FPB 78-1 Cochise is roaming free–at last. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (June 13, 2016) | Comments (0)
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Dashew Logs
Steve and Linda write a regular column for SetSailors from wherever they happen to be. Join in as they cruise the world and discuss topics of interest to sailors everywhere. Here you’ll find their articles dating from 1996 to the present.
FPB 78-1 Cochise: Launched In A Gale – And In Its Element
Wednesday, June 8, 2016: the wind is blowing 25 to 30 knots gusting into the 40s, with intermittent rain squalls. Those who know the history of the Chirakowa Apache chief after whom FPB 78-1 is named would say, “Perfect.” Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (June 8, 2016) | Comments (0)
Dashew Offshore History: Lessons Learned
Our family cruising photo taken in the Bora Bora lagoon in 1977. Note the banana stalk hanging off the mizzen boom, and trim physiques of the group! We’d been relaxing for a few days, chilling, reading, swimming, and for the first time since leaving California nine months previous not working on boat on maintenance projects. Those were the days.. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (May 20, 2016) | Comments (0)
FPB 78-1: We Are Having A Blast (And Other Details)
There is a hint in this photo that the day of reckoning draws near. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (May 17, 2016) | Comments (0)
Going to Sea? Download For Free..
For decades, Linda and Steve Dashew’s books have been considered essential references for any serious cruiser. Having been blessed with the support of the yachting community for many years, they’d like to return the favor. Read the rest »
Posted by Sarah.Dashew (May 9, 2016) | Comments (0)
FPB 78-1: A Bright Outlook
With an anchored wingspan of 60’/18m boom end to boom end… Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (May 7, 2016) | Comments (0)
FPB 78-1 Update: Wrestling With Art
Now we get to the hard part, choosing art work and photographs for the many surfaces aboard Cochise. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (May 5, 2016) | Comments (0)
FPB 78 Progress: Lifelines And Upholstery – The End Is Near
When you have lifelines, glass… Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 30, 2016) | Comments (0)
Sony Mirrorless Cameras – Getting Better
We’ve been testing the Sony 6300 mirrorless camera with Canon lenses, and we have been pleased with results we are getting. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 27, 2016) | Comments (0)
FPB 78-1 Monitoring The Situation: Update – A Great Monitor Find
In the process of wrestling with monitor tradeoffs, we have come across a great new monitor.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 26, 2016) | Comments (0)
FPB 78-1: Workshop And Swim Step Bulk Storage And Structure
When you design a structural system, there are many considerations, among which is storage. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 20, 2016) | Comments (0)
FPB 78-1 Forepeak: Boatbuilders’ Art
As FPB 78-1 nears completion, it is becoming easier to see the art form of which the Circa team are capable. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 18, 2016) | Comments (0)
FPB 78 – Strutting Our Stuff
Today was fun. Surrounded with coils of rope, boxes of rigging hardware, just like when we used to set up our sailing designs. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 16, 2016) | Comments (0)
FPB 78-1 Final Details: A Seat At The Table And Elsewhere
Your correspondent checking the helm chair position.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 13, 2016) | Comments (0)
Does Size Matter In Navigation Monitors?
One of the reasons we decided to go with Simrad for our electronics was their ability to be used with a variety of monitors. This afternoon, we got a first taste of some of the options available. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 12, 2016) | Comments (0)
Reflections – Sometimes You Just Have to Let It Sink In
There comes a time when it hits you, when the pieces fall together, when it feels right, and you know it has all been worth it. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 11, 2016) | Comments (0)
Last Pieces Of The Puzzle That Makes Up A New FPB
Off to New Zealand today for a quick trip. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 9, 2016) | Comments (0)
The Right Recipe: Where Do You Find It?
©Stan & Valerie Creighton: Fulaga, Fiji
When your voyaging takes you off the beaten path, where shore power and technical assistance is a rarity, the ingredients required for successful cruising change.
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 1, 2016) | Comments (0)
Propping Up The FPB Concept
When it comes to naval vessels, and in particular submarines, enormous importance–and secrecy–is placed on their prop designs. It is not an exaggeration to say that in some parts of the world, a photo like this, if based in reality, could lead to the severest of penalties.
Posted by Steve Dashew (March 25, 2016) | Comments (0)
The Black Swan Theory Of Cruising – Updated
Our approach to yacht design (as well as investing) is captured by Nassim Taleb’s black swan theory of economics. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (March 9, 2016) | Comments (0)
Expanding Space With Art
You can expand your visual interior space and add interest by adding art to vertical surfaces. We’re selecting art now for FPB 78-1, looking through some of our photos from the olden days for ideas, and thought this might be of interest. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (March 9, 2016) | Comments (0)
FPB 78 Battery Bank And Charging Details
It is a law in the yacht building universe that the sparkies (electricians) are always the last ones off the boat. And with the DC system now almost complete, we can see the light at the end of the long building cycle tunnel. We thought this might be a good time to go through the DC battery bank and related circuits. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (March 7, 2016) | Comments (0)
Cruising Decisions – Sometimes Spontaneity Is The Key
Many cruising decisions are based on a detailed decision making matrix. Others are based on a spontaneous decision. The latter often make for the most interesting experiences. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (March 3, 2016) | Comments (0)
Dashew Offshore History – How the Swim Step Came To Be
The Dashew Offshore swim step, shown above in its highest evolutionary form on the FPB 97 Iceberg, started out much more modestly. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (February 25, 2016) | Comments (0)
Dashew Offshore History – Fast Is Fun
Beowulf leaving Norfolk, VA on her way to the BVI at the start of the 2001 Caribbean 1500. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (February 8, 2016) | Comments (0)
FPB 78 – The Concept Evolves
The design process for us has always been an evolutionary spiral. As we get further into the project, as the pieces begin to come together, we almost always discover hidden gems that, when teased into reality, help to make a better product. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (January 30, 2016) | Comments (0)
FPB 78-1 Last Details: Quick Visit
Creating, fine tuning, and testing yachts intended for serious cruising is demanding, intense work–as you can see above. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (January 24, 2016) | Comments (0)
FPB 70 – A New Baby Sister!
There’s a new kid on the block, a smaller sibling to the FPB 97 and 78, and like most younger family members, this one is as tough as nails. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (January 20, 2016) | Comments (0)
Dashew Offshore: A Bit Of History Part 2 – The Big Roach Cruising Main
You are looking at a huge mistake: a new mainsail that did not fit, with too much roach. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (January 16, 2016) | Comments (0)
Dashew Offshore – A Bit Of History Part 1
Innismara, the yacht that started us thinking so many years ago… Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (January 13, 2016) | Comments (0)
FPB 78-1 Has Sole
With the annual holiday shutdown at Circa comes a massive cleanup of the work in progress… Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (December 18, 2015) | Comments (0)
Re-Thinking FPB Prop Design
You are looking at one of the two ZF propellers for FPB 78-1. Very high aspect ratio blades with relative low blade area. But maybe this isn’t the optimum. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (December 16, 2015) | Comments (0)
Once In A Blue Moon Deal – Updated 12/7/2015
We offered SetSailors this special Once in a Blue Moon Deal earlier this year. As the holidays approach, our inventory is almost sold out. With just a few hundred copies left, the sale continues … Read the rest »
Posted by admin (December 7, 2015) | Comments (0)
FPB 78 -Thanksgiving 2015
We’ve been gently reminded that new content has been lacking – our feeble excuse is that we have been swamped. As it is Thanksgiving weekend and we have much for which to be thankful, a pause for a brief update on the FPB 78-1, starting with a couple on interior photos. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (November 30, 2015) | Comments (0)
FPB 78 Custom Jewelry
You are looking at as lovely a piece of yachting jewelry as has ever been afloat. The creation of Circa’s Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (October 26, 2015) | Comments (0)
FPB 78 Dream Team Part One
We’ve been blessed over the years with the good fortune to work with many great owners and marine professionals, and with the FPB 78 design and build cycle this has continued in a unique manner. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (October 23, 2015) | Comments (0)
FPB 78 Update: Putting Things In Perspective – Maintenance, Storage, And Lots Of Details
A quick report from New Zealand, starting with what is at the top of our list for successful cruising. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (October 21, 2015) | Comments (0)
The Best Thing About Cruising, Old Friends, And A Few Days In Fiji
There are many wonderful things about the cruising lifestyle. But the one we love the most is
Posted by Steve Dashew (October 13, 2015) | Comments (0)
Sony Full Frame Mirrorless Cameras: We Continue To Be Amazed
The new Sony A7R2 42 MP camera body is truly a breakthrough. There is nothing remotely close to its capabilities of which we are aware. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (October 6, 2015) | Comments (0)
FPB 78 – Making The Hard Stuff Easy
We discovered long ago that a key part to agreeable yacht ownership is systems efficiency and access. The FPB 78 takes us closer to perfection in this regard than ever before. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (September 24, 2015) | Comments (0)
FPB 78-1 Exterior Renders Updated
Following are a series of helicopter and then dinghy level renders of FPB 78-1. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (September 17, 2015) | Comments (0)
FPB 78 Update: We’ve Got Sole (in the engine room)
We’ve got sole in the engine room, and it is ever so cool and functional. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (September 14, 2015) | Comments (0)
FPB 78 Aft Deck Evolution And Final Design
The aft end of the FPB 78 has gone through a design evolution, a benefit of the 3D design process and working with two very experienced owners. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (September 11, 2015) | Comments (0)
Pam Wall: Welcome to the FPB Family
The universe of circumnavigators is a small world. It’s not unusual to meet somebody in an anchorage or a far-off port, spend a few days together, form a strong bond borne of common interests, meet up again years later, and pick up right where you left off. Read the rest »
Posted by admin (September 8, 2015) | Comments (0)
FPB Resale Value: The Brokerage Market & Berthon Int’l
In the fall of 2008, having visited Greenland and Ireland, we were looking for a place to store FPB 83 Wind Horse for the winter. Several of our cruising friends recommended that we talk to Berthon in Lymington, UK, and we ended up leaving her in their very capable care. Read the rest »
Posted by admin (September 4, 2015) | Comments (0)
Wicked FPB 97 Ups Her Smooth Water Record: A Few Thoughts On Props, Froude Numbers, And What Is Coming Soon
Iceberg has just tried out her new propellers, this time without “interceptor” strips, and she has pushed her smooth water maximum speed to 15.0672 knots, Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (August 31, 2015) | Comments (0)
Plumbing the Depths, Or Not, With FPB 78-1
You are looking at a sea-change in the way we do raw water for the engines. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (August 24, 2015) | Comments (0)
FPB 78-1: Critical Phase Visit Last Day
With a project as massive and complex as the FPB 78, there are times when we ask ourselves why we are still doing this. After all, we could have been cruising on Wind Horse these past three years. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 29, 2015) | Comments (0)
FPB 78-1 Plumbing Refinements: Being Ready To Switch Course
Modern yachts are amazingly complex, with numerous interrelated and conflicting requirements. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 28, 2015) | Comments (0)
FPB 78-1: Workshop, Steering and Fuel Details
Is this crew quarters, lazarette, engine room, or workshop? For us it might be considered all or some of the preceding. Right now it is going to be the workshop we always dreamed of having, Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 27, 2015) | Comments (0)
FPB 78-1 Critical Phase Visit
There comes a time during the building of the first of a series when it becomes critical to have a look and detailed consultation with the various trades involved in the construction process. That time is now, and although we have a long list of discussions over the next three days, we will try to file a brief report daily. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 26, 2015) | Comments (0)
FPB 78 Engine Room Coming Into Focus
Last week the engines were dropped onto their beds for the final time, and it now becomes possible to get a sense for how well this layout is going to work. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 23, 2015) | Comments (0)
Soundings Magazine Interview and Slide Show on Linda and Steve Dashew
The August 2015 issue of Soundings magazine has an interview with Linda and Steve and a lovely online slide show. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (July 22, 2015) | Comments (0)
FPB 78: More On Systems
Reliable air conditioning, fridge operation, and water maker output depend on a clean flow of salt water. Trapping air in the plumbing, which leads to loss of flow, is a common problem due to suboptimal layout. This is the way it should be done. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (June 23, 2015) | Comments (0)
FPB 78 Systems Update: June 15, 2015
Some of the hardest details to get right are alternator brackets. It is a question of drive belt, alignment, and structure. And these 7kW DC alternators – which can consume as much as 20 HP – are the most difficult of all. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (June 15, 2015) | Comments (0)
Camera Test: Are The Sony Full Frame Mirrorless Cameras Good Enough For Serious Cruising Photography?
We are starting to think about personal gear, art, tools, and spares for FPB 78-1. High on this list is camera gear. We thought you might enjoy seeing the results of a recent test. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (June 14, 2015) | Comments (0)
FPB 97-1 A Few Details
We have been limited in sharing details of the FPB 97-1. In this post we will give you a quick overview of a few of the more interesting design and construction aspects. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (May 18, 2015) | Comments (0)
The Wicked One Revealed – The FPB 97 Shows Her Stuff
A fresh breeze, smooth 12.5 to 13 knots, perfect light, and world class photographer Ivor Wilkins. Not much more you could ask for.
Posted by Steve Dashew (May 11, 2015) | Comments (0)
Wave Piercing – The Secret To Ocean Crossing Comfort and Speed
We learned a long time ago that the key to happy cruising is a smooth ride uphill. Careful weather routing and a good turn of speed reduces your exposure, but those inevitable rough upwind passages are what people remember Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (May 8, 2015) | Comments (0)
Mega Drone Photos, FPB 97 Details, And Other News From Recent Trip To New Zealand
We have just returned from New Zealand and there is lots to share about the FPB world. We’ll start with an iPhone app for photography during additional trials aboard FPB 97-1. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (May 7, 2015) | Comments (0)
Keep On Racking Up Those Sea Miles – posted by Sarah
Occasionally we hear from some of our Sundeer and Deerfoot owners. They let us know about cruising plans, meeting up with other Dashew designs, and racking up those ocean miles. Russ and Gwen Hobbs, who own Sundeer 60 A Train (pictured above anchored next to Sundeer 64 Touche M’Dear) recently wrote in to give us the scoop. Read the rest »
Posted by Sarah.Dashew (April 30, 2015) | Comments (0)
FPB 97 Performance Prediction Contest: And The Winner Is…
With the publishing of the first batch of performance data from FPB 97-1 it is time to declare a winner in the prediction contest. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 28, 2015) | Comments (0)
Cruising Off The Beaten Path – A Rocky Start
While awaiting the splash of our new FPB, we have acquired an enhanced photographic tool: a Toyota 4-Runner. To get a head start on the learning curve of what this beast is capable of and what we should avoid, we turned to off-road aficionados Mary and Scott Flanders. The Flanders are compulsive photographers, who circumnavigated aboard their Nordhavn 46, Egret. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 16, 2015) | Comments (0)
FPB 78 – Get Your Dancing Shoes Ready, And Other Updates
Having previously entertained you with photos of the great room sole, we thought its support and isolation would be of interest, along with a few other tidbits. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (April 3, 2015) | Comments (0)
FPB 78 Update – We’ve Got Sole, Baby
It’s Friday, March Madness is upon us, and it is obvious that the FPB 78-1 has sole, and lots of it. This first photo is from the aft end of the galley looking forward. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (March 27, 2015) | Comments (0)
Ultimate Flashlight – Light Up Your Life
We are into flashlights, and those available today are simply amazing in what they can do using LED technology. This post is about three of the best we have found. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (February 23, 2015) | Comments (0)
Why FPB? Owners and Editors Talk…
In case you don’t have an FPB anchored nearby, we’ve included below some brief comments from several of our owners, as well as a couple of hard-nosed magazine editors. We’ll start with Bill Parlatore, the individual many credit with the start and nurturing of the ocean cruising powerboat industry. Read the rest »
Posted by admin (January 17, 2015) | Comments (0)
FPB 97-1 Iceberg: A Day Of Tests – Posted By Sarah
Tuesday morning finds us wending our way out to open water on Iceberg. A battery of tests are in store: everything from engine load and fuel burn, to optimizing stabilizer settings, checking roll periods, loading alternators, and pretty much anything you can think of in between. Read the rest »
Posted by Sarah.Dashew (January 7, 2015) | Comments (0)
Resolution For The New Year – Don’t Wait, Do It Now
Waiting is never easy, and when it is for the next big thing in your life – in our case what we think is our ultimate cruising machine – it is even harder.
Posted by Steve Dashew (December 30, 2014) | Comments (0)
FPB Yachts 2015 Calendar Now Available
Thanks to the generosity of our family of FPB owners who, once again, freely provided many of the featured pictures, we are happy to offer you this 13-month (January-January) wall calendar. Read the rest »
Posted by admin (December 29, 2014) | Comments (0)
FPB 97-1: First Sea Trial Video
Here is a very short video of FPB 97-1 on her third day of sea trials. Read the rest »
Posted by admin (December 10, 2014) | Comments (0)
Survival Storm Tactic Tested Off The Needles In Breaking Seas: Updated With Video
The ultimate survival storm tactic, jogging into breaking seas, has had its first (and hopefully last) FPB test. This took place recently off the Needles near the Isle of Wight in the UK’s Solent. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (December 2, 2014) | Comments (0)
FPB 97-1 Sea Trials Day 2: A Wicked Wake
You are looking at what drives the FPB team, what our client (and we) have been waiting to see after 2.5 years of intense effort. A lovely clean flow release off the stern with minimal magnitude indicating a highly efficient cruising machine (this at 13.1 knots GPS averaged in two directions). A wicked wake indeed. Read the rest »
Posted by Steve Dashew (November 25, 2014) | Comments (0)