| Diesel
I’ve owned Avanga, a diesel 420 for a year now, but have only spent about six weeks aboard. I believe that after you are aboard for awhile, many of the catamaran debating points become less important. Being comfortable, sailing in beautiful waters, taking a nice hot shower, a comfortable boat motion underway and at anchor, sun protection, a bright saloon with a beautiful view, making easy miles under sail, these are important. You can debate sailing speed issues all day but everyone is more relaxed if you just sail easy.
Briefly, the 420 diesel is a wonderful family cruising catamaran. She is comfortable in most any kind of weather and sails quite adequately. She’ll sail half wind speed even in the lighter stuff and is simply a joy to live aboard. I do believe the diesel 420 will outperform a hybrid 420 in light conditions but this is just speculation.
We have had virtually zero maintenance or quality issues with Avanga. I do wish I would have ordered the four cabin version because so many friends and family want to join us on sailing adventures.
I’ll be heading back to Avanga in July and hopefully will be able to provide more info. I can tell you that all the owners I know, both diesel and hybrid 420, are very happy with their boats. She is a floating condo that can actually sail.
As mentioned before, the 420 transom design, both above and below the waterline is sub-optimal. We could only make about 4 knots against 35-40 knot apparent wind and choppy seas with 40 Hp Yanmars. Still adequate to get us home.
Avanga is big, strong and comfortable. I would sail her anywhere. |