Captain Ron's

Sailing and Cruising Pages

Gemini 105: an Opinion …

By Capt Ron

This boat may be unique in the history of boat building … a boat that has slowly and steadily evolved over time as owners suggested improvements and the builder/designer incorporated those ideas that he considered worthwhile. That’s what you have in the newer model Geminis … certainly a horse for a course but also a boat designed by committee … a catamaran (rather than a camel).

Originally, the boat was a 30ft cruising catamaran … now evolved into a 34ft cruising catamaran with an expressed emphasis on cruiser … not that folks don’t race these boats, they do; it’s just not intended to be a racer. There are no racing rules involved in the design here to cause a pinched transom or bow knuckle … that wasn’t the point. Cruising was the point and the boat does measure up very well as a cruiser.

In my opinion, the Gemini 105 makes a fine near coastal cruiser. Some would argue and point to trans-Atlantic crossings or expeditions to Antarctica as proof that the boat has big ocean capability. Well, take it across an ocean if you want, for that matter; take a 6ft bathtub across an ocean … any boat can take you across the ocean, if you’re lucky, or mildly touched. Shoot, folks have done it in just about anything but that does not make the 6 foot bathtub everyman’s ocean crossing cruiser. I would also be the last to argue that near coastal conditions are more benign than ocean crossing conditions; they’re not. But at least in near coastal waters, when conditions get bad, you can duck back inside … need be.

Why isn’t the Gemini an ocean crossing design? Well, where do you want to begin. It’s too small, number one. It can’t carry enough stuff, number two and it’s too lightly built to be a safe haven in a severe north Atlantic storm. That doesn’t mean it can’t cross an ocean, it’s just not my cup o’ tea.

That said, I still think it’s a fine cruiser, provided you can pick your weather and not venture too far offshore for too long. The shallow draft centerboards (or bottom feelers as a friend calls them) and kick-up rudders allow navigating shallow anchorages; a plus for a coastal cruiser taking an unmarked inlet to a secluded lagoon. Also consider that the Gemini can fit into most marina slips. That should help ease the burden of slip rent fees.

I’ve been on a number of Geminis and sailed (even raced) with friends on their boats from time to time; I’ve done a delivery trip on a new boat from the factory in Annapolis to Florida and I’ve cruised the Bahamas along side one, so I’m pretty familiar with the boat despite never having owned one.

The boat is not fast despite claims to the contrary. The Edel 35 catamaran sails much faster than any Gemini in any race I’ve ever competed in and the Edel Cat is not particularly fast as catamarans go. But so what, the boat’s a cruiser. Is it fast compared to your average everyday 34 foot cruising monohulls?… Well, that depends on conditions. If the Gemini can carry a screecher or cruising spinnaker off the wind then, yes, it will be faster. On the other hand, if you must work to weather, then a well sailed and designed 34 foot monohull probably carries the day. Late model Hunter, Catalinas or Beneteaus in the 34 foot class are probably faster upwind. Reaching though, is a different story. Gemini 105s will get up there around 12 knots in perfect reaching conditions and 8s or 9s are not uncommon. Let’s see your Catalina 34 do that!

Unfortunately, there are sea conditions that will pound your Gemini relentlessly and the noise of a wave slamming the bridge deck is unnerving. It probably doesn’t do the boat any good either.

I’m not a fan of the optional Gemini system for managing a cruising spinnaker or ‘screecher’ either. That large curved traveler track is just not far enough forward to be optimal. Better is the folding bipod bowsprit that extends about 6 feet forward and yet folds back against the furled headsail for docking. I also like the arrangement that the Maine Cat 30 used where the pole was extended at deck level and could be collapsed back onto the deck for storage. Both designs have been adapted to Geminis.

Interior accommodations are as good as they get in this size boat. Again compare the Gemini 105 to your typical 34 footer and you will find that the Gemini can accommodate 3 couples in separate staterooms. Yes, the after cabin berths are a bit crowded if you’re a big person but workable for a weekend or even a week or two. For a family of Mom, Dad and two kids … each gets a private room … Great! Where’s that on your Hunter?

The forward berth is big enough for large people although there is an inside position and an outside position. That is, the outside position (to starboard) can get in and out without disturbing the inside sleeper. So if one of you has to get up in the night to check the head or the anchor or whatever … put that person in the outside position, otherwise the inside person will be climbing over to get out. Considering also that this arrangement may be preferable to the typical ‘muzzle loader’ berths such as most V-berths. It’s just not walk around.

The galley is laid out as well as it can be given the cook needs to stand and have access to stove, fridge and food storage. Some couples cruising Geminis, have converted the starboard aft berth to a pantry where most bulk food items are stowed; very convenient.

The propane fridge works well too, although fuel consumption can be an issue and the front opening means that most of the cold is lost with each opening. I’d prefer a larger top loader for most cruising requirements. I would find the cold food storage a bit small for extended cruises …beyond a couple of weeks anyway. Our friends report that when cruising, a propane tank will need a refill every couple of weeks. There's also the issue of output heat although the venting arrangement in the 105 is an improvement over earlier models. I'm still a little unnerved by the sight of an open flame visible behind the bulkhead from the starboard aft cabin.

The dinette arrangement will work for 4 or even more for dinner and the galley-dinette arrangement doesn’t leave the cook out of the cocktail hour.

The head layout, on the port side, and the ingenious arrangement of valves, holding tank, pump-outs, etc., seems to work well; another evolutionary feature. With the newer diesel boats, hot water storage heaters are a much better solution than the older ‘demand’ system and of course, charging systems are bigger and better than they were in the outboard powered models of years past.

The boats boast very adequate storage both below decks and on deck for the normal cruising gear although some planning will be needed to take advantage of the sometimes awkward shape of interior cubbyholes. A pair of davits on the back is a reasonable solution to dinghy storage provided you keep the dinghy light. Bridges could also be constructed across the back for solar panels to supplement battery consumption deficits. Be sure to order the sling seat that rigs between the davits. Best seat in the house.

Interior fit and finish is much better in the 105 models than in previous versions. It’s light and airy even if a bit ‘clorox bottle’…better than the old dark and dreary wood.

Water and fuel tankage is adequate for the short term cruise although water tankage could be a bit light for a family of four for more than a few days.

The diesel engine in the newer boats, is just about right. Fuel consumption is light but the ‘agricultural’ final drive unit seems to require more than a little maintenance. Changing the lower unit fluid is a challenge and the manual hydraulic jack for lifting the unit clear of the water seems a bit silly. If you’re going to the trouble to make a hydraulic system for trim and tilt, why not make it electric with a thumb button control just like any ordinary old Evinrude? The big prop is a plus though, and since the drive steers with the rudders, the low speed maneuverability problems that were an issue in older versions has been eliminated. Motoring speeds in calm, slack waters are up around 7 knots under power with a little reserve.

The helm position gets some complaints on older boats but I found the 105 to be as good as any. It is sheltered from the sun and rain and at least faces forward. The optional helm seat is great especially when doing an extended motoring leg down the ICW.

The instrumentation and electronics package on my friend’s new boat is excellent. All integrated Raymarine stuff; very well done. I also like the optional Xantrex inverter-battery monitor system.

All in all, the Gemini is a good boat. If your cruising goals are relatively coastal with maybe a venture to the Bahamas somewhere down the road, then this is a very good choice. Just pick your weather and anchorages. It fulfills the mission of weekend cruiser for a family and offers the possibility of longer cruises for a lot less money than the next size up in catamarans.