I’m wondering what you think are the pros and cons of the 50 foot proa on the homepage vs. a similar sized catamaran.

Thanks,
-jak

Proa Pros
- cheaper, lighter, simpler build
- less materials

Cat Pros
- larger, much more space, easier accommodations
- higher resale value (especially in charter locations)
- more conventional sailing & handling

Proa Pros
- cheaper, lighter, simpler build
- less materials

= Longer Vaka for a given amount of materials, longer DWL, higher speed, easier motion, less stressed crossbeams and attachements points.

Cheers,
Johannes

Proa Pro: the design features a leeward pod. This item, if designed properly, permits self-righting from a knock-down. This is a “fail-safe” feature that is currently only found on monohulls. It would allow the proa to carry more sail than would be prudent for a cat, which must “reef for the puffs”, not the lulls.

I think a racer could could make good gains on this approach, playing it closer to the edge then a cat or tri dares to, but considering the modern crop of ocean racers, they dare pretty much everything, anyway - since rescue is simply a phone call away. I suppose this leads to a discussion on “seaworthiness” having more to do with instant global communication and rescue than anything inherent in the vessel itself.

For a cruiser, it would simply mean a sense of security and perhaps better daily runs on average.

For only slightly more material and cost you can extend the float up to the deck level and have accommodation in both hulls.  And more importantly the covered living space on the deck which is the best part of a catamaran.  This is the Approach we are taking with the Drua.  Our 55 ft Drua has less materials than a 39 ft cat.  Remember that ease of build is more about the number or parts than the size of them.  And the cost of material to build the shell is small compared to all the other systems and parts you have to buy.  I think our foam glass and resin is under 30K.

Ron

The Cat or Drua would have much higher mass moment of inertia making it safer in breaking waves

Ron