The build starts on my new ketch project

bobperry · #1 (**permalink**) 02-09-2012

Pacific Seacraft will build my new ketch for the Annapolis owner. This decision was made after talking to a number of builders. I am excited about getting the chance to work with Steve Brodie and his gang at PSC. If you study the layout drawing you will see that we are using twin Wallas diesel stoves side by side in the galley. The cooktop of the stove is on the small side so we decided to use two. The client is an avid chef and really likes the idea of having two ovens. Keep in mind that this is a custom design and yes there are a lot of things that could be different but on this boat they will be as you see here. The design is the result of a long process of preliminary design work. Mock ups are being built at PSC to cover critical areas.

LandLocked66c · #2 (**permalink**) 02-09-2012

Nice girl indeed! Anymore pics?

RobGallagher · #3 (**permalink**) 02-09-2012

As I will probably never be able to hire you to design me a boat and have it custom built, I'm very interested to follow the process. Thanks for sharing it.

And hey, one never knows...

peterchech · #4 (**permalink**) 02-09-2012

haha bob if I ever win the lottery I will keep you in mind...

Just out of curiosity, why is the client going completely custom? What features are they building that just can't be found in any quality production boat? And why are they going with a monohull instead of a "condomaran" or something, especially as someone who intends to do alot of cooking?

bobperry · #5 (**permalink**) 02-09-2012

Peter:
The client never considered a catamaran. He likes a more traditionally styled boat. This boat has numerous features including both center and aft cockpits that are not found on production boats. The layout is detailed to the inch around the client's specific lifestyle on board.

PBzeer · #6 (**permalink**) 02-09-2012

Nice looking boat. Appears to be a serious cruising vessel.

Is that a hard dodger you've built in Bob? And what's the LOA? Looks like it's gotta be at least 45'.

itsaboat · #7 (**permalink**) 02-09-2012

Looks amazing Bob. I look forward to seeing the progress. The collaboration between two sailboat design and building icons will be something to see.

I am also looking forward to seeing this boat on the market in 15 years when I might be able to afford it!

On another note, I don't know how much privacy the clients want, but if they do want to remain more private you could upload another image with their names cropped from the bottom.

killarney_sailor · #8 (**permalink**) 02-09-2012

Bob
Nice boat for sure. I have a somewhat rhetorical question for you. I say 'rhetorical' because I am a retired teacher so it will not be a real question. If I came to you to have a boat designed, say a 45' for extended cruising, how is the design fee determined (flat rate?, hours spent on the project?, percentage of the build cost?) and what does that include, e.g does it include time spent with the builders to execute the project? Just curious, as are a bunch of other SN folks.

bobperry · #9 (**permalink**) 02-09-2012

PB: It's 58' LOA and what appears to be a hard dodger is what we call the pilot house and it overhangs the aft cockpit 24" for some shelter.

Boat: Of course I am aware of that but in this case the client gave me the all clear to leave his name on the drawings Monday morning. It was his idea.

Kill:
I can work strictly by the hour or I can name a flat fee. Either way the cost of all the design work will be between 8.5% and 10% of the build cost. I like to work hourly so my payments are monthly and easier to budget to. But in this case I am working to a fixed fee. Sometimes I think I can save the client some money on the design fee by working hourly. I bill for my time at the yard but I don't bill for travel time. But I'm 6'3" and I do not fly coach class.

My client flew out and spent a couple of days staying in my home while we worked on the project in the earlier stages. He will be back out with Steve Brodie next month. It can be a very enjoyable experience. The client just has to be able to put up with my curmudgeonly ways.

PBzeer · #10 (**permalink**) 02-09-2012

Is access to the pilothouse only from the deck? Eyes are too lousy to tell from the drawing.

I assume the client has more than a passing acquaintance with cruising, to go with a custom build that appears to be so oriented to what they want.