I'm thinking of making the ECO750 / KD860 / KD 1000 demountable, because for me these boats offer the best in terms of volume and performance, even when you're looking for an old catamaran. More usable and more attractive than classic demountables from Richard Woods or Wharram or others. BK's boats are the most rational to build in 2024.
To illustrate my point:
Let's start with J. Wharram's TIKI 38, which, according to its owners, has no competitor on the market.
11.6m long by 6.2 wide for 3000kg. That sounds attractive on a forum. But when you visit two or three of them, as I did, you think about it four or six times.
In principle, it can be dismantled, but at 11.6m long, it's hard to fit on a 12m trailer.
2x 1.2T per hull + 1 pod plus dinghy + beams + mast + miscellaneous and yes the boat can be dismantled but it's a lot of work and never on the same trailer.
With a waterline of 9.6m, an impractical V-shaped hull and a freeboard that's flush with the water, the volumes are not very usable in relation to the numbers. So much so, in fact, that we quickly compare it to Bernd Kohler's KD105. One metre shorter in overall length, but one metre longer at the waterline, for half the weight. So more beautiful, more roomy, faster on the water, faster to build and all for much less. I reckon it will cost between €50 and €60,000 to build in France, with 2 helpers on hand to speed things up and save time on the building site. For a boat with the same level of finish as this one, offered second-hand at 92k€. Wharram Tiki 38 https://www.boat24.com/fr/voiliers/wharram/wharram-tiki-38/detail/562537/
I really like the Tiki. I have a lot of respect for them. Their owners are all exemplary sailors whom we appreciate and whom I like to have as friends. Except that for me the KD105 is a more rational choice than a TIKI38. And if you end up saying that you're not going to dismantle these boats because they're impractical in everyday use, you continue the comparison and end up with the KD1000, which is even more spacious and economical to build. And if you were to envisage living below the equator on a Tki 38, then the DUO1000 with a removable integral bimini would be a more rational choice for even less money.
I hope that my thoughts, born of long meditation and vain attempts to find the rare pearl, will enable you to make a quick choice. Reflection must give way to action, because the joy of an economical boat is incomparable to that of dreaming about it. Personally, if I were you (if I understand your needs and desires correctly), I'd either buy a KD860, build a KD860 or an Eagle24 if it has to be dismantled. It all depends on how you want to live with your future boat.
Building your own KD860 with the small modifications you want and two assistants would take you maybe only 4 months and would cost you the price of those considered for sale. It's a matter of choice and courage.
Laurent
To illustrate my point:
Let's start with J. Wharram's TIKI 38, which, according to its owners, has no competitor on the market.
11.6m long by 6.2 wide for 3000kg. That sounds attractive on a forum. But when you visit two or three of them, as I did, you think about it four or six times.
In principle, it can be dismantled, but at 11.6m long, it's hard to fit on a 12m trailer.
2x 1.2T per hull + 1 pod plus dinghy + beams + mast + miscellaneous and yes the boat can be dismantled but it's a lot of work and never on the same trailer.
With a waterline of 9.6m, an impractical V-shaped hull and a freeboard that's flush with the water, the volumes are not very usable in relation to the numbers. So much so, in fact, that we quickly compare it to Bernd Kohler's KD105. One metre shorter in overall length, but one metre longer at the waterline, for half the weight. So more beautiful, more roomy, faster on the water, faster to build and all for much less. I reckon it will cost between €50 and €60,000 to build in France, with 2 helpers on hand to speed things up and save time on the building site. For a boat with the same level of finish as this one, offered second-hand at 92k€. Wharram Tiki 38 https://www.boat24.com/fr/voiliers/wharram/wharram-tiki-38/detail/562537/
I really like the Tiki. I have a lot of respect for them. Their owners are all exemplary sailors whom we appreciate and whom I like to have as friends. Except that for me the KD105 is a more rational choice than a TIKI38. And if you end up saying that you're not going to dismantle these boats because they're impractical in everyday use, you continue the comparison and end up with the KD1000, which is even more spacious and economical to build. And if you were to envisage living below the equator on a Tki 38, then the DUO1000 with a removable integral bimini would be a more rational choice for even less money.
I hope that my thoughts, born of long meditation and vain attempts to find the rare pearl, will enable you to make a quick choice. Reflection must give way to action, because the joy of an economical boat is incomparable to that of dreaming about it. Personally, if I were you (if I understand your needs and desires correctly), I'd either buy a KD860, build a KD860 or an Eagle24 if it has to be dismantled. It all depends on how you want to live with your future boat.
Building your own KD860 with the small modifications you want and two assistants would take you maybe only 4 months and would cost you the price of those considered for sale. It's a matter of choice and courage.
Laurent
