Custom Marine in Kynsna, South Africa - New 'Fluid 550' 55' Design

[toby24b]

Custom Marine in RSA are specialists in semi-custom designed cats, mostly making high spec Schionnings to order. They have just commissioned their own boat, the Fluid 550, which they want to be a production affair, so cheaper than their usual fare. The link is at www.fluidyachts.com. The remit was apparently to use the principles of the Schionnings, light weight, skinny hulls, good centre of gravity, high bridgedecks for good open ocean performance and behaviour. Also to mostly use similar materials as Schionning/Bob Oram, ie. DuFlex, albeit with a little moulding in some places.

Anyone got any personal experience of Custom Marine, or the designer they have commissioned to make this boat, Southwell Yacht Design in Cape Town?


Comment much appreciated as so far I really like what I hear about them, and if my balloon needs pricking now is the time to do it!

[paulrack]

I have bought another new Phil Southwell design, the Maverick 400. It looks a great modern design with lots of innovative features. Phil has been a great designer to work with as he is very receptive to ideas and working them through to see what will work for one. The same evening you get a whole new 3d drawing showing the new layouts. He has also designed some great monohulls (sovereign 54) and the Island Spirit catamaran. The Maverick has already won the SA boat of the year two years in a row. The Fluid 550 is a stunning looking boat. Custom marine seem to produce good boats and have built quite a few schionnings already. I am sure you could get a reference from an existing owner. Good luck with your investigation. It looks like very sexy cat that will perform extremely well!