The original concept of the Manta Catamaran was to offer the best catamaran for serious live aboard, and/or extended cruisers, manufactured to a very high standard on a limited production basis, while still offering excellent value.
The Manta 38 was designed in 1993 and went into production in St. Petersburg Florida in 1996. The Manta 38 incorporated many unique and desirable features for her time such as molded cross beam and strut, one piece hull and deck molds, cambered bridge deck and decks, and high efficiency keel and rudder designs.
The interior layout was also very unique including, one hull dedicated to owner’s cabin, large shower stalls, and galley up. Additionally the Manta had the distinction of being the first production catamaran in her size range designed to be single handed, incorporating, self-tacking jib, and all sail handling accomplished at the helm with the aid of an electric winch
In 1997 the Manta 40 was introduced as a result of extending the hull length fore and aft for better performance and handling. Later the cockpit seating was enlarged, and headroom increased in the main salon.
In 2000 the Manta 42 was introduced with extended hull length aft for better load carrying and performance, and improved ergonomics at the transoms for boarding.
In 2001 Manta Catamarans won the prestigious Cruising World magazine "Boat of the year" competition for best value overall of all sailing yachts produced in the world that year.
In 2002 the factory was relocated to a new facility in Sarasota Florida and the Manta 42 MkII was introduced with a much higher level of fit and finish of the interior including, solid surface countertops, and wood veneer interior. Also headroom was increased again in the main salon. Other changes included improved structural design, and upgraded systems equipment.
To date, Manta Catamarans has over (90) catamarans cruising the world, with one of the highest customer satisfaction ratings in the industry. Manta Catamarans has plans to introduce a PowerCat in 2004.