A New Paradigm for Cruising

P-Class Information

Hello, I am the recent purchaser of a 1962 P-Class Catamaran. “Mahitabel” is a 28 ft long/ by 12′ Beam Designed by Bud Platten / R&D builder for Hobie Catamarans. It is to my understanding that boat designers Platten, Eric Witte, Ron Holder were fighting for a 1-man design, I am inquiring to see if Mahitabel is just in fact the Hull #1 that resulted. She is a fiberglass/ kevlar reinforced hull with steering 3′ forward of AMA’S. Foiled foam Dagger boards forward, and 300 sq ft of sail! Mahitabel is currently under rebuild in an owner/ repair shop Finleys in Oceanside. If you could provide any knowledge of this beautiful machine, It will help give me strength in each sanding stroke! Mark Pasquale
No info here, but will post and perhaps someone will reply.

Posted by Steve Dashew  (April 5, 2010)




One Response to “P-Class Information”

  1. mark pasquale Says:

    Mahitabel was launched and is now back in the water in Oceanside
    On my P-Class Post, April 5th 2010, I had indicated she is Hull #1, built in 1961 and is a Hobie.
    One race was mentioned in the archives about the UK having the fastest
    boat, and i’m inclined to think this catamaran was built to be the challenger?
    This would have been in the early 60′s, she is 28′ long and 12′ beam.
    Would this have fit the criteria for a P-Class Racer in Lil America’s Cup???
    Currently getting the rig re-worked and the folks at RigWorks SanDiego have
    never seen such craftsmanship, apparently aircraft quality parts were used in the
    mast head & spreaders.
    What a piece of history, now I just need to learn how to sail her properly.

    [Reply]



Comments or Questions?





Featured Post

Featured Post

Click the pic to read this week's featured post!

Featured Video

Featured Video

Click the pic to see the featured video "Open House in a Storm". Click here to see lots more videos!

“The 83ft-long (25m) wave-piercer...could easily be mistaken for the spawn of the Royal Navy with its unpainted battleship grey, all-aluminum body. But that day, in those conditions, it was the only boat that I would have wanted to climb aboard to face the English Channel.” --Motor Boat & Yachting

Most Popular Posts

G9R1468A

Click the pic to read our most popular posts!

Featured Slideshow

Featured Slideshow

Click the pic to see the featured slideshow!
Click here to see all slideshows.

Steve & Linda’s Books

offshore1

Click the pic to see all the Dashews' books.

“This would have to be the most intriguing offshore cruising powerboat I have come across. Conceptually, Steve Dashew has possibly developed a new paradigm for offshore cruising…”
--Sea Spray Magazine

Archives:

Subscribe via RSS