Max Cruise 42

[phillysailor]

Interesting design... hits pricepoint while achieving function and comfortable quick cruising. I appreciated seeing the hybrid option explained in your recent video, and was wondering how such a system might impact your sail and rig selection for the Chesapeake Bay/Florida/Bahamas cruising grounds.

Seems that quiet motor sailing might enable ICW-friendly sail selections which retain the self tacking ability you wish to retain?

[Matt Johnson]

Regardless of drivetrain, I don't think we'll go for an ICW capable rig. From the beginning we planned for a 18m rig with self tacking headsail and screacher, but after more testing, the designer is really pushing for a 17m with a self tacking removable staysail, genoa and code 0 as it's a more well rounded package. We'll test a Max Cruise - hull 9 which is the designer's own boat - first before we decide for sure. Neither of these work for the ICW, but we don't plan on spending much time in the area anyway.

[phillysailor]

Much respect to you for having clear goals which will take you far from the East coast after building your own boat.

My question is: assuming cruising these waters was the goal, how might low-power consumption quiet motor sailing influence rig and sail selection for this boat?

I’m a kinda-solo sailor with a wife who wants a galley with a view looking to retire to either a higher-tech catamaran which facilitates short handed sailing with solar & regen, or a motorsailer type vessel with space for bikes and a good dinghy launching platform.

I wouldn’t be using loose luff sails, but I would want to the ability to make progress in light airs or rainy/nasty weather, hence my question.

I’m assuming I’d end up with a ICW-friendly rig with a self-tacking jib and probably a screecher.

[Matt Johnson]

Originally Posted by phillysailor

Much respect to you for having clear goals which will take you far from the East coast after building your own boat.

My question is: assuming cruising these waters was the goal, how might low-power consumption quiet motor sailing influence rig and sail selection for this boat?

I’m a kinda-solo sailor with a wife who wants a galley with a view looking to retire to either a higher-tech catamaran which facilitates short handed sailing with solar & regen, or a motorsailer type vessel with space for bikes and a good dinghy launching platform.

I wouldn’t be using loose luff sails, but I would want to the ability to make progress in light airs or rainy/nasty weather, hence my question.

I’m assuming I’d end up with a ICW-friendly rig with a self-tacking jib and probably a screecher.

Sorry, I totally misread your last post.

If we were going to live along the East Coast in an area that made ICW travel a requirement, then the 16m ICW rig would be a very good choice. But in that case I'd opt for it as designed - large main and genoa and no self tacking sails.

Sailing hull 4 with it's 16m ICW rig felt extremely balanced and powerful. I really think a self tacking headsail would unbalance the boat enough - and depower it enough - that you'd rarely use this jib. They can design the mainsail to bring back balance to the rig, but then you're depowering even more. A self tacking staysail and genoa might be a better option if the demand was there to have something self tack.

Regarding engines - The hybrid is two completely independent drive systems. If you want long range, run on the diesel. If you want silent run on electric. I really can't see a negative except for a more complex electrical side and cost.

Max Cruise is also doing one hybrid in the port hull and an electric motor in the starboard. We ran some tests with this system, and with one hybrid's diesel propelling the boat and acting as a generator (@1400 rpm), we were able to go 6.1 kts by sending the extra 48v generated to the starboard's electric drive. So you get a more efficient diesel load, low fuel burn, and still going 6.1 without anything coming out of the battery bank . I think this would be the ultimate ICW package.

Hybrid in one hull and diesel in other is also an option if you just want to test the waters with hybrid. It still a great generator replacement; It allows a bit of electric drive when wanted; and you can do regeneration.... seems like a nice way to dip a toe into hybrids.

Matt

[phillysailor]

Gotcha, and I appreciate your insights. Kinda cool that Max Cruise are reducing the number of Diesel engines in a catamaran from potentially three to just one.

Yes there is increased electrical complexity and software dependence in order for all systems to remain operational.

But the reduction of spares, filters, impellers, maintenance and diesel spills is a worthy goal. Electric motors themselves seem to be more reliable than the other parts of the system that power them, so it will be fascinating to watch these boats and learn from their example.

All the best with your progress… I’ve built a 20’ plywood/epoxy multihull and can only imagine the geometric increase in complexity you’re “enjoying.”

Hat definitely tipped to you both.