On other end of
the performance / comfort equation, I opted for simple
but full sized interior components. The accommodations
are set up for efficiency, usability and privacy. The
port hull is fitted with a full width, L-shaped galley
aft while the starboard hull incorporates a full-sized
private head. There is a bureau and double berth located
just forward of the athwartships companionways in each
hull and there is a drop-leaf chart table in the starboard
hull.
The after portions
of each hull incorporate lazarettes that are large enough
to accommodate lots of deck chairs, an inflatable, dive
gear, and all the other necessities for a week at the
island. The forepeaks are accessible through deck hatches
or from the inside. This arrangement will weigh approximately
250 pounds.
|
LOA
|
35.75'
|
| LWL |
32.25' |
| BMAX |
20.00' |
| Draft
(Board up) |
1.25' |
| Draft
(Board down) |
6.33' |
| Weight
(Dry) |
3,500
lbs |
| Displacement
|
5,000
lbs |
| Sail
Area (Upwind) |
726
Sq. Ft |
| Sail
Area (Downwind) |
1,550
Sq. Ft |
The SportCat 35 is
designed with a solid wing deck, carbon fiber composite
main beam and aluminum forward and aft cross tubes.
The main beam will be solidly bolted to receptacles
on the inboard sides of the hulls and the cross tubes
will fit into full-width sockets. This will permit the
boat to be disassembled for shipping without compromising
the structural rigidity of the boat. Incorporated into
the wing deck is a central pod to house the engine,
batteries and other gear.
The hulls are
a unique design incorporating deeply vee'd forward sections
which fair into firm bilges and flatter sections aft.
They are 48 inches wide at the max beam position and
carry that beam down to roughly the 10 inch waterline.
This allows for plenty of reserve buoyancy while maintaining
the optimum length/beam ratio near the waterline, where
it's most important. There is enough rocker in the hulls
to make tacking quick by catamaran standards and the
flat sections aft will allow the boat to plane and surf
in when its breezy. The sheer is slightly reversed.
This allows for almost six feet of headroom in the cabins
without sacrificing that all-important factor: aesthetics.
The hulls carry
a full 4 feet of beam aft to the transoms where there
is a "back porch" that allows easy boarding,
diving and access to the kick-up rudders. With the dagger
boards canted inboard at the sheer, controlling them
is easy and safe, and they are at the optimum angle
for upwind performance.
I gave a lot of consideration
to the steering gear and eventually developed a system
that incorporates Ackerman arms, short inboard tillers
and a fairing piece that permits optimum positioning
of mainsail controls as well as a protected spot for
an autopilot. Tiller steering a big cat can be tiring
because these boats are usually sailing in the 9 to
12 knot range, therefore the mechanical advantage this
type of steering system offers will minimize driver
fatigue. That's a very good thing because this boat
will be a LOT of fun to steer when it's windy.
The drawings show
a single spreader rotating mast, made of carbon fiber.
However, the boat will sail nearly as well with an aluminum
mast. The rig is moderately tall. This will allow most
of the sail area to be carried in the main. This eliminates
the need for overlapping jibs and allows for the jib
sheets to be led to the weather side inside the main
beam. This means the jib trimmer can stay on the high
side of the boat and also keeps the deck layout particularly
clean. The boat will have all the standard sail controls,
roller furling for the jib. Asymmetrical spinnakers
or screachers can be set from the short bowsprit for
maximum reaching/running performance.
Performance? With
over 700 square feet of upwind sail area and an all-up
sailing weight, including a crew of four, of under 5,000
pounds, this boat is going to be faster than anything
except the all-out racing cats. It will have more room,
go faster and cost less than an F31. That's Performance.
- See Bravura
Sportcat 35 Pricing
