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Post by MartyB on Mar 24, 2006 15:29:13 GMT
While at a boat show, asked about the sunfast models, and the general sales mgr for the dealer said " the future Sun Fast's are going a different direction" He did not say the direction, nor could I get any info, but have to admit, I did not pressure him either.
I am wondering if they are going to be doing a more race oriented body, top side etc, ie carbon option hulls, rigging etc. Similar to the Beneteau Fast 34.7 in europe or 10R here in the states, or the C&C models here. Any one know? or have some juicy future gossip?
Spouse and I are thinking currently of a C&C in a few years to replace our older Aracadia, because of these lighter wt, faster speed options, if Jeanneau does the same...........could be a good thing for those wanting a fast racer/cruiser boat vs the current fiberglass models falling into the cruiser/racer bracket!
marty
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Post by Tim on Mar 24, 2006 17:38:12 GMT
I've heard this about the SF range too. The impression I got is they are moving away from the 1 hull / 2 models set up to a more race orientated line like Beneteau's First range.
This can only be a good thing in my opinion. The current SFs are lovely but I'd prefer something more focussed and quicker - if Jeanneau can produce them at a good price.
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Post by MalcolmP on Mar 29, 2006 19:51:53 GMT
My sources confirm that Jeanneau are just at the outset of developing a new concept for the Sun Fast's and have started to discuss this with some of their dealers. They are expected to take at least 2 years in development so first ones may be around for the 2008 season.
Can I suggest that if there are specific suggestions, especially from existing Sun Fast owners, they are are made to this thread. I will then ensure they are fed into the Jeanneau development process.
This can only result with a better product and happier owners ;D
Malcolm
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Post by Tim on Mar 30, 2006 14:11:29 GMT
Ok then!
My suggestions for new SFs
*Don't be tempted to give them a bowsprit (like J Yachts) - must be capable of flying conventional and asymmetric kites
*Must be designed, from the outset, for the IRC rule - not optimised to it later. Most owners would be using them as IRC racers I'd imagine and if they are competitive they will sell. So a lot of design elements will be wrapped up in this.
*Carbon is good, but very expensive at the moment (thanks to Airbus) so they should still fit the Jeanneau ethos of being (for yachts!) affordable.
*Plenty of space below for sails and crew. They don't need to be luxury by any means and must realise that most owners, as a minimum will have at least 2 kites, a main and 3 genoas. Good wet locker for loads of oilies. Basically taking into account these boats will have a lot of crew.
*Make them fast. Obvious I know, but they should be comparable to other boats of a similar size. For an SF35 that would mean X35, First 34.7 etc.
Sure I can think of more but that's it for now.
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Post by zzmeyer on Mar 30, 2006 18:44:37 GMT
Tim - am curious as to your comment re avoiding sprit. In San Diego we have a very large J120 and J105 fleet. Both boats are significantly more expensive (and less of a value) than the Beneteau 40.7 and 36.7 (of which we have good size fleets). The general consensus is that the J folks would rather have the Beneteau if it had a sprit. The J120 is actually quite a bit faster off the wind than the 40.7 so you can obviously design around the sprit limitations. The SF's are not popular here as they are viewed as cruising boats with big sticks and deep keels. I think Beneteau has got their cruiser/racer strategy right and hopefully Jeanneau will follow suit - Steve
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Post by MartyB on Mar 31, 2006 2:55:02 GMT
In all honesty, I would like to see a sprit too, if only so one can fly an asymetric a skoosh easier via a roler furler variety, especially if short handed. I can also see Tims point too, as one gets a lower PHRF handicap here in the states with a sprit on the same boat vs one with out. I will swag IRC gets a lower rating with vs without also. I am not familier with that rule currently, so I will not swag too much! OR make it an option as on the C&C 110. Those that wants one, buys one, those that don't, don't pay the extra $$$ for it!
What I have read re the 34.7/10R, is that a fiberglass hull is std, or a carbon fiber hull is an option. Also a good thing if you ask me. If you want to pay extra for the lighter hull, then buy it, if not, buy fiberglass!
I personally would go for carbon rigging vs alum. As I typically sail short handed ie spouse and myself, and there is less lean for a given wind speed with lighter rigging. I do not have 8 gorilla's hanging off the rail. Again, here is where the 34.7 is nice, alum for those that want it, carbon is extra for those that do!
I would still like to see somewhat of a cruiser interior, as that is how I will use it, but am looking to do some of the Single Handed or double crew races locally. May do some cans in the evening - summer, weekend afternoon in winter, but would have to put a crew together......... so a fast easy to use single/double hand sail setup is needed for some of us. BUT, it needs to be also good for someone like Tim that has a larger crew for those type of races. Interior also needs to be easily cleanable. I hate to use this term, but "plastic interior" vs a leather or solid wood that needs oil. But those could be options for those that want it! or they by an SO! Sparten but nice, is how I would put it. I personally do not like the J-Boat interiors, to plastic!
I would also like to see this fall into a racer/cruiser vs a cruiser/racer catagory. I realize some say they are the same, but......... I feel there is a middle tween the racer, and cruiser/racer. Currently, Boats I have seen, the C&C line is more racer/cruiser vs the current SF a cruiser/racer. Even Sail magizine had an article comparing the C&C 115 to an SF35 as such. I should dig up that comparison.
In reality, there is no right or wrong. Hopefully the "SF to be", will keep itself in the lower end of the $$$ vs some others. But then again......... we can only guess, hope and wait and see. Put in our .02.........
Marty
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Post by Tim on Mar 31, 2006 9:48:01 GMT
I'm certainly not anti sprit per se - but for the sailing I do I wouldn't fancy it.
Firstly I don't race with many other sprit boats (only a J109 and a couple of J105s) and consequently most of our racing is against conventional kite boats. If I was on the UK South Coast where courses are set specifically for asymmetric fleets I might think differently. Also, my bowman has raced on J105s and found it exceptionally dull up the front of one as he had nothing to do. And for me, I just love charging downwind in a big blow with the big symmetric kite up. We use an A-sail too (especially when it's very fruity) and I like the option for using both.
As for IRC, spinnaker area is relatively "cheap" in rating terms so you don't get heavily penalised for carrying big ones.
Having said all of that, I'd buy a mini-transat tomorrow if I won the lottery and they carry massive asymmetrics (97sqm on a 21ft boat!).
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Post by zzmeyer on Apr 11, 2006 22:37:10 GMT
Just saw a First 34.7 on Beneteau French site and if my French is any good (and it aint), it has a retractable sprit standard. What happened to real men who used wooden spinnaker poles?
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Post by MalcolmP on Nov 18, 2006 23:03:02 GMT
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