1988 Kelsall Manannan Custom

About This Vessel

This 1988 Kelsall Manannan Custom, measures 78 ft, and is located in Cruz Bay, St John, Virgin Islands, powered by 2x Sabre Ford 330 Turbo 330.00HP.

1988 78ft Bluewater Catamaran for SaleExtensively Refit | Offshore Performance | Charter-Ready | Private Liveaboard| Global Cruiser Location: Currently in transit from Puerto Rico to GrenadaOverviewView 360 Photo Tour At This LinkThis 1988 78ft custom bluewater catamaran for sale 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 OutExtensive refit (2023–2026) – mechanical, electrical, cosmetic, and rigging – makes this a turnkey bluewater catamaran for saleProven transatlantic and offshore cruising history5-cabin / 5-head layout ideal for charter or private useMassive fuel (1,600 gal) and water (800 gal) capacity for long-range cruisingDual generators + redundant systems for reliability offshoreProfessionally maintained by licensed captainsIf 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 SearchingLuxury liveaboard sailing catamaranCrewed charter yacht business opportunity Bahamas / Virgin IslandsExpedition sailing yacht for global cruisingLarge bluewater cruising catamaran for family with room for guests and crewTurnkey charter catamaran in the CaribbeanInvestment & Charter PotentialWith 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 platformOwner-operator hybrid charter modelA compelling opportunity for buyers seeking a yacht that can generate revenue while supporting a luxury cruising lifestyle.Cruising History & PedigreeCruised extensively from Nova Scotia to Grenada, demonstrating capability across cold-water, offshore, and tropical cruising environments, as well as completing a transatlantic crossing.Recent Refit Highlights2026New 14mm Dyneema SK78 core, polyester cover dinghy lift halyard12 New Injector nozzles on propulsion enginesNew water maker solenoid control valveRebuilt port engine turbochargerGenoa external hydraulic lines renewed2025Full hull refit in Antigua, including:New Alexseal hull paint - Matterhorn WhiteNew Copper Coat bottom paintNew zincsRunning gear serviceRudder post pivot rebuilt and servicedNew Stamoid and Strataglass cockpit enclosure andside curtainsNew galvanized G70 anchor chainNew watermaker membranesNew 10 GPM 24VDC freshwater pressure pump.New Raymarine AIS700 Class B AIS transceiverNew 1” dock linesRebuilt Navtec hydraulic backstay adjustersRemoved, inspected, and rebedded backstay chain plates.New Newfound Metals stainless steel portlightsNew Furuno Fish Finder2x Group 27 starting batteries wired in parallel for 8kW generator2024New Alternators and External RegulatorsNew Raymarine Axiom+ MFD2023New MainsailNew cockpit refrigerator compressor and holding plateNew hydraulic drive shaft seals on cockpit winchesNew 460A-Hr 12V LiFePO4 battery to support 12V loadsNew 4x 230A-Hr 24V LiFePO4 batteries to support 24V loadsNew external battery bank management systems (1x 12v and 1x 24v)Detailed Vessel SpecsBoat Year: 1988Boat Make: CustomBoat Model: Custom/ Manannan IDesigner: Derek KelsallBuilt By Yard: Manannan YachtsHIN: N/AUSCG Documented Endorsements: Recreational, Registry, and Coastwise endorsements.LOA: 78 ftBeam: 35 ftMax Draft: 9 ft, with dagger board downMin Draft: 7 ft (rudder)Air Draft: 105 ftVessel Displacement/ Weight (Tons): original design displacement was roughly 15 tons, before installation of the interior.Construction: hull and deck are foam-cored fiberglass compositeEngine Make/ Model(s): 1987 Sabre Ford 330 HP turbocharged Diesel enginesNumber of Engines: 2STBD Engine Hours: 7,448PORT Engine Hours: 6,977Drive Type: BPM V-DrivesProps: 28” dia. MaxProp Whisper 5-blade feathering propsNumber of Generators: 2Generator 1 Make/ Model: Northern Lights M753 8kW, 60Hz, 240/120 VACGenerator 1 Hours: 7,391 hrsGenerator 2 Make/ Model: Northern Lights M964 30kW, 60Hz, 240/120, VAC Generator 2 Hours: 2,692 hrsFuel Capacity: approx. 1,600 US gal. total diesel tankage shared with generators. 2X400 gal. tanks in each hull.Fresh Water Capacity: approximately 800 gal total water tankage. 400 gal. in each hull.Holding Tank Capacity: approximately 200 gal. total black water tankage. 100 gal. in each hullAccommodations & Layout5 Cabins | Sleeps 9 Guests1 King master suite2 Queen guest cabins2 Twin cabins (suitable for guests or crew)1 extra-long twin in the master suite that doubles as a sofa.5 ensuite heads with showersGalley-down, offshore-safe, and crew-friendly layoutExpansive covered cockpit lounge and dining areaHeadroom varies between 6-1/2 ft. and 7-1/2 ft.The extensive interior refit (2006–2012) was designed for long-term liveaboard comfort and charter guest functionality, making her ideal for both private cruising and commercial use.Galley/ RefrigerationCat’s Meow features an extensive galley with professional chef-quality appliances, including:Wolf 6-burner gas stove with convection oven and overhead exhaust fan2 holding plate-based Refrigerators2 holding plate-based Freezer1 cockpit holding plate-based drink refrigeratorDeck/ CockpitCockpit Fully covered aft cockpitCork floors.Large, fixed table.4 Kettler multi-position reclining armchairs.2 43” X 98” foam-filled lounge cushions.Floor Cabinet with holding-plate drink refrigerator and double sinkStainless storage cabinet.2 Lewmar 52 self-tailing manual winches to tension running backstays.Sunscreen across the aft side of the cockpit.Opening side curtains protect lounge cushions in inclement weather.Floor lazarette provides access to freshwater pumps, carbon block freshwater filters, washdown pump, emergency tiller, Fortress 125 anchor and rode, Glendinning CH2001 engine control electronics, and chilled water system circulation pumps.Rail-mounted Magna Monterrey Grill.Cockpit Winches/ Controls(4) size 65 self-tailing hydraulic winches for Genoa and Staysail sheets(2) size 52 self-tailing hydraulic winches for mainsail sheet and traveler control.Size 55 self-tailing hydraulic winch for mainsail outhaulSize 43 self-tailing hydraulic winch for topping lift, genoa car control, and staysail furlerSize 46 self-tailing hydraulic winch for main boom preventer and genoa car control.2021 custom PLC-based hydraulic winch control systemDeck Bonnet/ LockerBonnet hatch cover assisted by liftgates2x 40lb aluminum propane tanksEach side of the bonnet has a built-in deck lockerSteering quadrantPaint/ FinishesDeck 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, CanvasSails and CanvasHydraNet 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 furlerAll 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 tailsMainmast & Masthead ElectronicsHood aluminum in-mast furling mast.3 size 52 manual mast-mounted Lewmar winches for halyards and daggerboardMasthead Shakespeare Phase III VHF antenna with Times Microwave 50 Ohm LMR400 coaxial CableMasthead Peplink cellular antenna with Times Microwave 75 Ohm LMR400 coaxial cableMasthead Airmar PB 200 weather station with NMEA 2000 cable and termination.Standing RiggingDyform 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 2025Lifelines/ StanchionsPolished 316 SS. Stanchions and Rails. 316 SS lifelines.CanvasStamoid helm enclosure and cockpit side curtains with Strataglass opening windows. New in 2025.Performance, Engineering, & Systems SummaryTwin 330HP diesel enginesMaxProp 5-blade Whisper feathering props (fuel-efficient cruising)Dual Northern Lights generators (8kW + 30kW)Hydraulic sail handling systems for short-handed operationAdvanced PLC-controlled hydraulicsChilled water air conditioning system (multi-zone climate control)Designed for safe, efficient offshore passagemaking with minimal crew.Detailed Engine and Propulsion SpecsEngines located aft-most in each hull, accessible via large deck hatches. Engine rooms provide easy access to all sides of propulsion engines.1987 Sabre Ford 330 HP turbocharged Diesel engines Port engine hours: 6,978Stbd engine hours: 7,448BorgWarner 1:1 transmissionsBPM 2:1 v-drives; Stbd v-drive new 2019Flexible coupling canard shafts between BorgWarner transmissions and BPM v-drivesAlternatorsNew in 2023 Heavy-duty 175A 24VDC Leece Neville style alternators with external Balmar 624 Regulators.Balmar Centerfielder to balance alternator outputs.Drive Shaft/ PropellersNew 2” dia. Propeller Shafts 201528” dia. MaxProp Whisper 5-blade feathering propsRacor 900 primary filters with dual secondary filters on propulsion engines.Engine gauges in propulsion engine rooms.CW ventilation fansAutomatic halon substitutes fire extinguishers in each propulsion engine room.17 gal. day tank in each engine room.Glendinning CH2001 servo engine throttle and transmission shift in each engine room.Tankage & Long-Range CapabilityFuel Tankage1,600 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 Tankage800 gal. total freshwater tankage. 2X200 gal. tank in each hull.Each composite tank has a 12” access port for inspection and cleaningBlackwater Tankage200 gal. composite total blackwater tankage. 1X100 gal. tank in each hullBuilt for extended cruising in the Caribbean, Bahamas, Mediterranean, or transoceanic passages.GeneratorsGenerator 1: Northern Lights M753 8kW, 60Hz, 240/120 VAC, 7,391 hr.Stbd hull amidship locationSound enclosure with surrounding cabinet enclosureCW ventilation fan12V DC starter17 gal. day tankGenerator 2: Northern Lights 30kW, 60Hz, 240/120, VAC 2691 hrsPort hull amidship locationSound enclosure in a dedicated roomCW ventilation fan24V DC starter17-gal. day tankHydraulicsHydraulic winch and furler power packs and control manifolds, Custom LPC-based hydraulic control systemHydraulic backstay adjustment cylindersRudder steering quadrant with two hydraulic steering cylindersRudder lift hingeRudder down hydraulic lockMarine Electronics, Navigation Controls, and InstrumentsFully 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 ElectronicsFuruno 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 2024Raymarine AIS700 Class B AIS transceiver (shared antenna with VHF) New 2025Furuno FCV-800 Fishfinder. New 2025Raymarine p70 Autopilot Control Head New 20182 Raymarine i70 Navigation Data Display New 2018Standard Horizon GX5500 VHF with Shakespeare Phase III masthead antenna with Times Microwave LMR400 coaxial cable. New 2010Port and Stbd Engine InstrumentsNMEA NetworkNMEA 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 gaugeNavtec manual hydraulic pump for rudder lockNavtec manual hydraulic pump hydraulic backstay cylindersGenoa and Mainsail hydraulic furler controlsShore Power, SSB, and Engine Rooms50Amp shore power service and cablesGlendinning 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 powerVoltage i.e. 208VAC or even 200VAC. Transformers repotted in 316 SS cases in 2021.Batteries/ Charging SystemsChargers/ InvertersMastervolt Mass Combi 24/4000-100 inverter chargerSterling 24V to 12V chargerBalmar 24V alternator regulatorsMastervolt Mass 24/100 chargerMastervolt Mass 12/80 chargerBatteries2 Group 27 batteries in parallel for an 8kW generator starting. New 20252 8D Gel batteries in series for 24V propulsion engine starting and 30 kW generator starting. New 20221 460A-Hr 12V LiFePO4 battery to support 12V loads. New 20234 230A-Hr 24V LiFePO4 batteries to support 24V loads. New 2023Both 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 SystemChilled Water System with two redundant compressors, 12 air handlers, and a spa electric water heater.Plumbing5 Raritan Atlantes freshwater heads5 ensuite showers2 12-gal Raritan water heaters.Apartment-size Maytag clothes washer and dryerPVC freshwater plumbingMarelon Seacocks and thru-hullsVillage Marine modular 50 gal/hr. 240/120 VAC 60 Hz water makerGround TackleGalleymaid 240/120VAC horizontal windlass with foredeck footswitch. Vertical and horizontal rope capstans and 3/8” chain gypsy.Rocna 70 kg galvanized anchorFortress FX-37 day-anchor stored on stern rail.Fortress FX-125 storm anchor stored in cockpit lazarette with 350 ft. 1” dia. Dyneema-core rodeGrade 70 galvanized chain, 200 ft.,1.25” dia. 12-strand nylon rodeAdditional 250 ft. 1.25” dia. 12-strand nylon rode in the chain lockerPlug for the Glendinning CH2001 remote handheld to control the boat while anchor handlingSafety EquipmentSwitlik SAR-6 Transoceanic life raftLifejackets2 Electronic Flares, standard and parachute flares, orange smoke generator5 halon-substitute fire extinguishersAutomatic halon-substitute fire extinguishers in engine rooms.EPIRB serviced 2022CO/ Smoke AlarmTender & Watersports Equipment Included in the Sale14’ Zodiac Pro Bayrunner 420 RIBTohatsu 50MFS outboard. 2015 model bought a new 2017.Bench seating for 312 gal. fuel tankAM/FM radioForward lockerAutomatic bilge pumpRaymarine Axiom 9” MFD with RV chirp fish finder.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.One kayak, one paddleboard, and one inflatable kayak.Perfect for charter guest experience or private exploration.Additional Equipment that Conveys with the SaleExtensive spares and boat specific toolsMultiple Type I Lifejackets and Type III lifejackets for tenderCopies of owners manuals for various onboard systemsKnown Service NeedsDaggerboard service is recommendedMinor cosmetic deck repairsSelect engine room instrumentation updates pending by the sellersExclusionsThe 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 cruisingLuxury liveaboard livingLaunching 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.Key Features78ft bluewater catamaran for saleCustom expedition sailing catamaranRefit liveaboard yachtCrewed charter catamaran opportunityLong-range cruising multihullOcean-crossing performance catamaranTurnkey charter yacht Caribbean / BahamasExclusive listing presented by Ward Yacht Sales. It is offered as a convenience by this broker/dealer to its clients and is