{"id":18439,"date":"2011-10-17T15:01:08","date_gmt":"2011-10-17T20:01:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/setsail.com\/?p=18439"},"modified":"2013-12-02T18:16:45","modified_gmt":"2013-12-02T23:16:45","slug":"fpb-64-the-next-step","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/setsail.com\/fpb-64-the-next-step\/","title":{"rendered":"FPB 64 – The Next Step"},"content":{"rendered":"
We’ve been involved with the design and construction of ultimate cruising yachts for almost three decades.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As wonderful of these yachts have been, with dozens and dozens of circumnavigations behind them, none<\/em> of the boats we have done before offer the combination of cruising capabilities exhibited by the FPB 64. This is truly the Ultimate Cruising Machine<\/em>.<\/p>\n She is as fast under power as our previous designs are in the trades under sail, more comfortable, easier to handle, with even more conservative scantlings, and better systems. In terms of storage space, room for dinghies and toys on deck, and range under power it is the equal of the FPB 83.<\/p>\n The FPB series may seem like a totally new design, but it is the result of a logical progression from our first sailing yachts. The design specifications for the FPB 83 came directly from what we were used to with our most comfortable and seaworthy sailboats. The FPB 64 is simply a refinement of the FPB 83 Wind Horse<\/em>, which in turn is a refinement of designs like Beowulf<\/em>, Sundeer<\/em>, and Deerfoot<\/em>.<\/p>\n Although we have covered in detail the various features in previous web pages, we thought a recap might be on order.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n One of the keys to getting this performance package to work in a 65-foot (20m) hull is the use of welded aluminum construction. Aluminum offers not only high factors of safety from impact with debris and abrasion when aground, but it also allows a double bottom and very efficient tankage. The negative is cost. A welded aluminum structure is normally significantly more expensive than fiberglass.<\/p>\n However, by working closely with our vendors in New Zealand (the same team with which we developed the FPB 83) we have come up with a method of efficiently<\/em> building these yachts in series, as long as they are sufficient sisterships. This offers substantial benefits: The FPB 64 comes in at a competitive number to production fiberglass designs.<\/p>\n We are taking the same approach with this program as worked so well with our Sundeer Series. The FPB 64s come fully fitted out, including all systems, ground tackle, appliances, and complete spare parts, for long-term cruising<\/em>. By having each yacht built to the same high specification you end up with the best quality systems, integrated into the boat in a consistent fashion, so that they are easy to maintain, and you know they are installed correctly from the beginning. Building in all the items which would normally be options saves money and commissioning time. When you take delivery, once through with your learning curve, you are ready to go cruising.<\/p>\n If you would like to learn more about schedule, specifications, and pricing for these cruising machines, drop an e-mail to Sue Grant: Sue.Grant@Berthon.Co.UK.<\/p>\n If you would like more information on the experience and philosophy which underlies our designs check out Offshore Cruising Encyclopedia<\/a> and Surviving the Storm<\/a>. There is also a DVD<\/a> available on the FPB design process and sea-trials of the FPB 83.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
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