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Catamaran Aqua Cruiser Houseboats

A typical Catamaran Aqua Cruiser Houseboat

A typical Catamaran Aqua Cruiser Houseboat

Does anyone have a picture of a houseboat, a 1998 Catamaran Aqua Cruiser 12 x 38?


What is the value of this houseboat?

When did ownership change for the Catamaran Cruisers?

Is 1998 too old for a houseboat?



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Reply - Answer
I have posted up above a picture of a typical Catamaran Aqua Cruiser Houseboat, I think it's a 35 foot, year 2000.

According to the NADA Guides, the value appears to be @ $30,000 dollars, but then again the used houseboat market decides what selling prices are.

I am not exactly sure when ownership changes occurred for Catamaran Cruisers.

Is 1998 houseboat too old, definitely not, I have seen some houseboats that were from the late 60's that were impeccable, yet I have seen some from the 90's that were badly neglected. A marine survey is always recommended, irregardless of the age of the houseboat.

If your contemplating purchasing a houseboat, you will find these dvd's with 60 tips, purchasing, and survey of houseboats.


Lastly, hopefully some of our readers will share and post comments about their Catamaran Aqua Cruiser houseboat experiences.


Feel free to use the "Click here to post comments." link found near the bottom of this page.

Thanks again for sharing, IAN from all-about-houseboats


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Comments for Catamaran Aqua Cruiser Houseboats

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Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Info Appreciated
by: River Hobo

Thanks Hboater and Jeff for the great information. Very helpful! I'm monitoring the list and there seems to be no change. Knowing the support structure of the floor is very helpful. And the small inspection camera will be very useful. Thanks for all the help. I bought the boat three weeks ago and drove it up the Mississippi from Galena, IL to La Crosse, WI. Since then I have ripped out the broken refrigerator and water heater and covered the vent holes. Replaced the recirculating toilet with a pump out porta potty. Just installed solar panel, batteries and inverter from previous boat to run frig and induction stove top. (The propane burners will be removed soon.) Sorry for rambling. Very Happy with the new boat, especially now that I know how to keep it floating!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Installation of Pontoon Inspection Hatches
by: Anonymous

I'm "Hboater" who posted below about inspection hatches in 10x35. Lil Hobo is built similar to 10x35, but may have smaller pontoons. Aluminum floor joists are fastened on top fiberglass pontoons. Plywood floor is mounted to joists, walls go on top of floor. Mfg says they pressure test pontoons. If they do, I suspect it’s done before fastening joists. I suspect rainwater flows into poorly sealed holes where joists are fastened. After a few seasons pontoon sections take on rainwater. Each pontoon is separated by a bulkhead about 3 feet apart. If your Lil Hobo is listing I strongly encourage you cut open plywood floor on side it's listing to expose top of pontoon. Set blade depth to prevent cutting joists. Thump the top of exposed pontoon and make an opening between a bulkhead. You'll figure out how to space the remaining hatches after your first opening. Some sections will be dry, some will have rainwater. Keep it pumped out or you risk capsizing. I almost did. If possible, store your boat under covered slip to reduce rain entry. If boat is already protected from rain then intrusion is coming from below the waterline and you have a different problem. Treat this problem seriously.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Inspection Hatches
by: Anonymous

I'm "Hboater" who posted below about inspection hatches in 10x35. Lil Hobo is built similar to 10x35, but may have smaller pontoons. Aluminum floor joists are fastened on top fiberglass pontoons. Plywood floor is mounted to joists, walls go on top of floor. Mfg says they pressure test pontoons. If they do, I suspect it’s done before fastening joists. I suspect rainwater flows into poorly sealed holes where joists are fastened. After a few seasons pontoon sections take on rainwater. Each pontoon is separated by a bulkhead about 3 feet apart. If your Lil Hobo is listing I strongly encourage you cut open plywood floor on side it's listing to expose top of pontoon. Set blade depth to prevent cutting joists. Thump the top of exposed pontoon and make an opening between a bulkhead. You'll figure out how to space the remaining hatches after your first opening. Some sections will be dry, some will have rainwater. Keep it pumped out or you risk capsizing. I almost did. If possible, store your boat under covered slip to reduce rain entry. If boat is already protected from rain then intrusion is coming from below the waterline and you have a different problem. Treat this problem seriously.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Inspection ports
by: Jeff Leveillee

I can give you answers for the two locations you may want inspection ports. For just the decks and interior floors, you can just about cut anywhere you want. There is not a lot of wiring or anything else in this space. If there is, it's run close to the aluminum beams running port to starboard....just watch out for the beams! This will give you access to see the space between the flooring(decks) and the top of the hulls. Water sits in this area and has no way to escape cause it's like a tray. I cut slots at the stern to allow this to drain. If you are looking to get access to the hull sections, I would recommend small 1/2"-3/4" holes above the waterline on the inside of the hull. This will protect the rubber well-nuts you will use to plug them. This little hole is plenty to put a USB cell phone inspection camera into. These are very cheap on eBay and Amazon and come in very handy! You can also use this hole to pump out water if you find any using flex copper line.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Where to install deck inspection plates
by: River Hobo

I just purchased a 2002 Lil Hobo (31'x8'). The boat rides low in the bow when cruising. Water comes onto the front deck and runs down the top of the hull. I want to put 4" round inspection hatches in each section of the hull. I would like to know the best place to locate them to avoid hitting structural components. Are the walls connected on the outside portion of the hull? Is there any wiring or plumping running down the top of the hull? Thanks in advance for the help. The Lil Hobo is a perfect boat for me, small but very functional. This is a very informative forum. Thanks to all who contributed.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Rip Bottom of Walls
by: Hboater

We had a 1997 10x35 SE. Lots of problems including dry rotted walls. Instead of leaving a large air gap during mfg, they cut the walls too long so they sit tight in the sills on the sides of the boat. Eventually, silt, moss and debris clog the sills. At that point, your walls act like sponges and suck the water from the bottom up.

I repaired the walls by taking a circular saw and ripping the length of the wall up about 18" from the bottom. The older models are clad on the outside with a thin fiberglass panel like you'll find in showers. If you careful, you can reuse it after ripping the wall.

In summary: I ripped out the dry rotted bottom of the wall. Installed a piece of plywood to fill the gap making sure to leave at least 1 inch from bottom of the sill. I used strap iron on the outside to cover the seam, and painted the entire outside. On the inside, I installed wainscoating using liquid nails and fasteners to provide additional strength and to cover the repair seam. I also found it necessary to add 1" square aluminum post on one of the walls for additional roof support.

If you have an older Catamaran Cruisers you'll eventually have to deal with dry rot from bottom of the walls....Wait too long to repair it and the entire wall will rot.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Repair/rebuilding walls
by: Jeff Leveillee

I appreciate K Smith asking about alternatives to repairing many of the issues these houseboats have. With all the work I've done on my walls I can tell you from experience you don't want to add any more weight to these boats. I know that when you do add more weight even to the upper decks it drastically changes how stable the boat is in not so calm water. The walls were never honeycomb from original construction they are laminated plywood. If you have no desire to go with a composite wall and honeycomb like I did. The next best thing is remove the rotted wall completely and replace it with plywood and an exterior sheeting. Just keep in mind the plywood is the structure with very little added helper walls.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Possible wall rot fix but concerns about weight
by: K Smith

Looking at a 1448 cat cruiser fixer upper. This boat has some wall rot in a few areas causing some sponginess on the interior and waviness on the exterior. My thoughts were to fur out the interior walls by framing a 2x3 lumber wall complete with single top and bottom plate. Use "L" type brackets along the side of the studs where the wall are pushed out then pull them back in tight to the stud all from the inside. Then at a later date install some sort of siding to the exterior using longer fasteners to attach to the interior studs, sandwiching the existing 1 inch honeycomb wall in between, then re sheet the interior side with paneling of some sort. This boat has permanent dockage and Probably will never be under power unless to move it to another dock.
My obvious concerns are about the added weight I would appreciate if anyone can speak to this. Thanks.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Coustom trailers for aqua cruisers
by: JoeAnonymous

Hello to all . Currently one aqua cruiser trailer on pending sale but it is in ??????? Coustom trailers also built for smaller house boats. Thank you joe 478/235/2830
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Tank locations
by: Jeff Leveillee

In most of the models of this houseboat, the septic tank is located inside one of the catamaran Hull sections. Typically directly below the toilet and that is all that feeds this tank. The fresh water tank will be located in a space by the bedroom closet and is above deck sitting essentially on the floor. The kitchen and bathroom sinks are open pipe to the water exiting between the Hull sections under the floor. Hope this helps.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Location
by: joe

Hello can any one answer this . I purchased a 30 ft aqua cruiser with trailer fully loaded shower toilet sinks bunks stove I've located the fresh water tank here's what I don't understand ? We're is the black and grey tank at it is not inside that boat wood they have put them in the fiberglass toons I see were several holes were fiberglassed over any information would really help I just find it strange not to find any tanks this boat is a 1989
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Ceiling constriction
by: Jeff Leveillee

I have had my entire ceiling taken apart. I also had a roof leak and had to completely remove some plywood and recoat the top with liquid rubber base coating. The construction is as follows. The top deck is fiberglass which covers three-quarter inch plywood. The structure underneath that is made up of two by fours on end almost like a typical wall construction. there is a standard fiberglass insulation for 4 in thick walls in between those studs acting as floor joist. There is a lot of wiring that goes through the ceiling to the air conditioner and a pair of heavy gauge positive and negative to each of the RV style lights. What I did was remove all those old ugly panels and replace it with mineral fiber planks from Armstrong. This looks like white wood planks was very easy to install made of almost the same material and extremely lightweight. Are then replaced all the junky old RV lights with 12 volt LED recessed lights I found on eBay. Now everything looks so darn good! If you want to email me I can send you some pictures but can't post pictures to this form. Jeffaleveillee at Gmail.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Exposing beams in ceiling of a Catamaran Cruiser?
by: S

We have a 1998 Catamaran Cruiser Aqua Cruiser Houseboat, 14’x48’. There was a bad roof leak when we bought it which we had fixed, but the damage warped a couple of ceiling panels in the living room and at some point we want to address the ceiling. The panels used were popular in mobile homes at the time but are no longer used and impossible to find locally.

I’ve seen pictures of similar boats with exposed beam ceilings and wondered, could we remove the existing panels and not have to put anything in their place? Has anyone done this as part of a remodel? What about the 12V ceiling lights, AC lights, and wires? We also have a marine radio/CB on the ceiling above the driving console.

Is there wood on the ceiling above the beams? I’m assuming that would be the underside of the roof deck and be some kind of plywood. I also suspect there might be insulation above the panels, and exposing everything would mean no insulation.

If anyone has any experience with exposing the beams or knows what’s up there please share. Also interested in hearing about other ways to remodel a ceiling in these boats.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Hobo hold issue
by: Mary Quigley

I have a 1998 Lil Hobo. The boat is listing on the port side because the toilet tank is flooded. What causes the holding tank to flood? My guess is the hull is cracked. Does the hull comprise the sides of the holding tank?
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Listing to starboard
by: Jeff Leveillee

Yes that is true most of the 10 by 35 models will list a little bit to starboard because the grey water/septic tank , bed, water heater and refrigerator are all on that side of the boat. They use the water tank on the port side to help balance it out. I can fill mine about a quarter full and I'm good to go. I also added an extra set of house batteries and a set of bow and Stern Thruster batteries on that side as well to help balance things.... Oh yeah and a Kegerator next to the couch!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		listing 99 cat cruiser 10x35
by: Anonymous

Does anyone know if 99 cat cruiser 10x35 list on starboard side if the fresh water tank on port side is empty ?
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		AnotherCC Vagabond owner....
by: Anonymous

Hello,

We bought a 2004 CC vagabond 26 last summer, regret it big-time. We're convinced the company have people on staff who sit on computers, combing the net deleting and flagging any warning and criticism made about their terrible product. Even the Youtube videos they post have the comment section disabled. What does that tell you? They KNOW people would overwhelmingly talk about what complete junk they are. It's amazing to us how they've stayed in business and haven't been sued!

We're going ahead and doing a complete budget rebuild on ours, but we would tell ANYONE thinking about buying one to now walk....but RUN away from them. There are plenty of other boats and brands out there to choose from. Buying a CC will drain your bank account, sanity and eventually sink...maybe with you in it!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Love it
by: Anonymous

We’ve had a 30 ft little Hobo Catamaran Cruiser for about 6 years. Our grandchildren have grown up with trips on the houseboat. We have had many wonderful couples trips on the boat. We use it for a home away from home as needed to attend family get together where the house boat is moored at Gainesville Marina in Gainesville, ga. Can’t decide to ever sell it.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		How to Get a hold of Jeff....
by: Anonymous

Hello,

I made the terrible mistake of buying a used 2004 Vagabond 26 and very much would like to ask Jeff here in this thread some questions about his fixes.

I can't figure out how to deduce his contact info from his postings. Can someone help me out here?

Thanks,
Brett
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Listing to port side.
by: Hboater

Like all boats, this one (1997 10x35) has had its problems. And, like all boats we have our share of dry rot. But the one problem we have never been able to completely resolve is rain water getting into the port side pontoon.

For years we lived with a list to port until the insurance company required us to haul out the boat for a survey. We passed the survey...and as soon as the surveyor left I took a circular saw to the floor and opened up access holes into the pontoon sections.

I pumped out over 2,000 lbs of water from 4 different sections. This is way too close to capsizing for a boat this size. I have reduced the inflow of rain water by sealing the exterior wall to the bump rail, but have never been able to completely eliminate it.

I now have installed inspection hatches into each of the port side pontoon sections and pump out water after the rainy season ends.

If your Catamaran Cruiser is listing, open up the floor from the top and check out your pontoon sections. This is a safety issue.

Overall, we like the boat and are actually thinking about buying another one.

But if we do we will have inspection hatches installed into the floor so we can access every pontoon section between each bulk head.

Mistakes in production and/or other issues can cause water intrusion. You need a way to get it out.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		"Septic Safe" wipe in black water tank? Should I panic?
by: Anonymous

First of all, I know not to put wipes down the marine toilet and don't at home either because I know they can wreak havoc and often don't dissolve.

That said, I believe I accidentally put two dried out wipes down our toilet into the black water tank today. They were on the floor beside the wastebasket and I thought they were toilet paper.

I am praying they break down enough to get pumped out with the rest of the stuff when we get pumped out again or at least enough not to clog anything.

A service comes around and does houseboats for free all summer where we have our boat and we were just pumped out for the first time this year yesterday before I accidentally flushed the wipes today.

We do not have a macerating toilet and I hear the tank on our boat is huge, like 80 gallons. They use some kind of hand pump to pump us out. We have a late 90s Catamaran Cruiser.

We usually only put Aqua Kem down the tank for odor control. I don't know if there is a product I could put down that would help break things including the wipe down and if those things can be used with Aqua Kem.

I am silently panicking as I am afraid to tell anyone. Help!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Water seeping into the hull
by: Jeff Leveillee

I too suffered from listing to one side a few years back. What I had discovered was that my hull scraped a dock at one point and water was getting in a very small weep hole.

To drain the back bulkhead of the pontoon or catamaran I drilled a hole above the waterline on the stern flat surface and used a bent soft copper tube to pull out water.

From the starboard side I pulled out 35 gallons. I did this on both sides and every year I check after I did my hull repair and haven't had an issue since.

The little hole can then be plug with what's called a well nut which is a rubber plug with a stainless fastener and will be completely out of the water line and protect from seeping.

I hope this helps, Jeff
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		97 Aquacruiser 12x48 listing - is there a way to check pontoon in water?
by: Shirley

We have a Catamaran Cruiser Aquacruiser houseboat and it has listed to port stern since we bought it a couple of years ago.

We had it pulled out and inspected before buying, no hull issues. The previous owner had hull repairs and bottom paint done about four years before we bought it, and we had it done last year. No water was seen leaking from pontoon when they pulled it out, no visible issues.

Could water be getting in from above? The swim ladder and propane tank holder are screwed to the port stern deck area and there are other little screw holes where things were moved I guess.

Our boat guy was going to poke a hole in the pontoon while he had it out to see if it would drain but forgot. I'm not sure I liked the idea of him poking a hole in the hull but if water is in it is there any other way to get it out?

Is there an opening or trap that allows you to look down into the pontoons?
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Hull number
by: Jeff Leveillee

Instead of calling it a VIN number it's called a hull ID. The hull ID is located on the flat backside of one of the catamaran hulls. Typically on the driver side or right side.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Where to find the VIN number?
by: Anonymous

We purchased a 1986 Aqua Cruiser 10x30 several months ago. The boat registration is about to expire and we have everything collected to send to the Revenue Office to get our new sticker....except the VIN number.

We have looked everywhere outside and inside of the boat and can't find it. Can you tell us where it would be on this make houseboat?
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Houseboat Aquacruiser
by: Amandine

Hello, I am a French woman and I would like to buy an Aquacruiser style houseboat from a shipyard in United States.

It will be good to buy this type of boat in Europe. Do you know somebody who wants to sell this type of houseboat in Europe for instance United Kingdom, Germany, Italy ?

Thank you for your precious help.

Best regards, Amandine
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Soft decks
by: Nemo

Thinking about buying a used Catamaran Cruiser 8x31 but the forward and after deck are soft. How hard is it to replace the soft floors?

Do the pontoons have any access for checking the water tight integrity (observation ports)? Is anyone using theirs on the ICW?
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		1989 Catamaran Cruiser 14 x 44'
by: Dee Foster

Hi, I own a 1989 Catamaran Cruiser 14 x 44'. I believe it must have been a Custom Ordered or a "One-of-a-Kind" because inside, directly across from the sink by the wall, there is a spiral stair case the leads upstairs to a fully I closed bedroom or upper living room.

This room has a sliding glass door that leads to the back upper deck.
I'm needing wiring information for it. A full "Owners Manual". Does anyone know where I can get information on my specific boat?

Thanks for any help you can provide, Dee

Reply
Hi Dee, thanks for posting in the forums.

Maybe you could contact the manufacturer, they should surely be able to help you with any wiring diagrams, etc...

IAN from all-about-houseboats
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Blisters
by: Dennis

Looking at a 2002 Lil Hobo that is for sale. The hull has too many to count blisters all over the hull. The boat does not appear to be taking on water. Very clean solid boat otherwise. Looking for options and opinions.

Do I just move on to another boat? Thanks, B
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Ceiling Repairs - Panels?
by: Shirley

I'm still trying to find out if there is a source for the panels that were used for the Catamaran Cruiser ceilings in the late 1990s. We have a late 90s Aquacruiser 12x48 and have had a bad roof deck leak damage the ceiling in the kitchen/living area.

If we could replace the panels we could get away with replacing two panels instead of redoing the entire ceiling of that room.

I'm not sure how these are attached because we haven't been brave enough to pull the damaged ones down even though they are soggy and one is beginning to sag. :/

We have had a local fiberglass expert give us recommendations on patching the area of roof deck above so we're on our way to stopping the leak, and as soon as we know it's stopped we want to do something.

If we have to replace the entire ceiling I am assuming we could attach beadboard? That there are 2x4's running across the ceiling? If we could just patch the bead board in the damaged section that would be awesome... but again, I don't know what's up there and how the existing ones are attached.

Anyone know if these panels can be found? Also, if you have repair suggestions I'd love to hear them.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Vagabond wiring
by: Jeff Leveillee

There's not much up in the ceilings of any of the models from Catamaran Cruisers. The only thing in the ceiling to be worried about is that the wiring for the 12v ceiling lights comes from the starboard side or which ever has the kitchenette area.

The ceiling is layered as follows: gel coat, fiberglass, plywood, 2x4 framing with insulation between....then the ceiling tile material.

You should have no issues putting in an AC. I would have a raised area for the AC to sit on rather than flat on the roof due to water seeping in.

The models that have AC in the roof have this raised feature which is the only thing they got right dealing with the rain. Pvc trim board bonded and gel coated would work great.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Schematics for a Vagabond
by: masterguns31

I have a 2005 Vagabond and need electrical and plumbing schematic. Anyone have an idea where to obtain one? Am I safe in cutting a 14inch square in the roof for air conditioning?

Thanks, John
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		10 x 35 cruiser Vagabond MPG
by: Anonymous

Cruiser Vagabond 2003 10x35 90hp Honda 4 stroke. I am curious about MPG although I know it is hard to calculate do to conditions as current and wind. Any ballpark numbers out there?
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Contact
by: Jeff Leveillee

You can contact me through hotmail and my user id is Corradodriver. I have to speak in code otherwise this posting gets deleted. I am glad to share all my experiences and images with anyone who owns these boats.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Trying to contact Jeff Leveillee
by: Jean Parker

I just purchased a 2001 26' Lil Hobo. Pontoons are excellent, deck nice and hard. Only problem: as happened to Jeff, the side wall panels around the deck are rotted out. I want to replace them all with Nidacore panels and am most anxious to contact jeff for the pictures and info he offered.

Not sure how old this thread is. Does anyone know how I can contact Jeff?

Thanks, Jean


Reply from IAN of www.all-about-houseboats.com

Sorry, but we do not have any contact info from people who post on the forums.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Contact
by: Corradodriver jeff

Rick you can add some silicone between the hole and tray area that will help from water getting in. The problem is there's a small 3 inch deep tray on top of both of the hulls that has no way of draining.

I cut small slots in the back of each of the hull right at the top flange so water can get out. I would be happy to send anyone pictures of what I have done.

My houseboat is doing great and I love everything I've done to it. Email my Hotmail account at the user ID next to my name and I will send pics.

This forum does not allow pictures or any contact information to be posted so I have difficulty getting a hold of people.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Lil Hobo wall rot.
by: Anonymous

I would like to see the pics of the wall replacement done by Jeff Leveillee. I recently purchased a Lil Hobo and it need some new walls. He said to use foam core fiberglass. Where do you get that, and if it comes in 4x8 sheets, and how did you join them?
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		So Jeff
by: Rick Ivens

If I push my boat a little to fast the hulls push water up and it rolls off the bottom of the deck and it appears to get between the deck and the hull.

I thought this was putting water in the hull, but it may be just laying on top in what you described as a tray. Does that sound right?

I was thinking about caulking between the hull and the deck would that help?

You said the hull sections have bulkheads every 5 or 6 feet, are they pretty much water tight or can water travel between them?

The reason I ask is would it be worth cutting out and creating an access where a bilge pump could be used?

This listing drives me nuts. Thank you for sharing your knowledge of these boats.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Hull structure, not pontoon
by: Jeff Leveillee

After reading a few posts I thought I'd put what I have learned out here for information. The hull is sectioned off and sealed, but is essentially a fiberglass tub.

It has bulkheads about every five or six feet. The top of this is capped off with fiberglass and the flange is what holds it to the structure of the boat.

If your boat is listing, it is probably due to small ingress of water into the hole typically at the rear. Unfortunately rain and water runoff was not a concern for this company.

The top of the hull is actually a tray that holds onto water which leads to rotting of the back deck due to leaves and moisture.

The fiberglass is thin and even a scratch will let water in. Let me know if you would like more info.

Jeff Leveillee
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starstarstarstarstar 		Houseboat structure
by: Jeff Leveillee

Gary, feel free to ask me with any questions you may have about the structure of these boats.

I have completely rebuilt the upper half of mine and have poked and drilled enough of the hull to understand its construction.

If your boat is listing, you might have a leak inside the rear pontoon. I have drained 97 gallons of water out of the hull of my boat.
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starstarstarstarstar 		1995 Catamaran Cruiser
by: Gary

I own a 34x10 Catamaran Cruiser for a little more than a year. We have been to Lake Havasu and now to stay at Lake Powell.

I have many questions on this boat, like are the pontoon tanks sealed? How do I check them. The boat handles great but you would just want to check the pontoons to make sure all is well.

I have called the factory with many questions but the new owners will not comment on the older boats they didn't build. In order to afford boating I need to do all the maintenance myself.

Structurally I have many questions about my boat and would love to talk with someone who could give me good advice.
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starstarstarstarstar 		Question about Catamaran Cruisers
by: Rick Ivens

I have a 1999 35ft Catamaran Cruiser houseboat and it lists to the starboard side. The waste water tank is on that side.

Is the fiberglass hull the actual pontoon, or is it a shroud around a pontoon? Mine has a hole that I take it was to be able to visually inspect the holding tank?

I am calling it a pontoon, but I see others refer to it as the hull. I just want to figure out how to stop the listing.

Thanks for any help, Rick Ivens
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Response for Carol
by: Carl Rochelle

It is the starboard hull that has caused problems for us. I'm at a loss for as why it would be the same side. The only difference that I can come up with is that the port side hull is built with the dark water tank inside it.

Maybe it's just built a little stronger due to the internal structures. I have had no blisters or bubbles on my port side, while the starboard side has basically fell apart.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Catamaran Cruiser
by: Carl Rochelle

I have purchased a new hull for my 60 Catamaran Cruiser. If anyone has replaced a hull under a catamaran cruiser, any information would be greatly helpful.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Question for Carl Rochelle
by: Carol Dakin

Was the pontoon where the problem lies the port side pontoon? Our 14x58 Aqua Cruiser, built in 2007 has similar blistering, cracking, and leaking problems.

In 2009 when the first problem presented itself we contacted CC asking for them to pay for repairs but they refused, claiming the boatyard where we had our boat lifted was at fault - they were not.

I hope you have better success than we did.

Carol.

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starstarstarstarstar 		It's a boat.
by: Carl Rochelle

I have purchased five boats from catamaran cruisers and totally agree with many of the post both positive and negative. I currently have a 1458 that is seven years old, this boat is also my primary residence.

I have enjoyed each boat and have had a generally good experience as far as quality goes. I feel any boat especially a large house boat is going to require some upkeep and maintenance. A lot of the issues I see people complain about could have been prevented or mitigated with a little creativity and work. Thankfully I have learned a lot about the construction of my boats through visiting the CC facility and performing maintenance.

I see these comments about the poor customer service and just wanted to share my experience. CC has always been responsive to any issues I have had and always willing to supply parts or labor to resolve any problems. I think some of the issues I see on here are purely cultural differences in the way people do things. (Ie. northerners and southerners) the folks at CC are some really great people and have been great to me.

Unfortunately my current boat does have a large quality problem. I dry dock my boat each year for cleaning and upkeep. In the second year on my current boat I began to notice bubbles in the gel coat on one hull. I had the areas repaired and this has become a yearly event. I have three hulls on my boat and all the issues have been isolated to the one hull.

The bubbles have become larger and some have cracked and are allowing leaks. As I said I have had very few issues through all five boats. In an effort to fix my problem with bubbles I began to investigate the suspect hull and even had two ship yards conduct independent inspections. When the boat was hoisted by lift to the dry dock the operator seemed concerned with something as he set the boat down.

I couldn't believe my eyes as I walked up to my boat, the "bad hull" was warped in some areas, the gel coat had shattered in multiple areas and some of the internal structure of the hull had ripped through the surface. As bad as this is I just felt it must have been a result of some extenuating circumstance.... WRONG. At the conclusion of the investigation we found that my " bad hull" had not been built to the standard I had come to expect and had paid for.

The hull should have separate water tight compartments to prevent swamping for safety, the bulkheads that are supposed to do this don't work well when they were never completely installed. Three of them have never been installed and are laying on the bottom inside of the hull. The remaining watertight bulkheads are either rotten because they never had fiberglass applied to their surface as the ones in the other hulls do and the few toward the center of the hull that were constructed to the standard I paid for are now being crushed under the weight of the boat and have torn through the hull.

This hull looks as if the proper intent was there but somehow it was installed before it was finished. It is clearly a defective product that carries an extreme danger with it. If even a small hole was punctured in it my home would quickly sink. I still believe that this is an isolated issue and that out of five boats the one problem as large and dangerous as it is does not make CC a bad boat or company.

After determining that my hull was clearly not completed or constructed like the other two on the same boat I have requested that CC replace the entire hull at no cost to me. I fully believe that once they see how clearly their quality assurance process failed that they will make this right. If I'm wrong and they don't fix it, I'm definetly not going to pay to correct what was clearly in my purchase contract and what they advertise as a great feature to make it safe and prevent swamping. I'm a nice guy and love my boat, but this is clearly negligence on their watch.

If a company fails so clearly and doesn't want to correct the issue , our legal system will. It's pretty simple to me, one new hull installed and they keep a happy repeat customer who will be in the market for boat six soon. If they refuse, I have the receipts for all labor and additional maintenance cost going back to the first dollar spent on the defective hull. In addition I will seek housing cost for the time I have not been able to stay on it and the maximum amount of additional damages I can get for every minute of my lost time and money.

I guess the fact that they basically botched this hull from start to finish is a good thing according to legal counsel. Once this is all over I will come back here and let you know just what kind of company CC is. If they fail, any recommendation for boat six? I guess if they fail to step up, the extra cash will help me really upgrade on number six. Prior to this bad hull CC has delivered me several wonderful boats at a great price that has provided my family with lots of fun and great memories. My current boat " Scotch & Water" was built with every and any request I made to CC.

There are at least twenty special request that I had during the construction and not only did they accommodate they even worked to improve upon my ideas. I really hope we can amicably resolve this and get back to having fun! If there is anything I can assist any of you with during your repairs, renovation or restoration.

It's always great to have resources like this site when trying to do your own maintenance to keep cost down. Like I began with.... It's a boat!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Trailering a houseboat
by: Anonymous

I am considering buying a L'il Hobo 8x26 and was looking for some insight on trailering the boat. Is it easy to load and unload? Any input welcome.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Pictures and material list
by: Mike Weakley

Jeff, I would love to have pictures and maybe a materials list of your project as I will have to replace my catamaran wall after this season. I actually will have to replace the door and front fender in the next few weeks.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Adding aircon and generator
by: Masterguns

I have purchased a 2005 vagabond 30 X 8. I am looking to add air and genset.
I would like any advice on models to use.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Rotten walls replaced with honeycomb fiberglass
by: Jeff Leveillee

I have replied to a few of these postings about my experience and project taking every wall out of my catamaran cruiser and replacing it with honeycomb fiberglass.

I have many pictures of just how bad it was up to how good it is today. If you would like me to send you some pics let me know.

Jeff
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		specs on 1998 10x35 Catamaran cruiser
by: Belinda

I have found this beauty already in the water and need to gets her bottom specs to determine what trailer I need to find to transport. Owner doesn't know and manufacturer was no help! I've Googled with no results.

Hopefully this post will help. I need pontoon dimensions, width between, etc. Thanks to anyone that can help. I found a video on YouTube which is great...but doesn't help with the measurements.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Trailer for 12 X 34 Aqua Cruiser houseboat with pontoons.
by: 1987 Aqua Cruiser 34'

Does anyone know where to buy or rent a trailer capable of hauling a 12 X 34 Aquacruiser houseboat with pontoons out of the water for maintenance. I am in SC and would like to find something as close as posible.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Catamaran Aqua Cruiser Houseboats
by: maccum

Nice post. Catamaran aqua cruiser houseboat should be easy to buy, easy to enjoy and easy to maintain. Thanks for sharing.

Maccum
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Aqua Cruiser Houseboat - my '05 Vagabond
by: Greg

I have a 2005 8x30 CC Vagabond (bought new in 2004) and have taken great interest in this thread. I've often wondered about the edges being permanently sealed, particularly those that are inaccessible, i.e. along the aluminum bump rail.

I do not understand how one can go about checking for rot when the panels have been gel coated. Is the gel coat cracked or somehow penetrable with a pointed tester?

If this rot occurs I do not see how one can get around it without replacing everything from the deck up. Looks like it may become a pontoon boat if this ever occurs.

Disappointed to see this thread but enlightening.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Spongy rotten walls in Catamaran Cruiser houseboats
by: Jeff Leveillee

If you have a moldy smell you can't get rid of or noticed the wall is spongy or moves when you push on it, I'm sorry but the problem is already there....your walls are rotten.

To explain this, in short, the manufacturer never sealed the ends of the plywood that is laminated between the inner and outer wall of fiberglass. The plywood will then wick in and rainwater which was also not diverted correctly.

You will notice this at the bottom right above the aluminum rub rail that goes all around the boat. Any exposed edge has a plastic or aluminum c-shaped cap that was "sealed" with silicone.

Thermal expansion destroyed this mating seal and rain water will get sucked in and destroy that plywood too. The only solution is to replace the walls.

I first tried to unskin the outside and cutout the bad wood but this looked like crap and would have cost me a lot of time to make look good. Not to mention that I just ruined the structural integrity of the wall.

I opted to loose the weight and make the boat last forever using nidacore fiberglass. She looks awesome now. I have lots of pictures of both of the processes.

Jeff Leveillee
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Houseboat Delamination - rot in walls
by: Bob

Anonymous, I have a 12x38 Catamaran Cruiser '98 and have
discovered some sponginess in lower wall in bathroom.

Checked the caulking on the window and know it's not coming from the shower. I have to assume its from delamination on the exterior as you said.

Has anyone responded with a gameplan for a fix? Don't want this condition to spread. Any response would be greatly appreciated.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Moisture is an understatement
by: Jeff Leveillee

I have a 2001 Catamaran Cruiser and had to replace all the walls myself due to the lack of poor construction from this manufacturer.

The good thing is that I have great light-weight nidacore walls and lost 75% of the weight that the walls has ( not including the water). Every wall was rotten from rub-rail up about 17" and the back angled walls were entirely rotten.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Houseboat Surveyors - survey with moisture meter readings!
by: Anonymous

Be careful with older models of houseboats, I recently had one surveyed that we were thinkng of buying and it had ALOT of high moisture readings in the lower walls. The boat is only 7 years old so I was surprised.

It had gotten to the point of delaminating the fiberglass walls and the fiberglass guard rails around the lower deck. For the person with the "spongy walls", get to work on it quick because it only gets worse.

If you're buying an older one, get moisture readings done by a surveyor (I would say anything over 5 years based on my experience)! Glad to hear they are eliminating wood on the newer builds.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Living Aboard my Houseboat - my Villa Della Aqua
by: Anonymous

Been living aboard my 1999 14 X 48 Aqua Cruiser houseboat for the past 12 years. I designed it with a 1 bedroom, dishwasher, washer-dryer, 2-1/2 X 4 Ft shower, 2 air conditioners, trash compactor, and it was meant to be a live-aboard.

She's a live aboard that sleeps two, dinner for four people, and can party for 8 guests, and she has done just that. The Villa Della Aqua is at Fort Myers Florida.

Thank you Catamaran Aqua Cruiser for your help in designing and building her for me. Mr. Nick Baude
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Houseboat Problems - leaking pontoons on houseboat
by: Barbara Yacos

I bought the smaller 2005 Catamaran houseboat called The Vagabond...8 X 26 with a water slide. (Not made any more)

From almost day one, I had troubles from an engine that needed replacement shifting gears, a new inverter, and to a microwave that shifts around.

I must say it was dream boat for going down to the marina to spend the day, but pretty expensive to run it around, it eats gas like crazy.

However, after the motor problem got fixed, the real problems started, the left pontoon took on water, rain or from somewhere else. The boat had to be towed three times and taken out of the water SIX TIMES for the leaking pontoon.

As of this writing, it is at the boatyard for yet another assesment as what to do next. Catamaran would NOT send any specs for my boatyard fellow to try to locate WHERE the leak(s) could be coming from.

They just refused to even want to talk about an "old" boat !!!! I've already spent almost $800 for a lot of caulking/sealing for everywhere possible. I have another hefty bill coming up.

I read that maybe a bilge pump may be the answer, but if the boat has a constant leak, I'm afraid the battery would be worn down. Any ideas from anyone out there would be appreciated.

Thanks for any help, Barbara....

Reply - Answer
Here's a couple of ideas, you could pressure test the pontoon, or you could actually filled it and insert some food coloring to help identify where the leak(s) are coming from. Good luck in the search, however when you look, you will find.

IAN from www.all-about-houseboats.com
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Houseboat Quality - after-sale service of Catamaran Cruiser
by: jan

I bought a new 2005 Catamaran Cruiser houseboat and use it as a second home on Block Island, RI. It's never been anywhere except from boat ramp to dock and back.

When I bought the boat, I had no complaints with their service, However, I do agree with everyone regarding their service after you purchase. They will never give you any information where parts can be obtained.

There is only one person you can speak to and that person never seems to be there. If you need parts I suggest going to an RV site. I got a new screen door and inside ceiling lights online.

There are two other houseboats where I am and all of them, including mine, take on water in the pontoon. I installed a bilge pump in the pontoon which takes care of that problem.

The outside walls under the awning came separated so I had someone repair them and installed a handle with bolts to keep it together. The boats are not the best made but they serve the purpose of using it as living quarters.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Problems with Catamaran Cruiser
by: Anonymous

I have a 10X35 Catamaran Special Edition 35 which I dearly love. It was a casualty of Katrina. When trying to restore it we contacted the factory only to be discouraged by their lack of cooperation in helping us.

The man was gruff and not willing to give out information without us asking specific questions. We wanted to buy a slide from them, they said no for liability reasons. That i find hard to believe.

So we have invested a lot in what we found on e-bay, we are very happy, we want to do a whole lot more, but it seems like the source for original parts is drying up or has dried up. Too bad.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		How to fix rot in walls
by: Anonymous

We have a 1997 12x35 Catamaran Cruiser. Love the comfort. We have found lower walls are soft and spongy in several places. Has anyone fixed this, and how? Or are we better off to get out while the gettin' is good? We are pretty handy and can do the work if we get a little guidance. Thanks!
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		response to Ian
by: Anonymous

Thank you Ian for your suggestion of looking at other prices on similar houseboats. I have the 14 x 55 Catamaran Cruiser. My problem is, that I haven't been able to find a comparable size boat advertised to know what it might be worth. I want to choose a fair price with the repairs needed, but not sure where to begin.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		selling a 14 x 55 Catamaran Cruiser Executive
by: Anonymous

I currently own a 14 x 55 Catamaran Cruiser Houseboat which I love, but it needs major repairs. I am considering selling the boat since I am a female and definitely not a mechanic!

The inside was completely redone, adding can recessed lighting, building a new 2-sided kitchen cabinet (one side for the sink and drawers/doors, the other has lots of storage similiar to a pantry.)

It is tall enough where we have three tall barstools. We re-did the carpeting, the bathroom sink vanity, and the window treatments are custom made and the furniture is beautiful.

It has 2 bedrooms, a queen sofa sleeper, a full top deck, a slide on the back, and just an all around awesome boat. I would like to get a ballpark figure for this length of a boat, and then I will subtract the cost of the repairs needed.

Reply - Answer
Well, to get a ballpark value, I would recommend having a look around at other Catamaran Cruiser houseboats presently for sale.

Once you decide on a selling price, you can add your "houseboat for sale" in our free Houseboat Classifieds Ads section. I hope this helps.

IAN from www.all-about-houseboats.com
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Original owners of a Catamaran Cruisers houseboat
by: Anonymous

We are the original owners of a 12 year old 10 x 35 SE Catamaran Cruisers. These are affordable, entry level houseboats... we knew that when we purchased it.

We had to rebuild the engine after about 6 years, the generator kicked the bucket at 9 years, had to cut out part of a wall due to dry rot at about 5 years, and one of the pontoons takes on water from somewhere when it rains (still don't have that one figured out).

With all of this, I am very glad we purchased the houseboat. We have some great memories. Catamaran Cruisers was a houseboat we could afford to buy. I curse the thing half the time, and thankful we have it the other half of the time. Probably the same for all house boats no matter what you pay....
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Affordability
by: Miles Miller

Another thing I failed to mention in my previous comments is that the trailerable Lil Hobo houseboat by Catamaran Cruiser is very affordable in todays's houseboat market.

They start at under fifty thousand dollars and well equipped (60 HP outboard, air, heat, generator, water slide) in addition to their standard equipment runs in the seventy thousand dollar range, making it one of the most versatile and affordable entry level houseboats on the market.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		A 41 foot Aqua Cruiser Houseboat
by: Anonymous

I own an Aqua Cruiser 41. I sailed down the ICW from Atlantic City, New Jersey to my home Northwest of Tampa Florida, some 1700 miles.

I operate it in the shallow coastal waters of the Gulf of Mexico near my home.

It is not built to go out in the open sea but it will take some serious chop. Rides like a Caddy over up to 3 foot of chop.

Draws 20 inches and you can go places other big boats or some small boats can't. More places to anchor out. If ya anchor shallow and the tide goes out, it sits nice and level until the tide comes back in.

I love my houseboat. I plan on getting a Bluewater between 51 and 60 feet to replace it someday, but for now it is a pretty awesome ride.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Catamaran Cruiser Plant Tour
by: Miles Miller

We recently toured the Catamaran Cruiser plant near Nashville, TN. They have been in business over 29 years, and changed hands within the last couple of years.

Using a green manufacturing process, which eliminates wood, they produce houseboats, and specialty boats, from 8' x 31' to 14' x 58'.

The new process eliminates rot, reduces weight by 30%, adds insulation properties, and increases fuel efficiency.

By making everything in-house, including their trailers, it allows them to control the production process from beginning to end.

The 8' x 31' Lil Hobo is a self contained, trailerable houseboat that can be used as comfortably in a campground as it can be on the water, allowing the owner to take their lake property home with them!

Having manufactured almost 5,000 houseboats, anybody interested in houseboating should take a serious look at Catamaran Cruiser.
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Catamaran Aqua Cruiser Houseboat
by: Sandra

We found a Catamaran Aqua Cruiser Houseboat, a 1998, 12 x 38, and the asking price is $46,000. We offered $40,000. Have we made a mistake?


Reply - Answer
Well Sandra, no you haven't made a mistake. The NADA Guides is like the "dealer red book" for used car prices. They have a section dedicated to boats prices and are only a guideline and starting point.

The prices are strictly a starting point, from which you can add value for all the extras, options, condition, location, and market forces for a houseboat.

Have you compared your offer to other similar houseboats for sale to see if it's in the ballpark.

From my experience, it's better to buy a houseboat that you "love", so it's better to pay a little more for the houseboat that you love, than to save a little bit buying a houseboat that you're not really crazy about.

Whatever you do, be sure to get a Marine Surveyor do a survey on the boat before buying it. It will show you the condition, repairs necessary, and value of the vessel.


Lastly, hopefully some of our readers will share and post comments about their houseboat buying experiences.


IAN - from www.all-about-houseboats.com
Rating
starstarstarstar 		Cat Cruiser 3510 pontoon drain
by: Steve O'Reno

Love my used 1997? Cat cruiser 3510. Sitting very low in stern after addition of house batteries, Lowe's cabinets, A/C, generator, water tank and four stroke 90 HP outboard. Not sure how to check for water in toons, or best method to drain each bulkhead. Can you put an air valve stem in front with brass drain plug in bottom back of toon stern?


Like may add third center toon with integrated motor mount, fuel tank and water tank. Previous owner did great job of renovations. Would be great to get pictures and info from Jeff L.
Rating
starstarstarstar 		re: Shirley's problem
by: Rick Ivens

Don't poke a hole in the hull unless you know without a doubt it is cracked and leaking. What side is the waste water tank on?

Keep it pumped and the freshwater tank full if the waste water is on the port. The water if any is involved is most likely on top the hull not in it. Find me on FB and we will talk.
Rating
starstarstarstar 		58' Aqua Cruiser disappoints
by: Anonymous

Has anyone ever considered legal action against Catamaran Cruisers?

Like many of you, we have experienced it all - roof leaks, window leaks, pontoon leaks, flimsy fiberglass, and now a moisture-laden top deck, seeping into lower deck ceiling and walls.

We just spent thousands having pontoons dried out and refiberglassed, engine mounts replaced, bottom painted, etc. in order to sell it but now with this latest bombshell, it would cost more to attack the moisture problem than the boat is worth.

We are liveaboards - this was to be our retirement home! Now it is just a giant liability!
Rating
starstarstar 		Lil hobo
by: Sparky

Does anyone know many people/pounds the 8'x31' Lil Hobo houseboat is rated for? I am thinking of buying a used one and it does not have an owner's manual.
Rating
starstar 		Bad Houseboat Experience
by:

I spent over a year researching trailerable houseboats and settled on Catamaran Cruiser's Lil Hobo. I called the company and stated I wanted to make a trip to the factory (from the east coast of VA to Nashville area) ONLY at a time when I could see an 'end production' Lil Hobo. I was given a date and made all my plans.

The AFTERNOON before I was to fly out, I got a call saying the houseboat wasn't anywhere near completion. I was very upset but, for the trouble, I was told they would lock in my price for a boat at that day's prices, as prices were going up (which was a nice gesture.)

I asked when I could be ASSURED the boat would be completed and was given a date. I rearranged ALL my plans, losing money due to a non-refundable rental car I had booked (from Priceline.com.) I emailed both the owner and the man I had been talking to that all was set.

I flew to Nashville, rented a car, and arrived at the factory on the day we had agreed the boat would be ready. I was surprised and devastated to find that the house boat I had come to see was still only barely started!!!! The man was very apologetic.

I am not a person with a lot of money and had just spent $1000, plus lost work income from taking off, for, in my opinion, nothing. The man assured me that he would take lots of detailed photographs and videos of the boat (which I had planned to do) once it was complete and send them to me.

A month later I had received nothing. I called him and he said "oh I haven't but I'm going to." Still not receiving them, I left him a message a month later. He never returned my call. Now, another 4 months later (6 months altogether) he still never followed through.

I called today to say that I wanted to be reimbursed for the wasted trip I made 6 months ago as they have not even done the simple thing of sending me the promised photos and videos. The owner was very defensive because I was upset, said absolutely NO to any reimbursement, and tried to push his view that my trip was not wasted. I disagree.

He tried to make excuses about the boat not having been completed when I arrived (he twice said "production is a fickle thing") and I said that had nothing to do with their ability to have picked up a phone and let me know that production HAD been delayed the second time.

Even the first time, they knew LONG before they called me the afternoon before that the boat would not be completed and yet did not call until the day before i was to fly out.

Based on the above, I would not recommend doing business with them. There's no question they have a good product, but customer service is important to me and although they appear to be good Christian people who are honest and whatever (and they very well may be) they leave a lot to be desired in terms of customer service (based on MY experience above.)

I cannot emphasize how disappointed I am as I was totally dedicated to buying this houseboat and will now go to my second choice.
Rating
star 		Houseboat Buyer Beware - do your research before buying
by: Anonymous

Under no circumstances would a person in their right mind with all the facts ever buy one of the Catamaran Cruiser houseboats that were built after the company went green.

There are way too many shortcuts being taken in the building process and the thickness of the pontoons and the engine pods are very very thin. The pods are buckling under the stress of even a light outboard.

The hulls are wavy and weak and they leak, one owner reported bubbles in the gelcoat on the pontoon down low and when his boat arrived, it had water running out of it!

And this boat was only a year old, steer clear at any cost. I only am writing this to forwarn any unknowing poor sole of these boats and to try to save them heartache of a major spend on a loan and styrofoam boat.
Rating
star 		Poor quality control
by: Anonymous

Recently my friend had called me about his 1242 Catamaran Cruiser Aqua Cruiser, 2007 model. I was out of town and my cell phone rang, he was hysterical, he was standing on his boat and his engine was half submerged.

I couldn't imagine what might be the problem and only could speculate, he managed to get the boat pulled and called me and said that the engine pod had buckled.

There had been no collision or contact but over the period of 5 years, the boats motor had caused to engine pod to just fold like a cardboard crackerbox.

I installed an aluminum engine pod from another manufacturer and took that damaged pod home for my junk heap.

One day, I decided to take the sawsall to it, I cut in short crosswise in 4 pieces, to my amazement, it was so thick and thin that it was absurd.

It was no wonder it buckled, the little 50 horse engine albeit a 4 stroke, a little heavier than a 2 stroke, had done it in and with good evidence.

This is one of the most ill made pieces of a boat I have ever seen, in some places it was as thin as 1/8 inch and lots of luan wood that was sprayed over with glass.

It went from thick 1/4 inch to the thin and back and forth, it looked like it had been made in a one man shade tree shop, instead of a boat factory. I also have a lil hobo at our lake that I was asked to look at because it was listing, taking on water.

It has an inspection cover on the rear deck you can unscrew and we took a flashlight and looked in there and it was like looking into a murky coffin, full of little pieces of splintered (rotten) plywood, floating around.

The so called baffles or partitions have gotten waterlogged and water soaked and rotted, this boat is a 2001 model!!!

I would steer clear as far as possible from ever owning one of these boats. I believe the original owner of the factory had a fairly good thing going, but the takeover in the 2005 timeframe are well.

Folks you read the comments, and decide for yourselves. Just don't buy and save yourself lots and lots of heartache!!!!
Rating
star 		Customer Service is an oxymoron
by: Frank

I bought a used 35' C.C. It needed a bit of work including some electrical and fixtures. I tried to order a new set of running lights from the factory. I was put on hold and my call ignored. I called back and was given the runaround again. C.C makes a fair boat, but if you need service, FORGET IT!
Rating
star 		Company not very helpful
by: Anonymous

I am trying to buy a 10x35 Catamaran Cruiser. I called the factory to get exact shipping dimensions and ask why the floor of the boat would be getting yellow spots which the current owner could not explain. I could not get any help from them.

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