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Old 27-11-2006, 18:08   #159
Intentional Drifter
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Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Pac NW, but presently cruising
Boat: St. Francis 44 cat, "Orca"
Posts: 737
1st Published Test of 420

In Issue #91 of Multihulls World
http://www.multihulls-world.com/us/index.php

Costs 5 euros for the test, or 5 euros for the entire issue. Obviously, take the whole issue. Since it is copyrighted, I won't/can't cut and paste the whole thing, but here are a few snippets:

"The 420 marks the end of the long, slim hulls, demanding aerodynamics, narrow cabin roofs, spartan living conditins, power and speed, and welcomes in comfort, ease of manoeuvring, and above all fabulous living spaces."

"The result is the most liveable 42-footer in the market segment, offering accomodation worthy of a 50 or even a 55-footer!"

"The layout of the running rigging has been the subject of a thorough ergonomic study, reduction of friction has been taken very seriously (ball bearing blocks everywhere) and the size of the jammers and the fittings is completely satisfactory."

"The gennaker...is essential, because it restores the 420's performance in light to moderate conditions."

"...the absence of smoke and noise is a source of amazement. The power and manoeuvrability are two others; the progressive nature of the propulsion and the torque are far superior to that of a classic gearbox!"

"Response (under power) was crisp and the reactions, immediate....Once out of the port, I accelerated hard: here again I was very surprised: the response was immediate and the boat felt very lively!"

"in 15 knots of wind from abeam. The 420 accelerated cleanly until the speed was hovering between 7 and 8 knots."

"downwind...reach after reach at 4 knots, with 9 knots of wind, in remarkable comfort, sailing smoothly through the waves with an almost total absence of pitching."

(in speed tests) "At 100% power, we noted almost 8/5 knots on a flat sea."

There is much more, but in all fairness to the folks at Multihulls World, pay the 5 euros and get it.

ID
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Intentional Drifter

Observations are gold; hypotheses, silver; and conclusions, bronze.

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Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but not their own facts.--Daniel Patrick Moynihan
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