We’ve had a number of questions on how we like our Gemini catamaran or how was it to go from our previous boat — a monohull Tayana 37 — to it. Here’s our listing of the pros and cons.
In a nutshell, we LOVE our Gemini catamaran for what we are now doing — two people living aboard full-time, coastal cruising in the Florida Keys and going to the Bahamas for several months at a time. But I’m not going to say it’s the perfect boat for everyone.
Okay, with that out of the way, there are a few things that we need to say:
- The Tayana 37 is a true blue water boat. The Gemini is a coastal cruiser. They are very, very different boats and designed for different purposes.
- Because of that, it’s almost impossible to truly compare them.
When we bought the Tayana (Que Tal), we didn’t know if we’d cross the Pacific, but thought we might (we didn’t). We wanted a boat that left the possibility open. The Tayana did well for us in the Sea of Cortez and down the coast to El Salvador, but the reality is that the Gemini would have been great, too. Probably better.
Things that we particularly like about the Gemini (Barefoot Gal is a 105M):
- The living arrangement. It’s just a good layout for us, with a large “living room” (settee and table). The whole boat is much lighter and brighter, too. We also like the fact that the cockpit opens right into the living area, without going up and down stairs all the time. It’s also easier to get into and out of the queen berth (side entry) as opposed to the V-berth on the Tayana.
- Huge cockpit. It’s great for entertaining or even just the two of us, with room to actually walk around. The Tayana 37 has what’s referred to as an “offshore” cockpit, meaning it’s very small so that if a wave breaks into the cockpit it won’t sink the boat. But that means that it’s a very tight fit for four people. The Gemini is a much better layout for having people over. When we bought Que Tal, we underestimated how much we’d use the cockpit for things other than just steering the boat.
- Maneuverability. The Gemini is so much easier to handle in close quarters, it’s not even funny. The drive leg makes it like having an outboard, in that you steer it as well as the rudders. The Gemini is also technically 3 feet shorter than the Tayana (34 feet vs. 37) but with the Tayana’s bowsprit, it’s more like 8 or 9 feet shorter in reality. The lighter weight of the Gemini also makes it much more responsive. And any full keel boat such as the Tayana, in the words of another Tayana owner, “backs like a drunken elephant.” In other words, you don’t have a clue where it will go. Less freeboard on the Gemini also makes it easier to pick up a mooring ball both as it’s easier for the person at the helm to see it and much easier for the person at the bow to pick it up. The stress level on the Gemini as we approach a fixed object (dock, bridge, lock or even a mooring ball) is so much less than on the Tayana. The ease of getting underway/returning resulted in us going for a lot of short (1 – 2 hour) daysails. We had no idea how much this one factor would contribute to our enjoyment of the boat — and we’ve both always loved boating!
- Ease of sail handling. The Gemini’s sails are considerably smaller than the Tayana’s and the boom is much lower to the coach house roof. It is so much easier to raise/roll out the sails and stow them again, and the spinnaker is also a much more manageable size and has a larger wind range. We never wonder if it’s worth the effort to set the sails, even for a short trip. We’re not getting any younger, either (Dave is 77 and I’m 55): easier sail handling and a smaller anchor mean we’ll be able to cruise longer.
- Speed. Despite being smaller, the Gemini is considerably faster under sail and power. Our one-day range is considerably expanded. We can sail a lot more both as we move at a reasonable speed even in light winds (the drive leg pivots up out of the water easily to decrease drag) and we can afford several hours of light-air sailing and still make our intended anchorage since we typically motor at 6 knots versus 4.5 knots on the Tayana. Believe it or not, the Gemini sails slightly closer to the wind than our Tayana.
- Shallow draft. Draft was never a big issue in the Sea of Cortez or along the coast of Mexico and Central America. But it is in Florida and the Bahamas. Our Tayana theoretically drew 6 feet but loaded for cruising it was probably closer to 6½ feet. The Gemini draws about 2½ feet with the centerboards up but the drive leg and rudders down. We can go lots of places that many other boats, including a lot of catamarans, can’t. And we like to explore off the beaten path. A related factor is that our bridge clearance is just 45 feet, also giving us the freedom to go places some others can’t . . . and we have a lot less stress going under those 54 and 55 foot spans!
Bottom line is that for what we’re doing, the Gemini catamaran is just plain a fun boat. But I want to emphasize the “for what we’re doing.” Should we decide that we want to go to the Virgin Islands, we won’t have the option of going offshore — we’ll have to island hop down (yes, I know a few Geminis have gone offshore but I’ve also read their accounts).
To keep the speed and maneuverability that we like, we have to watch how much we load on board — and that means that we can’t carry as many provisions. The guest arrangements are great if one person comes, bad for more (what’s billed as a double berth is 4″ narrower than a double bed). The galley arrangement isn’t quite as good, but it’s not at all unworkable. Finally, the motion of a catamaran is different than a monohull. Not necessarily bad but it does take some getting used to if sailing in chop.
The holding tank is small at 18 gallons. After a year of cruising, we switched to a composting head (read more about our reasons here).
Our Gemini is an “M,” built in 1999 towards the end of the “M” series and has many features of an “MC” such as composite centerboards instead of plywood. The MC has many features that we’d like but the available ones at the time of our purchase were out of our budget.
The current model is the “Legacy” and it is totally redesigned with the interior layout changed slightly and, most importantly to us, skegs instead of centerboards. While the skegs are lower maintenance and require no effort while underway (versus having the lower a centerboard if sailing above a beam reach), we like the improved windward performance that the centerboards bring over a skeg.
Everything is a tradeoff. We are extremely glad that we decided on a Gemini as we absolutely love it. Some of the things that we love about it — such as the speed — are fairly typical of catamarans as opposed to monohulls, while other items are more specific to having a small catamaran or even to the Gemini (maneuverability).
I’ve been asked a few times if we intend to get a larger boat now that we’re going to be living aboard full time. You’ve probably already guessed that our answer is no — the Gemini catamaran is big enough for our needs and its small size leads to many of the things that we like about her. Within reason, smaller is just easier . . . and costs less too!
Read Next
Carolyn Shearlock has lived aboard full-time for 17 years, splitting her time between a Tayana 37 monohull and a Gemini 105 catamaran. She’s cruised over 14,000 miles, from Pacific Mexico and Central America to Florida and the Bahamas, gaining firsthand experience with the joys and challenges of life on the water.
Through The Boat Galley, Carolyn has helped thousands of people explore, prepare for, and enjoy life afloat. She shares her expertise as an instructor at Cruisers University, in leading boating publications, and through her bestselling book, The Boat Galley Cookbook. She is passionate about helping others embark on their liveaboard journey—making life on the water simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.
Here’s your “Quick Start” to everything you need to know when living on a boat:
And check out our other courses and products
Lori Steinbrunner says
Couldn’t’t agree more. We also love our Gem.
Janet Lettrich says
This was a very informative comparison. Thank you!
The Boat Galley says
Some of the differences we expected, such as the living arrangement and the large cockpit. But we didn’t realize how much easier she’d be to “move” — whether by motor or sail. And that’s turned out to be a big part of why we love her!
Janet Lettrich says
I have only ever sailed monohulls. I am looking to live aboard in the next few years. I was considering a boat like your former one for the same reasons – like leaving the possibility of ocean crossing open. Still open to all possibilities, which is why your post gave me a lot to consider. Thanks again.
Mark Sierakowski says
Rik Dove, food for thought, if you aren’t going around the world.
Jennifer Kelly Majoros says
We wouldn’t trade our Gem either. Love it!
Connie Watkins Weaver says
Thanks for the accounting! Very helpful!
Mary Facker says
How much of a factor were tramps when you picked the Gemini? I love everything about it, except for I have this dream of laying out on the trampolines, and I’m not sure I can give it up. How much do you think you’d use them if you had them?
Carolyn Shearlock says
We’ve been on some cats with tramps (friends’ boats) and didn’t use them as much as we’d envisioned. So we didn’t really consider them (or the lack of them) in picking the Gemini. I don’t think (I may be mis-remembering) I’ve seen any of the small cats with them — they just need the space for living quarters and storage. Probably the biggest thing is that since it’s solid up from, there is more wave slap when you’re beating. We don’t find it too annoying, but some people hate it.
Bob Kimble says
I too had wanted tramps when I bought my Gem, but the hard foredeck turned out to be a blessing in disguise. It was the perfect place for morning sun salutes.
Rik Dove says
True. And I agree with the thought. Problem is… Dikenga and I have been through so much. She is family. I could never bring myself to sell my Tayana
Judy says
Sounds like a perfect boat for the Keys. We had a 30′ Iroquois for 14 years with a trampoline and while the kids loved it, it made the boat wetter going into heavy seas. I’m thinking too, now that I’m older, it wouldn’t be as stable a platform for foredeck work. We moved up to an Island Packet catamaran 8 years ago with a solid foredeck. It’s very dry( has a pod to break waves) but there is slap at anchor if there’s a heavy chop( no fun on any boat, either). What’s nice about the Gemini and Island Packet is they usually fit into a conventional slip, being 14 and 15 foot beam, respectively. The cockpit is another “room” for us. Thanks for your thoughts on your model. We sailed a Legacy last summer as a demo, but could never afford a newer one.
Mark Krajcar says
Judy,
I looked at the Gem’s and ruled them out for several reasons. I did find 2 of the IpY Packet Cat 35’s for sale and a friend and I each bought one of them. I’m getting ready to head off this year, circumnavigation and would love to connect with you. Perhaps Carolyn can assist us if you’re interested.
Carolyn,
I emailed re the name of a product you’d recommended and I couldn’t remember. You got back to me in a day! I was very surprised and happy. Thank you so much.
Judy Richterman says
What a good comparison! We’ve been living aboard our Cal 39 in the Leewards since November 2014, and I have enjoyed the luxury of space and light when I visited friends with large catamarans. It didn’t occur to me that we could find a catamaran with maneuverability and a size that would be comfortable for gunk holing in the Chesapeake and the Florida Bay. My husband got very excited by your article. You’ve planted a seed for our next stage of cruising a few years down the road.
Tim Sheahan says
Do you have problems with stress cracks,..a friend has one and has cracks along all his shrouds and basically all around the deck, everywhere anything is bolted thru.
The Boat Galley says
The gelcoat is a problem area on the Gems. Ours is chalky and has a lot of crazing. The company swears that it’s not structural and that is how it seems on all that we’ve seen and owners we’ve talked to — not pretty but not structural.
Tim Sheahan says
Right, we’re doing his this fall, just curious if it was universal.
David Ditacchio says
After owning our Gemini 105M for 15 years, we are putting it up for sale. It has been a great boat to own and we have had many great trips with it. We will miss it and all the great Gemini sailors that we have met over the past 15 years.
The Boat Galley says
Happy/sad time.
Gregory Allen says
I have been hearing about the gemini so much that for the last year I have been researching every thing about this cat and the more I read the more I am looking forward to purchasing my own. I’m in love with it and have not even chartered one yet.
David Ditacchio says
We bought our Gemini 105M from PCI in 2000. It’s been a great boat and we have had 16 years of great sailing. Health issues and age are catching up with us so we are putting our boat up for sale. We are spending this winter in Cocoa Village, FL.
Carolyn Shearlock says
Glad to hear of your many fun years aboard! It must be a tough decision to sell her . . .
joe says
Did you end up selling it ? Looking for a 105M
Joe
Gregory Allen says
I’m looking at getting a Gemini legacy 35 for a live aboard and possibly some blue water sailing. What would be the pros and cons of this type of sailing occasionally. I have 2 children that will with me so accommodations should be just right.
tami says
Those of you who are considering a Gemini:
Have a look at the Canadian-made “Tomcat.” We looked at one at Miami Boat Show and were very impressed. Very like the Gems, yet to us, better thought out. If we were in the Gem market we’d seriously consider them.
Carolyn Shearlock says
We saw them 2 years ago and were also impressed. However there are almost none available used, and the backlog for new ones is several years long. Or at least it was then.
Jennifer Good Spires says
I sure love mine. I can hardly wait for spring!
Dan N Jaye says
Interesting, Carolyn; we’re not looking to trade boats any time soon but you make good points.
Michael McIntosh says
How many degrees off the wind will she sail?
The Boat Galley says
50-ish, depending on sea state. Smooth water, closer than that.
Lori Steinbrunner says
Love our Gem, nearly 5 years and counting…
Kimberly Fain Ward says
We love ours, too! Paula L Mueller, did you see this?
Paula L Mueller says
I had read it before and just read the whole thing again ?
Kimberly Fain Ward says
All true 🙂
Courtney Cali T says
Russ Titus
James Tex Kilburn says
I’m currently refitting a Gemini 3000. We’re very pleased with her performance as a Costal Cruiser and plan on upgrading to a 105 in a few years!
werner thomas says
hi great comments evaluating your cat. The small cats do it for me too, I now have a Catalac 10m after my first cat a Wharram Tiki 30! The centerboard set up ibdeed better upwind sailing but so much weaker in gunkholing! It is amazing how these under 35 foot cats have such large living areas. I would not howecer use a Gemini where I am cruising with my Catalac because no chandlers, no technical backup. My Catalac can take quite a knock which leseer strong cars wpuldnt survive. Imagine hitting an old bridge head thats completely dubmerged and nowhere indicated on charts but in major river gere in Mozambique. Great blog keep it up, I admire those bloggers that entertain/inform us so well.
Dan Rupli says
I love the whole idea of the Gemini 35, but will always want to go around the world at least one time. Is there no compromise between catamaran comfort and Tayana blue water capabilities?
Carolyn Shearlock says
There are definitely boats that are in between . . . some of the 40-foot cats and some of the lighter monohulls. No boat can be everything, though, so you have to decide what’s important for you.
Hamp says
Thanks for this insightful article. I am one of many investigating/considering the Gemini – I’m curious whether you found yourself sitting on the combing when handling the wheel? I had not realized the other advantages you pointed out regarding visibility/convenience in handling.
Carolyn Shearlock says
We rarely hand steer — only when doing close quarters work. The rest of the time we let the autopilot do it’s thing. But yes, we usually sit up on the “upper level” on the side of the cockpit.
mikeoore says
Great article. We are close to a boat purchase and liked both the gemini cats and my lifelong favorite, the Tayana 37. Being so different, and generally for different purposes, it was hard to make a choice. Your story helprf. Thanks
Carolyn Shearlock says
We really like both, but they are very different boats and best suited for different types of cruising. Glad you found the comparison useful!
Brian Kepner says
Hope Gemini sends you some swag for this article.. I might consider one if I ever see one up here in the PNW. Cats are very uncommon up here.
Charles Dalesch says
Scott Taber time to get a cat
Diane Mercaldo says
Nice to have the added living space that is lighter and brighter. Bridge heights, OH YOU’RE SO LUCKY,I’m jealous and depth is no longer a factor, CONGRATULATIONS, enjoy and safe sailing!
Paul English says
I’m still struggling with the whole “blue water” distinction – and I realize it is not necessarily razor sharp.
What features did your mono have that made it blue water, that the Gemini doesn’t?
Does the Gemini itself preclude blue water from your perspective – like you wouldn’t consider an Atlantic or Pacific crossing with it? Or would you consider it with (presumably pretty expensive) modifications?
And a more general question – do you think you would have been ultimately “equally open” to blue water sailing by purchasing a non-blue-water boat to start with, then simply traded up when you were ready and certain that you were going to cross an ocean?
Carolyn Shearlock says
It has a lot to do with build strength. The Tayana has a much thicker and heavier hull that would be much harder to hole. The deck to hull joint is also much “beefier.” Chainplates are attached with more bolts and are themselves larger. Winches were oversized. Water and diesel tanks were much larger. It’s also a heavy displacement boat and comfortable (well, relatively!) in large seas. It’s also things like the size of cleats, having secure places to clip in on deck and a protected cockpit.
I know of one Gemini that circumnavigated (Slap-Dash) and while they beefed it up before they went, they did major repair in most of the big cities they hit along the way.
The designer of the Gemini took one across the Atlantic — again, with modifications.
The thing about crossing an ocean is that you don’t know what weather you’ll encounter and your boat has to be okay to handle large seas. Now, we could island-hop through the Caribbean, where we’d have numerous open water passages — but most just about 100 miles long. That’s a single day. You can get a pretty good weather forecast for the next 24 hours so even “unexpected” conditions aren’t going to have the huge seas that would be a problem.
So, while others may have crossed oceans in a Gemini, I wouldn’t.
As to your more general question. I think when we began cruising (2002), there weren’t the blogs and Facebook that showed people cruising on a smaller scale. Most information came from circumnavigators — or at least ocean-crossers — in books and Cruising World. So our initial thoughts were that we’d be like all those folks . . . and wanted that type of boat.
Lori Steinbrunner says
Spot on!
Jennifer Kelly Majoros says
Totally agree! We love our Gem too!
Steve Barnes says
What’s your hull number? We are a 1999 M #651 and have wooden boards. In good shape now, but was a pain restoring them after barnacles got through the paint and water rotted several spots.
The Boat Galley says
We’re 655, just 4 after you.
Steve Barnes says
Consider yourself lucky!
Thom Hounsell says
Nice analysis. Thanks!
Pam Carr Jackson says
Doug Jackson and I had an Island Packet then bought a sailing catamaran (a Lagoon). Agree with everything stated regarding the benefits of a cat vs monohull!
Kimberly Fain Ward says
Love our 2004 Gemini 105Mc, s/v Ally Cat! She took us from MA to Grenada and back and now we are LOVING exploring all the skinny water aournd us in Buzzards Bay!! Found the most beautiful spot on Nantucket a couple weeks ago…anxious to see where we ‘discover’ when we go out again for a couple weeks in August 🙂
Lorraine Steyn says
I just hate the motion of a catamaran, that jerky motion in chop. Spoiled the sailing for me, despite the pleasures of more space for a live-aboard life
Steve Olson says
Oh man, I’ll never go Cat. I’d much rather have the T37!!
Smith Angie says
Thanks for sharing this information.It’s very usefull for me
George Poole says
This is an Excellent review – Thank you so much for the information.
All the best to you
Frank and Cindy says
All these years later and this post is still drawing comments! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the Gemini! We love our 105mc #816. S/V Mavis. I’ve been reading your stuff for years when owning a Gemini was just a dream! Fair winds and keep posting!
Thomas Pierquet says
I am wondering what the boat speed is cruising at 2000,2500,and 2800 rpm respectively. I heard someone claim 8kts at 2800rpm. Is this possible? Or is that a stretch? I presently have a Beneteau 311 (cruises at 6kts@2800rpm) and have been considering a Gemini 105MC for more room. My wife would like to have a bigger cabin and more boat speed on the way home if no wind..
Also, how valuable is the option of the Screecher sail to the performance of these boats?
Carolyn Shearlock says
I’d say that’s a stretch. We can motor a little over 6 knots in very smooth water. Looking back on our logs, 5.8 is more common at 2800 — but remember that we are loaded for cruising/full-time living aboard, probably much more so than you would be if you still have a land-based home. We don’t have a screecher, so I can’t answer that — I know it would be fun on certain points of sail, but can’t talk to how it actually performs. I think we’d use it on the furler more than we use our asymmetrical spinnaker.
Thomas Pierquet says
Thank you for your very timely reply. It’s always good to hear from an owner to get accurate information. I have been reading everything I can about the Gemini. I have decided that I want a 105mc to get the latest version with the centerboards. I would welcome all and any comments directly from owners of any of the performance positive or negatives. I enjoy my Beneteau 311 but need a main cabin bed with more room and more space for my grandkids to come along. Thanks again
Nick says
Great review of the boat. We are also considering a Gemini 105M along with a Prout Snowgoose.
Can you comment on wave slap when at anchor on a typical night. I have been a power boater for years, have done a lot of anchoring out overnight and have never liked the chine slap at anchor if the wind is up.
Carolyn Shearlock says
It all depends on the amount of wind and waves. Most nights, in a calm anchorage, it’s not noticeable. But if there are waves, you’ll hear them on the hull and you’ll hear some wave slap on the bridge deck.
JoAnna Mitchell says
Hi Carolyn,
Thanks for this informative post! My husband and I are considering stepping up from our Hunter 30T to a Gemini 105MC. I have noticed in the listings that many have had the IO replaced with a standard outboard engine. What are your thoughts and what have you heard from other Gemini owners?
Thanks for this page as well. We have used it a lot in preparation for our cruising future.
JoAnna
Carolyn Shearlock says
I know that many have made the switch but I think that more are still with the diesel. We did not want a gas engine as we simply didn’t want to carry that much gasoline on trips as it is MUCH more explosive than diesel fuel. However, they’re typically lighter weight and easy to have repaired or replaced should that be necessary.
Janet Smoot says
We have owned our 2000 Gemini 105M for 8 years. We love it! We had a 25′ Catalina swing keel before that. Live the space..Plenty of sleeping for 4 people.The kitchen works great. Bought closed cell cushions for outside cockpit so very comfortable. Sail msilnly Potomac River and Chesapeake. But once we retire plan on longer trips. Works well for small grandchildren too. Can’t say enough good things about this cat. Never thought we could afford one. Gemini has now priced themselves out of the average sailor though. Thanks for the inciteful review.
Holly Henry says
Thank you for your website and information. We are looking at a 2000 Gemini 105M…it’s so difficult to find an MC. What does the MC have different that you would like?
Thank you again for all of your information.
Carolyn Shearlock says
We have a 1999 105M.
Major changes in the MC:
Holly Henry says
Thank you so much. Gemini’s are getting harder to find now that we are looking.
Your website and info are invaluable to this part-time cruiser.
Mo Jacob says
Based on your experience would Gemini 105mc be able to cruise in mediterranean?
Carolyn Shearlock says
I believe that a few have.