Here is a look at the deck plan, with the profile view above for context. Only part of the middle and aft end of the bottom decks show as they are covered by structure above.
You may have noticed a small change in the model description. The design has grown a bit and is now 115 feet /35.2m on deck.
Posted by Steve Dashew (June 24, 2011)
June 24th, 2011 at 12:48 pm
Hi Steve, I’m curious about what looks to be a reduction in the aft taper. Wouldn’t that affect pitching and the amazing sea conforming performance of the 65?
June 24th, 2011 at 1:48 pm
Hi James:
The FPB 115 is its own package of design elements. We have Incorporated what we have learned from the two predecessor designs, but the new boat is so much bigger that there is more flexibility in how certain issues are handled. In head seas, for example, the combination of mass, higher longitudinal stability, and a finer hull shape in scale means less pitching and a much smoother ride in the small waves which can sometimes excite the shorter hulls. But as the waves grow, the extra stability means at some point the bow will penetrate more, as opposed to lifting, compared to the shorter FPBs. Hence the much higher freeboard (in scale) forward than the FPB 64 or 83.
The sections aft, which dictate flare, are similar to the FPB 64. The waterplane is finer ended than Wind Horse (FPB83) and just a touch beamier aft than the FPB 64s
Bottom line, through most of the normal sea states, upwind we expect the FPB 115 to be a more comfortable ride. There will be situations, heading into big seas stacked up by opposing current, where a shorter hull is an advantage. However, we think this will be rare.
June 24th, 2011 at 1:07 pm
Steve,
Is that a hint of an external keel I see? Enough, perhaps, to let her take the ground at will or to dry out on a grid?
I’m glad to see reasonably wide side decks and high, multiple-line lifelines on her. There are far too many motorboats that have 8-inch decks and knee-high trip rails. The trick, of course, will be to keep all this area clear of gear and junk once the boat’s in service…
Regarding the foredeck area between the pickle-fork prongs: How does water drain away from this area?
June 24th, 2011 at 1:51 pm
Hi Matt:
Yes, the stub keel is for gridding and to make blocking easier on haulout.
Drainage between the pickle forks is handled with through coaming drains (same as the F{B 64/83, and our sailing designs).
June 24th, 2011 at 2:58 pm
James,
It should be noted that the apparent reduction in aft taper (compared to WH), may not be as much as you initially perceive. As was done successfully with the FPB 64, the 115 aft deck benefits from a healthy amount of flare from the waterline to deck level, to create more deck space. If you look closely at the width of the swimstep at the transom, you will see the beam at waterline is still quite svelte.
Todd Rickard
FPB Yachts
June 25th, 2011 at 9:01 am
Hmmm… how do you clean the outside of the wheelhouse windows at sea?