MacMan
Well-Known Member
All the same ?
On first inspection, as relative newcomers to the scene, we though they were all the same and having gone down the pontoon we even got confused at to which small feature was different on which cat.
Biminis was a big thing/difference for us.
We think we need one (eventual non UK Cruising planned and we are not going North!) - and don't like the gang plank concept but wonder if I fill the bimini with Solar Pannels will I end up with a gangplank anyway?
Another big item difference was the degree of proteciton affored the helm. Although I buy the argument that long distance you will be on autopilot a lot of time anyway.
The BB stuck out as the most "different" - not least the several trees that had died to produce the interiror - all be it quite lovely. But do I want to carry a couple of trees around with me? The cockpit did strike me as more seamanlike and secure for big seas but then has that obvious disadvantage that it is less suitable for chilling out at anchor.
The rig would be nice. I was "sold" a story on the BB hulls being a different shape to FP/Lagoon which has a more sea kindly motion. It did feel like that on the day but I was comparing at 36 foot (FP Mahe)) with a nearly 39 (BB 385) so maybe that accounts for the difference instead. I would love anyone else view on this.
BUT I have to admit we did leave thinking would any of these choices be a really bad decision? Or are they similar enough that we are really choosing a different set of comprimises.
Are the "charter" versions (FP, Lagoon) built well enough to stand up to day in day out liveaboard.
When I think they are all very similar am I naive ?
On first inspection, as relative newcomers to the scene, we though they were all the same and having gone down the pontoon we even got confused at to which small feature was different on which cat.
Biminis was a big thing/difference for us.
We think we need one (eventual non UK Cruising planned and we are not going North!) - and don't like the gang plank concept but wonder if I fill the bimini with Solar Pannels will I end up with a gangplank anyway?
Another big item difference was the degree of proteciton affored the helm. Although I buy the argument that long distance you will be on autopilot a lot of time anyway.
The BB stuck out as the most "different" - not least the several trees that had died to produce the interiror - all be it quite lovely. But do I want to carry a couple of trees around with me? The cockpit did strike me as more seamanlike and secure for big seas but then has that obvious disadvantage that it is less suitable for chilling out at anchor.
The rig would be nice. I was "sold" a story on the BB hulls being a different shape to FP/Lagoon which has a more sea kindly motion. It did feel like that on the day but I was comparing at 36 foot (FP Mahe)) with a nearly 39 (BB 385) so maybe that accounts for the difference instead. I would love anyone else view on this.
BUT I have to admit we did leave thinking would any of these choices be a really bad decision? Or are they similar enough that we are really choosing a different set of comprimises.
Are the "charter" versions (FP, Lagoon) built well enough to stand up to day in day out liveaboard.
When I think they are all very similar am I naive ?
