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Gemini Owners Resources

This is a collection of information links for owners of Gemini Catamarans

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Welcome to Gemini Marine Products

Our stainless does what others just can’t.

So you can, too

Our 316 stainless steel fittings, including our exclusive, patented hinges and struts, set new standards in marine canvas hardware. Tried and trusted on hundreds of boats, they offer you a wide new range of possibilities.

Designed to be flexible and adaptable, now you can have a folding dodger frame with better cockpit access, solar panels on your bimini top mounted on hidden structures and a host of accessories on pretty much any tubing.

You can shop our full range and buy securely right here. We’ll help you love your boat even more.

*NEW* product: DrillSteady PRO

DrillSteady PRO is a tough bronze version of our 5-star drill guide.

We’re so sure it will keep up with you that it comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Read more and buy today.

There’s a kit for that

Looking to add grab rails or upgrade to a strapless bimini? Our kits are just the ticket. No need to bend tubing, our kits have all the hardware you need.

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2023 Award of Excellence

We did it again.

Our client wanted a full enclosure and matching sail cover with rigid solar panels that didn’t interfere with the boom (and vice versa – solar panels don’t like shade). It took a bit of doing, but John created a frame that gets the panels up and over the boom. It uses our own split side mounts to secure the panels, as well as a host of other hardware and fittings. The canvas looks great, the panels work great, the client is pleased as punch. Problem solved.

The build just won an Award of Excellence from the Advanced Textiles Association Marine Fabricator division. It was featured in the March edition of Marine Fabricator magazine. We couldn’t be happier.

Not all solar builds are this complex, but if we can do this, we can get solar on your boat, too. Give us a call.

Celebrating 25 years of excellence

John won his first design award from the  Advanced Textiles Association (ATA) in 1997 and was named a Master Fabric Craftsman by the ATA’s Marine Fabricators Association  in 1999.

Design awards

Awards of excellence, don’t take our word for it.

Our reviewers put it better

5 star products “Great product. Well made and a credit to my yacht.”

5 star service “Wow! This is a company you will want to deal with.”

5 star for DIY “This is my second purchase…these will allow me to fab vs hiring a welder. Saving some bucks, yet with a quality installation.”

Fast, friendly, fair shipping. Always.

Same day service, no handling fees.

Looking for Gemini Marine Canvas?

For an introduction to our bespoke canvas work, please visit our sister site here or contact us for more information.

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Gemini Catamaran Rudder Line Replacement- June 2016

Gemini catamarans, of the 105 series have rudders which can be lifted by pulling on lines.  Lines also pull them back into place and hold them via friction clutch. A frayed line means failure is not long coming.

Frayed equals NOT GOOD

Since Yacht A Fun had already been hauled and blocked for drive leg repair and bottom paint work, maximizing the boat yard stay meant changing the rudder lines.  BUT— that meant dropping the rudders from their pivot tube to access the up-haul knot.

If you followed our Gemini catamaran’s blog back when our steering failed in St. Augustine mooring field, you know that we replaced the steering cables.  To drop the rudders, we had to undo the steering cable’s insertion into the pivot tubes!  Well, at least I knew the needed process.

Dropping the rudders was really pretty easy.  Gravity is a great helper in dropping things.  Diann pushed the pivot tube out of its hull mount while I lifted on the rudder.  Thinking that “jiggling” the thirty pound rudder would aid her effort, I managed to slightly crush the threaded end of the port tube as it edged out of the hull socket.

A new tube is $65 plus shipping.  Thank goodness a hose coupling part for $1.78 was available to insert into the tube and by pounding would round the tube again.  Care had to be taken to not enlarge the roundness.

One seldom enters a boat repair / maintenance item without finding some ancillary aspect which also needs attention.  That too occurred with the line replacement.  The rudder pivot circle which rotates on the hull mounted tube- had worn and lost chips of what appeared to have been a thick application of gelcoat .  The walls of the rudder box had lost some gelcoat- perhaps from oyster shell removal. (Yes, one needs to keep the rudder box clear of growing shell fish!)

Mixing West System epoxy and creating peanut butter consistency filler has become a new craft for Diann and me.  The maintenance was straight forward.

Once the maintenance was completed, bottom paint was added in the same sequence as for the boat bottom.

First coat, of two was Trinidad SR red

The 1” by 2” furring strips served well to create a lifting gantry for pulling the rudders back into place.

Painted with black Petit Trinidad SR & positioned for insertion up the rudder box

By using extra line to create a fish-line to pull the newly attached up and down haul lines into their needed positions, we completed the job.

The story / blog of Yacht A Fun, a Gemini catamaran sailboat, traveling the ICW and east coast with insights to the extended cruising life. Rudder line replacement

Enjoying your blog. Thanks for the tips on rudder removal – it’s on the list. Also in the process of repairing our wood centerboard (1999 M #651, Second Draft). Had some damage from groundings and some from scraping barnacles/wet wood. I’m not great at posting regularly, but if you want to check out our blog please feel free. Facebook.com/SVSecondDraft We are also primarily Florida east coast sailors and are currently in Titusville. Fair winds.

Hello sir, I apologize for disturbing you, but I have a big problem with a 105Mc Gemini rudder, and I’ve seen your website. The rudder on the right is broken in two. (I use a translator) And, I can not find a spare parts store on the Web for Gemini. (It’s very annoying) I am French and my boat is in Martinique. Would you have a store address? It would do me a great service if you do not mind. cordially

Patrice, I am unaware of parts availability for the rudder. Performance Cruising, the builder, is no longer in business. Catalina Yachts is building a greatly revised version of the Gemini. One suggestion is to drop the good rudder and use it as a pattern for custom construction of a replacement for the one that’s broken- if you have lost part of the one broken.

I contacted catamarans.com, which is the company which brokers the current models of the Gemini. They were very responsive to point me on to http://multitechmarine.net/ The service tech there (Alex) was not in. His contact info is [email protected] and phone 954-522-1114

Hope this info does the trick for you…………

Thanks Alex for your explanations. It’s annoying not to have a spare part, knowing that the system of descent and reassembly is broken in two, in the wrong place, just at the corner. I discovered that it was all composite (fibberglass). Not easy for a repair, the connection is small, and in addition there is the hole for the passage of the climbing rope. I am demoralised. Patrice

For those interested? I hade a broken rudder on me 05/105. I live in Florida. Had a new ridder made at Foss Fome (?) in central fL. They now have all the forms made to make a complete rudder. They should be able to make with a phone call.

Hope that help.

Cattitude Jon 757 717-6699

Thanks for the input. Sorry for the long delay in response.

My best suggestion is to follow the lines themselves and use them to “fish” the new ones thru.

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Gemini 105Mc Design Touch

• Specifications

Gemini 105Mc Design Touch - The World's Best-Selling Single-Design Cruising Catamaran since 1980

For over 27 years and over 1000 deliveries, the Gemini 105Mc still remains one of the most proven and popular catamarans ever built. Her sailing performance is legendary yet still manages to surprise unsuspecting newcomers.

The accommodations are spacious, light, and airy so that the term "down below" just doesn't apply. The deck layout and rig offers a stable, safe, and well-reasoned platform for whatever comes your way.

And the ingenuity of lifting centerboards and kick-up rudders will have you sailing through less than 2' of water. All this and more at 33' 6" length and a 14' beam that can moor in a standard slip or truck across the country.

All the reasons this boat has been an American Legacy since 1981.

The Gemini 105Mc is no longer being produced and is now replaced with the new Gemini Legacy 35, but we still have a selection of pre-owned Gemini 105Mc's available now .

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Gemini Catamaran Models Guide

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Arguably one of the United States most popular cruising catamarans, Gemini Catamarans offer a range of domestic-built sailing and motor cruising vessels. Designed for affordability, compact design, ease of use without compromising on comfort and liveability.

The Gemini models deliver an almost unbeatable level of accommodation in relation to their size, with far more private cabin space, specious heads, and elegant dining/living space roomy enough to entertain in.

The Gemini range is a versatile craft to suit a wide customer base from serious liveaboard sailors to coastal weekend cruisers.

History of Gemini Design

The original Gemini hull shape and design was patterned in 1969 by Ken Shaw, with the Gemini 31. Over the years that followed there were serval variations to the original design in the LOA and styling but the Gemini image largely remained the same with both the Gemini 3000 and the Gemini 3200 model.

It was in 1996 when Tony Smith took ownership of the design under his company, Performance Cruising, that he redesigned the hull shape and introduced the much-loved Gemini 105 design.

For over 17 years Tony Smith retained the classic design of the Gemini 105 model, splashing over 1200 hulls from humble beginnings at his facility in Annapolis, Maryland.

At thirty-three feet long and with a beam of just fourteen feet the Gemini 105 was large enough to liveaboard but great value for money whilst also having the flexibility with retractable daggerboards for upwind sailing and gunkholing in the shallows, and due to its compact size, could snuggly fit within a conventional boat slip.

It ticked all the boxes for so many Americans looking for an entry-level catamaran without compromising on comfort.

Flowing a partnership with Hunter Marine and a generous buyout from The Catamaran Company, Gemini was able to live on under the direction of the Smith’s daughter Laura Smith Hershfeld who is now building variations of the classic 105.

We see the Legacy 35 sailing vessel as a fresh take on the proven favourite as well as Gemini’s very own power catamaran range with the Freestyle 339 and customizable Freestyle 37 model.

Gemini Models

Gemini 105mc.

The original and the classic Gemini 105-sailing design was originally conceptualised in 1996 and only later changed to the 105MC in 2004 with some notable differences being the extended cockpit cover to allow a full enclosure and a slightly taller mast.

It was in 2011 that Gemini offered the limited-edition design Touch Models whose upgrades included cherry veneer finishes, Corian countertops and ducted air conditioning.

Since its inception, the 105 model remains one of the most popular sailing catamarans, with a proven and much-loved design. Expect spacious accommodation, in relation to its size, with a light and airy saloon and cockpit, a 3-cabin layout and a large wet head.

The c-shaped settee in the saloon converts into an additional large bed for extra guests and with a propane-powered fridge offering ample food storage, this small vessel provides an excellent platform to entertain and host all your friends.

Built for safety rather than speed the Gemini 105 won’t break any records but still can achieve 40-50% of wind speed and the ability to point at about 50 degrees (apparent) to wind. Utilising the centerboards and sailplane contribute to its ability to sail closer to wind than most production catamarans out there.

And given the centerboards are lifting and the rudders are a kick-up design you can sail through as little as 2’ of water. Fitted with either outboards or Westerbeke 30b3 diesel engines, both options are fitted with great accessibility for servicing and maintenance.

The 105 design is no longer in production and has been replaced with the new Gemini Legacy 35, but there is still a large number of pre-owned Gemini 105 on the used boating market around the world.

Specifications

*Specifications provided from:

https://www.geminicatamarans.com/Gemini-Models/Gemini105Mc-Specifications.html

Designer Tony Smith suggests that this model is the ideal ‘couple’s catamaran’, perfect for those new to the boating world or a coastal cruiser on a monohull budget.

This was the design that has built the Gemini brand name into one of America’s most popular domestic-built catamarans.

For those in the market for pre-owned vessels, this model is well worth considering, especially since it still fosters an active and supportive owner’s association as well as a local builder who is willing to provide support to all Gemini owners.

Gemini Legacy 35

Based on the original Gemini 105 design, the Legacy 35 takes a fresh look at a proven family-friendly performance cruising catamaran.

Still retaining a 34-inch draft, allowing for shallow water anchoring, a 14-foot beam for easy haul out and compact size only 2 feet longer than original the flexibility that this vessel offers is admirable.

It is argued that this 35 model offers more interior than most 40 foot monohulls, still offering the iconic Gemini design down below. The large C-shaped lounge area in the saloon with a table facing aft, a spacious galley amidships on the starboard hull, with cabins and double berths fore and aft.

The port side accommodates the owner’s stateroom with an aft head, a navigation station amidships and a spacious cabin forward for the mast, there really is plenty of room for the whole family below the decks here.

Similar to that of the Gemini 105 the Legacy 35 handles easily, tracking straight with its shallow keels and together with a square-top mainsail and optional Selden sprit you can enjoy speedy sailing atop this stable platform, with virtually no heeling.

This design has also included an upgrade to the engine specs to include two 15 horsepower shaft drive Yanmar diesels, allowing for a much higher and efficient motoring speed.

*Specifications and features provided from:

https://www.geminicatamarans.com/Gemini-Models/GeminiLegacy35-Specifications.html

There is no doubt Gemini’s new Legacy 35 model has been well received by the wider American sailing customer base, receiving raving reviews from its cruising community. Gemini still retains its place in the market based on its core values of comfort, sailing ability and excellent value with this popular new sailing design.

Gemini Freestyle 37

The Gemini Freestyle 37 is a completely new concept for Gemini and also in boat design, fully customizable for a world where flexibility is key.

Each Freestyle model can be tailored to suit a variety of sailing ambitions, whether it be as a basic sailing family catamaran, a day charter boat or even luxury cruising vessel complete with chaise lounge, outdoor galley and wraparound bar.

Still based on the classic Gemini 105 hulls this vessel can be purchased at a very low base price and customised to suit any family. The basic base price offers a similar style to an open picnic-style boat with deck furniture available as modular or built-in sections from the factory, either at initial purchase or as a retrofit.

There is also an option for a full-size hardtop canopy that can be used as a sun deck or platform for solar panels. The added platform for solar allows for a new ‘green’ version of the design, developed to include electric engines and ample solar power for appliances.

Deck / Hull / Cockpit*

• Anchor Roller
• Anchor Well w/ Space for Rode and Chain
• Blister Prevent Technology Hull
• Bow Pulpit, Stainless Steel with Bow Seats
• Hull, FRP / Balsa Sandwich and Naidacore© Above Waterline, Solid FRP Bottom
• Hull, Structural Grid Reinforcement
• Lifelines, Double w/ Stainless Steel Stanchions
• Four Mooring Cleats, Stainless Steel
• Non-Skid Deck
• Rub rail, Full Wrap w/ Stainless Steel Insert
• Rudder w/ Stainless Steel Shaft
• Stainless Steel Telescoping Swim Ladder
• Through-Bolted Hull / Deck Join
• Through-Hull Fittings, All Marelon Below the Waterline
• Cockpit Traveler Arch, Stainless Steel w/ Mainsheet
• Full, Overhead Canvas Canopy
• Two Storage Lockers

Storage Cabinets

• Under-Counter Storage
• Sink, Single Stainless Steel
• Optional Refrigerator
• Optional Corian® Countertop
• Optional Fresh Water System, Pressurized, Hot and Cold

Forward Cabin

• Overhead Cabin Lighting
• 1 Deck Hatch, Opening
• Electrical Outlets, AC/DC
• Hanging Locker
• Queen Size Mattress, Foam
• Storage Shelving

Forward Head

• Sink with pull out shower faucet
• Optional Separate Shower
• Vanity Unit with Mirror
• Optional Corian Countertop
• Shower Curtain
• Teak Shower Grate in Floor
• Shower Sump Pump
• GFI Receptacle
• Optional Water Heater

Forward Cockpit

• Seating for up to Six
• Floor Drain
• Optional Cockpit Cushions
• Optional Cockpit Table
• Internal Halyards led to Helm Station
• Jib Furling System
• Jib, 100% Furling with Sun Cover
• Mainsail, Full Roach
• Mainsheet Purchase System
• Mast with Diamond Rig and Fractional Sail Plan
• Reefing System, Dual Line Led Aft
• Rigging Line Stoppers and Organizers
• One Winch Handles
• Winches, (2) Rigging, 2-speed Self Tailing

Systems / Electronics

• 12-Volt DC Electrical System w/ Breaker Panel
• Electrical Outlets, AC & DC
• Optional Alternator, 60-Amp with Dual Diesel

Inboard Option

• 2 – Group 24 batteries
• 1 X 2 Blade Props
• Battery Box, Port
• Battery Box, Starboard
• Optional Battery Charger, 40-Amp
• Bilge Pump, Electric, Automatic
• Engine Panel, Deluxe w/ Alarms and Hour Meter
• Gauges, Tank for Fuel, Water
• Fresh Water System, Pressurized Cold
• Navigation Light Package
• Shore Power System, 120 Volt
• Emergency Tiller

https://www.geminicatamarans.com/Gemini-Models/GeminiFreestyle37-Specifications.html

The Gemini Freestyle 37 not only offers the trusted design features of the original Gemini hulls but opens up the possibilities to a far wider audience of sailors with its flexibility in custom-built versions.

Gemini Freestyle 399 Power

Taking the streamlined design features that step further, Gemini now has their very first ultimate day-powerboat catamaran. Taking all the innovations of customizability from the Freestyle 37 and evolving this to suit the motorboat market.

Unlike the other models, this design incorporates a centre consul design powdered by twin Suzuki DF90A outboards with a cruising speed of 15 knots and 22.5 knots at full throttle. This helm station is positioned front and centre makes the cockpit an ever-larger entertaining space.

Similar to the Freestyle 37 this model is fully customizable to suit almost any purpose with basic day use versions, charter and full luxury fit-out options available.

Forward Head(s)

https://www.geminicatamarans.com/Gemini-Models/GeminiFreestyle399-Specifications.html

This design takes everything great from the earlier sailing models to put a new spin on the motor cruising catamaran, offering the same affordability, comfort and cruising capability that Gemini is so well known for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answer : Gemini Catamarans are manufactured at the Hunter Marine plant in Florida.

Answer : The Gemini is designed as a coastal cruiser and therefore are designed for a different purpose. It has been reported that some owners of the sailing models have crossed open ocean passages such as the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

Answer : The Gemini range is a moderately priced modestly constructed catamaran. Their standout features include excellent value, outstanding accommodations and solid sailing performance. There is an active and supportive owners’ association as well informative support from the local US-based build facility. Highlights include: Narrow beam offering ease when hauling out. These vessels fit into a standard slip, lowering the cost of ownership and reducing haul-out fees. Shallow draft combined with kick-up centerboards and rudders as well as outboards that can raise up. This allows the vessel to be anchored in as little as 2’ of water. Great sense of liveability . Despite its size, Gemini catamarans offer larger living spaces than most other comparable-sized boats on the market, combined with a minimum of 6’ of headroom inside and up to 6’7 of headroom in the cockpit. Better than average speed. With regards to their sailing vessel’s range they won’t necessarily bet speed records but for a vessel of her size achieves a noteworthy 40-50% of wind speed and the ability to point at about 50 degrees (apparent) to the wind. Outstanding engine accessibility . Careful consideration has been made with all models for access in and around the engine wells, for both the diesel and outboard fit-outs making it far easier to complete maintenance and servicing.

For more reading:

• Best Boat Accessories: Top 2022 Recommendations
• Motor Boat Types Explained: How to Find the Right One for You
• Best 6HP Outboard Motors That Will Make You Ready to Go

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• Sailboat Reviews

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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Brand: Gemini 105

Jump to Gemini 105 Catamarans For Sale

The Gemini 105 was designed to be affordable, compact, relatively easy vessels for sailors new to catamarans. Production began with the 105M (meaning 10.5 meters), with a design change in 2004 to the 105MC, notable differences being the extended cockpit cover to allow for a full enclosure and a slightly taller mast (while still remaining ICW-friendly). In fact, the “c” in the 105Mc stands for “convertible,” likening the cockpit to that of a sports car. The Gemini Owners Group has a complete list of the numerous small differences between the M and MC as well as there are owner interviews below on this website that explain differences.

Gemini 105MC (Greece)

S/V Gem is a 2006 Gemini 105MC catamaran, for sale by owner. This is a one of a kind Gemini 105mc, perfectly rigged for single/short hand sailing with furling screecher sail (self tacking), furling genoa, AND furling inmast mainsail! Sparcraft mast, boom and standing rigging installed in 2015, along with a new Yanmar 30hp inboard engine with low running hours (+-1400h).

All systems have been maintained meticulously, and ongoing cosmetic maintenance is currently being carried out (interior teak, gelcoat polishing etc). We have not spared any expense since we’ve owned her. We had a survey carried out last year and no serious issues were found. Small finding have been sorted out since the survey (small sail repair, new genoa line, service of liferaft and fire fighting equipment). All up to date!

Included in the sale is a berth at the beautiful Preveza Marina, Greece. It is valid from date of listing until July 2024. Preveza is a wonderful town at the door of the Ionian Islands. Great staff and amazing facilities. A huge benefit to any prospective buyer who wishes to sail Western Greece and further into the Med! This is providing the marina is in agreement at the time of sale, but there should be no issue.

Gemini 105M (Florida)

S/V Aireze is a Florida based 1999 Gemini 105M catamaran for sale by owner.  The Gemini 105 was designed to be affordable, compact, relatively easy vessels for sailors new to catamarans.  It is one of the most popular catamaran designs ever built with over 1,200 hulls constructed.

I have owned her since 2016 and maintained her on a regular basis with lots of current updated equipment including new autopilot, electric winch, electric head, 12V refrigeration, standing rigging, and much more in the full equipment list. She has a 2005 Westerbeke engine and new saildrive 2017.

Aireze is an awesome boat, easy to sail with lots of room to enterain your friends.  Aireze has been in the following boat parades: Boca Raton, Pompano Beach and this year for the first time proud to be in the Winterfest in Ft. Lauderdale. Please click on the link for full information and photos.