Safety (hull design, hull construction, deck outfitting, single handed sailing, etc)

Comfort (hull design, interior layout, center of motion, displacement, etc)

Performance (high strength rig, sail plan, hull design, etc)

Interior Fit (superior joinery, access to systems, etc)

Owner Customization

Value

• All Broadblue Catamarans are constructed to the highest quality standards.  They conform and in many cases, exceed the European Recreational Craft Directive for Category A Ocean Going rating.  Broadblue uses only the highest quality products under strict guidelines to construct a superior hull.

• The Broadblue keels and hulls below the water line are built with high quality hand laid laminates covered with the best hand laid isopthalic gel coats (best resistance to osmosis).  Our hulls are between ½ and ¾ inch thick of solid fibreglass and have Kevlar reinforcement in high stress areas such as the keels and engine room.  The strong and thick hulls provide superior strength against holing (safety when you hit something underwater), damage after going aground, and other heart pounding events.

• The Broadblue hulls above the water line and deck are designed and engineered using the latest in fibreglass and balsa sandwich technology for blue water cruising.  Our topsides have strong and thick outside and inside laminates, together with Kevlar at high load areas, to give greater stiffness and impact resistance.  Balsa is proven to give the best laminate to core adhesion, high compressive strength, good insulation qualities and long term life.  Balsa is a standard in the commercial boat building industry.

• Bulkhead Structures are used to keep the hulls from flexing when in a high load environment such as heavy seas.  Most catamarans are built using 3 major bulkheads but Broadblue has 5 full bulkheads.  All Broadblue Catamarans have exceptional torsional rigidity due to the use of two torsional boxes (fore and aft) each formed by 2 deep full width bulkheads reinforced with three or more longitude bulkheads forming a very strong and stiff box. The fifth full width bulkhead is located at the helm or aft saloon wall. The global structure is formed by these bulkheads in conjunction with the one piece hull and deck moulding to which they are fully bonded.  All bulkheads are vacuum bagged glass with high density foam core.

• Each Broadblue catamaran has two forward and two aft water tight buoyancy chambers that provide flotation in the unlikely holing event.  The buoyancy chambers make the Broadblue catamaran nearly impossible to sink.

• Broadblue deck is built using tough laminate with balsa core for strength and durability.  Wherever there are fittings, we use reinforcing pads of marine plywood and extra laminates to take high loads and to protect the balsa core.  As a result, our decks are incredibly strong and do not flex.  Chain plates are mounted in solid fiberglass with Kevlar reinforcement and they are strong enough to support the entire boat.

• The Broadblue Deck is flat and coated with non-skid to minimize the risk of slipping and to make it easier to work the vessel.  We also have moulded toe rails at the edge of the deck for security (assist you from slipping off) and strength.

• Hull length to overall beam ratio is critical to stability.  Our designs are in balance with fore and aft stability and lateral stability; excessive beam increases the risk of a trip over the lee bow as there is not enough fore and aft stability to support the lateral stability.

• Hull to Deck Joint is fully bonded (fiberglassed together) the entire way around the boat and cannot leak or fail.  A significant replaceable rub rail is added to protect the hulls from minor bumps at piers & docks.

• Our catamarans have high quality and well secured stanchions holding double stainless steel lifelines all round the catamaran.  They are set at a height to provide safety without interfering with one’s ability to move around the boat.

• Broadblue uses real hardened 8 to 10 mm (7/16”) tinted glass on all saloon and galley windows.  Plastic windows have a tendency to craze, scratch, weaken and leak.  Our real glass windows are Category A Ocean rated and are set in separate powder coated aluminum frame.  Broadblue moulds mullions between each main window to absorb the compression loads from the coach roof and strengthen the whole structure.

• Our high freeboard minimizes waves breaking into the cockpit.  If a wave does flood the cockpit area, large and efficient drains remove the water very quickly.

• Broadblue Rudders are protected by a full skeg which is moulded as part of the hull.  The thick fiberglass laminate skeg has three bearings (lower with a stainless steel shoe, at the hull and at the rudder controls) making the rudder smooth and easy to operate even under heavy load.  The skeg protects the rudder from damage (another bump in the night).  The skeg also protects the rudder and sail drive when the boat is beached or from catching ropes, etc.  The engines are infront of the rudders, essential for close quarter manoeuvring, weight balance and safe access in rough sea conditions.

• Broadblue uses hydraulic steering to control the rudders.  Hydraulic systems are self lubricating, powerful and allow the auto pilot to be integrated directly into the system for efficiency and reliability.  Hydraulic steering systems are superior to the common wire/string and pulley systems.

• The anchoring system has to be top notch.  Our anchoring system is self launching, self stowing and can be operated from the helm position with the optional remote switch.  The chain locker has ample fall to minimize the possibility of the chain jamming the windlass and it is not usually necessary to use a bridle.

• All sail control lines lead back to the cockpit allowing one to sail without leaving the cockpit.  This is a real benefit in the ocean, at night and during rough seas.  The sail controls are designed for single or short handed sailing.

• Engine rooms include an automatic fire extinguisher and are coated with fire resistant gel coat.

• Hull Design:  Our hulls are designed for the quietest and most sea kindly ride.  Our high buoyancy hulls are tall, raked and relatively sharp (fine entry).  The bow enters a wave smoothly and the high buoyancy bows cause the bows to quickly rise.  Waves flow toward our high arched bridgedeck causing the water to flow toward the center of the boat striking a nacelle that turns the water back down toward the sea.  This water movement creates lift and the Broadblue Catamaran flows over the wave, not through it.  The occupants can sometimes hear the water flowing under the deckbridge but this method reduces slapping significantly.  A smooth and comfortable ride takes the catamaran over waves while minimizing water over the bow in heavy seas.

• Interiors:  Our interiors are ergonomically designed for blue water cruising and the flow patterns have been studied to ensure ease of use.  The raised saloon seating allows for all round vision. The saloon seats are ergonomically designed for comfortable seating over long periods. The galley is designed to allow for ease of use while underway and even in heavy seas.  The galley is located and positioned to provide full facilities with good storage.  Hand rails are positioned all through the galley, saloon and steps into each hull.  Circulation is easy, safe and comfortable everywhere, steps between hulls and saloon offer a rare comfort.

• Center of Motion:  The helm and navigation station are located near the center of motion offering the least motion while underway, in all conditions.  Minimizing motion is a real safety feature as well but being comfortable at the helm makes the trip easier even in rough conditions.  There is ample room at the helm for all modern instrumentation using an ergonomically designed console.  Visibility from the helm is good to all four corners.  The navigation station has ample room for additional electronics.

• Cockpit:  The cockpit is large with comfortable seating.  Cockpit cushions can be added and the entire cockpit can be enclosed (optional bimini).

• The decks are flat making them safe, comfortable to walk on or sunbathe on the forward deck.

• The aft cabins berths are positioned where they offer the least motion while underway or at anchor.

• Broadblue Catamarans have ample load carrying capacity allowing air conditioning, microwaves, generators and other creature comforts.  The high carrying capacity means ample storage of goods, supplies and other cruising requirements without significantly impacting performance.

• Broadblue uses American White Oak to lighten the interior and convey a more open atmosphere.

• Broadblue manufactures its own laminates to ensure quality and to match grains on connecting pieces of furniture.

• Solid wood and marine grade plywood back the laminates providing strength and durability.  Beautiful hand rails are laminates on solid wood that provide needed strength.

• The joinery is just superior to all catamarans in our size and price range.  The beautiful wood work makes it easy to enjoy in any setting, with the added benefit that the interior design allows for ease of maintenance.

• All Broadblue owners select their interior upholstery and work surface colors.  Other standard options include number of cabins, baths, desk, storage arrangements, and many more.

• Beyond the standard interior options, the owner can be very specific as to changes in any interior room or area.  Such customizations could include converting a forward cabin into a large work shop, sewing room or office.  Another example to create a larger midships storage locker or the installation of a second fridge and freezer.

• Customization of the exterior is straight forward as most requirements are already standard choices such as hard top bimini, davits, electronics, cushions, sails, and more.  However, there are times when a minor modification is required.

• All customization requests are professionally handled and our engineers will work with the owner to detail the request and to verify that it will not negatively impact safety, comfort and performance.

• Resale value, like any market, is based on supply and demand.  Broadblue builds just 30 to 35 catamarans each year so there are very few used Broadblue catamarans for sale and if one becomes available, it is sold quickly. 

• A quality built catamaran will always be in demand and command a higher price.

• The specific market has an impact on resale price.  Mass produced catamarans used mainly in the charter market (whether in charter service or not) will lose a high percentage of their resale value vs those for personal use.

• Blue water cruising catamarans serve a smaller market where the demand is increasing.