Reach is a Manta 40 catamaran, one of ~127 of these types of boats made before the company ended production. There is an active Manta owners community who help each other with technical questions on the internet. More often than not, we also run into other Mantas out cruising. Even as we're stuck in a marina we've shared odd jobs with two other Manta's here in Panama, all with similar tasks in mind...
It is obvious when you see these boats out of the water that they are solid and well-built catamarans. Reach is hull #39 built in 1998. Somerset33 (hull #33) and Kokomo Kat (hull #21) are close cousins! All of these boats have been hauled out this Fall here in Shelter Bay Marina.
We did a bottom-job here in July and found ourselves back for a short-haul and repairs after our September lightning strike. Carol on Somerset33 headed to Panama from the Rio Dulce and went on the hard for her bottom-job. Sharon sailed to Panama via the ABC's and soon followed suit on Kokomo Kat to haul-out for a zinc replacement and paint touch-up. Both ladies are single-handers who sail and do most of their own boat work! A testament to their abilities, as well as the intelligent design of Manta Cats.
It's been fun comparing experiences, projects and a few cocktails with our fellow Manta owners. Heck, even Blake & Sunny on Slow Mocean (Manta 42, hull #63) stopped by the marina to pick up their crew before heading through the Panama Canal!
What better time to replace those zincs and sail-drive oil?!
