Kelsall Designs

[JJB]

I got to thinking about a cat designer I haven't heard much of in quite a few years... Derek Kelsall. A friend past on a link to his website to me, looking at some of his designs, all I can think, is why isn't there more of his designs out there.
Just made me wonder, how many people here own a Kelsall designed cat?
If you do, what's your opinion of it? Also is it a dagger design or fixed keel?

[Talbot]

I suspect that the Kelsall designs are not as popular is due to most being home completed. The amount of effort needed to complete a boat of this size is considerable, and thus it does not cater to the average person. Anyone who builds a large cat from nothing deserves enormous applause.

The designs themselves are fine, and I even looked at one some time back.

Personally I would rather be out there sailing!

[JJB]

I suspect that the Kelsall designs are not as popular is due to most being home completed. The amount of effort needed to complete a boat of this size is considerable, and thus it does not cater to the average person. Anyone who builds a large cat from nothing deserves enormous applause.

The designs themselves are fine, and I even looked at one some time back.

Personally I would rather be out there sailing!

All true, my point more being, they seem to be great designs, no reason a pro builder couldn't take them on, rather than just people in their back yards. Similar to what Schionning designs in Australia, some are built by owner / builders but still a good portion of them are built by pro builders.

[Talbot]

Originally Posted by JJB

All true, my point more being, they seem to be great designs, no reason a pro builder couldn't take them on, rather than just people in their back yards. Similar to what Schionning designs in Australia, some are built by owner / builders but still a good portion of them are built by pro builders.

I suspect that Kelsall likes the contact with owners and the control over the process from his workshops.

[catty]

Originally Posted by JJB

All true, my point more being, they seem to be great designs, no reason a pro builder couldn't take them on, rather than just people in their back yards. Similar to what Schionning designs in Australia, some are built by owner / builders but still a good portion of them are built by pro builders.

Kelsall is still pretty active pushing his designs and running building classes.
Publishes regularly on steamradio multis.
Likes foam sandwich.
Kevin Lanes "tearaway" is a Kelsall design from memory. ( the guy who wrote some of the original Australian cruising guides, for those unfamiliar) a very solid simple boat that has done many miles, and not just in calm tropical waters. He may be a good contact to pursue.
A few pro builders do build kelsal designs.,

[JJB]

Yeah, I started more from interest as to how many people here have one, and opinions of his designs, while they are great designs, I have no interest in building or having a cat built right now.
Quite happy with what we have now.

[sea garden]

Ballotta catamaran in peru is building Kelsall designed cats both sail and power

[JJB]

Originally Posted by sea garden

Ballotta catamaran in peru is building Kelsall designed cats both sail and power

That's interesting, they certainly offer a nice selection of his designs.

[Jimbo485]

We have a Kelsall 12, professionally built in Brazil in 95.
Now in Florida, next week in the Bahamas....

Sent from my iPad using Cruisers

[jpemb7]

Does anyone know anything about this Kelsall design. Seems like a lot of boat for the money ? $250000

14m Kelsall Equateur

Year: 2000

• Current Price: EUR 190,000
• ($ 250,100)
• Located In Langkawi, Malaysia
• Hull Material: Fibreglass/GRP
• Engine/Fuel Type: Twin diesel
• YW# 77690-2260538
  

http://au.yachtworld.com/core/listin..._id=77690&url==

[JJB]

That's a fantastic boat for the price! The only one thing I don't like about it, is lack of daggers.

[jpemb7]

Yeh, I wonder what it sails like. Seems to have pretty good bridge deck clearance. Looks great.

[JJB]

The last Kelsall I sailed on was a 58, it was stable, and went like a bat outa hell.

[downunder]

JJB

have you been on one of the Ballotta Kelsall 58's ??

[JJB]

No, not on one built by them, but, looking at the design is the same design, just built in NZ, since all Kelsall's are built to the KSS system, I doubt there would be a whole lot of difference.