Why a Proa? Not all of these features are specific to Proas, but no other design has all of them together:
- Unstayed wishbone boom masts,
- Less to break:
- no stays
- no spreaders
- simpler halyard hardware
- less stress on sheet(s)
- no traveler to break
- no boom vang
- Safer:
- no crashing gybes
- boom safely above head height
- shunting (more below) can be done as slowly as desired, even used as a moment of rest letting the sails free
- no getting caught aback
- mast flex allows for gusts to be absorbed vs. immediately making a pants-staining event with family on board
- Safety
- No need to go on the bow to deal with the anchor or foresail issues
- highly buoyant like other multi's - either hull can keep the boat at the surface
- unlike cats or tris - potentially self righting - not yet tested
- foam hull ends to absorb under surface impacts
- Lower Cost:
- 1.5 hulls to make, well just shy of 2 ;) not 3 like a tri, or 2 and pilot house/bridgedeck like a cat.
- simpler rigging
- DIY
- Time:
- the less to make combined with a modified open KSS build method which includes the bulkheads and other internal components as part of the mould process should cut down on build time.
- Less rigging, only 2 sheets for a 2 mast boat. No travler for the main sail, no jib/genoa/foresail, no spinnaker, no deck rails, no hull penetrations, fewer cleats/
- Comfort:
- bunks amidships, not at the ends of the hulls
- WW protection when desired, or stay on the deck exposed
Why a HarryProa:
- Weight distribution on windward (WW) hull, vs. water ballast of other traditional Proas
- Weather protection being on the WW side under cabin or cuddy
- Cost to build, simplicity reinforced
- Faster than a mono... I like multis for that reason but don't like the rigging and the complexity in any of them
- I have no obligation to traditionalism on the water, I am not irreverent for the sake of it, simply untethered to what others consider "normal"
- Read more here.
Pics or it didn't happen? Well nothing has happened yet, other than a lot of dreaming, talking, thinking, drawing and planning. But here you go: (Credit to Rob Denny)
