Exploring The 105Mc: A Worthy Boat?

The Gemini 105Mc is a 34-foot catamaran designed by Tony Smith and built by Performance Cruising, Inc. It's a popular choice for coastal cruising, offering a balance of performance, comfort and cost. With a narrow beam of 14 feet, it can fit into standard slips, reducing haulout hassles and ownership costs. The shallow draft of just 18 inches allows for anchoring in shallow waters, and the spacious interior provides both comfort and privacy for couples or small crews. However, some owners have noted issues with gelcoat crazing, soft decks, close-quarter maneuverability, and slamming due to the low bridgedeck design. Overall, the Gemini 105Mc is a good choice for those seeking a coastal-cruising catamaran on a budget, but it may not be suitable for extended offshore passages.

The Gemini 105MC is a good boat for overnight cruising, sailing and day cruising

The Gemini 105MC is a great boat for overnight cruising, sailing and day cruising. This is a spacious, stable platform for a fast-cruising couple. The 34-foot catamaran is the third iteration of a design that Tony Smith has been tweaking since the 1990s. It is a good option for those looking for a coastal-cruising catamaran on a monohull budget.

The Gemini 105MC has a narrow beam of 14 feet, which means it can fit into a standard slip, reducing the cost of ownership and making it more convenient to haul out than other catamarans. It also has a shallow draft, with kick-up centreboards and rudders, and outboards or drive legs that can be raised, allowing it to anchor in as little as two feet of water. This makes it ideal for anchoring in crowded beach anchorages.

The Gemini 105MC has a spacious three-cabin layout that provides both comfort and privacy. The C-shaped settee converts into a large bed, and there is over six feet of headroom inside, with up to 6'7" in the cockpit. The large, propane-powered refrigerator provides ample space for food and beverages.

The Gemini 105MC is fast for its size, able to achieve 40-50% of wind speeds and point at about 50 degrees to the wind. It is easy to operate and well-built. Engine accessibility is also good, whether the boat is equipped with an outboard or a Westerbeke 30b3 diesel.

The Gemini 105MC is a good option for those looking for an introductory catamaran or a coastal cruiser. It is affordable, compact, and relatively easy to handle for those new to catamarans. While it may not be suitable for serious ocean cruising, it is well-suited for overnight cruising, sailing and day cruising in coastal areas.

It's a spacious, stable platform for a couple

The Gemini 105MC is a spacious, stable platform for a couple. With a 14-foot beam, the catamaran can fit into a standard slip, reducing the cost of ownership and mooring. The boat has a shallow draft, with kick-up centreboards and rudders, and outboards or drive legs that can be raised, allowing it to anchor in as little as 2 feet of water.

The 3-cabin layout provides both comfort and privacy. The C-shaped settee in the saloon converts into a large bed for extra guests. The galley has been designed with ample space for food and beverages, and the large wet head is a bonus for a small boat. The boat has good headroom, with 6 feet inside and up to 6 feet 7 inches in the cockpit.

The Gemini 105MC is described by its designer as "the couple's catamaran". It is an introductory catamaran for former monohull sailors, offering a coastal-cruising catamaran at a monohull budget.

It's a good option for those new to catamarans

The Gemini 105MC is a great option for those new to catamarans. Its compact 34-foot size, affordability, and ease of use make it a popular choice for sailors transitioning from monohulls to catamarans. Here's why it's a good option for newcomers to the world of catamarans:

Narrow Beam

The Gemini 105MC has a beam of 14 feet, which is narrower compared to other catamarans. This narrower beam allows the boat to fit into standard slips, reducing mooring costs and providing easier manoeuvrability in tight spaces. This is especially beneficial for those new to catamarans, as it simplifies the docking and mooring process.

Shallow Draft

The Gemini 105MC has kick-up centreboards, rudders, and outboard motors or drive legs that can be raised, allowing the boat to anchor in as little as 2 feet of water. This shallow draft capability means you can access crowded beach anchorages and tuck away from other deeper-draft vessels with ease. This feature is ideal for those new to catamarans, as it provides more anchoring options and simplifies the process of finding a suitable mooring spot.

Livability

The Gemini 105MC offers a comfortable and spacious 3-cabin layout, providing both privacy and ample living space. The C-shaped settee can be converted into a large bed, accommodating extra guests or providing a cosy space for off-watch crew members. The large propane-powered refrigerator ensures you have plenty of space for food and beverages, reducing the need for frequent resupplying. With 6 feet of headroom inside and up to 6 feet 7 inches in the cockpit, even taller sailors can move about comfortably without having to stoop. Ample panoramic windows provide excellent visibility and natural light, enhancing the sense of space.

Speed

While the Gemini 105MC won't break any speed records, for its size, it's impressively quick. It can achieve 40-50% of wind speeds and point about 50 degrees (apparent) to the wind. Some owners have reported speeds of 8 knots and above, with double-digit speeds also achievable in the right conditions. This speed and performance will surely impress those new to catamarans, providing an exhilarating sailing experience.

Engine Accessibility

The Gemini 105MC provides excellent engine accessibility, whether you opt for the Westerbeke 30b3 diesel engine or an outboard motor. This accessibility is a significant advantage for newcomers to catamarans, as it simplifies maintenance and makes it easier to perform routine checks and repairs.

It's a good coastal-cruising boat

The Gemini 105MC is a great coastal-cruising boat. It's a spacious, stable platform for a couple to cruise in, and its compact size and shallow draft mean it can fit into standard slips, reducing the cost of ownership and reducing the hassle of haulouts. It's also relatively affordable and easy to operate, making it a good option for those new to catamarans.

The Gemini 105MC has a narrow beam of 14 feet, which means it can fit into standard slips, lowering the cost of ownership and reducing the hassle of haulouts. It also has a shallow draft, with kick-up centreboards and rudders, and outboards or drive legs that can be raised, allowing it to anchor in as little as 2 feet of water. This makes it ideal for coastal cruising, as it can easily access crowded beach anchorages and tuck in away from deeper-draft vessels.

The Gemini 105MC also offers good speed and performance for its size. It's able to achieve 40-50% of wind speeds and can point at about 50 degrees to the wind. It's easy to manoeuvre and responsive when making sudden manoeuvres to avoid obstacles like crab pots. The cockpit is well-designed, with good visibility and comfortable seating for the helmsman and passengers.

The interior of the Gemini 105MC provides both comfort and privacy, with a 3-cabin layout, a spacious wet head, and a C-shaped settee that converts into a large bed. The galley is well-equipped, with a large, propane-powered refrigerator, a two-burner stove with an oven, and ample counter space. The boat also offers good headroom, with 6 feet of clearance inside and up to 6 feet 7 inches in the cockpit.

Overall, the Gemini 105MC is a great choice for coastal cruising, offering a good balance of performance, comfort, and affordability. It's easy to operate and maintain, making it an ideal option for those new to catamarans or those on a budget.

It's a good option for those on a monohull budget

The Gemini 105MC is a great option for those on a monohull budget. It bridges the gap between a monohull sailboat and a catamaran, offering a more affordable entry point into the world of catamarans. With a beam of 14', it can fit into a standard slip, reducing the cost of ownership. Its shallow draft of just 18" means it can anchor in as little as 2' of water and easily access crowded beach anchorages.

The Gemini 105MC also offers a spacious and comfortable interior. The 3-cabin layout provides both privacy and comfort, with 6' of headroom inside and up to 6'7" in the cockpit. The C-shaped settee converts into a large bed, perfect for extra guests. The large, propane-powered refrigerator provides ample space for food and beverages. The wet head is also impressive for a small boat.

In terms of performance, the Gemini 105MC won't break any records, but it holds its own for its size. It can achieve 40-50% of wind speeds and point at about 50 degrees to the wind. It's easy to handle and well-built, making it a great choice for those new to catamarans. Its engine is also easily accessible, whether you opt for an outboard or the Westerbeke 30b3 diesel.

Overall, the Gemini 105MC is a fantastic option for those looking for a coastal-cruising catamaran on a budget. It offers a great balance of performance, comfort, and affordability, making it a popular choice for sailors looking to step up from a monohull to a catamaran.

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