G-Cat 5.0 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

Production of the G-Cat 5.0 commenced in 1975, marking the inaugural offering from G-Cat Multihulls. Hans Geissler, leveraging his prior experience as a catamaran dealer, designed the 5.0 with a clear philosophy: to provide something unique to the sailing community that prioritized user-friendliness and safety. The boat's construction predominantly features fiberglass for its lightweight and durable hulls.

A hallmark of Geissler's design, and particularly evident in the G-Cat 5.0, is its boomless rig, a safety feature that significantly reduces the risk of head injuries during maneuvers., 3] The catamaran also boasts "high volume hulls" and a "boardless design" (meaning no daggerboards or centerboards), which contribute to its ease of handling and inherent stability., 1] Furthermore, the integration of a "front trampoline" not only enhanced comfort but also provided additional lounging space, setting the G-Cat 5.0 apart from many of its contemporaries., 4]

Sailing Performance and Handling

The G-Cat 5.0 was engineered to be a "fun family boat" that was also noted for being fast and easy to sail., 3] Its design, featuring high-volume, boardless hulls, offers good initial stability and makes it particularly well-suited for beach launching and landing., 1] Owners and reviewers frequently describe the G-Cat 5.0 as a stable platform that is easy to rig and sail.

Despite its boardless design, the G-Cat 5.0 is considered a "reasonably fast boat" and capable of handling varying conditions without being "too easily overpowered when solo sailing," demonstrating good performance even with added weight. Its handling characteristics have also been praised, with some owners noting its capability "in the ocean" and even a history of racing in events like the Worrell.

Accommodations and Layout

As a 16-foot beach catamaran, the G-Cat 5.0 features an open, uncluttered deck layout, typical of its class, rather than enclosed accommodations. There is no standing headroom or enclosed cabin space. Instead, the design maximizes usable deck area for day sailing and recreation. A key feature of the G-Cat 5.0's layout is its distinctive front trampoline, which provides ample space for sunbathing and lounging, enhancing the boat's appeal as a recreational vessel. Additionally, an aft trampoline is often present, further expanding the usable deck area. The primary focus of the layout is on open-air enjoyment and ease of movement during sailing.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the G-Cat 5.0 consistently praise its attributes as a "fun family boat" that is both stable and easy to sail, making it an accessible option for various skill levels. The boomless design is frequently highlighted as a significant safety advantage, particularly for families. The front trampoline is also a well-loved feature, providing excellent space for relaxing and sunbathing. Many appreciate its overall ease of rigging and its ability to perform well in various conditions, including ocean sailing.

However, common issues noted by owners of these classic boats include the development of "soft spots on decks," especially behind the front trampoline, which may require repair. "Beach rash" on the hull bottoms, particularly where the two halves come together, is another recurring concern due to the boardless design often being beached. Given the age of many G-Cat 5.0s, sourcing original parts like full rudder assemblies and mast bases can be challenging, as parts are becoming increasingly scarce. Despite these maintenance considerations, the dedicated community of G-Cat owners underscores the enduring appeal and unique sailing experience offered by this distinctive catamaran.