Dear Boater,

These models were added to the company's line in order to appeal to a growing number of boaters that asked for a little more rugged type of cruising yacht that could stand up to all types of climates and sea conditions. Instead of an emphasis on an entertaining and hopping from marina to marina the atmosphere these boaters were asking for was a no-nonsense vessel that was capable of serious longer-range cruising and longer stays on board. This meant an emphasis toward a more live-aboard approach, at least to the extent that the boat is designed to be self-sufficient for longer periods of time, possibly spending many days, weeks or even months gunk-holing through uninhabited islands. 

As in many of my designs I began by using my cruising experience and extending it to areas of the design, which might eliminate situations that I have found myself in and don't want to repeat. Profiles and arrangements of many yachts often seem to me to miss the idea of what a yacht is all about. Often they are a majestic work of visual art that looks good in a magazine rendering or sitting beside a dock but are lacking in functional ability when put to sea. So, without carrying on anymore on that tack I'll attempt to describe some of my thoughts along with those of other experienced boaters that I tried to incorporate into the Symbol Classics.

As I have said before, I attempt to "cruise" the boat while it is still on paper, incorporating any feature that I feel is a solution to the multitude of problems that can confront a boater. Attention to proper sight lines, ease of anchoring, maneuvering in tight spaces, access to machinery and equipment, etc. The list seems to be endless but an attempt is made to cover all the bases...the goal is to design the "perfect" boat or, at least, a better design than the last one.

The Classic is not meant to be a fast cruising yacht. In fact, we have probably slowed its top speeds down with a keel that is deeper than and protective of the props and running gear. Using the same parent hulls that have proved to be dry and seaworthy on the 54'/58' Raised Pilot House models we have modified and filled in the aft spray stake are to give a wider waterline beam. Since these models carry a little more fuel for longer range than their sisters and have additional weight due to the layout and structural design, the additional buoyancy is required to absorb the additional weight. For those that want to get in the low 20 knot area twin 800 horsepower engines will be required but, depending on an individual's speed and range requirements, the more standard horsepower would be in the range of 500- 700.

Both sizes feature covered side decks and a Portuguese bridge around the front of the pilothouse with a door on center leading to the foredeck. Ample stowage with lockers in the bridge front is accessed from the walk-around space just forward of the pilothouse and, additionally, in the deck lockers on the foredeck. The raised bow pulpit is designed to carry two anchors for deployment in waters with bottoms of different holding conditions. 

The flying bridges of both Classics have been extended outboard with headroom pockets over the side deck stairs to allow a spacious lounge area aft of the center steering station, which can accommodate an optional chair for an observer. The port side settee with table can comfortably seat four for dining with excellent viewing angles in all directions. Both models offer a seat locker for miscellaneous gear stowage to port aft of the settee and a BBQ/refer/sink food prep counter is located to starboard. Access to the flying bridge forward is from a hatch over a free-standing stairway at the aft port side of the pilot house which also serves to open the visibility for the helmsman to glance aft while underway and visually opens the entire salon/pilot house to each other. Access to the boat deck from the aft deck is by way of a teak and stainless steel ladder up through a hatch, which can be closed during inclement weather.

 For safety and quick access to both side decks the pilothouse is accessed from both the port and starboard side using pantograph doors. Access to the lower deck accommodations is by way of an ell-shaped stairway to starboard. Both models offer similar below deck livings spaces featuring an amidships master stateroom with generous ensuite head, a forward V.I.P. guest stateroom with a queen-size berth and a third smaller stateroom or office depending on the owner's choice, with a head located to starboard that can be an ensuite head to the V.I.P stateroom or shared. A stacked washer/dryer is located in the passageway at the bottom of the stairs.

While both standard models offer the popular galley/dining area up and adjacent to the pilot house area the Classic 59', because of its additional length, also offers a galley down version with a large settee with table for dining at he aft end of the pilot house. This in turn, opens up the helm area and provides space for a second pilot or observer chair on a raised step. In my view, this is a better use of the pilothouse space for piloting a boat for extended cruising, which will probably require more navigation equipment and better helm visibility.

The reason for the external bolted on swim platform instead of the typical built in type was to simply utilize as much internal length and living space accommodations as each particular hull would allow. Also, because I was trying to maintain the "Classic" feeling and style of these models, I felt that the port and starboard transom "returns" found on other Symbol models with a more modern theme didn't fit the design. I contemplated using a single mast but gave in to utilizing an arch type simply because it offered a better platform for antennas, etc. and a landing for a bimini top.

The engine room layouts are different in the two models, again due to length differences. I prefer the athwart ship fuel tank arrangement of the 59' for several reasons. The space outboard of the engines is not as restricted allowing better access to the mains and other machinery located along the side of the hull. Also, we have less of a restriction to the engine room air intakes, which is always a problem. Both models feature watertight access doors in the aft bulkhead leading into the lazarette, which, in turn, is accessed by means of a hatch and stairs from the aft deck.

As has all other Symbol models the hull is solid laminate on the keel and bottom up to the chine and then cored with cross-linked PVC foam, the entire hull being strengthened with web frames and molded FRP stiffeners. Symbol takes great pride in their workmanship and is constantly trying to improve their product lines, whether it be in their structural lay ups, mechanical and electrical installations or their finishes. I expect the Classic models to reflect their very latest best efforts and high quality that Symbol has become known for.

Jack W. Sarin, Jack W. Sarin Naval Architects, Inc.