"Unusual" project - having trouble getting the right build - custom needed?

[ScienceSailor]

OP here (hard to track, I know )
Thank you so much for the recommendations.
I am taking your advice, and will go for an older boat, second hand, and refit it.

I think you will find this project interesting. I hope to keep you posted.

PS: best community for sailing on the web, bar none!

[Chris Cringle]

Take a page out of Persig’s book: if you want it done right (or, in this case, your way), do it yourself. Design and build her yourself.

[SVTatia]

Originally Posted by Chris Cringle

Take a page out of Persig’s book: if you want it done right (or, in this case, your way), do it yourself. Design and build her yourself.

I totally agree with this comment and I did it myself twice / two boats. Yes, I am a sucker for punishment
However, some people lack either the ability or the time to do it. As long as you have the funds, hire properly, are very close to the project and inspect the work regularly, you can get pretty good results.

[CaptainRivet]

A good country to redo/refit is Netherlands if you don’t do it yourself. Their boat industry is mainly set up that the shipyard builds the hulls and then everything else is semi-/customfit by contractors working on the shipyard and specialized in one area they do eg carpenters or electric….
So you have everything in one place and they are used to coordinate this different craftsman based on the needs plus their attitude to do quality work is very high in general. Not the cheapest place but at the end that saves money and nerves.
Means you basically come with your hulls and ask them to do what you want.

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by ScienceSailor

I am taking your advice, and will go for an older boat, second hand, and refit it.

I think you will find this project interesting. I hope to keep you posted

Please do, be interesting to see what you come up with

[noelex 77]

Production boat manufacturers are not interested in producing custom boats for sound reasons. The production facility is streamlined to produce similar boats as cost effectively as possible . There will be some options, but nothing like the specialised product you are looking for.

There are custom boatbuilders who will build whatever you desire, but your budget is tight for a custom catamaran.

Given your simple basic requirements, it may be at least worth talking to these companies. I have often thought a professional built hull with basic systems subsequently completed by an owner has advantages over an older secondhand boat that is gutted and rebuilt.

You end up with a new boat with all modern systems no hidden problems etc.

[ScienceSailor]

Originally Posted by noelex 77

Given your simple basic requirements, it may be at least worth talking to these companies. I have often thought a professional built hull with basic systems subsequently completed by an owner has advantages over an older secondhand boat that is gutted and rebuilt.

You end up with a new boat with all modern systems no hidden problems etc.

Thank you. Outside of 'hidden problems', what can you think a brand new 2023 build could offer me that a boat say 5 years or 10 years old couldn't? Let's go down to brass tacks, I'm technical. So - take the only manufacturer that's still talking to me, Nautitech.

They claim their 34 model with a smart room is amazing, I asked 'why' and after they were done talking to me about 'sliding doors' and 'dishwashers' - they finally started talking about the underlying bus system across the boat. Looks like it's easily upgradeable, and accessible, and they can accommodate modifications, bar, of course, the hilariously uncomfortable conversation i had with them about 'removing the 2nd cabin bed'.

Honestly, I think at this point I'm just going in with a reciprocal saw at the show and demonstrating how one 'removes a bed' LOL.

But jokes aside, I'm genuinely interested in understanding the hidden flaws that older boats may have, and the technical advances that have allowed them to iterate over various models, year after year.

Thank you

[noelex 77]

Originally Posted by ScienceSailor

So - take the only manufacturer that's still talking to me, Nautitech.

. Unfortunately, the production boatbuilders will not be interested in your project. You need to talk to boatbuilders that will be interested before settling on the second hand option.

Originally Posted by ScienceSailor

Thank you. Outside of 'hidden problems', what can you think a brand new 2023 build could offer me that a boat say 5 years or 10 years old couldn't? Let's go down to brass tacks

Everything that is not replaced will be 5 or 10 years old. This is likely to include rigging, engine, hatches, windows, rudder bearings, chainplates, etc etc. Even in an extensive refit there is a lot that is not replaced. In addition the second hand value will be primarily based on the year of manufacture rather than when the modifications were undertaken. There will be limitations to modifications that can be made because bulkheads and even furniture sometimes has a structural function. Modifying a structure is often more difficult than building correctly from scratch.

These problems would be eliminated with a custom build. This does not necessarily make it the better choice. There will also be drawbacks. For example, I think it is likely to be more expensive. However, it is an option you should at least explore before deciding the best way forward.

[Cavalier MK2]

For a new build how about a Wharram Pahi 63 ? Flexispace interior means nothing is there from the start letting you build.a.big schooner for a clean slate.

[Misbehaving]

Have you thought about a Harryproa C50 or C60?

CRUISER 60 – Harryproa

[sw34]

Have you reached out to MaxCruise? I am not sure where they are in delivery slots for the 44 at this point but I will say I have had some preliminary talks about the 48 and they are very open to some changes in design. Not sure if that is because its still in design mode or just how they work but so far happy with all my interaction so far with Terry.

[ScienceSailor]

Thanks again, I've now reached out to 5 smaller manufacturers you all recommended, some of them look like a match made in heaven. I look forward to the multihull show to get a better 'feel' for what's possible or not.

What I didn't find was anyone to help me get an older boat refitted. I guess i need to visit a yard and ask around. I'll do my best near la grande motte during the show, or talking to people.

Thank you!

[Gadagirl]

https://ojigwan.com/

https://fredericksburg.com/news/loca...228096a36.html

Custom catamaran builder in Virginia US. I am not at all affiliated with them. Never met them. Just read the article in my local news.

[Hesti]

The reason why the production boat builders are unhappy about removing a bunk is likely, that that bunk is structural reinforcement and they would have to get the naval architect that designed the boat involved to assess, calculate and sign off the changes.


A lot of hassle in a market where they can sell what they produce very well at the moment. So, they rather have the naval architect working on the next generation of the boat (or next size up or down) than having his time spent on a one off.


One possible solution is leaving the bunk in the boat and fitting the additional storage on and under the bunk. That is something that can be done by many as do it yourself. Or by many small boatyards. No change to the structure of the boat, ...

[Matt Johnson]

Originally Posted by sw34

Have you reached out to MaxCruise? I am not sure where they are in delivery slots for the 44 at this point but I will say I have had some preliminary talks about the 48 and they are very open to some changes in design. Not sure if that is because its still in design mode or just how they work but so far happy with all my interaction so far with Terry.

He's looking for luxury and to load the boat up. Unfortunately Max Cruise and Dazcat aren't great fits for this. They just can't take the payload.