Gold Dragon

[Dr.C]

We have just ordered a new V-450 from Ian for delivery around end of September. However, because we are international sorts living both in Florida and Singapore/Thailand we don't yet know whether we will have the boat delivered to Singapore or Florida. Either way it is coming on deck. Anyone care to opine as to whether it is better to register the boat in Nassau for the Us Cruising Permit or in Bangkok/Singapore for the local waters?

Any other thoughts on setting up a new 450? Been sailing cats for 35 years so this is my bucket list boat. BTW, it has an all electric galley including the double oven stove. Chuck

[ireaney]

Chuck,
Congratulations on your new purchase, please keep us updated on your progress and what decisions you make as to gear etc, pictures always welcome.

[dpaction]

Hi Chuck
Congratations I have a 2006 450 you will enjoy it.
A couple of pointers
We have a gas hob and oven,We would only change the oven to electric not the hob
We had an HRO Seafari watermaker fitted by the factory absolutely useless
and very expensive.We have just fitted a watertech 220 volt watermaker at half the price double the capacity and simple.The water tanks are only 400 litres so its best to have a high capacity water maker that you dont have to run for hours.I would ask them for an extra150 litre deisel tank next to the main tank not where the generator goes
Dont buy a S African dinghy as they fall apart due to the heat in the caribbean the glue cant take it
We have 4 solar panels and would increase them to 6 if we purchased another boat
We also have a d400 wind generator quite
If they install a water maker or dont, make sure that there are proper conduits fo the sea water feed supply as there is not a lot of room to replace pipes when needed
regards
dave Amarula

[silentfaith]

rules for florida ,,,,,,, if a boat is regesterd other than florida or out of country and the boat stays in florida over 89 days then it is subject to
a usage tax which is the same as sales tax 6% if you get caught you
will have to pay it.

[Dr.C]

I want to pass along a public compliment to Voyage Yachts and Ian Stopworth. I want to share my extreme excitement at how my Voyage 450 Owners version with two heads and a very big aft cabin starboard. Ian has very cheerfully provided or adjusted or modified every request I have made on my somewhat unusual boat.

After sailing cats for 35 years I now find my old self at 70 with a terminal lung illness courtesy of flying in VN. I have weeks or months to live and require oxygen life support 24/7. No electric, I'm dead! (IPF!)

The folks at Voyage have done a mighty impressive job of upgrading the electric capability of the boat from all Li-On batteries in the house stack to 6 solar panels, to an all electric galley with a GE, four burner hot top and two full ovens. The master head and shower are large and the starboard aft cabin will be easy for me to live with. Thanks Ian and Voyage. I can't wait to put this thing in the water. Chuck::)

[dpaction]

Hi Chuck
Here is the email address for the watermaker the guys name is Barry
barry@watercraftwatermaker.com
Our system produces 40 galls per hour with two membranes and cost half of HRO They have a web page watercraftwatermaker.com/lHope
this helps
regards
Dave