I am going to take a stab at this - but keep in mind I have a Lagoon 42, which might be set up a little different than the 4200 you're planning on chartering.
What are the biggest differences in sailing. I know cats don't point as well and tacking is a bit different but this isn't a big concern. How difficult is reefing?
The cat will have much better stability - no lean - both underway and especially at anchor. The motion underway is not as smooth as a mono, and while it never bothered me, I do know some mono sailors who were driven nuts by the "hobby horse" motion of sailing. Moored, cats move much less than monos (watching the difference in anchor light sway is a popular evening passtime). Reefing is very simple on cat since all the lines lead to the helm.
We've done 2 charters on a 46.3 mono and loved the fact the lines all lead back to the cockpit. On a typical cat, are the lines, including the main halyard, in the cockpit / flybridge?
All the lines should lead back to the helm. I crew a Leopard 50 (2 actually) and their topping lift is at the mast, but generally not a big deal.
I've watched videos and read about both anchoring and grabbing a mooring ball on a cat and figure we can learn the proper techniques pretty easily. Visibility from the flybridge would be my only concern.
Catching the ball is a tad different since you will lose sight of the ball. Good hand signals with the crew helps with that. Also, I yell "Where's the ball?" they point to it real quick, and I know how to twist the boat to help them. On my boat I lose sight of the ball at about 5' so its really isn't too bad. With enough eager hands aboard, you can have someone do nothing but point at the ball, and make your life at the helm easier.
I assume getting on and off from a dock is via the transoms. How difficult is this for a mobility limited person? How difficult is it to transfer luggage to the boat? Similar question about getting on and off from a dinghy. How difficult is it, once again for a mobility limited crew member, to get in and out of a dinghy if there is some wave action at the anchorage.
Yep, on and off are via the sugar scoops. Never had a big issue getting luggage aboard - or groceries - but you do have to be careful and think it thru a little. We have had a couple of mobility limited people aboard in the past, and made it work out. If you kneel aboard the dinghy and hold it against the sugar scoops, people can board and use your shoulders as a support, as well as the dinghy davits. Also, the hull acts to shade the dinghy from the waves in that position. Don't think you'll have a big problem.
Outside of a nasty swell on the order of a Cane Garden Bay northerly swell (been there a long time ago will never do that again), how susceptible are cats to rolling at a "normal" anchorage? (Last trip a newbie had trouble sleeping in our mono if any sort of sideways roll.)
You guys are gonna sleep SO good!
I really struggle backing into slips on a mono though the bow thrusters on the 46.3 made it much easier. How difficult is it to learn to use the dual engines for getting into a slip? Not sure I could master the crabbing technique but would be satisfied knowing how to back properly.
Best part of driving a cat! 25' separation between engines! Can spin basically in her own hull length, and its easy to get the bow or the stern within a foot or two of anything you want. Take your time backing into a slip, and twist her when ever you want to adjust the bow position. Basically think about that old video game of Tank Driver with the two track throttles - your tank is just on ice (water) and the throttles are nicer. Its easy! Just take your time.
You will love your time on a cat. Just take it slow. 3/4 of your maneuvering is done at idle speeds, and lock the wheel centered at about 1.5kts or so. Rudders don't do much for you at that speed - better to just use the engines to drive (it is entertaining to watch someone use the wheel to steer at 1kts). Big precaution is to remember that since it doesn't heel, she won't give the traditional signs of being overpowered, so be a bit conservative (you don't want her to show you she's overpowered - by then its too late).
Have fun!
Keep Smiling!!!
-Peter
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