Windelo ventilation issue?

[johnnyj]

Hey y'all, I am really getting close to a new cat purchase and highly considering the Windelo 50. I feel it has a great layout, although forward helm might take some getting used to.
Concerns are inability to throw dock lines quickly from the helm when in a marina, and ventilation down in the hulls/berths

Anyone have input on the latter? I have watched YouTube videos and looks at diagrams, but it doesn't seem like there's any overhead hatches. Run the AC every night maybe?

[noelex 77]

You are asking the right questions .

I don’t know about the Windelo, but many cruising yachts have inadequate ventilation. On some vessels it falls into the woeful category.

Good ventilation makes a huge difference to comfort. When selecting a new boat and deciding on the systems installed, many people focus on gadgets without getting the essential basics such as keeping the boat cool (or warm depending on the climate), mould free and dry.

[johnnyj]

It's between the Seawind 1600, Windelo 50, Balance 442 rn. The layout of the Outremer 52 looks really nice as well

Ventilation is a huge deal

Aft berths on the Windelo with no overhead hatches...

[Matt Johnson]

I'd ask them directly. Should be easy enough for them to add these to the deck mold. But I do wonder why hatches were left out?

Ventilation is an issue with rear berths on a cat. Transverse bridgedeck berths are better with this, but BD length and clearance, bed head room, and the climb into bed might be a high cost for you.

[johnnyj]

Talking with them today, I’ll ask.
Windelo has a great concept going, but a few questions potential buyers will need answered. Hopefully they’ll have the answers for me

[Dfauchier]

Go with the Seawind for sure, though I’d go for the 1370 if I were you

[ozolli]

Originally Posted by Dfauchier

Go with the Seawind for sure, though I’d go for the 1370 if I were you

Good Ruby Rose marketing

[Anders]

Running AC will be a must with no hatches in any of the hulls. Has an 18kW generator and a 500l fuel tank, running AC should not be much of a problem.

Have they actually sold any or is it just what they think it will look like?

[johnnyj]

There are 9 in the water atm. They do have a lineup for new builds, I think if you hop in line you are looking at 2025 to o get yours

They fixed the ventilation issue, coming out with a few great changes in the next couple of weeks

[Dfauchier]

Originally Posted by ozolli

Good Ruby Rose marketing

Nah I’m just a massive 1260 fan (and the 1370 is more or less a bigger one of those, with lots of improvements), but presume that’s not enough boat for them if they’re considering the 1600.

[johnnyj]

Any Seawind is great. Hop in line now to get yours in 2027

If the wait wasn’t an issue, I’d get a 1370

[Kinkircating]

I would first recommend to go for as much waterline as you can afford. All the boats you mentioned are nice, but there is a massive volume/space difference between a 44' boat and a 50' boat. The 1600 is a heavy girl, I mean how can any boat that puts composite decking over the entire surface of the boat possibly consider itself a performance boat, it's also a 20-year-old Corsair design that is very dated compared to more modern boats. We thought we'd like it until we stepped foot aboard, just not for us...the 1370 though is major step in the right direction.

The Windelo is a little quirky, there are some hits and misses on execution as you've pointed out. The 442 like the 1370 is a little small, and suggest if your budget allows, to go for the added waterline. Not to confuse you, but if you insist on going new you should also consider (in that $1.2M-ish range):

-The new 48' Nautitech
-Knysna 500 SE
-Leopard 50 (actually a pretty decent sailing boat for being so heavy)

Of the 3 you mentioned, I'd choose the Windelo, but not sure how many of these performance oriented cats you've had the chance to get aboard of and actually sail.

[johnnyj]

I appreciate the insight.
What do you think about the new Excess 14?
Huge sail plan, overlapping Genoa, deep keels
Price seems lower due to it being part of a large production factory (Lagoon)

[Kinkircating]

Originally Posted by johnnyj

I appreciate the insight.
What do you think about the new Excess 14?
Huge sail plan, overlapping Genoa, deep keels
Price seems lower due to it being part of a large production factory (Lagoon)

Personally, I hate it, we were anchored next to one this summer in Majorca and the owner was not happy at all with its performance. Toured one at Annapolis I believe or it could have been Miami, and didn't bother going farther than the cockpit and turned around. I think you first have to ask the price point you are looking to spend, I'd stretch to get a used Outremer 51 before I'd consider any of the Excess line of cats.