A. At 21-ft. beam we have found most marinas have no problem accommodating the Manta, because of her shallow draft the Manta can be berthed in slips intended for powerboats. The Manta's stability also allows for end dock locations without threat of excessive rocking. Equally important is that most yards travel lifts can accommodate the Manta. Once overall beam exceeds 21 ft., there are few yards to choose from.
A. Absolutely, with thousands of ocean miles and many satisfied owners, and several circumnavigations to her credit, the Manta is a proven offshore cruiser.
A. With comparable payloads the Manta will sail with the best. Since all Manta's produced have been for private owners, their average payload of equipment far exceeds the norm seen in charter boats, but because of her efficient hull beam/length ratio, high tech construction, and generous sail plan, the Manta can still out sail most in her size range.
A. The Camber Spar™ is a device developed over 20 years ago by a sail maker to answer the need to have a way to control sail shape of self-tacking jibs. Think of it as one half of a wishbone boom seen on windsurfers, but inside the sail. When combined with full battens the Camber Spar™ provides a sail that is quiet, holds its shape in all wind angles and ranges, and self-tacks. It can even allow you to sail wing on wing without a whisker pole.
A. Since we build to order it depends on our back log, generally production stays six months to a year pre-sold. Our current production rate is one per month, with an 12-week production cycle.
A. Many things can contribute to long term value retention; quality construction, initial value, number produced, and maybe most important, sailing qualities. The Manta meets all this criteria and enjoys some of the highest resale values in the industry.
A. Like most manufacturers Manta offers a limited warranty. The warranty covers any structural defects of the hull and deck, including blistering below the waterline for a period of five years. Equipment such as engines, sails, and deck hardware are covered by their individual manufacturers.
A. The Manta was originally designed to be the perfect cruising yacht for live- aboard, full-time cruisers. The Manta was one of the first catamarans to offer one hull dedicated to the owner's suite. To be able to offer features such as separate shower stalls, large hanging lockers, washer/dryer space, and generous staterooms and heads in 42 feet, the fourth stateroom was eliminated.
A. At 42 feet in order to offer the layout most cruisers want, it is difficult to have an engine room separate of the interior. Engine hatches incorporated into the transoms close to the waterline would be considered unsafe when opened at sea or in bad weather. Even though the engines are located under the berth they are very accessible. Hinged bunk tops and mattresses with hold-up straps, and lots of space around the engine make service easy, while protecting you and the engines from the elements. Modern diesels run quiet and odorless unless you have a problem such as a fuel leak which needs to be remedied. Standard equipment includes engine space blowers to exhaust any excess heat generated by the engines.
A. Cost of ownership and maintenance is low with most sailboats, the diesels are very reliable today, bottom paints typically last two years or more if applied correctly. Oil changes and keeping it clean with bi-annual waxing are pretty much the norm.
A. Again Manta was one of the first manufacturers to offer a truly self-sufficient cruising sailboat. While the standard battery capacity and electrical system far exceed the industry norm, through the Pac's Manta can offer solar panels, extra battery capacity, wind generators, high-output alternators, 12-volt refrigerator with massive insulation, and 12-volt watermaker, making self-sufficiency truly a reality.
A. This feature has been an integral part of the success of the Manta. It does more than keep the sun and rain off your head, it incorporates a dingy hoist that holds the dinghy high enough to keep it secure in any weather condition. It is also an excellent place to mount solar panels, wind generator, antennas, etc., a place to mount the mainsheet to keep it out of the cockpit for safety, built in hand rails, and includes a windshield and side curtains for ultimate weather protection.
A. Since most catamarans have deck stepped masts and no direct access to a metal keel as a ground, mast grounding can be difficult, though no source will offer any definitive answer when it comes to lightning, Manta offers a lightning prevention/protection approach in the Pac's which includes, putting all arials on the radar arch with the exception of the TV antenna and the apparent wind indicator, using the YachtGard™ surge suppression system, and Strike Shield™ grounding system. We feel this 3-pronged approach offers the best protection from lightning problems.
A. The Manta's characteristic molded-in cross beam and strut is a stronger, albeit more expensive way, to handle the forestay and hull loads. It also offers a convenient walking surface and manageable trampoline area, a natural platform for the anchor chain and windlass with no interference from a gull striker or jumper, and its cambered shape also allows more wave clearance.
A. Because of the large cockpit beam, sail handling on a catamaran is a greater concern than on a monohull. Moving side to side when tacking and handling awkward winch locations on the cabin top can be quite tiresome and dangerous. Because the Manta is self-tacking and all lines lead through a battery of sheet stoppers, all sail handling functions can be accomplished with one electric winch right at the helm by one person.