LATE FALL EARLY WINTER

Almost weekly since the hull construction began, we are receiving drawings for the cockpit, transom, deck, interior accommodations and lighting. By December 2006 significant improvements were made in the cockpit at the helm areas as well as access to the side decks just forward of each helm. Coaming height and winch placement was also refined from the original spec.

TRANSOM

The original spec called for a hydraulic opening transom to accommodate dinghy storage. After further review it was decided that a “scoop” type transom with davits for a dinghy would be a simpler method for a vessel of this size. Molded steps on each side of the scoop would make boarding easy.

DECK

Location of all deck hardware was identified so that no core material would be used where any fasteners would penetrate the deck. Dorade boxes and deck hatches were arranged to provide proper ventilation throughout. A huge foredeck locker was well designed to organize and store all the miscellaneous deck equipment like fenders, dock lines, and extra sails etc and incorporates a watertight collision bulkhead.

INTERIOR

As the basic layout comes together it is necessary to begin discussions on the details. There is no such thing as adequate storage on a boat. Every nook and cranny needs a door or drawer. Empty space that can’t be accessed is wasted space. It’s also time to look at lighting locations throughout ceiling and bulkhead, DC and AC.

See the links below for a progression of changes and finally a lighting layout.
http://www.watermarkyachts.com/Gorbon/Sept2006_drawings.pdf
http://www.watermarkyachts.com/Gorbon/Oct2006_headroom.pdf
http://www.watermarkyachts.com/Gorbon/Nov2006_drawings.pdf
http://www.watermarkyachts.com/Gorbon/Dec2006LIGHTING.pdf

COCKPIT

Even the preliminary drawings of the cockpit were promising. Special attention had been given to the visibility issues that often surround a deck or raised salon design. With only one helm, the visibility is restricted to “line of sight” through the salon or dodger. Others have twin helm stations which are an improvement over the single; however they are never outboard enough to provide adequate visibility. Other considerations include winch locations, control line placement, instrument locations, seating and storage, access to side decks, engine controls and engine space access.

The most exciting and unique aspect of this particular cockpit design is the way in which it maintains the same level as the main salon sole. No longer do you have to enter or exit the cabin by negotiating a ladder, and no bridge decks to climb over! Visibility is the same inside or out, standing or sitting. And no longer restricted to a small traditional style cockpit, this design has ample seating capacity.
http://www.watermarkyachts.com/Gorbon/June2006_cockpit.pdf

HULL AND DECK CONSTRUCTION BEGINS

Throughout the spring we were able to refine the hull form. The sheer line was lowered as well as the coach roof to create a more sleek profile from the original design. By early June 2006 construction of the hull and deck was underway. The process takes approximately five months during which time we could dedicate much of our focus to the cockpit design, the next important phase of the construction.

Mechanical systems, plumbing, electrical and sail plan are all being designed and engineered while the hull and deck are being built.

Interior design work is ongoing. The original layout, although adequate, had room for improvement. Changes can often develop into a “chain reaction” of other necessary changes, which may or may not be good. We would continue to visit this on a daily basis to achieve the best possible layout.

By the end of July the hull was well underway.

http://www.watermarkyachts.com/Gorbon/Constructionnotes.doc
http://www.watermarkyachts.com/Gorbon/June2006_build_specs.pdf

GORBON YACHTS: {fall 2005-early spring 2006}

Watermark Yacht Sales and Gorbon Yachts had been talking for quite some time about forming a “dealership” arrangement for their new line of production powerboats, Downeast and Express styles. But what Gorbon Yachts is most known for is building high quality performance racing and cruising sailboats. Since the mid 60’s they have designed and built, in-house, many custom high performance sailing yachts. They are the first builder in Turkey to use cold molded techniques and the first to build in composite using today’s high tech materials such as carbon fiber, Kevlar and e-glass.

I mentioned to them what we were looking for in a Deck Salon style of sailboat only to discover that they already had something on the drawing board closely matching our needs. In fact, more closely than we could have ever imagined. This was to be their newest line of production sailboats starting at around 50 feet. Within a relatively short time period they were able to deliver to us, the preliminary drawings, specs and pricing. The owner of Gorbon Yachts flew over to the states to meet with us and discuss in more detail the concept of the yacht. This design most closely met what we were looking for. Not to mention the ability to incorporate some of our own suggestions and ideas since this would be hull #1. A “milestone schedule” was prepared, approved by the client and thus by the end of spring 2006 the project began.

Communication is the key to having a successful relationship. Throughout the project we have all corresponded on a regular basis. Almost daily we receive updated drawings and specs detailing the current status of the vessel. We speak with the builder usually twice a week. We receive timely photos showing the progress first hand. With the “Milestone Schedule” at hand, we are aware at all times of the next phase of construction. This allows us the time to make suggestions or changes to the existing plans. Since day one we have had a highly competent surveyor working on our behalf, yet closely with the builder to insure the quality that is expected. This boat will take slightly over a year to build. Hull #1 always takes longer as the mold needs to be fabricated. As a production boat we should be able to deliver subsequent boats in six to eight months. PRELIMINARY DRAWINGS AND SPECS
http://www.watermarkyachts.com/Gorbon/Originalconcept.pdf
http://www.watermarkyachts.com/Gorbon/Preliminaryspecs.doc

REFINING THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS: {early spring 2006}

Few can argue the classic good looks or classic lines of a Little Harbor or Hinckley Sailboat. Many of today’s modern designs are equally pleasing. The difficulty is achieving good looks in a deck salon style. Most deck salon and raised salon sailboats today are built on existing hulls used for the more traditional style of sailboat with a relatively low cabin trunk. Good looks are often compromised. In addition to the basics:

Pleasing Lines
Comfortable Cockpit with good visibility
10 knots minimum while under power
Comfortable Guest Cabin
Two comfortable Heads
Maine Salon with Visibility while sitting AND standing
Interior Helm Station with good visibility
Reasonable Draft
Must meet ABYC-ABS-USCG construction codes

None of the boats we looked at met enough of the criteria to satisfy our requirements. There was no objection to building “new” unless the cost was prohibitive. Building a custom “one off” in the 50-foot range, here in the states would be prohibitive, especially if one considers resale.

THE SEARCH WAS ON: {fall 2005-early 2006}

RAISED SALON vs. DECK SALON these terms can be quite confusing when it comes to different manufacturers. Even the term MOTORSAILER sometimes gets thrown in the mix. Sometimes you can see out of the salon while sitting, other times you have to be standing. There are even times that you cannot see directly out, but the windows [ports] are so large that they let in an abundance of light. We looked at new boats, used boats, custom boats, attended the Newport and Annapolis shows and took a trip to Florida specifically to search this specific market and purchase a boat. We came very close as we had an offer on a 50 footer, beautifully maintained and built by a highly respected custom builder in Maine. However prior to coming to an agreement we decided to take a step back. Did any of these boats we’d seen offer better performance under sail?, Under power? Were the guest staterooms anything more than glorified quarter cabins? Were the cockpits any more comfortable or roomy? After the excitement of buying a new boat wears off, would it stand the test of time? Would it answer all or most of the requirements? In all fairness, purchasing a boat requires willingness to compromise. Many of the boats we looked at are well constructed and beautifully finished. It was time to sit down however, and refine the basic requirements into something more. And then we would have to ask the question, “Does this boat currently exist?” If it does, then we've been unable to locate it.

THE BEGINNING: {sometime in 2005}

A lifelong sailor accustomed to good performance and high quality in a traditional type cruising sailboat, looking for good performance and high quality in your not so traditional cruising type sailboat. Currently sailing a Little Harbor Custom 42 and day boating a Hinckley 36 Picnic boat.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS:

New or Used
Deck Salon arrangement
Quality equal to the Little Harbor 42/Hinckley
High performance with offshore capabilities
Two comfortable staterooms w/ two heads
Good performance under power
Easily Managed Sail Plan