Sunday, April 27, 2008

Choosing a design

We want a catamaran for stability and speed, that much we know so what other requirements must there be?

1. Transportable - We will be building the boat some distance from it's future cruising spots and would like to be able to move the boat ourselves without the use of cranes or lifts.

2. Limited Space - Our shop is limited with a building area of approximately 10' x 26'. This does not include the space used by equipment but actual building space. It could be extended a few feet temporally during the hull building.

3. Cabin Space – We would prefer a bridge deck cabin for protection from the weather and a place to hang out but will consider hulls with ample room for galley and sleeping accommodations and a bimini type shaded area.

Some of the designs we are leaning towards are:

Richard Woods - Woods Designs - Sango 26'
James Wharram - James Wharram Designs - Tiki 26
James Wharram - James Wharram Designs - Pahi 26

Sango 26:

We have purchased a full set of plans for the Woods Designs Sango and are evaluating the building process for this design. There are two hull options available; strip planked round bilge cedar or foam core and plywood sheeted flat bottom dory hulls. The plywood hulls are tempting as a faster build but the fairness of rounded hulls presents a much more appealing boat. We are looking into a compromise of the two using both materials as well as other cores.
The cabin/bridge deck is another big selling point for this design and includes a small galley and setting area that can convert to a bunk for two. The hulls have limited width in the bunks and would not be acceptable for the two of us.
© 2008-2009 Greg Johnson