Questions:
What are the advantages of the AERE' 3.7 Inflatable Catamaran?
Is it possible to launch and retrieve the AERE' single-handedly?
Are there loose parts on the AERE' that I can lose?
How long does it take to disassemble and pack the AERE' 3.7?
Why is the AERE' rigging system unique?
Can I change the AERE' rigging system and use a different mast?
Do the AERE' rudders kick up?
How does the AERE' keep from sliding sideways on the water (i.e., maintain a point of sail)?
Answers:
What were the design parameters for the AERE'?
First it had to be safe, so we overbuilt it. Next it had to be able to be assembled by one person in under an hour (with practice)...without tools. It also had to fit into the back seat of a PT Cruiser Convertible and be able to be carried on or in other small cars. The weight of any one of the three bags could not be more than an average person could handle (about 50 lbs.). It had to be fun, stable, safe, comfortable, affordable and easy to use. And, most important, it had to sail easily and exceptionally well for both the novice and experienced sailor! We met those design goals.
What are the advantages of the AERE' 3.7 Inflatable Catamaran?
Many. First, you don't have to be an experienced sailor to enjoy the boat...it practically sails itself. You don't need a trailer, license, insurance, registration, parking space, dock space or even a launch ramp! The primary advantage is the ability to enjoy a safe, easy, pleasurable and fun day on the water without having to fiddle with your boat for three days before going sailing! Set it up and go.
Absolutely. Safety is our first and most important feature. We have engineered the AERE' parts to ensure your safety, even in the unlikely event you are unavoidably found in severe conditions, that the boat will remain sound. The AERE' hulls have four chambers so even in the highly unlikely event that a puncture occurs the boat will still float with the practical sailing weight limit on the boat. The AERE' 3.7 has been tested in severe weather and sailing conditions without any problem incidents.
What is the packed size of an AERE' 3.7?
The AERE' comes in three primary bags. Two are for the hulls (one hull, one keel, and one rudder in each bag). All the other parts go into the third bag. Many subcomponents have their own bags. The sail, mast, frame, sheets, and boom all have separate bags that fit into the third, larger bag. This allows you to pack the AERE' into a car in many ways without having loose parts to deal with. The keels and rudders have socks.
The three primary bags: 2 bags--15" x 15" x 30" loose, 1 bag--62" x 20" x 6" loose. The bags we provide are deliberately loose (we call them "practically" sized). No one likes trying to get things back into "original" packaging. Each of the primary bags can be squished down a little to reduce their storage size. Accessories are shipped in a separate box but most of the accessories, excluding the electric pump, will fit into the main bags.
Is a rigid or hard hull catamaran faster than the AERE'?
Most likely, yes. Rounder hulls and a smaller sail area make the AERE' safer, more comfortable, and very enjoyable to sail, but those features do somewhat limit the AERE's speed. However, since the AERE' 3.7 can fly a hull in the right conditions it can be quite a spirited sailing boat.
We guarantee the AERE' Inflatable Catamaran unconditionally (excluding normal wear and tear) for one full year from the time of receipt of the boat by the purchaser. There is an additional two full years warranty for manufacturing quality.
Do I need a license or registration for the AERE' 3.7?
Unlikely. Most states do not require a license for operating a non-powered boat nor do they require registration.
Is it possible to launch and retrieve the AERE' single-handedly?
Yes. The AERE' is designed to be easily carried to the water's edge and then assembled, launched, retrieved, and disassembled by one person. Should you need to assemble the boat farther from the water, an optional wheel kit is available.
Can the AERE' be sailed in salt and fresh water?
Yes. If you sail in salt water you should rinse the boat with fresh water before you put it away. The boat should be completely dry before storage.
Is the AERE' tough and rugged?
Yes. The AERE' is significantly overbuilt. We want the boat to always be safe and reliable. PRAKTEK, Inc. makes inflatable fenders for the US Military, Coast Guard, and the largest mega-yachts in the world. We make the AERE' 3.7 Inflatable Catamaran with the same attention to detail and quality and use exactly the same technologies for the boat as we do for our fenders. Of course, a nail or a knife can penetrate the inflatable fabric, but coral, shells and other items that you would encounter in normal usage will not harm the boat.
The AERE' 3.7 has been tested in extreme conditions without incident. The AERE' is overbuilt to ensure that your experience is safe and pleasurable.
Are tools needed to assemble the AERE'?
No tools are needed.
Are there loose parts on the AERE' that I can lose?
No. All small parts for the AERE' are lashed to the boat with lanyards. There are no loose small parts.
Do I need mechanical skill to set up the AERE'?
No. The AERE' snaps together and is designed to be easily assembled by following the instructions in the manual. The AERE' 3.7 manual is overly detailed so that you will be able to follow it easily.
How long does it take to set up the AERE' 3.7?
The AERE' takes about an hour for one person to fully assemble once you have practiced a few times.
How long does it take to disassemble and pack the AERE' 3.7?
About 20 minutes with practice.
Do I need to be an experienced sailor to sail the AERE'?
NO! This is one of the unique aspects of the AERE' design. The AERE' 3.7 practically sails itself. Once you set the sail and the boom you can sail nearly all day on most points of sail without having to make any adjustments. The AERE' 3.7 will tack and jibe from nearly any point of sail just by using the tiller.
Yes. The AERE' 3.7 is 130 lbs., but comes in three bags with the heaviest being about 50 lbs. Nearly anyone can transport the AERE' to the assembly location. The weight of the AERE' was determined by the structural integrity parameters we required. The AERE' 3.7 is ruggedly built and has substantial structural strength under all sailing conditions.
How many people can be on an AERE'?
The practical sailing weight limit of the AERE' is about 500 lbs. That can be three adults, a few children, or some combination thereof. It is difficult to say how many people can sail the boat...it all depends on the weight. The Coast Guard level floatation weight limit is 1,250 lbs. but that is impractical for sailing...but it does show that the boat is practically impossible to overload!
However, you are solely responsible for when, where and how you sail. Be sure to always have life vests (personal floatation devices) and whistles with you for everyone on board.
What is the size of the cockpit on the AERE'?
The cockpit "basket" is 44" long x 27" wide x 12" deep. People can sit on the hulls, but it is much more comfortable and fun to sit down inside the basket. The boat is amazingly stable when two people are sitting inside the basket. There is approximately 3" of freeboard (distance from the trampoline to the water) when the cockpit has two people inside it.
Why is the AERE' rigging system unique?
Because it's a very efficient design. A wishbone rig enables simple sail handling and avoids a boom that can hit you in the head. The rotating mast, socked sail, with square top and battens is also very efficient. Because of these design features, less sail is required to enable the AERE' to sail in a spirited way yet remain safe and stable.
Can I change the AERE' rigging system and use a different mast?
No. You really don't need any more sail area (see sail area to weight ratio information below). The AERE' will sail well in all normal conditions and will meet the needs of nearly everyone. The AERE' 3.7 was engineered with specific design goals in mind. To change the rig, a reengineering of the boat would have to be done to ensure that safety and quality sailing is maintained.
Can I purchase an AERE' without a rig?
No. The AERE' 3.7 is a carefully engineered package and is sold only as a complete boat.
What is the weight to sail area ratio for the AERE'?
The AERE', while stable and safe, can sail in a spirited way. One measure of performance is the sail size to boat weight ratio. The lower the ratio, the better the boat performs. About 2.8 pounds is moved by each square foot of sail on the AERE'. A small Hobie is at about 2.2 pounds per square foot of sail. Most small monohulls are at about 5 pounds per square foot and those monohulls above 14 feet are upwards of 10 pounds per square foot of sail, or more.
Can I "fly a hull" with the AERE'?
Yes, but the AERE' is not designed for that type of sailing. "Flying a hull" is only for the most experienced of catamaran sailors. Of course, some people will want to race the AERE' and push it to its limits. The AERE' is overbuilt to take this type of sailing if you want to do it.
Why does the AERE' have double rudders?
Because that is the most efficient design possible. One rudder is simpler and less expensive to make, but not nearly as efficient in most conditions and sometimes not at all effective in severe conditions. No matter how high out of the water you may get one hull you always have steering control.
No. The rudders and keels on the AERE' are cast aluminum with appropriate NACA shapes. They are nearly indestructible. The rudders don't kick up because it adds complexity and the keels reach into the water the same distance and they are only a few feet away from the rudders. There is no need for kick up rudders.
How does the AERE' keep from sliding sideways on the water (i.e., maintain a point of sail)?
The AERE' has two fin keels that are attached during assembly to the underside of the hulls. They are easily slid into pockets and remain fixed in those positions. These fin keels keep the boat "biting" into the water and holding a point of sail.
Where can I sail an AERE' 3.7?
You may test sail an AERE' if you are in south east Florida near Ft. Lauderdale or you may visit an AERE' dealer. We are quite sure that if you see an AERE' 3.7 on the water, the owner will be happy to take you for a test sail.
You can order an AERE' directly from PRAKTEK, Inc.
Back to AERE' 3.7 Main
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Copyright 2002, PRAKTEK, Inc. Web designer, Cynthia Abernathy. Last updated January 06, 2009