{"id":18221,"date":"2015-05-08T13:12:21","date_gmt":"2015-05-08T18:12:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/setsail.com\/?p=18221"},"modified":"2016-12-15T12:06:34","modified_gmt":"2016-12-15T17:06:34","slug":"fpb-64-theory-reality-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/setsail.com\/fpb-64-theory-reality-2\/","title":{"rendered":"FPB 64 – Introduction"},"content":{"rendered":"

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When we wrote this introduction six\u00a0years ago, during the depths of a marine industry depression, we had no idea that the summer of 2016 would have 11\u00a0FPB 64s in the water cruising. For all the latest FPB 64 updates, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

First, some basic specifications:
\nLOD 64.95\u2032 \/ 19.85m
\nLWL 63.6\u2032 \/ 19.4m
\nBeam Deck 17.04\u2032 \/ 5.22m
\nExtreme Beam (edge of rub rails) 17.72\u2032 \/ 5.42m
\nDraft at half load (75,000 lbs\/34 tons) Canoe Body 3.25\u2032 \/ 1m
\nDraft at half load (75,000 lbs\/34 tons) Prop Skeg 4.5\u2032 \/ 1.37m
\nFull displacement 90,000 lbs \/40,800 kg
\nAir Draft (top of masts-excluding whips) 25.75\u2032 \/ 7.85m
\nFuel Capacity 3400 US Gallons \/ 12,800L
\nFresh Water Capacity 1800 US Gallons \/6800 L
\nMinimum Range of Positive Stability 130-degrees (half fuel in one tank, full fresh water tanks)
\nCruising Speed 9.25-10.0-knots
\nTop Speed 10.5 knots
\nApproximate Range 9.0 knots \u2013 6400 NM
\n9.5 knots \u2013 5500 NM
\nNote: speeds\/ranges are for smooth water, 75,000 pound displacement, clean bottom.<\/span><\/p>\n

By the time a new design is afloat and ready for trials we have invested so much energy in it that we almost don\u2019t want to see the outcome. But curiosity and commitment always has us on hand for trials, normally with a degree of apprehension (although we have confidence in the design methodology used, mistakes are not unknown in this business).<\/p>\n

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There are four phases for us in getting to know a new design. The process starts with initial impressions. These are a comparison of what we see afloat and the 2D and 3D computer models with which we have been working. There is always an initial mental scorecard: we like some things, are not pleased with others, and are occasionally pleasantly surprised.<\/p>\n

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The second phase involves detail. During the first couple of days aboard we\u2019ll make copious observations about small details that could be fine-tuned the next time around. These are rarely noticed by builder or owner and we have learned that if we do not write them up early in the process, the information is soon lost in the overall impact of the design.<\/p>\n

\"FPB-64-6-Grey-Wolf-Details-102\"<\/p>\n

The third phase takes time. We need to live with the boat for a week or two, hopefully in a cruising context, to see how the pieces fit together. Using the boat at anchor, moving her about, feeling the motion, maneuvering in tight spaces, even launching and retrieving the dinghy are part of this process.<\/p>\n

\"galleylunch\"<\/p>\n

The final phase comes later. It takes a period of time away from the boat to digest all of the elements, and decide what we think of the outcome. It is these last thoughts that we want to share in this blog. We\u2019ll start with some history and comments on the design goals.<\/p>\n

Read a July 2013 update<\/a> on first\u00a0seven FPB 64s out there doing it.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Design Provenance<\/strong><\/p>\n

The FPB 64 design is a continuation of a process that started 35+ years ago \u2013 the search for the perfect passagemaker. Although the FPB 64 looks a little different, it shares a common set of goals with our Deerfoot, Sundeer, and Beowulf series of yachts. These are:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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