FP's new 47 Saona catamaran

[Gordon]

Saona 47 with optional carbon mast and improved spec sails in action.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Rb5aLsmcyo

[Heath68]

Does anyone know how much performance would be gained by having the carbon mast option?

[Gordon]

It only means something for those that quest speed. When you are retired and not so focused on time, you elect to cruise on weather patterns? From what I was told, this boat, fitted with cruising options, mixed it with the mixed fleet on test sails after last years La Grande Motte boat show, out sailed the new Catana and Lagoons. The Outremer 45 with half the number on board and quite light, out sailed her by a knot or so. This is one very comfortable and safe cruising catamaran.
Again it may comes down to the sails you choose, how you manage and set up your cruising boat and the conditions and sea state...

[danielamartindm]

Too much teak! Looks like Tugboat Annie when it silvers to gray, takes effort to keep bristol.

[Moontide]

Pretty much only benefit of carbon mast on a cat is wright savings. Effect on stability is m8nimal, unlike a monohull.

Downside is insurance. Probably a big bump in premiuns.

[Heath68]

Originally Posted by Moontide

Pretty much only benefit of carbon mast on a cat is wright savings. Effect on stability is m8nimal, unlike a monohull.

Downside is insurance. Probably a big bump in premiuns.

So what you're saying is that the weight saving is to minimal as to have virtually no effect?

[Moontide]

Heath68, yes. On a monohull carbon mast has two advantages. Overall weight and weight up high.

The overall weight savings is less important on a keel boat than a cat. Weight up high affects righting moment which is main determine on how stiff a boat is (how easily it heels). Stiffer boats don't have to reef as early / can carry more sail area.

Since cats don't heel righting moment is less important, but the weight savings is a larger percentage of overall weight. Exception would be racing cats that do heel more.

Carbon is much more reliable than it used to be, but still way more expensive hence higher insurance premiums.

[Thalas]

Originally Posted by Gordon

It only means something for those that quest speed. When you are retired and not so focused on time, you elect to cruise on weather patterns? From what I was told, this boat, fitted with cruising options, mixed it with the mixed fleet on test sails after last years La Grande Motte boat show, out sailed the new Catana and Lagoons. The Outremer 45 with half the number on board and quite light, out sailed her by a knot or so. This is one very comfortable and safe cruising catamaran.
Again it may comes down to the sails you choose, how you manage and set up your cruising boat and the conditions and sea state...

That's exciting news. I have to admit, when I saw the 17 knots listed in the video, I rolled my eyes (I'm guessing that's with expert sailors on a very aggressive sail plan for those wind conditions that I would never attempt cruising in the real world), but I was really hoping she edged a little more to performance over comfort that the other FPs. If she could cruise low teens, I'd be ecstatic. I know she's light, but she does have wider hulls than those boats listed.

FYI, I'm hearing that with the engines, genny, and platform all back there, she's a little back heavy, but I think it won't matter the majority of the time.

[CalmSeasQuest]

I reviewing the Saona options list, I note they now offer a Yanmar option

AJH80C - 80HP - $21,305.66
4JH57C - 57HP - $14,913.01

I hadn't noticed this before. If I'm reading it right, the costs "appear" to be an upcharge from 50HP the Volvos.

I also understand there is an option to delete the galley island to enable enough space for a full sized dining table (or split table option) in the saloon.

Our short list in down to the L450S and Saona - Chartering a 450S in BVI next week (although an orange X off Cabo Verde may interfere with our plans) and am looking forward to getting aboard a Saona in Annapolis.

[Thalas]

Originally Posted by CalmSeasQuest

I reviewing the Saona options list, I note they now offer a Yanmar option

AJH80C - 80HP - $21,305.66
4JH57C - 57HP - $14,913.01

I hadn't noticed this before. If I'm reading it right, the costs "appear" to be an upcharge from 50HP the Volvos.

While the 57HP is naturally aspirated, the 80HP is forced induction. I don't have any experience with those. It seems like a case of "one more thing to go wrong," but that's a lot more power for just 20lbs more weight. Does anyone know if supercharged engines tend to have more frequent or expensive maintenance?

[Heath68]

Originally Posted by CalmSeasQuest

I reviewing the Saona options list, I note they now offer a Yanmar option

AJH80C - 80HP - $21,305.66
4JH57C - 57HP - $14,913.01

I hadn't noticed this before. If I'm reading it right, the costs "appear" to be an upcharge from 50HP the Volvos.

I also understand there is an option to delete the galley island to enable enough space for a full sized dining table (or split table option) in the saloon.

Our short list in down to the L450S and Saona - Chartering a 450S in BVI next week (although an orange X off Cabo Verde may interfere with our plans) and am looking forward to getting aboard a Saona in Annapolis.

Are they saying it's an extra $14k for an upgrade on engines? I tried to look this up but that figure (to a novice like me) looks like the cost of a engine complete.. or am I misguided?

[Heath68]

Originally Posted by Moontide

Heath68, yes. On a monohull carbon mast has two advantages. Overall weight and weight up high.

The overall weight savings is less important on a keel boat than a cat. Weight up high affects righting moment which is main determine on how stiff a boat is (how easily it heels). Stiffer boats don't have to reef as early / can carry more sail area.

Since cats don't heel righting moment is less important, but the weight savings is a larger percentage of overall weight. Exception would be racing cats that do heel more.

Carbon is much more reliable than it used to be, but still way more expensive hence higher insurance premiums.

Thanks for that... But in terms of knots on an identical boat would you notice it? Or would it just allow you to sail better?

[CalmSeasQuest]

Originally Posted by Heath68

Are they saying it's an extra $14k for an upgrade on engines? I tried to look this up but that figure (to a novice like me) looks like the cost of a engine complete.. or am I misguided?

Yes, I confirmed it’s an additional cost !?! (The same applies on the Saba.) My guess is they build very few Yanmar equipped boats.

[dschwindt]

Hello has anyone seen the quintet version of the saona. Interested in family cruising and am unable to find any photos on the bunk cabin other than the layout config photos from FP. Thanks

[Thalas]

Originally Posted by dschwindt

Hello has anyone seen the quintet version of the saona. Interested in family cruising and am unable to find any photos on the bunk cabin other than the layout config photos from FP. Thanks

Here's a shot of the bunk cabin.