I have a US builder thinking of tooling up to build composite DS12s. Is there anyone in the US of A looking to get into F12 but unwilling/unable to build the boat themselves? If so where do people think the market price of these boats would be?

What about the European market? I don’t think personally that there will be any future if we can not supply a boat that you can buy ready from the shop. The homebuilding is marginal, because the people want the thing ready (even the food).
As for the price, we should be close to the Laser. If we could get a boat out in the shop for 3000€ it would be great.

I agree, the reason I've addressed the US in particular is because I've had an enquiry from a builder who is interested. Shipping would be a big percentage of cost if these boats were built centrally, so its going to be important to find local suppliers for different regions or to build them very cheap (china) to then allow a bigger margin to cover shipping etc.

That question sure put a stop to the activity <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Didn't it what. I guess its up to the rest of the world then.

You might consider asking the question on the main forum. There may be folks with kids there who would be in your target market but who haven't bothered to follow the discussion down here.

Aqua Cat 12.5
MSRP $3,495
linkie
the video is of an adult reaching about with some success.

Can't wait to hear on the water reviews of DS12 and get our kit started
(H20 nationals are first week of June <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> this has delayed our build <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> )

Thank you for mentioning the Aqua Cat. It's too bad that boats that already exist and that would be great for kids and that are inexpensive are ignored by the sailing community.

When they were very young, Randy Smyth and his brother sailed an Aqua Cat (the next size larger, I think) in a race to Catalina Island and back.

Unfortunately, the Aqua Cat does not get any publicity because, for some reason, the designer/builder has chosen to separate himself from the multihull world and not try to market to multihull sailors. (I was told that when I tried to get them to advertise in "Catamaran Sailor.")

I dig the aqua cat logo and the retro looking "traveler".

The lack of response to your question it not a true reflection of the DS12 appeal, or lack of appeal in the US. It is hard enough to get people to buy or commit to something that they can see, touch and sail Until a DS 12 is actually on the water it is just a bit more than a concept... get a few (or at least one) sailing and prove it's performance. Until then don't expect prudent catamaran shoppers to line up to buy one. Especially in a down turned economy.

This is in no way a criticism of your design...just saying people want to see what they are buying before they lay out the cash. Best of luck in your endeavor.

Regards,
Robert

Thats basically my theory, and is why I've left this thread alone until we get some boats on the water. The point is, however, that if people want F12 to happen, a few people will need to take a punt and make it happen. This is happening throughout the rest of the world but not at this stage in the US.

If we want the F12 class to develop I think we have to turn to the clubs and mono hull sailors, especially as dad don’t fit on this boat. I have had no real interest from the cat sailors where I live, but the mono clubs are interested to have a real look at the F12 because they are looking for something fast where you don’t have to spend the first summer to learn how to rely swim...