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FPB SeriesA New Paradigm for CruisingDesign Objectives Heavy Wx Issues
FPB 64 On Deck FPB 83FPB 83 On DeckFPB 83 InteriorFPB 83 SystemsDrive Line PassagesHow Things Are Working Out |
Forepeak
& Anchoring System
Years ago we learned that there had to be a place onboard for ground tackle, sails, fenders, dock lines, awnings, etc. Because whether you allowed space for it or not, if the boat was going cruising, this gear was coming along. That's why from the first of our designs in the late 1970s we made the forward portion of the canoe body off limits to the interior, setting it aside for ship's gear. This approach keeps the smell of this gear isolated, and the forward water tight bulkhead is an added factor of safety.
On the FPB 64 the forward 15+ feet (4.7m) of the canoe body is devoted to general storage.
This is going to seem like a lot of space, especially if you look at the sketch above. That is what we thought the first time we looked at the FPB 83's forepeak. No sails, why all the space? We can tell you now that you will be using this space. Consider what we carry up here aboard Wind Horse.
And, we travel light!
The point is, you need a place for this type of gear, where it can be stored on racks or tied in place, so it is easy to get at when you need it.
The FPB 64 will have three levels of pipes onto which gear can be tied as well as sockets strategically placed for aluminum rods onto which gear can be positioned.
A word is probably in order on the primary ground tackle system. This starts with the same anchor that has worked so well on Wind Horse, the Rocna. We've found this to be the best all around hook we have ever used. We are utilizing the same size anchor, chain, chain stopper, and windlass as on the FPB 83, even though the loads on the FPB 64 are less. The FPB 64 will handle the weight and it provides just that much more safety factor in adverse anchoring conditions (we often anchor Wind Horse on 2-1 scope with this system). This sketch also shows more detail on the forward "mast". This contains a forward anchor light (there is one aft as well), forward deck light, and a 1000 watt halogen focused floodlight to illuminate the ocean ahead. We have found the latter quite handy for checking wave shape at night.
The chain sits in a self draining well, above the waterline. Any water which comes aboard down the chain pipe drains out, and this water, plus the occasional wave going by the bow, acts as a self cleaning system for the chain. The anchor roller design and the center of gravity of the anchor make this a totally self-launching system. The bow roller weldment itself is enormously strong, designed for banging into things and taking side loads.
And if you are using a snubber line, or hove to behind a para anchor, there is a trumpet shaped fairlead at the forward edge to reduce chafe to a minimum, as shown on the FPB 83 above and below (she's anchored in Fanning Island about three degrees north latitude, south of Hawaii).
This close up will give you an idea of what a fairlead, and sufficiently strong anchor roller assembly, is supposed to look like. Finally, should you ever want to carry crew, or want to build a dorm for lots of grandkids, the forepeak is the place.
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