Has anyone seen both in person? How identical/similar/different are the boats from these manufacturers?

Never heard of Dynautics.

They're in Holland (Google Dynautic to find their site, then click on the English language link). Their hulls look a bit different from those on the Vectorworks version. The beams/tramp sit on a recessed section of hull relative to the section forward of the front beam. Was curious about the effect of this, and any other differences in the designs.

Really a question for the Euro folks (Wouter, etc.) as I doubt any Dynautic boats have made it to the US, but I know the opposite is not the case.

Phill, what is your reply to this ?

Wouter

Stuart,

I've not seen both boats either but they are of the same design, there may be some cosmetic differences.

Your best bet would be to contact each builder and get specific information on the fine details.


Regards,
Phill

Was Victorworks the ones having issues with rudder mechanism? What's Dynautic using? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Vectorworks now offer two options for the rudder mechanisms: a custom rope-operated system, or the rod system from Catamaranparts (standard on European Vectorworks Blades).

As far as I can tell users of boths systems are very happy with them, and the choice comes down to personal preference. Vectorworks have admitted that the original rudder were not up to scratch, and they no longer use that supplier. It's probably about time to stop dragging up this historical point.

As for Dynautic - I don't know what they're using, but from the photos it looks like a rod system with carbon stocks. Perhaps AHPC?

Paul

The big difference is that the Dynautic boats are made from ply, whereas Vectorworks are fibreglass.

Paul

It must be carbon-ply then.. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Ref: http://www.dynautic.com/IntroNL.html
There is a slideshow running to the left, and it looks a lot like a carbon sandwich building process.

Interesting. I'm pretty certain that the red/orange boat on their website is ply, and this is certainly funny looking carbon:

http://www.dynautic.com/Slideshow1.swf

But you're right: it seems that they are producing carbon/epoxy boats.

Paul

They probably did a ply boat for testing, and a plug, before they invested time and money on production moulds.

I have had no builder related problems with the Vectorworks system. However, I have two distinct operator problems! <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> Launching in surf; and kicking the lock open while sailing.

I think the Dynautics ruddersystem may be easier for ME to operate. If it isn't too costly, I will convert.

IMO, this is one of the nice things about our class, i.e. the freedom to customize according to personal sailing habits. If I understand correctly, SMOD doesn't permit this.

Hi there,
as Dynautic's first customer for the Blade i may add some comments here:
The orange Blade is made of plywood, i had a test sail on it. Like many others who tried the Blade i was very impressed about the Cat and placed my order.
First Dynautic intended to make the hulls in plywood carbon, for maximum stiffness and dent resistance. This was the main difference at that time to the other builder, Vectorworks.
But as there was no experience with this composite structure, Phill the Blade designer convinced Dynautic to build the first hulls with foam core for reliability reasons.
Now a high-density foam core is used, with pre preg carbon layers. Denting is also no issue, i saw someone hammering on the composite with no effect on the surface.

For the rudders there are some options now. The orange plywood Blade had a AHPC rudder system, which pros and cons are well known.
I decided for another one, made by a local supplier to me, shake design in Hamburg/Germany. Supports regional business, and spare parts mustn't shipped around halve the earth to me. On their website you can see an A-Cat rudder, similar to the F16 system which is now in design process. The head will be stronger with the tiller fixed to both sides of the rudderblade. The rudder will get a 20% larger surface compared to A-Cat and is then also used for F18ht. The stern at the Blade is higher with more volume compared to A-Cat or F18, so we chose the F18ht type that spinout problems shouldn't occur with this setup.
see:http://www.catsailor.com/bb_files/94003-F18ht-1.pdf

Now the moulds for the rudder are 3D-modelled and then CNC milled. At beginning of march my rudders will be available, hopefully together with the gray carbon Blade you can see on the Dynautic website.
links:
www.dynautic.com
www.shakedesign.de/rudder.htm

Holger

I would use the Nacra rudder system, that is also used on the Eagle cats, this system is perfect (for me)

not to say that other rudder systems are bad!

It most definately did NOT have the AHPC rudders. Those would have worked, is that other type, Robi named the supplier in his post earlier.

Looking forward to seeing you and your boat at Zandvoort Holger.


Wouter

Indeed i have to correct this, the rudders on the orange Blade were made by a former worker at AHPC who started for himself. But regardless who makes the rod system, i don't like it for myself.
The system at my former Nacra500 worked always fine, but for a F16 it is a bit overdimensioned and heavy. Let's see how the new System behaves, i'll keep you informed...
Holger

See attachment for the nacra rudders system on an Eagle

and more here
http://www.h2o-sensations.com/galleryh2o/thumbnails.php?album=17

Some Differences between Vectorworks and Dynautic Blades.
Vinylester vs Epoxy
Glass vs Carbon
Round keel vs flat keel
screws vs nuts n bolts
x bulkheads vs more bulkheads
x stringers vs more stringers
No thanks vs YES please!

This could be informative, if you weren’t being so vague, perhaps you’d care to elaborate? <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />

Well, we'll see both builds next to one another at the Zandvoort event in 5 months time so we can indeed directly compare the two.

Mirjam, are you coming ?

Wouter