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What's hype, and what's important when you're considering getting a catamaran. A new generation has quietly arrived... |
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1. A discussion of the new generation 2. A fly bridge, or control cockpit?
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Catamarans--the new generation...Let me warn you now, this is a light, breezy discussion of some of the influences, and some of the developments that builders have used recently to differentiate themselves from the competition, or to launch their boats into today's market. (If you want a more robust, far ranging discussion, and more technical information, go to our famous article "Good Cat, Bad Cat--what makes for a good, offshore, live-aboard catamaran?" I think success has come when the builder had the experience, combined with the intent (and success-translated: Money!) to move the bar forward.Intent...Will the boat sail in a 50 mile circle (Charter boat) or need to carry the kind of loads a serious, long range cruiser will carry? In the real world, we're adding more and more equipment... and then we come on-board with all of our stuff. It's no wonder a boat with borderline bridge deck clearance ends up banging and pounding through the seas. A serious boat, like Fountaine Pajot, is known for it's well designed bridge deck clearance, and more importantly, it's load carrying ability. The best of new technology...Cored, not balsa, construction, injection and infusion molding techniques all can bring new abilities to the traditional art of boat building. New infusion injected decks by Fountaine Pajot take 1,000's of pounds of dead weight out of the boat. This translates into increased load carrying. The side benefit is the molded piece (deck) is finished on both sides. Lighter, stronger, and good looking. Enables us do do things like mold in the control cockpit--more below. Of course we could go on and on about the new electronics which are user friendly and add immeasurably to your safety and peace of mind--I'll expand on this in a future article--it's a whole subject by itself. The other thing we're doing is adding some important new comfort and safety features to your new boat. Water filters, so you don't have to lug jugs of drinking water. Ozone generators to clean your boat of foul odors. And, also a security system so you or your crew can leave the boat and come back to a combination lock that the entire crew can share. You can then have your intrusion alarm set to the same code so you will feel like you can leave the boat without concern. More here. Finally, I cannot leave this subject without talking
about the commissioning process. The best built boat still won't serve your
needs if the dealer can't custom tailor her to your particular requirements.
By being set up to offer a full range of custom commissioning services, from
custom cabinetry and entertainment centers, to dive compressors and
watermakers--we have more experience than anyone having commissioned 100's
of Fountaine Pajot boats. We know the boats. We know when it's best to
substitute local equipment--especially when we can save you money and get
you extended warranties. Come talk to us when you're ready to learn more, or tell us your requirements. We're a fun place to look for a new boat. And, by the way, as I said at the beginning, if you want to know lots more about what makes a boat most suitable for passages and live-aboard, if you want to see understandable, technical information. Get the inside skinny on what the manufacturers intentions really do what they do, Answers to, "Why do they do that?" See our unique paper, Good Cat, Bad Cat. Choosing, equipping, financing, enjoying we can help. Not
quite ready yet--we put the same care and thought into the charter program
we offer with Let's Go Cruising. You can charter, or take a course or join a
Flotilla. We even offer a try before you buy program and, best of all, most
boats are available right out of Annapolis. We have a fleet of about 25
right on our doorstep!
Eric Smith,
President, welcome! Please go to the menu, or scroll down for more. |
Editorial
Boat-As-A-Business. How to sail for less!
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1. Fly Bridge or control cockpit?The new, Control cockpit concept...Click on the pictures to enlarge. Originally some manufacturers started expanding the raised center helm station, until it got ridiculous and became literally a fly bridge on a sailboat! You could not get to the cockpit or even pass a drink, without walking all the way around on the (often) dangerous outboard deck. Fountaine Pajot watched all of these shenanigans and then came up with their own elegant solution. Not a Flybridge, but a control cockpit with easy access to the deck or cockpit. I could tell you all about it, but let me show you in pictures...
Fountaine Pajots approach is unique and takes full advantage of the double finished, injection molded deck. The bonus is simple, easy single handling of the entire boat from this central location where you're in touch with your boat, the controls and your guests! |
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Bay Yacht Agency, "On the harbor, Annapolis" Since 1972 Use our handy form to register and receive confidential information: Insider news, technical brochures, in depth articles, business plans, pre-announcement of new models and charter specials and more. Call, Sales/Management 1-800-YACHT20 (922-4820) or 410-263-2311 Charter (Let's Go Cruising--offering America's 5starfleet.com): 1-888- 995-BOAT or 410-263-1818
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