Hi Michael, I also am looking at Maryland 37s for similar type cruising and live aboard. In my research to date I have not heard of any hull problems with any specific Maryland 37s, although of course you do heard the common comments about FPs being "lightly constructed". What Yanmars are you considering? To save 400lbs implies about a 50% reduction in weight from the original Yanmars - I am not aware of any new Yanmars in the 100hp range weighing around 200lbs. Although, mechanically, the 4JH series can be rebuilt I've been advised in the US that probably isn't economically justified. Therefore, I hope to be able to "refurbish" otherwise refit with new 4JH4-HTEs. From a "payload" perspective I believe a 37' boat is too small for the type cruising either of us has planned - probably requires 40' to 42'. However, if you absolutely watch the weight and eliminate all non-essential weight it might work - at least I'm gong to give it a try. Good luck with quest. On 9/24/10 9:00 PM, power-catamaran-request@lists.samurai.com wrote: > From: Michael Dellario<mdellario@delcath.com> > Date: September 24, 2010 7:54:54 AM EDT > To: "power-catamaran@lists.samurai.com"<power-catamaran@lists.samurai.com> > Subject: FP37 Refit > > > Hi All > I really enjoy the banter and the words of wisdom from you all and I am > already sold on the concept of a power cat. > > My wife and I are looking for a power cat for a 4-5 year excursion to do the > loop, the Caribbean and maybe beyond. Based on our price point we seem to > fall > into the range of the PDQ 34 and Fountaine Pajot 37. > PDQ has some great advantages and an incredible group of advocates however we > are leaning to the FP37 based on personal taste. > > One of the more insane options we have been exploring is to buy one of the > old > Nautic blue 37's and completely refit it with new Yanmars and a generators, > assuming the hulls are not trashed and we can get it for a reasonable price. > But before I step of into the financial abyss, mental anguish and shear > masochism of this kind of project, I thought I could get some perspective > from > the group on the FP37 since there seems to be no dedicated blog for the > Maryland 37's. > > 1. Are there any basic hull design issues that I should be aware of on > the FP37. > > 2. I was told the new Yanmars would be about 400 lbs lighter(Combined). > Do you think that would have a significant impact on balance. > > 3. Are there any other words of wisdom on this kind of insane project > from any of you have had experience with the FP37? > > Thanks for any guidance on this suicidal adventure.