Which one out of these small multi-hull designs will be the best for my needs?

I'm thinking of making the ECO750 / KD860 / KD 1000 demountable, because for me these boats offer the best in terms of volume and performance, even when you're looking for an old catamaran. More usable and more attractive than classic demountables from Richard Woods or Wharram or others. BK's boats are the most rational to build in 2024.

To illustrate my point:
Let's start with J. Wharram's TIKI 38, which, according to its owners, has no competitor on the market.
11.6m long by 6.2 wide for 3000kg. That sounds attractive on a forum. But when you visit two or three of them, as I did, you think about it four or six times.
In principle, it can be dismantled, but at 11.6m long, it's hard to fit on a 12m trailer.
2x 1.2T per hull + 1 pod plus dinghy + beams + mast + miscellaneous and yes the boat can be dismantled but it's a lot of work and never on the same trailer.
With a waterline of 9.6m, an impractical V-shaped hull and a freeboard that's flush with the water, the volumes are not very usable in relation to the numbers. So much so, in fact, that we quickly compare it to Bernd Kohler's KD105. One metre shorter in overall length, but one metre longer at the waterline, for half the weight. So more beautiful, more roomy, faster on the water, faster to build and all for much less. I reckon it will cost between €50 and €60,000 to build in France, with 2 helpers on hand to speed things up and save time on the building site. For a boat with the same level of finish as this one, offered second-hand at 92k€. Wharram Tiki 38 https://www.boat24.com/fr/voiliers/wharram/wharram-tiki-38/detail/562537/
I really like the Tiki. I have a lot of respect for them. Their owners are all exemplary sailors whom we appreciate and whom I like to have as friends. Except that for me the KD105 is a more rational choice than a TIKI38. And if you end up saying that you're not going to dismantle these boats because they're impractical in everyday use, you continue the comparison and end up with the KD1000, which is even more spacious and economical to build. And if you were to envisage living below the equator on a Tki 38, then the DUO1000 with a removable integral bimini would be a more rational choice for even less money.

I hope that my thoughts, born of long meditation and vain attempts to find the rare pearl, will enable you to make a quick choice. Reflection must give way to action, because the joy of an economical boat is incomparable to that of dreaming about it. Personally, if I were you (if I understand your needs and desires correctly), I'd either buy a KD860, build a KD860 or an Eagle24 if it has to be dismantled. It all depends on how you want to live with your future boat.

Building your own KD860 with the small modifications you want and two assistants would take you maybe only 4 months and would cost you the price of those considered for sale. It's a matter of choice and courage.

Laurent

 

Dear C. Dog,
I really appreciate your consideration, and the time you took to bring the fact that Oryx is for sale to my attention.
Oryx is an amazing boat indeed and one of the finest KD860's built. It also carries a sad legacy.

KD860 is one of the finest designs for a small cruising cat out there. I have decided to work with Mr. Bernd to custom design similar
and slightly bigger dual-mast catamaran, with some adjustments to improve crew safety and ease of handling at sea even further.
I also intend to eventually build it myself, to make a boat that I want - and also hopefully introduce some new ideas and another fresh
design to the existing pool of blue-water DYI cats.

I will keep this thread updated with the progress, and also post the resulting final design, if it reaches fruition.

Best Regards,
Eli.

 

Thanks a lot Laurent,

This common thought sharing provides a stream of fresh ideas to reflect upon.
I agree with you regarding Wharram designs compared to Bernd Kohler or Richard Woods.
With the advent of modern materials and building methods - such modern designs are a better and more economically sensible choice.
I am sure that in few years we will see even more fresh and pioneering designs - like Rob Denney's HarryProas, since they just make sense.

See my previous reply to C. Dog regarding my decision, hopefully I will manage to achieve the design criteria's and add something new to the already respectful portfolio of DYI
multi-hull designs.

Regards,
Eli.

 

Stating to righting again. Stel very bad.

Wharram's TIKI 38 same in side as Romany 34. 90% lese $ but beger inside than Wharram.

TIKI 30 more $ etc smaller inside etc.

Sailing Catamarans - Windsong - 9m deep V hull ocean cruiser


9000% biger than T30

BK1000 ?

Mike Waller Yacht Design | Waller 880 Catamaran (mikewalleryachts.com)

mush nicer in side. Not ply though. Quick maybe.

1x1 m cost $# + hours. See what you get for your $ and time. Inside ? speed ?

In Australia I can get fome for less than ply.

 

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I think you should give the bi-plane rig serious consideration. Have a look at the virtues of this larger version

How about this motorsailer,..the 70 foot Saphira,....
Look what this older couple have come up with ! performance, ease of handling, and safety



Here is a very interesting story of the development of this vessel
A Dream Takes Flight | Cruising World https://www.cruisingworld.com/people/a-dream-takes-flight/

And I imagine that the up-keep on this vessel could be far less than many comparable vessels,....only 2 sails, minimal rigging, two nice size engine rooms, etc, etc

I am totally impressed !!

 

Dear Brian,
Thank you for the information.

Yes, the bi-plane rig has some serious advantages. Especially for cruisers.
The article you shared provides some nice tips like longer booms for bigger
sail area, etc... The unobstructed view up front is just amazing.

This is why I intend to implement a bi-plane rig in my future build as well.