New PDQ 41 just launched
Has anyone had an opportunity to check out the new PDQ 41? If so,
what are your impressions?
--Georgs
Here are the first photos of the new PDQ:
http://www.pdqyachts.com/power/41Launch/index.htm
The public debut of the PDQ 41 will be at West Marine Trawler Fest in
Stuart, Florida, January 25 - 27, 2007, and at the Miami
International Boat Show, February 15 - 19, 2007.
Georgs,
I haven't looked at any PDQ's yet (being in Alaska), but the photos look
interesting. The 41 looks like a beautiful boat, but considering the layout
I have to say that I don't quite get who this is marketed to.
The master berth on the main deck is puzzling. When I go out on my boat the
goal isn't to lounge in a big bedroom (I can do that at home)... it's to DO
things. A berth is just a place to sleep in between doing fun stuff. At
first I though the cabin layout was intended to accommodate
mobility-impaired people, a smart design strategy given our aging
population, but since the head and dressing area are still down in the hulls
that shoots down that theory. I have to assume that this obsession with
huge master cabins (Lagoon 42 as well) is intended to appease some spouses
who have no interest in sleeping in some dark little hole... and if that's
the price that must be paid to get permission to acquire a boat, so be it.
One of the other prices to be paid for that on-deck master cabin is that the
aft deck is almost nonexistent. Probably OK for people who just cruise, but
if the boat is to be a platform to play off of, like catch a fish or pull a
crab pot for instance, then this boat isn't really a contender.
It also forces the galley down. Given a choice I'd rather have the galley
up so the cook(s) are up in the action (and the sleepers aren't). From the
photos, the galley looks pretty tight for two cooks.
Up here where beautiful weather is the exception, most boats' fly bridges
either are abandoned or are enclosed and used as the main helm. I'd
probably lean toward the latter though it would give this boat a very
top-heavy appearance.
I'm also curious about the interior helm position. I notice that the 32's
have that aft location too. I can see the advantage is that you're part of
the crowd with everyone around the settee, and the passengers have great
visibility forward, but how's the visibility for the pilot sitting so far
back? I can't tell from the photos but it seems as if he's kind of removed
from what's coming forward. How does that work for you folks with the 32's?
Another new boat on the near horizon with a more traditional layout is the
Maine Cat 38 - I'm looking forward to seeing how that shapes up.
Bob Deering
Juneau, Alaska
I'm sorry to have missed the launch as we are now back in OZ!!!
To me,the boat looks very interesting as it is different from most of the
other Cat's and finally gives some choice. I have been critical of most Cat
designers of designing mostly similar layouts without much creativity. My wife
particularly hates the traditional "side entry over the tunnel bunks" as
offered in most of the Cats up to the mid 40's. Once she see's one of these on
a prospective boat, she shuts down and no amount of persuasion will change her
mind!!! It will be interesting to see how PDQ have resolved this issue!!!!
Our Cougar Cat has at least foot entry Queen sized bunks, which although not
ideal are at least workable in that one's partner is not crawled over all the
time during the night for trips to the head, but then younger folks would not
be aware of this nightly routine yet!!
If this PDQ performs as well as expected, it will certainly be high on my list
for a new boat for Canada/US!!
BTW -- re the lack of cockpit space, personally I am not all that concerned
about this. I'd rather have a nice raised , well equipped lounge area on an
extended fly bridge for entertaining and relaxing in because it provides good
visibility and ventilation!! There is also more privacy on the upper deck when
tied up in a marina. I had a Krogen Whaleback which had both a huge cockpit
and a much larger upper deck. We spent most of our time on the upper deck even
though it was a struggle to get the refreshments/food up from the galley.
However a small galley on the upper deck like the Mainships folks are
providing would have solved that chore!!
Contrary to some of the negative comments from the "experts" , this boat is a
refreshing change from the old stereotyped offerings out there!! I recall
hearing similar comments when PDQ's first Power offering appeared in Annapolis
--- look at their track record, perhaps the previous "designers" missed the
needs of the market!!
I wish PDQ all the success with their new "baby" as they have had with her
earlier sibling!! I know I am anxious to have a run in the 41 but alas will
have to wait until I am back in NA in '07!!
Cheers!
Lloyd
----- Original Message -----
From: Georgs Kolesnikovs
To: Power Catamaran List
Sent: Monday, October 30, 2006 12:23 AM
Subject: [PCW] New PDQ 41 just launched
Has anyone had an opportunity to check out the new PDQ 41? If so,
what are your impressions?
--Georgs
Here are the first photos of the new PDQ:
http://www.pdqyachts.com/power/41Launch/index.htm
The public debut of the PDQ 41 will be at West Marine Trawler Fest in
Stuart, Florida, January 25 - 27, 2007, and at the Miami
International Boat Show, February 15 - 19, 2007.
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