"Domani", Dutch Steel Motor Yacht Lying 'Canal du Midi', France
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| Owner's Comments
We needed a boat like ‘Domani’ because we’d moved to North Brittany and wished to use this base to explore the Inland Waterways of France. Sadly our ocean-going Rival 34 couldn’t navigate the canal system. Her draft of 1.5m could barely get us up to Dinan on the Rance never mind negotiate under all the waterway bridges. We sold her not without some misgivings and went up to Holland in search of a displacement-type motor-cruiser with a draft of no more than 1m, and an air-draft not exceeding 2.5m. Her engine had to be fuel efficient, quiet with a single shaft to keep things simple. She had to be able to cruise reliably all day at no more than 6k . Since there were only the two of us, all we needed was a double cabin aft and a double in the saloon for guests. It was also essential that the centre cockpit was sufficiently large for entertaining, and where we could dine in real comfort no matter the weather. And spacious enough to bed down visiting grandchildren. Since ‘Domani’ met all these requirements, and since a comprehensive survey revealed no major defects we bought her in November 2004. The composite construction of steel hull and deck with timber and plywood superstructure produces a robust craft whose elegant hull lines and white-painted topsides are complimented by the varnished mahogany of coachroof coamings and cockpit shelter. The below-waterline portion of the hull was stripped back to bare steel within the past 4 years, then recoated with protective epoxy paint, decks were repainted, deck brightwork has been scraped back and revarnished, and various modifications and improvements have been made within the accommodation. The number of recommendations by our English surveyor were relatively low, and dealt mainly with items of routine maintenance and basic safety provision. However, although internal paint coatings were found to be in remarkably good order, an area of flaking rust was found within the galley bilge. Although not of structural concern, the plating beneath to be sound, we decided to take preventive action by cleaning off any loose or flaking rust by wire brushing and chipping locally. We also reinstated the surface of concrete beneath the galley sole and then ran in a mix of epoxy resin. The whole area was then repainted with several coats of Internationals Epoxy Primer followed by their Special Interior Coating. An invoice for labour & materials of £485 is available. During 2005, the following additions/improvements/maintenance were initiated:
Unfortunately our cruising plans have been curtailed due to family circumstances, and a move to another part of France, but we have certainly enjoyed owning her, not just for her classic design (she attracts admiring looks wherever she goes), but for the ease and convenience of her layout - and more especially that everything works! Her easily accessed Vetus engine has been a joy, and hasn’t given us a moment of concern. We’ve had many picnics with friends aboard, and some serious wining & dining under the stars also. She is very well suited for her job of cruising inland waterways. However, she is also capable of comfortably navigating inshore waters in the usual sea-state associated with winds of up to say Force 4. |
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