1988 Kelsall Manannan 78 Custom
Cruz Bay, U.S. Virgin Islandson the market since 9 days
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About
1988 78ft Bluewater Catamaran for Sale
Extensively Refit | Offshore Performance | Charter-Ready | Private Liveaboard| Global Cruiser
Location: Ponce, Puerto Rico, USA
Overview
This 1988 78ft custom bluewater catamaran for sale in Puerto Rico is a proven offshore cruising yacht, extensively refit and ideal for Caribbean charter operations or luxury liveaboard sailing. Designed by the legendary multihull innovator Derek Kelsall and built on the Isle of Man using advanced foam-core composite construction.
Engineered for long-range ocean passage making, liveaboard comfort, and charter operations, she delivers a rare combination of performance, durability, and autonomy. Her offshore pedigree includes an impressive finish in the 1990 Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), where she outpaced competitors by nearly two days.
Owned and meticulously upgraded and maintained since 2008 by two extremely knowledgeable USCG Master-level captains, this vessel has undergone extensive exterior and interior refits (2023–2026), making her a true turnkey bluewater cruising yacht or income-producing charter vessel.
Why “Cat’s Meow” Stands Out
Extensive refit (2023–2026) – mechanical, electrical, cosmetic, and rigging – makes this a turnkey bluewater catamaran for sale
Proven transatlantic and offshore cruising history
5-cabin / 5-head layout ideal for charter or private use
Massive fuel (1,600 gal) and water (800 gal) capacity for long-range cruising
Dual generators + redundant systems for reliability offshore
Professionally maintained by licensed captains
If you are in the market for a large catamaran for sale under $1M, offering capabilities comparable to significantly newer vessels at a fraction of replacement cost, Cat’s Meow represents an incredible value opportunity.
Ideal For Buyers Searching
Luxury liveaboard sailing catamaran
Crewed charter yacht business opportunity Bahamas / Virgin Islands
Expedition sailing yacht for global cruising
Large bluewater cruising catamaran for family with room for guests and crew
Turnkey charter catamaran in the Caribbean
Investment & Charter Potential
With her 5-cabin, galley-down layout, system redundancy, and proven reliability, “Cat’s Meow” is well-suited for:
Crewed yacht charter operations (Caribbean / Bahamas / Florida Keys)
Boutique charter business, liveaboard diving, or eco-tourism platform
Owner-operator hybrid charter model
"Cat's Meow" is a compelling opportunity for buyers seeking a yacht that can generate revenue while supporting a luxury cruising lifestyle.
Recent Refit Highlights
2026
New 14mm Dyneema SK78 core, polyester cover dinghy lift halyard
12 New Injector nozzles on propulsion engines
New water maker solenoid control valve
Rebuilt port engine turbocharger
Genoa external hydraulic lines renewed
2025
Full hull refit in Antigua, including:
New Alexseal hull paint - Matterhorn White
New Copper Coat bottom paint
New zincs
Running gear service
Rudder post pivot rebuilt and serviced
New Stamoid and Strataglass cockpit enclosure and side curtains
New galvanized G70 anchor chain
New watermaker membranes
New 10 GPM 24VDC freshwater pressure pump.
New Raymarine AIS700 Class B AIS transceiver
New 1” dock lines
Rebuilt Navtec hydraulic backstay adjusters
Removed, inspected, and rebedded backstay chain plates.
New Newfound Metals stainless steel portlights
New Furuno Fish Finder
2x Group 27 starting batteries wired in parallel for 8kW generator
2024
New Alternators and External Regulators
New Raymarine Axiom+ MFD
2023
New Mainsail
New cockpit refrigerator compressor and holding plate
New hydraulic drive shaft seals on cockpit winches
New 460A-Hr 12V LiFePO4 battery to support 12V loads
New 4x 230A-Hr 24V LiFePO4 batteries to support 24V loads
New external battery bank management systems (1x 12v and 1x 24v)
Paint/ Finishes
Deck and topsides, including non-skid, painted with AlexSeal in Matterhorn White (New 2025).
Bottom painted with epoxy-based CopperCoat antifouling (New 2025).
Sails, Mast, Rigging, Canvas
Sails and Canvas
HydraNet tri-radial head and main sails built by Latell and Ailsworth Sailmakers in Deltaville, VA:
2023 furling mainsail.
2021 staysail and genoa.
Hood Yacht Systems in-mast hydraulic mainsail furler.
Hood Yacht Systems Seafurl hydraulic genoa furler.
2023 Profurl Staysail furler
All sheets and outhauls are of Dyneema SK-78 core/polyester cover construction.
Headsail attachment via Tylaska spool shackles.
Running back stays have Dyneema SK-78 core/polyester cover construction tails
Mainmast & Masthead Electronics
Hood aluminum in-mast furling mast.
3 size 52 manual mast-mounted Lewmar winches for halyards and daggerboard
Masthead Shakespeare Phase III VHF antenna with Times Microwave 50 Ohm LMR400 coaxial Cable
Masthead Peplink cellular antenna with Times Microwave 75 Ohm LMR400 coaxial cable
Masthead Airmar PB 200 weather station with NMEA 2000 cable and termination.
Standing Rigging
Dyform compacted wire pre-2008. Typical dia. Of 20 mm. Sta-Lok style fittings together with Swag fittings. All attachments are double-toggled.
Staysail Dyform stays new in 2023, together with a new Profurl furler.
Navtec hydraulic backstay adjusters on each transom; rebuilt in Antigua in 2025
Lifelines/ Stanchions
Polished 316 SS. Stanchions and Rails. 316 SS lifelines.
Canvas
Stamoid helm enclosure and cockpit side curtains with Strataglass opening windows. New in 2025.
Performance, Engineering, & Systems Summary
Twin 330HP diesel engines
MaxProp 5-blade Whisper feathering props (fuel-efficient cruising)
Dual Northern Lights generators (8kW + 30kW)
Hydraulic sail handling systems for short-handed operation
Advanced PLC-controlled hydraulics
Chilled water air conditioning system (multi-zone climate control)
Designed for safe, efficient offshore passage making with minimal crew.
Tankage & Long-Range Capability
Fuel Tankage
1,600 gal. total diesel tankage, shared with generators. 2X400 gal. tanks in each hull.
Each tank has a 12” access port for inspection and cleaning.
4–17-gal aluminum day tanks in propulsion engine rooms and generator spaces filled via Jabsco transfer pumps from main tanks.
Freshwater Tankage
800 gal. total freshwater tankage. 2X200 gal. tank in each hull.
Each composite tank has a 12” access port for inspection and cleaning
Blackwater Tankage
200 gal. composite total blackwater tankage. 1X100 gal. tank in each hull
Built for extended cruising in the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mediterranean, or transoceanic passages.
Hydraulics
Hydraulic winch and furler power packs and control manifolds, Custom LPC-based hydraulic control system
Hydraulic backstay adjustment cylinders
Rudder steering quadrant with two hydraulic steering cylinders
Rudder lift hinge
Rudder down hydraulic lock
Marine Electronics, Navigation Controls, and Instruments
Fully enclosed helm station amidships with glass facing forward and a bimini top with sides over and around providing a panoramic view of the boat and the surrounding seas.
Helm Electronics
Furuno 1835 color radar with ARP-11 and fluxgate heading for image stabilization.
Raymarine 12” Axiom 12 MFD (temp replacement for Furuno 12” TZ2 MFD). New 2024
Raymarine AIS700 Class B AIS transceiver (shared antenna with VHF) New 2025
Furuno FCV-800 Fishfinder. New 2025
Raymarine p70 Autopilot Control Head New 2018
2 Raymarine i70 Navigation Data Display New 2018
Standard Horizon GX5500 VHF with Shakespeare Phase III masthead antenna with Times Microwave LMR400 coaxial cable. New 2010
Port and Stbd Engine Instruments
NMEA Network
NMEA 2000 three-section isolated network, each powered by Victron 12-12 isolation power supplies. Power supplies are new in 2024.
The NMEA 2000 network covers propulsion engine rooms, helm station, navigation desk, and masthead.
Custom-designed lightning damage mitigation electronics protect the masthead section of the NMEA 2000 network.
Glendinning CH2001 electronic throttle and transmission control with synchronizer and handheld remote-control controller, which is movable between bow and side decks.
Port and Stbd Oceanic Systems fuel transfer controller to maintain engine day tanks.
Rudder lock hydraulic pressure gauge
Navtec manual hydraulic pump for rudder lock
Navtec manual hydraulic pump hydraulic backstay cylinders
Genoa and Mainsail hydraulic furler controls
Shore Power, SSB, and Engine Rooms
50Amp shore power service and cables
Glendinning CableMaster shore power, wind-in, and wind-out handling and storage system in each propulsion engine room.
ICOM AT140 SSB tuner in STBD propulsion engine room.
Acme isolation boost transformers in each propulsion engine room, enabling shore power isolation and boosting to 240/120 VAC with insufficient shore power
Voltage i.e. 208VAC or even 200VAC. Transformers repotted in 316 SS cases in 2021.
Batteries/ Charging Systems
Chargers/ Inverters
Mastervolt Mass Combi 24/4000-100 inverter charger
Sterling 24V to 12V charger
Balmar 24V alternator regulators
Mastervolt Mass 24/100 charger
Mastervolt Mass 12/80 charger
Batteries
2 Group 27 batteries in parallel for an 8kW generator starting. New 2025
2 8D Gel batteries in series for 24V propulsion engine starting and 30 kW generator starting. New 2022
1 460A-Hr 12V LiFePO4 battery to support 12V loads. New 2023
4 230A-Hr 24V LiFePO4 batteries to support 24V loads. New 2023
Both 12V and 24V battery banks are fitted with Battery Bank Management System (BBMS) to control Li battery charging. Individual Li batteries come with an internal battery management system (BMS).
HVAC System
Chilled Water System with two redundant compressors, 12 air handlers, and a spa electric water heater.
Plumbing
5 Raritan Atlantes freshwater heads
5 ensuite showers
2 12-gal Raritan water heaters.
Apartment-size Maytag clothes washer and dryer
PVC freshwater plumbing
Marelon Seacocks and thru-hulls
Village Marine modular 50 gal/hr. 240/120 VAC 60 Hz water maker
Ground Tackle
Galleymaid 240/120VAC horizontal windlass with foredeck footswitch.
Vertical and horizontal rope capstans and 3/8” chain gypsy.
Rocna 70 kg galvanized anchor
Fortress FX-37 day-anchor stored on stern rail.
Fortress FX-125 storm anchor stored in cockpit lazarette with 350 ft. 1” dia. Dyneema-core rode
Grade 70 galvanized chain, 200 ft.,1.25” dia. 12-strand nylon rode
Additional 250 ft. 1.25” dia. 12-strand nylon rode in the chain locker
Plug for the Glendinning CH2001 remote handheld to control the boat while anchor handling
Safety Equipment
Switlik SAR-6 Transoceanic life raft
Lifejackets
2 Electronic Flares, standard and parachute flares, orange smoke generator
5 halon-substitute fire extinguishers
Automatic halon-substitute fire extinguishers in engine rooms.
EPIRB serviced 2022
CO/ Smoke Alarm
Tender & Watersports Equipment Included in the Sale
14’ Zodiac Pro Bayrunner 420 RIB
Tohatsu 50MFS outboard. 2015 model bought a new 2017.
Bench seating for 3
12 gal. fuel tank
AM/FM radio
Forward locker
Automatic bilge pump
Raymarine Axiom 9” MFD with RV chirp fish finder
Tender stored in the cradle behind the helm station 10’ above the waterline. Launched and retrieved using a boom as a crane. Very safe from dinghy thieves.
Paddleboards and kayaks included; perfect for charter guest experience or private exploration.
Additional Items that Convey with the Sale
Extensive spares and boat specific tools
Multiple Type I Lifejackets and Type III lifejackets for tender
Copies of owners manuals for various onboard systems
Known Service Needs
Daggerboard service is recommended
Minor cosmetic deck repairs
Select engine room instrumentation updates pending by the sellers
Exclusions
The sellers' non-boat-specific personal effects will not convey with the sale of the vessel.
Wrap up Summary
“Cat’s Meow” is a proven, extensively upgraded 78’ bluewater catamaran offering exceptional value, versatility, and capability.
Whether your goal is:
Global cruising
Luxury liveaboard living
Launching a charter business or liveaboard tourism operation…
This amazing vessel delivers a rare combination of size, pedigree, and readiness at a highly competitive price point.
Contact Ben Ward at Ward Yacht Sales today for additional information or to schedule a confidential in-person showing.
Extensively Refit | Offshore Performance | Charter-Ready | Private Liveaboard| Global Cruiser
Location: Ponce, Puerto Rico, USA
Overview
This 1988 78ft custom bluewater catamaran for sale in Puerto Rico is a proven offshore cruising yacht, extensively refit and ideal for Caribbean charter operations or luxury liveaboard sailing. Designed by the legendary multihull innovator Derek Kelsall and built on the Isle of Man using advanced foam-core composite construction.
Engineered for long-range ocean passage making, liveaboard comfort, and charter operations, she delivers a rare combination of performance, durability, and autonomy. Her offshore pedigree includes an impressive finish in the 1990 Atlantic Rally for Cruisers (ARC), where she outpaced competitors by nearly two days.
Owned and meticulously upgraded and maintained since 2008 by two extremely knowledgeable USCG Master-level captains, this vessel has undergone extensive exterior and interior refits (2023–2026), making her a true turnkey bluewater cruising yacht or income-producing charter vessel.
Why “Cat’s Meow” Stands Out
Extensive refit (2023–2026) – mechanical, electrical, cosmetic, and rigging – makes this a turnkey bluewater catamaran for sale
Proven transatlantic and offshore cruising history
5-cabin / 5-head layout ideal for charter or private use
Massive fuel (1,600 gal) and water (800 gal) capacity for long-range cruising
Dual generators + redundant systems for reliability offshore
Professionally maintained by licensed captains
If you are in the market for a large catamaran for sale under $1M, offering capabilities comparable to significantly newer vessels at a fraction of replacement cost, Cat’s Meow represents an incredible value opportunity.
Ideal For Buyers Searching
Luxury liveaboard sailing catamaran
Crewed charter yacht business opportunity Bahamas / Virgin Islands
Expedition sailing yacht for global cruising
Large bluewater cruising catamaran for family with room for guests and crew
Turnkey charter catamaran in the Caribbean
Investment & Charter Potential
With her 5-cabin, galley-down layout, system redundancy, and proven reliability, “Cat’s Meow” is well-suited for:
Crewed yacht charter operations (Caribbean / Bahamas / Florida Keys)
Boutique charter business, liveaboard diving, or eco-tourism platform
Owner-operator hybrid charter model
"Cat's Meow" is a compelling opportunity for buyers seeking a yacht that can generate revenue while supporting a luxury cruising lifestyle.
Recent Refit Highlights
2026
New 14mm Dyneema SK78 core, polyester cover dinghy lift halyard
12 New Injector nozzles on propulsion engines
New water maker solenoid control valve
Rebuilt port engine turbocharger
Genoa external hydraulic lines renewed
2025
Full hull refit in Antigua, including:
New Alexseal hull paint - Matterhorn White
New Copper Coat bottom paint
New zincs
Running gear service
Rudder post pivot rebuilt and serviced
New Stamoid and Strataglass cockpit enclosure and side curtains
New galvanized G70 anchor chain
New watermaker membranes
New 10 GPM 24VDC freshwater pressure pump.
New Raymarine AIS700 Class B AIS transceiver
New 1” dock lines
Rebuilt Navtec hydraulic backstay adjusters
Removed, inspected, and rebedded backstay chain plates.
New Newfound Metals stainless steel portlights
New Furuno Fish Finder
2x Group 27 starting batteries wired in parallel for 8kW generator
2024
New Alternators and External Regulators
New Raymarine Axiom+ MFD
2023
New Mainsail
New cockpit refrigerator compressor and holding plate
New hydraulic drive shaft seals on cockpit winches
New 460A-Hr 12V LiFePO4 battery to support 12V loads
New 4x 230A-Hr 24V LiFePO4 batteries to support 24V loads
New external battery bank management systems (1x 12v and 1x 24v)
Paint/ Finishes
Deck and topsides, including non-skid, painted with AlexSeal in Matterhorn White (New 2025).
Bottom painted with epoxy-based CopperCoat antifouling (New 2025).
Sails, Mast, Rigging, Canvas
Sails and Canvas
HydraNet tri-radial head and main sails built by Latell and Ailsworth Sailmakers in Deltaville, VA:
2023 furling mainsail.
2021 staysail and genoa.
Hood Yacht Systems in-mast hydraulic mainsail furler.
Hood Yacht Systems Seafurl hydraulic genoa furler.
2023 Profurl Staysail furler
All sheets and outhauls are of Dyneema SK-78 core/polyester cover construction.
Headsail attachment via Tylaska spool shackles.
Running back stays have Dyneema SK-78 core/polyester cover construction tails
Mainmast & Masthead Electronics
Hood aluminum in-mast furling mast.
3 size 52 manual mast-mounted Lewmar winches for halyards and daggerboard
Masthead Shakespeare Phase III VHF antenna with Times Microwave 50 Ohm LMR400 coaxial Cable
Masthead Peplink cellular antenna with Times Microwave 75 Ohm LMR400 coaxial cable
Masthead Airmar PB 200 weather station with NMEA 2000 cable and termination.
Standing Rigging
Dyform compacted wire pre-2008. Typical dia. Of 20 mm. Sta-Lok style fittings together with Swag fittings. All attachments are double-toggled.
Staysail Dyform stays new in 2023, together with a new Profurl furler.
Navtec hydraulic backstay adjusters on each transom; rebuilt in Antigua in 2025
Lifelines/ Stanchions
Polished 316 SS. Stanchions and Rails. 316 SS lifelines.
Canvas
Stamoid helm enclosure and cockpit side curtains with Strataglass opening windows. New in 2025.
Performance, Engineering, & Systems Summary
Twin 330HP diesel engines
MaxProp 5-blade Whisper feathering props (fuel-efficient cruising)
Dual Northern Lights generators (8kW + 30kW)
Hydraulic sail handling systems for short-handed operation
Advanced PLC-controlled hydraulics
Chilled water air conditioning system (multi-zone climate control)
Designed for safe, efficient offshore passage making with minimal crew.
Tankage & Long-Range Capability
Fuel Tankage
1,600 gal. total diesel tankage, shared with generators. 2X400 gal. tanks in each hull.
Each tank has a 12” access port for inspection and cleaning.
4–17-gal aluminum day tanks in propulsion engine rooms and generator spaces filled via Jabsco transfer pumps from main tanks.
Freshwater Tankage
800 gal. total freshwater tankage. 2X200 gal. tank in each hull.
Each composite tank has a 12” access port for inspection and cleaning
Blackwater Tankage
200 gal. composite total blackwater tankage. 1X100 gal. tank in each hull
Built for extended cruising in the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mediterranean, or transoceanic passages.
Hydraulics
Hydraulic winch and furler power packs and control manifolds, Custom LPC-based hydraulic control system
Hydraulic backstay adjustment cylinders
Rudder steering quadrant with two hydraulic steering cylinders
Rudder lift hinge
Rudder down hydraulic lock
Marine Electronics, Navigation Controls, and Instruments
Fully enclosed helm station amidships with glass facing forward and a bimini top with sides over and around providing a panoramic view of the boat and the surrounding seas.
Helm Electronics
Furuno 1835 color radar with ARP-11 and fluxgate heading for image stabilization.
Raymarine 12” Axiom 12 MFD (temp replacement for Furuno 12” TZ2 MFD). New 2024
Raymarine AIS700 Class B AIS transceiver (shared antenna with VHF) New 2025
Furuno FCV-800 Fishfinder. New 2025
Raymarine p70 Autopilot Control Head New 2018
2 Raymarine i70 Navigation Data Display New 2018
Standard Horizon GX5500 VHF with Shakespeare Phase III masthead antenna with Times Microwave LMR400 coaxial cable. New 2010
Port and Stbd Engine Instruments
NMEA Network
NMEA 2000 three-section isolated network, each powered by Victron 12-12 isolation power supplies. Power supplies are new in 2024.
The NMEA 2000 network covers propulsion engine rooms, helm station, navigation desk, and masthead.
Custom-designed lightning damage mitigation electronics protect the masthead section of the NMEA 2000 network.
Glendinning CH2001 electronic throttle and transmission control with synchronizer and handheld remote-control controller, which is movable between bow and side decks.
Port and Stbd Oceanic Systems fuel transfer controller to maintain engine day tanks.
Rudder lock hydraulic pressure gauge
Navtec manual hydraulic pump for rudder lock
Navtec manual hydraulic pump hydraulic backstay cylinders
Genoa and Mainsail hydraulic furler controls
Shore Power, SSB, and Engine Rooms
50Amp shore power service and cables
Glendinning CableMaster shore power, wind-in, and wind-out handling and storage system in each propulsion engine room.
ICOM AT140 SSB tuner in STBD propulsion engine room.
Acme isolation boost transformers in each propulsion engine room, enabling shore power isolation and boosting to 240/120 VAC with insufficient shore power
Voltage i.e. 208VAC or even 200VAC. Transformers repotted in 316 SS cases in 2021.
Batteries/ Charging Systems
Chargers/ Inverters
Mastervolt Mass Combi 24/4000-100 inverter charger
Sterling 24V to 12V charger
Balmar 24V alternator regulators
Mastervolt Mass 24/100 charger
Mastervolt Mass 12/80 charger
Batteries
2 Group 27 batteries in parallel for an 8kW generator starting. New 2025
2 8D Gel batteries in series for 24V propulsion engine starting and 30 kW generator starting. New 2022
1 460A-Hr 12V LiFePO4 battery to support 12V loads. New 2023
4 230A-Hr 24V LiFePO4 batteries to support 24V loads. New 2023
Both 12V and 24V battery banks are fitted with Battery Bank Management System (BBMS) to control Li battery charging. Individual Li batteries come with an internal battery management system (BMS).
HVAC System
Chilled Water System with two redundant compressors, 12 air handlers, and a spa electric water heater.
Plumbing
5 Raritan Atlantes freshwater heads
5 ensuite showers
2 12-gal Raritan water heaters.
Apartment-size Maytag clothes washer and dryer
PVC freshwater plumbing
Marelon Seacocks and thru-hulls
Village Marine modular 50 gal/hr. 240/120 VAC 60 Hz water maker
Ground Tackle
Galleymaid 240/120VAC horizontal windlass with foredeck footswitch.
Vertical and horizontal rope capstans and 3/8” chain gypsy.
Rocna 70 kg galvanized anchor
Fortress FX-37 day-anchor stored on stern rail.
Fortress FX-125 storm anchor stored in cockpit lazarette with 350 ft. 1” dia. Dyneema-core rode
Grade 70 galvanized chain, 200 ft.,1.25” dia. 12-strand nylon rode
Additional 250 ft. 1.25” dia. 12-strand nylon rode in the chain locker
Plug for the Glendinning CH2001 remote handheld to control the boat while anchor handling
Safety Equipment
Switlik SAR-6 Transoceanic life raft
Lifejackets
2 Electronic Flares, standard and parachute flares, orange smoke generator
5 halon-substitute fire extinguishers
Automatic halon-substitute fire extinguishers in engine rooms.
EPIRB serviced 2022
CO/ Smoke Alarm
Tender & Watersports Equipment Included in the Sale
14’ Zodiac Pro Bayrunner 420 RIB
Tohatsu 50MFS outboard. 2015 model bought a new 2017.
Bench seating for 3
12 gal. fuel tank
AM/FM radio
Forward locker
Automatic bilge pump
Raymarine Axiom 9” MFD with RV chirp fish finder
Tender stored in the cradle behind the helm station 10’ above the waterline. Launched and retrieved using a boom as a crane. Very safe from dinghy thieves.
Paddleboards and kayaks included; perfect for charter guest experience or private exploration.
Additional Items that Convey with the Sale
Extensive spares and boat specific tools
Multiple Type I Lifejackets and Type III lifejackets for tender
Copies of owners manuals for various onboard systems
Known Service Needs
Daggerboard service is recommended
Minor cosmetic deck repairs
Select engine room instrumentation updates pending by the sellers
Exclusions
The sellers' non-boat-specific personal effects will not convey with the sale of the vessel.
Wrap up Summary
“Cat’s Meow” is a proven, extensively upgraded 78’ bluewater catamaran offering exceptional value, versatility, and capability.
Whether your goal is:
Global cruising
Luxury liveaboard living
Launching a charter business or liveaboard tourism operation…
This amazing vessel delivers a rare combination of size, pedigree, and readiness at a highly competitive price point.
Contact Ben Ward at Ward Yacht Sales today for additional information or to schedule a confidential in-person showing.
