How to choose between MiniCats
With 4 sizes and 8 different models, potential MiniCat owners are often overwhelmed by the wide selection. I had that problem too. Unfortunately, each model has unique features but not without tradeoffs. That means there's probably a model that's designed for how you sail. Initial questions to ask yourself is where you'll be sailing, how often, and with whom.
If you are looking for performance, the 420 Emotion, Evoque, and Laura Dekker Limited Edition have a boom for better control of mainsail shape with the outhaul and boom vang, and support the optional asymmetric gennaker sail and trapeze. The rope traveller 420 Evoque and Laura Dekker Edition would also allow you to trim the mainsail in close to point a tad higher.
However, the 420 and 460 require longer assembly and disassembly time (~45-60 minutes), and even longer if you want to rig the gennaker or motor.
If you sail frequently and want setup to be quick (~15 minutes), such as at an anchorage with your yacht, the Guppy would fit that bill, but you sacrifice a jib.
For a true sailing experience, the original 310, which Laura Dekker discovered on her circumnavigation, provides enough boat to satisfy most seasoned sailors. And reasonably quick (~30 minutes) to assemble with basically 2 wing nuts and 3 cotter rings if you intend to sail often. Many yachtsmen opt for this model as well.
Almost all models have a continuous line roller furling jib except for the 310 Super (and Guppy). All models have an optional motor mount, but only the 420 and 460 are large enough to accomodate mounting alongside the rudder.
I opted for the 420 Laura Dekker Limited Edition myself. I can sail it solo, yet it can accomodate my family of 4, providing enough zip and sail control with the outhaul and traveller. And I can fly the asymmetric gennaker solo. I don't mind the extra setup time, since I'm an occasional sailor.
Contact us for a demo sail to try them all out to find the one that fits your lifestyle.
If you often sail with a few friends or family, you may opt for the larger 420 or 460 which can accomodate 4 adults (having a capacity of 992 lbs and 1212 lbs respectively).
But if you sail solo or as a couple, the 310 or 420 may be easier to handle.
If you are looking for performance, the 420 Emotion, Evoque, and Laura Dekker Limited Edition have a boom for better control of mainsail shape with the outhaul and boom vang, and support the optional asymmetric gennaker sail and trapeze. The rope traveller 420 Evoque and Laura Dekker Edition would also allow you to trim the mainsail in close to point a tad higher.
If you are looking for pure speed, the larger sail area of the 460 would give you that adrenaline rush. And it supports a gennaker and trapeze. It also has a traveller, but only a battened mainsail.
However, the 420 and 460 require longer assembly and disassembly time (~45-60 minutes), and even longer if you want to rig the gennaker or motor.
If you sail frequently and want setup to be quick (~15 minutes), such as at an anchorage with your yacht, the Guppy would fit that bill, but you sacrifice a jib.
For a true sailing experience, the original 310, which Laura Dekker discovered on her circumnavigation, provides enough boat to satisfy most seasoned sailors. And reasonably quick (~30 minutes) to assemble with basically 2 wing nuts and 3 cotter rings if you intend to sail often. Many yachtsmen opt for this model as well.
Almost all models have a continuous line roller furling jib except for the 310 Super (and Guppy). All models have an optional motor mount, but only the 420 and 460 are large enough to accomodate mounting alongside the rudder.
I opted for the 420 Laura Dekker Limited Edition myself. I can sail it solo, yet it can accomodate my family of 4, providing enough zip and sail control with the outhaul and traveller. And I can fly the asymmetric gennaker solo. I don't mind the extra setup time, since I'm an occasional sailor.
Contact us for a demo sail to try them all out to find the one that fits your lifestyle.