The upper deck is a great idea with lots of room and easily and safely accessible via the built-in spiral steps. The problem is that all of the controls and benches were designed for under 5 footers! The helm needed to be raised 10 inches for a 6 footer to be comfortable. The tiny (and low) bench seat was useless and actually harmful to our backs. Took it out immediately. Bareboated the "Andren" from Cat Co out of Tortola and had a fantastic & memorable trip. Hired a Capt & cook for the first 3 days then we pressed on by ourselves. The shallow draft allowed us anchorages near the beaches - very handy cause that is where the parties are! On the way from Anegada to Jost Van Dyke we had an exciting ride with quartering winds to 25 kts and seas 4 to 6'. I was getting blowback so went downstairs and was amazed that Judy was reading a book like she was on the beach in a chair! The stability of that vessel in those seas was simply astounding. Driving that boat from the lower station was like getting into a sports car after driving a SUV...very comfortable - and comforting going through that little rage.

Robert Fitzgerald wrote: >On the way from Anegada to >Jost Van Dyke we had an exciting ride with quartering winds to 25 kts and >seas 4 to 6'. I was getting blowback so went downstairs and was amazed >that Judy was reading a book like she was on the beach in a chair! The >stability of that vessel in those seas was simply astounding. Driving that >boat from the lower station was like getting into a sports car after driving >a SUV...very comfortable - and comforting going through that little rage. Thanks very much, Fitz, for posting that account of your passage. I'm sure many guys will have printed it to show to anxious spouses and significant others how wonderful power catamarans can be. --Georgs