Thoughts on a Seapiper

[Trimjb]

If it fits for your boating style, and sounds like it does, it's probably a great boat for the money. Just keep in mind that it's not comparable in size to most 35' boats. With that narrow beam, you're getting about 2/3 the space of most 35's, but again if it fits you then go for it and enjoy! Also, welcome to the forum!

The narrow beam is a big plus for us in Southern California. Permanent slips are extremely hard to come by and the narrow beam makes it much easier to place in a slip next to a wider beam boat.

 

[Sticky]

Bow thruster is standard equipment on SeaPiper. Stern Thruster is optional. Stern Thruster is not a bolt on. Tunnels built into the hull and thruster motor in the rudder compartment. Stern Thruster design review and approved by Vetus.

The Stern Thruster is a recommended option I take it?

 

[backinblue]

The Stern Thruster is a recommended option I take it?

Stern thruster is nice but maybe not needed, rudder is pretty good sized.

 

[OldDan1943]

And thrusters need batteries

 

[Trimjb]

The Stern Thruster is a recommended option I take it?

Depends. Where my slip is the wind direction is unpredictable most of the time so for the cost and being built in I thought it best to have it built in during construction. Battery consumption is very. It only takes a short burst to move a SeaPiper. Design allows both thrusters to be operated at the same time if necessary. There are a lot of single screw captains thrust opt out on thrusters.
My previous boat did not have either, single outdrive. there were times when even just a bow thruster would come in handy.

 

[Fletcher500]

If you are having a single engine boat constructed, having a bow and stern thruster installed are a no brainer. There were plenty of times I was glad to have both, especially while single handing, including docking with a handheld remote at unfamiliar places.

Trim, keep us posted on your new build progress. Look forward to seeing you out there in SD.

 

[Sailor of Fortune]

People still "dock" boats with these type dimensions... and have for years before Bow thrusters, stern thrusters and gyro stabilizers... Not knocking them, but don't think they are necessary for a boat of this type for the average boater with minimal skills, or willing to learn those skills

 

[MurrayM]

They come with a Schilling (Thistle) rudder, so you can probably kick the arse end around pretty effectively with the prop.

 

[Sailor of Fortune]

They come with a Schilling (Thistle) rudder, so you can probably kick the arse end around pretty effectively with the prop.

agreed! Thats a highly maneuverable boat without add ons. I had no idea they even had thistle rudders. Thanks for that MurryM

 

[backinblue]

Discussed here.
https://www.trawlerforum.com/forums/s40/thistle-rudders-6780.html

Not sure the cost of stern thruster at build, but if it doesn't matter to you then throw it in. Might help with re-sell too

 

[DDW]

Several people on this thread have said that the SeaPiper will fit in a container. I don't believe that is correct - am I wrong? It will probably go on a flat rack, but to fit in a container it would need to be about 7.5' beam.

Also, several people have mentioned that if it were bigger (wider, longer) it would have more room in the accommodation. That isn't really the point of this boat, plenty to choose from if you want bigger. Its biggest drawback is the unusual deck plan, not suitable for many uses.

 

[HTurner]

Several people on this thread have said that the SeaPiper will fit in a container. I don't believe that is correct - am I wrong? It will probably go on a flat rack, but to fit in a container it would need to be about 7.5' beam.

According to Icontainers:


The dimensions of a 40-foot container are:

• Exterior Dimensions (in feet): 40’ long x 8’ wide x 8’ 6” high
• Exterior Dimensions (in meters): 12.19m long x 2.44m wide x 2.59m high
• Interior Dimensions (in feet): 39’ 6” long x 7’ 9” wide x 7’ 10” high
• Internal Dimensions (in meters): 12.025m long x 2.352m wide x 2.393m high
• Usable Capacity: 67.7m3

 

[Sticky]

Its biggest drawback is the unusual deck plan, not suitable for many uses.

I don't understand how this is its biggest drawback when really it is the best feature.

You aren't relegated to any one single thing. You can use the mid-cabin area for entertaining, fishing, eating, crabbing, launching your kayak, etc.

The various uses are its strength: https://www.seapiper.com/3562/use-examples-for-seapiper-34/

Plus you still have privacy in the cabin while kids, relatives, whatever can be doing their thing on the rest of the boat.

 

[ABfish]

I've seen a mechanic partially dismantle a Cat motorgrader and shove it in to a 40 ft. shipping container. Once the bulk of the machine was inside, they shoved the pieces that had been removed, such as the tires, into the container.

I'll bet the Seapiper can be shipped tilted on its side with some of the components removed.

 

[sean9c]

Been following this thread and sort of like the Seapiper layout. Got thinking on how that my knees are older that the distance from side deck to dock has gotten farther. It'd be pretty nice to just be able to step from the midships door onto the dock. And no waiting for the swimstep to get to the dock so someone can step off.
On the other hand for a 35ft boat they've devoted a whole bunch of space to cockpits, so the interior while not only cut in 2 by the cockpit is going to be even smaller. It's a tiny interior for a 35ft boat.
There are actually seats in the center cockpit. I've always thought it interesting that sailboat cockpits always include seating while powerboat cockpits rarely do. So then you have to have folding bs chairs that you have to find somewhere to store

 

[OldDan1943]

A. Some people like big cockpits for fishing and entertaining.
B. Others big enough for line handling and a gas grill. I fall into this group.

 

[DDW]

I don't understand how this is its biggest drawback when really it is the best feature.

You aren't relegated to any one single thing. You can use the mid-cabin area for entertaining, fishing, eating, crabbing, launching your kayak, etc.

The various uses are its strength: https://www.seapiper.com/3562/use-examples-for-seapiper-34/

Plus you still have privacy in the cabin while kids, relatives, whatever can be doing their thing on the rest of the boat.

I'm not saying that layout isn't useful for some people. But useless for others. There is a reason that almost no other trawler sold looks like that. All of those things you mention will be pretty cold and miserable in the PNW for example. I don't want to have to put on foul weather gear just to go to the head.

I'll bet the Seapiper can be shipped tilted on its side with some of the components removed.

The draft plus air draft is 11' 2", so you are going to have to run over it with that Cat before it will fit. However if you had the trailer you can ship it RoRo, and that would be even cheaper than a container. Downside is the possibility of theft or damage is greater.

 

[Sticky]

I'm not saying that layout isn't useful for some people. But useless for others. There is a reason that almost no other trawler sold looks like that. All of those things you mention will be pretty cold and miserable in the PNW for example. I don't want to have to put on foul weather gear just to go to the head.

Hey that's your fault for living in the PNW

The designer is in Southern California so it seems he had that climate in mind.

Is a little bit of cold really that big of a deal anyway? Are you usually getting a massage by the fireplace while drinking champagne before going to the bathroom on your boat or something? Calling it useless seems a bit of a stretch.

If everyone is thinking trawler design should all look the same then clearly some people aren't thinking.

 

[OldDan1943]

Hey that's your fault for living in the PNW

The designer is in Southern California so it seems he had that climate in mind.

Is a little bit of cold really that big of a deal anyway? Are you usually getting a massage by the fireplace while drinking champagne before going to the bathroom on your boat or something? Calling it useless seems a bit of a stretch.

If everyone is thinking trawler design should all look the same then clearly some people aren't thinking.

Sticky, lighten up a bit. We all have opinions, needs, wants and desires when it comes to boats and many other things.
He said it didn't work for his needs.
I can tell you it doesn't work for my needs but then, neither does a 2 seat sports car fit my needs.
I will say this about SeaPiper. I think it is a great boat. I wish the company great success and that they sell lots of boats. I feel there is a place, in this vast boating world, for a boat like the SeaPiper. It just doesn't satisfy my needs. wants and desires in and for a boat. I guess I too am a bad bad person?
SHRUG

 

[FF]

AS we get older a boat that just fit inside a 40 ft container would be grand.

A couple of thousand to send it most anywhere and it would arrive unmolested, all gear intact , ready to go.

A set of lifting eyes , same as the carry box has could get it launched as soon as the delivery ship left.

Could be able to sleep 4 or 6 in a pinch but cruise two . The long skinny shape should allow good speed with low fuel burn , probably an aluminum hull , box keel and keel cooled dry stack would require almost no maint.

Been dreaming about it for years!

 

[OldDan1943]

AS we get older a boat that just fit inside a 40 ft container would be grand.

A couple of thousand to send it most anywhere and it would arrive unmolested, all gear intact , ready to go.

A set of lifting eyes , same as the carry box has could get it launched as soon as the delivery ship left.

Could be able to sleep 4 or 6 in a pinch but cruise two . The long skinny shape should allow good speed with low fuel burn , probably an aluminum hull , box keel and keel cooled dry stack would require almost no maint.

Been dreaming about it for years!

FF, check out the "used" canal boats for sale. LOTS of boats, lots of options. "Mostly" steel hulls. One thing that seems to be missing on a UK type canal boat is A/C. Finding one with an inside helm may prove difficult too but, they are out there. You could spend time traversing the UK canals and then, if you wish, import it. SMILE They are also available for rent. My folks and another couple rented one for a couple of weeks and had a great time.
There are also a canal boat rental business in the US, I think on the NY canal system. They may have one or two for sale or willing to build one in the US.

 

[OldDan1943]

You might want to check this out, if you are interested in canal boats in the US.

https://americancanalsociety.org

I will remind everyone, canal boats are not speedy. Cruise at 3mph.

 

[Mako]

AustinSailor, you really started a heck of a thread in less than 2 weeks!

IMO, you should really reconsider how important trailer-ability is. Even on a 25ft day boat, the difference between 8.5' beam and 9-10' beam is huge. Also like you, I really like new things (houses, cars, boats, etc.), but from a practical point of view, you're spending close to a 1/4 million bucks on that boat which has a lot of compromises. You can buy a super duper trawler for that money AND pay for the dockage as well.

Just expressing an opinion.

 

[backinblue]

All boats are compromises. A 20 year old super duper trawler is also a compromise. It's great in many ways, but will need more maintenance and is not new. It's like saying why pay 25K for a new Honda when you can buy an awesome 10 year old Mercedes for the same price? Seapiper is not for everyone, but I bet it's a great boat for those whose needs it fits. Also 1/4 mil ain't what it used to be. Many people spend half that on a car w/o a second thought.

 

[Nomad Willy]

The helmsman will often find visibility fwd obscured buy people standing in the cockpit.

 

[backinblue]

The helmsman will often find visibility fwd obscured buy people standing in the cockpit.

Not if you don't invite them!

 

[DDW]

Is a little bit of cold really that big of a deal anyway? Are you usually getting a massage by the fireplace while drinking champagne before going to the bathroom on your boat or something? Calling it useless seems a bit of a stretch.

If everyone is thinking trawler design should all look the same then clearly some people aren't thinking.

I'd assume the designer would like to sell as many as he can. His market with that layout is limiting. I do like variety and applaud them for it. But I'm not a customer if that is the only layout offered. Wonder if they would sell me one without the deck?

I have spent 30 years cruising on open cockpit sailboats, and as far north as 55 deg. including driving the boat all day in snowstorms wearing ski gloves and goggles. So not all that afraid of a little cold. The open center cockpit might be pleasant in SoCal or the Caribbean, though I'd still want a bimini on it to keep from frying. Up north, you just aren't going to be using that space much unless you really, really enjoy being cold and wet all the time. And it is a large percentage of the space on a 35' boat.

 

[OldDan1943]

The helmsman will often find visibility fwd obscured buy people standing in the cockpit.

Stack'em like cord wood, throw a tarp over them until you get ashore then, they will escape into the crowd.

 

[Sticky]

I'd assume the designer would like to sell as many as he can. His market with that layout is limiting. I do like variety and applaud them for it. But I'm not a customer if that is the only layout offered. Wonder if they would sell me one without the deck?

I suppose that is the problem with assumptions as Seapiper is increasing production capacity to meet demand and the timeline to get a boat is now pushed back to 8 months.

I have spent 30 years cruising on open cockpit sailboats, and as far north as 55 deg. including driving the boat all day in snowstorms wearing ski gloves and goggles. So not all that afraid of a little cold. The open center cockpit might be pleasant in SoCal or the Caribbean, though I'd still want a bimini on it to keep from frying. Up north, you just aren't going to be using that space much unless you really, really enjoy being cold and wet all the time. And it is a large percentage of the space on a 35' boat.

Cruising and designing boats are different things I guess and why we have different types of boats for different tastes. Sounds like miserable weather up there.

Even so, there is a Bimini option so for those afraid of getting a drop of rain on them or some sun:

 

[Northern Spy]

I'd assume the designer would like to sell as many as he can...

I kind of doubt this. I think he knows he designed a niche boat that doesn't currently exist and will meet the needs of a few buyers, no matter where they reside. Nor do I don't think he is trying to convert anyone or convince anyone that it is a superior design. It is a different design.

The two separate focsle cabin and pilothouse arrangement was actually fairly common years ago. In fact my favourite (and possibly only non-caricature looking) Jay Benford designs, Strumpet and LadyBug are the same.

There have been many designs with aft cabins (sans head) separated by a cockpit from the main cabin. 2,000 Albin 25's for example. I was looking at an Albin 27AC, and still think it is a fine boat, with reasonable lines, until one wants to troll for and land a salmon.

As far as the center cockpit goes, I often feel isolated from my family when I am at the helm and they are in the aft cockpit. I think the center cockpit has a lot of merit in that aspect. Particularly if you had small kids or pets you wanted to keep an eye on. I particularly like the center cockpit door on each side. Great for dinghy, kayak, paddleboard access and MOB recovery.