I have several of Bernds plans. Tiny Tri, 480, 520, Eco 6 and maybe a 5.5 (might be a resize by me) Here are my personal pros and cons. The cons if they could be fixed would make me choose that boat.
Little Tri?
? ? PRO: Very easy build, maybe fast?
? ? Con? ? not set up for two people
480
? ? Pro Maybe fast, Smaller? Easy furling sails. Except for the cons I like this boat best.
? ? ?Con? ?With headroom of 24 inches the I dont see how anyone could sit upright inside. If a pop top with canvas sides could be designed? it would be a great
? ? ?camper and I would love the boat.
520
Pro
big enough for two. Room for pantry and head . Maybe fast (no videos) I like the concept of two head sails.
Con.
My biggest con is all the standing rigging. I see a rats nest of wires when mast is down for highway transport. I do think it would be difficult to tack. I think you would have to furl the larger jib before tacking. It looks to me that tacking this sail in a normal fashion would allow the sail to jam and flog against the aft jib guy.. I would love this boat with a sloop or parallel rig..
6.0
Pro?
Lots of room, Enclosed head Pantry Extra berth?
Con
Very expensive trailer. Commercial mast expensive. . I prefer the 480/520 building method.
I think all Bernds boats are great! And would certainly buy any of them (if I were rich) a commercial version )
The only cat I have sailed is a Hobie 16 and didnt like that much. I am way to old to put a capsize on its feet.The rest of my sailing (some 60 years worth ) is on smaller mono hulls. I owned a 23 footer. My major reason for catamaran and trimarans is my wife doesnt like healing.?
So thats where I am . I can buy a used Tiki for far less than I can build the 520 or 6 but it needs a mooring or a slip and my Scott background will not let me just through that money away.
Anyway I guess I am looking for encouragement to go ahead and build one of these.
Thanks for reading
