4:47 For the steering linkage, it depends where the bearings are. The tube shown is in double shear, which is actually stronger and possibly more rigid than a single shear rod end bearing. One nice thing about the FP Astrea implementation shown is the plastic bushing to reduce cathodic corrosion between the Aluminum parts and steel bolt. Spherical rod end bearings usually also have plastic bushings in the ball socket (except on pure racing cars). The Astrea styling, layout, colors, helm are all very good. Agree it's built to a price, but it mostly looks good. The master bathroom is very nice and the berths are nice. So's the saloon and galley. And the outdoor spaces. Nav station at an angle is a slightly odd solution. Your scores for Astrea seem biased low.

Hi Nick, I think you are very right to pull the steering linkage up. The design is what one could expect from a school boy building a go cart. I wouldn’t dream of building any sea going vessel with such a weak link in such an important place. Also, it’s the hidden details like under the sinks that are indicative of the general build quality throughout the vessel. Great review, keep them coming.

@mikemb3754

4 жыл бұрын

yep absolutely. the steering mechanism is really bad.

I truly appreciate the work you guys are putting into these reviews! I am finding them to be extremely fair, well done, and helpful. Looking forward to seeing more to come! Thank you.

Fountaine Pajot standard location is to put the life raft in a cockpit locker which has a drop out bottom to launch it. No need to lift it at all. They typically put it behind the stairs for boat shows to let you look in the locker. If you go back on a Fountain Pajot, open the cockpit seat storage in the center and you should see a drop out bottom panel for launching.

Really interesting review from our point of view as we have ordered one to pick up next year. We came up with a huge list of advantages over the Lagoon 42 and the Seawind 1260 (and we currently own a Seawind 1160). We have the ordered the Comfort Version with the upgraded 40hp engines and folding props, a parasail, Code 0, watermaker, generator, 1KW Solar, partial air con and a heap of other creature comforts and it's coming in at just over 500K Euro. (No lift platform, no tax). I'll be interested to see your costings when they go up on the website. Yes, the steering mechanism needs revising but apart from that the biggest downside for the Astrea is the two-year waiting list because the demand has been so strong. We'll let you know how we go and look forward to the future reviews.

@kirk9671

5 жыл бұрын

I am ready to order the astrea. Can you go into more detail why u chose the fp over the lagoon? What is your take on the overall quality? I am not technical, I just don't like the lagoon helm station chair. It is not comfortable all for me.

This is SOO HELPFUL guys!! Thank you so much to both of you for doing those reviews!!

LOVING your reviews. I'm 10 years out from living full time like you are and these are the boats that will be in my price range 10 years from now. Very informative. Thank you.

We were there the same day. I can see it in the wind. And that my wife is on the couch :) we liked many things with the Astrea. One was the control positions. One can communicate easily with the rest of the boat. One can also contact the person who is in the maestro bedroom if you open the hatch in the bedroom. The sofa group in front of course. The bathing platform / boat platform. For bathers and dogs. Especially as is a 42 ft. I am seeing that some has mounted a brace on the lip of the astreas behind the solar cell panel. But wonder if it cannot be a challenge over time with weak points. Will be exciting to see what happens there over time. Was really easy to see the day we was there since it blew so much. The bathroom is well utilized. With "big" shower. On the guest side you can have a door on the option you push on so you get a big shower there as well. All in all, we thought it was the best boat on La grande motte in that size.

Thanks again guys. Really appreciate the reviews.

Thanks for doing these reviews. Its refreshing seeing actual reviews instead of boat seller "reviews". Hope you find the right one.

I really like your helpful reviews on catamarans, and I can't wait for more

A big thumbs up love the video I'm definitely loving your survey of these catamarans and seeing the difference in them and that seems to be a huge difference in a lot of them I appreciate you sharing that information with us thank you have a great day see you on the next one

Great review! Thanks for the work on these!

Love the evals and end decisions. Will add after the end of review. Tanks.

We are in the market for a catamaran and really appreciate these reviews, thanks, and we look forward to the next report.

Thank you for these informative videos. I've been watching you for maybe two years now? I've learned (and saved) a lot of your videos so that when the time is right for me and my future family I'll be able to sail and purchase with confidence.

Thanks guys, enjoyed the review

Your review videos are fantastic! Thank you for all the hard work you’ve put in to sharing with us.

@sailingrubyrose

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks mate

I'm learning some great stuff as well as what to look for in a boat!

I would trust the reviews of an experienced sailor such as yourself over some salesmen or someone who has very little actual experience

Good to know. Going to the San Diego International Boat show this weekend. Can’t wait to see these!

Thanks for sharing this and I would have never caught the tie rod thing. Good find Nick! That's what makes you NICK!! PEACE OUT! Ü

Great video with an honest review that is logically thought out. As all the cats are being reviewed with the same set of standards. Very fair. Thank you. Don't be defensive, it is your opinion and we watch and learn.

Great review again, I think that you are being very very reasonable in your comments, many thanks

The thing is with giving your own personal opinion is the simple fact that others will disagree with you, at the end of the day we are hearing your personal opinion and for those that appreciate the honesty given in your opinion is what we are waiting for and at times with baited breath lol. For those that disagree with you hey... that's fine, they have their own opinion that they are balancing against yours and that is what open reviews are all about, to create thought and consideration that then comes down to peoples own personal choices. Absolutely love the work you are doing guys and its a big thumbs UP from me!! ;)

I love your Cat reviews. You state your position and your thinking, even documenting what you are talking about, I.e. steering, tie rod and life raft. Clearly, this Cat was designed for looks and the design of the cockpit, saloon and cabins was very good. But the negative issues on this Cat outweigh the the positive design features. Great job. Remember there will always be people who are going to disagree with you.

I'm sailing a bran-new 47, and you are right, the steering linkage won't last, I'm looking at changing the system, so it won't give us issues in the future, also 1.5 turns lock to lock, in a following sea with out the auto pilot, it's hard, hand steering. Thanks so much for your appraisal of the 42, your right on target.

again...great video...these videos have been really helpful...they set nice standards for evaluating boats...especially cats... can't wait for the review on the leopards and mavericks... Thanks

Great review again, you could put up storage space too, especially for passage making! Can't wait to see the Leopard 45 review, definitely was my overall favorite in Gran Motte for live aboard choices...

Good work guys. Very much looking forward to the Leopard 45 review. . . . .

I found you because of the Wynn's and I 'm pretty sure I will never even be on a boat but I love listening to you two. I have now idea what your talking about but it sounds good. Love seeing the sailboats you review, they are very pretty.

FP’s in my opinion are design and built for the charter market not for the live aboard sailor and your outstanding reportage and attention to detail confirms my view. Great reporting, thanks.

Having binge watched your videos for the past week I'm finally up to date. I'm not a sailor but your videos are compelling viewing into a new world for me. These catamaran reviews are fascinating. I'm not competent to score these, but on a general level, I think the Seawind 1600 looks most suited to you guys out of the ones you've reviewed so far. It's more expensive than the others but somehow seems better overall value once you have added extras and would keep you safe and moving on those long hauls you love so much! Cheers guys :)

@sailingrubyrose

5 жыл бұрын

Thanks my friend. Glad you’ve caught up with the back catalogue.

Great video very informative love your analysis found you when you were sailing with the wins and I’m glad I subscribed keep up the great work look forward to your next one

@sailingrubyrose

5 жыл бұрын

Cheers mate, next review out over the coming days.

Don’t stop doing reviews brilliant to watch

Great Review, thanks 👍

good job guys. thanks

Thank you for this very good review, logically laid out and pertinent to points that relate to your actual sailing experience. Appearance of the vessel is very high and stylish and there is a lot to be said for having a beautiful and comfortable living environment but build quality is the issue here especially for long term durability. On passage there are reliable components/design/safety factors that superseed what we like to have and enjoy at a calm anchorage or alongside or astern at a marina. Many thanks.

Great review.... You Two are really lovely and so knowledgeable.....I’m learning so much ....so farThe beautiful Seawind 1600 on my Christmas List 😂😂😘

Grab rails and life raft location shouldn't be a game changer, you can install rail and relocate the life raft. Same for rudder hardware-switch to stainless. I do love how you get down to the nitty gritty Nick. "Heard stories about Pajot's not having a decent long life with their interiors.

I'm not in the market for a cat, but if I was, I would absolutely take your reviews and advice over any salesperson. Good job you two! Cheers from Denver Colorado USA!

Well done guys! Waiting to see which one you’ll pick...

Great review videos! Your direct personal experiences with making and keeping (I think I've viewed all most all of your channel, and much of the tools you have on board) Ruby Rose a sea worthy vessel has me convinced that your 'non-professional' views are honest and quite valid. I've been a tradesman for 40 years (framing carpenter/elevator (lift to u) mechanic) and I've seen more than a few examples of an engineers plans being put into the real world and not being worth the paper that the plans are drawn on. I plan on getting a catamaran soon. Soon meaning 16/24 months. I will not be getting a new one but still your reviews give me much better insight. Thank You! and keep 'em coming! Aloha.

Amazing review thank you 😊

@sailingrubyrose

Жыл бұрын

My pleasure 😊

Always amazing video's

Can‘t wait for your review of the Leopard.... thx for the honest reports 👍🏻

@sailingrubyrose

5 жыл бұрын

It should be out on Patreon in the next few days and for general release in the next couple of weeks my friend

i'm watching this for the information on the boats, as we are not without modest means and may someday make the jump ourselves but content aside i must complement you on your presentation and graphics. stunningly beautiful and simply effective. bravo sir. ma`am. whomever is doing the videos. :)

Great review

Excellent review again. I agree with the criticisme. Very legitimate. Thanks.

Thank you for the info; you all do make our live better John The Limo Driver from Kansas city

Sorry guys, my vote was off....it should've read, 4-4-7-4-3 and comment: I liked the Fountaine Pajot, I think Nick said it all, "a pretty boat"....but some of the lacking issues such as steering joints, blind spot when backing, hardtop flexing in the breeze would worry me on a blue water sail with winds at 30 plus knots. Edges on some corners in the Galley and Salon were a bit suspect. I did love the swim platform on the stern and size of the master cabin and head. As always, Cheers to you both looking forward to the next! 🍺🍷😎

Your excellent at this review stuff even if youre not a professional as you say but youre real and what designers have no idea about what really goes on at sea

Great reviews, thank you! Would be very interested to get your view on the Neel!

Very beautiful 😍👍

awesome job

Thanks you are quite correct that steering gear looks like it’s been Just drilled out in a workbench and bolted through it’s really a bad situation.

loved your review honest comments real sense advice on a purchase of a cat for avg type people

Hey Nick, just wanted to pitch this afternoon. After you complete this series on catamarans I think it would be a great idea if you would combine them all together into one double XL segment. It would be much appreciated. It would give us a different perspective if we could have them all combined together. We could name the combined series “ The gnarliest of the north catamaran gig”. That being said, at the end of the series you could say SOYF. That’s short Stay Off Your Face! Which is a request I made back when you were in the United States. I feel there’s no better way of saying goodbye then that. The fact is, it seems to be working well for me.

@sailingrubyrose

5 жыл бұрын

Consider it done my man!

@TheMorganMonroeShow

5 жыл бұрын

You’re the man and #OfTheEpic and I’m #Stoked.

@TheMorganMonroeShow

5 жыл бұрын

LOL

I have 1 suggestion for the reviews, which are the best I've ever seen. Well Done. The suggestion is small, just add a visual of the competitors scores in each category to see the reviewed Catamaran's has strengths and weaknesses in each category based on the competition. Wish you both the best in your sailing future.

These reviews are excellent. Keep them up. Then do cruising Monohulls.

Amazing review by RUBY ROSE.Going subscribe to your channel n watch ur adventures. Cheers from Vancouver Canada

@sailingrubyrose

4 жыл бұрын

Awww thanks mate. Welcome to our channel

Excellent job. I should make cushions for them

Great reviews.......you need to buy near new, well equipped and used where someone else takes a big hit on the early depreciation ;).

Love the reviews and honesty! I know it is out of your price range, but would love to hear your opinion on the Xquisite X5! BTW, Peter McKinnon used your intro music on his latest video.....totally confused me on what KZread video I was about to watch! Lol As always, keep the videos coming! Shawn

@sailingrubyrose

5 жыл бұрын

Yeah, he’s always asking us for tips ;)

Great Work guys, Please review the new Bali 4.2 with the front door ...

Great review as always. Love the system you’ve got going. Still blown away by Adam “Mythbuster” Savage being onboard too. How cool!!!

Hi i'm impressed with the review, I do agree in particular with the life raft position it is not good. As for the steering linkages i do agree that it could be better. Perhaps for the charter market it is appropriate in that charter boats are generally well maintained and to replace and maintain would be cheaper and easier with the standard installation. I'm impressed with you both sailing around and having a good time, i wish my wife and I could do the same thing. Thanks,

As I've mentioned before, very well done vid with a professional look. It will be interesting to see which cat you end up going with. The type of comparison indicators and process you're using is the way I'd be doing my research as well.

@tihomirrasperic

5 жыл бұрын

you know what will be in end ? they will buy 100 ft mono-hull or gullet ;)

Hope to see you guys Again in Annapolis this Oct. but it seems it's already over.. The Seawind it is!

Hi Guys, a great video and review as usual. Whilst I appreciate moving to a Catamaran is a choice you have made, they really do seem to come over as apartments with a mast. It is helpful to see what they are like, but it has just confirmed to us that we’d rather have something like Ruby Rose or maybe a Southerly 42. I’m sure it makes sense to you with the voyages you have planned, but I just have nagging doubts about all the interior space in a heavy sea, across Biscay or the Atlantic. Having never tried a Catamaran, I’m not really qualified to comment, but I think I’d feel happier in inclement conditions in a good monohull. Happy hunting and I really hope you find what you’re looking for.

Cushions for 8000, thats why they are so comfy!

Fountaine Pajot owners here 😊. We have a Lipari Evo (40ft 2014 model ). We are the second owners. We don't disagree with any of the points you have raised. We love our boat, however would not even consider buying one of the new FP models, if and when we upgrade. ( in fairness ,we wouldn't buy brand new , even if we could afford to) We have read so many bad reports about the workmanship and finish on the new models, not to mention the lack of customer service when trying to get things put right. Love the reviews. Keep em coming ....

Thank you for the review, I learn something every time. At some point could address, in more detail what you are looking for to make a boat blue water ready? Thanks again for sharing. 👍👍👍👍👍😊⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵

Really enjoying your reviews. We have just bought a used 2017 Leopard 40 here in Australia which we will keep for a few years with a plan to buy a boat out of the Med to sail home eventually. I am on the Facebook groups for FP Lagoon and Leopard and whilst I can see they all seem to have there issues the complaints from new owners of FP’s seem to ring the loudest. The quality seems to be the worst of all of them which is a real shame because we really like the look of the Astrea. Look forward to more of your reviews. Your doing a great job 👍

Your review was spot on. She's pretty to look at (are we still talking about the FP? 😉) The 'outdoor living space' and interior do LOOK the part with a nicely laid out galley, island beds and that lovely master shower room. There are quite a few sharp looking corners on the cabinetry though, wouldn't you say? One consideration of the raised helm station is that it also raises your mainsail boom about a metre. To get the same sail area, you end up with a taller mast. FP did do a good job from a comfort and safety standpoint.

ok, so this is what a boat review ought to be. a checklist on all the features that go into a good boat and comments on how robust key components and where the builder chose to save money. not just some guy mumbling about as he goes through all the storage lockers.

another great review. Could you add the links? I am sure the French countryside was distracting you. ;-)

adding rails and moving the life raft isn't really major modifications...stiffening the Bimini does take some work but very easy for a good fiberglass man...walkways are nice and wide...you guys do a good job and spend the time other walk thrus do not, so kudos ...I have learned things I didn't know before and I have looked at many catamarans thanks much

Scratch one Fountaine Pajot Catamaran....By the way. I see you'r enjoying life on the canals in France. Do you think you could do it full time? I ask because my wife and I are looking into possibly buying a barge and living aboard. Happy sailing, really looking forward to you getting into the coast line of northern France. Another great episode and stay safe.

I to like many see the base price and the option list increasing the boat price unjustly, my view as when buying a car many things are not needed and retro fitting is a much better option. Cushions, electrical equipment,nav equipment, etc are much cheaper if you buy from other suppliers, if you have a knowledge of maintenance on a boat it’s simple.

Your scoring system is great, your reviews are well done. Given the delay of video to actual activity its probably a mute point, however I am curious if you have a weighting method built into your scoring. Meaning, is there a number being applied to the various scores based on you own point of view regarding importance of various features? An example might be Performance versus Comfort. Typically those two issues are trade offs, So which is more important to You and how is that weighted into your system of scoring.

Your comments about the steering system seemed like fair criticism until you said they have the same set up on the Helia. They sold heaps of Helia models and many of them have sailed all over the world without any problems in this area. The only real issues I’ve heard of is the escape hatch becoming unsealed.

He is correct, Heim's joints would be better than what is on there.... HOWEVER, us 4x4 people all know Johnny Joints are 10x better than Heims joints. So if you are going to do it, do it with Johnny.

Love your reviews as I am also thinking about a catamaran. Just a thought regarding manoeuvring the boat and the poor view from the helm on this boat for reversing, I have a remote control to operate the twin engines on my boat and so can move around the boat and am not stuck at the wheel, I often stand at the rear quarter and just back in to a cleat. This remote makes for great single handed boating. A remote control would obviously not be so useful on a monohull with a single engine and the requirement to use the wheel when docking but with a Catamaran most of the fine manoeuvring is done on the motors.

Looks good and Plush. But have to have a boat that holds up. Thank you.

Sure looked like that was Adam Savage getting a tour at the same time you guys were on the boat. At about 1:15 into the video.

@atomicsmith

5 жыл бұрын

Wow good eye. I think that may be him.

@markchapel

4 жыл бұрын

I came to the comments because of exactly that. If it wasn't Adam, he has a 99.9% doppelganger out there.

Best reviews online period. Please do the leopard 50. Cheers

I just hope that some one will listen to your layman comments, so important.

I hate posting while still watching videos, but I just saw where the life raft is. That's a no-go. I like you guys too much to let you choose a boat that's that unsafe.

If the same steering system is used on older boat designs, then there should be some empirical evidence as to whether it is strong enough or not. There is a history. Anyone hear of folks saying their steering died on an FP?

Absolutely good video you both ,but yes your right about the steering bushes for something with the tonnage and wind strength , you won't get that far , but if you'r a good handy person you can boost up thous from the car industry and won't cost you much .

@sailingrubyrose

4 жыл бұрын

Agreed. You can change it yourself. But why won’t they do it?

@tirel57

2 жыл бұрын

@@sailingrubyrose Maybe because it is not necessary and it only annoys you

I had a FP 38" Athena for 10 years and thankfully I put it to Charter as part of the purchase deal. We had no end of problems, even when new. There's little in the way of quality control it seems and although I bought mine 15 years ago, it seems not to have changed for the better. They are though, airy and easy to sail in good seas but not suitable for long distance cruising in large seas. Just an opinion but unless I was buying for charter, i would spend my money elsewhere.

Lagooooon 42 !!!!! 😁🤪

Thanks for your review. A couple of comments. The raised steering position to my mind would have to be one of the most miserable places to be for anything other than when the sun is directly overhead on a hot day. Also any time it's wet, windy and cold. The visibility is great without a foresail up but what would be the plan for when you need to know all about what you can't see past a sail. You are 100% right with the steering gear. Aluminium is too soft for that and most applications where a connection is loaded as it will quickly flog out. In this case probably before the nylon bush wears through. You guys scored the interior highly even though it had minimal rounded edges?

Hello Nick, extremely well done review. I am a couple of years out from pulling the plug and purchasing a live-aboard cat favoring FP as my go to standard based on the creature comforts this brand provide. Like you I am worried about the exorbitant difference between the base price and what you need to pay to safely put this out to sea. your review provided fair and detailed comparisons and i look forward to following your future reviews comparing available Cats to ensure I have not overlooked a potential competitor brand. thanks from Honolulu. Ray

I will say this. The neoprene washers are used in heavy truck springs as bushings and seem to hold up well.

Looks like the Nautitech is next, going to be interested in your take on that one. I generally prefer the helms and overall layout, little slimmer. Build quality is an unknown.

You overlooked all those sharp corner's.Great video though.

@leslieholmes2899

5 жыл бұрын

I noticed that as well.

You know the life raft can be stored in and deployed from the bench in the cockpit, simply by open a hatch ? Under stairway storage is optional. Absolutely room for quality improvement in different departments, but performance vice this cat would outperform even much bigger Lagoons in my experience, regardless polar diagrams. Visited the factory in april this year and are pretty sure "back bone" construction is rigth at the top of the game. Hopefully the staff at FP also take notes from your review :-) Prices for optionals are insane.