Hippocampus
Guru
- Joined
- Jul 27, 2020
- Messages
- 4,182
- Location
- Plymouth
- Vessel Name
- Hippocampus
- Vessel Make
- Nordic Tug 42
Much merit to Guy’s post. Very enthusiastic you chosen to undertake this project and agree one size doesn’t fit all. Realize lay outs for LDL boat creates particular difficulties beyond those faced with more “traditional “ BWBs. One is achieving isolation of the nav/helm position from the rest of the boat. Red lights aren’t really sufficient at night. Some like no interior lights, screens dimmed and quiet. During the day some prefer no through traffic or distractions. But a separated space with convertible berth seating behind a dedicated helm allowing 360 vision is hard to do in a narrow boat. Closest is the glass enclosed upper helm of the Arksen. The Artnautica, yours, and the Deep Water include the helm position as part of the active living space. It’s a more efficient use of the space but with trade offs. Personally prefer a dark boat. Once you’re acclimated you can see quite well. But even a second or two ruins it and it can take 20-30m to fully return. On passage find it’s important to maintain a circadian rhythm. Find even with three you can sneak in two sleep periods, get your 7-8h and not ruin your biorhythms. Folks get up in the middle of the night. Rummage around. Use white light cooking or looking for stuff even when you ask them not to.
I cruise with my bride and not infrequently newbies. They find it most reassuring if I’m close at hand. Not even steps away requiring them to leave the helm or raise their voice. I like to leave the helm to check on stuff and even occasionally do a quick fix. I don’t like leaving the helm totally unattended even though on passage the AP does 100% of the steering.
I see that side doors are problematic in all these designs and continue to meet A rating requirements. Still they provide natural ventilation, a wonderful non obstructive view and the music of the water. Many prefer natural ventilation. Nothing to break, no noise and prevents that isolated feeling you sometimes get on a boat. Found if anchored out AC was not required even in the tropics. Only needed it when in a marina. Suspect this vessel will spend more time at anchor than in a slip.
As you say all boats are comprises. It’s a great concept and excellent hull. One of the beauties of Al is the ease to customize. Perhaps develop and offer several layouts. For a one off design is usually less than 10% of total cost. Given you would be modifying only one space should be a even more modest expense.
I cruise with my bride and not infrequently newbies. They find it most reassuring if I’m close at hand. Not even steps away requiring them to leave the helm or raise their voice. I like to leave the helm to check on stuff and even occasionally do a quick fix. I don’t like leaving the helm totally unattended even though on passage the AP does 100% of the steering.
I see that side doors are problematic in all these designs and continue to meet A rating requirements. Still they provide natural ventilation, a wonderful non obstructive view and the music of the water. Many prefer natural ventilation. Nothing to break, no noise and prevents that isolated feeling you sometimes get on a boat. Found if anchored out AC was not required even in the tropics. Only needed it when in a marina. Suspect this vessel will spend more time at anchor than in a slip.
As you say all boats are comprises. It’s a great concept and excellent hull. One of the beauties of Al is the ease to customize. Perhaps develop and offer several layouts. For a one off design is usually less than 10% of total cost. Given you would be modifying only one space should be a even more modest expense.
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