'The Ocean Challenge' offered by Marlow Yachts Issued February 2010 to: Grand Banks Yachts, Offshore Yachts, Fleming Yachts, Nordhavn Yachts, Selene Yachts, Ocean Alexander Yachts, Out Island Yachts, Outer Reef Yachts, Kadey-Krogen Yachts The Ocean Challenge is open to all production yacht builders representing their products as long-distance passage makers. Marlow Yachts will challenge any and all of the above brands to join us in a epic voyage in the summer of 2010, from West Palm Beach, Florida, to Reykjavik, Iceland, non-stop, using only the advertised standard fuel capacity of currently offered vessels. Dependent upon chosen course, this voyage is as much as 3,500 miles offshore. Alternatively, the challengers may opt for a shorter voyage from West Palm Beach, Florida, to Gibraltar. No stops in Bermuda or Azores are permitted. This voyage, dependent upon route, is around 2,700 miles offshore. The first to arrive is the winner; though it can be clearly stated that all capable of either voyage are winners as well.
I hope David isn’t afraid of jinxing himself either. Last great “challenge” saw the challenger out of business within just a couple of years. The long version of the challenge is an interesting read. Scroll past the description of the Voyager 76LR (about half way down)...http://www.marlowexplorer.com/voyager.htm
So does this mean they've solved their vibration issue(s) or did it gracefully skip the 76 by chance? I think it's great that they are throwing some money at some charitable causes, but I also think David Marlow is a little full of himself. Certainly a creative way to generate some publicity. I think even he will be surprised by the results.
Hi, There have been other claimants to supposedly have the most efficient product ever who have just slipped into obscurity. Lets see if this is another one. If the blurb on the website is indicative of the operation in general I feel sorry for those sucked in by the patter.
It was not a vibration issue it was actually a resonance set up by the exhaust this has now been modified and it does work
The one at the shaft, ending up in the prop, by way of the proprietary strut keels they use. I recall a friend telling me (Marlow owner) They're great boats, really good boats. So long as you don't get one with a vibration. You'll never fix it. At least I haven't in about 75K worth of trying. Nor have the others [owners / boats] I know of. I'm happy to share what I know in a diff. thread. I don't want to sidetrack this one.
Marlow definitely has fighting chance Marlow Explorer definitely has fighting chance to be the top dog in Trawler yacht segment (if their yacht can be called a trawler). David's yacht Rebel Yell travel quite huge distance if we read his website. Not sure whether they are comfortable as Nordhavn though. Could someone tell me whether their design and construction method is indeed stronger than the usual solid laminate? It seems David Marlow is very sure of his hull Other than the question on their hull strength, in my personal opinion they would be on Fleming level in terms of quality vs value in a few years Yachting Newbie
comfortable ? both Nordhavens ive been on have been uncomfortable at sea in any ocean swell-because of their motion even with floppy stoppers - i would be very interested in the answer to the question - is the construction method stronger than the usual laminate? Hopefully the new design nordhavn with its lower centre of gravity will be more comfortable under passage.
i guess i will have to stick with my old delta i no it rides better than a nordy as i have owned both have fun travler
Any news et of any one taking up the challenge? Has there been any new of anyone taking up the challenge? I still think those semi displacement yacht like Fleming, Outer Reef, etc would be good contender. Anyone has other opinions?
interesting read..using 316 Stainless is commendable, i was tool and die maker and that is tough to machine and fabricate with, but is one of the best stainless to use in marine environment. Will definitely be watching this company, i am in Hong Kong for the time being and may drive to Xiamen where these are built to take a tour of the factory, it seems like a well planned and managed operation. Anyone that builds a company should be applauded, the business environment is tough these days and even tougher in last 3 years...
Yeah, let us know when you visited this company. I heard they have their own guest wing for visiting customer. Also, i read Tony Fleming interview in his website. This is quite an old interview actually, back when Venture II was new. In it he said that cored hull will definitely take in water sooner or later thus he chose solid laminate. Don't know whether this is true though since interview was old and there are new cored materials and process nowadays. But anyone know?
http://www.yachtingmagazine.com/blog-post/iceland/fleming-65-arrives-in-reykjavik Has anyone else followed this blog? It sounds like some great cruising and very off the beaten track.
Having run a number of Marlows, including "Rebel Yell" I can attest to the fact that they are a great sea boat, very comfortable at anchor as well. And built like tanks. But they are the wettest boat I think I've ever run. Although that may have changed in the newer ones. In the name of full disclosure I should point out that I've known David for almost 30 years now. And yes he certainly can be full of himself. But he's still fun to toss back a rum or two with.