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Intentional Drifter · 22-05-2012, 12:36

As we've seen, currency fluctuations in what must, by necessity, be an international market, have wrecked havoc on builders. Such a shame about PDQ, for example. One of the other advantages for a US customer of a US boat is the absence of the import tax. While S. African boats don't get charged ("Most favored nation" status), the French boats do, and 3% on hundreds of thousands isn't chump change.

It will take lots of business savvy to make it work, but if they can build a quality boat that avoids many of the aggravating compromises I've seen in the newer French boats (at least, the less expensive ones in my price range!), and keep at least competitive with the price, then they might be able to have a go at it. Gregor certainly knows his catamarans, and that's a big point in their favor. At least the builder has been doing lots of work with FG, and that's good. They're going to need a very experienced (and picky, picky, picky!) production manager, too.

I'm with you, Brad, got my fingers crossed, too!

ID

leyachtsman · 25-05-2012, 14:19

Very cool boat indeed ! The Alpha 42 catamaran has caught my attention. You are right Brad and ID, currency fluctuations and the competitive dollar will make this boat attractive, but the fact that it is built close to home - in the USA, is simply perfect.

I can't wait to see this thing on the water and will fly to New York especially for this boat...and might actually take a tour of NYC. Never been there...

Good luck to Gregor Tarjan and Alpha 1 Composites !

Peter Campot · 30-05-2012, 16:05

Nice to see another US built cat over 40' but they claim to be the only one, what about the Maine Cat 41 and the new Gunboat 55?

leyachtsman · 18-06-2012, 12:34

As far as I know they have stopped the Maine Cat 41 and are only building the big power cat where they see a better market. Besides, the Maine Cat 41 is an open bridgedeck cat and really should not be compared the Alpha 42 catamaran - which has a proper rigid enclosed saloon, like a real cruiser should have.

Therefore, I think the guys at Alpha catamarans might be onto something...

Peter Campot · 18-06-2012, 13:21

Have you ever sailed on a Maine Cat 41? Your statement "the Alpha 42-which has a proper rigid enclosed saloon, like a real cruiser should" is your opinion.
I would suggest the Maine cat design is far superior to almost every other cat out there in that size range. And yes I have sailed on many of them over the past dozen years or so.
The Alpha 42 is a great addition to the market and I hope the pricing holds.

leyachtsman · 18-08-2012, 12:51

Guys, as much as I am interested in this new Alpha 42 catamaran - as far I am away (financially) and phisically (thousands of miles to be exact) So I asked my friend Pete who lives in Brooklin to go out and spy for me. He said that he actually met Gregor and his partner Mark the builder and they showed him the plug that is well underway. They were both quite nice and accomodating to his many questions although they apparenty knew he was no buyer.

So it actually looks like no fantasy

Here is a link that that buddy Pete (an IT guy) sent me from the builders website. Alpha Yard

cool boat.cool project - finally in the US. looks like its happening

MIRELOS · 19-08-2012, 09:47

The builder is in NY, I do hope it is a success. Looks like the right price and size for a start up catamaran. I bought a Fountaine-Pajot and still had to add lots of extras to make it ready for "my" cruising....oh, and yes, that terrible problem of dealing with the French warranty. Great sailing boat but dealing with the builders of foreign boats is a pain.
They should all take a page from Catalina yachts, customer relations builds business.

vegasandre · 19-08-2012, 10:05

I really do like this boat-great design and modern styling- and website. Does anyone know when the first one will be launched? Seems like potentially a winner- but obviously much remains to be seen. I will be watching closely.

leyachtsman · 26-08-2012, 10:58

What I hear is that the plug of the Alpha 42 catamaran is nearly ready, they are building the tooling and the first one could be in the water as early as May or June...a buddy of mine went to the yard and actually saw it first hand. cool !

Sand crab · 06-09-2012, 08:40

Here's more on it.
Alpha 42 shipyard launches - Aeroyacht
Home Page

hogfighter · 15-09-2012, 07:29

Does anyone have an update on the production of this boat? The pictures are amazing...

leyachtsman · 24-10-2012, 18:12

Last Monday my friend Pete who lives in Brooklyn went to the Alpha yard and met with Mark - the builder of the Alpha. Older gentleman who seemed to know what he was doing. There is a 70' catamaran that he built in the back and the crew was working on the plug of the Alfa 42 The back of the composite shop where the plug is was kinda dusty, but what do you expect from a shipyard. ON the other hand the front of the assembly building was spotless and ready to receive the parts once molded.

Mark said that they have 4 fix orders with a 5th ready to be signed. Although Pete told him he was not in the market (poor as me) he spent a half hour taking his time and talking until cistumers from Germany came - apparently boat Nr. 2.
Guys, it looks like this is the real thing. I cant wait to see this Alpha 42 kicking some French ass. Nice

Wind Bludger · 31-10-2012, 04:24

Yes that be us in Hull #5 we signed today! Yee haa - can't wait, with Gregor's pedigree and reputation this multihull should be a fast, safe sail. Bring it on!