Typical of the catamarans from the shipyard near Portsmouth on the south coast of England is the external aft cockpit, which is significantly higher than the saloon. The lounge area and steering position are on one level, which can optionally be protected with a fixed bimini. The mast, which is positioned extremely far aft with a large self-tacking jib and a high, slim mainsail, is equally special and characterises the brand. This rig concept has already proven itself in the test of the smaller Broadblue 346 (YACHT 9/2018, please click) has proven its worth. The far aft mast allows for larger headsails on the catamaran, which is particularly useful if the shipyard and customer decide in favour of a self-tacking jib. In addition, a code zero can be larger, which is particularly useful with heavy cats to increase light wind performance without great effort.
Broadblue emerged from Prout
This trick, which is also used from time to time by some French shipyards, was once the trademark of the English shipyard Prout, from which Broadblue emerged in the 2000s. They used to position the rigs so far aft that the halyards on the mast could be operated directly from the cockpit, for example on the legendary catamaran Snowgoose.
The shipyard builds the catamaran for owners, which is why the new 425 is also only built with three cabins and two very spacious wet cells. For motorisation, the customer can choose between two electric drives (standard) or built-in diesels. The price according to the current exchange rate is around 595,000 euros.
Broadblue currently offers the Broadblue 346, 385 and now the 425 in the cruising catamaran line. With the Rapier 400 and Rapier 55o models, the manufacturer also produces two performance catamarans. The boats are built in Cornwall and Poland
Technical data
- Hull length 12.80 m
- Width 6.90 m
- Draught 1.10 m
- Weight 8.5 tonnes
- Sail area downwind 89.5 m²
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Fridtjof Gunkel
Deputy Chief Editor YACHT
