Thanks so much for all the comments and suggestions. There are so many decisions to be made. Here's my thought process,
I've got till 2/1/18 to finalize the factory order.
I think we're pretty decided on the Maestro Crew layout, but there is lots of discussion regarding options.
France Vs. St. Martin Vs. Ft. Lauderdale
Once the post-factory build-out is decided, the next question is Where, Who and When (now vs. when the boat comes out of crewed
charter.) Some items seem to make sense to complete in La Rochelle (i.e. Parasailor and Flexofolds so they are available for the crossing...) for others (canvas/Textilene, custom
lighting and
electric...) maybe Ft. Lauderdale would be easier and more cost effective.
Setting aside for the moment the factory options, here's my
current post factory build-out in hopes of gaining additional insight from those that have "been there -done that".
France
FlexoFold 3B props
PropSpeed
4 Line Cutters for Saildrives
Parasailor and
rigging
Antifoul (factory vs aftermarket)?
Sun Lounge and Forward cockpit Sun Shades (factory vs Canopee)
Highfield CL360/380 w
Honda 25HP (the largest that will fit balanced against ease of use in the
Caribbean.)
Drinking water/ice filtration system (Seagull?)
Canvas (I like the enclosure David and Amy had fabricated on Starry Horizon)
Full cockpit enclosure in textelene
Helm enclosure in textelene
Textelene net cover for trampoline
Custom hardtop
Bimini (now or wait till after charter?)
Electrical/Lighting
Battery monitor (Link Pro needed with SmartCruise?)
4 365W Sunpower (Now or wait till out of charter and double W + LiPo and larger Inverter)
Galvanic Isolator 110v protection
Additional AGMs (factory vs aftermarket)
Add USB/110V Outlets (~8X)
Install customer-supplied Flat
Screen TV/Mount (3X)
12V Cabin Fan - Caframo Sirocco (10X) (Factory install 6 for
wiring?)
Underwater lights variable color (4X)
Large LED Flood Lights to Light up Fore Deck and Aft Deck (Wait to evaluate
current lighting)
Tri color LEDs Cockpit/helm/Saloon (Wait to evaluate current lighting)
Foredeck/helm/speakers
Iridium go w/ external antennae
WiFi / Cell Extenders
Hull & Appliances
Saba 50 Hull Treatment (all included) Hull
cleaning Wax hull
cleaning Primary application International Inter Protect x 1 coat Antifouling application International ULTRA EU x 2 coats Primary application International Primocon on
saildrive and propellers Antifouling application International Trilux Prop on
saildrive and propellers.
Convert Butane Gas to
Propane System
110v Icemaker with wedge (wood) (Factory vs aftermarket)
Washer Dryer (Splendide vented - Where on Maestro Crew?)
Upgrade Strainer on Factory
Air Conditioning (1 needed per compressor)
Countertop Microwave (mounted right of Oven)
Passerelle/gangplank options (attach points?)
Fuel/Ground Tackle
Fuel Polisher/Fuel Transfer System (Wait to evaluate current system)
Raycor 77/500
Fuel Filter System (Per Engine)
Anchor package to Mantus/Rocna 300ft 3/8 HT Chain, 3/8"
Gypsy and 150ft
Rode (G4 vs G7)
Plumbing
Convert
electric heads to fresh water flush to (5X)
Fresh and
Salt water Washdown pump (foredeck)
Hot water to Aft Shower
Add Second Wash Down Outlet aft
Rigging
Autoreefs of Reef 1 & 2
Extra Stb
Winch aft for Downwind Sail
Move Lazy Jacks to Cockpit and clutch (effective?)
Install Foot Switches for 3 Electric Winches
Rub Streaks for Running
Rigging
Gennaker/Code Zero?
Safety and Comfort
Flexiteak of 5 heads/showers, helm and sun lounge and forward cockpit
Handrails to Port and Stb Cabins
SS Grabrail from Helm to Cockpit
Add Extra set of Slatted Base for 5th Cabin
Ladder to Mast
Outboard engine lift and mount
Fishing rod holders (2x)
Alarm/Monitoring system (ghost, siren…)
For some insight,
I'm planning the boat will serve ~2 years in crewed charter until we're ready to go cruising. We'll use it as a
vacation home for 2~3 week intervals while I
work toward exiting my firm.
I acknowledge I'm building a "CondoCat". While cost (and sailing performance) is a concern; my
family has some special needs that have to be accounted for (significant other with a
very bad ankle and daughter with Down Syndrome) hence some of the mobility
equipment /
safety decisions (i.e. gangplank/passerelle.) Most importantly, for this to
work for my daughter, I have to as closely as possible recreate her life and creature comforts at home. I've gladly accepted this as a trade-off for being able to accomplish a life's dream.
I anticipate we'll be short handling the majority of the time so absolute priority to given to configuring the boat for same. I'm studying every single-handling resource I come upon and look forward to practicing on the water.
Adding to the short handling design importance is my lack of sailing experience. Growing up in Michigan, I spent lots of time on the water but mostly
power boats (I've always been a sucker for Chris Craft Mahogany.) My sailing was limited to Hobies and sailing dinghies. I've completed
ASA 101-114, have chartered a Helia and 450S and am continuing my
training both on and off the water. I have an aviation background which helps but acknowledge my overall lack of experience.
My plan is to take advantage of the week's
training offered by FP in La Rochelle and to train with our crew on the passage to add to my abilities. I've also included our family (6 grown kids) in our trips and training so when they are available, I've got trained crew.
I look forward to all comments and suggestions and sincerely Thank You for taking the time to aid us on our journey - It's truly appreciated.