Knysna 440

[Factor]

Am I correct in understanding that the Knysna 440 is the St Francis 44 built by a different yard? If so what can anyone tell me about that Knysna Yard quality, I hear nothing but good about St Francis, is Knysna at the same quality?

Also what is the bridge-deck clearance on the 44?

[fastcat435]

The Knysna is a redone St Francis 44 with widened hulls , a higher roof , T bar in the rear for the traveler, they have added at least 1500 kilo in weight and the bridge deck clearance is almost vanished.
I have seen one in the Dutch waters last year and even with 15 knots of wind it hardly moved.
The Knysna 47 is a longer version of the 44 ft version.

Greetings
Gideon

[Factor]

Ah thanks - so not so good, its often the story - take a good thing - and stuff it up.

[fastcat435]

Originally Posted by Factor

Ah thanks - so not so good, its often the story - take a good thing - and stuff it up.

The original design was excellent for its time but 16 years down the line it is outdated and now also overweight so not such a good choice any more

Greetings

Gideon

[fastcat435]

Unless off course performance if not your thing and than it does not really matter !!!!

[diver14u]

As Knysna 44ft owner and with over 20 000 nm on her, all I can say that Sailing the Atlantic from Cape Town to Brazil we averaged 7 to 8 knots consistently, we had almost a years supply of food onboard.
Very little cat slap as we had a following sea, my boat is as far as I’m concerned a very comfortable cruising, living Catermaran.
Please if you need any info on the 44ft I would be glad to answer any of you queries.

[swordawet]

Originally Posted by diver14u

As Knysna 44ft owner and with over 20 000 nm on her, all I can say that Sailing the Atlantic from Cape Town to Brazil we averaged 7 to 8 knots consistently, we had almost a years supply of food onboard.
Very little cat slap as we had a following sea, my boat is as far as I’m concerned a very comfortable cruising, living Catermaran.
Please if you need any info on the 44ft I would be glad to answer any of you queries.

Hello Shaun
Can you share any more information regarding yacht speed, wind speed and point of sail for your Knysna 440?

[LeeV]

Hi Factor,

Specs if you don't have them:

http://www.catatude.co.za/userfiles/...0440_specs.pdf



We considered and even flew down and had a walk through of one in Florida. My short term observations (without sailing) are:


1. BD clearance looked to be @16" (don't have my notes here, but there is a very nice website from an owner who recognized the minimal clearance but suggested the less windage and c/effort somehow made up for it)


2. The design is outdated, but I sort of liked it - unusual layout of cabins, but didn't like the tub.


3. The boat we saw was a mess; look carefully.


4. I'd definitely consider the 48'


Best regards,

[swordawet]

Hello LeeV
Was the yacht you looked at in FL either “Rebel” or “Catatude”?

[Mystic38]

I question whether the design of the SF44 (or the Knyssa 440) is "dated".. unless you are placing consumer trends of ikea furniture, high windage, slow speed and overweight as your yardstick..

IMO, the 440 took a focused lightweight, fast, well sailing catamaran suitable for world travel and compromised it a bit for creature comforts & space .. thats still a pretty good vessel compared to most modern cats imo

simply identify your priorities for your vessel and narrow the search.. however i would take the views and experience of owners and those who have crewed over anecdotal evidence

[44'cruisingcat]

Originally Posted by diver14u

As Knysna 44ft owner and with over 20 000 nm on her, all I can say that Sailing the Atlantic from Cape Town to Brazil we averaged 7 to 8 knots consistently, we had almost a years supply of food onboard.
Very little cat slap as we had a following sea, my boat is as far as I’m concerned a very comfortable cruising, living Catermaran.
Please if you need any info on the 44ft I would be glad to answer any of you queries.

You may be a little late. The post before yours was more than 10 years ago.

[LeeV]

Originally Posted by swordawet

Hello LeeV
Was the yacht you looked at in FL either “Rebel” or “Catatude”?

There was actually a third 440 floating around then, but I'd rather not point out the specific boat with respect to the owner, broker and buyers who may have a different opinion of what comprises a "mess."


Regards,