By Peter Salisbury
Introduction:
The main thing to consider when setting up a cruising boat is what you intend to do with it. A boat used mainly for weekend cruises needs far simpler equipment aboard than one that is to be used for extended live aboard cruising.
A boat that is over specified:
- costs more to set up than it should
- is more complex to operate for both the owner and anyone else who needs to drive it
- represents a greater maintenance commitment
- may be heavier than necessary – particularly a sailing catamaran
A boat that is under specified:
- will not perform to the owners expectations
- will not be as easy to navigate as you would like
- may not be safe or comfortable in the event of a fault
- may suffer from flat batteries, which is a nuisance and will significantly reduce their service life
- might not be as comfortable to live on as the first mate probably expects
To read full story, click here to download PDF – Fitting out a new cruising catamaran: by Peter Salisbury
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