INDEX:

Where you want it
How you want it

1. Weight distribution
2. The power plant and props
3. Electrical
4. Electronics, communications and the boat office or custom rooms. Lots of info, updated frequently! Latest? Skype for internet communication in every possible way.
5. Plumbing
6. Rigging and custom fabrication
7. Canvas and customizing the cockpit area. Cockpit cushions
8. The operations manual
9. New and used alternatives
10. Summary
11. Product links & Interiors.

Look at some other specific products here.

Bay Yacht Agency specializes in customizing your vessel!

Having it your way!

Catamarans...

Good Cat, Bad Cat.

Monohulls...

Offshore, liveaboard monohulls

Power Catamarans...

Choosing a Power Cat.What are the limiting factors and compromises with a Catamaran Trawler (Power Cat).

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1. Weight distribution

(Full load, Sailing Displacement)

This is especially critical on a catamaran, but effects the load carrying capability of all vessels.

• First we make a list of all of the equipment that you will be adding.
• Our engineer optimizes the location of the equipment for ease of maintenance and with an eye to keeping the weight out of the ends.
• Using our sailing life style questionnaire, we calculate the typical safety equipment, stores, and other consumables you will likely have aboard.
• With Monohulls (and sometimes catamarans of the older generation), we recalculate the waterline and bring the bottom paint well above it to establish a true, working waterline. (Have you ever seen a live-aboard cruiser with it's waterline buried? It's not a pretty site, though fortunately all too common!)
• With catamarans, but also to a lesser extent with Monohulls, we look at alternative ways to keep the boat light. For Example:
  • Convert the larger tank to a fuel tank. Make the smaller tank a water tank, but add a water maker. Now you have extended range with more fuel for running generators and/or the main engine and unlimited water capacity.
  • Evaluate the 110 V. loads and choose one of the lighter, new generators that's appropriate
  • Biminis made out of stronger, lighter, more resilient aluminum pipe, rather than heavy, fragile, stainless steel.
  • Picking boats in the first place that are lighter, but stronger--increasing load capacity. (The Jeanneaus, for example use light, but strong kevlar cloth and a hand laid hull and stringer system to increase strength over the older, slather on the glass systems. In today's world of modern technology thick hulls don't equate with strength! (See Evaluating an Offshore Cruiser, Monohull.) In catamarans, the newest generation incorporates modern vacuum bagged or injection, core construction. See Good Cat, Bad Cat.)
  • These and other ideas are built around your personal sailing life style as we gather from our questionnaire.

Supplementary web site, a look at balancing your boat. Click Here.

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 Testimonials

Yanmar engines

Volvo engines

http://www.autoprop.com/

There are multiple considerations when considering the choice of engines and the trade-offs and more than one way to achieve desired results.

Often, the weak link in the chain is the prop and not the engine. A larger engine burns more fuel, reducing range. It's a tighter fit in the compartment, sometimes making service more difficult--take a look at the Autoprop, above, as an alternative--and talk to us about other's experience with this combination.

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2. The power plant

Ask any experienced cruiser and you will find that you will be powering and using the engine for power generation much more than you imagine. It's amazing that so few people simply accept the standard engine on a boat without looking at their use pattern or the ultimate sailing displacement (as talked about above). Once your engine is undersized, it's undersized forever!
Our analysis program takes the sailing displacement into account. It looks at the power robbing, mechanical equipment that might be belted off the engine. And finally it evaluates the kind of prop you will be investing in. With this information in hand, the program tells you the optimum horsepower needed for normal use and to power in adverse conditions (against wind and tide).
In the case of a Catamaran, which isn't restricted to hull speed in the same way Monohulls are, we can balance desired cruising speed against fuel economy with a fully loaded boat to determine engine size. We have been successful in getting larger (45-55' range) catamarans to achieve up to an 18 knot cruising speed under power! As you can imagine, this can open up some whole new worlds for busy executives who can't get out as often as they would like.

Instrumentation, a Boat office, plumbing, rigging, canvas and the rest...
Well, by now you've got the idea. Optimizing the boat for your sailing style is what we're all about. Because we do it so well, we have sold well over 1,500 boats since 1972 to people who have joined the ranks of successful cruisers. Here are just a few more considerations.

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 Testimonials

More information below in our custom interior section. Just a small selection includes:

• A/C (Air conditioning and heat)
• Upgraded refrigeration and/or freezers
• Microwave/convection ovens
• Ice makers, dishwashers, washer dryers
• In motion satellite TV & communication
• On-board offices with various types of internet services, including satellite (More below)
• Surround sound systems
• Multiple TV's hooked up to players, shore cable and/or satellite are getting more and more common.
• LCD TV's integrated to the boats chart plotter so that you can display charting information (for your guests?) on the  main saloon TV!

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3. Electrical

On today's boats, we're finding that owners are incorporating more and more electrical equipment. Chart plotters, multiple electronics, electrical refrigeration, mood lights, etc. We typically (included automatically in our BYA packages) upgrade the electrical system on our boats...

• We will add up all of the loads of the electrical equipment from the lowliest light bulb, to the inverter
• We will then use the sailing life style questionnaire to analyze the worst case scenario for these loads (generally sailing at night for extended periods, for instance).
• Using accepted standards and formulas, we will then calculate the size battery bank and alternator needed to restore your batteries in approximately one hour of running time under average conditions and approximately 2 hours in the worst case scenario. We also offer load monitoring systems and upgraded systems throughout the boat.
• Some boats are candidates for a dual voltage system with a 24 V. system specified for heavy loads such as the windlass and winches. We set this up with appropriate splitters for charging, etc.
• We typically install all of the appliances, including reverse cycle A/C and the generator(s) and invertors that go with the load requirements. We also specify the input system, depending on loads with one or two shore power inputs being typical.

As a guide: 1000 BTU's of A/C require 1 amp. Generators. 1KW=5 amps (So, a 6KW generator provides 30 amps) Note: The biggest load is the A/C. In general, everything needs to be sized to accommodate this, and either a 50amp service or split 30 amp service needs to be provided for adequate shore power. In some cases, (space or cost limitations) you may use a smaller generator with "soft-start" equipment options, as it's the start up loads that cause the peak loads.

Our systems engineers will consult with you to discuss your specific requirements.

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 Testimonials

Here is a link to just one of the many instrument suppliers which offers extensive descriptions of their products. Raymarine instruments.

Receive weather on your E series chart plotter by adding the Sirius interface and taking a subscription.

NOTE: A similar arrangement is available on the Garmin equipment with XM satellite radio.

 Now, you can install a Sat phone, practically on any boat. The range with the current Satellites includes the area from Halifax to South America taking in the entire Atlantic Coast and the Caribbean. The Antennae is only 12 X 7X2 weighing in at just 7 lbs. Now you can have FAX, voice and internet connections from anywhere in the Caribbean! One of our clients logs is appearing on our site now by way of this type of internet connection. See the story. Featured boat.

Boat Communications...

Now, communication from your boat is more reliable than ever. Whether it's by cell phone or internet, these products make it easy.

Air card, broad band access is primarily available from: Verizon, Cingular and Nextel/Sprint. Sign up for a limited plan (for less) or unlimited and enjoy hi speed internet and email access most anywhere. See their web sites for coverage areas--but they are vast.

(By the way this also works in any mobile environment including while traveling in a motor home or car)

The amplifier can be mounted on your boat with the main antennae 40' away (generally on the mast) and a pick up antennae (similar to a wireless ant) mounted conveniently below. Any air card or cell phone on the boat within 50' or so will enjoy amplified performance.

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4. Electronics & communication, Offices & custom rooms.

 As I'm sure you're aware, this is a huge subject. Rather than get into specifics, let me instead simply give you an overview of some of the requirements of a systems approach. Again, we start with the Sailing lifestyle questionnaire. In addition to how you will use the boat, we need to consider where you will be running the boat from. For modern, long distance cruisers with an auto pilot this isn't as easy a question as it might first appear.
For instance, on a Monohull, you may well sit forward of the wheel and require instruments on a sea hood that can be seen from here. (There are also considerations relating to a dodger, etc.) Will you be using electronic charting? (More and more people are.) If so, will you be using a lap-top with scanned charts or waterproof, plotters with appropriate cartridges? This all makes a difference in instrument installations.
 
Of course, in today's environment all of the instruments will be linked together so that central or even portable stations can display all information, often including graphs of wind patterns an electronic log and much more. You need to keep in mind that instruments with extensive keyboards (computers, GPS's, Satellite radios, Single-Side Band radio, etc.) Need to be given priority so that you can rest your arm(s) while comfortably entering data. You need to consider visibility and glare in sunlight and there are a host of other considerations.
You should plan on the bulk of a day (plus email exchanges) just to plan this all out if you're planning a long-distance cruiser. We can produce drawings, create a full sized mock up. Look at other installations in person and through our extensive photo library.

A boat office

In today's world, we often design in facilities for a complete office aboard your new boat. Some examples.

Stackable washer dryer from  Majestic. When you have room. 10# capacity. 110V. Uses 16 gal/load. Dimensions: 23-3/8" wide x 33-1/4" high x 22" deep

Splendide combo unit, right.

110V. 1.92Cu Ft.(8-10lbs--10-14Gal water usage) Cap. Advantage. Wash walk away. Come back to dry clothes.

NOTE: Be sure to use exterior vent kit for either unit. http://www.splendide.com/wd2100.htm

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5. Plumbing

 
Upgraded pressure systems with remote pressure tanks to prevent cycling. Water makers. Engine driven? 110V. with a generator? 12V? Will you be adding a washer/dryer? Water Filtration? Dishwasher? Ice maker? A deck wash down? Many of these may be subjects for later addition, but they should be addressed now in a systems approach.

12V or 110V or Engine driven. Should you downsize your water tank, while upsizing your fuel tank? There are many life style questions that affect this important decision. In general, you're better off getting a larger watermaker and only running it for an hour or two a day, rather than choosing a smaller one and running it continuously.

Filters, shore input and other considerations will all be discussed.

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 Testimonials

The all important cockpit

Whether a catamaran or monohull, the judicial use of electric winches, bow thruster (monohull), windlass control/chain counter and the proper set up of everything--makes it easy for a couple to handle everything from the cockpit.

We're typically putting a daylight reading, chart plotter at the helm so that reliable navigation is at your finger tips.

Slide Shows, links & pdf report papers:

1. Catamaran Biminis
2. Monohull arch/davit--pdf
3. Davit system-hinged up, no glue, swivel motor--monohulls.
4. Weaver davits--monohulls

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6. Rigging

More and more of today's new boats are being set up for easy single-handing--what ever the size. Some examples:

• Taller rigs are provided so that we can provide easy, safe single handed furling and reefing of the main as well as the Jib without sacrificing sail area.
• Incorporating an auto-pilot allows you to move around. Consult your chart plotter. Program Nav. equipment.
• You can even tack the boat by yourself by telling the auto-pilot to tack--it turns the boat through 100 degrees allowing you plenty of time to switch the jib from one side to the other. The auto-pilot can also easily hold the boat up into the wind (set to steer to the apparent wind-straight on the bow) while you raise a conventional full batten sail. As a bonus, the auto-pilot is separate from your steering mechanism and serves as a back up emergency steering device.
• We can install electric winches. Often an electric control winch which runs all the sail raising and reefing functions and in an emergency, if you got hurt, for instance, could serve as a push button sheet winch as well.

All and all, on whatever size boat you choose, we are setting the boat up so that one person can handle the sailing of the boat which makes it practical for a couple to safely handle virtually any sized boat--when properly set up.

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 Testimonials

Bimini Design criteria
(Catamaran designs follow the Monohull)

Bad Bimini/Dodger design--typically the standard factory or local bimini.

Mediocre bimini design, above

3 good Biminis...

Dick's Bimini

The Endless Reach concept

Here's our exceptional California style Bimini-see text.

At end of this section--see a superior arch/davit combination!

Sunscreens, screens and other enclosures can be fitted to all style Biminis. For Catamarans, we offer custom, welded frame Biminis. This may be the most important option you can choose to maximize your enjoyment.  See slide show at end.

Cockpit cushion design...

There are many choices here. Most people seem to want to be able to leave their cushions out most of the time, so you need to consider either closed cell foam, or the newer, softer Dry Fast Foam. With Dry Fast, you can make custom, contoured and comfortable cushions. We often create a SS rail behind the backrest so that the cushions can be extended higher for better back support.

We are now offering the new "Dry Fast" foam and custom covers with choices of designer fabric. DriFast foam is soft and supple like the interior cushions, but water flows right through it and it dries in a jiffy. We have boats fitted with this, ask to check them out. Click on the pictures for larger version. (We often laminate this with closed cell foam to bring the best advantages of each. Here's a link to more.

On Catamarans, the forward net serves as another gathering, entertaining area. We bring a custom net cover to this area which is comfortable to lie on, and incorporates zip on pillows (so they won't blow away!) Closed cell foam and textelene material insure that everything is weatherproof.

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7. Canvas and custom fabrications. (See slide shows at end.)

Important extras at no extra cost when you order a BYA, custom Bimini:

1. We use upgraded, Kevlar thread (It lasts up to twice as long--when you see Biminis falling apart, it's usually because of the thread, not the  material!)

2. We use upgraded icing glass. (Heavier, doesn't scratch as easily and doesn't crinkle compromising visibility.)

3. You have your choice of a wide array of Sunbrella colors and trims.--factory Biminis come in one color.

4. We use up-sized zippers which simply hold up longer.

5. We custom fit the bimini to your specifications for height, coverage, etc.

6. We use the finest materials and upgraded sized SS when appropriate.

In general, it doesn't cost any more, and pays you in real enjoyment.

If there ever was a subject often overlooked, which contributes such pleasure it's the canvas. Properly designed cushions and backrests, Biminis and dodgers not to mention sun protective covers can go a long ways towards providing comfortable sailing. (If your sailing partner says sailing is uncomfortable--this may be one of the reasons why! Also, try a catamaran for upright sailing and you may win yet.)
In today's world we are more and more concerned about protecting ourselves from damaging sun rays. As an ocean cruiser, you will more than likely be spending a lot of time in the tropics where sun protection is vital.
Anyone can tack on a generic bimini. It takes real planning and engineering to make it right. For serious cruisers, we suggest a permanent, welded aluminum pipe frame as the basis for your bimini. Some of the advantages:

1. Lighter and stronger.
2. Aluminum has a memory. If you bend it, it goes back to it's original shape--S.S. does not.
3. A permanent frame allows us to incorporate speakers and lighting over the cockpit in the frame.
4. It's much stronger. It provides positive hand holds for safety. We can span larger areas keeping poles out of the way of transition areas where you need to go from the cockpit to on-deck.
5. You can place zipper openings in appropriate places to see the sails.
6. It's much easier to incorporate side curtains and/or a windshield to create a comfortable enclosed area in adverse weather.

 We suggest a vinyl rather than Sunbrella cover because it is easier to clean and stands up better to chaffing from the mainsail and reefing lines constant rubbing on it. While this configuration costs about 40% more, it has better than twice the life of a conventional bimini. (We learned this from our charter boats where we get 3 years use in one year of service!)
After you’ve made your choices, our systems engineer will meet with you to discuss brands of equipment, installation and even installations that you might plan for the future. For example. For boats going into charter initially (often so owners can pay off their 15 year loan in 5 years—own in 1/3 the time for 1/3 the cost) we may keep the boat rather simple initially, but design in the spaces as well as pre-wire and pre-plumb for water-makers, washer-dryers, generators and other equipment to be added later.
We look at the big picture...
It's not a matter of just adding equipment and getting the best price. We plan carefully (measure twice, cut once!) We take your specific needs and sailing life style into consideration. Will you be primarily living in a marina, foraying out only occasionally? Sailing around the world with two? Sailing with a family of 5 for the next 3 years, but then traveling up and down the East Coast? Cruising and stopping for extended periods with trips back to the states leaving the boat untended? Each scenario brings it's own challenges, and more often than not the ultimate plan goes through a couple of phases which requires an acknowledgement of short and long term planning and integration of systems. We've always taken the long term approach and brought our projects in on time and on budget!
Another advantage of our well planned approach is that with a precise budget we can include all of the equipment that you will want in the initial planning and financing of your boat.
Whether you start out with a simple, less expensive boat for day sailing and vacations, or want a sophisticated live aboard...
The bottom line is that you can have your boat the way you want it and have it commissioned in the area where you want to go sailing first!
The right boat?
New or used? Monohull or Catamaran? What size? What type? Should I use the Boat-As-A-Business Plan (BAB)as an interim solution to get my boat paid off early? To gain experience?
You'll find that when you come to us, we don't try to sell you anything. We ask questions. Some hard, some easy. The answers are not always what you would expect.

Slide Shows, links & pdf report papers:

1. Catamaran Biminis
2. Monohull arch/davit--pdf
3. Davit system-hinged up, no glue, swivel motor--monohulls.
4. Weaver davits--monohulls

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 Testimonials

See a simplified example of our reference manual on-line.

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8. Setting up an operations manual

In the end, you need good reference information. We set up a custom operations manual for each  boat. In addition to information on the equipment on your boat, there is excellent reference information on general topics like: Safety procedures with propane stoves, rigging and tuning, and much more.

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 Testimonials

Article New or used?

Catamarans...

Good Cat, Bad Cat.

Monohulls...

Offshore, liveaboard monohulls

Power Catamarans...

Choosing a Power Cat.What are the limiting factors and compromises with a Catamaran Trawler (Power Cat).

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9. New or used...

While over 1/3 of all of the boats we sell are used, a used boat isn't always the least expensive alternative.
When you consider your individual sailing lifestyle questionnaire, it may be prohibitively expensive to upgrade the engine, rearrange, replace and or add equipment to spaces not designed in properly in the first place. By the time you add in the repair and upgrade costs you may come very close to the cost of a new boat without having the advantages of the latest technology and performance.
This doesn't mean a used boat is out. There can be several valid reasons for considering a used boat.

• You find the perfect boat, equipped by someone who wanted to do what you did but finances or ill health caused an abandonment of the dream.
• You find a late model boat that is very bare, allowing you to make the necessary changes easily without replacing outdated equipment.
• You're looking for an interim boat. Something you will only keep for a couple of years and then you will roll it over for what you really want after you have more experience.
• You're the kind of person who would rather work on a boat than sail it. You're looking for a project.
• Your current down payment budget limits you to something older and less expensive. Even though you realize that in the long run this may cost you more in time and money, this is the only way that you can get into sailing now.
• You're specifically are in love with some older model that isn't produced anymore.

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 Testimonials

Our services follow you!

Look at some specific products here.

> Best Service! /Price guarantee.
> Financing, documentation
> Monohull or Catamaran?
> Article New or used? What makes a successful, offshore/liveaboard boat?
>Offshore, Monohulls
> Offshore Catamaran sailing.
> Good Cat, Bad Cat. How to tell if the boat you're considering is suitable--read by more of our viewers than any other article! 

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10. Summary

We've helped people find the right used boat for all of these reasons. Again, to the extent that you share with us your goals, circumstances and dreams--we can best help you. And remember, in any case our BAB ( Boat-As-A-Business Plan) can offer the best way of all to sail for less whether you're considering a new or used boat. On the other hand, if you're simply not quite ready yet try chartering with LetsGoCruising. Our unique club  program applies 15% of every charter dollar spent towards equity!  Not only do you get special savings and inside information, but a significant portion of every dollar invested in gaining sailing experience goes towards equity for your eventual boat acquisition from us. Find out more. You can own for less, and get started now!
If you're serious about starting to plan a new boat because you want to own it within the next 3-12 months, you can go to our boat planning page. Here you will walk through a preference sheet, choose equipment and share with us your long and short term plans. We will use this information to help you find the right boat--new or used, Catamaran or Monohull. We can customize both the layout and equipment on any boat to make it right for your particular cruising style. If you're serious--go to Planning the perfect boat.
To find out more about the services that we offer, go to: Our services follow you! You can have your boat commissioned or serviced at any of our bases on the East Coast or in the Caribbean basin.
For some samples of some of the custom ideas we incorporate--follow this link.

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 Testimonials

More information here.

Catamarans...

Good Cat, Bad Cat.

Monohulls...

Offshore, liveaboard monohulls

Power Catamarans...

Choosing a Power Cat.What are the limiting factors and compromises with a Catamaran Trawler (Power Cat).

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11. Product Links & Custom interiors.

Custom interiors--Drawings and Slide Shows.

1. Fountaine Pajot (Catamaran Trawler-Cumberland) 44 4-cabin to Custom owners version

2. Fountaine Pajot 43 (Belize, sailing catamaran) 4-cabin to Custom owners version

Links to additional Resources...

• Flexstone--Granite lite. Light weight, stones bonded with epoxy and flexible enough to bend. Also available with marble.And, then there's Corean.

• Custom tables with custom pedestals. Allow, for instance, a table that has fold in leafs and is on a slide so that you can lower it to cocktail height and then slide it out so you have a foot or so clearance all around. When raised with both leafs open you have a full sized dining table. Pneumatic assisted, it can also be lowered to become the base for an inflatable pillow creating a double berth--without lifting or removing the table. Link to pedestals.

• Look at some other specific products here.

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 Testimonials

Contact us here!  

 Bay Yacht Agency, "On the harbor, Annapolis"  Since 1972

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Bay Yacht Agency Group Power/Sail/New/Used/Charters On the Harbor in Annapolis 329 First Street, Suite 29 Annapolis, MD 21403 (map) Sail/Cat Trawlers: (410) 263-2311 Power 410-263-2312 or Cat Trawlers . (410) 263-2964 (fax) info@bayacht.com Charter from our 5 Star Fleet Let's Go Cruising 410-263-1818 info@letsgocruising.com

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