Here are my conceptual requirements:

Beam less than 10 so it is trailerable up and down the West Coast.
Easy to launch at ramps. Even at low tide.
Stepped mast with total setup time 30 minutes or less.
A simple single sail like a Cat Boat. I have sailing experience with a
previously owned West Wright Potter.
One sail with an unobstructed fishing area (i.e. no mast stays any farther
than the back third of the boat) When sailing speed is not important. Most
of the time I will be trolling. If wind conditions were favorable, I would
sail instead of motor to keep expenses down.
No davits on back of boat for unobstructed fishing area.
Pilothouse to keep out of the elements when conditions are unpleasant. I
fantasize about doing the Inside Passage continuously. Perhaps in segments.
Dual stations inside, and outside.
Sleeping quarters for two.
Stand up shower/head area.
Economical propulsion of 4 gallons per hour or less when under way. Speed is
not a requirement. However, it would be nice to have it available - if
practical.
Enough fuel capacity for a 300-mile range.
A single fuel source for all systems (i.e. gas or diesel)
Small cooking area.
Pot hauler for crab pot retrieval.

Ideally, I would like to keep the project between $50/100k US.
A production boat is preferred.

Thank you in advance for your thoughtful considerations.

Sincerely,
Jim Garner

--
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.10.3/395 - Release Date: 7/21/2006

Hi Jim,

I like your concept - of both the boat and cruising the inside passage.

Let me first say that I consider myself a sailor, so I don't say this lightly - you should consider modifying your spec and eliminate the sail.  Even with the high cost of fuel, many people are discovering that the tradeoffs in hull design to make the craft sailable + upfront and maintenance costs of rig, sails, winches, etc don't make up for the fuel saved.  Especially in the inside passage where wind is unreliable and shifty in the passages.

A few discussions on the topic:
http://www.setsail.com/dashew/do_PARADIGM.html
http://boatdesign.net/forums/showthread.php?t=11479
http://boatdesign.net/forums/showthread.php?t=11492&highlight=pocket+cruiser

Bob Austin went through a similar process a few months ago and ended deciding between the Glacier Bay 26 and TomCat 255 - he went with the TomCat 255. Check the archives for his comments. (http://lists.samurai.com/pipermail/power-catamaran/)
Although he wanted to keep the beam under 8.5' and is currently based in Florida.

Mark

Jim Garner jimgarner1@earthlink.net wrote: Here are my conceptual requirements:

Beam less than 10 so it is trailerable up and down the West Coast.
Easy to launch at ramps. Even at low tide.
Stepped mast with total setup time 30 minutes or less.
A simple single sail like a Cat Boat. I have sailing experience with a
previously owned West Wright Potter.
One sail with an unobstructed fishing area (i.e. no mast stays any farther
than the back third of the boat) When sailing speed is not important. Most
of the time I will be trolling. If wind conditions were favorable, I would
sail instead of motor to keep expenses down.
No davits on back of boat for unobstructed fishing area.
Pilothouse to keep out of the elements when conditions are unpleasant. I
fantasize about doing the Inside Passage continuously. Perhaps in segments.
Dual stations inside, and outside.
Sleeping quarters for two.
Stand up shower/head area.
Economical propulsion of 4 gallons per hour or less when under way. Speed is
not a requirement. However, it would be nice to have it available - if
practical.
Enough fuel capacity for a 300-mile range.
A single fuel source for all systems (i.e. gas or diesel)
Small cooking area.
Pot hauler for crab pot retrieval.

Ideally, I would like to keep the project between $50/100k US.
A production boat is preferred.

Thank you in advance for your thoughtful considerations.

Sincerely,
Jim Garner

--
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.10.3/395 - Release Date: 7/21/2006

Power-Catamaran Mailing List