Dyflin
Well-Known Member
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The original FRANCES was designed and built by Naval Architect Chuck (C. W.) Paine for his own use. His idea was to reduce the size of the more well known Colin Archer double enders, in order to reduce the problems (crew requirements, upkeep cost, original cost, restrictions to cruising grounds due to deep draft) inherent in the larger ocean cruisers. At the same time, those attributes which have gained acceptance, as necessary for safety and comfort at sea, namely; heavy displacement, the double ended stern, and sufficient ballast, were retained. FRANCES presents an alternative for those seeking quality and economy in a modern yacht.
Morris Frances Brochure
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"She was to embody everything I knew about the design of efficient cruising-vessels of fiberglass construction, to be capable of yearly cruises to and among the Caribbean Islands, to be small enough to fit my limited budget, but large enough to safely survive a gale at sea. She had to be as beautiful as her namesake, for some day I would part with her and I know well that beautiful yachts reward their owners' good taste with profit upon resale. Yet she is small enough for me to handle the little maintenance required, capable of being laid-up alongside a local lobsterman's wharf on an outgoing tide for periodic attention to the bottom, or even towed behind a good Maine Peapod if the engine and wind should choose to crap out simultaneously. Then there is always the dream of circumnavigation, and well, some year I might just find the time and have saved up the Panama Canal fee and a few cans of ravioli."
Frances from 'The Best Boats to Build or Buy' by Ferenc Mate
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I believe the Frances 26 will appeal to the modern traditionalist and to anyone that does not want to be continuously tweaking his rig. During my test the looks on the crew of a nearby yacht were interesting, as we approached they were "that's a pretty little boat" gradually changing to quiet anguish as they realised we were passing them - it was a much larger boat and no amount of rope pulling stopped the gap opening. It is worth remembering that the Frances 26's performance is belied by the ease with which it is achieved.
Yachting and Boating Magazine
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The only stumbling block is the price, it ain't cheap and I will have to take out a loan. Give me reasons to walk away from this one?
The original FRANCES was designed and built by Naval Architect Chuck (C. W.) Paine for his own use. His idea was to reduce the size of the more well known Colin Archer double enders, in order to reduce the problems (crew requirements, upkeep cost, original cost, restrictions to cruising grounds due to deep draft) inherent in the larger ocean cruisers. At the same time, those attributes which have gained acceptance, as necessary for safety and comfort at sea, namely; heavy displacement, the double ended stern, and sufficient ballast, were retained. FRANCES presents an alternative for those seeking quality and economy in a modern yacht.
Morris Frances Brochure
[/ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
"She was to embody everything I knew about the design of efficient cruising-vessels of fiberglass construction, to be capable of yearly cruises to and among the Caribbean Islands, to be small enough to fit my limited budget, but large enough to safely survive a gale at sea. She had to be as beautiful as her namesake, for some day I would part with her and I know well that beautiful yachts reward their owners' good taste with profit upon resale. Yet she is small enough for me to handle the little maintenance required, capable of being laid-up alongside a local lobsterman's wharf on an outgoing tide for periodic attention to the bottom, or even towed behind a good Maine Peapod if the engine and wind should choose to crap out simultaneously. Then there is always the dream of circumnavigation, and well, some year I might just find the time and have saved up the Panama Canal fee and a few cans of ravioli."
Frances from 'The Best Boats to Build or Buy' by Ferenc Mate
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I believe the Frances 26 will appeal to the modern traditionalist and to anyone that does not want to be continuously tweaking his rig. During my test the looks on the crew of a nearby yacht were interesting, as we approached they were "that's a pretty little boat" gradually changing to quiet anguish as they realised we were passing them - it was a much larger boat and no amount of rope pulling stopped the gap opening. It is worth remembering that the Frances 26's performance is belied by the ease with which it is achieved.
Yachting and Boating Magazine
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The only stumbling block is the price, it ain't cheap and I will have to take out a loan. Give me reasons to walk away from this one?
