I originally started a thread entitled Minimalistic Approach to Power Cruising to learn about others' experiences and opinions on this subject. After 200+ posts it is obvious that the definition of what "minimalistic" means wasn't clear.
I'm not sure how we all classify the level of fit-out/finish/quality of boats, but I propose the following:
Minimalistic ==> K.I.S.S. ==> Fully Fitted ==> Yacht Club Bristol
Definitions:
1) Minimalistic - just the bare necessities to travel safely. Running water, pump toilets, even electricity may be omitted;
2) K.I.S.S. - the most simplest systems. Generally non-computer controlled components and systems that can be repaired by a typical cruising couple, large tankage instead of water makers, etc.;
3) Fully Fitted - full gensets, active stabilizers, a/c units, watermakers; full suites of electronics, etc;
4) Yacht Club Bristol - at this level the importance of appearance becomes overriding.
I'm not sure how we all classify the level of fit-out/finish/quality of boats, but I propose the following:
Minimalistic ==> K.I.S.S. ==> Fully Fitted ==> Yacht Club Bristol
Definitions:
1) Minimalistic - just the bare necessities to travel safely. Running water, pump toilets, even electricity may be omitted;
2) K.I.S.S. - the most simplest systems. Generally non-computer controlled components and systems that can be repaired by a typical cruising couple, large tankage instead of water makers, etc.;
3) Fully Fitted - full gensets, active stabilizers, a/c units, watermakers; full suites of electronics, etc;
4) Yacht Club Bristol - at this level the importance of appearance becomes overriding.