1988 Kelsall Manannan 78 Custom
$699,999
Boat in Ponce 00716 PR
Built in 1988
Manannan 78 Custom
2 Engines (2x Sabre Ford)
78 feet
Diesel
Fiberglass/Reinforced
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.
Detailed Vessel Specs & Dimensions
- Boat Year: 1988
- Boat Make: Custom
- Boat Model: Custom/ Manannan I
- Designer: Derek Kelsall
- Built By Yard: Manannan Yachts
- USCG Documented Endorsements: Recreational, Registry, and Coastwise endorsements.
- LOA: 78 ft
- Beam: 35 ft
- Max Draft: 9 ft, with dagger board down
- Min Draft: 7 ft (rudder)
- Air Draft: 105 ft
- Vessel Displacement/ Weight (Tons): original design displacement was roughly 15 tons, before installation of the interior.
- Construction: hull and deck are foam-cored fiberglass composite
- Engine Make/ Model(s): 1987 Sabre Ford 330 HP turbocharged Diesel engines
- Number of Engines: 2
- STBD Engine Hours: 7,448
- PORT Engine Hours: 6,977
- Drive Type: BPM V-Drives
- Props: 28” dia. MaxProp Whisper 5-blade feathering props
- Number of Generators: 2
- Generator 1 Make/ Model: Northern Lights M753 8kW, 60Hz, 240/120 VAC
- Generator 1 Hours: 7,391 hrs
- Generator 2 Make/ Model: Northern Lights M964 30kW, 60Hz, 240/120, VAC
- Generator 2 Hours: 2,692 hrs
- Fuel 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 hull.
- 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 outhaul
- Size 43 self-tailing hydraulic winch for topping lift, genoa car control, and staysail furler
- Size 46 self-tailing hydraulic winch for main boom preventer and genoa car control.
- 2021 custom PLC-based hydraulic winch control system.
Accommodations & Layout
- 5 Cabins | Sleeps 9 Guests
- 1 King master suite
- 2 Queen guest cabins
- 2 Twin cabins (suitable for guests or crew)
- 1 extra-long twin in the master suite that doubles as a sofa.
- 5 ensuite heads with showers
- Galley-down, offshore-safe, and crew-friendly layout
- Expansive covered cockpit lounge and dining area
- Headroom 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/ Refrigeration
Cat’s Meow features an extensive galley with professional chef-quality appliances, including:
- Wolf 6-burner gas stove with convection oven and overhead exhaust fan
- 2 holding plate-based Refrigerators
- 2 holding plate-based Freezer
- 1 cockpit holding plate-based drink refrigerator
Deck/ Cockpit
Cockpit
- Fully covered aft cockpit
- Cork 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 sink
- Stainless 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.
- Rail-mounted Magna Monterrey Grill.
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.
Deck Bonnet/ Locker
- Bonnet hatch cover assisted by liftgates
- 2x 40lb aluminum propane tanks
- Each side of the bonnet has a built-in deck locker
- Steering quadrant
Detailed Engine and Propulsion Specs
Engines 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: 6,978
- Stbd engine hours: 7,448
- BorgWarner 1:1 transmissions
- BPM 2:1 v-drives; Stbd v-drive new 2019
- Flexible coupling canard shafts between BorgWarner transmissions and BPM v-drives
Alternators
- New in 2023 Heavy-duty 175A 24VDC Leece Neville style alternators with external Balmar 624 Regulators.
- Balmar Centerfielder to balance alternator outputs.
Drive Shaft/ Propellers/Engine Room
- New 2” dia. Propeller Shafts 2015
- 28” dia. MaxProp Whisper 5-blade feathering props
- Racor 900 primary filters with dual secondary filters on propulsion engines.
- Engine gauges in propulsion engine rooms.
- CW ventilation fans
- Automatic 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.
Generators
- Generator 1
- Northern Lights M753 8kW, 60Hz, 240/120 VAC, 7,391 hr.
- Stbd hull amidship location
- Sound enclosure with surrounding cabinet enclosure
- CW ventilation fan
- 12V DC starter
- 17 gal. day tank
- Generator 2
- Northern Lights 30kW, 60Hz, 240/120, VAC 2691 hrs
- Port hull amidship location
- Sound enclosure in a dedicated room
- CW ventilation fan
- 24V DC starter
- 17-gal. day tank
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 4/14/26 | Initial price | $699,999 |
Videos from Ward Yacht Sales on this 1988 Kelsall Manannan 78 Custom
Overview from around the web 1988 Kelsall Manannan 78 Custom
Customers praise the 1988 Kelsall Manannan 78 Custom for its exceptional craftsmanship and timeless design
Many highlight its sturdy and seaworthy construction, making it ideal for long-distance cruising. Owners appreciate the spacious and well-thought-out interior layout, which combines comfort with functionality. The boat’s sailing performance receives high marks for being both responsive and stable in a variety of conditions. Overall, the Kelsall Manannan 78 Custom is celebrated for its durability, classic aesthetics, and reliable performance on the water.
The Biggest Pros and Cons
The 1988 Kelsall Manannan 78 Custom is a distinctive and well-regarded trimaran known for its innovative design and performance capabilities. Here are some of the key pros and cons to consider:
Pros
Innovative Design: The Kelsall Manannan features a pioneering trimaran design that offers excellent stability and speed, making it a standout in multihull sailing.
Spacious Layout: With its wide beam and multi-hull configuration, the Manannan provides ample living and deck space, ideal for comfortable cruising and extended voyages.
Performance: Known for impressive sailing performance, it handles well in a variety of conditions, delivering both speed and agility.
Build Quality: The 1988 model reflects solid construction with quality materials, contributing to durability and longevity.
Customization: Being a custom build, it often includes personalized features and upgrades tailored to the original owner’s preferences.
Cons
Maintenance: As a custom and older vessel, maintenance can be more demanding and potentially costly, especially for parts unique to this design.
Complexity: The trimaran setup, while beneficial for performance, can be more complex to handle and rig compared to monohulls, requiring experienced crew.
Mooring and Storage: The wide beam and trimaran configuration may pose challenges in finding suitable mooring spots and storage facilities.
Availability of Parts: Given the age and custom nature of the boat, sourcing replacement parts or components might be difficult.
Market Niche: The specialized design appeals to a niche market, which could impact resale value and ease of sale.
Made For
The 1988 Kelsall Manannan 78 Custom is designed for experienced sailors and long-distance cruisers who value exceptional craftsmanship, durability, and performance. Ideal for those seeking a robust and seaworthy vessel capable of handling challenging offshore conditions, this yacht appeals to adventurers and serious sailing enthusiasts looking for a reliable and comfortable boat for extended voyages.
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| $699,999 | $825,000 | $888,680 | $295,000 | $295,000 | $295,000 |
| Ponce | Humacao | Fajardo | Cabo Rojo | Cabo Rojo | CABO ROJO |
| 78' | 46' | 43' | 35' | - | 35' |
| 35' | - | - | - | - | - |
| 9' | - | - | - | - | - |
| Sabre Ford | Yanmar | Yanmar | Volvo Penta | Volvo Penta | Volvo Penta |
| 330 hp | 57 hp | 57 hp | - | - | 30 hp |
| 18 | 87 | 232 | 0 | 206 | 207 |
Meet the Broker
Address
Boat Location
Contact Ward Yacht Sales about 1988 Kelsall Manannan 78 Custom
10725 S Ocean Dr, #406, Stuart, FL, 34957
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