Seapiper 35
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Yes, I do. It worked flawless. We did take a couple of 15 degree on beam rolls that came out of no where. It can't compensate for all but in general a very comfortable ride.
OldDan1943
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backinblue
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The smaller models run on 12 V but the current draw is pretty substantial.
OldDan1943
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The SeaKeeper is a god-sent for Seapiper. The Seapiper's beam is 8'6"with a draft of 2'11" so it would not take much too, on top, change the dynamics or the boat. (just my opinion). Perhaps a way to work with this, 100# on top, 100# below the waterline???I honestly do not know.
SideNote: (I will say, I do not know how the modern cruise ships keep from going turtle. LOL I do know they have significant ballast tanks.)
I have not been on-board a SeaPiper (hint, hint)and doubt if I ever will have that opportunity. Their strong point is ... trailerable??? Perhaps it is the US's attempted entry into the 'narrow boat' community???
It is a purpose built boat and unfortunately some owners' may try to exceed the 'purpose'. That is their decision.
SideNote: (I will say, I do not know how the modern cruise ships keep from going turtle. LOL I do know they have significant ballast tanks.)
I have not been on-board a SeaPiper (hint, hint)and doubt if I ever will have that opportunity. Their strong point is ... trailerable??? Perhaps it is the US's attempted entry into the 'narrow boat' community???
It is a purpose built boat and unfortunately some owners' may try to exceed the 'purpose'. That is their decision.
Nick14
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I've never been on a SeaPiper either, and doubt I will be (unless one makes its way to a boat show somewhere in the northeast or New England).
I agree with you that it's a 'purpose-built' boat. All boats have compromises (those pesky laws of physics and limits of engineering), except maybe Jeff Bezos' yacht (for half a billion dollars, you can bend the laws of physics).
As you said, the SeaPiper is a 'narrow' boat (as well as shallow draft). Perhaps trailerability is a key marketing advantage, but 'narrow' boats also can be more fuel efficient than the typical big, beamy, boats most people favor for their spacious interior room. Even for a full displacement boat, the SeaPiper gets by with small power (85 hp), resulting in sipping fuel rather than guzzling. But there are trade offs for parsimonious economy. As there always will be.
It will be interesting to see if more fuel-efficient 'narrow' designs make their way to the market and what the demand will be for them, given the new reality of diesel fuel likely staying above $5/gal for the foreseeable future (meaning, the rest of my life).
This Sam Devlin design looks very intriguing to me. 48 ft long, 11 ft beam, 14 kts cruise on 225 hp at a claimed 4.4 gph:
https://devlinboat.com/blue-fin-48/
It might be technically a 48 ft boat with the interior space of a typical 36 footer, but it's a very appealing combination of attributes (though with the trade-offs of having to pay for a 48 ft slip, and I wonder how 14,800 lbs will handle rough waters).
Yes, spec. says 75 amps at spool up. I have a 175 Amp alt. I fire up the engine before spool up. Draw is 20 -50 amps after.
These are max. draws. Not sure what the actual draw is. I'll have to put my Amp. Meter on it some day and check.
backinblue
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Diesel is below $5 here at some marinas. Cheaper than road diesel because of taxes. Funny how any marine fuel pricing that begins with a "4" is considered an exceptional bargain now, but I can buy Valvtect diesel here for $4.85 today, perhaps a little cheaper later in the season, who knows? Again, we shouldn't cheer at $4.85, but I was expecting to be at $6 or more by now.
Benthic2
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I understand being trailerable was a design parameter, but if the Seapiper had a 10 or 11 foot beam I think it might be the perfect boat. I wonder how come the Great Harbour TT 35 can call itself a "trailerable trawler" with a 10.25 foot beam ?
OldDan1943
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I wonder how the Brits would react to seeing a SeaPiper on the British canal system?
Nick14
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That's why fuel prices come down much more slowly (if at all) than they rise. People get used to the 'new normal.' Companies have no incentive to further reduce prices if people might complain but still pay.
Perspective or not, the impact of $5/gal (or close) fuel to my wallet is still exactly the same.
ssobol
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Just need an oversize permit. Not hard to get. Plenty of other trailerable boats require this too.
OldDan1943
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and maybe escorts and travel only during daylight hours?
rslifkin
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If it's oversize enough, yes. But permits for over width aren't usually so restrictive if you're only a little over. The further over you get, the more restrictive the permits will be.
Seapiper
SSOBOL - you are absolutely right, if the Seapiper had a 10' beam it would be a perfect boat!!! However it would take more power to drive it(larger engine) and require more material in its construction plus more expense to ship(which was a big issue when it was built in China). This equates to more expense, with higher selling price and more fuel usage. Even with its size and after 2+yrs and 5000+ miles, I continue to be amazed at its ability to store stuff! While its beam is limiting, covering its center cockpit makes for a significant increase in liveable space.
I agree, the TT35 pushes the envelope of "trailorability". While I wouldn't want to trailer a Seapiper, but people do, I can't imagine trailering a TT35.
SSOBOL - you are absolutely right, if the Seapiper had a 10' beam it would be a perfect boat!!! However it would take more power to drive it(larger engine) and require more material in its construction plus more expense to ship(which was a big issue when it was built in China). This equates to more expense, with higher selling price and more fuel usage. Even with its size and after 2+yrs and 5000+ miles, I continue to be amazed at its ability to store stuff! While its beam is limiting, covering its center cockpit makes for a significant increase in liveable space.
I agree, the TT35 pushes the envelope of "trailorability". While I wouldn't want to trailer a Seapiper, but people do, I can't imagine trailering a TT35.
backinblue
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Wonder why they dont create a bigger wider model on the heels of the relatively successful model.. Different model/mission.
ssobol
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It would appear from the specs that you wouldn't need an oversize permit to trailer a Seapiper 35. It might depend on the configuration of the trailer though.
An extra foot or two of beam in small boats does absolute wonders. Sit in seas in a typical center console with a 8.5' beam then sit in the same size boat with a 10' beam. Amazing difference. That's why some CC builders are cheating and building their boats with 9' beams, cheating just a little bit.
Seapiper
Blackinblue - Well, Seapiper is now owned by the Tartan people who over the years have been pretty savy. Let's see what they do!
Blackinblue - Well, Seapiper is now owned by the Tartan people who over the years have been pretty savy. Let's see what they do!
Fletcher500
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A buddy has an older 35 Tartan sailboat. They are well built boats. There are quite a few of them in the SoCal area and the owners periodically do group sails together. The Seapiper is a cool boat and I wish them the best with the production.
OldDan1943
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For the UK canal use, add an aft steering station and a dodger
Nick14
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Sea Piper was bought by Tartan? The same group that bought the old Legacy powerboats? When did that happen? Ugh…
I’m not in the market for a Sea Piper, but I don’t know if I personally would consider that a positive development. I tried to buy a new Legacy powerboat a couple of years ago, and had some deeply disappointing interactions with the company. I won’t ever try to do business with them again.
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backinblue
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I've never dealt with Tartan or Legacy directly myself, but I do agree they did build some good boats.
Benthic2
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I seem to recall one of the ways Seapiper is able to keep costs down is that they are able to ship the boat in a standard shipping container. That cost savings would not be available if they offered a boat with a 10+ foot beam.
backinblue
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However, they are moving manufacturing to the US, so no need for shipping containers. Whether that results in a good or bad final price remains to be seen.
OldDan1943
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I looked at the most recent walk though video and they have made MANY improvements.
Two things. I would want both a massive hanging closet area and a washer dryer.
I still dont like the shiny teak finish, difficult to hide the scratches.
They have come along way with the improvements.
What size generator? I realize, the owner would have to learn the "30 amp dance."
Gotta good batteries and inverters to support all the normal every day loads.
What about AC and heat in the stateroom?
With all the improvements, if I were in the market, I would put this on my 'list of boats to consider.'
I wish them well.
Two things. I would want both a massive hanging closet area and a washer dryer.
I still dont like the shiny teak finish, difficult to hide the scratches.
They have come along way with the improvements.
What size generator? I realize, the owner would have to learn the "30 amp dance."
Gotta good batteries and inverters to support all the normal every day loads.
What about AC and heat in the stateroom?
With all the improvements, if I were in the market, I would put this on my 'list of boats to consider.'
I wish them well.
OldDan1943
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The finish products, all the bells and whistles, will no doubt break the $375K mark.
My question is, is the boat actually worth it?
There are other alternatives to consider but still worthy of consideration.
My question is, is the boat actually worth it?
There are other alternatives to consider but still worthy of consideration.
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Certainly that's entirely personal. My answer - not a chance in the world. Look at 5 year old used boats and they will be pretty much like new and you'll get a heck of a lot more for your $400k.
