Knysna 440 ( St. Francis 44 )

[henryv]

Looking for opinions on this boat. The Knysna web site suggests there have been some improvements made since the boat was made as the St. Francis 44. The photos seem to be much the same.

I always liked the look of the St. Francis but was concerned about low bridgedeck. I know that St. Francis increased clearance in later production but I don't know if Knysna made any further increase.

The layouts seem nice but it is hard to determine what the berth access is like. We are not wild about berths that require a big climb in and out.

We recently sold our Leopard 38 and are now shopping for our next boat. We do not plan to sail around the world - just want to escape Canada's cold winters and hang out in the carribean.

[Nordic cat]

I spoke to the Knysna guy at the Miami show a couple of days ago, they are now doing a 48 footer with much better clearance, at very reasonable prices. (>350k $), drop him a line... or speak to the St Francis people

Alan

[Hud3]

I think you'll be happier with more bridge deck clearance, rather than less, in the eastern Caribbean. You can see some fairly steep, punchy waves between islands and when sailing on the leeward side of small-island groups like the Grenadines. The waves refract and reflect off the islands and can combine in devilish ways.

[henryv]

I just noticed that this boat had been discussed in January - I was away at the time and missed it - did not mean to repeat the topic.