NABs the way forward?

[ChrisE]

Given that we now live in a consumer led society which has led to the prolifieration of AWBs (ie cheap, high volume, standardised boats that almost anybody can afford) will we now see the emergence of New Auld Boats, ie costing a bit more and with more features to differentiate one model from another.

This is the route that every industry has gone down to date, eg cars, fridges, TVs, etc. My money is on the marine trade following the same route using modern techniques to create boats that have the breathtaking lines of the old boats. So we can expect to see retro-boats (cf Audi TTs), old classics (cf Morgans), and big, well-appointed ships capable of a fair turn of speed (cf Aston Martins).

ButtMaster HQ, the home of quality opinions

 

[BrendanS]

What's the equivalent of a modern mini cooper. I want one. Or the ocean equivalent of a Hummer

 

[Freebee]

Its already being done by Swordsman marine isnt it with their recreation of the Fairey!

 

[jonjo]

A Contessa 38 made by Bavaria, yes I want one.

 

[jimi]

Aha .. a retro AWB, now there's an idea!


1) Make it narrow & dark
2) add quarter berth
3) Ensure boom is low enough to whack heid
4) fit cockpit sweeping tiller
5) add graceful stem & stern overhangs .. ensuring high OL/WL ratio

 

[mikesharp]

With sprinkler systems to recreate leaky decks and essence of diesel in the bilges?

 

[FWB]

This is exactly what my boat is. GRP hull the rest is teak, all made to measure.

 

[Robin]

The stuff of dreams sometimes......

.........fails in reality. Many will look and drool but when it comes to spending their hard earned cash will not buy at least not in any quantity.

Bit like cars too. Amongst many cars, I owned a beautiful bright red MG TC and later had a succession of Mini Coopers including really hot ones that I Autocrossed and Rallied. Pretty as she was the MG was cold, bumpy and very slow. Many years on I had the chance to drive a friend's beautifully restored 1275 Mini-Cooper S, just like the one I used to own and spouted on about being better than any modern car blah blah blah. The reality was that the 1275 Mini-Cooper was noisy, cramped, bumpy and so SLOW by comparison to modern cars, what a disappointment! Some dreams are best left intact.

We have a modern 'classic' a Spirit 46 (I think) in a nearby berth. Stunning lines, long overhangs narrow beam but I believe a sharp FIN keel out of sight below the water. No standing headroom and very cramped I believe below, which probably explains why it is only daysailed. I heard it has a monumental price tag, lots of money for a daysailer!

 

[roberth]

Take a look at the Hunter Mystery 35 at the London Boat Show, designed by Stephen Jones. Like nothing out of any other Hunter mould (a good thing?). Beautiful lines and finish, not so beautiful price. A real retro boat that looks bombproof, but is reported to perform really well. I guess others will follow.

Until my lottery ticket comes up, I'll be sticking to my original NAB.

Robert

 

[Keen_Ed]

It's being done:

Spirit Yachts http://www.spirityachts.com/
Ed Burnett http://www.burnettyachtdesign.co.uk/
Fairlie Restorations are building a new Fife-a-like http://www.fairlierestorations.com/

Dixon Yacht Design (http://www.dixonyachtdesign.com) drew Freya, which has a swing keel and spade rudder.

For big classically styled boats, theres Gerard Dijkstra http://www.gdnp.nl/ and Hoek: http://www.hoekdesign.com/hoek.html

In the States there's Morris Yachts with their new 36 daysailer, and the Fontaine Design Group with their new Friendship 40, and Sparkman and Stephens will still draw you a new classic - they've had a couple built at Walsteds in Denmark.

 

[billmacfarlane]

Chris, please come back to the real world. Almost anyone can afford an AWB? You're looking at £60,000 minimum for a 36' boat. almost anyone can afford one ? Don't think so.