Looking for DIAM-24s in NA

[Trevor B]

Hi, I'm thinking a Diam-24 might scratch the itch I've got.

I'd love to talk to the North American Diam-24 owners but I'm having a hard time tracking them down.

I've got Fred in San Francisco's contact info, but I'd love to talk to Steve in New Jersey, Stuart in Comox (he has two!) and somebody in Texas and Florida....

Thanks,

Trevor 

 

[boardhead]

I have sailed with Steve Gross on his Diam 24 out of Atlantic Highlands, NJ, in a decent breeze, three up we blew past a 31’ Farrier like it was parked. 

The boat is a lot of fun in protected waters, what in particular did you want to know about it.

Do you want me to direct Steve to this forum, he may not follow it.

 

[Trevor B]

Boardhead,

I’d like to contact him just to play “20 Questions,” mostly about the robustness of the boat, as well as what he felt were the must have options. 

I’d also love to find a used one for sale a bit closer than Brittany.

Thanks,

Trevor

 

[boardhead]

Trevor B,

I texted him to check this blog cos it’s real late here for me to call him. 

I will be out of touch for a week (going offshore) but will call him if he does not respond.

The boat is quite robust, nothing Mickey Mouse that caught my eye. The Torqueedo motor is a joke but that’s just auxiliary propulsion, a tiny gas outboard would do the job.

I like a lot more reserve float in the ama bows but sail a lot more offshore and the Diam is a flat water boat.

Maybe Steve wants to sell - ask him.

 

[Trevor B]

Think man, think! Just kidding.

A used boat in North America would be a great option. But I haven’t actually decided it’s the boat for us yet.

 

[Funslut]

James, Stewart and Andrew Robinson at Compass Adventures in Comox, Vancouver Island ,B.C., Canada have been sailing a couple of them for the last few years.

https://www.compassadventure.ca/

 

[Trevor B]

Thanks, email sent.

 

[F18 Sailor]

Trevor,

  I had the chance to walk around one at the boat show a few years ago and worked with the dealer to setup a demo day. The build quality seemed high like most French products, with good stock rigging and everything thought through. Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to actually sail the boat but it had a lot of pros. With a crew of 3 they assembled it off the trailer in about 4 hours. The mast is two pieces joined at the spreader and looks seamless once assembled. Its a carbon stick with vinyl wrap, at least the demo boat was. My friends who sailed it basically said it was like a big F18, similar speeds, no trapeze of course so more comfortable and I suspect higher average speeds as a result. Certainly more suited to coastal distance racing than a beach cat but you would have to check with your local race organizers.

Similar review here: https://www.catsailingnews.com/2017/05/diam-24od-rorc-vice-admirals-cup-2017.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+catsailingnews+(Catamaran+Racing,+News+%26+Design)

One of the downsides I thought was the lack of internal storage for sails and beer but both are manageable. The other potential downside is the need for 3x crew and mooring space for overnight storage. Would I take it over a Melges 24 or Viper 640 for similar $? Heck yes, but really only if there was a place to store it mast up which is what I think has limited market penetration in the U.S.

 

[Irrational 14]

Trevor - hope all is well. Let me know if you need another contact. Friend of mine knows the builder.

 

[Crooked Beat]

There was one of those DIAM's on the Ontario side of Lake Ontario last year. 

 

[Tom Kirkman]

Diam 24 One Design North America has a Facebook page and they are quick to respond via messages there.

 

[Trevor B]

I'll give it a try, but when I see the latest post is from 2016 I don't expect miracles.

 

[Trevor B]

Trevor - hope all is well. Let me know if you need another contact. Friend of mine knows the builder.

Thanks PG! They're being responsive in France, it's the North Americans that seem to be slow to respond....

 

[mundt]

Diam bow = flip?

 

[Christian]

Trevor,

  I had the chance to walk around one at the boat show a few years ago and worked with the dealer to setup a demo day. The build quality seemed high like most French products, with good stock rigging and everything thought through. Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to actually sail the boat but it had a lot of pros. With a crew of 3 they assembled it off the trailer in about 4 hours. The mast is two pieces joined at the spreader and looks seamless once assembled. Its a carbon stick with vinyl wrap, at least the demo boat was. My friends who sailed it basically said it was like a big F18, similar speeds, no trapeze of course so more comfortable and I suspect higher average speeds as a result. Certainly more suited to coastal distance racing than a beach cat but you would have to check with your local race organizers.

Similar review here: https://www.catsailingnews.com/2017/05/diam-24od-rorc-vice-admirals-cup-2017.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+catsailingnews+(Catamaran+Racing,+News+%26+Design)

One of the downsides I thought was the lack of internal storage for sails and beer but both are manageable. The other potential downside is the need for 3x crew and mooring space for overnight storage. Would I take it over a Melges 24 or Viper 640 for similar $? Heck yes, but really only if there was a place to store it mast up which is what I think has limited market penetration in the U.S.

Yep - that was exactly one on my comments to the guys when I helped them put the boat together for the Naptown show (we launched it at EYC with the hoist - only had to tilt it about 20 degrees to clear the bulkhead.........)  Fun boat but there will never be many of them in the US

 

[MultiThom]

You might want to also consider a SeaRail 19 instead of the Diam to scratch that itch.  A bit slower but needs fewer crew (ie, great for single handing).  Has enough storage for sails and beer; and nigel irens didn't design any slow boats.  The SeaRail folds (but I'm reluctant to motor while folded--really tippy).  Not designed to fly the main hull (rudder in main hull) but so far, it is a good ride.  At only 900 pounds (real weight) it is easy to tow,   You'll save about half on what a Diam will cost and the dealer/owner is centrally located in Illinois.  Not many in existence...mine is hull #12 and is the first folding one.  Has a similar 2 part mast but aluminum.  Mast raising is quick; unfolding is reasonably quick...2:1 main halyard; self tacking jib, roller furled sprit sail (55% SMG-pretty darn flat).  Sail designs by Randy Smyth.  All in all, a good buy at 31K US$ including trailer and sails.

 

[Trevor B]

You might want to also consider a SeaRail 19 instead of the Diam to scratch that itch.  A bit slower but needs fewer crew (ie, great for single handing).  Has enough storage for sails and beer; and nigel irens didn't design any slow boats.  The SeaRail folds (but I'm reluctant to motor while folded--really tippy).  Not designed to fly the main hull (rudder in main hull) but so far, it is a good ride.  At only 900 pounds (real weight) it is easy to tow,   You'll save about half on what a Diam will cost and the dealer/owner is centrally located in Illinois.  Not many in existence...mine is hull #12 and is the first folding one.  Has a similar 2 part mast but aluminum.  Mast raising is quick; unfolding is reasonably quick...2:1 main halyard; self tacking jib, roller furled sprit sail (55% SMG-pretty darn flat).  Sail designs by Randy Smyth.  All in all, a good buy at 31K US$ including trailer and sails.

It's an idea we considered, along with the Pulse. But the "need for speed" is high.... It's the problem of having sailed fast boats, ha,ha.

 

[mundt]

I owned a multi 23 for several years and after watching lots of Diam videos I would contend that the multi 23, though flawed, is better suited to ocean conditions due to fuller bows.  The diam might be a little faster but not when it's upside down.  Pretty sure the Reynolds 33 for 34k could beat them both and is certainly much more comfy.  The Searail looks fun but Multithom gave the.impression that setup/breakdown is unwieldy.

 

[MultiThom]

.  The Searail looks fun but Multithom gave the.impression that setup/breakdown is unwieldy.

Yah, for me at 69 years and doing it alone, it takes longer than my previous boats (certainly I'm spoiled).  Most of the extra time is setting up the spinnaker prior to launch (can't do it after launch-well, at least I can't).  

As far as speed goes...yah, SeaRail will likely be about a minute a mile slower than a Diam 24 and probably about 5 kts slower at the top end.  Speed is relative in my experience.  You are only unhappy with your boat's speed when racing one design and a competitor rolls you. The other time you are unhappy is if you can't get where you are wanting to go because the current is stronger against you than your boat can go.