The question I have is - Are C/Bs worth, to the parents, an extra $1000 at least for their kids to have C/Bs over skegs.
This could increase the cost of the boat by nearly %20.
Is it worth this much?
If I were sailing the boat I'd want option 3 but the boat is not designed for my use so that is not relavent.How would the parents see this given they either find the extra time in building the craft or the extra money to buy such a craft.
That is the real question. How does it balance out when the cost is taken into account?
I appreciate all input and look forward to gaining a better understanding of how people see things.
No! The potential of c/b case leakage, especially if the boat may be "accidentally" grounded a few times, is not worth the risk. Potential maintenance issues are bad "Dad...when are you going to fair MY boards?" "Yes, we like the boat except it leaks"
To a new sailing family (and I believe this boat can attract total newbies) one (well...two) less item/s makes it that much more marketable.
Keep it simple. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />
All agreed.
But some things that sound complicated may actually be simpler and better choices than expected.
Before dismissing the idea, I would like to list the features of a single centreboard pivoting from the central truss:
- It needs no case, only lateral support (easy to build, access and maintain)
- It is external to the hulls and independent from them (no leaks, safer, cheaper)
- It helps right the boat (safe, fast and efficient righting pole style recovery)
- It doesn't interfere with the boom or take deck space (easy to gybe, difficult to bruise inexperienced legs).
- It is invisible both down and up (therefore not ugly).
- It is cheaper and easier to build than a board in each hull (but Phill is the one who can confirm this).
Another possible configuration change would be to replace the twin rudders with a single, deeper, daggerboard style rudder, also placed in the central frame.
Depending on project specifications, this could further reduce the price and complexity, while still yielding a fast boat compared to #2. The central structure would concentrate about everything needed to sail the boat: rudder, centreboard and mast. It would look a lot like an Optimist or Laser with two hulls. I guess this could help parents feel comfortable with the idea of a cat trainer.
What do you think?
