The Kelsall proa is a very different
concept. It is meant to be a cheaper charterboat for at least four couples sunbathing and partying with friends in the tropics. I am sure it will do at least as good as any other catamaran in this category.
Going back to the essence of this thread. I think I have done my homework but I like seasoned cruisers to poke holes to the fit of my requirements with what the HP 60 can deliver. The comments were already very useful in (mostly) confirming my premises. In resume I see the following advantages:
- the sea keeping qualities of a 60 footer
- the airy space of a 40 foot catamaran
- at the
price of a 30 foot catamaran
- the sailing simplicity of a proa with double rudders/schooner unstayed masts (in very light
wind conditions the
motor will do fine)
- the
safety of full functionality from a central
cockpit, no reason to venture out to bow ends nor narrow side decks, the simplest of
MOB procedure
- the level of survivability in a storm with all appendages retracted, no problems with sliding back nor sideways, protection from the windward hull, ...
The disadvantages are:
- the cost of a 60 foot slip if buoy
mooring is no option
- no short tacking in local round the buoy races
-
med mooring is not straightforward (or straightbackward ;-)
Issues to be worked out:
- add retractable shade (simple awning to the side of
cabin?)
- windows less slanted?
-
steering wheel off center to open up walkway?
-
single taller vs double shorter masts?