Catamaran Cruising

I've been looking through some old (2002) CCA files and found these interesting pictures and some notes about a modified roof on ECHO, a Catalac 9m.&nbsp;<div><br></div><div><br></div><div>"<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 15.8pt;">We brought Echo in Cyprus and sailed her back home
via the Grau du-Roi, Canal du Rhone a Sete and the Canal du Midi, we can
recommend the Grau du-Roi in the Med, with mast-stepping at Aigues-Mortes.</span></div>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:8.15pt;line-height:15.1pt;mso-line-height-rule:
exactly;mso-pagination:widow-orphan"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:
&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">Our original engines were single cylinder Renault
diesels rated at 7.5hp, they were reliable but very noisy and under powered at
4.5 knots flat out in calm water. Raw water cooled, I believe they were
designed for cement mixers and were certainly miserly on fuel at 0.51 per hour
apiece. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:15.1pt;mso-line-height-rule:exactly;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">"ECHO"
is now fitted with a pair of Beta 13.5hp diesel engines and with folding
Propellers. These have transformed the performance both under power and sail.
6.1 knots from a single engine at 3000rpm driving a 2:1 reduction and a 14in
diameter two bladed propeller. Under sail I reckon we are at least half a knot
faster over the previous fixed pitch screws. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:14.6pt;line-height:14.85pt;mso-line-height-rule:
exactly;mso-pagination:widow-orphan"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:
&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">An added advantage is that with the engines
diminutive size, with its shallow sump it gained us nearly 6 inches vertical
height space over the Renaults, we have been able to re- install the cosy port
quarter berth cabin. So quiet are the Betas that we are not bothering with
sound proofing now. The flexible feet and shaft coupling, included in the
price, probably contribute to the sewing machine sound characteristics that we
now have. <o:p></o:p></span></p>

<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:8.6pt;line-height:14.85pt;mso-line-height-rule:
exactly;mso-pagination:widow-orphan"><span style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:
&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;">On deck we have been able to improve the appearance
of the deck house by taking the roof outboard by five inches and aft by three
feet. Stainless steel legs support the trailing edges which follow the gentle
curve built into the original structure. The forward edge projects eight inches
in a slight curve forming an 'eyebrow' with radius sed comers. A stainless
steel pillar abaft the steering position makes a very useful hand hold and
permits a 15 stone crewman to walk on the rooftop, an opening hatch also allows
the helmsman to sit on the roof and steer with his feet! There is also ample
space here for life-raft stowage and solar panels. The plan now is to fit roll
up awnings along the under side edges of this deck so that the cockpit can be
completely enclosed."&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></p><img src="http://www.catamarancruising.org/forums/uploads/imageupload/821/MJ2UURX8WN5W.jpg" alt="echo roof" title="echo roof">
<img src="http://www.catamarancruising.org/forums/uploads/imageupload/090/HOQ6DBJN7X2D.jpg" alt="echo" title="echo">

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