spindrift 24 sailboat review

Review of Spindrift 24

Basic specs..

The hull is made of fibreglass. Generally, a hull made of fibreglass requires only a minimum of maintenance during the sailing season. And outside the sailing season, just bottom cleaning and perhaps anti-fouling painting once a year - a few hours of work, that's all.

The Spindrift 24 is equipped with a masthead rig. The advantage of a masthead rig is its simplicity and the fact that a given sail area - compared with a fractional rig - can be carried lower and thus with less heeling moment.

CentreBoard

The Spindrift 24 is equipped with a centreboard keel. A centreboard keel is a pivoting lifting keel, allowing to sail both coastal and inland waters.

The boat can enter even shallow marinas as the draft is just about 0.74 - 0.84 meter (2.43 - 2.73 ft) dependent on the load. See immersion rate below.

Sailing characteristics

This section covers widely used rules of thumb to describe the sailing characteristics. Please note that even though the calculations are correct, the interpretation of the results might not be valid for extreme boats.

What is Capsize Screening Formula (CSF)?

The capsize screening value for Spindrift 24 is 2.22, indicating that this boat would not be accepted to participate in ocean races.

What is Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed?

The theoretical maximal speed of a displacement boat of this length is 6.0 knots. The term "Theoretical Maximum Hull Speed" is widely used even though a boat can sail faster. The term shall be interpreted as above the theoretical speed a great additional power is necessary for a small gain in speed.

The immersion rate is defined as the weight required to sink the boat a certain level. The immersion rate for Spindrift 24 is about 100 kg/cm, alternatively 564 lbs/inch. Meaning: if you load 100 kg cargo on the boat then it will sink 1 cm. Alternatively, if you load 564 lbs cargo on the boat it will sink 1 inch.

Sailing statistics

This section is statistical comparison with similar boats of the same category. The basis of the following statistical computations is our unique database with more than 26,000 different boat types and 350,000 data points.

What is Motion Comfort Ratio (MCR)?

What is L/B (Length Beam Ratio)?

What is a Ballast Ratio?

What is Displacement Length Ratio?

What is SA/D (Sail Area Displacement ratio)?

Maintenance

When buying anti-fouling bottom paint, it's nice to know how much to buy. The surface of the wet bottom is about 19m 2 (204 ft 2 ). Based on this, your favourite maritime shop can tell you the quantity you need.

Are your sails worn out? You might find your next sail here: Sails for Sale

If you need to renew parts of your running rig and is not quite sure of the dimensions, you may find the estimates computed below useful.

This section is reserved boat owner's modifications, improvements, etc. Here you might find (or contribute with) inspiration for your boat.

Do you have changes/improvements you would like to share? Upload a photo and describe what you have done.

We are always looking for new photos. If you can contribute with photos for Spindrift 24 it would be a great help.

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• Sailboat Guide

Spindrift 24

Spindrift 24 is a 24 ′ 0 ″ / 7.3 m monohull sailboat designed by Charles Morgan and built by Rebel Industries (USA) between 1984 and 1987.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

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Need info on Spindrift 24

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I bought a much neglected but basically sound 1985 Spindrift 24 to recondition and sail on a lake. It is a keel/cb model and was made in Florida. Other than that, I don''t know much about them. I''d appreciate any info anyone would have about the boats. None of the websites have been of much help. Thanks, Skip  

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Spindrift 22

• Thread starter Merlin Clark
• Start date Aug 27, 2011
• Forums for All Owners
• Trailer Sailors

Merlin Clark

Helped my neighbor bring his Spindrift back from the yards this morning. Stinking hot but the 20-25 helped and scooted the boat along very well under main alone. I'd never sailed on one of these before and was impressed. Nice boat!  

I believe the Spindrift 22 was an up-dated version of the old Chrysler-22. They hung the rudder on the transom, and re-designed the front of the cabin/deck area. When Chrysler Marine went under, the employees tried to save their jobs and TMI, (Texas Marine Inc?), was created. Chrysler made some GREAT sailboats! I could be wrong..... Don  

I like the Chysler 22 too, another cool old boat! I had a Catalina 22 with swing keel in the early 90s and really loved that boat. Excellant for our skinny waters, great sailing and very comfortable for weekends away. Used that boat more than any I've owned. Never sailed a fixed keel version but it must do very well?  

My first cruiser was a Spindrift 22. Great boat and built to last. The hull was 0.5" of hand laid fiberglass. I know it was designed by Jim Taylor, the same Jim Taylor who designed the Precision 22 & 28. That's the reason they look so much alike. There use to be website. Check Google for the address.  

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• General Discussion

Kha Shing/Spindrift 40 Comments

• Thread starter dfharris02
• Start date Apr 17, 2017
• Apr 17, 2017

Hi: I'm looking at a Kha Shing/Spindrift 40 and wondered if anyone has experiences with this boat. I thought the general build quality (and wiring) looked good. The boat is relatively tall for a 40 footer so any comments on how she handles underway would be very useful. I did check the tanks and luckily I could not see any rust on top, in front, or on the bottoms. I could not see the tank side against the hull. Engines are twin Volvos [FONT=verdana,helv,arial,san-serif] TAMD 40A with 1800 fresh water hours. Thanks!!! [/FONT]  

• Apr 21, 2017

Senior Member

My 52' Kha Shing was built like a tank and I'd still have it if it weren't for the great Avalon storm around New Years in 2014. She lost her mooring and ended up on the beach, destroyed. I loved that boat. Had the Volvos 6 cylinders. Very efficient and extremely solid. Great room and layout. I enjoyed looking at all the solid Teak framing that the boat was built with (solid FRP hull).  

• Apr 23, 2017

We have a PT-52 (essentially a Kha Shing) and love it. Great vessel that has been to Long Beach, CA and back to Seattle on its own bottom 2x without any drama.  

• Aug 17, 2020

curious, we are currently looking to first time buy and I have seen a Kha Shing Spindrift pop up and never heard of it. Did you buy this boat? if so, how do you like it? Any other first time buying tips also appreciated. ty  

Hankster, which Spindrift are you looking at, it is down in Miami?  

I would be more concerned with the Volvos than the boat. How many hours on them and do you have a maintenance history? pete  

1986 40' Kha Shing LOC Merritt Island $80k, have only seen it online  

Hankster let me give some honest feedback, but it's just my opinion. I viewed that boat with my wife. Overall it is in decent shape and shows well at initial viewing. However the teak decks (negative #1) need to be re-cauked, especially up on the bow. Appeared to be original caulk, so who knows what is happening underneath them through all those cracks and separations that I saw. My wife hated the interior arrangement. It is a 3 stateroom design, in a 40ft boat, so obviously the 2 SR's up front will be smaller. That's not a big deal, but we have no need for 3 SR's. (Issue #2) Also, #3, this is the worst part (perhaps worse than #1). It is a galley down design. Nothing wrong with that and my wife prefers that to galley up. However, it is galley down in the aft stateroom, not up front where you would normally see it. Tiny galley. Of course if you're not a full time live aboard and will do all of your cooking up on the aft deck then that's not such a bad thing. The Volvo's look clean but they need a mechanic to really check them out. The broker (salesman) seemed like a nice guy, but he kept emphasizing how the handrails had been recently varnished... like 3 or 4 times kept repeating. Anyway, we passed on it. If you don't mind driving 3+ hours then go see it for yourself.  

• Aug 18, 2020

Isn't it funny or sad that brokers focus on such trivial details that they can speak to.  

• Mar 9, 2021

Hi: It's now 2020 and I'm entering my fifth season with my KhaShing 40, "Alameda Star" Here are some macro comments: 1. The boat is very well made and most systems are accessible. I've had to re-bed a few ports, including the main salon windows, which I consider standard maintenance items for a vessel approaching 40 years old. The glasswork behind the ports is nicely finished and impressive, they didn't skimp. The boat has no leaks and my boat came from the factory with fiberglass nonskid decks. The wiring is beautifully laid out and the electric system is robust. 2. The Volvos are fantastic and miserly. They have been the most reliable engines I've ever had on a boat and now have 2400 hrs. I've had a mechanic replace some cooling system gaskets, a water pump, and temp sensor. I had to replace the hydraulic steering station in the flybridge but that had nothing to do with the engines. Regular maintenance includes oil changes, filter changes, etc. They start right up and are quiet. These engines are Volvo-TAMD30A (165hp/turbos). At cruise (2000-2100 rpm) they sip fuel, about 1.5 gallon per hour per engine. Amazing!!!! 3. The KhaShing is very easily handled due to the twin screw arrangement. She actually does not have that much windage (I don't use the enclosure for the sundeck) and is simple to dock. I operate her in SF Bay where is can get boisterous, but she's basically a battleship and just plows through. She doesn't like it on the beam, but I knew that going in. She's slow 7-10kts depending on the current. I don't care because I have had sailboats so this is like warp speed for me. She is very very comfortable underway and exceptionally quiet. 4. The admiral, my wife, loves the boat. Her favorite so far (...we used to have a Grand Banks 32). She loves the cabin and the sundeck. The only problem is that I also have a Downeast 38 sailboat and I can't get her to go out on that anymore!! The KhaShing 40 is fantastic for entertaining. Mine is the two cabin arrangement with a down galley forward so all the spaces are "adult" sized. The joiner work is gorgeous..in fact, I immediately re-bedded the ports so that there would be no water damage on the interior wood. 5. The gelcoat is amazing for 40 years. While the color is a little dated, cream, it retains great shine with just regular waxing. There is just enough teak on the outside to look nice, but it only takes two hours to revarnish twice a year. 6. There are some oddities worth noting. The upper flybridge controls are not synched with the lower station, in fact, the upper controls lock out the lower controls. This is fine once you're used to it, but can be quite disturbing for the uninitiated. The hatches and ports are all. of a very high quality stainless, but the life stanions are not the same quality and they seem to rust. The swim platform is fiberglass over teak...odd and probably saturated with water at this point. These complaints are minor. Overall the KhaShing 40 is excellent and since they don't have brand recognition they are of tremendous value in today's market!  

Nothing we like better than hearing from someone who loves and is proud of their boat. Unless maybe it is a post with some pictures. pete  

So, out of curiosity, what's the approximate cost to re port a port? and what size? thanks  

KhaShing 40 Ports Hi: It was inexpensive because I did not have to replace the ports, just re-bed them. The small opening ports took about 1 hour each to rebed, I've done 5 of them, so I probably have $40 in 3M 4200 bedding compound. The salon windows required the removal of dried out rubber tracks. These were replaced with stainless steel tracks, upper and lower. The total cost for those was about $300. The 3M 4200 bedding compound was another $40. Each side took me about 5 hours to complete. My guess if you went to a yard that each port would cost $200 (including labor) and the main salon windows would be in the neighborhood of $1200-$1500 each, including the tracks.  

How do I post pictures?  

• Mar 21, 2021

Thanks for the update! We have had our 1986 Khashing 40 for about 6 months. We’ve been slowly fixing her up and took our first overnight trip this past week. We are very happy with so far.  

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Small Craft Advisor

Boat Review: Spindrift 22

An early jim taylor design from which an entire series of trailerables evolved..

Invited aboard a friend’s “new” trailerable, we struggled to find a place to sit in the surprisingly small cockpit where we wouldn’t either interfere with the helmsman, or upset the boat’s balance. Sitting forward blocked the skipper’s access to sail controls, and moving our weight aft caused the boat to squat, leaving a plow-like wake astern. Eventually we somewhat reluctantly conceded that standing in the open companionway made the most sense.

“Roomy, isn’t she?” The skipper inquired cheerfully. “Nearly 5' 6" of standing headroom!” We smiled. Oh really? We’d have expected more from a boat with the approximate windage of a Greyhound bus.

As boats sailed past us—and they all did—our jumbo trailerable would wallow drunkenly in the ensuing wake, losing almost all forward momentum. She didn’t point well, and hard on the wind she didn’t heel so much as list—we’d hold our breath as she slowly staggered back to her feet.

“She does go better cracked off a bit,” our friend allowed, easing the sheet as a kayaker passed us to port. When tacking he thought absolutely nothing of back-winding the jib. “Sometimes she just likes a little help,” he said with a slightly nervous grin.

It’s boats like our friend’s, where concessions to spacious cabins and “easy trailering” have so thoroughly fouled sailing performance, that have rightfully given the word “trailersailer” some less than complimentary connotations.

It was back in the mid 1980s—after much of the damage to the reputation of the class had already been done—when yacht designer Jim Taylor set out to sail a fine line, attempting to draw a comfortable family sloop that offered acceptable, if not admirable, sailing performance for a company called Spectrum.

“The goal was to produce a trailerable boat that sailed well,” he said. “There were a lot of boats produced at the time that were not fun because they performed so poorly, and they gave the ‘trailersailer’ type a bad name.”

The Spectrum 22 was launched, but Spectrum the company soon sank, another casualty of the tumultuous production boat-building business. The Spectrum molds were purchased by startup Rebel Industries, who’d also scooped up Wellcraft, producer of the Starwind line of sailboats.

“Rebel Industries never seemed to have a clear vision for what they wanted to be, or where they wanted to go,” says Taylor. “They bought existing tooling from Spectrum and Wellcraft, and produced a confusing variety of boats under both the Spindrift and Starwind trade names.”

Rebel did an expensive re-tooling of the Spectrum 22’s interior and released the boat as the Spindrift 22. (Not to be confused with the Starwind 22 or the Spindrift 223.)

“The new interior for the Spindrift 22 cost them a lot of money to tool, and it may or may not have improved the market appeal of the boat,” says Taylor. “The hull, deck, and appendages were all from the Spectrum 22 tooling. They never paid anything for the rights to use the design.”

The new Spindrift proved reasonably popular, but probably fewer than 50 of this model were ever produced. By comparison, the Starwind/Spindrift 19—another Jim Taylor design—numbered more than 400.

Taylor is probably best known in our small-boat circle for designing the entire Precision Boatworks line of trailerable sailboats. The Spindrift 22 looks very much like the Precision 21 and 23, and we asked Taylor to what extent the Precision boats represent an evolution of the thinking that went into the Spectrum/Spindrift 22.

“My designs for the whole Precision line, starting with the P-18, are a very direct evolution from their Spectrum 22 and Wellcraft/Starwind 19 predecessors. The focus on lively performance and family fun is unchanged, and shoal draft via a similar keel/centerboard underbody is common to most of the models. Sleeker styling, fractional rigs, and practical interiors that could be assembled efficiently are among the improvements incorporated into the later designs,” he says. “In lots of ways, the Spectrum/Spindrift 22 was a prototype for the Precision line, which is still immensely popular and selling actively today, for all the right reasons; they are good sailboats that perform well, and they are reliably well built by a solid company that has outlasted literally hundreds of one-time competitors.”

Taylor’s most recent small boat was his design #130, a fin-keeled 28-foot daysailer, but his drawing board currently features a cold-molded 49-footer.

“The big boat will be spectacular,” he says, “but I will always have a soft spot for small boats.”

We were fortunate to be able to sail with skipper Dennis O’Hanlon on his well-found 1984-model Spindrift 22, on Arizona’s Lake Havasu.

PERFORMANCE:

“The boat seems to have a large sail plan for its size. It does move in light air. It supports a genoa. We have a 150% and in light air it helps a lot.” Edward Heller, EZ Ryder 1986

“This is a light-air boat and performance is spectacular.” Ken Hall, The Office 1981

From the moment we ran up the main and unfurled the genny it was apparent the Spindrift was a capable sailer. She heeled down to the turn in her bilge and then moved steadily to hull speed.

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Crowther Spindrift

Discussion in ' Multihulls ' started by waikikin , Oct 18, 2014 .

rberrey Senior Member

When I was going to build I first researched Trimaran -v- Catamaran , I emailed Richard Wood but decided on a Tri because I was building around 32' . I also decided on the older cruising designs of Horstman , Searunner and Cross . I also looked at others like Richard Wood when a catamaran was in the running , designers and designs that are proven and suited for home builders . Crowther designed most of his boats with speed in mind , so less volume in the hulls , Horstman and some others designed their hulls with more volume with cruising in mind , he redesigned most of his designs with a long waterline as an option , so a shorter length design by him gives you close to the same waterline of a bigger boat and close to the same volume . The displacement of the Crowther 37 is 7000 , the 34' Horstman cat is 6800 , so the volume and waterline are comparable . the Crowther 40 I think is around 8000 displacement , the Horstman 36 is comparable with better layout in my opinion due to more volume in the hulls and it is already designed for foam as an option .  

Andrew Rowe Junior Member

RBerrey Many thanks again I’m looking at Horstman designs tonight after the England vs Switzerland Match on right now in the Euros . I’m with my engineering son who’s learnt a bit of CAD last term at college which may be useful. We are doing more clearing of build site in the morning. Thanks again Andrew  

C. Dog Senior Member

Andrew we expect a log of your build on here, no matter how long it takes. It is a great project with your young blokes.  

Hi C dog I’ve compared the Ed Horstman 41 design to the Dix Harvey DH430 a plywood Cat , although Ed’s plans are cheaper I prefer the Dix design & it’s much faster & surprisingly a bit lighter. Build time is 7500 hours I can’t afford the kit but I can get some bulkhead patterns. Have a look yourself I would be interested to know what boat you would choose to build. Kind regards Andrew  

Andrew , Dudly Dix would be a good choice , but the DudlyDix 430 is not lighter than the 41' Horstman , unless there is another Dix Harvy plan that I am not seeing , the 430 is almost 23,000 lbs displacement with a 3'3" draft , waterline is 40'4" . The Horstman 41 is 12,000 lbs displacement about 1/2 that of the Dix , with a 2'6" draft and the waterline will be close to the same as the 430 . Lighter boat , about the same waterline , I would put my money on the Horstman if the two were in a race .  

I would go for the Dix design because it will be an easier cruising boat with keels and battened main, plus the layout is better suited to your purposes, however the ply construction is inconvenient. Can this boat be redrawn for epoxy/foam constuction with probable gains in build time, cost, boat performance and possibly easier repairs? Also I have to state that my background is mostly commercial marine, and I have had far more to do with engine powered catamarans than sail powered ones. I raced Hobie 16s for a while and helped a friend build and tune a small (~22') Woods cat before he took off long distance cruising on it, last heard of on the west coast of India from Fremantle, Western Australia. If that boat was representative of Woods craft I am sold, it would ghost along in the slightest zephyr, accelerate like a Vincent in a gust, and super easy to tack, jibe and manouver, this was unladen for the cruising coming up, and would have lost some of that performance as gear was added. It pointed well too with tiny keels, I sat in the cockpit, pinching marks, scoffing ales, and generally experimenting with the helm while he mucked about with rag and string. The small accomodation in the hulls was very tight and I wouldn't try it with a rugby forward frame and claustrophobia, but beanpole contortionist Jeff had no issues and went on to live on that boat as he headed for Europe in it. Big marketing punt for a small Woods daysailer. I find your plans with your sons interesting because I produced and raised as a single dad two daughters, awesome young ladies around their mid twenties now, who had no desire for salt showers or disembowling fish, and whilst I had a fantastic time following their interests (and finding aspects of myself previously hidden}; there was still the fantasy of family boating related activities lurking in the dim recesses of my aging brain as I did it. I am also hoping that they will at least come for day trips, but time will tell. One is majoring in paleo-anthropology soon then heading your way for post-graduate studies, though I have forgotten the UK university she mentioned. It is interesting hearing my (former) babies with mouthfuls of words I don't understand. Now that aforementioned ladies are independent of me I can no longer ignore the call of the ocean, which has become a muted scream in my head, and I am on the lookout for a suitable boat to escape on. Building is out as I am in early sixties now and construction could take ten years with hiccups like health issues, so I will find a suitable sailing multi to inherit and love, and that will be my conveyance whilst I travel the Australian east coast and other parts of the western Pacific Ocean, annoying old friends and family members. I will carry champagne in case I run into you blokes somewhere exotic in your shiny near new catamaran.  

Thanks both of you for your comments & advice I better have another look at Ed Horstman designs. Dix Harvey only has the plywood or foam option on the biggest Cat their DH550 which is a prototype for the carbon Gunboats with similar floor plans Dudley told me he would have to do lots of recalculations if I wanted a foam core DH430 , plans probably double in price I reckon he wasnt keen to do that. I do like the protected internal helm on DH 430 -550 do you think Horstman would consider changing the helm on his plans. If I built in foam it will be easier to work with as it’s a lot lighter than plywood & I can make the curves easier. Less machine cutting & I may be able to do big sections of vacuum infusion on a table. Is a foam boat usually a quicker build time than plywood? kind regards gents Andrew  

oldmulti Senior Member

Andrew. Its time to build a small boat (dingy or below 6 meters) in foam class resin infusion to learn and practice how to build in these materials. Yes foam glass can be faster but it does take some understanding of resins, fabrics, pumps, pipe positioning, resin traps etc. A mistake on a small trial boat will be cheaper and can be reworked in a day. A mistake in a larger build can take a month to correct. Please understand the materials and build techniques first then make final choices. You could save thousands in plan/build costs and a large amount of time. I hope you can get what you want but don't underestimate the task. You will be amazed at the amount of time required to get the work site and tools sorted out and maintained over a build. Each hour you spend on the actual boat will probably require another hour of messing around getting materials ready, setting up a form, placing tubing, waiting for the right temperature etc.  

Hi OldMulti Thank you for your advice I built a house when I was 32yrs over 4 years part time so I have a similar understanding of the effort needed for a boat build . I’m thinking of an up to 8 yrs build I’m hoping to retire in 10years . I have experience of glassing roofs & rubbing out the air bubbles but I have been watching some YouTube films on glassing hulls to gain some tips . Yes it’s a good idea to build my tender first to improve skills. Regarding foam is H60 the minimum quality acceptable & depending on budget higher quality H80 or Dyvinvicell . I may still go down the Dix ply route as I like that plan unless I can modify a Horstman design his plans are for ply or foam. kind regards Andrew  

Hi Folks Medium ocean cruising Catamaran plans Update I had a look at Kurt Hughes designs he has a 40 f and a 45 cruising cat both interesting designs with a second internal helm & fast narrow hulls. Ed Horstman also has a 38 & a 41 cat then a big jump in size to a 51. Ed has put some heads actually inside each berth which I find a bit strange not sure I like his floor plans & heavier boats by 3-4000 lbs than Kurt Hughes foam designs. I have been looking again at the Spindrift 37 plans I already have which are for the Mk 3 version in (12mm foam sandwich ) the floorplan is similar to Catana 40 . I’ve also got the hull offsets for the Crowther 226a same as the Catana. I reckon I could achieve a Catana 40s design with not much effort. Would it be possible to increase the 37 length 12% & beam 10% & use modern 20mm /24mm? foam core with a modern layered triax lamination & use a stronger s glass & basalt lamination for all 10 bulkheads & hull joints. The Catana 40s was a rapid strong blue water Cat all I need is 2 double cabins & 2 spare mini double berths for occasional family visitors & stowage when sailing around the Greek Islands hopefully eventually an Atlantic passage . Most of time just a couple on board. Any thoughts kind regards Andrew  

Andrew , you cant just look at length , you need to decide how much displacement you need in the boat , and to a large extent you will pay for the build by the pound of displacement . You can get a 41' or 45' fast cat and load them up with what you want or need to cruise , and they may become slow dogs . Horstmans designs are mostly cruisers , they are designed for payload and room and have more of both when compared with other designs of the same length , apples to apples . Hughes designs are good , but in the end you need to decide based on need , want,s and what you can afford to build . Scaling the Spindrift 37 by up to 10% length only would not be much of a gamble , scaling more or other directions and re- engineering the scantling is a gamble . Don't focus so much on length and speed , with that size range boat you will get there fast enough and soon enough , focus on the " All I need is 2 double cabins and 2 spare mini berths " and the payload and comfort you will need .  

Hello RBerrey Thank you for your reply & great advice . My sons like the Horstman 51 but it’s a bit bigger boat we wouldn’t need so many staterooms but the stowage would be nice for a long time crusing catamaran. My favourite designs are Kurt Hughes 45 medium Catamaran & his 40 f in stock designs & Dix DH430 , I would be interested in your opinion of these designs. Is Horstman 51 a better boat to Hughes 45. Andrew  

Burger Junior Member

Your best bet is the DH430. An excellent modern boat that will still be modern by the time you've finished it. The helm position and forward working cockpit are outstanding features for a cruiser. The pre-cut ply kit from Exocetus will take half as long as foam. A foam DH430 would require a total redesign and re-engineering of the structure.  

Again , look at the displacement of the DH430 . Inflation has been about 20% over the past few years in the U.S , not sure about the U.K , what happens over the next 6 to 8 years , displacement cost money . Pedigree Cat still builds the Horstman 51 , email them for a price and their opinion of the boat or Horstman boats in general , they build boats for a living , I did when looking at the 31 .  

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Hi Rberry That’s great advice I will do that. My fallback is scaling up the 12mm foam sandwich Spindrift 37 mk3 sport plans I already have to the next size up the 226 with 20mm H80 & 1150 outer lam & 756 triax inner . A TS 5 inspired ultra modern less wind age bit better volume Saloon & roof may work much better than original I’ve got a set of bulkhead offsets & some lines for a Crowther 226 asymmetrical hulls that I’m just getting my head around. May consider to scale up all the dims by the 10% 1.15 scale factor . My sons like the H 51 but it’s a huge boat I’m thinking a 42 ft is max I wish to do but Kurt Hughes 45 is tempting. Im still clearing my build site old dumped overgrown quarry so plenty of time yet. many thanks Andrew  

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Nice review of a nesting Spindrift 9 from a cruising couple!

By Frank Hagan October 3, 2020 in B & B Yachts Forum

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Frank hagan.

I follow a few cruisers on YouTube, and Sailing Florence Around the World uses a nesting dinghy instead of the inflatable kind most use. I thought it looked familiar, sure enough, they did an episode on their B&B Yacht Designs Spindrift that their father built for them right before they started their journey around the world:  

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• 4 yr Frank Hagan changed the title to Nice review of a nesting Spindrift 9 from a cruising couple!

Excellent video, I've been following them for a year or two now. In fact it was their videos that first made me aware of the Spindrift design.

That was a fabulous video!

It's great seeing a Spindrift used as a proper dinghy should be. I also built mine as the dinghy to my little J/24 and it's always fun to show up to a mooring and pull a proper little sailboat off. I always get questions from other boats around me and sometimes even the dockmaster. It rows really well, sails great, and of course motors like a charm too.

Thanks for such an efficient design, Graham.

Nested on the small foredeck of the J/24:

On the way to Catalina:

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