[PUP] Let's design the perfect passagemaker

[Scott E. Bulger]

I wonder if people on the list would be interested in taking on an
intellectual challenge of designing the "perfect" Passagemaking capable
Trawler?  We could establish the use scenario and crew requirements then
propose various systems and options.  We would go week by week and
argue/discuss these various systems.  At the end we might have a fairly
compelling compilation of design ideas.  I got this idea reading Dashew's
site, where he so openly discusses his ideas and what works and doesn't
work.  Well I haven't seen too much that doesn't work, but I still have a
fair amount to read.  Anyway if anyone is interested I'd be willing to
participate.  If necessary we could take it to another forum as well, but
I'd like to do it here, or even on the T&T list, but it seems if
Passagemaking is a requirement, this is a better place.

 

An example of how this could work is to establish a framework for the topics
to discuss.  Obviously we have to start with price, crew and distance
requirements.  Then we could move to basic materials, metal, glass, wood.
Then on to hull form, power, number of screws etc.  When an idea has been
fleshed out we could vote and then put the issue aside, but documented as
the "solution".  Then pull all the "solutions" together in a design
document?

 

Anyway, just a thought.

 

Perhaps a good place to start is to talk about price.  Since price would
dictate a lot, establishing something that the design has to fit into would
make sense.  I for one would say the boat MUST stay under a million $ usd.
A case could even be made that it should be below $750 or even $500 but I
think that might not hit the sweet spot of the buying public.  Now when I
say $1m I mean that's done, launched, floating with all the electronics and
ready to leave for a voyage.

 

A preliminary list of topics (in order of decision making priority)

 

1.  Price 

a.  (might include US built or overseas)

2.  Crew capacity

3.  Range Requirements/Use Profile

4.  Hull Material

5.  Hull form (oh God, if we decide on a cat I'm done!)

6.  Power

7.  Electrical

8.  Major Ancillary equipment

a.  Bow/Stern Thrusters

b.  Air Cond/ventilation

c.  Refrigeration (Food)

d.  Watermaking capability

9.  Accessories

a.  Navigation electronics

b.  Other equipment

c.  Tender.

 

 

 

Anyway, I'll have a fair amount of time on my hands over the next month or
so, so if enough people want to do this, I'd sure like to participate.

 

Scott Bulger, Alanui, N40II, Seattle WA

One more day in Reedville, then S to the Norfolk (by Sat)