Light or Heavy?

[Ripster]

Been looking at few of the entry level 30-34ft Flybridge vessels from Jann, Benn, Rodman etc - similar beam and kit etc, but some are vastly heavier. EG: New MF10 weighs 60% of an equal sized Rodman or Botnia Targa. I know this is because Hulls and superstructure are built from different or heavier materials and some only have single engine etc, but which is best or does not matter? I started by assuming more weight is better - more planted, less/slower reaction to winds so a better Sea boat. But, is this correct? Are the latest hull designs countering this so lighter boats can be as good at Sea and obviously more fuel efficient.

What are the views?

 

[MapisM]

Short answer, light.
There are indeed situations when heavy displacement is good, but you'd rather be there in an oceanic tug rather than on a planing pleasure boat.

 

[Divemaster1]

1 X weight at Y speed gives a certain momentum to overcome resistance in waves.

2 X weith at Y speed gives higher momentum and as such a less jerky ride (speed variations)...

Look at constructions and strengtheners, and how interior is fixed to structure, may also give a clue to strenght of fittings etc..... One better than other ????? Evaluate your needs,take them for a test ride in the conditions you are most likely to meet and choose thereafter.....

 

[[2068]]

I would say the question is "Where is the weight".

If it's in a heavily laid up hull with massive stringers / bulkheads etc. then it will improve seakeeping in rougher conditions if it's the right hull shape, but fuel consumption will inevitably suffer.

If it's all in real marble galley worktops, then that's still going to affect fuel consumption, and you gain the ability to chop cucumber without using a chopping board.

Which is more important to you?

 

[PowerYachtBlog]

actually this is a never answerable question

I went on super light boats like a Cigarette and the ride is awesome and adventurous in 9 footers
then I went on heavy boats like Magnum or Itama weighing close to double to what a Princess, Sunseeker of a similar size would do, and the ride was fantastic, altough the diesel these boats drink are normally double also to that of similar sized boats
sure many light boats that I know off do suffer some structural hull problems when squeezed a bit too much in the rough

 

[Deleted User YDKXO]

Firstly, take all data published by manufacturers with a pinch of salt, especially weights because sales literature is usually prepared using weights estimated during the CAD design process which is often quite different to the actual weight of the production units. Second as has already been pointed out, you dont know how the weight is distributed. Third, some manufacturers give their weights dry, others full of fuel and water
Generally for a flybridge boat, I would prefer to have a heavier boat, assuming that the weight is in a heavier hull lay up rather than a large superstructure simply because, with a proportion of the weight of a flybridge boat being relatively high up, a heavier hull would give an easier and more stable motion in heavy seas, especially for a 30-34ft boat which is about the minimum size for a flybridge. But no doubt that you will pay for that extra weight at the fuel pump