Lightwave L35

[expat]

Just a quick initial post to get The Lightwave forum running- I am a very junior member so please excuse any naiveity.

Being in a position to live a longtime dream of longterm (next 5 years)cruising I looked around at a number of catamaran makes and models before deciding on a Lightwave.

The L45 was way out of reach as it was basically only available as new and the L38 more than I could reasonably afford. I have therefore recently purchased a L35 and I am currently completing some necessary repairs and additional fitout before getting underway in the next 6-7 weeks.

Why did I decide on the Lightwave?

Main reasons were:

1) Layout
2) Looks - internal & external
3) Performance
4) Design brief
5) Quality
6) Australian

I am only really in a position to answer questions on my selection process at present but will add further info as I get to know my boat better - or more likely be asking questions of other members.

[Ozmultis]

Good boat from a good company. Which L35?

[IreAneY]

Some pictures would be nice if possible, please.

[multihullsailor6]

Here's their website

www.lightwaveyachts.com

[IreAneY]

Thanks Roger, but the L35 is not listed, I assume it is an older model.

[multihullsailor6]

Ian, you're right, sorry didn't look long enough!

But here ARE some pictures of a Lightwave 35:

www.boatsonline.com.au/boats-for-sale/used/sailing-boats.php?de=44565

Happy viewing

[expat]

Boat is called Heatwave and I have attached a few photos.

The L35 is an older model it morphed into the L38 in 2003/4. Apart from a change in helm position from starboard to port the basic layout remains the same (this actually happened prior to the release of the L38 and the last few L35's built have this feature).

[winch wench]

1) Layout
2) Looks - internal & external
3) Performance
4) Design brief
5) Quality
6) Australian

congrats on what we think is a great boat! We did a lot of research before buying the '45 and found it to be a good compromise between performance and comfort. We have so far cruised the east coast of Oz and have been 'live aboards' now since March. We're heading back down the coast in 4 weeks Sydney bound. You're right - there's not a lot of difference between all the models - why mess with a design that works! Sailing into big seas last week, we were again struck with the ease that we took the waves. No banging, thanks to the generous bridge deck clearance and very sure footed. Occasionally I've ogled the generous interiors of the european boats but when it comes to being out in the seas, I'll gladly stick with the more than adequate interior layout of the Lightwave. We have also found the support of the team at Lightwave yachts exemplary. They go out of their way to provide top service. After reading in the forum about the service from some builders, I take no offence if I sound like an advertisement for Lightwave Yachts. They do great work and deserve the recognition!
Thanks for starting the thread - and enjoy.

[expat]

Was working on an expanded selectioin criteria for a few hours yesterday only to be told I couldn't post because I was not signed in - must be some ort of sign-off I was not aware of. BIGGEST ^&**)(#* was it would not return to the page with all my work on so I lost it the work as well as my temper.
Just returned to the forum now and will ensure I have a copy before trying to post again.
Am I alone or is eveyone else just older and wiser or more careful?

[IreAneY]

Done it myself many times, before I press the submit button on anything on the internet now I copy the text I have written, just incase one of those little bastard Gremlins comes along and I lose all of it.

[OziDude]

Thank you for posting information on the Lightwave. I have future plans of buying a catamaran to liveaboard.

There are not to many Aussie made catamarans but the Lightwave is one.

It seems to have everything that I would need in a cruising and liveaboard cat.

I will have to buy used and there dosnt appear to be many used Lightwaves on the market.

Thank you again for starting the thread. I will keep watching with interest.

OziDude

[expat]

Hi Ozidude,

Welcome aboard.

Once I had decided upon a Lightwave I used some of the commercial internet sites to do searches both in Aus and overseas (thought that I might be able to take advantage of some forced sales in the GFC) but some of the best help was from Lightwave themselves.

Strongly advise to look through their Borkerage section and touch base with them, they are very helpful.

Cheers and Best Of Luck,
Geoff.

Some of the Sites I used
http://boatpoint.com.au/boats-for-sale/search.aspx
http://www.emultihulls.com/
http://www.multihull-maven.com/
http://www.lightwaveyachts.com/

[OziDude]

Hi Geoff,

Thank you so much for the information. I will check out those links that you posted.

I see that your original post was back in July 2009 and you were planning a bit of work on Heatwave.

Are you out and about now? I would be interested to read about how things are going for you?

Smooth Sailing....Fair Winds

Shane (OziDude)

[GlennC]

Hi,

I just happened to be in Brisbane a couple of weeks ago and Lightwave contacted me about viewing the latest Grande 45. She was about to head over to NZ. Had good long chat to Louise about the boat.

The design has come a long way in term of ergonomics and useability. This boat was very well thought out with the central head & shower centrered in the s'board hull making for very efficent use of sapce and proving very roomy cabins either side. In particular the aft cabin seems to working really well now, and is light and airy.

Well I can still dream, but have to get out of Montreal first....roll on March 2121!

[GlennC]

well construction about half way through, on schedule for Nov 2017 launch of our Grande 45