Aluminum Catamaran for sailing and cruising

[searoy]

Hi,

I am "new" to boating in every sense of the word, so I am certain that I'm jumping the gun looking for building plans, but here goes. I suppose my father-in-law will be a big part of the entire process, since he is the negative influence on me, wanting a boat and all.

I'm hunting for boat building plans for, or sailing examples of, a sailing catamaran for use as a family pleasure cruiser, including jaunts to the South Pacific and eventually to NZ and USVI (when experience permits). I suppose I'm looking for a 10-12m cat, aluminum hull, with either 3 or, preferably, 4 double cabins, galley up and dual helms.

If there is such an animal, and I had all my choices, I would prefer the "crossing platform" (where the salon and galley are) and rear deck placed aft as far as possible, long thinly tapered bows with lots of bouency to them, widening aft to make aft cabins more comfortable with room for ample-sized showers in the heads. Two helms, and a nearby/inegral nav station is preferred,

Safety, stability and comfort in rough waters is more important than speed in smooth water, and the option of a motorsailer for quicker trips would be well-utilized.

I really am only interested in aluminum construction, even if the current plans and examples don't meet my requirements in any way, so I suppose it is the descriminating aspect of the design.

Thanks,

Searoy
Eugene, OR

p.s. I'm open to direct emails regarding this topic.

[brian eiland]

Hello Searoy,
I might ask why you specifical chose alum for the construction?

You might type in catamaran in the 'search button' of this forum and see what you come up with.

Have you looked thru production designs and not found what you were looking for?

I'm over in Thailand at the moment on holiday as well as investigating several builders here. I will be returning to the USA on 11 Sept that will allow for more consistant communication from my own computer rather than an internet cafe.

Also have a look here:
http://www.runningtideyachts.com/
http://www.yachtforums.com/forums/general-sailing-discussion/1548-gamefishing-sail-under-sail-power.html


But feel free to write with more details of your desires, time frames, anticipated pricings

Im all for alloy BUT
with 20 years experience with my own compnay building sailing yachts, power boats and commercial craft, I'd say forget it You need a lot of specialised knowledge, a lot of quality machinery, lots of time, like years part time, lots of the old readies, and lots of stamina, patience.
Plus I spose you do love your wife? and she you? Well you will test this relationship to the max.
Either buy second hand or get plans for construction , chine, in some sort of cored sheet material, there are many being built now like this, No they are not so great when you are bombing down a big sea in the dark and you hit something, like a whale, container, log, submarine.
I am writing a book on the practical hands on building of alloy, and doubt it'll be finished, I given it to a few people and they have benefited greatly, so IF you do start, and please don't!! then you can have a copy
Somewhere here I've posted people with plans, very good ones , all to classifaction

Albert Sedlmayer

albert@seatransport.com



S E A T R A N S P O R T S O L U T I O N S


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[Bob Mott]

Hello Searoy,

Have a look at www.silkline-catamarans.com
We will have CAD plans and kits available in the near future for the 510 Silkline. Can provide a full kit with rig, engines, deck hardware and hatches. We have launched cat # 2 a few days agao in Langkawi and have sailed her to Phuket to join cat numbr one for for fitout. We can build to hull and deck stage and leave you to do the rest with our assistance over here in Thailand.
Or ship the partly finished cat.

The cat you have requested fits the Silkline 510 exactly but for your size requirements

Best Regards

Bob Mott Co-designer of the Silkline510 and partner Silkline Catamarans