Aspen Power Catamaran

[want2boat]

How is it sleeping on the boat? Forward of helm step down into stateroom which has a King Bed that my wife and I find comfortable albeit added a 3" topper.


Is there enough storage for clothing and such? Storage includes a locker under the king bed for personal items. Also on port side under king bed is a large storage compartment but access requires effort, so will use for low frequency items: spare parts, off-season clothes. On starboard side a hanging lockers provides three shelves and short hanging rod. forward of this is another locker used that I sit on to get into my shoes. Forward of king bed is an maple book shelf. On starboard outside wall is a storage rail and six hooks. Storage in head includes medicine cabinet, under sink and storage rail and under mirror storage. Salon and cockpit have other storage capability.



How is it cooking etc on board? Kona refrigerator, propane two-burner with oven is capable. I added a second propane tank. I also have a Grill using coleman bottles which is mounted in the cockpit. Storage available for food.


Hope this helps. I bought this boat with the intent of cruising the Great Loop.

[Avast]

We're looking at Aspens. The biggest economy from them seem to be the single screw Diesels like the C100 - but in a world of joystick docking I wonder if that tradeoff is worth it or not. I haven't parked a long single in 30+ years as it's been all twins. The only other thing I would like would be a washer and dryer for some longer trips - not a fan of the marina laundromats.

[want2boat]

The C90 which I have and the C100 are similar in this respect, single engine in Stbd hull, asymmetric hulls to balance forces, tabs for ride and economy, and thrusters. The bow and stern thrusters enable nimble close quarter maneuvering. When not using the thrusters (practice) back and fill is within 1 to 1.5 boat length is available both clockwise (natural with right hand screw) and counter clock wise. Backing, such as, down a fairway is efficient by using reverse idle and small adjustments with the thrusters. I believe that within one boat length, the boat follows its hulls' tracks (compared to other boats this ease of backing is a pleasure). I hope this helps and I recognize the advantage of the twin engine. Good luck!

[Avast]

Originally Posted by want2boat

The C90 which I have and the C100 are similar in this respect, single engine in Stbd hull, asymmetric hulls to balance forces, tabs for ride and economy, and thrusters. The bow and stern thrusters enable nimble close quarter maneuvering. When not using the thrusters (practice) back and fill is within 1 to 1.5 boat length is available both clockwise (natural with right hand screw) and counter clock wise. Backing, such as, down a fairway is efficient by using reverse idle and small adjustments with the thrusters. I believe that within one boat length, the boat follows its hulls' tracks (compared to other boats this ease of backing is a pleasure). I hope this helps and I recognize the advantage of the twin engine. Good luck!

Thanks, the C90 looks great too - but the extra 4" of "freeboard" is of interest once we pack a month of stuff onboard - the extended cockpit will be nice for stretching out too.

The C108 form factor looks great as they actually grew the cabin, but the outboards aren't high on our list as we'd rather have Diesel for the engines and heat, rather than having to top off Diesel for heat, Propane for cooking, and Gas for motors.

[Vizsla_Buddy]

Originally Posted by want2boat

How is it sleeping on the boat? Forward of helm step down into stateroom which has a King Bed that my wife and I find comfortable albeit added a 3" topper.


Is there enough storage for clothing and such? Storage includes a locker under the king bed for personal items. Also on port side under king bed is a large storage compartment but access requires effort, so will use for low frequency items: spare parts, off-season clothes. On starboard side a hanging lockers provides three shelves and short hanging rod. forward of this is another locker used that I sit on to get into my shoes. Forward of king bed is an maple book shelf. On starboard outside wall is a storage rail and six hooks. Storage in head includes medicine cabinet, under sink and storage rail and under mirror storage. Salon and cockpit have other storage capability.



How is it cooking etc on board? Kona refrigerator, propane two-burner with oven is capable. I added a second propane tank. I also have a Grill using coleman bottles which is mounted in the cockpit. Storage available for food.


Hope this helps. I bought this boat with the intent of cruising the Great Loop.

This was great! Thanks.

[Vizsla_Buddy]

Originally Posted by want2boat

How is it sleeping on the boat? Forward of helm step down into stateroom which has a King Bed that my wife and I find comfortable albeit added a 3" topper.


Is there enough storage for clothing and such? Storage includes a locker under the king bed for personal items. Also on port side under king bed is a large storage compartment but access requires effort, so will use for low frequency items: spare parts, off-season clothes. On starboard side a hanging lockers provides three shelves and short hanging rod. forward of this is another locker used that I sit on to get into my shoes. Forward of king bed is an maple book shelf. On starboard outside wall is a storage rail and six hooks. Storage in head includes medicine cabinet, under sink and storage rail and under mirror storage. Salon and cockpit have other storage capability.



How is it cooking etc on board? Kona refrigerator, propane two-burner with oven is capable. I added a second propane tank. I also have a Grill using coleman bottles which is mounted in the cockpit. Storage available for food.


Hope this helps. I bought this boat with the intent of cruising the Great Loop.

BTW: When are you thinking of the loop? I am ~2 yrs away from it. If timing works out ... we can make it a party!

[Vizsla_Buddy]

Originally Posted by Avast

Thanks, the C90 looks great too - but the extra 4" of "freeboard" is of interest once we pack a month of stuff onboard - the extended cockpit will be nice for stretching out too.

The C108 form factor looks great as they actually grew the cabin, but the outboards aren't high on our list as we'd rather have Diesel for the engines and heat, rather than having to top off Diesel for heat, Propane for cooking, and Gas for motors.

I am thinking of the 107 or 108. I prefer the Outboards for multiple reasons but am concerned about maintaining three different fuels... sigh.

[Avast]

Originally Posted by Vizsla_Buddy

I am thinking of the 107 or 108. I prefer the Outboards for multiple reasons but am concerned about maintaining three different fuels... sigh.

I would take the outboards if Diesels were mainstream, but they are not. There is a cut to efficiency/range as well.

Either way, I think ditching propane will be high on my list - I'll take solar and batteries instead.

[Gcaddell111]

I like the information on the Aspen 107 . I have talked to Nick at Aspen. Right now I am planning to visit plant. I currently own a world Cat 29ec. Since my world cat is a planning hull, my biggest concern is how the Aspen will perform in sea conditions off the North Carolina coast. I would be using the Aspen for fishing in comfort. Any feed back would be appreciated.

[want2boat]

By similarity the C90 shares the Aspen signature asymmetric displacement hulls. From this viewpoint both C90s in the Detroit Great Lakes region have operated in rough wave conditions particular to this area (short 2-3 sec wave periods and steep surfaces with observed waves height up to 4 feet). These wave characteristics might be similar to extreme "choppy water" off the coast.


Useful techniques: 1) When heading into the sea adjust tab setting to raise the bow, higher speed (>18 mph), tacking and adjust tab setting to raise the leeward hull. 2) With a following sea adjust tabs full down to raise the stern and select speed for desired comfort. 3) With seas off the amidships adjust tabs to raise leeward hull and select speed for desired comfort. I have used these techniques in Lake Huron, Lake Saint Clair and Lake Erie successfully (my non-boater wife continues to ride with me). In general, adjust speed, tabs, and heading to obtain the hulls’ optimal displacement water length which results in the best possible tracking and ride given the wave conditions.

[Vizsla_Buddy]

Originally Posted by Gcaddell111

I like the information on the Aspen 107 . I have talked to Nick at Aspen. Right now I am planning to visit plant. I currently own a world Cat 29ec. Since my world cat is a planning hull, my biggest concern is how the Aspen will perform in sea conditions off the North Carolina coast. I would be using the Aspen for fishing in comfort. Any feed back would be appreciated.

Let me know your thoughts. I am on a WorldCat 230DC right now and looking at the Aspens. I love the ride of my WC on the Chesapeake and wonder how the Aspens will do in 3 - 4 foot chop.

Looking forward to hearing how your visit went.

[serpa4]

I'd love an Aspen with diesel, but even used ones are very very expensive. And not many, like less than 5 C90 and larger, have Gen+AC option in a used boat.
It's my #1 choice boat, but no gen, no AC, and me with a budget of less than 250k puts it off my list of boats. Truly would like one though.

[Vizsla_Buddy]

Originally Posted by serpa4

I'd love an Aspen with diesel, but even used ones are very very expensive. And not many, like less than 5 C90 and larger, have Gen+AC option in a used boat.
It's my #1 choice boat, but no gen, no AC, and me with a budget of less than 250k puts it off my list of boats. Truly would like one though.

Good luck. Let us know what you end up with.

[serpa4]

Originally Posted by Vizsla_Buddy

Good luck. Let us know what you end up with.

Cutwater C30-S likely.
There is a C90 with 10' beam for sale with gen and AC right now.
Rear deck is too small with no seats for me, but may work for others.
Their MPG is incredible.

[Vizsla_Buddy]

Originally Posted by serpa4

Cutwater C30-S likely.
There is a C90 with 10' beam for sale with gen and AC right now.
Rear deck is too small with no seats for me, but may work for others.
Their MPG is incredible.

I have a buddy with a Cutwater (28 I think). He loves it. Good boat. Enjoy.