[medic]

I do not currently own a boat. I will be ordering one within the next 10-12 months. My choices are down to one of two boats; one a monohull, the other a catamaran. Both are in the 45-48' range.

Because of a diving accident in the Carib over 20 years ago I have an inner ear disorder. I don't get seasick underway, but I do get seasick at anchor if there is more than a little roll. I don't get motion sickness on roller coasters, but I do get deathly ill on merry-go-rounds, so go figure!

The catamaran salespeople have all tried to tell me that the catamaran is inherently stable, and that there is no "roll", just an "up-down" bounce that tends not to produce seasickness. The monohull people suggest fin stabilizers, but they are of no use at anchor. Flopper-stoppers are an option I suppose, although not a great one.

The catamaran has a phenomenal deckplan. A master cabin that is huge and two guest cabins that would be "VIP" staterooms by almost anyones definition.

SO, TO THE POINT. In speaking with a salesperson from a respected gyro-stabilization company, he warned me that catamarans DO INDEED have a "quarter yawl" type roll that is basically unstoppable (hybrid pitch/roll), including with his gyro-stabilizer. Indeed he says the US Navy is stopping production of an 80' catamaran because they cannot find a way to keep the ENTIRE CREW from getting sick.

SO, CATAMARAN PEOPLE. What do you think? What are your experiences and those of your guests, both underway and while moored? I would really appreciate your help on this. I don't want to make a huge and very costly mistake.

[GFC]

If I were in your shoes, rather than rely on the advice of sales people or even members of this great forum, I would try to secure a several-hour long trip on the type of Cat you're considering.

You are the only one who can make the determination if the roll of the cat is acceptable or not.

It may mean chartering a similar boat on a skippered charter, but that would be much less expensive than buying a boat you found later you could not use.

[medic]

Thanks, GFC. I absolutely will be doing exactly what you suggest. I guess I am just hoping to get some feedback earlier than I will be able to arrange such an experimental trip. I am in the mid-west about 3 hours from the Great Lakes. It would be just my luck to get a mirror smooth day on Lake Superior on the day I arranged a charter.

[NYCAP123]

I used to use a cat as a tour boat and had a lot of people tell me they get seasick just looking at a boat. Nobody ever got sick on the cat. Catamarans do not have much side to side rock underway or at anchor because the hulls are riding separate waves. On turns they tend to stay flat and heal to the outside rather than the inside as with mono hulls which can be a little disconcerting. All boats yaw on a quartering sea (a feeling I think everybody hates) and a cat can be a little more difficult to bring back. They can also have an uncomfortable fore/aft pitch. That said I would absolutely recommend a cat over a mono at anchor or cruising relatively calm waters for a person with your condition. It doesn't sound like you'd get along well with any boat in high seas though.
BTW, GFC's suggestionof chartering is spot on.

[GFC]

Lake Superior's fall and winter storms are the stuff that breeds legends. I'd start now locating a dealer who is willing to take his cat out on the lake when the winds are kicking. A day long cruise from Duluth up towards Isle Royale would be enough to let you know if you can tolerate the boat's ride.

If I were a dealer is these trying times, I'd be delighted to put my money where my mouth was (concerning the boat's ability to handle the rough water) if it would lead to a sale.