At some
point - we are never sure of the schedule - things fall into place and
we get what can only be described as an internal buzz. This is a sign,
at the gut level, that the balance of design elements is right and the
time has arrived to proceed with the next step in the cycle.
Even before
Wind Horse was launched we had folks asking us for a larger version
of the FPB 83. Although we declined invitations to proceed, we have
been working towards a bigger design for the past five years. Spring
of 2009 we finally felt the "buzz", and started on the details.
Wind Horse was approaching 5000 hours of sea time, and combined
with data from the FPB 64, this real world experience data base has
enabled the hydrostatics on the Big Sister to proceed quickly.
Over the
years we have had some designs where everything just naturally fell
into place. The FPB 115 is one of those. She will cross oceans at 280
to 300 miles a day, burning the fuel that some large yachts use for
their gensets alone. She has our usual scantlings, watertight bulkheads,
and integral tanks forming a double bottom. The interior options are
very flexible. She will be even more comfortable at sea than the FPB
64 or 83, and she does not have to worry about capsize in heavy weather.
The FPB 115 will have the same quiet systems as the smaller FPBs, scaled
up of course, that will allow her to sit at anchor for two or more days
without running the genset. Dual engines, oversized rudders, proportional
thrusters, integrated controls, coupled with six self-tailing deck winches,
make for an easily- handled yacht, be it anchoring, maneuvering in a
tight marina, or securing with shorefasts in a remote fjord. Finally,
a standard feature (as with all our yachts) is minimized maintenance.
Combine
these features and you end up with the option of cruising on your own,
without crew, or with minimal crew if you so choose. And if you prefer
crew, or are a commercial operator, costs will be substantially reduced
(as well as downtime due to maintenance issues).
There is
a standard package of structure, bulkheads, tankage, and systems, into
which a variety of interior layouts fit. This approach creates substantial
efficiencies in cost and build time, and allows us to deliver a yacht
built to the highest standards at a reasonable price. As is our custom,
these yachts come complete with all systems, spare parts, tools, and
training.
One of
the design goals for the FPB 115 was to have a version optimized for
those who preferred to cruise without crew, but might, on occasion,
want one or two folks along on a semi-permanent basis. We'll take a
quick look at this layout first, starting with the pilot house. To give
you a feel for the size of the pilot house we have included a couple
of photos of the great room on the FPB 83, which is almost identical
in size to the FPB 115 pilot house.
The volume
in the FPB 115 pilot house is a bit greater than what you see here.
There are
a variety of pilot house layouts possible. We will start with an unconventional
approach, one very much driven by our own experience with Wind Horse,
and the suggestions of some very acute observers.
The goal
in this layout is to create an area conducive to social interaction
at sea and at anchor, but which also works in adverse conditions, perhaps
with a big sea running. As an offshore layout, you are able to go from
the protected top of the stairs to the command center in a couple of
steps. You are then confined by the furniture, an ideal situation offshore.
On the
other hand, in more pleasant conditions the watchstander has several
options for conning. You can work from the command area, or from one
of the settees (offshore out of the shipping lanes), feet up, facing
forward. A pop up screen behind the center seating section, would be
a good spot for a radar and engine alarm repeater.
There are
many possibilities with this layout for family and guests as well. Rather
than being behind the helm, they are located forward where they have
a good view and can communicate easily with the watchstander.
The adjacent
aft extension could have seating, a wet locker (shown) and perhaps a
table.
This photo
of Wind Horse is taken from the forward starboard corner of the
great room, looking towards the aft port corner. Imagine the command
center where the aft edge of the table is positioned. The settee wraps
around the forward windows.
Finally,
there is a head shown, a cabinet with a fridge, icemaker, and microwave,
and lots of storage space for books, and other equipment.
Main
Deck
The aft
end of the main deck and the interior are at the same level, allowing
a layout which integrates inside and outside areas. The pilot house
extension above covers what would normally be a lounging area, and there
is space for two dinghies aft of the covered section of deck. The deck
in this area is 16"/400mm below the deck edge increasing dinghy
security while creating a sleeker profile.
Great
Room
The volume
of this area is more than twice what we have on the FPB 83. The layout
shown is just one of many possibilities. It combines a visual openness
with furniture arranged to constrain you and/or provide hand holds at
sea.
There is
a helm station forward, which can disappear in port. The banquette opposite
the galley has an opening section to facilitate movement. Aft of the
banquette a bar area is shown.
Lower
Deck
The lower
deck also has a variety of possibilities. This one has an enormous owner's
suite, situated forward where it is isolated from machinery noise aft,
private, and by virtue of its location easily ventilated with fresh
air through an array of deck hatches.
This layout
is similar to that of the FPB 83, Wind Horse, of which the photo
series below will give you a feel. The volume is on the order of two-and-a-half
times that of Wind Horse. An interesting feature is the annex
aft of the stateroom area. This is drawn as a combination dressing room
and private office. A six foot (1.85m) couch is shown to port for napping,
or having a private chat with someone. There is a makeup table to starboard.
The photo
above is looking forward from the stairs on Wind Horse.
Looking
forward from the port side (above).
And the
view from the forward area aft.
The aft
accommodations includes three staterooms, each with head/shower ensuite.
The two forward cabins are shown with a queen-size bunk and a pair of
singles. The aft starboard stateroom could be a crew cabin or for added
family or guests.
The space
adjacent the stairs to the main deck contains a pantry/laundry area.
There is room for the washer and drier, a large folding/ironing surface,
and lots of storage. The fridge/freezer box is for long-term cruising
inventory.
Aft and
port is an engineering annex with a small desk, electrical panels, and,
storage for specialty items.
Forward
of this accommodation area is a systems space which is reserved for
batteries, inverters, hot water cylinder, and stabilizer mechanisms.
It can be used for stores, similar to the basements on the FPB 64 and
83. Full headroom makes access easier and improves storage volume.
Engine
Room
We'll just
touch briefly on the engine room (a more detailed discussion will follow
later). Our yachts have featured aft engine rooms for more than three
decades. The location allows full headroom, noise isolation, and efficient
exhaust systems. There is superb access to machinery, as you can see
in the drawing.
Lazarette
From the
swim step there is access for two lazarettes. To port is the flammable
stores area. The much larger volume on the starboard side has many potential
uses including dive gear and other water sports items.
Forepeak
The forepeak
is isolated from the rest of the interior with a water tight bulkhead
(there is another collision bulkhead forward of the chain bin). Access
is via a three foot (90cm) deck hatch with a much larger hatch forward
with a jib boom off the foremast for lifting heavy objects.
Now a few
comments on the deck plan. The aft deck area, beyond the covered lounging
area, has room for a pair of dinghies; perhaps a 19-foot/5.8m aluminum
work boat and a 12-foot/3.7m RIB. These are quickly launched or retrieved
with the booms. There are two large opening hatches over the engine
room, another for the pilot house, two over the salon, and four in conjunction
with the owner's suite.
There is
a large flying bridge, for which there are many layout possibilities.
Commercial
Version
Switching
now to the commercial layout, we will make just a few comments and come
back to this later in more detail. We will start with the pilot-house
level. Note that there are three helming positions; two facing aft and
one forward. There are four work stations, and a large table for laying
out charts or other documents. This makes up into a conference table
as well.
The main
deck is oriented around usage by up to 12 crew and passengers.
The lower
deck has six cabins plus a crew lounge, which could also be employed
as extra cabin(s) space.
The basement
are has been shown empty, the assumption being this would be used for
computer racks, stores, and perhaps a large fridge/freezer.
The lounge
area is open to port, and might be used for exercise equipment, or a
pantry area. Aft of the settee is a washer and drier.
The four
cabins aft each have their own head and shower, a desk, and substantial
storage area for personal effects.
Additional
Resources
There is
lots of additional data on the FPB concept throughout the Dashew Offshore
website. Videos of the FPB 83 and 64s showing how these yachts handle
rough water are available here
(64) and here
(83)
You can
download a variety of drawings at our server located here.
