spans the hulls to douse the main quite easy. While she won’t win any races, she’s a good cruiser downwind and comfy enough for even a young family who is looking to head out together on a budget. Gemini built a ton of these ladies in the 80’s when the dollar was strong and the boats were flimsy. But 30 years later the headliner was shot and the decor distinctly dated. Matt enjoyed tearing it all out down to bare fiberglass and eventually chose to scrap the standard Honda for an equally old but more reliable four stroke Envinrude. And he was just out this past month in 30 knots of breeze where he says waves were crashing over the bow and the boat was flexing like an accordion. He said it was so bad even the dog got scared, but he made it back in time for work and credits Gemini for building a boat that won’t take you to Fiji, but is enough to help you keep your sanity while you socially isolate. All told, the Gemini 3000 is plentiful on the used US market with 500 hulls made in Maryland from 1980 to 1996. A new boat will run you considerably more than a used model which can be found for as low $3500 for the truly ambitious DIYers. But if you’re into the new ones, you will be forced to spend a ton more money and buy five more feet because they discontinued the 30 late last century. The Gemini 30 however is “great weekender plus” says Matt and for the money, you won’t find a better entry level catamaran for the newly inaugurated sailor looking for a used vessel. Thanks for reading and do well, have fun and sail far. Tags Catamaran Interviews , Catamaran Reviews By Capt Chris German Capt Chris German has taught sailing for more than 25 years with NauticED and US Sailing. He has delivered boats from Maine to Florida and taught thousands of students from beginner to 100 ton Captains to coaching Olympic Hopefuls. 437 IMAGES Gemini 105 Review 2004 Gemini 105 Mc 34' Sailing Catamaran Video walkthrough review by: Ian Van Tuyl Yacht Broker Gemini 105 Review Boat Review by Multihulls World of: Catamaran Gemini 105 Mc 081 Review of the Complete Refit of Gemini Catamaran 105Mc Gemini Catamaran Models Guide VIDEO 044 Sailing: The Exumas, Bahamas Gemini Catamaran Racing Gemini Catamaran at Seven Knots Gemini catamaran repairs and upgrades #sailboat #boatman #sailingboat #workboat #catamaran #boat Island Girl Shallow water boat Gemini Catamaran #cruising #shallowwater #geminicatamaran COMMENTS Gemini 105Mc A review of the Gemini 105Mc, a 34-foot catamaran designed by Tony Smith for fast cruising. Learn about its features, performance, history, and options. Are Gemini Catamarans Good? A Review of Popular Models! Learn about the pros and cons of different Gemini catamaran models, from the old 105Mc Design Touch to the new Freestyle 37. Compare their hull design, performance, price, and suitability for various purposes and preferences. Gemini 105 Review Learn about the history, features, performance and construction of the Gemini 105, a popular and affordable catamaran model. Read owner testimonials, see photos and videos, and find out if the Gemini 105 is a serious ocean cruiser. Gemini Legacy 35 Catamaran Sailboat Review The sure-footed, upgraded Gemini Legacy 35 catamaran is a fresh take on a proven favorite. Gemini 35 sailing in Biscayne Bay, Miami FL. Gemini. In 1995, multihull sailor, designer, and boatbuilder Tony Smith made a splash with the launch of his Gemini 105M. Thirty-three feet long and with a beam of just 14 feet, the Gemini was large enough for ... Gemini 31/3000 Construction of the Gemini, which is marketed as a comfortable, low-priced cruising catamaran rather than a spartan high-tech racing machine, is quite conventional. Gemini Catamarans Used Boat Review A review of the Gemini 105M, a popular cruising catamaran built by Performance Cruising in Annapolis. Learn about its construction, performance, accommodations, and drawbacks from a sailing perspective. Gemini Legacy 35 The Gemini Legacy 35 is a new version of the classic Gemini catamaran, with a redesigned rig, cockpit and keels. It offers affordability, versatility and performance for coastal cruising, but lacks the quirkiness of the original 105MC. Gemini 105 MC Review and Owner Interview Eric from the Gemini Owners Group shares his experience with a Gemini 105 MC catamaran that he bought in Toronto and sails on Lake Ontario. He talks about the pros and cons of the boat, the differences between 105 M and 105 MC, and his plans to go to the St Lawrence and the Bahamas. Boat Review by Multihulls World of: Catamaran Gemini 105 Mc Discover the boat review of Catamaran Gemini 105 Mc, its technical specifications, and all the classified ads for a pre-owned Gemini 105 Mc with Multihulls World. Gemini Legacy 35: Sailing Catamaran, Reborn A review of the Gemini Legacy 35, a redesigned and upgraded version of the 105M catamaran by Marlow-Hunter. Learn about the features, specifications, price and performance of this small sailing catamaran. PDF 2020-09-14 15-02 gemini 3400 review 2020-09-14 15-02 gemini 3400 review. Gemini 3400 Sea Trials by Hal Sutphen esigner-builder Tony Smith has confidence in his boats, so he personally took the first Gemini 3400 on its maiden voyage. With his son as crew, he sailed this new cruising catamaran from Norfolk to Bermuda as part of the Bermu- da Cruising Rally. Our Gemini Catamaran A personal review of a Gemini catamaran by a couple who live aboard and cruise in the Florida Keys and the Bahamas. They share the pros and cons of their boat, compared to their previous monohull, and how it suits their lifestyle and preferences. GEMINI 105MC GEMINI 105MC is a development of the 105M with a number of interior updates. Most visibly, however, the cockpit of the 105Mc can be temporarily enclosed with either canvas or solid panels. Anyone living on a Gemini 105MC I really can't get excited about the looks of any Catamaran, but their advantages for the way I envision using a boat (Chesapeake Bay and perhaps ICW to points south) are hard to ignore so owning a Gemini is a thought that crosses my mind from time to time. PalmettoSailor. s/v Palmetto Moon. 1991 Catalina 36. Gemini 105M Gemini 105M is a 33′ 5″ / 10.2 m catamaran sailboat designed by Tony Smith and built by Performance Cruising between 1982 and 2000. Gemini 3400 worth the purchase? Location: Red Bank, NJ. Boat: 28 Sabre 1974. Posts: 3. Gemini 3400 worth the purchase? I have owned a 28 Sabre for the past 8 years and have enjoyed sailing this fine craft along the northeast coast. Recently came across a deal on a mid 90s 3400 gemini thats been sitting on the hard for a few years. "S/V Barefoot Gal" Carolyn shares her experience of living on a Gemini 105 M, a shallow draft catamaran with a centerboard. She compares it with the Gemini 105 MC and the Tayana 37, and talks about the pros and cons of coastal cruising. The Gemini 105 We love our 02 Gemini 105Mc with the oiled teak interiors sence it can be re-oiled and looks new after lots of use in it's 10 years. We looked at lots of sailboats both monohull and some cats and we compaired the storage and beds one queen and 2 double to a 53 ft monohull we seriously looked at. GEMINI 3000: A Very Affordable Cruising Cat The Gemini, the first production cruising catamaran ever built in the United States, was born from the ashes of a terrible fire that in 1981 destroyed the molds for the successful Telstar 26 folding trimaran that multihull enthusiast Tony Smith had just brought over from Great Britain. Eager to save his new Maryland-based business, Performance Cruising, Smith immediately started building ... Gemini Catamarans on the Move Gemini Catamarans on the Move. American multihull company turns to Catalina Yachts as its new builder of choice. Gemini Catamarans in September shifted its boat-building operations to the Catalina Yachts facility in Largo, Florida. Since 2010, the company had been building its current model, the Gemini Legacy 35, in partnership with Hunter ... Gemini 3200 Owner Review and Interview S/V Epiphany Hull A big thank you to the Gemini Owners Group and especially members Eric and Walt for their encouragement and help in getting this interview done. There is a wealth of information about all Gemini models and generous owners sharing their experiences in this owners group mailing list. Gemini 3200 Owner Review and Interview S/V Epiphany Hull # 316 Sail Gemini 105m Catamaran boats for sale Find Sail Gemini 105m Catamaran boats for sale in your area & across the world on YachtWorld. Offering the best selection of Gemini boats to choose from. Gemini 3000 Review: A Budget Boat with an Offshore attitude Gemini 3000 Review: A Budget Boat with an Offshore attitude. Gemini Catamarans have gotten a reputation among sailors as a cheaper cruiser with a gift for sailing to wind. But it has been my experience that no catamaran goes to wind well and to compare cats on their windward performance is like picking a gold medal winner in the 50 yard dash ... GEMINI 31/3000 Notes The GEMINI 31 was the first of Gemini series of cruising catamarans that became the best selling boat of its type being built in the United States. Loosely Based on the earlier ARISTOCAT 30, designed by Musters and Shaw, the 31 was superseded by the very similar Gemini 3000, which remained in production until 1990, when it was in its turn replaced by the slightly longer Gemini 3200. catamaran gulet motorboat powerboat riverboat sailboat trimaran yacht