Primary Design Goal – Ocean Crossing Comfort and Security:
Our number one priority with this new FPB 78 is still a mix of capabilities that allows us to make long passages safely while keeping us physically and mentally comfortable. This means high average speeds, structure that allows for impact, and the ability to endure extreme weather and sea states, including capsize recovery. Shallow draft, and the ability to “dry out” on a tidal grid or sand bar further enhance our psyches.
The Comfort Equation:
The FPB 78 is very much an evolutionary design.
It melds the soft uphill motion of the FPB 64 with the efficient higher speed length ratios of the FPB 83 and 97.
Higher freeboard allows a more gradual increase in topside volume forward, enhancing wave penetration when heading into steep waves.
With a nominal cruising speed of eleven knots, and ocean crossing capability at twelve, she will make short work of even the longest passages in a quiet and comfortable fashion.
Sleeping cabins, great room, and Matrix deck are all further aft relative to the pitch center than preceding designs, which means less uphill motion for ourselves and guests.
In the next post, we’ll take you on a tour of the interior.
*Note: This is the second post in this series about the FPB 78. You can access the posts in order by clicking on the dropdown menu from the “FPB 78″ button on the top menu bar.