S3#2. Garcia Explocat 52 review. Is this the ULTIMATE Exploration cat - fast, safe and comfortable?

@Barefoot Doctors Sailing and Travel - Come Barefoot with us as we search for the PERFECT PERFORMANCE CATAMARAN for us as we upgrade from our Leopard 45 and 50!
In this episode we travel to Cherbourg, France in mid winter to see Garcia's Explocat 52 aluminium catamaran and check out the construction process and features that put this cat in the exclusive and niche market for exploration of the higher latitudes...
Cyrille Corlay of Garcia Yachts also explain the pros and cons of Aluminium boats and how their boats survive accidents at sea with 25 tonne fishing boats and hitting containers as well as their ability to travel to the Arctic and Antarctic as they are built for this environment.
Binge watch and come barefoot with us as we travel and explore the planet, mostly from the water but sometimes through the minds of others as we provide aid and support where needed through the amazing TUFMINDS solutions!
WHAT IS TUFMINDS
The free TUFMINDS program is released as a smartphone program under the Exqisit Life Foundation Charity, a registered not for profit and requires financial support to fund the free program. TUFMINDS saves lives by intervening at the point of suicide and pulling everyone to higher levels of mental resilience, wellbeing and functioning. it also creates better attitudes, resilience and coping - all very important for sailors facing difficult situations at sea.
@Barefoot Doctors Sailing
Donations to the charity to support Suicide Prevention with the free TUFMINDS program can be made at:
shoutforgood.com/charities/ex...
For more info:
www.TUFMINDS.com
www.barefootdoctorssailing.com.au
TUFMINDS app - in App Store

[@OnTheFlipSide]

Stunning Catamaran. Thank you for showing us something a little different from the normal cats we know.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Glad you liked it Amanda and I don't think anyone else has ever done a walkthrough review except the commercial magazines! Good that it was interesting.

[@mikecasista]

Thank you SOOO much for putting together such a comprehensive video. This boat has been at the top of my wife and my wish list since it was announced and there really isn’t a lot of good content on the internet showing the details. Amazing work!!!

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Glad it was useful for you Mike and good luck with your search! Hope to see you to there one day.

[@hayyou3213]

Man I love this boat. This just might be my favorite all time catermaran. Well done.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Thanks! Yesitreally provides a really strong boat with good performance...

[@andrewlabat9963]

What a fantastic cat. This has to be one of the nicest sailing cats, or mono hauls in that size available.. Awesome looking machine, and my favorite.. 😍

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Glad you liked it Andrew! They only make a few a year so you need to get in quick to get in the queue!

[@brendenmannix3665]

Great vid guys, really enjoyed it. Thanks for your efforts!

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Glad it hit the mark for you Brendan!

[@Sunlander]

The best video you did so far - thanks for all the information

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Nice of you to think that! Thanks!!!

[@jodymooney255]

What a beauty! ❤

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Thanks Jody for your comment and yes the Garcia is a very solid and strong boat with great features.

[@JourneyofaFisherman]

Great video guys!

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Thanks, Tony. Will be sending you some info shortly too.

[@jefftopper7787]

Good info thanks

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Glad you liked it Jeff!

[@sjd9214]

Impressive catamaran by Garcia.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Thanks for watching and the comment SJD!

[@waderogers]

High latitude sailing has come into vogue as of late but I've been doing it for 30 years, since I live and sail in Juneau, Alaska. This Garcia yacht ticks many of the necessary boxes for sailing in colder waters and that makes this yacht a safer yacht for mid and lower latitude passage making. For higher latitudes, a good heating system is vital for a few reasons. Not just for the comfort of the crew but also for keeping moisture to a minimum and for drying out foul weather gear. Juneau is in a temperate rain forest so there are days when light rain showers will happen and if you happen to be on shore in a remote location, you're likely to get some rain showers now and then, so even good foulies will need a place to dry out. Also, keeping the interior space warm and comfy adds to the safety of the crew because their bodies don't have to work as hard to keep them warm which keeps them from getting fatigued and possibly diminishing their attention spans and ability to make good judgement. Next, the aluminum hull is the 'go to' material for toughness. Sailing or motoring into a fjord, like the one's we have here, one has to often dodge 'bergie bits' as we call them and since my boat's hull is GRP, I avoid them at all costs. Doesn't mean I can't get close to a glacier; it's just that I have to be very careful about it. With an aluminum hull, one can purposefully push through some ice and get to places other boats can't. Plus, there are places here where one could purposefully beach a boat like this (there are some sandy beaches) but only for so long since our tides can vary up to 8 meters at times. I owned a small sailboat with a retractable keel and put her on beaches many times. So the ability to beach the boat also adds to the safety of the vessel. Plus, the aluminum is TOUGH. I've pounded thru some serious waves in 'jet boats' that have jet drive inboard engines. Those boats just slam into waves and keep going! I enjoy your review and the high production values, and your work as Doctor's. Keep it up!

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Thanks very much Wade for your story and info - very helpful and interesting!

[@ibabazger6473]

Very useful comment. Thanks

[@roberthandlon1877]

They are a hellava boat, but 4 years is too long. I think you would have to be a hardcore explorer to pull that trigger. Awesome video Dr’s, always enjoy your work. Thanks

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Thanks for the kind words Robert and yes, 4 years is too long. See how we reeled back in horror when we heard that! We do not want to wait that long...

[@charlesmoss8119]

As has been said on other vids their honesty is great - you may not go everywhere but it extends the safe boundaries. And for me it’s so up there as a dream purchase - I never want to explore the north west passage - but if I could enjoin safely sailing all winter around the uk and up to the fjords? Well why not. And yes I’m aware the Mariholm folk-boat I sailed in the 70’s could likely do the same - but one would be comfy and warm, the other sluicing me with ‘invigorating’ cold water

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Wow, Charles - I had a close friend at school whose father had a Folkboat we used to sail the west cost of Scotland!!! Great sea boat but very wet and slow by comparison .....

[@peterreynolds8146]

Gr8 video ❤

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Thanks Peter! Nice of you to say.

[@tomcraddock244]

4 year waiting list. Insane

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Yes that is a real shame and would put some individuals onto other brands if you want to get going now. Even 2 years is a stretch for some...

[@rayb3117]

That boat is simply gorgeous and damn well put together as well. If I had that kind of money, I would like to see a smaller mono hull.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Thanks Ray. Nice of you to comment.

[@mstp69ify]

Great Boat, just have to win the lottery

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Yes M, there are a few folk getting the lotto tickets to get one of these!

[@user-zi7fp4bg7s]

素晴らしい　買いたいなー❤

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Thanks for your comment!

[@MK-gr9qz]

Good one, thanks🤗. We are thinking of buying one but really dont like the saildrive... its a big thing for us.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

HI M, yes sail drives are a convenient way and easy of installing the props - so that is what I did with my 42 foot cat I built and most of the production boats use them too - easy and fast to install.... Watch the next episode about the Portofino where they have sail drives and many other extras...

[@pacificpearlsailing]

That's the one you need to get !

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Would love to!

[@gbsailing9436]

WOW! Great review BDS. I really hope you can get one of these one day soon. I'm putting in for the lotto again this week so who knows...maybe I'll get two. Did they have any plans to build anything bigger than the 52? I'd love to see something that matches the lagoon 620 (I've got a big family! Ha).

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Garcia do not have any other cats on the plans as far as I am aware and we will keep our fingers crossed that "our" lotto tickets come in!!!

[@gbsailing9436]

@@barefootdoctorssailing8567 LOL, 👍

[@CB-yv3ec]

Great video......I doubt we would ever go to colder climates but the information on the pro's and con's of aluminum construction is very helpful and perfect timing ....we are trying to get info on the Portifino 47 and 57 but so far I have sent 2 emails and got no response.....Thank you both

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Hi again CB, I thought |Portofino would be quite good at getting back to you. Perhaps there is a delay with holidays. Try again - [e-mail] The next episode is about the Portofino 47 so that will be interesting for you!

[@CB-yv3ec]

@@barefootdoctorssailing8567 Awesome, thank you...looking forward to seeing it......any chance you could show the Portifino 57 also.....would you consider doing a video on the Lagoon 55?.....the layout and use of space is amazing but I am concerned about how it is built(I understand they use vacuum infusion with a balsa wood core) is it a good build for ocean crossings and longevity?....how is it built compared to Leopard or FP?.....power boats use to use fiberglassed balsa wood but due to moisture intrusion causing the balsa wood to decay and fall apart builders stopped using it well over a decade ago ....does vacuum infusion change or fix that problem?

[@marklong8608]

Curious if you could also ask about the size and weight of a tender these boats can handle. Especially for remote exploration, you need a beefy tender than can handle some rough conditions. I'm surprised that some of these 50'+ high-end cats can only accommodate modest tenders. Would love to have a 4-4.2m dinghy for long range exploration.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Thanks Mark, The davits are Aluminium so very strong but I do not know their limit. If you wanted to increase the weight tolerance they can easily send in another V arm to increase the strength.

[@anic6559]

This is the boat to be in guys.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Thanks Anic

[@jakobtheinventor]

Thank you for a super interesting walk trough. Being a tall man, I would be extatic and thankful if you would also include the important issue of headroom in the different sections of the boat 🙂 Would that be possible?

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Hi Jakob, yes I did not mention that but I am 6 foot and Cyrille is about 6'2" so if you see him in the hulls the height is far above his head and likewise in the saloon the height is 2.05m - very high!

[@jakobtheinventor]

@@barefootdoctorssailing8567 Thank you so much for your feedback. Now I will watch you as well as the room above your heads :-). 2.05 m is great. Then I will have 6 cm at my disposal. Now I need to work om the money. And my patience...4 years delivery!

[@barryholiday8998]

My only criticisms would be that they should offer an electric engine option and shaft drives. I do like that they have protective skegs for the sail drives though.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Thanks for the comment Barry and yes I do think shaft drives are the way to go as stern drives do create several problems and lose the ability to regain power. We are hoping that electric engines and region will have taken several steps forward before we have to commit with the next boat as till now you still one engine that works on diesel...

[@ianh2674]

Interesting option, could be a bit heavy if looking for performance, however finish looked first class.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Hi Ian, yes quite heavy but this is what they have chosen to go for - strength over higher performance to cope with the icebergs. They actively choose to focus on the average daily distances and not the top speeds as these are not their forte. The focus is the upper latitudes with reasonable performance...

[@bobbiejay2085]

I wish. The northern cold waters I would love. Plus the Med.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

You would have to love the cold!

[@bobbiejay2085]

@@barefootdoctorssailing8567 ... I do. I come alive. Suffer more in the heat and especially the humidity.

[@marktaylor484]

It would be very interesting to hear your thought's on how it stacks up against say a Privilege and a Sunreef in what you need it to do?

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Hi Mark, thanks for the question. The Garcia is aiming for very different kind of sailors - it is aimed directly for the expedition type, more extreme sailors while the Sunreef and Privilege are both more luxury type slower boats. They both have significantly more space and comfort than the Garcia but they would not do wind speed in 7 knots and get to 12 knots easily and consistently and certainly would not be appropriate for icebergs... We went to France to do a tour of the Privilege yard and latest design but they would not show us any boats, even though we were right there!!! Consequently we have not done a tour of the Privileges...

[@marktaylor484]

@@barefootdoctorssailing8567 I do understand the difference between them all. I'm guessing you are reverting to your Alba Dash days and prioritizing speed. That was very poor customer facing service from Privilege.

[@Aberamentho2010]

4 years for delivery. Wow.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

I know! It's a long time but they only produce 2 per year so it seems it is not a high priority for them.

[@Frog13799]

The French really need to look at the South African boats, all sail controls at the helm, one person can do everything without leaving his/her seat.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

We absolutely agree, even to have to move to the side decks to work the Genoa (Seawards) or spinnakers (Fountaine Pajot) and having to out to the front cockpit in a big storm or driving rain, would be a major pain in the &%$#.... We had a thunderstorm last night and just going forward once to work the anchor, resulted in the driving rain wetting the whole saloon and the seats - they are now out in the sun drying. So I want all the lines led to the steering position - which we will have on the Portofino 52!

[@bernardlanguillier7970]

It was probably not clear enough that there are 2 main layouts for helm stations, the external side ones you filmed are probably less popular that the raised single one similar to what is found in most production cats.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Yes we said it in a single sentence so if you weren’t paying attention , you would have missed it... Thanks for highlighting that, Bernard!

[@WillN2Go1]

Ah the making the bed issue.... (It's even a hassle at home where I can walk around.) What if there were two hooks at the corners of the far end of the bed below the top and grommets, (or grosgrain loops -- my favorite for camping rain flys very versatile and easy to sew). You crawl on the bed, hook on the corners. Then at the 'easy end two more hooks. Maybe some adjustment. (I've even got a method where you never have to crawl on the bed). Do sheets really need to go all the way under a mattress? (& I've noticed that wrinkles I didn't notice were actually keeping me awake.) Let's patent this so we can afford to have Garcias waiting for us: one in Norway another in Chile....

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Count us in! Great idea!!!

[@johnmajewski1065]

Nice presentation, I have a single-handed round-the-world boat eara1986 mono aluminum ex BOC 15.24 meter masthead cutter built by the Garcia Brothers, I would be interested to know if is this the same builder? Out of interest, my boat was knocked down on the slipway while antifouling, the hull was badly dented it took 18 months to repair her from the top of the mast to the bottom of the keel there were no holes because of the knockdown. It's a great ocean going boat, I have had it since 1987 If you can please ask him if they had built SV Skoiern IV? Keep up the videos info's new perspective and very informative. SV. Skoiern IV Thanks

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Dear John, Yes I am sure this will be same yard but I have sent Cyrille the question on LinkedIn - he is there as Cyrille Corlay or you can email him via their website garciayachts.com as well. I am fairly sure it is them though and it must have been one of their early boats but clearly still very well made! Thanks for letting us know and hope to hear back from Cyrille!

[@johnmajewski1065]

@@barefootdoctorssailing8567 Thank You! For the contact details and Mr. Cyrille Corlay Name. Please let me know if he confirms, I sometimes find no one bothers to reply. Wishing you both. Safe Navigation experiences. SV Skoiern IV

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

@@johnmajewski1065 Yes John, Cyrille conformed your boat is from the same yard of the Garcia’s!

[@johnmajewski1065]

@@barefootdoctorssailing8567 Thanks for the follow-up, good to know/ I guess he must have been surprised you asked. Can you please send me Mr Cyrille direct email? Thanks John SV Skoiern IV

[@stephenlegg6816]

Hi Guys I'm actually seriously looking at the Portofino after your vid on them very impressive looking boat I've sent them the same email as yet no reply hopefully there a bit more on the ball.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

HI Stephen, yes Raffaele has been overwhelmed with calls and emails so just keep chasing him up!

[@dc1544]

anyplace during rainy season increases the risk of lighting strikes to sailboats. Like he said avoid rainy season in those areas.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

We have heard that Florida is the worst risk in the world for lightning strikes....

[@ashleykerlin]

I'm surprised that every floor hatch you opened there was no insulation either of the hull or the hatch. Like the forward cockpit, and don't understand why more don't push the saloon forward of the mast for more internal space. Also like the mini keels and skegs for a beaching experience that's a lot simpler than beaching on the hulls. Wouldn't the Portofino work better with the folding dagger boards retracting into mini keels like these? Much better for being able to clean the hulls while beached too? And more concentrated contact zones during the inevitable bouncing from waves during tide changes?

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

HI Ashley and thanks for the comments! The downside of mini keels is the loss of shallow draft benefits. Sitting on small keels can be done but they would dig in a lot more than sitting on the top without them. Also on our self built 42 foot performance cat, she sat on her flat bottom part of her hull and there was only a small area that you could not clean but if that was an issue we could use sand bags to sit on or do that small section while swimming... Our draft is 2.5 feet so that allows us to go over coral atolls without entry channels and up river and creeks and mangroves to hide from storms. For us this was really important.

[@ashleykerlin]

Ah! All really good points. Thank you.

[@ashleykerlin]

What are your thoughts on the saloon going forward of the mast, for a much bigger saloon?

[@jeffalexander544]

Who has a better set up for electrical corrosion and protection, Portofino or Garcia?

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Dear Jeff, both look very competent. The only thing that I liked more in the plan of Portofino is that the leak detector is alarmed sop will go off as soon as there is a leak and does not require you to intermittently test it. Small thing but both are excellent...

[@muwenhsu3098]

I just wonder about upwind performance of this cat?

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

They do claim it to be "good" - it has fixed keels so is not likely to be as good as those boats with daggerboards but it does seem to point well in videos we have seen...

[@dc1544]

Will they offer hybrid diesel/eclectic option?

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

HI DC, they did not mention that so perhaps not.

[@stephenlegg6816]

Great video guys I tried contacting garcia re building one with an interior helm they didn't even bother to reply to me disappointing.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Sorry to hear that Stephen. I Contacted Cyrille Corlay on LinkedIn which worked better than emails. Perhaps they have admin staff that watch the emails and they don’t get actioned... Certainly keep trying with both avenues if you are serious...

[@maxdizanzi6956]

does this boat only have heating, or A/C too?

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Hi Max, yes the Garcia does have cooling options (Air con) as well as heating options. Reverse cycle AC only works to about 3* (or maybe -3*) so people going the really cold areas need alternative heating systems. Each new owner decides what they fit depending on how and where they are using the boat. Hope that helps

[@renatoardigo5829]

Is the Explocat 52 equipped with a skeg to provide substantial protection against underwater debris?

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Dear Renato, Thanks for watching and for the comment. yes there is a skeg just in front of the sail drive and protects the sail drive, props and rudder (see at 18.02 on the video). The rudder also has sacrificial foam so you do hit something with it, the foam gives way but the hull does not get damaged.

[@renatoardigo5829]

Thank you for your prompt response, you are true professionals. In all the pictures of the Explocat 52, I had never been able to see these details. Thanks again and sincere congratulations. I'll watch the video right away!

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

@@renatoardigo5829 Thanks. What exactly are you looking for in terms of a new boat?

[@renatoardigo5829]

Coming from the world of monohulls, finding the right catamaran has been particularly challenging. My wife and I were looking for something different, no longer in composite with carbon fiber reinforcements, but in aluminum. Something that would allow us to live aboard and undertake ocean crossings. Our choice fell on Garcia. I personally spoke and wrote to the shipyard, but I needed external support to better understand the world of catamarans before purchasing one. We are not racers, we are cruisers. Of all my acquaintances, people with 45,000 nautical miles under their belt, none of them own a catamaran. Getting unbiased opinions has been quite difficult. Thank you again

[@renatoardigo5829]

The rudder also has sacrificial foam so you do hit something with it, the foam gives way but the hull does not get damaged.........What do you really think about this solution?

[@dickfitswell1778]

What is the build time on this boat?

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

The build takes 18 months but the queue means the next visits 2026.... Sad news there I’m afraid, Dick,

[@micheljansen85]

I’d watch the admiralty’s review of this boat

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Hi Michel, those guys start off by admitting they are "three idiots" and they have not actually been on the boat. They have not seen the structural strength or the dedicated modifications for cold water cruising and they made banal comments about "making it steel and calling it an exploration boat".... It is also easy to sit back and be an arm chair critic without actually seeing the boat and none of these three have actually been on an Expolcat as far as I could see. Easy to ve critical and make outrageous statements for entertainment value and to increase views - but I would have to question the validity there. Entertainment value - High.Value - low : sorry!

[@micheljansen85]

Tell me, would you sail this to svalbard in november? No you would not. Would you sail this boat to svalbard in june? You would. But then again, with modern weather forecasting and good route planning you also would in a glasfiber boat. So why pay all that extra for an alucat? The only positive i see is longevity and even that is up for debate. If anything, boatspeed and beeing a good captain is way more important then what your hull is made out off in my opinion.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

@@micheljansen85 hi again Michel, it is all about risk management. Everyone will hit something sometime if you are out sailing continuously - reefs, whales, containers and just bring a good captain does not prevent this. So if it is to happen, I would choose to be in a strong aluminium boat that will survive and not a grp one that just gets ripped apart. Everyone had the choice and everyone hits something sometime - in 40 years we have had three events and the longer and further you sail, the your chances for something to happen... PS I have no desire to sail to Svalbard at any time of the year - we don’t like the cold - some do though so this boat suits them.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

hi again Michel, it is all about risk management. Everyone will hit something sometime if you are out sailing continuously - reefs, whales, containers and just bring a good captain does not prevent this. So if it is to happen, I would choose to be in a strong aluminium boat that will survive and not a grp one that just gets ripped apart. Everyone had the choice and everyone hits something sometime - in 40 years we have had three events and the longer and further you sail, the your chances for something to happen... PS I have no desire to sail to Svalbard at any time of the year - we don’t like the cold - some do though so this boat suits them.

[@micheljansen85]

@@barefootdoctorssailing8567 I’m not saying it’s not important, but if it’s that important, you’re better off with a large steel monohull with watertight bulkheads. Again, it‘s a nice looking boat, the proposed safety aspect of it beeing able to ram icebergs (hyperbole) is not there and it feels/looks not to be that far off the capabilities that grp boats have.

[@MartyDidier]

Great Product Review… Have a few comments… - I’ve used in my working days as an Engineer a special coating of Teflon on surfaces dealing with toxic liquids. This Teflon is sprayed and can be layered for multiple thicknesses. I’ve used Black but could be available in other colors. Sort of remember after spraying it’s heated to finalize adhesion to the vulnerable surface. Don’t remember required technical specifications. Double thicknesses were specified because mechanical cleaning was abrasive. Never experienced any peeling or flaking. - Aluminum seems best choice however Electrolysis issue remains as a potential problem especially as Diesel Engines could be replaced with Electric Motors. As a Developer I’ve been looking for a Sail Drive that can be dual powered with a common Diesel Engine and an Electric Motor sitting on top of the Sail Drive unit. Mechanically it’s not difficult and could be done using Sprag Clutch Bearings or Clutch Gearing. This would allow both Power Plants to exist with only one operational at a time. Creative thinking says changing the Aluminum Sail Drive casting to Bronze might help. - Different Environments from severe cold to hot requires a closed up living environment to wider opened living areas. Sunreef has a lifting mechanism design to lift up the rear wide door from the bottom to the ceiling. This gives the largest opening and is attractive for hot environments. - Will Garcia customize Owner Boats? Building using Aluminum isn’t as easy to customize then Fiberglass. Marty Didier

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Interesting info Marty, thanks! No regen option on sail drives as yet so that would be a good thing to create if you can... Where were you thinking of using the teflon- under the waterline? Electrolysis with aluminium seems to be avoided if the leak detector is active and watched all the time. I have also heard that it can be done with an alarm so if there is a leak you will hear the alarm instantly and not rely on checking it manually. Yes hot and cold climate require different set ups and the Garcia is more suited for cold but there are good openings with the front cockpit door and most of the aft windows open up fully. The garage door openings of the Bali (and the Sunreef) look good but the structural strength is potentially compromised it would seem. For customising the Garcias, there is only limited internal changes you can make within the 2 or 3 versions for each hull I understand. However generally Aluminium is easier to customise than fibreglass cause every boat is built from scratch and no moulds are used. This means that the builder haws the choice to make changes but many brands do not want to complicate their production line that much so enforce limited options that they give. Other steel boat builders can give huge customisation if you plan it before the start - see Distant Shores new Al mono. All the best!

[@MartyDidier]

@@barefootdoctorssailing8567 Thanks for the reply. Using the Teflon spray on material would need more research to determine requirements for final setting. If my memory is correct, the material needed to be heated, this was 30yrs ago. It’s assumed that final set may require a UV light application as glues and other materials have gone this way. Material thickness may be ~1+mm and multiple layers thicken it from there. Final product was durable and none peeling. Under water Line certainly is the way to go. Everything can be coated this way. Example: early Cellphones were single layer treated and products felt good to hold. It may be more costly then paint but may last a very long time. Cover choices might suggest Paint is least durable then a material that’s micro fixed to a surface. I personally don’t trust measuring systems to signal me of an alarm. If something goes wacky in a very short time many holes can quickly exist. My choices lean towards more solid permanent design choices. Besides everything Digital currently is attacked by high level hackers. Recent news talks about major International shipping problems due to hacking. There are other reasons I’m not able to talk about at this time. Very soon a major FBI case will surface that involves me, then you’ll realize what I’m talking about. It’ll be first case of many to surface. It’s unknown of its depth but I’m not surprised it may include the loss of your boat! Don’t have a Yacht at this point. Have been watching for some time. Would be fun to have one and could afford one. Prefer Aluminum at this point.

[@MartyDidier]

My comment about distracting an electronic system giving an alarm is again verified. Recently Hacker defeated Apple’s iOS 16 Facial Security routine. Allows Access to Bank On Line Accounts can now be accomplished by others from their systems. Comparing skill to Hacking into Shipping Tracking Systems is either similar or easier. Recommend sticking with physical inspections and physical barriers for security. Electronics and Wireless everything is easily defeated by criminals.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

@@MartyDidier thanks for the advice!

[@MartyDidier]

@@barefootdoctorssailing8567 Although some TRUTH has already surfaced, the Culprits behind past and current World issues are surfacing for all to see. Since our World depends upon Digital control, everyone is using Systems with “designed in” Backdoors enabling high level Hackers to easily enter our Personal Space. Everything is at risk! Shipping depends upon Location Identity Systems to help others steer away from collisions and more. What’s not included below are links for Shipping videos experiencing Hacking. The Hacking problem narrows down to our personal communication systems, namely Cellphones. It’s been discovered that ALL manufactures have by design Backdoors enabling high level hacking. What I viewed showed these Backdoors are embedded in Hardware and Software. Apple like other Manufacturers outsource modules placed in their products. Thought I’d the Backdoors exist there. If you’re watching the Crypto Industry collapse starting with FTX, think about how all of this happened. Paper Currency isn’t backed by anything, it use to be backed by Gold & Silver. Rothschilds are Kazarian originally from Ukraine. Kazarian Mafia is the Covert Social Army linked with Secret Societies, mainly FreeMasons. They don’t function like the Mafias we know. It’s all underhanded Plotting with serious focus on planning to insure their acts can’t be traced back to them. TRUTH about the Titanic disaster is a good example with why it happened. Currently the FIAT System is rapidly collapsing. Crypto may have been an option to save them but how FTX collapsed appears to be taking everyone else down with them as corruption is showing. Crypto Tips KZbin Channel You Won’t Believe What The EU Is Doing With Bitcoin Now. 4:59min kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4WcZYiQbaZoaas Atlantean Gardens KZbin channel A Titanic story about the Federal Reserve Bank - ROBERT SEPEHR. 13:34min kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKaymYFmorZkiJI Ron Yates KZbin channel "This Is Very Serious, EVERYBODY Is In Trouble..." IN JUST A FEW WEEKS: NEW CYBER-PANDEMIC! 12:28min kzbin.info/www/bejne/baO8o3RuhNCJZ5Y Until the chaos settles it’s wise to steer away from digital conveniences in every application. Marty Didier

[@burddog0792]

I'd like to see a diesel-electric hybrid like on the HH 44/52. Tons of battery and solar, hydro-generating props, and even some retractable windmills.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Many yards will add the electric engine as a hybrid, with the big lithium and d=solar if people want or it can be done as after market - after you take over the boat and upgrade with a provider of your choice.

[@boringsoaring]

Sure make it super heavy and complicated. Oh wait it already is , never mind

[@lolni8218]

Dommage, encore une version avec des barres à roues sur les jupes arrières dédiées à ceux qui viennent du monocoque....

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Merci d'avoir regardé

[@rumblechick73]

I can't see how anyone would want to be sailing this in the upper latitudes standing at those outboard helm stations. I'd be adding Biminis and enclosures all over the place. LOL Even in warmer climates I'd still want to be out of the sun and rain.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Thanks for the comments again! Yes I prefer the inboard steering positions and they do offer that as an option so that is covered. There are many folk that love that outboard steering position for sail trim and docking but after about 8 hours or a day in bad weather, give me a dry seat out of the wind, waves, sun and rain!

[@rumblechick73]

@@barefootdoctorssailing8567 I'm with you on that! Just wondering if you've ever looked at the Xquisite5. You seemed pretty interested in the customer support on this one, so I'm thinking you'd be blown away by the X5 support system.

[@user-zi7fp4bg7s]

日本に輸入代理店は ありますか？

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

I don't know about any agents in Japan - there is also a fair wait to get one built. Perhaps contact Garcia directly.

[@leeway777]

A four-year waiting list is too long. I hope they can hire more people and make more money quickly, say, in six months would be much better.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Yes, that was a long time. Hopefully they are quicker now....Thanks for your support Lee!

[@marco-boss]

Great Professional presentation. Without using cheap language like "she" runs xyz" or "her" sails are xyz, etc". ||| X |||

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Glad you like it, Marco! Thanks.

[@michel6771]

Undoubtedly one of the best. But waiting 4 years for someone to pay 2 million for its manufacture even discredits the brand.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Yes that is a shame but the current demands on most brands make several have long delays....

[@seawench555]

Yes I can hear u John, but alas it does NOT have the lifting swimdeck and the main cabin is quite small and the beds are hard to make, do u make the bed John? Mmmm Eli please think about this🤣🤣. 4 yrs did he say 4yrs, Gee I'll be deaf and blind by then, and I'll need wheelchair acess.😲 she's got her good points but, I still think u should keep looking. Luv yas be safe 🇦🇺😉😎

[@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665]

Wheelchair access 😉you need Broadblue and Rapier/Dazcats builders for that. Dutch Vann yachts are building in Aluminium and some Australian and NZ cat specialists have also built in Al. The designer of Elsie, a ketch rigged cat featured on U tube specified Al for his vessel for S. Ocean sailing and expeditions whale watching. This is a sophisticated vessel but still a little tight on the accomodation spaces. Personally i cannot see much advantage to having the dual external helms... and a considerable saving in expense space and complication could be had. Hybrid drive systems would allow greater ability to get closer to wildlife.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

@@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665 Hi again Clive. Thanks for the comment and yes there are few different Al builders popping up including some in Grece (Sailing into Freedom), Aus and NZ that have been in touch with us. We are also very interested in hybrid engines (MJ Sailing) but so far you still need a Diesel engine to give the power for the longer distances. We hope to see improvements before we have to commit during the build process... That ketch rigged cat Elsie sounds interesting too!

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Very insightful as always Karlene! We are on the road forward - exciting times!

[@simonhantler8062]

if you think the build quality is good on that cat you should visit KM yachts in holland. absolute perfection. they will build you a better designed 52’ ( devilliers design better in all respects) cat for similar price. in my opinion no one builds aluminium as good as the dutch. contact Eweu ( pronounced ear wa ) hes the owner.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Thanks for the tips! Yes we owned a dutch built steel boat in the past and they had a great reputation too! I will check KM out...

[@jamielancaster01]

You only build two boats a year? You need to pick up the pace brother!

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Yes, we were a bit disappointed but perhaps it is a capacity issue...

[@tomowens2221]

Would love to hear what Carlay has to say about leeward and Pete Goss but you keep talking. Here is a tip, let the interviewed talk with out interruption

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Hi Tom, thanks for your comment and advice - noted and I agree! I presume you are talking about the leeward shrouds being tight when sailing upwind reflecting the rigidity of structure. Most GRP boats flex making the leeward shrouds slack when sailing upwind... Apart from that it was just the intro of Pete Goss.

[@srupp9271]

Nice boat but there is a simple answer to you question in the title. There is NO ULTIMATE boat out there. They all have their ups and downs.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Yes, we agree - it is always a compromise of some sort. It will be the ultimate boat for some people and hopefully the video shares those features and the limitations…. Thanks for the feedback!

[@simontheyers801]

Emp sheild....hmmmmmm

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

I presume you are talking about the lightning EMP - the problem is still that all the wires bring the EMP inside the boat so the Faraday effect is negated. Wireless connections would be needed for EVERYTHING - do you have any ideas on this?????

[@simontheyers801]

@@barefootdoctorssailing8567 there is a company who makes a cut of switch for cars and houses etb..I just thought might work..not expert;))

[@interparus_com]

About thikness of aluminum: This is not entirely correct information ;)

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Please let us now what you mean.... What is the information that is not correct?

[@interparus_com]

@@barefootdoctorssailing8567 yes, the actual thickness is thinner. Unfortunately.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

@@interparus_com Tell us what the actual thickness is then as the info was from Garcia.

[@navalgazingatcampdavid]

Loved the video Jon! I am dying to get onboard this yacht and do a review. Aluminum is finally making a comeback with VAAN ‘a new R4, R5 and R6, Portofino’s beautiful new renders and the recent announcement by Slyder that they are shifting to aluminum hulls. It should be an interesting 5 years ahead. Thanks again for this video! @navalgazingatcampdavid.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Thanks David! yes indeed interesting times with many new Aluminium boats being started to be built from many yards. The move to performance and to aluminium is very strong!

[@jeromefridmann6108]

Explocat... sail drive- why ?? !!!!

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Thanks for the comment Jerome. Good question - although we used a sail drive in our 42 that I built, that was for ease and fast installation but I would now prefer shafts for reliability and secondary power generation etc.

[@greatnorthern3481]

You say their back up service and support is so great did they tell you that or have you spoken to many owners that told you this . This was a little one sided review 😢

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Hi Great Northern, As I have no vested interest at all, I just show the boats as I see and let the company tell their side of the story. I do not have the time or ability to double check what they say is true but I am sure that if that was not true, many of the Garcia owners would have contacted me to dispute the accuracy. Also the fact that they have 21 boats in a round the world rally purely for their group does add credence to the fact that it is the case. No other company arranges such an event and their Offshore school has 15 specific sessions that he listed off. Is there any reason why you should dispute this as NOT being the case?

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Actually I have now seen online evidence of their program for Blue Water training and it uses very respected sailors like Pete Goss, Nikki Henderson snd Loic someone...

[@BlissfulOfLife]

i cant even waiting for my amazon 4 day package ,imagine me pay a loot of money and forget for 4 years , I'm gonna be crazy by then ,even imagine me going that to help finish and drive the engineers crazy ,and also for the way technology going so fast that 4 years from now my boat gonna be way outdated ,maybe elon invent some kind of magic secular battery that superpower the boat and mine wont have from the time i order .. sorry even if i have the money i wold prefer to buy used from one already produced ..

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Good luck, Gus and yes waiting is really painful unless it is past of the ideal plan...

[@baycaglar]

I am a sales person and this boat has many advantages in comparison to its rivals. And you are not mentioning or promoting these. For example heating system. You should visit your old customers using this boat and make small interviews. And 4 years for the production is very long. You should move your factory to Tuzla/Istanbul as soon as you can :-)

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Interesting advice - I presume there are good Alum welders in Turkey?

[@DRB68]

I thought you were looking for performance... at 18 tonnes this is in Lagoon category... Plukky's boat is a much better option. The fact that it carriers so much fuel speaks to the fact that they expect you to do a lot of motoring.

[@clivestainlesssteelwomble7665]

High latitudes you have less chance of solar power and you need to generate more power and heat whilst at anchor and underway.

[@marklong8608]

The Lagoon of the same length is 27.7T, 50% heavier.

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Thanks for the comment Dr, We were contacted by the Greek builders so hope the conversation will continue! Even at 18.5+ tonnes this boat sails much better than a Lagoon... They are honest and say "it is in the middle between the comfort boats and the high performance boats..." I would agree that what Cyrille says appears to be very accurate - not super high performance but strong and reasonable daily miles covered.

[@alqubes]

heavy & slow

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

Faster and lighter than the big 4 - Leopard, Lagoon, PF and Bali though... but they want to be able to hit icebergs so they need to be heavier!

[@michaeltca3103]

Perfect until I saw the terrible SAIL DRIVE. NEVER buy this. They do not have a proper propeller shaft drive. TOO BAD!

[@barefootdoctorssailing8567]

HI Colleen, yes we will do a more detailed video on the pros and cons of shaft drive to sail drive in the future - but most people do not realise how much benefit you get with shaft drive..

[@michaeltca3103]

@@barefootdoctorssailing8567 ...oh, that would be a great topic for a deep dive review. I was beginning to doubt myself after seeing Garcia install a shaft drive. shocking tbh.