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Decorative-only Side Decks?

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by curiouspeter, May 17, 2016.

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  1. curiouspeter, May 17, 2016
    #1
    curiouspeter

    curiouspeter Member

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    On some yachts, like Sea Owl and some Feadship F45s, the side decks flanking the upper-deck lounge appear to be too narrow for regular use.

    Are they for decorations only? Or do they serve a practical purpose, such as allowing the crew to clean the large windows (poor deckies) without using a harness?
  2. Ken Bracewell, May 17, 2016
    #2
    Ken Bracewell

    Ken Bracewell Senior Member

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    I haven't been on either of those boats, but the photos of Sea Owl look as if those may be full walk around decks.
    And from the photos of F45, I think they are more for style but would also make it easier to clean the windows.

    Tonnage is often an issue to be considered when designing boats. So, allowing for a side deck may decrease the tonnage.
  3. curiouspeter, May 18, 2016
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    curiouspeter

    curiouspeter Member

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    Interesting... I think tonnage was definitely a concern in the F45 design. Aren't they all 499 GT already? ;-)
  4. olderboater, May 18, 2016
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    olderboater

    olderboater Senior Member

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    Yes, so you add anything to them and they exceed 500. There are a lot of boats built that are 498 and 499 GT. Just look at how popular 160-164' is as a size. Then Feadship hits that with a 146.49' boat because of the size. So whether it's the issue for the side deck or not, there is a lot of design work done to come in just under 500'. The measurements are obviously very carefully calculated and a miss of 0.2% would be extremely serious.
  5. Capt J, May 18, 2016
    #5
    Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

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    I'm not familiar with either boat mentioned. But I can tell you this, a toe rail is better than no rail out all by a very long shot. Even if you need to have a harness on, having somewhere to support your body with your feet, is a heck of a lot better than swinging in the wind.
  6. curiouspeter, May 18, 2016
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    curiouspeter

    curiouspeter Member

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    Definitely.

    Having lots of glass certainly looks cool, but I wonder if it makes a "happy ship."