Cruising cat design evolution.

[StuM]

Originally Posted by timbenner

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Creating a link to a file on your computer doesn't work.

You need to either upload it to a public server on the web somewhere or attach the file instead of linking to it ( When in the advanced editor, scroll down to Additional Options and click on Manage Attachments"

[Emerald Sea]

The trends of recent times are of boxy designs, flybridges, which I believe are manufacturer's manifesting on Lagoon amazing success. Lagoon have hired 3rd party architects to design their interior that maximises space, modern comfortable designs, vertical windows that reduces direct sunlight, all options available, etc., and its working, its what customers want, sales are soaring, and its bringing a lot of new customers to the yachting world. Now take a look at the new Leopards, the new Catana Bali, Balance, FP, etc - what you see are most definitely a slice off the Lagoon's designs here. But there will always be customers who will want a differing design, whether thats more sport, performance or other. Not sure designs will significantly change in the near future from todays trends. Perhaps new materials, more efficient power plants, improved components. More variations of the same....

[davecalvert]

Originally Posted by LTDsailing

I would recommend checking out the Balance catamarans. They are doing a good job of producing a performance minded cruising cat. However - the price of a quality cruising catamaran will always be higher than a comparable cruising monohull. If nothing else - there are just more pieces.

I just took a look at the Balance 45. Looks lighter than some but, not much sail area. Our FP Belize 43 has a much better sail area to weight ratio. Very few cats these days that are what could be called light. Boat weights have gone up, windage has increased, and sail area the same or less. I realize the charter market plays a large roll in new designs but, what about the private owners that want some good looks and performance?

[Nikki S]

Anyone sailed or lived in a Leopard?

[barnakiel]

IMHO there will be no evolution. We have seen the sleek and the boxy already. How many other forms are there in nature? Unless we invent morphing materials that will allow us to have transformer cars and boats.

I am not sure what your exposure to Schionning was, but from my experience they were not built to function but rather to their choice of construction materials. You can only bend a panel this many ways and this dictates how your brick looks like.

So, to sum it up, look at materials. The economy of materials and production has always, and will, give the form of things to come.

b.

[Seaslug Caravan]

Originally Posted by Nikki S

Anyone sailed or lived in a Leopard?

I think you need to post this in the "Bear Grylis survival techniques " forum.

[barnakiel]

Leopards are fine except the old ones have no slot below the bridge and they slam water in any swell.

Because of very slanted windows their liveability in the bridge is just soso. The slats over the windows help but not eliminate excessive sun. Lagoons are way better with their vertical windows.

Look at new ones, maybe the slot problem has been addressed.

b.

[Steve_C]

Originally Posted by Seaslug Caravan

I think you need to post this in the "Bear Grylis survival techniques " forum.

Funny.

[Factor]

Originally Posted by barnakiel

Leopards are fine except the old ones have no slot below the bridge and they slam water in any swell.

Because of very slanted windows their liveability in the bridge is just soso. The slats over the windows help but not eliminate excessive sun. Lagoons are way better with their vertical windows.

Look at new ones, maybe the slot problem has been addressed.

b.

By SLOTdo you mean Bridgedeck Clearance?