With the first run of FPB 64s nearing completion we have been at work on a few options for the next group of boats, most of which are retrofittable to the first run. We have also updated the drawings closer to the real world, the originals being somewhat out-of-date.

Let’s start with the back end of the boat.

Of all the elements in an efficient hull, waterline is by far the most important. It affects drag, speed, and pitching. More is always better, except for the occasional issue of docking space and the bureaucratic hassles which crop up once you pass 65 feet/20 meters, the latter being far from inconsequential in some jurisdictions.

You will note a hull extension in the drawing above. This bolt on section adds three feet/90cm to the waterline length, reduces drag six to eight percent and in some situations will add as much as a quarter of a knot of boat speed for the same fuel burn as the slower speed. It also creates valuable space for loading/unloading passengers and stores from the dinghy, and makes possible bringing the dink alongside the swim step, head to wind, a huge benefit in choppy anchorages. We now have a secure location for a stern depth transducer, a hole which we would not put directly into the engine room. Finally, this extra waterline increases longitudinal stiffness, reducing pitching in new waves (short  period).

And the measured length of the hull? We will just say that the bolt on nature of the extension offers a degree of flexibility with “official” measurements not available with a welded extension.

There are a couple of subtle modifications on the aft deck, as shown above and below.

The aft end of the house has been extended slightly and the barBQ and sink table moved aft, which allows a slightly larger seating area to starboard in the lee of the house. This takes away space for a second dinghy at the deck level. However, a rack over the starboard deck settee will make it possible to store a rowing dinghy.The engine room air intake is now integral with the port settee.

The stairs going up to the flying bridge have been pulled aft creating a landing. Rather than a stainless steel weldment the stairs are now done in aluminum, forming a storage locker for wet gear, coats, shoes, and abandon ship gear.

Moving the wet locker outside frees up the inside locker adjacent to the entry landing for other uses, shown here as a galley pantry.

There is a different layout now available for the great room as an option. The galley has been compressed slightly, and the salon area lengthened. If you are willing to go with a combination washer/drier, the starboard side settee can be made full length. Port and forward is a locker with two drawers and a book shelf. Galley drawer space is reduced and intrudes into the aft port stateroom into the open space over the stateroom hanging locker. The speed oven moves onto the countertop, below the pantry locker.

There will be an awning system offered over the aft deck which matches in appearance the awning over the flying bridge. This will provide sun and rain protection over the lower deck seating area, but leave the port side dink uncovered.

If you look closely you will notice a slight difference in the profile. The flying bridge seating has been lengthened a foot/30cm.

The plan view above has this added length and we have also shown a cushion on the scuttle (aft starboard corner) since this is a favorite watch standing spot in nice weather. The higher seated position on the scuttle gives you almost the same sight lines forward when seated as you have when standing at the helm.

Finally, a couple of interior profile sections, closer to how the boats are being built than what we have shown you before.

 

For information on options, delivery, and pricing contact Todd Rickard (Sue Grant: Sue.Grant@Berthon.Co.UK.).