Hey
kids,
I'm still a decade (10 yrs and 6 mos, actually) out and when I pull the trigger, it will be a decade-old 44 (if not older). That's the plan anyway. So, the new 44GS: Thoughts? There are a couple of improvements that have me scratching my
head. What say ye ol' wise ones?
With the larger hard
bimini, it seems it would be hard to watch the
furling main (which I also don't care for) while
furling it (and being able to judge the needed amount of the clew residence in an attempt to try and insure the sail doesn't bunch/ jam). Probably not a deal-breaker if using a furling main. Doesn't seem as it would be as easy to do single-handed with the huge
bimini (as opposed to the former bimini). Perhaps they routed the
outhaul differently so you can watch the sail retracting while holding onto the
outhaul line? Dunno. However, since I don't want a furling main (but honestly, I'll take what I can get when the time comes), I can see how it might be a hassle flaking and securing the main with that huge bimini while trying not to step on those
solar panels. Probably not a big deal, heck, probably no issue at all, but something that I was wondering about. Thoughts?
Not sure I'd want a permanent
bowsprit as opposed the the swing-out version. Was there a problem with the former style? The new version certainly looks cooler. I could imagine a scenario where I'd want to swing the
bowsprit out of the way when moored in tight quarters (would hate to have someone come along and tear it off with their boat). Plus, since can't swing the bowsprit out of the way,
marinas will likely add that to the overall length of the vessel and charge more. I know our local marina will. I see this as a bad idea, but perhaps the increased strength and
reliability (educated guess) outweighs these concerns? This is based on one image of the new 44GS, so perhaps there's an easy way to break the bowsprit down, but doesn't look like it. Again, thoughts?
I see the port side chair is gone (I'm sure my wife was looking forward to telling me how to drive/where to park from that seat). This might be a win actually.
I do like the new style of davit, increased visibility aft and perhaps it allows for a 11.5'-12'
tender now. However, the
tender sure seems to ride low. Thoughts?
Anyway, I sure wouldn't kick one out of
bed based on these items, but I do wonder and wonder what you 44 owners think. Thanks!