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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
Manufactured Length | 34’ (10.36m) |
Beam | 14’ (4.27m) |
LWL | 31’ (9.45m) |
Mast Height Clearance | 46’ (14.02m) |
# of cabins | 3 |
Heads | 1 |
*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
LOA | 35’4” |
LWL | 32’ |
Beam | 14’ |
Draft | 34” |
Heads | 1 or 2 |
Staterooms | 3 |
Fuel Capacity | 56 Gallons |
Water Capacity | 60 Gallons |
Hot Water Tank Capacity | 6 Gallons |
Holding Tank Capacity | 18 Gallons each head |
Displacement | 9800 lbs |
Engines | 2x 15HP Yanmar Diesels |
Mast Length | 40’5” |
Sail Area: Main Sail | 386’ |
Sail Area: Roller Furling | 270’ |
Sail Area: optional Code Zero | 498’ |
Standing Headroom | 6’3”-6’5” |
*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.
Specifications
LOA | 38’2 |
Head Configuration | 1 |
Engine | 1X 25HP |
LWL | 34’10” |
Stateroom | 1 Queen |
Mast Length | 40’5’ |
Beam | 14’ |
Fuel Capacity | 56 Gallons |
Mast Height Off Water | 47’ |
Draft | 2’10” |
Water Capacity | 60 Gallons |
Main Sail Area | 386 Sqft |
Headroom | 6’3” – 6’5” |
Optional Hot Water Tank | 6 Gallons |
Genoa Sail Area | 270 Sqft Estimated |
Displacement | 7500 LBS |
Holding Tank | 18 Gallons |
Optional Code Zero | TBD Sqft |
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
- Cockpit Traveler Arch, Stainless Steel w/ Mainsheet
- 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
- Towel Rack
- Shower Curtain
- Teak Shower Grate in Floor
- Shower Sump Pump
- GFI Receptacle
- Electrical Outlets, AC/DC
- Optional Water Heater
Forward Cockpit
- Seating for up to Six
- Floor Drain
- Optional Cockpit Cushions
- Optional Cockpit Table
Rigging
- 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
*Specifications and features provided from:
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.
Specifications
LOA | 41’ (Including engines)’2” |
Head Configuration | Standard Head to Starboard with Cabin Option to Port, Head available to port as well |
Engine | Twin outboard, Suzuki 90 HP (optional larger engine available) |
LWL | 36’ |
Staterooms | 1 Optional |
Beam | 14’ |
Fuel Capacity | 56 gallons (future option: 150 gallons) |
Draft | 18’ |
Water Capacity | 60 Gallons |
Headroom | 6’3-6’5 |
Optional Hot Water Tank | 6 Gallons |
Displacement | 10000 LBS (loaded) |
Holding Tank | 20 Gallons (30 Gallon Optional) |
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
- 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(s)
- Sink with pull out shower faucet
- Optional Separate Shower
- Vanity Unit with Mirror
- Optional Corian Countertop
- Towel Rack
- Shower Curtain
- Teak Shower Grate in Floor
- Shower Sump Pump
- GFI Receptacle
- Electrical Outlets, AC/DC
- Optional Water Heater
Forward Cockpit
- Seating for up to Six
- Floor Drain
- Optional Cockpit Cushions
- Optional Cockpit Table
Systems / Electronics
- 12-Volt DC Electrical System w/ Breaker Panel
- Electrical Outlets, AC & DC
*Specifications and features provided from:
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.
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