[PUP] PPM design

[Ken Williams]

Bo Leonard said: bb&What do you think of the Dashew's FPB's? Noticed that
he has no wheel, do you think he depends on AP and engines for
steerage?...b



Ibve notice that it is becoming more common for trawlers to not have wheels.
Ibve never seen a wheel at a wing station; which is where many of us stand
as we dock the boats, implying they are optional. Personally, I canbt
imagine being without one, but also canbt remember the last time I actually
used mine. On our boat, Roberta demanded we have one, because she wanted a
bClassic boat lookb and not having a steering wheel would look too
modern.



As to the FPB series overall:



I am a fan of the Dashews, and of the FPB series. Were I in the market today,
Ibd strongly consider one of their boats, although, ultimately, Ibd
probably wind up back with a Nordhavn.



Therebs a lot to love about the FPB series:



-              3,400 gallons of fuel

-              1,750 gallons of water!

-              7,225 mile range at 8.5 knots!

-              All Aluminum

-              Incredible seaworthiness

-              11 knot (claimed) Speed



On the downsideb&



Ibd like to actually be aboard one to see how it feels. My guess is that the
interior and engine room feel cramped. The FPB 64 is not far in price from the
Nordhavn 64, and I suspect the N64 has materially greater square footage in
the interior and in the engine room. The narrow beam (17.5b), canoe shape
and shallow draft of the FPB 64 are the basis of its great stats, but these
come at a price. I would describe the guests quarters as inhospitable. And,
the engine room as too tight to accept twin engines. It isnbt even clear a
larger generator, or second generator would fit. For bget homeb
capability, their literature gives a lot of reasons why it is unnecessary, and
then says bwell, you could put up a sail, but itbs unlikely youbd ever
need to.b



I donbt mean to be critical. The FPB series is very cool, and Ibm a fan of
both the concept and the Dashews. Itbs a very intriguing boat and is a bold
step in a new direction.



And.. on a different topic, Chris Samuelson, in a posting earlier today
mentioned the Fisher 46. I got curious what they looked like, and found a few
links:



-          http://tinyurl.com/5j3bmy

-          http://www.northshore.co.uk/NSHtml/fisher/fish46.htm

-          http://www.whitesyachts.com/Boat_specs/Raingoose-boatspec.htm
(actually a 37 .. But, same style)

-          http://www.northshore.co.uk/NSHtml/F37.htm (also the 37)



As we think about designing bthe perfect passagemakerb, the idea of a
motorsailer has a definite appeal. I remember reading Nordhavnbs specs for
their 56b motorsailer (http://www.nordhavn.com/56/overview.php)  and
thinking bthis is the right boat at the right time.b (inexpensive to
operate, comfortable, great range, etc)



Ken Williams

Sans Souci, N68