There is one thing about Marstrom that I never understand.

The reasoning behind their products and why they try complete new designs without any demand or clear pathway to market/succesful class.

Two products of Marstrom are fine.

The Tornado and the A-cat class, both classes were however formed by other people and other builders before Marstrom entered the class for a piece of the pie.

Then they did the M18 and M20, both of which failed spectaculary. There was simply not enough demand for these boats and really nobody was waiting for them either. They sold a handful because of the carbon BLING factor and that was it. Dissatisfied with their allround performance their owners are converted them to sloops.

Seacart 30, by their own admission 15 build and spread over 7 countries, some as far away as south africa. This class can still go either way, so we'll give them another few years to proof the class and concept. However, I do fair they will have a tough battle with the Corsairs and Farriers. But thus far it is not a break through yet.

And now the M32 ?!

[censored], How many new exciting 28 to 35 footer cats and tris have we seen launched in the last few years ? On the swiss lakes we see a new such class every 2 years. And of course we have the Extreme-40, a design and class build by other people although Marstrom builds the boats. How many so far 15 boats as well ?

Who is being serviced by the new M32 ? Who is waiting for it ? Who will buy it and where will they race it. It is too big for beach cat regatta's and to small for of shore races or record attempts. And if it wants to launch its own high profile OD cup cirquit then it has to first compete with the Extreme-40's and come out on top. The E-40's of course having a considerable lead on the M32 in this respect.

But lets say that is all solved somehow. Lets look at the design, another uni-rig ! Say goodbye to the M32, friends. It is another boat who's crew will be praying for perfect upwind beats and claim mastery of the seas by reaching the A-mark first. The first time it does Texel it will be hunted down by smaller overweight sloops (costing only only 1/10 of an M32) like a pack of hungry wolves chasing a wounded kariboe.

And even if it doesn't break this time and comes in 15 minutes before the fleet, I can already hear the comments. "100.000 Euro's devided by 15 minutes = 6666 euro's per minute gained". Because there is one thing that Marstrom garantees, it will cost you a bundle. Ergo only some millionaires will buy it and then loose interest when they discover that pulling 450 kg across the beach is indeed hard work. (something they are not used too ?)


Summarizing, Too large, To heavy (even if it is all carbon and light for its length), too expensive for a recreational daysailor, Too clumpsy to trailor about, not practical as a beach cat, not a practical off shore racer (no shelter or storage rooms), Not a cruiser, Not a Extreme-40, No class and No market demand for such a boat.

Anybody want to place bets on whether this new design/class will be making an impact ?

Wouter