As many of you know, I have worked in the marine industry for more than 20 years. I recently left Glacier Bay after 15 years, where I enjoyed every minute and every ounce of energy it took to build the world’s largest, power catamaran company. I have, also over the years, completed a number of open ocean adventures on Glacier Bay’s; including runs to Bermuda (728 miles), Siberia (256 miles), Midway Island (1364 miles), Alaska (2,700 miles) and many trips up the British Columbia Coast. On a professional, level I have also served on the National Marine Manufactures Association’s (NMMA) boat builder’s board and spearheaded projects for the Northwest Marine Trade Association (NMTA).

However, it is time for a fresh challenge. My plan is to leverage years of experience along with listening to owner’s dreams into the next big step forward - to design and build a new line of smart adventure yachts 39 and 48 feet in length.

The technical goal of Aspen is to push the frontier for mid-range cruising fuel efficiency, for roomy comfortable accommodations, as well as ease of handling for a cruising couple. You may have noted our hull and power plan are unique in the marine field. For many builders, convention is essential. In my professional career, I have always had a passion for and excelled at understanding today’s technology as well as envisioning the-next-step-forward, I.E. inventive-engineering. The Aspen hull configuration is a significant step that evolves from a proven and logical foundation. Current cats, especially Glacier Bays, perform exceptionally well on one engine. A typical 26-footer with twin 150’s will run hands free at 24 mph on one engine. The Aspen Power Cats engineering concepts start from this stage. Then, through patent pending hull configuration improvements, the expected symmetry and dynamic balance differences from drive hull to Proa’s hull are adjusted to neutral. The net affect for owners is a boat that drives and feels exceptional.

Prior to the 39-footers tooling completion, a 26-foot or two-thirds, running scale model will be built in the Northwest and test run in April. Any final hull adjustments will be done on the 26’ prior to mold construction on the 39’. This two-thirds model will be available to deposited buyers for test rides. It will be a basic prototype hull and inboard engine, but will give a reliable demonstration of performance, sea keeping and handling.

First production on the 39’, after approximately nine months of tooling, is scheduled for January 2009. The build cycle is expected to be 60 days at this time.

With the new Aspen Power Cat a whole new horizon of adventure opens for its owners and myself.

Can we help build your dreams ….

Larry Graf
Founder/Chief Designer
And Lead Adventurer

Featured Boat 39' Aspen 2008 US$ 565,000 The Aspen 39 hull design begins with a very efficient semi-displacement, high- speed starboard drive hull that has significantly more beam than a standard catamaran. This extra beam allows for a spacious engine and machinery installation and easy access for service. The spacious drive hull also gives expansive stateroom accommodations. The port side Proa Hull is 35 percent finer than the drive hull and has no underwater drive or rudder appendage drag. Both hull shapes are asymmetric and tailored to efficiently balance the drive forces allowing for straight tracking and a balanced helm in all sea conditions. The net effect of this combination is a dramatic leap forward for power catamaran technology in both space and efficiency. If you have owned a modern power cat and run it on one engine, you have been surprised at its performance, tracking and handling. The Aspen hull with its single engine tailored shape will exceed the performance of a twin engine cat.

Aspen Power Catamarans

15222 Connelly Road Snohomish, WA 98296, USA

Toll-free 888-726-9001 Tel 425-508-7005 Fax 360-668-4347 Email Us

http://www.yachtworld.com/aspen

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