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. The FPB 70 incorporates a refined set of performance characteristics and efficiency, which takes the Little Sister into a paradigm beyond even the FPB 78.
For a couple cruising mainly on their own, or with family and occasional guests, she is the most comfortable, easily operated, and efficient of all the FPBs. No surprise then that the first two FPB 70s are going to existing FPB owners. When it comes to crossing oceans quickly and safely, she is in a class of her own. And she retains the FPB look. To seafaring professionals, she is all business on the outside. To those who might be thinking ill, she gives no hint of the luxury that lies beneath her tough exterior. The message is unmistakable: “Don’t mess with me”.
The FPB 70 features a generous Matrix deck with a unique layout, which allows watchkeeping with good sightlines from the most comfortable aft position, and conning on soundings from forward. There is a windscreen fully surrounding the area, and the combination of windscreen and overhanging roof provides the basis for a variety of enclosure options, depending on where you’re cruising and what your weather requirements are.
The interior layout is an amalgam of the best features from across the FPB family. You will recognize the engine room and workshop/crew quarters from what was developed with the FPB 78. The area forward of the engine room is a combination of what has worked so well with FPB 83 Wind Horse, and the 11 FPB 64s now actively cruising.
To those familiar with the FPB marque, the biggest surprise may lurk in what we formerly called the basement. A little more displacement and freeboard have allowed us to raise the great room sole 20”/50cm above the tank tops compared to previous FPBs. There is now 60”/1.5m of headroom in the center of the basement and 70”/1.8m down the walkways outboard. The walk-in closet off the owner’s suite on the starboard side (above) has a full 80”/2.0m at the entrance. Immediately to your right as you walk into the closet is a systems area, where a majority of the electrical and electronic black boxes, fuses, and related components reside. This very efficient layout makes installation, maintenance, and updating an installer’s–and owner’s–dream.
The aft porch of the Little Sister is a refined and enhanced version of what is on the FPB 78. It incorporates a barbecue, sink, food prep area, and vertical storage on either side of the large counter. There is also substantial storage volume below the counter (and above the engine room air intake) for cooking gear, deck hardware, etc.
The FPB 70 has the ability to carry a fifteen foot and ten foot RIB. The larger dinghy can be set up as a highly capable exploration or fishing machine, while the smaller gives you a very nice dinghy for going to the beach and as backup. The outboard dinghy storage concept, which is working so well on the FPB 78, has been incorporated here for the Little Sister.
With both dinghies stored outboard or in the water, most of the aft deck is available for lounging.
Here are a few of the highlights of the FPB 70:
- A great room with more floor space than FPB 83 Wind Horse, coupled with the FPB 64’s galley.
- Outward canted windows with a negative edge headliner to pull your view outside.
- A large Matrix deck.
- Scaled down FPB 78 engine room and workshop/crew cabin/lazarette.
- A lovely guest cabin aft, with head ensuite.
- An optimized sea cabin, which will be the sleeping area of choice on passage.
- With a single set of guests, the starboard side sea cabin can be made up as a sitting room.
- Owner’s suite reminiscent of FPB 83 Wind Horse with the addition of a walk-in closet.
- Massive basement area for systems and stores, incorporates an aircraft-like track attachment option that allows for a variety of storage and furniture layouts.
- Room for a 15’ RIB + a second dink on the aft deck.
- Twin Deere M1 rated diesels 165HP at 2300 RPM.
- Draft of five feet.
- Four full and one partial watertight bulkheads.
- Hinged mast system.
- Large forward facing Dorade vents in front of Matrix coaming to pressurize great room.
- Powered extraction vent in the aft end of the great room.
- Extra EPDM insulation (same as FPB 78 – three times normal) for quieter and more efficient operation, both at anchor and underway.
- The highest density of solar panels to date relative to at-anchor electrical loads, creating near solar self-sufficiency, which makes the generator largely redundant.
- More space in the engine room and basement for even better systems access means lower maintenance cost.
- The outward canted windows are easier to clean, and the elimination of stainless on deck reduces upkeep while enhancing the “look” of the FPB 70.
FPB 70-1 and FPB 70-2 are now under construction.
Preliminary Specifications V2.1 (subject to change without notice)
- LOD 78’ (23.8m) LWL 75.4’ (23.m)
- Official Length (Lloyd’s rules) 70’ (21.3m)
- Beam Deck 18’ (5.5m)
- Draft-half load Prop Skeg 5.1’ (1.55m)
- Cruising Speed 10.5 knots
- Top Speed 12.75 knots
- Approximate Range 10.5 knots – 5000 NM (Note: speeds/ranges are smooth water/clean bottom)
- Main Engine 2 X John Deere 4054 AFM 85 165HP @ 2300RPM M1 Rating
For More Information: Contact Sue Grant for lots more information on the FPB 70 Little Sister and details on how to secure your building slot.
There is a PDF download available with a thorough look at the FPB 70, and Sue can fill you in on the contract details. Sue.Grant@Berthon.co.uk.
Posted by Steve Dashew (January 20, 2016)
January 20th, 2016 at 7:28 am
Hi Steve: Another stunning design! Not being a prospective customer unfortunately, I understand that you won’t be posting more details on SetSail?
January 25th, 2016 at 5:13 am
Hi Carl:
We will be posting as things evolve on the FPB70.
January 20th, 2016 at 9:29 am
In the last two renders are the RIB’s stowed on brackets (don’t know the correct term sorry) or are those more functional davits as Iceberg is equipped with? They appear to be stowage brackets but better to ask and be sure =)
Could you also clarify on the stainless that was eliminated comment? I have ALMOST gotten comfortable with going with an all aluminum boat rather than steel but two issues still are a concern. Corrosion form dissimilar metals in contact with aluminum and issues with painting–yes I know FPB’s are not intended to be painted, but for some of us that is not an option.
January 25th, 2016 at 5:12 am
Hi Gene:
Those are davits for use at anchor and close passaging. FPB 78 have same (see latest post). Starting with the FPB 78 we have done away with the stainless. Saves on a maintenace headache and is more in keeping with the FPB look.
January 20th, 2016 at 9:32 am
Whoops…I almost forgot. Cheers on the new baby!
January 20th, 2016 at 2:19 pm
Wow, really like the evolution of the design. Personally the smaller size is appealing for a couple to manage, but for me maybe an FPB64 with a matrix deck would be perfect. Can’t wait to follow the progress!
Looking at the layout it appears the steps from the salon down to the forward cabin is to port of the helm? Also, there are steps in the middle next the galley to reach the aft staterooms?
January 25th, 2016 at 5:09 am
Hi Kevin:
Yes on both questions re steps to aft and forward cabins.
January 20th, 2016 at 2:36 pm
Hi Steve and all. This looks very promising, does it mean You will quit making the 64 ? Another question for You concerning the 64/70: Have You thought about a passarelle solution for Med-Mooring and if so, will Circa manufacture this, maybe Box-type? (How cool wouldn´t that be – a heavy duty all aluminium construction that would scare the Glitz-Yachties shitless -haha). Would love to hear from You – Bye from a calm but pitch black Baltic Sea w. 30 NM to go before landfall and wine! Cheeers – Jonas.
January 25th, 2016 at 5:08 am
Hello Jonas:
The FPB 64 is still available, but delivery currently would be out 4.5/5 years. We are working on a very cool passeral for the 78s – details to come.
January 20th, 2016 at 9:17 pm
Very nice. Love the basement, I would use that space to make a cozy little movie room for 2. The extra bunks in back really open up the possibilities of a few guests for a short trip or a temp crew member. You really increased the options & comfort level with just a few extra feet in length. Great job! What is the fuel capacity?
January 25th, 2016 at 5:05 am
Hi Shannon:
The FPB 70 will carry roughly 4000 USG fuel, 2500 USG fresh water.
January 20th, 2016 at 9:34 pm
this is going to be BIG!
January 21st, 2016 at 2:20 am
Wow, you’ve done it again!
Couple of Qs: the owner’s berth seems a long way forward (compared to previous FPBs). Any issues with motion there?
Also, sight lines aft from the inside helm seem restrict (also in comparison)?
Matrix deck looks so, so flexible. Great idea.
January 21st, 2016 at 7:25 am
Hi Steve: The matrix deck doesn’t seem to have a docking/observation platform like the 78 and 97. Where would the helmsman stand when docking? Also, is anything planned for underneath the aft overhang of the matrix deck?
January 25th, 2016 at 5:00 am
Hi Carl:
There are provisions for a remote helm on a tether on the walkway outboard of the Matrix interior. The aft overhang has four solar panels and eventually an awning to extend a bit further aft.
January 25th, 2016 at 7:01 pm
Steve, he was asking about the 70 — your answer fits the 78’s matrix-deck. At 5 in the morning, with all the emails you receive, and with all that’s on your to-do list, it’s a blessing such-happening is as rare as it is. We’re all grateful that you take the time to share your brilliance with us like you do; so, thanks for “lettin’ ‘er rip” with the Replying, lol. We got your backside if somethin’ slips thru the cracks. 🙂
January 27th, 2016 at 10:47 pm
Thanks James:
Missed that. On the 70 there will be a remote required, but have not yet gotten into the details.
January 25th, 2016 at 7:59 am
Looks fantastic, and looking forward to future posts!
January 26th, 2016 at 12:53 pm
Which fpb will be available — from the upgrade to the 70?
February 3rd, 2016 at 6:58 pm
Howdy James:
Sue Grant at Berthons can give you the data.
January 29th, 2016 at 9:47 pm
Beautiful!
What is the air-draft going to be? (With & without the mast folded)
February 2nd, 2016 at 1:13 pm
Hello Howard:
Heights on the FPB 70 are roughly as follows, in light trim, excluding whip antennae: waterline to top of radar 6.9m/22.6′, mast assembly and booms folded down, but Matrix roof in place 5.9m/19.3′, masts folded down, Matrix roof framework removed 4.8m/15.7′, navigation console folded down, helm chair(s) removed 4.4m/14.4′
Extreme beam at the outside edge of the belting/rub rail is 5.8m/19′. All of the preceding will change slightly as we work through the production engineering drawings (happening now).
February 2nd, 2016 at 1:35 pm
Very interesting! That will open up the North American Great Loop and several European rivers including the Danube.
January 31st, 2016 at 12:26 am
Fantastic boat and I am, officially, green. Re. the galley. The fore and aft return looks to be about 2’6″ long which would mean that getting stuff into and out of the oven would have to be done sideways from in front of the hotplates – not easy with a full roast. What about moving the oven forward by a foot or so (and putting a cupboard behind it)? Either that or attaching the fore and aft return to the forward athwartships bench rather than the aft one.
February 2nd, 2016 at 12:46 pm
Hi Bob:
We have wrestled with and debated where the oven should go. You can actually use it by standing across and slightly to port. The induction cook top is further forward and not in the way.