FPB Series
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FPB
64 - The Next Step
We've been
involved with the design and construction of ultimate cruising yachts
for almost three decades. As wonderful of these yachts have been, with
dozens and dozens of circumnavigations behind them, none of the
boats we have done before offer the combination of cruising capabilities
exhibited by the FPB 64. This is truly the Ultimate Cruising Machine.
She is
as fast under power as our previous designs are in the trades under
sail, more comfortable, easier to handle, with even more conservative
scantlings, and better systems. In terms of storage space, room for
dinghies and toys on deck, and range under power it is the equal of
the FPB 83.
The FPB
series may seem like a totally new design, but it is the result of a
logical progression from our first sailing yachts. The design specifications
for the FPB 83 came directly from what we were used to with our most
comfortable and seaworthy sailboats. The FPB 64 is simply a refinement
of the FPB 83 Wind Horse, which in turn is a refinement of designs
like Beowulf, Sundeer, and Deerfoot.
Although
we have covered in detail the various features in previous web pages,
we thought a recap might be on order.
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Safety
and security: welded aluminum construction, five water
tight compartments, double bottom, 15/32"/12mm
bottom plate, enormously strong rub strake, 38"/950mm canoe body
draft (4.5'/ 1.4m at skeg), 3/4" /19mm windows.
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Cruising
speed and range: able to maintain nine to ten knots (216 to 240
miles per day) in virtually any conditions short of survival weather.
7400NM range at 8.5 knots including allowance for electrical and hydraulics.
4700+ miles at ten knots.
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Comfort
at sea:
the FPB 83 has raised the bar for seagoing comfort, and has been called
a "new paradigm" in cruising comfort by every magazine editor
who has been aboard. We expect that the FPB 64 will be comparable.
The FPB 64's performance will be similar in most beam seas, almost
the same downwind (albeit the FPB 64 won't surf as easily), with slightly
more motion uphill, but with less acceleration - the net effect of
which will be a comparable comfort level.
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Heavy
weather capability: high average speed makes it possible to avoid
most bad weather. There is excellent upwind and downwind control in
adverse conditions. Watertight integrity during a knockdown, and ability
to recover from a wave-induced capsize (better inverted stability
curve than even our sailing designs).
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Cruising
grounds: set up with the best heating system available for high
latitude cruising (with backup off engine/genset and from reverse
cycle air conditioning). Quiet and efficient air conditioning for
warmer climates, and an awning system which comes with boat. Insulation
of hull and deck for heat, condensation, and noise. Shallow draft
and the ability to "dry out" on a beach or tidal river opens
a huge array of cruising options.
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Interior:
a layout which offers 360-degree views from galley, salon, bridge,
and laundry room. Excellent sight lines close into the bow for the
watch keeper (both seated and standing). Galley is as large as any
we have ever done, with the best equipment we've ever fitted to a
yacht. Wonderful personal storage with lots of hanging, drawer, and
shelf space. Two really nice sleeping cabins, and heads, with the
forward stateroom having a tub. Interior designed to contain your
body at sea, with countertop and overhead hand rails throughout. Interior
finishes designed to take wear and tear, minimize maintenance, and
look good after years of cruising.
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Deck
Layout: Protected flying bridge for watch standing, entertaining,
or just enjoying the surroundings. Excellent sight lines forward,
aft, and abeam for maneuvering in tight quarters. Storage on the aft
deck for a variety of dinghy types and sizes, with a system available
on the house sides for kayaks and sailboards. Outdoor cooking facilities
with sink, work space, and BarBQ. Easy launching and retrieval of
dinghies with boat booms (which are also used with highly effective
"flopper stoppers" in rolly anchorages and as back up for
the active stabilizers with stabilizer "fish".
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Boat
Handling: Huge rudder, hull shape, bare aluminum topsides and
heavy rub rail combine to simplify handling in the tightest areas.
A bow thruster is fitted, but should rarely be needed.
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Systems:
Systems are an evolution of what has proven so successful for our
sailing designs, adapted to the latest technology in inverters. DC
based, stored energy in a large bank of "traction" batteries
- the prime power source for most AC needs. Genset rarely required.
Complete compliment of best in-home style appliances for washing,
drying, induction stove top, speed oven, drawer style dish washer,
central vacuum, trash compactor.
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Engine
and drive line: conservative, low speed engine, transmission,
drive shaft, and prop. Get-home sail plan. Machinery
noise and vibration minimal under way.
One of
the keys to getting this performance package to work in a 65-foot (20m)
hull is the use of welded aluminum construction. Aluminum offers not
only high factors of safety from impact with debris and abrasion when
aground, but it also allows a double bottom and very efficient tankage.
The negative is cost. A welded aluminum structure is normally significantly
more expensive than fiberglass.
However,
by working closely with our vendors in New Zealand (the same team with
which we developed the FPB 83) we have come up with a method of efficiently
building these yachts in series, as long as they are sufficient sisterships.
This offers substantial benefits: The FPB 64 will come in at a competitive
number to production fiberglass designs.
We are
taking the same approach with this program as worked so well with our
Sundeer Series. The FPB 64s will come fully fitted out, including
all systems, ground tackle, appliances, and complete spare parts, for
long-term cruising. There will be no options. By having each
yacht built to the same high specification you end up with the best
quality systems, integrated into the boat in a consistent fashion, so
that they are easy to maintain, and you know they are installed correctly
from the beginning. Building in all the items which would normally be
options saves money and commissioning time. When you take delivery,
once through with your learning curve, you are ready to go cruising.
The FPB
64s will be available in two series. There are the initial four boats,
and then the subsequent sisterships. The first four boats are spoken
for. If you would like to learn more about schedule, specifications,
and pricing for the next group, drop an e-mail to ToddR@SetSail.com
If you
would like more information on the experience and philosophy which underlies
our designs check out Offshore
Cruising Encyclopedia and Surviving
the Storm. There is also a DVD
available on the FPB design process and sea-trials of the FPB 83.
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