Lightwave 38 BRIGHT DESIGN for a FAMILY CRUISING CAT
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? test Lightwave 38 BRIGHT DESIGN FOR A FAMILY CRUISING CAT THE CHALLENGE IN DESIGNING A CRUISING CATAMARAN pros WITH A LENGTH IN THE MID 30 FOOT RANGE IS INCLUDING + Very solid. ENOUGH OF WHAT IS NEEDED WHILE ALLOWING WHAT IS Handles well. Interior layout is step above the basics but still ALSO WANTED IN A SMALL LIVING SPACE. COMPROMISE IS easily maintained. Built to allow several options for sail handling INEVITABLE. A GOOD DESIGN REFLECTS INTELLIGENT hardware on decks The mainsail track and the running rigging in general are nicely cleared to leave room. This is rare on a cat of Salon well ventilated CHOICES. IT IS NOT AN ACCIDENT. THE LIGHTWAVE 38 IS AN this size! Attractive price considering value with batcars, considerably decreasing cockpit or hardtop should an owner wish. EXAMPLE OF A CATAMARAN WITH A COMFORTABLE AND effort needed to raise the sail. A mast For the screacher, the furler controls and SECURE INTERIOR SURROUNDED BY QUALITY CONSTRUCTION mounted winch assists raising the sail the sheet lines extend to the rear corners of final few feet and then tensioning the luff. the cockpit, through blocks and then to AND SAILED WITH A CONVENIENT AND CAPABLE RIG. THIS Lazy jacks and a stack pack on the boom winches. Andersen winches and Spinlock make main sail furling simple. The hard Rope Clutches® are used throughout the AUSTRALIAN CATAMARAN IS, FOR THE FIRST TIME, AVAILABLE cockpit top gives easy access to the stack Lightwave 38. Under the hardtop, in the pack for minor sail adjustment and zipping IN NORTH AMERICA AND EUROPE. FOR MANY,THE WAIT FOR cockpit, a pleasant space for living and maneuvers… it closed. Other Features. THE CATAMARAN OF THEIR DREAMS MAY BE OVER. The sail plan on the Lightwave 38 reviewed The helm of the Lightwave 38 has exten- here carries three sails: The fully battened sive space for controls and indicators. main (511 sq ft), and self tacking jib (210 sq The test boat is equipped with Raytheon TEXT & PHOTOS : ROY LAUGHLIN ft) are Dacron. The catamaran tested also ST 60 instruments including wind, has a roller furled Mylar‘screacher,’ an speed, depth, log and an ST 5000 double bunk while entry to the port engine Hulls and Decks asymmetrical spinnaker. Gary Martin Sails Autohelm with linear drive. A Plastimo The helm station offers a pleasant position and all the ins- The overall appearance of the Lightwave is through a large cockpit lazarette due to is the sail maker for the Lightwave 38. This 130 compass was bulkhead mounted at truments essential for sailing today 38 is one of pleasing, broad aerodynamic placement of the very large shower and Australian sailmaker has a reputation for the helm. All were neat, easily viewed, curves, especially at the bows and along head aft in the port hull. Lines, controls effective cruising and racing sails. The roller and protected from weather. transitions from the hulls’ sides to the and electrical system components are in a furling jib is self tacking. The jib sheet runs Two Volvo 29 hp Saildrive® diesel engines decks. The bridgedeck is 2.5 ft off the neat and orderly layout. There is plenty of to a curved traveler track mounted on the with fixed 3 blade props are standard for water, relatively high for a catamaran this space in the engine compartment for salon’s forward-facing bulkhead rather the Lightwave 38 . The importer and U.S. size. The Lightwave 38 is distinctive for its generators, water makers or other than on the deck. It is, consequently, a dealer, Southern Ocean Yacht Sales, Inc., cons distinctively shaped large sugar scoop machines desired for extensive cruising relatively small sail and is intended primarily specified optional Yanmar 27 hp Available finishing is primarily- a family cruising entry platforms. The Lightwave 38's bow and the basic layout is done with their easy to assist in tacking and upwind sailing. The Saildrives® for the test boat fitted with quality, higher than typical of charter models. has a relatively broad hard deck, with dual addition in mind. furling screacher is mounted on a substantial Volvo 3 blade folding props. An optional 2 head layout is available for those trampolines. The alloy supports that divide bowsprit extending a meter beyond the The Lightwave 38 has many other conve- who intend to charter. the bow trampolines include a guide for Sailing Rig bows. niences to enhance the cruising experience. the anchor chain. Decks and walkways are The rig on this cruising cat is typical in its Sail controls, including, sheet and furling One very large storage compartment and a extensively finished with a non skid gel basics, with notable enhancements for lines, lead to the cockpit, most to the front second smaller compartment housing the coat surface that works well. convenience and reliability. The mast where winches are placed to assist as saltwater wash down are under the foredeck. extends a 51 ft above the water. It has a needed with sail control. Only The larger compartment holds the 55 gal- The engine compartments are largely sealed double set of shrouds leading to the outside raising/lowering the main sail is done from lon diesel fuel tank and has plenty of room from the remainder of the hulls. Entry to of the hull, leaving plenty of space to pass the front deck. The main halyard and ree- to store docking gear.The chain locker and the starboard engine is under the aft them. The main sail is on a Harken track fing winches could be relocated to the Muir electric windlass are also accessed This 38-foot catamaran offers an excellent compromi- se between habitability and performance 50 I MultihullsWorld 51 I MultihullsWorld ? test from inside the larger locker. The electric white gel coat. Interior lighting in this heading down wind, attempting to sail seems a minuscule damage outcome. It is LIGHTWAVE 38 windlass and approximately 110 ft of catamaran is effectively placed, although away from its gusty, shifting winds. In apparent from this experience that the General anchor chain are standard features on the the best places for reading is in the berths. these conditions, we were not trying to Lightwave 38 is effectively electrically charateristics: Lightwave 38. The windlass has controls sail fast, but rather safely. As the wind grounded, providing protection to passen- on the front deck (foot operated) and on The Lightwave 38 is intended for family increased, we furled the screacher, then gers inside the catamaran. The storm the bulkhead at the helm which makes cruising. Its interior finish is a step above the jib and headed up into the wind, chan- continued for another 30 minutes or so, Designer: Tony Grainger anchor retrieval very convenient and easy. that intended for charter boats. It is finely ging course for a more protected area of typical of Florida’s daily rain ritual. With the Builder: Overell Stanton Yachts balanced between the comfort and taste the bay. We were soon in winds of at least boat anchored, we remained securely in (Australia Gold Coast) Interior Layout features that make a statement about 31 knots steady and expecting gusts much the salon enjoying a late lunch. In a storm, the comfort of the cockpit is appreciable… The design and layout of the Lightwave owners and the requirements for economy higher. The Lightwave 38 shifted to the lee Lightning strikes on boats are common on Construction:.Molded composite foam. 38 makes the most of space. The salon is and easy maintenance desired by both hull, but remained stable and easily Florida and often damage is much greater Biaxial glass over Divinicel Foam core. (Vacuum completely living space. An upholstered owners and charter operations. Due to controlled. After spotting a funnel cloud than what the Lightwave 38 experienced. Some figures bagged and hand laid) couch wraps around the front and both numerous inquiries, a bareboat charter just south of us along the squall line, we This experience gave this reviewer a new Berths in fore cabins: 1 fore cabin each hull, 1 Hull length: 37 ft 9 in sides of the salon. A table is on the star- version of the Lightwave 38 may be avai- decided to lower the main sail and sit out appreciation of hard roofs over the cock- queen size berth in each Waterline length: same board side. There is plenty of space in this lable in the future. the storm. pit. I prefer an open cockpit in good wea- Berths in aft cabins: 1 aft cabin, starboard hull. Overall beam: 21 ft 10 in area; it is easy to go from either hull into Just as two of us started to lower the ther. A canvas top is the system that most double berth Draft: 3.5 ft the salon. Comparison of the main, torrential rain and lightning started conveniently provides the choice bet- Seating at the table: 4+ on sofa, 4+ on chairs Mast Height (above deck): 51 ft. The galley occupies the central section of Lightwave 38 and 35 all around the Lightwave 38. For some, ween shelter when needed and an open Cockpit area >400 square feet Light displacement: 11,000 lbs the starboard hull. It has a large refrigerator, The Lightwave is available in two models it is these conditions rather than raising sky in good weather. Canvas, however, Headroom. >6 ft 3 inches in salon and cockpit, 6ft, Max. load displacement: 13,860 lbs a 2 burner stove, oven and ample counter that have much in common. Both have the main that make a batcar system so provides no significant protection against 6 inches in hull cabins.