Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 Catamaran Tour 2021 | Our Search For The Perfect Catamaran
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- Опубліковано 5 вер 2024
- Welcome to the Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 Catamaran tour. The Fountaine Pajot Astrea 42 catamaran is new to the market and will be very popular to those looking for a new sailing catamaran or a charter.
Fountaine Pajot have over 30 years experience of building catamarans. In addition to this over 100 of these boats were sold from the plans alone before its debut. This 42 foot catamaran will be hugely popular with the charter market, but how will it fare as a contender for Ruby Rose 2? Welcome to our catamaran tour,
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4:47 For the steering linkage, it depends where the bearings are. The tube shown is in double shear, which is actually stronger and possibly more rigid than a single shear rod end bearing. One nice thing about the FP Astrea implementation shown is the plastic bushing to reduce cathodic corrosion between the Aluminum parts and steel bolt. Spherical rod end bearings usually also have plastic bushings in the ball socket (except on pure racing cars).
The Astrea styling, layout, colors, helm are all very good. Agree it's built to a price, but it mostly looks good. The master bathroom is very nice and the berths are nice. So's the saloon and galley. And the outdoor spaces. Nav station at an angle is a slightly odd solution.
Your scores for Astrea seem biased low.
Really interesting review from our point of view as we have ordered one to pick up next year. We came up with a huge list of advantages over the Lagoon 42 and the Seawind 1260 (and we currently own a Seawind 1160). We have the ordered the Comfort Version with the upgraded 40hp engines and folding props, a parasail, Code 0, watermaker, generator, 1KW Solar, partial air con and a heap of other creature comforts and it's coming in at just over 500K Euro. (No lift platform, no tax). I'll be interested to see your costings when they go up on the website. Yes, the steering mechanism needs revising but apart from that the biggest downside for the Astrea is the two-year waiting list because the demand has been so strong. We'll let you know how we go and look forward to the future reviews.
I am ready to order the astrea. Can you go into more detail why u chose the fp over the lagoon? What is your take on the overall quality? I am not technical, I just don't like the lagoon helm station chair. It is not comfortable all for me.
Hi Nick, I think you are very right to pull the steering linkage up. The design is what one could expect from a school boy building a go cart. I wouldn’t dream of building any sea going vessel with such a weak link in such an important place. Also, it’s the hidden details like under the sinks that are indicative of the general build quality throughout the vessel. Great review, keep them coming.
yep absolutely. the steering mechanism is really bad.
LOVING your reviews. I'm 10 years out from living full time like you are and these are the boats that will be in my price range 10 years from now. Very informative. Thank you.
Fountaine Pajot standard location is to put the life raft in a cockpit locker which has a drop out bottom to launch it. No need to lift it at all. They typically put it behind the stairs for boat shows to let you look in the locker. If you go back on a Fountain Pajot, open the cockpit seat storage in the center and you should see a drop out bottom panel for launching.
We were there the same day. I can see it in the wind. And that my wife is on the couch :) we liked many things with the Astrea. One was the control positions. One can communicate easily with the rest of the boat. One can also contact the person who is in the maestro bedroom if you open the hatch in the bedroom. The sofa group in front of course. The bathing platform / boat platform. For bathers and dogs. Especially as is a 42 ft. I am seeing that some has mounted a brace on the lip of the astreas behind the solar cell panel. But wonder if it cannot be a challenge over time with weak points. Will be exciting to see what happens there over time. Was really easy to see the day we was there since it blew so much. The bathroom is well utilized. With "big" shower. On the guest side you can have a door on the option you push on so you get a big shower there as well. All in all, we thought it was the best boat on La grande motte in that size.
I truly appreciate the work you guys are putting into these reviews! I am finding them to be extremely fair, well done, and helpful. Looking forward to seeing more to come! Thank you.
Thanks for doing these reviews. Its refreshing seeing actual reviews instead of boat seller "reviews". Hope you find the right one.
FP’s in my opinion are design and built for the charter market not for the live aboard sailor and your outstanding reportage and attention to detail confirms my view. Great reporting, thanks.
I love your Cat reviews. You state your position and your thinking, even documenting what you are talking about, I.e. steering, tie rod and life raft. Clearly, this Cat was designed for looks and the design of the cockpit, saloon and cabins was very good. But the negative issues on this Cat outweigh the the positive design features. Great job. Remember there will always be people who are going to disagree with you.
I'm sailing a bran-new 47, and you are right, the steering linkage won't last, I'm looking at changing the system, so it won't give us issues in the future, also 1.5 turns lock to lock, in a following sea with out the auto pilot, it's hard, hand steering. Thanks so much for your appraisal of the 42, your right on target.
The thing is with giving your own personal opinion is the simple fact that others will disagree with you, at the end of the day we are hearing your personal opinion and for those that appreciate the honesty given in your opinion is what we are waiting for and at times with baited breath lol.
For those that disagree with you hey... that's fine, they have their own opinion that they are balancing against yours and that is what open reviews are all about, to create thought and consideration that then comes down to peoples own personal choices.
Absolutely love the work you are doing guys and its a big thumbs UP from me!! ;)
I'm not in the market for a cat, but if I was, I would absolutely take your reviews and advice over any salesperson. Good job you two! Cheers from Denver Colorado USA!
Grab rails and life raft location shouldn't be a game changer, you can install rail and relocate the life raft. Same for rudder hardware-switch to stainless. I do love how you get down to the nitty gritty Nick. "Heard stories about Pajot's not having a decent long life with their interiors.
Sorry guys, my vote was off....it should've read, 4-4-7-4-3 and comment: I liked the Fountaine Pajot, I think Nick said it all, "a pretty boat"....but some of the lacking issues such as steering joints, blind spot when backing, hardtop flexing in the breeze would worry me on a blue water sail with winds at 30 plus knots. Edges on some corners in the Galley and Salon were a bit suspect. I did love the swim platform on the stern and size of the master cabin and head. As always, Cheers to you both looking forward to the next! 🍺🍷😎
Great video with an honest review that is logically thought out. As all the cats are being reviewed with the same set of standards. Very fair. Thank you. Don't be defensive, it is your opinion and we watch and learn.
Thank you for these informative videos. I've been watching you for maybe two years now? I've learned (and saved) a lot of your videos so that when the time is right for me and my future family I'll be able to sail and purchase with confidence.
Your review videos are fantastic! Thank you for all the hard work you’ve put in to sharing with us.
Thanks mate
I found you because of the Wynn's and I 'm pretty sure I will never even be on a boat but I love listening to you two. I have now idea what your talking about but it sounds good. Love seeing the sailboats you review, they are very pretty.
Having binge watched your videos for the past week I'm finally up to date. I'm not a sailor but your videos are compelling viewing into a new world for me. These catamaran reviews are fascinating. I'm not competent to score these, but on a general level, I think the Seawind 1600 looks most suited to you guys out of the ones you've reviewed so far. It's more expensive than the others but somehow seems better overall value once you have added extras and would keep you safe and moving on those long hauls you love so much! Cheers guys :)
Thanks my friend. Glad you’ve caught up with the back catalogue.
Fountaine Pajot owners here 😊. We have a Lipari Evo (40ft 2014 model ). We are the second owners. We don't disagree with any of the points you have raised. We love our boat, however would not even consider buying one of the new FP models, if and when we upgrade. ( in fairness ,we wouldn't buy brand new , even if we could afford to) We have read so many bad reports about the workmanship and finish on the new models, not to mention the lack of customer service when trying to get things put right.
Love the reviews. Keep em coming ....
Hey Nick, just wanted to pitch this afternoon. After you complete this series on catamarans I think it would be a great idea if you would combine them all together into one double XL segment. It would be much appreciated. It would give us a different perspective if we could have them all combined together. We could name the combined series “ The gnarliest of the north catamaran gig”. That being said, at the end of the series you could say SOYF. That’s short Stay Off Your Face! Which is a request I made back when you were in the United States. I feel there’s no better way of saying goodbye then that. The fact is, it seems to be working well for me.
Consider it done my man!
You’re the man and #OfTheEpic and I’m #Stoked.
LOL
I have 1 suggestion for the reviews, which are the best I've ever seen. Well Done. The suggestion is small, just add a visual of the competitors scores in each category to see the reviewed Catamaran's has strengths and weaknesses in each category based on the competition. Wish you both the best in your sailing future.
I would trust the reviews of an experienced sailor such as yourself over some salesmen or someone who has very little actual experience
Great review again, I think that you are being very very reasonable in your comments, many thanks
Great review again, you could put up storage space too, especially for passage making! Can't wait to see the Leopard 45 review, definitely was my overall favorite in Gran Motte for live aboard choices...
Can‘t wait for your review of the Leopard....
thx for the honest reports 👍🏻
It should be out on Patreon in the next few days and for general release in the next couple of weeks my friend
I'm learning some great stuff as well as what to look for in a boat!
Great review! Thanks for the work on these!
We are in the market for a catamaran and really appreciate these reviews, thanks, and we look forward to the next report.
This is SOO HELPFUL guys!! Thank you so much to both of you for doing those reviews!!
A big thumbs up love the video I'm definitely loving your survey of these catamarans and seeing the difference in them and that seems to be a huge difference in a lot of them I appreciate you sharing that information with us thank you have a great day see you on the next one
i'm watching this for the information on the boats, as we are not without modest means and may someday make the jump ourselves but content aside i must complement you on your presentation and graphics. stunningly beautiful and simply effective. bravo sir. ma`am. whomever is doing the videos. :)
Good to know. Going to the San Diego International Boat show this weekend. Can’t wait to see these!
ok, so this is what a boat review ought to be. a checklist on all the features that go into a good boat and comments on how robust key components and where the builder chose to save money. not just some guy mumbling about as he goes through all the storage lockers.
Thanks guys, enjoyed the review
Cushions for 8000, thats why they are so comfy!
Your comments about the steering system seemed like fair criticism until you said they have the same set up on the Helia. They sold heaps of Helia models and many of them have sailed all over the world without any problems in this area. The only real issues I’ve heard of is the escape hatch becoming unsealed.
Good work guys. Very much looking forward to the Leopard 45 review. . . . .
I really like your helpful reviews on catamarans, and I can't wait for more
Great Work guys, Please review the new Bali 4.2 with the front door ...
Sure looked like that was Adam Savage getting a tour at the same time you guys were on the boat. At about 1:15 into the video.
Wow good eye. I think that may be him.
I came to the comments because of exactly that. If it wasn't Adam, he has a 99.9% doppelganger out there.
Great review videos! Your direct personal experiences with making and keeping (I think I've viewed all most all of your channel, and much of the tools you have on board) Ruby Rose a sea worthy vessel has me convinced that your 'non-professional' views are honest and quite valid. I've been a tradesman for 40 years (framing carpenter/elevator (lift to u) mechanic) and I've seen more than a few examples of an engineers plans being put into the real world and not being worth the paper that the plans are drawn on. I plan on getting a catamaran soon. Soon meaning 16/24 months. I will not be getting a new one but still your reviews give me much better insight. Thank You! and keep 'em coming! Aloha.
I to like many see the base price and the option list increasing the boat price unjustly, my view as when buying a car many things are not needed and retro fitting is a much better option. Cushions, electrical equipment,nav equipment, etc are much cheaper if you buy from other suppliers, if you have a knowledge of maintenance on a boat it’s simple.
Thanks you are quite correct that steering gear looks like it’s been
Just drilled out in a workbench and bolted through it’s really a bad situation.
Great video very informative love your analysis found you when you were sailing with the wins and I’m glad I subscribed keep up the great work look forward to your next one
Cheers mate, next review out over the coming days.
Thanks again guys. Really appreciate the reviews.
Well done guys! Waiting to see which one you’ll pick...
If the same steering system is used on older boat designs, then there should be some empirical evidence as to whether it is strong enough or not. There is a history. Anyone hear of folks saying their steering died on an FP?
I've been on FP's at boat shows, including used ones. I don't understand how this boat maker is still in business, these are not worth as much as the competition. Not even close. Besides, how can anything beat the SeaWind?
If it's not too small you guys might enjoy walking on the 1260 as well. Or even the go fast 1190 sport if you want to fly. The open concept makes the boats feel HUGE in my opinion. Good luck, hope you find one you love!
Seawind 1600 is a beautiful boat. Maybe the best boat for a couple circumnavigating the world. But the 1260 has it's looks against it. FP has done great job with the design, that is also important when ppl spend this amount of money. Same as with cars.
I just got back from looking at fp and asking around. The steering rod is an old design and used on helias as well. The folks maintaining the boats did not complain about the steering.
Have a good look at the FP owners website. They detail all the modifications they have carried out.
Personally and my non professional opinion is that the tie rod system is inadequate for long ocean crossings. I’ve talked to many people; professional skippers, builders and owners who feel the same way. It’s not a universally held opinion, but it is widely held.
@@sailingrubyrose thanks, perhaps the charter boats dont get enough use to see the problem.
My wife will not consider lagoon. So do I need to spend the extra 20+% on the open 46? I worry it will be hard to sell later. I wonder how much tweaking the fp will cost. Where do I read about fp problems? Note I started my journey looking at ex charter mono...
Love the evals and end decisions. Will add after the end of review. Tanks.
Amazing review thank you 😊
My pleasure 😊
I had a FP 38" Athena for 10 years and thankfully I put it to Charter as part of the purchase deal. We had no end of problems, even when new. There's little in the way of quality control it seems and although I bought mine 15 years ago, it seems not to have changed for the better. They are though, airy and easy to sail in good seas but not suitable for long distance cruising in large seas. Just an opinion but unless I was buying for charter, i would spend my money elsewhere.
I would always choose Ruby Rose if I had to, what a sturdy massive and save boat, she´s a real passage maker compared to Fountaine Pajot. Greets from good ol Germany.
adding rails and moving the life raft isn't really major modifications...stiffening the Bimini does take some work but very easy for a good fiberglass man...walkways are nice and wide...you guys do a good job and spend the time other walk thrus do not, so kudos ...I have learned things I didn't know before and I have looked at many catamarans thanks much
Don’t stop doing reviews brilliant to watch
Absolutely good video you both ,but yes your right about the steering bushes for something with the tonnage and wind strength , you won't get that far , but if you'r a good handy person you can boost up thous from the car industry and won't cost you much .
Agreed. You can change it yourself. But why won’t they do it?
@@sailingrubyrose Maybe because it is not necessary and it only annoys you
Hi i'm impressed with the review, I do agree in particular with the life raft position it is not good. As for the steering linkages i do agree that it could be better. Perhaps for the charter market it is appropriate in that charter boats are generally well maintained and to replace and maintain would be cheaper and easier with the standard installation. I'm impressed with you both sailing around and having a good time, i wish my wife and I could do the same thing.
Thanks,
Thank you for this very good review, logically laid out and pertinent to points that relate to your actual sailing experience. Appearance of the vessel is very high and stylish and there is a lot to be said for having a beautiful and comfortable living environment but build quality is the issue here especially for long term durability. On passage there are reliable components/design/safety factors that superseed what we like to have and enjoy at a calm anchorage or alongside or astern at a marina. Many thanks.
Your excellent at this review stuff even if youre not a professional as you say but youre real and what designers have no idea about what really goes on at sea
I nelieve David and Amy on Starry Horizons actually did hsve exactly the failure you predicted on the steering with that nylon bushing. Bit after 3 years from France to Indonesia. But they have been sailing their Helia 44 for 4 years. David did a review sometime in the last year giving a real world review of yhe yacht. Overall I would have been disappointed with the failures they suffered through with a brand .new boat.
He is correct, Heim's joints would be better than what is on there.... HOWEVER, us 4x4 people all know Johnny Joints are 10x better than Heims joints. So if you are going to do it, do it with Johnny.
Hi Guys, a great video and review as usual. Whilst I appreciate moving to a Catamaran is a choice you have made, they really do seem to come over as apartments with a mast. It is helpful to see what they are like, but it has just confirmed to us that we’d rather have something like Ruby Rose or maybe a Southerly 42. I’m sure it makes sense to you with the voyages you have planned, but I just have nagging doubts about all the interior space in a heavy sea, across Biscay or the Atlantic. Having never tried a Catamaran, I’m not really qualified to comment, but I think I’d feel happier in inclement conditions in a good monohull. Happy hunting and I really hope you find what you’re looking for.
I hate posting while still watching videos, but I just saw where the life raft is. That's a no-go. I like you guys too much to let you choose a boat that's that unsafe.
We just chartered the astrea. It is my only cat experience. It was more fun to sail than I expected. Even though I am not that good of a sailor, we did 7 knots easy. 8 was doable as well.. In a 40 foot mono, 5 was normal. Note u can't see through the sail and there are many boats to hit in the bvi. Which .makes me wonder if looking under the sail is better.
You overlooked all those sharp corner's.Great video though.
I noticed that as well.
"Only a 6 in safety - I think, your nice. AFAIK the liferaft should be accessible also if the cat capsized but this seems not the case if stored under the stairs.
Steering rods - I want to fully agree, that's simply crab.
Dinghy platform: I know, hoisting the Dinghy at davits is a lot of work, even more fastening it against swinging. But I'm not sure if such a platform is durable. I don't know the effects of waves crushing against it.
Great reviews.......you need to buy near new, well equipped and used where someone else takes a big hit on the early depreciation ;).
Your review was spot on. She's pretty to look at (are we still talking about the FP? 😉) The 'outdoor living space' and interior do LOOK the part with a nicely laid out galley, island beds and that lovely master shower room. There are quite a few sharp looking corners on the cabinetry though, wouldn't you say?
One consideration of the raised helm station is that it also raises your mainsail boom about a metre. To get the same sail area, you end up with a taller mast. FP did do a good job from a comfort and safety standpoint.
Thanks for sharing this and I would have never caught the tie rod thing. Good find Nick! That's what makes you NICK!! PEACE OUT! Ü
You know the life raft can be stored in and deployed from the bench in the cockpit, simply by open a hatch ? Under stairway storage is optional. Absolutely room for quality improvement in different departments, but performance vice this cat would outperform even much bigger Lagoons in my experience, regardless polar diagrams. Visited the factory in april this year and are pretty sure "back bone" construction is rigth at the top of the game. Hopefully the staff at FP also take notes from your review :-) Prices for optionals are insane.
Wow at 0:48 - That's Adam Savage from Mythbusters
again...great video...these videos have been really helpful...they set nice standards for evaluating boats...especially cats...
can't wait for the review on the leopards and mavericks...
Thanks
Nick, As you mentioned, you are not an expert. I am an expert and you are spot on.
Cheers my friend. Let us know your credentials so we can shore up our points.
@@sailingrubyroseI am a mechanical engineer with over 17 years of design experience.
However you look at that joint, especially when you move it around the end, it doesn't look right, regardless of what they have been using under the plate (probably a nut with a securing pin).
My only explanation is that this is just a quick fix someone used to put this boat on the road. As you like it so much, I would contact the company and ask.
I wish my friend. I have seen 4 fountaine Pajots now. All have the same steering mechanism. I thought the same at first, that someone had thrown it together to get it to a boat show.
@@sailingrubyrose replacing this won't be a big issue. but I agree with Mark S, these kind of things make you loose confidence in the boat.
Nick I don't think you should be worried like you were about legalities of your review. You showed the steering and other details that are lacking for what you would want to do and examples to compare with other designs to show why you had that opinion. I personally would feel the same about it even if I was just day sailing. I would even consider replacing the entire steering connections with something stronger. But at what cost? $8K for cushions? That is insane. Eye watering indeed. The FP is more for the casual cruiser and charter business. I wouldn't want to make it a live aboard. And the life raft placement! Are they kidding? That would have failed the boat alone for me. I think you were generous with a 4 rating for safety and build quality. Great helm design not withstanding. And the swim platform/dingy hoist feels high end but if the mechanism to run it is as well done as the steering how long will it last? And if it fails in the down position? You literally would not be able to go anywhere until it was fixed. Well you can scratch the Astrea off the list. Great review. Tried to show all the good with the bad. I am looking forward to the next review already. Take care.
LIfe raft placement was huge for me as well... and it definitely makes you think where else they skimped on safety features. Good lad Nick, he found the rudder issue. Haha, 8 thousands...stuff it FP.
Great review.... You Two are really lovely and so knowledgeable.....I’m learning so much ....so farThe beautiful Seawind 1600 on my Christmas List 😂😂😘
Assuming you change out the tie rod to a rose joint setup, relocate life raft aft via custom rigging and add hand holds the length of coach roof, what would be your opinion then? Oh, and spray foam some closed cell foam in mech space… all seem very fixable
Again, great videos and appreciate your detailed view points
What about buying the base model, take it away, and have it specced to your specific
requirements elsewhere. Like guys build custom cars or motorbikes. I mean, you
obviously like the boat , it has a lot going for it. But , upgrades from basic are 'eyewatering'.
So, get it done somewhere else, and end with the best of both worlds :)
Your scoring system is great, your reviews are well done. Given the delay of video to actual activity its probably a mute point, however I am curious if you have a weighting method built into your scoring. Meaning, is there a number being applied to the various scores based on you own point of view regarding importance of various features? An example might be Performance versus Comfort. Typically those two issues are trade offs, So which is more important to You and how is that weighted into your system of scoring.
Really enjoying your reviews. We have just bought a used 2017 Leopard 40 here in Australia which we will keep for a few years with a plan to buy a boat out of the Med to sail home eventually. I am on the Facebook groups for FP Lagoon and Leopard and whilst I can see they all seem to have there issues the complaints from new owners of FP’s seem to ring the loudest. The quality seems to be the worst of all of them which is a real shame because we really like the look of the Astrea. Look forward to more of your reviews. Your doing a great job 👍
Amazing review by RUBY ROSE.Going subscribe to your channel n watch ur adventures. Cheers from Vancouver Canada
Awww thanks mate. Welcome to our channel
These reviews are excellent. Keep them up. Then do cruising Monohulls.
As I've mentioned before, very well done vid with a professional look. It will be interesting to see which cat you end up going with. The type of comparison indicators and process you're using is the way I'd be doing my research as well.
you know what will be in end ?
they will buy 100 ft mono-hull or gullet ;)
Hi Guys, Great reviews ... Did ye get any feed back from the Cat builders on your reviews .. I wonder what there take is on what ye think. Not that it matters, Your honesty and standards speaks volumes !!
So far silence from Lagoon, Seawind picked up on it and shared it, and the lawyer at FP are probably still sharpening their quills.
Don't worry about the lawyers.... We'll start a bail out fund for you !! LOL
I just hope that some one will listen to your layman comments, so important.
Looks like the Nautitech is next, going to be interested in your take on that one. I generally prefer the helms and overall layout, little slimmer. Build quality is an unknown.
Great Review, thanks 👍
I know they're trying to reduce weight but stanless steel with proper pivots would increase the boats longevity in rudder controls.
I'd think the steering hardware inefficiencies/system would just be the tip of the iceberg and reflect poorly on much of the hardware and systems you cannot see. Looks like they've decided to reduce cost etc. I'd worry about the electrical systems etc and if they have taken shortcuts on build and quality.
I was just thinking that. Did they use the cheapest water pumps and fittings available? All the little things that would make it maintenance heavy in a couple years. I think it's meant for the charter market, its a 3 year boat.
good job guys. thanks
A very good FAIR review based on your opinions. Possibly one of the differences between your opinion and others is that you are looking at a cat as a live aboard cruising couple that crosses oceans or at least travels considerable distances, this is perhaps different to the reviewer that is only doing an occasional overnight or a nice weekender with some family and friends. Fun fact I don't think the FP range can be used in the charter market here in Australia due to the thickness of the hull.
As always stay safe and keep having fun.
Hey mate, thanks for the comment. Can you please provide us with your source for the comment about the FP in the charter market. Cheers
@@sailingrubyrose I was in Port Douglas last December and I spent (according to my wife) too much time cruising the docks. I was chatting with a chap that ran a Lagoon 500 for charter and he told me that he had initially purchased a second hand FP 48 a year earlier that he intended to charter with, he was refused a charter license for the boat due to the hull thickness. I was very surprised and we spoke for some time about it. He eventually managed to get out of the deal due to damage to the stern that was not reported. Hope this is of some help.
You should check out a Maverick 440
Hope to see you guys Again in Annapolis this Oct. but it seems it's already over.. The Seawind it is!
I have never been a fan of FP Catamarans. I visited the Saba 50 when it was launched and there were so many quality details, that I decided to leave.
That is a good review, it is obvious that you are independent reviewers and you don't have to care about advertising money.
Hey guys. Love your 'as we see it' reviews.
I'm a professional seagoing marine engineer and am looking at purchasing a 40-50ft catamaran for my family with a view to ocean cruising.
Apart from the green gremlins (a.k.a Volvo's) this does look like an appealing model with some necessary changes.
If and when I buy, I'd love to meet up and add a more technical element to your reviews Whilst toeing the line with vendors..... Clearly I'm anti Volvo, you do a safe station wagon, but keep your engines in your cars. 🤣
Totally agree, the optional extras, including safety items, are often astronomical. I actually considered getting curtains, cushions, bed slats, etc done locally and shipped over. Even a BBQ on the stern rail. €1,400 from the manufacture vs a couple hundred at West Marine. Meanwhile I find that the glass and veneer is paper thin. The last FP I chartered, just a year old, had so many chips with csm visible. I’ve been on 8 year old charter boats in better condition. For build quality I would certainly stay away.
I will say this. The neoprene washers are used in heavy truck springs as bushings and seem to hold up well.