Last week, while driving with a friend through Colorado, Montana, and Wyoming, we were asked why our yachts look so different from the norm. That got us into a discussion about beauty, function, and environment (we’ll post some photos from that drive in a few days). 
We have always believed that a yacht should make your heart sing, especially when viewed from the dinghy. And while some forms of art – yachts being included in this category – are an acquired taste, there are certain absolutes. Proportions, flow of lines, detailing commensurate with the overall design, are part of this equation. So to is how the object fits into its environment. Art on land is one thing. But when you take it to sea there are other issues. It is here that as Frank Lloyd Wright said “form follows function”. The more frequently one leaves the marina and the further one travels, the more absolute these seagoing considerations. For our uses we wanted unrestricted comfortable and secure blue water voyaging, with maximum efficiency for speed, range, and economy, without the need to hire crews or ship the boat on long uphill voyages against head seas. For personal enjoyment, living aboard six months or more each year, our desire was lovely woodwork, ample storage, space for art, and ergonomic design which kept us safe and comfortable at sea. This combination of requirements is what led to the long, low, lean shape, that has so much in common with naval vessels and ocean going ships, and defines the FPB series. When we were working on aesthetics of the FPB design we had the luxury, and the burden, of a wide open palette. There were no stereotypes to follow. But there were questions to be answered. What would aid our safety in rough neighborhoods? What would help us fit in with workboats and their crews? What would lead to the best conversations in distant ports and cultures? We ended up with a hybrid, part commercial work boat (they’re often unpainted aluminum for easy maintenance and maneuvering in port) and part military. Of course, this is only our taste (over the years we’ve owned painted boats and have built them for our our client’s and Circa could probably be induced to arrange paint for those who prefer this). 
Most yachts are optimized to look good in a marina and to make the interior seem as much like a land-home as possible, with land based systems. Some appear designed to score social points at the yacht club or boat show. Ours are designed first and foremost to cross oceans comfortably, even in gale force conditions. This makes them look different from other boats, at least initially.That was the case with our long waterline sailboats until the single handed racing crowd proved the efficacy of minimal overhangs. Today our Deerfoot, Sundeer, and Beowulfseries seem positively staid. 
As the FPB 64s have begun to make their presence felt in the market, and more owners of existing trawlers and prospective buyers become aware of the concept, much debate, some heated, has taken place in various Internet forums. There are defenders and detractors, and occasionally someone will send us a choice quote. 
Most recently our FPB aesthetics have been challenged on an open website for a leading trawler brand’s enthusiasts. We quote below.
“As I write this Steve’s Wind Horse is 100 feet away from my boat here at Inner Harbor East Marina in Baltimore, and to my eye the boat is butt-ugly. That’s subjective, I know, but it’s one of the ugliest yacht I’ve ever seen. No matter how capable it is–and I’m certain that it is one fast, capable, comfortable, safe ocean crosser–it doesn’t represent what I want in a yacht, and I doubt that I’m far on this score far from most Nordhavn owners. I prefer a yacht that looks like a yacht, and, at the moment anyway, Wind Horse looks to my eye like a down-in-the-mouth commercial vessel in need of a lot of TLC–more like an badly maintained Somali patrol boat than a yacht.”
We have known the writer for many years, and while he may now worry he has offended us, we wish to assure him the opposite is true. His comments are a direct endorsement, and further proof, we have achieved several important goals. 
The reference to military bearing is music to our ears. We worked long at achieving this edge. The fact that naval patrols in various regions we’ve cruised have questioned our status bears added witness to the impression we are trying to convey. If you are in doubt ask yourself this: would you prefer local miscreants think you a soft yacht, or raise the specter of taking on the military? 
It is worth reiterating that a part of our goal has been to fit in to the local environment as much as possible. 
This is not an issue in Baltimore’s inner harbor, 
or St Kathryn’s docks in the heart of London. 
But when you are sharing the town dock with local fishermen, 
whether you are in the Lofoton Islands of Norway, a lagoon in Fiji, or a fishing stage in Labrador, the military/work boat look confers numerous benefits, of which quick acceptance is one. 
There’s a practical side as well. Enjoying the best cruising grounds means forgoing marinas. Rafting and laying against pilings is the norm. We do both with equanimity, worrying not about our shiny finish being despoiled. 
The external “down-in-the-mouth” appearance of Wind Horse is a carefully cultivated artifact. In 50,000+ miles she has rarely seen a fresh water rinse, and has had her topsides polished but once. Washing the salt off from the windows, hatches, and sitting areas, and occasionally wiping the stainless railings, is the extent of our exterior maintenance. When Wind Horse has been in storage for months, exterior cleaning takes the form of a high pressure wash down. 
Whether cruising or in storage mode we prefer to keep as low a profile (literally and figuratively) as possible. We feel having outsiders privy to our inner secret is neither wise nor desirable. 
And should we suddenly become desirous of external spit and polish? For a fraction of the cost of buffing a fiberglass yacht’s gelcoat or repainting a steel hull, we can have the shiny aluminum of a new FPB with the touch of a grinder and a few boxes of ScotchBrite pads. 
The bottom line is we like the advantages that come with our low key appearance. We prefer to spend most of our time cruising rather than polishing. We don’t worry about rough work boats rafting alongside or damage from pilings. And our hearts sing when we row away and look at the low, sleek lines of our FPB. It doesn’t hurt that this appearance coincides with an interior so comfortable at sea that we are ready to head offshore without the slightest hesitation. Finally, given the world we live in, with an economic environment unlikely to improve for some time, we know that we can continue to cruise with minimal worry about becoming a target. Post script: We have nothing against fiberglass yachts, trawlers or otherwise. We started out building in FRP, before there were chopper guns (we used Glasscraft founder Jay Johnson’s prototype in the early 60s). Our Sundeer designs were the first production yachts to use the SCRIMP resin infusion system, now common in the quality end of the industry. Over the years more than half our designs have been built in fiberglass. For long distance cruising under sail there are benefits to both materials, cost being the major aspect in favor of FRP. But when it comes to powerboats, where tankage and range are paramount, aluminum wins hands down. The difference in toughness, and the ability to engineer for impact give aluminum additional appeal as well.
Posted by Steve Dashew (October 2, 2011)
October 2nd, 2011 at 10:54 pm
Steve
The quote “Form follows function” is attributed to Louis Sullivan, FLW’s (Frank to his friends) original mentor and employer. What he actually said was “Form ever follows function” but the simpler form is remembered. (“Architectural History 210” Univ. of WA 1967). Amazing what you remember.
Like all remembered quotes there are undoubtedly earlier, similar, ideas and quotes.
I met you in Poulsbo WA several years ago. Interrupted your dinner. Apologies.
I’m always happy to see your boats and continued success.
Mahalo
Garrett
October 2nd, 2011 at 11:51 pm
To my eye the extra length of Wind Horse makes it look better than the 64s, they don’t have as much of the long, lean look that I like. But they’re certainly not ugly, and it’s hard for me to believe that someone who likes the boxy faux-trawler look could say that with a straight face.
I read the YachtForums.com web site, and the vast majority of the yachts that are discussed there …….. epitomize “floating condominium” – huge, clunky things that many owners have *shipped* across an ocean rather than risk exposing themselves and their boats to any hazards. I’d certainly take an FPB over any other boat if I were going to do any serious voyaging.
October 3rd, 2011 at 4:57 am
Well said Steve – I know you are not defending your vision (you don’t have too), but explaining it in a unequivocal and energising way. The FPB series is for me the perfect harmony of form and function – beautiful to behold yet completely fit for purpose, bravo !
October 3rd, 2011 at 6:11 am
I was part of that discussion (applog69). The heading was “Competitor Analyses” and for the first time I jumped in on that site and was looking for the way people looked at the FPB vs. the Nordhavn. Instead of a discussion of facts, it seems to turn into a beauty contest. After I read that rant you posted a smile came to my face and I stopped posting.
I’m headed to Baltimore Wednesday for the Trawlerfest and hope to see Wind Horse.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder…..
Mark
October 3rd, 2011 at 10:05 am
Steve
She IS absolutely beautiful! As a real-world professional instrument can be…
You create fantastic alternative! And you do not leave them much but to be proud of the way they shine.
Thanks for all that you do
Vladimir
October 3rd, 2011 at 11:21 am
Steve, what first attracted to me your FPB projects was the function over vanity design ethos you have followed. …… Being a Scotsman I also appreciate the rugged worky and down to earth look. Keep up the good work, one day I will have a FPB.
October 3rd, 2011 at 6:36 pm
Steve
I love following the design and trials of the FPB series of boats. You provide the most information of any boat maker/designer that I have found online.
Some people need a certain look, style or whatever to feel comfortable. That is their opinion and I welcome it. Please continue as you have been. I may not ever buy one of your boats but it will not be because I do not like them. It is because this style may not work for me. As the FPB series matures opinions will probably change to your benefit. I will continue to follow and appreciate the information that you freely give.
Thanks, Dan
October 3rd, 2011 at 7:38 pm
Agreed on all points here. Few things look more well-suited to their intended purpose than the FPB’s. And as someone whose toy boat looks more like some sort of workboat, I totally agree with the idea that you’re more quickly accepted by the locals than if your shiny Awlgrip and varnish shout ‘yacht’ from the rooftops. Well, unless you pull up at the yacht club dock.
……
At my office we had a client who owns a fleet of tastefully done classic yachts. Once, when being shown alternative interior joinery details, he picked the simplest and least extravagant, saying something like, ‘I don’t need to look at the woodwork to be reminded that I’m rich.’ Food for thought.
October 3rd, 2011 at 8:38 pm
However the quote goes, good form always follows the function. I personally love the look of raw aluminum and am looking forward to next week when all the old paint will be finally sand blasted of mine for good. But I will also have no stainless on deck as it is just more thing to eventually rust. There is not much that cannot be welded of aluminum and welded to the hull or deck.
October 3rd, 2011 at 11:22 pm
Steve,
Loved your post and agree,obviously, with all you convey. However it was Louis Sullivan not FLW that coined the phrase “form follows function.”
October 5th, 2011 at 12:54 am
Thanks for all the kind comments. We have had so many responses to this article we have done a bit of editing ….. to reduce the word count. Hope nobody minds.
This “debate” on the issue of aesthetics, is really about personal preference. It is a big ocean, and there is certainly room for a variety of opinions and while we may not care personally for the look, motion, or seaworthiness of high volume type motor yachts, we are not out to convert the world to our views. Besides, it is way more fun being an iconoclast when it comes to appearances.
October 5th, 2011 at 1:08 pm
I passed the marina where Wind Horse is on the 30 sept, and from the distance it jumped right out from the lot! the next day i had to get a closer look, without disturbing (i hope)….beauty is the word.
October 5th, 2011 at 4:07 pm
Steve. I have run by your boat every day for the last 2 weeks here in Baltimore. Just wanted to say it’s beautiful and a wonderful change from the norm. Thanks for designing beautiful and functional yachts.
October 5th, 2011 at 6:39 pm
I passed by Windhorse a number of years ago when you were anchored in Pole Pass in the San Juan Islands (visiting Hobie?). She’s certainly a unique looking boat, and I mean that in the best of ways. Nobody will confuse her for a marina queen and like you’ve mentioned she fits in in places that are off the beaten path. I have no doubt that the FPB series is among the best passagemaking powerboats ever designed. But I suspect my situation is not unique…I can either go cruising on a smaller and cheaper yet still capable boat soon (Nordhavn 40, Diesel Duck, Hatteras LRC, etc.) or wait, perhaps forever, until I can afford an FPB. I probably won’t be as comfortable or safe on one of those choices as I would be on one of your boats, but I think the risk is acceptable and the reward is getting out and cruising rather than sitting on land. Just my two cents…
October 5th, 2011 at 6:46 pm
Howdy Sam:
You have hit on a very important point. We feel it is always better to go now, with what you can afford, than wait until there are enough chips for something more grand.
October 5th, 2011 at 9:54 pm
thanks Sam for voicing exactly what i was thinking while reading this latest post on my favorite boats (ok i prefer Windhorse) the fpb64 ….for now i need to get some cruising done and being a new englander I can comfortably roam from Nova Scotia down to the grenadines on my new (to me) Fleming 55 while i try and come up with the 3 large (didnt it used to be 2.2?) so that i can finally enjoy the highest latitude cruising that setsail has branded into my brain…here’s to you Dashew’s for inspiring and to me for finally pulling the trigger and getting going in the meantime!
October 6th, 2011 at 7:11 am
Gentlemen,
IMO we’re missing a point here. The “floating condominium” type follow the form-function rule. Their function is to serve as a “floating condominium” with mobility to permit relocation from one location to another. They do not serve as cruise boats! The owners many times are not on board during relocation.
The trawlers are cruise boats but here a form has been adopted to another purpose – i.e. a work boat to a cruise boat – with the original intention of maintaining good at sea characteristics. However the load carrying capability of the trawler hull is NOT needed in their new role. That hull design is not form-function if crusing is the intended purpose.
As for looks, I like long, low boats. Frankly, I’d like the FPB115 to have a telescoping “pilot house” to be deployed only when needed!
The only thing that constantly challenges me with the FPB series is the desire to clean up the details and integrate the bits and pieces into an integrated design while retaining the necessary strength and function of the bits and pieces. Any attempt to do so (on paper) has resulted in a complete failure. IMO I lack the talent and knowledge to do this clean up. But, I’d still like to see it done.
October 6th, 2011 at 8:46 am
With the passing of Steve Jobs, one is reminded genius does not come along often. The vision behind the FPB has that same genius. Thank you Steve Dashew.
October 6th, 2011 at 12:00 pm
Thanks Bill (Sarah Sarah) for the most kind comparison:
But, respectfully, I would never consider what we’ve done even in the same universe as Steve Jobs. We’re just fooling a round with boats – Jobs changed the world. He even got us to pay a substantial premium to switch from PCs to Macs. But we are happy that y ou are happy.
October 6th, 2011 at 10:29 pm
Both Steves were and are true masters of their art, breaking boundaries constantly by going beyond the common to search for the absolute best product than can be delivered for a reasonable cost. What Steve and Linda have done, which I find even more remarkable, is that they are willing to spend the time to teach others with this blog, their many wonderful now classic boats on important nautical knowledge and strike up a conversation with anyone remotely interested in boats. That all together is rare, unique and highly valued by us, your readers. Thank you Steve and Linda.
October 10th, 2011 at 7:14 am
As you said, you had the advantage of an open palette. Your boat is YOUR boat, designed for what YOU wanted her to do, which is real cruising. How many people really cruise the way we do? Most stay at marinas, need marinas to survive, hop from marina to marina because they can’t stand on their own for long. Your boat is a beauty, rugged, economical, able, and safe. Not many can boast all those claims into one package. Be proud and enjoy! (We glimpsed at her in Annapolis a couple weeks ago and gave her the thumbs up!)
October 10th, 2011 at 9:16 pm
I have followed your site for years. Thank you. It helps fuel my dreams. I’m fascinated by old patrol boats and the long and thin design and how your stabilisers have solved some of the stability issues. Funny how the quote, “a badly maintained Somali patrol boat” has provoked me to declare my support and deep respect for your project. You are so on the zeitgeist with your long ” lean greyhounds of the sea”. A Viking would know which design to choose. Thanks again, good luck and we’ll join you one day.
July 22nd, 2013 at 1:21 pm
I’ve found my boat. Love, love, love the design of this boat. I’ve found my boat.