G-Cat 5.7 Information, Review, Specs

The 5.7 was part of a cohesive family of multihulls that included the smaller 14-foot G-Cat 4.4, the popular 16-foot 5.0, and the later, more expansive G-Cat 6.1. Among these siblings, the 5.7 was often viewed as the "sweet spot" for coastal distance racing and family day sailing, offering enough trampoline real estate to accommodate four adults comfortably while retaining the agility required for competitive fleet racing.

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the G-Cat 5.7 are defined by its boomless rig and symmetrical, deep-V hull sections. By removing the boom, Geissler created a safer environment for inexperienced crews, eliminating the primary source of head injuries during accidental jibes. This design choice also allows for a more flexible sail shape, though it requires a well-tensioned mainsheet to maintain leech profile. Without daggerboards, the 5.7 relies entirely on its hull geometry for lateral resistance. While this results in slightly more leeway when sailing close-hauled compared to a board-equipped Hobie 18, it offers a significant advantage in heavy air and off-the-wind legs, where the boat can "slide" over the water rather than tripping on a submerged board.

Owners frequently report that the 5.7 is remarkably difficult to pitch-pole. The high-volume bows and the additional lift provided by the forward trampoline help keep the nose up in high-speed reaches. Because the hulls are symmetrical, the boat tracks straight with minimal rudder input, a trait often referred to as "sea-kindliness" in larger vessels but rarely found in beach cats. The 5.7 is heavier than modern carbon-fiber racing cats, which gives it more momentum through the chop, making it a capable "distance" cat for Florida's coastal waters where it was originally conceived.

Popular Mentions & Media

The G-Cat 5.7 gained a cult following within the Florida multihull scene during the 1980s, largely due to Hans Geissler’s active promotion and the boat's participation in long-distance "raid" style races. It was a staple in the Great Florida 1000 and other coastal endurance events, where its rugged construction and boardless design made it ideal for navigating the shoals and sandbars of the Keys and the Gulf Coast. While it lacked the massive marketing budget of the Hobie Cat Corporation, the 5.7 was frequently featured in specialized publications like the now-defunct Catamaran Sailor magazine, which praised its "dry" ride compared to the "wet" Hobie 16.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a G-Cat 5.7 should focus their inspection on the structural integrity of the fiberglass and the specific hardware that makes the G-Cat unique:

• Hull Delamination: Like many production boats of the 1980s, G-Cats are susceptible to soft spots in the fiberglass decks, particularly in the high-traffic areas just forward of the aft crossbar. Press firmly across the decks to check for any "flex" or crunching sounds.
• Mast Step Stress: The mast step on a G-Cat 5.7 bears significant downward pressure. Check the area around the step and the main crossbar for hairline fractures or signs of compression.
• Rudder Hardware: The G-Cat uses a specific kick-up rudder system. Because the company is no longer in large-scale production, finding replacement castings or proprietary rudder parts can be difficult. Ensure the locking mechanisms engage and release cleanly.
• Trampoline Attachment: The G-Cat 5.7 features a large amount of trampoline surface area, including the forward section. Check the tracks where the trampoline slides into the hulls for corrosion or "opening up," which can cause the trampoline to pull out under load.
• Seal Integrity: Given the boardless design, the hulls are airtight units. Check the inspection ports and drain plugs. If the hulls have taken on significant water, it may indicate a breach in the keel line from repeated beaching on abrasive surfaces.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for G-Cat enthusiasts is the G-Cat Owners Group, often found on social media platforms and heritage sailing forums. Because Hans Geissler remained active in the community long after initial production ceased—even attempting a "resurrection" of the brand in the late 2000s—there is a wealth of tribal knowledge regarding rigging modifications and parts substitution. While there is no longer a formal manufacturer's parts department, the community has developed workarounds using Hobie or Nacra hardware for standing rigging and blocks.

The Verdict

The G-Cat 5.7 remains a standout choice for sailors who value safety, volume, and ease of use over the razor-edge technicality of modern foiling cats. It is a robust, "blue-collar" catamaran that handles coastal conditions with poise.

Pros:

• Safety: Boomless rig and high-volume bows significantly reduce the risk of injury and pitch-poling.
• Utility: Boardless design is perfect for beaching and sailing in shallow, sandy waters.
• Space: The forward trampoline provides more usable deck space than almost any other boat in the 18-to-19-foot class.

Cons:

• Parts Availability: Proprietary hardware and rudder components can be difficult to source.
• Weight: Heavier than modern racing catamarans, making it more difficult to manhandle on a beach trailer.
• Pointing Ability: Will not sail as close to the wind as a boat equipped with high-aspect daggerboards.