Creating, fine tuning, and testing yachts intended for serious cruising is demanding, intense work–as you can see above.

We are in New Zealand, vetting details and checking some of the concepts developed for the FPB 78.

One chore was acceptance trials of the 16’AB inflatable supplied by Family Boats in Auckland (good guys). Steve is discussing optimum trim with Tony from family boats. We were astonished by almost silent operation of the 60 horsepower Yamaha four stroke outboard.

The very same dinghy positioned under its davit on FPB 78-1. For more info on this feature and how it is used, see the FPB 70 details.

One of the projects this week is working through the aesthetic accents to come. Circa have removed protective coverings for us. Add upholstered headliner panels, countertops, and we’re there.

You can get a sense of the finish here.

Sliding fridge shelves for FPB 78-2. These lock in place, and are adjustable in height.

Testing space on the Matrix deck with some very cool sofa designs from Circa. OK, maybe not the perfect color but they give us a sense of how the area can be used. When you see how this space has evolved you will be surprised. We are very excited about what it means for our cruising.

One area that will not be getting art work this time is the engine room. It is so beautiful that anything we would add to the bulkheads would detract from the aesthetic values created by Circa.

We’ve previously discussed our prop engineering. This gives you a feel for the five bladed ZF wheel in situ.

A svelte and simple prop shaft line cutter.

The annex and forepeak is done, and we really like the extruded sole approach.

You are looking below the sole in the thruster bay. There is so much storage volume under the sole that we have put in shelves that are easily removed in sections, for access to gear stored lower down.

A couple of sole panels have been removed, exposing the area below. We store infrequently used gear down here, like hurricane warps, leaving the more easily accessed area above for items we use more often.

Anyone care to speculate on what is happening here? This is a hydraulic system polisher, to remove any debris that may have inadvertently escaped normal cleaning procedures.

The inboard end of the boom control system. Friction is so low on this double track system that you can push it easily with your little finger.

There is both a windlass and a warping winch at the pointy end. The warping winch is power in/out and compliments the same winch at the stern. 

From the land down under whence come the best flat whites, we bid you kia ora.