gemini 105mc catamaran

• New Sailboats
• Sailboats 21-30ft
• Sailboats 31-35ft
• Sailboats 36-40ft
• Sailboats Over 40ft
• Sailboats Under 21feet
• used_sailboats
• Apps and Computer Programs
• Communications
• Fishfinders
• Handheld Electronics
• Plotters MFDS Rradar
• Wind, Speed & Depth Instruments
• Anchoring Mooring
• Running Rigging
• Sails Canvas
• Standing Rigging
• Diesel Engines
• Off Grid Energy
• Cleaning Waxing
• DIY Projects
• Repair, Tools & Materials
• Spare Parts
• Tools & Gadgets
• Cabin Comfort
• Ventilation
• Footwear Apparel
• Foul Weather Gear
• Mailport & PS Advisor
• Inside Practical Sailor Blog
• Activate My Web Access
• Reset Password
• Customer Service

• Free Newsletter

Maine Cat 41 Used Boat Review

CS 30 Used Boat Review

Hinckley 49 Used Boat Review

Island Packet 31 Used Boat Review

Best Crimpers and Strippers for Fixing Marine Electrical Connectors

Thinking Through a Solar Power Installation

How Does the Gulf Stream Influence our Weather?

Can You Run a Marine Air-Conditioner on Battery Power?

Master the Sailing Basics: Never Stop Learning the Little Things

How to Mount Your Camera on Deck: Record Your Adventures with…

Un-Stepping the Mast for America’s Great Loop

Headsails and Spinnakers: How to Explain Their Functions to a Beginner

Sinking? Check Your Stuffing Box

The Rain Catcher’s Guide

How to Change Your Engine Mounts

Keeping Water Clean and Fresh

Vinyl Boat Lettering DIY Application and Repair

Those Extras you Don’t Need But Love to Have

Three-Model BBQ Test

Alcohol Stoves— Swan Song or Rebirth?

Womens Foul-Weather Gear

Preparing Yourself for Solo Sailing

How to Select Crew for a Passage or Delivery

Preparing A Boat to Sail Solo

Chafe Protection for Dock Lines

Waxing and Polishing Your Boat

Reducing Engine Room Noise

Tricks and Tips to Forming Do-it-yourself Rigging Terminals

Marine Toilet Maintenance Tips

• Sailboat Reviews

Gemini 105Mc

This is the third version of an already thoughtful design that tony smith has been tweaking for years. it's a spacious, stable platform for a fast-cruising couple..

Tony Smith’s most recent design is the third iteration of a 34-foot catamaran that his company, Performance Cruising, Inc., of Annapolis, first introduced to the American market in the 1990s. The result of Smith’s continued tinkering, the 105Mc, is, he says faster than the original. Since this is our first review of the Gemini cat in any version, we can’t compare. But we can report that this boat is fast for a cruising catamaran. It’s also evidence that when a builder is willing to incorporate new and sometimes expensive ideas in design development, the results can be worth the investment.

Company History Tony Smith is a British expatriate who, with wife Susan, formed Performance Cruising in 1980. Following graduation from the University of East Anglia with a degree in engineering, he studied the mechanics of boat performance while participating in singlehanded races, including the first 2,100-mile Round Britain race, in which he finished fourth.

He began his boatbuilding career by constructing a 24-foot Piver trimaran in a shed in England. Then, in 1969, he developed a method of integrating foam coring with fiberglass, and produced the Telstar, a 26-foot, folding trimaran. During a 10-year run, 300 of the boats were sold worldwide. Along the way, he also was involved in the construction of 30- to 70-foot custom yachts.

Eventually emigrating to the US, he introduced the Telstar to the US market. Following the loss of the molds in a fire in 1981, he re-emerged on the scene with the design for a new catamaran, appropriately called the Phoenix, the first Gemini.

In 1993, the company launched the Gemini 3400, the first catamaran with a lifting underhung rudder system. It was eventually modified and reintroduced as the 105M, and the 105Mc is the most recent upgrade.

With 800 boats on the water, the company claims to be the best-selling catamaran manufacturer in the US. In 2002 the company’s 20 employees built and sold 54 boats, valued at $8 million, in a 16,000-square-foot factory. An additional 25,000 square feet of production space are currently under construction.

Six dealers are located in Florida, Maryland, California and Washington. Though the company also sells directly to customers, there’s no price advantage, and a connection to a local dealer would be an advantage if warranty issues arise.

A prototype for a new Telstar trimaran is undergoing sea trials, and can be seen on the Performance Cruising website.

Appearance/Design Smith’s perspective on sailing and yacht design fits the definition of a multihull advocate. From his standpoint, sailing is about speed, comfort, and stability.

From an aesthetic standpoint, comparisons of a 35-foot catamaran to a cruising monohull are usually akin to comparing a coupe to a delivery van. Though both may be designed to accomplish the same purposes, the execution varies greatly. Many cruising multihulls present a slab-sided appearance, and boxlike profiles with cabins extending high above deck level.

The 105Mc does not. When viewed from the quarter, the Mc has a relatively sporty appearance, even with the addition of a cockpit canopy that raises the boat’s profile. Viewed on the centerline, there’s no question she’s a cat, though the unsightly strakes of the 3400 version have been eliminated.

Smith says Gemini catamarans are designed for “serious ocean cruising,” adding that “a 23-day passage with son Neil across the North Atlantic opened my eyes to her capabilities.”

During the passage, he says, the pair encountered 45-knot winds and 35-foot waves, but never felt they were in harm’s way, and were comfortably ensconced in the cockpit wearing layers of fleece.

As most readers know, voyaging in multihulls offshore demands some different sailing techniques and priorities than sailing ballasted monohulls. The high initial stability of a multihull works both ways: the boat will mightily resist capsizing, but if it does go over and invert, it will be virtually impossible to right again without the assistance of a large ship with a cargo crane. Assuming the essential integrity of the hulls, the platform will be stable, and the crew will live in an inverted world pending rescue. However, very few owners of cruising multihulls have the occasion to take their boats into conditions that seriously challenge their initial stability, and (North Atlantic deliveries by designers notwithstanding) this Mc will usually be sailed in coastal or near-coastal waters.

The Mc has the same basic dimensions as the 3400. Note that the weights published in the company’s sales literature and on its website are at odds with each other. Dimensions in this article are accurate, Smith says: “The 105M and the Mc are the same weight—9,600 pounds. We realized after our trans-Atlantic trip that the weights we had given for the 105M were too low. We finally bought a pair of scales!

“The mast on the Mc is a foot taller than the 105M, and has a 1′ crane.” The mainsail now carries a large roach and full battens, increasing mainsail area from 260 to 340 square feet, a hefty jump. The 150% genoa carries 350 square feet.

A new option is a flat-cut overlapping genoa known in the multihull world as a “screecher.” This 490-square-foot sail produces spinnaker performance without adding a pole and guys.

The furling drum for the screecher tack can move athwartships on a curved track that is mounted at the prows of both hulls and across the bowsprit/anchor platform, forward of where the anchor is dropped through. This movable tack allows more flexibility with sheeting angles, especially when attempting to work to weather.

The cut of the sail allows it to be sailed to within 50 degrees of the apparent wind, and the tack arrangement doesn’t get in the way of the ground tackle.

Smith describes the hull shapes, introduced in 1995 on the 105M model, as “revolutionary in the multihull industry.” They have a 9:1 length to width ratio.

“They closely resemble a racing monohull,” Smith says. “They are shallow and fat, with a teardrop shape to produce more speed and increase load-carrying capacity. Compared to the 3400, narrower shapes allow hulls to be moved outward to produce stability without increasing beam.”

The foredeck has 39″ of clearance at the bow. (Note that the builders refer to the deck area forward of the cabin as the “bridge deck,” but we’ll use “foredeck” as we don’t want to confuse it with the bit of decking often found between the cockpit and the companionway.)

Asymmetric centerboards were designed to reduce turbulent drag and increase lift. Constructed of a combination of fiberglass mat and Kevlar surrounding closed cell foam, they pivot upward to allow shallow-water anchoring. Located in cavities on the hulls, they are raised from inside the main saloon, a convenient arrangement that does not interfere with galley or navigational chores. Smith says the combination of hull and centerboard redesigns produced a boat requiring “25% less energy to push it the same speed.”

The cockpit sole has been lowered slightly to increase headroom to 6′ 7″. However, the modification does not impair the helmsman’s view forward through a large Lexan window that spans the deck. The wheel was moved outboard, allowing the helmsman to steer from the rail. Mainsail controls are now located on a thicker transom that provides more comfortable seating for crew, and the stern has been modified to allow access from swim ladders.

Smith’s personality is that of a consummate tinkerer. However, unlike industry giants, he enjoys the luxury of being able to continually focus his attention on one product with an eye toward evolutionary improvements.

Deck One early impression while sailing this boat is that the cockpit doesn’t resemble a spaghetti factory, though the boat is as well-equipped with name-brand equipment as a similar-sized monohull.

Halyards are led to winches on the mast rather than sheetstoppers on the cabintop because, Smith says, “you’re operating on a stable platform, even in a blow,” so moving forward is not as treacherous.

The mast carries straight double spreaders and is stepped on deck atop the main bulkhead. The headstay is opposed by a split backstay with tensioner. Halyards are internal. Shrouds are dead-ended on chainplates at the main bulkhead. The chainplates are bolted through steel strapping bonded into the foredeck area.

The mast is rigged with permanent checkstays angled 20 degrees aft. These are supported through the deck by a stainless steel rod married to a steel plate mounted horizontally in the hull. The powerful sailplan is well supported.

As is true on most catamarans, movement forward is relatively effortless. The combination of 14″ wide steps, a handhold on the canopy, a stainless steel handrail recessed in the cabintop, and 10″ wide decks, allowed us to move forward safely in blustery conditions we encountered on a test sail.

The large sundeck and plastic seats attached to the forward rail provide passengers comfortable lounging spaces forward of the mast when underway. Unlike a lightweight monohull, the cat’s performance is relatively unaffected by weight on the foredeck. Storage compartments are located in each hull.

The helmsman steers seated on a 27″ wide x 16″ deep seat that affords unrestricted views forward. We sailed with three passengers under the canopy without interfering with the skipper. Though the saloon may be enclosed in stinky weather, clear windows on the top half of the cockpit bulkhead slide open to allow the driver to commiserate with passengers.

The mainsheet is attached to the end of the boom and a section of track mounted on the stern rail that affords excellent sail control. However, the task becomes difficult when the cockpit is enclosed by a clear vinyl cover.

Lockers for storage of propane tanks and an optional generator are also located in the cockpit.

Belowdecks Step over an 11″ doorframe into the saloon and there’s no comparing the open spaces of the Mc’s 14-foot beam to the view along the saloon of a typical 34-foot monohull. That impression is augmented by a portlight array that provides 360-degree visibility, and four Bowmar hatches that allow light and air to flow in from overhead.

Fiberglass surfaces are light and shiny, and veneers nicely finished. The fit of most cabinetry is above average.

The centerpiece of the saloon is a C -shaped dining area surrounded by cushions that, with the table removed, serves as a conversation pit. When lowered, the table converts to a double berth.

The space to port, amidships along the hull, is dedicated to the navigator. The master stateroom is forward amidships and to starboard, with the bunk set at a slight angle. The head is forward to port. There’s an elongated galley on the starboard side, matched by a navigator’s station along the port side, and twin staterooms aft.

The boat has enough bunks for 6-8 adults, but Smith rightly calls it “a couple’s boat.” This is a refreshing contrast to builders who overstate the livability of their products.

In addition to its spaciousness, the minimum headroom, even in the head, is more than 6′, so most passengers will be able to stand upright.

Though the interior is not dramatically different than typical production boats, several touches contribute to a favorable impression. The dining table is solid teak. Leaves increase the surface of the table to feed 6-8 adults, and it rotates 90 degrees to fit the crowd.

Part of the navigator’s 89″ long work surface is elevated and shaped so a chart kit fits securely.

Aft staterooms have a 28″ x 28″ area in which to change clothes without banging the hull. Both have double berths and opening ports. Propane sensors and fume detectors are standard equipment in the staterooms, as are audible alarms.

The size of the galley on the Mc was increased by locating countertops on the inboard and outboard sides of the passageway, and the addition of drawers and cabinets. Similarly, room for a built-in microwave was added. The space is filled with a Voyager 2000 two-burner stove with oven and broiler, and two-section stainless steel sink. A solar vent is located overhead. The four-cubic-foot refrigerator is a Dometic American.

Skipper’s quarters are filled with light by a port spanning the hulls that presents views through black Lexan. The queen-sized berth sits on an island with nothing below it but water. Storage is forward in the hull, and in bins to starboard. The aft bulkhead of the compartment is enclosed by smoked glass that slides out of the way to provide a view corridor for the helmsman.

The head compartment on the Mc is big, bright, and well-ventilated. A good touch is a siphon arrangement that allows fresh water to be pumped through the toilet after every use, helping to eliminate odors.

Throughout the catamaran, spaces are well-organized and proportioned, so crews will rest, eat, and sleep in comfort. The skipper’s quarters are large enough to help compensate for the monthly mortgage payment and slip fees.

Construction The Gemini plant is a model of efficiency, with no wasted space, as we learned during an afternoon tour. Boats typically require 5-7 days to proceed past six stations to a forklift waiting to launch them into a creek behind the facility.

Hulls, decks, and interior liners that provide reinforcement of the structure and a base for furniture are solid fiberglass. Liners are glassed and tabbed into the hull prior to installation of the deck.

The lamination schedule calls for vinylester resins bonding a barrier coat of 1.5-oz mat followed by two layers of 18 x 15 Cofab mat. The only coring is 1/2″ end-grain balsa across the foredeck and cabintop, and in cockpit areas in which there are no deck fittings.

The hull-deck joint is a shoebox design bonded with something Smith calls “black poly putty,” produced by Cook’s. Most builders prefer 3M5200 but Smith has used the putty for 20 years because “it has an 8- hour setup time that allows workers to be more precise in the placement of the two sections. It makes a phenomenal bond that is not brittle because it is chemically cured, a better alternative than air-cured products.”

Once installed, the deck is secured with stainless steel fasteners on 5″ centers and the joint is covered by a gunwale guard.

Following his trans-Atlantic trip, Smith decided that the boat needed to undergo a weight loss program. When constructed, most boats are heavier than designed, and the Mc was no exception. Smith estimates the boat was 1,000 pounds too heavy.

“It was not a matter of speed, but of comfort,” he said. “I felt that by reducing the boat’s weight I could increase its buoyancy and produce a more comfortable ride.”

To that end, he replaced drawers in the forward stateroom with bins, substituted 1/2″ plywood for 3/4″ in some areas, and lightened the lamination in some nonload-bearing areas.

The boat’s Achilles heel could be the solving of wiring or plumbing problems, should they occur. Wiring looms are attached to the liner prior to the installation of the liner to the hull, and are virtually inaccessible. Of the arrangement, Smith says “our looms are foolproof. Remember, we’ve been doing this for 20 years and the process is evolutionary, not revolutionary.” Spare hoses are installed during construction to ease retrofitting appliances, and 12-volt wires are run through PVC to avoid heat and chafe. Wires exit the mast into the forward stateroom, and can be accessed in a panel between the deck and liner. Still, we wouldn’t want to perform subcutaneous surgery on this boat.

Performance We sailed the 105Mc on the day after the Annapolis Boat Show ended, when multihull manufacturers congregate to offer rides to interested sailors. A northeaster arrived that morning, bringing winds that built to 25-35 knots and produced a 3-4 foot chop. We were the only multi hull on the water.

With the wind abeam when we slipped dock lines, once we were underway she motored well despite her windage. On the bay, the boat sailed with little heel, and fast, under a reefed mainsail and a flat, 90% jib. Nearby, the three-person crew aboard a 30-foot monohull struggled to keep their boat on her feet.

Sailing closed-hauled, speed fluctuated between 6.5 and 7 knots. The short chop produced a bumpy ride and water over the bow, but we stayed on course with very little leeway. When we cracked off, speed fluctuated between 7 and 12 knots in wind speeds ranging from 17 to 25 knots. She was easy to steer, and responsive when we made sudden maneuvers to avoid crab pots.

The canopy protects crew from the elements, but may provide a false sense of security, as we learned when we moved forward from its protection and stepped into a chilly breeze and seaspray. Handrails are well located, and the nonskid was effective on the wet deck.

The boat is propelled under power by a single Westerbeke diesel, using an outdrive leg than can be lifted clear of the water. The current standard engine is 27-hp, up from the 20-hp engine previously installed.

Conclusions This third generation of Gemini cat is an improvement over her predecessors. She sails as well to windward as can be expected of a cruising catamaran (better than many) and shows good speed and stability off the wind. She’s easy to operate, and well-built. Spaces belowdecks are comfortable and larger than those on similar-sized monohulls, though the lack of a second head will be an inconvenience for skippers overnighting with large crews. With the 27-hp engine, a 150% genoa and furler, and electronics, the tab for the 105Mc is $129,500. Add a screecher for another $5,400.

Contact – Performance Cruising, Inc., 410/626-2720, www.geminicatamarans.com

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Where is the production site, and can a tour of the facility be arranged?

The boat is no longer in production. Tony retired and sold the company. I think during the 2005 market crash everything fell apart. The outdrive and engine aren’t made anymore. The new owners redesigned the boat and ruined the original idea. They tried to design a boat for the single handed rental market in the Caribbean with a deeper draft and fixed keels. It didn’t sell well.

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Log in to leave a comment

Latest Videos

Hunter Legend 35.5 – Behind the Curtain

Whipping Line On Your Sailboat

Hallberg Rassy 42 – Behind the Curtain

The ICW – The Easiest Way – Sail to the Sun...

• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell My Personal Information
• Online Account Activation
• Privacy Manager

Did You Know That We Offer Contract to Closing Services? Click Here to Find Out More.

Need Marine Financing? Apply Here With Our Partner, First Approval Source

• Catamaran Interviews
• Catamaran Reviews
• Buying Advice
• Selling Advice
• Woods Design Advice
•     Admiral 38
•     Admiral 40
•     Admiral 50
• African Cats
•     Fastcat 445
•     Americat 3014
•     Antares 44
•     Aquila 44
•     Aquila 48 Power Catamaran
•     Aventura 37
•     Balance 526
•     Bali 4.0
•     Bali 4.1
•     Bali 4.2
•     Bali 4.3
•     Bali 4.4
•     Bali 4.5
•     Bali 4.6
•     Bali 4.8
•     Bali 40 Catspace
•     Bali 5.4
•     Bali Catsmart
•     Beneteau Blue II
•     Broadblue 346
•     Broadblue 38 Prestige
•     Broadblue 385
•     Broadblue 435
•     Broadblue 46
•     Rapier 400
•     Rapier 550
•     Catalac 10M
•     Catalac 11M
•     Catalac 12M
•     Catalac 8M
•     Catalac 900
•     Catalac 9M
•     Catana 381
•     Catana 39
•     Catana 401
•     Catana 40S
•     Catana 411
•     Catana 42
•     Catana 42 S
•     Catana 431
•     Catana 44
•     Catana 471
•     Catana 50
•     Catana 521
•     Catana 531
•     Catana 55
•     Catana 581
•     Catana 65
•     Catathai 44
• Chris White
•     Chris White 48 Voyager
•     Chris White 55
•     Condor 40
•     Contour 34
•     Corsair F28 R
• De Villiers
•     Dean 365
•     Dean 400
•     Dean 440
•     Dean 500
•     Dix DH550
•     Dolphin 380
•     Dolphin 460
•     Edel 35
•     Endeavour 30
•     Endeavour 35 Victory
•     Endeavour 36
•     Endeavour 44
•     Endeavour 44 TrawlerCat
•     Endeavour 50 Pilothouse Trawler
•     Excess 11
•     F-41
•     Fastback 43
•     Fisher 28
•     Fisher 32
•     Fortuna 36 Island Spirit
•     Fortuna 401 Island Spirit
• Fountaine Pajot
•     FP 32 Maldives
•     FP 35 Tobago
•     FP 36 Mahe
•     FP 37 Antigua
•     FP 38 Athena
•     FP 39 Fidji
•     FP 40 Isla
•     FP 40 Lavezzi
•     FP 40 Lucia
•     FP 40 MY
•     FP 40 Summerland MY
•     FP 41 Lipari
•     FP 42 Astrea
•     FP 42 Venezia
•     FP 43 Belize
•     FP 44 Helia
•     FP 44 Orana
•     FP 45 Elba
•     FP 46 Bahia
•     FP 46 Casamance
•     FP 48 Salina
•     FP 50 Saba
•     FP 56 Marquises
•     FP 57 Sanya
•     FP 58 Ipanema
•     FP 60 Eleuthera
•     FP Saona 47
•     Fusion 40
•     Gemini 105
•     Gemini 3000
•     Gemini 3200
•     Gemini 3400
•     Gemini Freestyle 37
•     Gemini Freestyle 399 Power
•     Gemini Legacy 35
•     Grainger 420 Mystery Cove
•     Gunboat 55
•     Hirondelle 7M
•     HopYacht 30
• Island Packet
•     Island Packet Cat 35
•     Kennex 420
•     Knysna 440
•     Knysna 480
•     Knysna 500
•     Knysna 550
•     Lagoon 35
•     Lagoon 37 TPI
•     Lagoon 380
•     Lagoon 39
•     Lagoon 40
•     Lagoon 400
•     Lagoon 410
•     Lagoon 42
•     Lagoon 42 TPI
•     Lagoon 420
•     Lagoon 421
•     Lagoon 43 PC
•     Lagoon 44 Power Cat
•     Lagoon 440
•     Lagoon 450
•     Lagoon 46
•     Lagoon 470
•     Lagoon 50
•     Lagoon 500
•     Lagoon 52F
•     Lagoon 55
•     Lagoon 560
•     Lagoon 570
•     Lagoon 620
•     Lagoon Seventy 8
•     Leeuwin 42
•     Leopard 38
•     Leopard 39
•     Leopard 39 PowerCat
•     Leopard 40
•     Leopard 42
•     Leopard 43
•     Leopard 44
•     Leopard 45
•     Leopard 45 Classic
•     Leopard 46
•     Leopard 46 Lion PowerCat
•     Leopard 47
•     Leopard 47 PowerCat
•     Leopard 48
•     Leopard 50
•     Leopard 51 PowerCat
•     Leopard 53 PowerCat
•     Leopard 58
•     Lidgard 73 Executive
•     Looping 50
•     Maine Cat 30
•     Maine Cat 38
•     Maine Cat 41
•     Manta 40
•     Manta 42
•     Matrix 450 Vision
•     Matrix 760 Silhouette
•     Maverick 400
•     Maverick 420
•     Maverick 440
•     Moxie 61
•     Nautitech 40
•     Nautitech 40 Open
•     Nautitech 44 Open
•     Nautitech 442
•     Nautitech 46 Open
•     Nautitech 47
•     Nautitech 47 Power
•     Nautitech 65
•     Neel 45
• Oceanlake Marine AB
•     Seacart 30
•     Outremer 40
•     Outremer 45
•     Outremer 50 Standard
•     Outremer 55
•     Outremer 5X
•     PDQ 32
•     PDQ 36
•     PDQ 42 Antares
•     Privilege 37
•     Privilege 39
•     Privilege 42
•     Privilege 43
•     Privilege 435
•     Privilege 45
•     Privilege 465
•     Privilege 48 Transcat
•     Privilege 482
•     Privilege 495
•     Privilege 510
•     Privilege 65
•     Privilege Serie 5
•     Prout 31 Quest
•     Prout 33 Quest
•     Prout 34 Event
•     Prout 35 Snowgoose
•     Prout 37 Snowgoose
•     Prout 37 Snowgoose Elite
•     Prout 38
•     Prout 38 Manta
•     Prout 39 Escale
•     Prout 45
•     Prout 46
• Robertson and Caine
•     Royal Cape 45
•     Royal Cape 500 Majestic
•     Royal Cape 530 Majestic
•     Sailcraft 30 Iroquois
•     Sailcraft 32 Comanche
•     Sailcraft 35 Cherokee
•     Sailcraft 41 Apache
•     Sailcraft 44 Apache
•     Scape 39
•     Wildcat 350
•     Seawind 1000
•     Seawind 1160
•     Seawind 1200
•     Seawind 1260
•     Seawind 1600
•     Simpson 48
•     Solaris 36 Sunrise
•     Solaris 36 Sunstar
•     Solaris 42
•     St Francis 44
•     St Francis 48
•     St Francis 50
•     Stealth 11.8
•     Sunreef 60
•     Sunreef 62
•     Sunreef 70
•     Sunreef 74C
•     Sunreef 82 DD
•     Sunreef 88 DD
•     Switch 51
•     Switch 55
•     TRT 1200
•     Heavenly Twins 26
•     Ocean Twins 38
•     Vaan R5
•     Vision 444
•     Voyage 380 Maxim
•     Voyage 400 Norseman
•     Voyage 430 Norseman
•     Voyage 440
•     Voyage 450 Cabriolet
•     Voyage 47 Mayotte
•     Voyage 480
•     Voyage 500
•     Voyage 580
•     Voyage 590
•     Kronos 45
•     Wharram 38 Tiki
•     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 105 Review

• Post author By River B
• Post date October 24, 2020
• 3 Comments on Gemini 105 Review

No catamaran discussion would be complete without a nod to the 34’ Gemini 105M and 105 MC line of catamarans, created by designer Tony Smith. From modest beginnings in 1996, the Gemini 105 has become one of the most popular domestic-built catamarans in the United States, with over 1200 hulls splashed.

Gemini Catamaran History

Originally built in Maryland, the Gemini 105 model began with the 105M (meaning 10.5 meters) in 1995 and then a design change in 2004 to the 105MC, some 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.

Gemini production moved to FL in 2009 after the 2008 financial meltdown. In 2011, Gemini offered the Limited-Edition Design Touch TM models, whose upgrades included cherry veneer finishes, Corian countertops, and ducted air conditioning. In a partnership with Hunter Marine and a generous buyout from The Catamaran Company, Gemini was able to live on under the direction of Smith’s daughter, Laura building the 105 until 2012. Catalina on the west coast for Florida took over production of the Legacy 35 in 2015, which is still in production today.

While the Gemini 105 hasn’t won any official awards, according to SAIL Magazine, “[i]f there ever was a sub-40ft cat that should be included in an imaginary ’Catamaran Hall of Fame,’ it would have to be the Gemini 105.”

The Gemini 105s were designed to be affordable, compact, relatively easy vessels for sailors new to catamarans. In the performance – comfort — cost trifecta, there is a definite favor towards cost, which can equate to quality issues. However, Gemini owners swear by their performance and aspects of comfort.

Let’s see what they highlight.

• Narrow Beam. With a beam of 14’, the Gemini can tuck into a standard slip, lowering the cost of ownership and reducing haulout hassles that other catamaran owners sometimes face.
• Shallow Draft. With kick-up centerboards and rudders, and outboards (or drive legs) that can raise up, Gemini owners can anchor in as little as 2’ of water. Crowded beach anchorages are seldom an issue for these vessels, which can tuck in well away from other deeper-draft cats and monohulls alike.
• Livability . The 3-cabin layout provides both comfort and privacy and the wet head is huge for a small boat. The C-shaped settee converts into a large bed for passages or extra guests. The large, propane-powered refrigerator provides ample space for food and beverages without draining batteries. With 6’ of headroom inside and up to 6’7” of headroom in the cockpit, guests can enjoy the panoramic windows without stooping.
• Speed . While the Gemini 105 won’t be breaking any circumnavigation records, for her size, she’s fast—able to achieve 40-50% of wind speeds and the ability to point at about 50 degrees (apparent) to wind. According to Mark Baummer, on SV Argo, the Gemini 105 can easily hit speeds of 8 knots and he regularly logs double-digit speeds. More on why that may be in a moment.
• Engine Accessibility. Whether equipped with an outboard or the Westerbeke 30b3 diesel, accessibility is far and above that of most other smaller (and even some larger) catamarans on the market.

Gemini 105 Hull Construction

The Gemini 105 generally took about 5-7 days to produce, utilizing vinylester resins to bond a barrier coat of 1.5-ounce mat. Next comes two layers of 18 x 15 Cofab mat. The foredeck and cabin top are cored with 1/2″ end-grain balsa, as are cockpit areas in which there are no deck fittings.

The hull-deck joint is a shoebox design bonded with something the designer calls “black poly putty, which cures fast, using a chemical process, rather than an air-dry process. The deck is then secured with stainless steel fasteners on 5″ centers. The joint is covered by a gunwale guard.

Performance Factors

Catamaran designers utilize a broad number of theories in their attempts to achieve performance. For Gemini, this means a 9:1 length to width ratio, with a shallow and fat tear-drop shape intended to increase both speed and load-carrying capacity. Although, with only 18” of bridgedeck clearance, you’ll want to utilize that space sparingly, or risk losing any performance benefits you may have.

Centerboards and sail plan contribute to the cat’s ability to sail closer to the wind than most production catamarans out there.

Is the Gemini 105 a Serious Ocean Cruiser?

Tony Smith and his son Neil took a Gemini 105 through the northern Atlantic passage from Florida to England on a 23-day trip where they encountered 45-knot winds and 35-foot waves . Neither felt unsafe, but they also swore they would never make the trip again!

SV Tere Hau Nui was a 2003 Gemini 105MC that was sailed across the Pacific to Fiji. Again she was sold via our for sale by owner services in 2012. The new owner sailed her to Australia where she unfortunately dragged onto a rocky shore . The new owner, Brian, bought her back from the insurance company and has fixed her up. He splashed her again in 2020.

SV Slapdash is a 2004 Gemini 105Mc that circumnavigated, albeit with reported frequent stops to perform repairs and modifications. The owner sold by advertising on this website in 2012.

Cruising “celebrity” Carolyn Shearlock (of The Boat Galley fame), owner of SV Barefoot Gal, a Gemini 105M, cruises Florida and the Bahamas, but says she wouldn’t take the vessel offshore.

Mark Baummer, owner of SV Argo , sails his 1999 Gemini 105M in the Chesapeake Bay and offshore to New England, says he would feel comfortable taking the Gemini offshore. He confirms the boat is noisy when underway, saying, “it’s annoying, but you get used to it.” He also noted a great deal of flexibility in the hulls and the main bulkhead pieces working against each other. After a conversation with the designer, he was assured that this is “normal and helps to relieve racking stress on the boat.”

Gemini 105 owner John Grossenbacher says he crossed the Gulf Stream with 18-20 kt NE winds and 4-6′ seas. He reports sailing at 8-9 kts while cooking dinner with a glass of wine sitting on countertop—the classic catamaran marketing brochure image, right?

Like any vessel, it’s really a matter of personal preference, seamanship capability, and the stomach to put up with the chaos that the ocean can throw at you. For my money, I’d stick to coastal cruising on the Gemini. But that’s just me.

The Wish List

Gemini 105 owners love their boats, but there are always things that they wish were different or done better. Here’s what they have to say about that:

• The Gelcoat – gelcoat crazing is common on the Gemini 105
• Soft, leaky decks – as you’ll recall, the decks are balsa-cored, so water intrusion can take its toll on these vessels, so be proactive about re-bedding deck hardware, particularly around hatches and stays.
• Close – quarter maneuverability – while Carolyn Shearlock finds the Gemini 105M to perform better in close quarters than her Tayana 47, many find the Gemini, with its single engine, to be a bit squirrely in tight situations.
• Slightly Under-canvassed – under light winds, the Gemini has trouble, but over 10 knots and she sails beautifully.
• Forward Visibility – from the cockpit, the view forward is slightly challenging.
• Centerboard Rot – the original centerboards are prone to rot and worms. Baummer’s centerboards both fractured while on an offshore passage (the boat was fine, but didn’t point as well, as to be expected).
• Westerbeke 30b3 – this diesel gets mixed reviews and the company that services the drive leg have gone out of business and there is no clear source for parts.Many owners opt to replace the diesel with an outboard.
• Slamming – there may be no clear answer to this issue given the overall design, but some wish for a wave diverter under the bridgedeck to break up the waves.
• Inaccessible Wiring and Plumbing – with wiring looms attached to the liner prior to attachment of the liner to the hull, it’s virtually impossible to access without some level of destruction.

As these boats are not being produced anymore, these are some things to think about if you plan a refit. Many owners like that the boat is easy to work on (perhaps save the wiring), and at the size of the vessel, those who are handy can do a refit on the (relative) cheap.

The Bottom Line

Described by its designer as “the couple’s catamaran,” the Gemini 105 models are designed to be an introductory catamaran for former mono-hullers. Those who are looking for a coastal-cruising catamaran on a monohull budget might want to give the Gemini 105 some consideration.

• Tags Catamaran Interviews , Catamaran Reviews

River is a licensed USCG Captain with a lifetime of experience on the water. From the San Francisco Bay to the South Pacific, blue water to clear water, he’s sailed a wide variety of catamarans and crawled around in the bilges of more than he can count. You can follow his misadventures at www.tilted.life.

3 replies on “Gemini 105 Review”

I need an owners manual for this boat. Specifically the page that lists all the line lengths and guages.

The boat is in Panamá.

These are from the Gemini Owners Group .

Gemini 105 M Owners Manual Gemini 105 MC Owners Manual

I’d like to replace my sails, what are the sail dimensions for a Gemini M105?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• 0 No item in your cart
• The magazine

Current issue

• All the issues
• My magazines
• Technical specifications
• Multihull of the Year
• Classified Ads
• Destinations
• Online store
• All the magazines
• Subscriptions
• Accessories

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.

Practical info

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

Boat Test price 5.00 € Inc. tax

Add several tests to your cart

and get an extra discount!

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 ...

To read in full, Buy the boat test

Tags : 

• Boat review

What readers think

Post a comment

No comments to show.

MW SP#22 - Summer 2024

Download all the Boat Tests

Over 500 multihull tests

Place a classified ad Free of charge

on Multihulls World

Boat tests from the same range

• Seawind 1170

• Xquisite 30 SportCat

• HopYacht 30

• Bali Catsmart

Classified ads

Leopard 48 (2016) - NALA

2018 ROBERTSON AND CAINE LEOPARD 40 – " IMAGINE"

CATAMARAN A MOTEUR BALI 4.3 MY - 2019-

Edel 36 Catamaran

Vous avez ajouté " " à vos favoris., vous avez supprimé " " de vos favoris., in order to add this article to your favorites, please sign in..

JavaScript seem to be disabled in your browser.

You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website.

Edwards Yacht Sales

• 866.365.0706

2011 Gemini 105 MC

• Cape Coral, FL, US

Yacht price

• Email Broker
• Call Broker

Major Price reduction - Very Motive Seller! 

" Shallow Minded"

2011 Gemini 105MC

34' Catamaran

If you are looking for a pocket catamaran that will perform in open water and delivers the ability to "gunk hole' than you are looking for "Shallow Minded". The sails, rigging, hull and interior are in fine condition. Ground tackle and tender will make very trip an adventure.

Specifications

Descriptions, basic information, dimensions & weight, tank capacities, accommodations.

• View Option

"Shallow Minded"

2011 Gemini 105Mc

If you are looking for a pocket catamaran that will perform in open water and delivers the ability to "gunk hole' than you are looking for "Shallow Minded".

The Gemini 105Mc is a great design that allows just that. With its minimum draft of 1'6" to a maximum of 5'6" - when the centerboards are down.  This boat has a 14' beam that supplies a steady, stable sailing experience and an abundance of living space below.

The hardcover cockpit with its starboard bulkhead helm, large storage lockers and molded benches and steps provides an accessible, safe and comfortable area to sail this vessel. The aft steps, on each hull, allows easy access to the davit hung tender and makes easily boarding the vessel possible

The Inboard/outboard center drive Westerbeke 27hps diesel engine pushes "Shallow Minded" with ease.

A full main with lazy jacks and a 150% genoa provides the power behind the sailing power of this vessel. The electrical windless with chained ground tackle delivers the holding strength need when anchoring.

Entering the cabin, which is on the same level, presents a large settee that center table can be removed to make a relaxing lounging pit or drop the table down to make a double size berth. The chart table is to the right with the side loading refrigerator/freezer unit and the boat's electrical panel is the left which is located above a padded seat.

Stepping down into the port hull, heading aft is a double berth cabin, heading forward is the enclosed marine head with as stainless-steel sink. Proceeding across the salon to the starboard and down the step is the galley, 2 burner propane stove/oven and a covered double sink. Heading toward the bow is the captain's quarter with the queen-size berth, at the other end of this hull is another double berth cabin.

The cabin is keeps cool with a Cabin top air conditioner.

The 2001 Gemini 105 Mc Catamaran is a sought after model.The rigging, sails, engine and hull are all in fine condition. This one is worth the time to see. Professionally detailed and ready to go.It with it's 9.5" tender is design for adventure.

Watch Video:

Presented by

Mike conley 0 listing(s).

• 239.287.7213 727.449.8222
• View Profile

Manufacturer

Length Range Length Range

Year Range Year Range

Price Range Price Range

QUICK SEARCH BY:

Buyer services, featured yacht.

1985 Ocean Yachts 55 Super Sport

1981 Hatteras 48 Motor Yacht

2002 Linssen 470 Grand Sturdy

2008 Sea Ray 47 Sedan Bridge

2007 Sea Ray Sundancer 40

2019 Monachus Issa 45

2011 Meridian 391 Sedan

2005 Carver 53 Voyager

1985 Morgan 31 Off Shore Fishing Cuddy

2007 Meridian 391 Sedan

1996 Tiara Yachts 3500 Express

2015 Lagoon 450 F

2018 Destination Yachts houseboat

• Google Plus
• Boats For Sale
• Brokerage Services
• Sold Yachts

Whether you are buying or selling your next boat or your first boat, one of Edwards Yacht Sales 45+ Professional Yacht Brokers throughout the Southeast are here to assist. Since 2003 we have acted as our clients trusted advisor throughout the entire process from shopping, to making an offer, to sea trial and survey, to closing.

Corporate Office: 510 Brookside Drive Clearwater, FL 33764

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 727.449.8222 Toll Free: 866.365.0706 Fax: 727.298.0456

Copyright © 2024 Edwards Yacht Sales Do Not Sell My Personal Information Powered by YachtCloser

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better.

You can use this tool to change your cookie settings. Otherwise, we’ll assume you’re OK to continue.

Some of the cookies we use are essential for the site to work.

We also use some non-essential cookies to collect information for making reports and to help us improve the site. The cookies collect information in an anonymous form.

To control third party cookies, you can also adjust your browser settings .