nomy cruiser
SPECIFICATION
L.o.a. 5.50m
Beam 2.50m
Draught hull/board 0.22/1.00m
Weight 289 kg
Weight max. CWL 620 kg
Main 11.4 m2
Jib 7.10 m2
L.o.a. 5.50m
Beam 2.50m
Draught hull/board 0.22/1.00m
Weight 289 kg
Weight max. CWL 620 kg
Main 11.4 m2
Jib 7.10 m2
DELIVERY
31 Drawings*: .JPG or DXF files. Manual: 22 pages description (Adobe Reader)
31 Drawings*: .JPG or DXF files. Manual: 22 pages description (Adobe Reader)
All drawings are CAD drawings
Wood/epoxy composite for easy construction and low maintenance.
From the trailer into the water without set up time
Construction time about 400 hours !
STUDY PLANS (15 pagina's) US $ 12,-
PLANS US $ 145,-
The first ECOnomy cruiser was designed 2003. The first multihull with a negative bow, by the way. The model is basically the same, but the experience from owners/builders around the world flows in this updated model. The ECO is a perfect trailer/sailor. With its empty weight of only 290 kg, the boat can be towed with a small trailer with a medium size car.
After many requests I the original version with the rounded bow is still available, it is up to you which you would like to build *
It stays that the ECO is a perfect first time boat building project. The boat has been proven to be, in capable hands, a perfect coastal cruiser.
Read the FAQ why I will stay with the wood/glass fiber/Epoxy composite construction system. The result is a light and fast catamaran. The single chine hulls are easy to build. The cabin sides are made from a single sheet of plywood.
There are now two rig option. A normal rig, as shown in the rendering. The other rig is a Gunter rig with only one halyard. This rig is as effective as a fat head rig but can be made by yourself. The rotating aluminum mast is made from a 80mm diameter tube, and a piece of an (old) windsurf mast. The mast of this rig is only 4,3m long. Easier to set and ideal for road transport.
Rudders fold automatic back when an object is hit. Single dagger board which can be handled from the cockpit.
The boat sleeps 3 to 4.Good size pantry.
This boat can be build for a fraction of the costs of any other boat of this size. See
BILL OF MATERIALS (and a sample drawing). By the way, I give no numbers for construction time. The quickest build till now was 400 hours.... The longest, up to you. Because of the many ECO's built and our Active
K-designs group interesting possibilities emerged. Examples windward boards, leeboards, the variable rig solutions, and more.
The two boats shown this attitude,
After many requests I the original version with the rounded bow is still available, it is up to you which you would like to build *
It stays that the ECO is a perfect first time boat building project. The boat has been proven to be, in capable hands, a perfect coastal cruiser.
Read the FAQ why I will stay with the wood/glass fiber/Epoxy composite construction system. The result is a light and fast catamaran. The single chine hulls are easy to build. The cabin sides are made from a single sheet of plywood.
There are now two rig option. A normal rig, as shown in the rendering. The other rig is a Gunter rig with only one halyard. This rig is as effective as a fat head rig but can be made by yourself. The rotating aluminum mast is made from a 80mm diameter tube, and a piece of an (old) windsurf mast. The mast of this rig is only 4,3m long. Easier to set and ideal for road transport.
Rudders fold automatic back when an object is hit. Single dagger board which can be handled from the cockpit.
The boat sleeps 3 to 4.Good size pantry.
This boat can be build for a fraction of the costs of any other boat of this size. See
BILL OF MATERIALS (and a sample drawing). By the way, I give no numbers for construction time. The quickest build till now was 400 hours.... The longest, up to you. Because of the many ECO's built and our Active
K-designs group interesting possibilities emerged. Examples windward boards, leeboards, the variable rig solutions, and more.
The two boats shown this attitude,
* depends on model
Double click to edit$ videros
The lower pictures showing the boat one build in Australia. It is a professional looking boat. I like the "wing seat" which adds a lot of stability, and is a good place to sail the boat.
The the upper row is the build from Nicaragua. More basic, but whit a lot of ideas. Example: no foam in the floatation rooms, Empty plastic bottles. Leeboards instead of weather boards. Less work, more inside room. The Gunter rig he used is made by himself. Using materials, available in the country.
The the upper row is the build from Nicaragua. More basic, but whit a lot of ideas. Example: no foam in the floatation rooms, Empty plastic bottles. Leeboards instead of weather boards. Less work, more inside room. The Gunter rig he used is made by himself. Using materials, available in the country.
VIDEO 1
ECO 55 construction and more
ECO 55 construction and more
Gaff part (a windsurf mast)
Double click to edit
Mast top
Looks like a wing? Yes. Gunter rig in action
The ECO 55 with a Gunter rig presents real-world advantages for setup, transport, cost, and performance. The mast is for instance not longer as the boat.
This Gunter rig’s setup employs a single halyard system, like a sloop rig. There is no difference to a compared to other rigs.
When compared to modern fathead mainsails for instance, produces a more controllable and efficient sail shape, particularly at the top.
It is especially attractive for convenience-minded sailors who do not want the complications of oversized spars, expensive materials, or complex rigging systems. Importantly, it delivers superior control and efficiency for its sail design compared to some modern alternatives, making it a smart choice for those prioritizing ease of use and practical sailing power. There is a short sequence (minute 2:33 to 3:30, upper video) on sailing with the Gunter rig on the first video.
This Gunter rig’s setup employs a single halyard system, like a sloop rig. There is no difference to a compared to other rigs.
When compared to modern fathead mainsails for instance, produces a more controllable and efficient sail shape, particularly at the top.
It is especially attractive for convenience-minded sailors who do not want the complications of oversized spars, expensive materials, or complex rigging systems. Importantly, it delivers superior control and efficiency for its sail design compared to some modern alternatives, making it a smart choice for those prioritizing ease of use and practical sailing power. There is a short sequence (minute 2:33 to 3:30, upper video) on sailing with the Gunter rig on the first video.
VIDEO 2
A nice afternoon sail
A nice afternoon sail
editCopyright © 2025 by B. Kohler, K-designs All rights reserved
VIDEO 3
And a fast sail
And a fast sail