As the owner of a modest size cruising cat (PDQ32) I've been wondering if the species was becoming extinct. This boat and the Mahe suggest that at least some builders think there is a market.
The first thing I noticed is what appears to be a high freeboard. This boat is going to have some windage. As soon as they get one in the
water, they should publish a
photo - it may look better than the drawings. I'm also not wild about the solid foredeck. They did step the hulls out above the waterline to give some reserve buoyancy.
The
center cockpit, aft
cabin design is similar to our PDQ32 and we find it works well on this size cat. The decision to go
galley up on a small cat is interesting but it looks like they may have made it
work. That's not easy with only a 16 foot beam. (not trying to start a
galley up/down debate)
Although they have published several pages of specs, there is no
displacement number or mention of sail area that I could find. Also, since the biggest problem with cruising in smaller cats is payload, they really need to provide an estimate of the largest safe payload. Difficult to do do but important.
Those two large
ports in the aft cabins might not be the greatest if the boat takes a large stern wave. Easy enough to swap out for smaller
ports and still have enough ventilation/visibility. The
cockpit should be quite secure.
The self tacking
jib on a track is the same as our
PDQ and we love it. I'm less thrilled with a
bridle for mainsheet control. I would have a hard time giving up our long traveler for
mainsail trimming. It's one of the great benefits of a cats beam. I can see why they did it, just don't care for it.
I must agree with Therapy that the centralized line station is really cool. Short, low friction runs, easy access.
Single handing this boat should be a snap.
Interesting boat. Look forward to photos of the finished product.
Charlie Phillips
Portland, OR
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