Bongo Singlehanded Sportboat

Photos by Onne Van der Wal & PC Sailing, Inc.

For those of us who grew up sailing single-handers, be it an Optimist, Laser, Sunfish or a sailboard, a new one design coming out of Jamestown Rhode Island combines the best of those experiences with the excitement of crewed skiff/sportboat sailing: the Bongo.

The boat is setup for singlehanding, but with a recommended crew weight range from 120 to 300 pounds, there is plenty of buoyancy for two persons on board, or at least one adult and a youngster.

The bongo will sail 5-6 kts upwind and has been clocked at the wind speed reaching down wind. The fastest speed recorded is 23kts, using a GPS and a speedmate knot meter.

Bongo designer Paul Cronin has ten years of industry experience in running a marine consulting firm specializing in naval architecture, coaching and project management.

Photos by Onne Van der Wal & PC Sailing, Inc.

With a degree in Small Craft Naval Architecture and years of experience working for several successful firms and builders, Paul has the technical background to create a safe and fun singlehanded sport boat. His best known recent designs were in the kayaking industry, where he created a new niche with a patented sit-on-top sea kayak. After building the kayak business from a one man show into a major industry player, Paul sold the company to return to his first love, high speed sailing.

By combining his technical expertise with a lifetime of racing everything from Lasers and Snipes to Melges 24's, Maxis, and America's Cup yachts, Paul's latest innovation has already turned many heads in the sailing industry. The Bongo will give other sailors the chance to share Paul's passion for sailing fast, but in control, for many years to come.

Photos by Onne Van der Wal & PC Sailing, Inc.

Designer Paul Cronin looked long and hard for a boat that would satisfy his desire for speed without taxing a body that had already taken some hard knocks. After four knee surgeries, squatting in the bottom of a cockpit was no longer an option for Paul. But neither was giving up on high speed sailing. The Bongo's ergonomic cockpit allows older sailors (or those just seeking a bit more comfort) to remain seated while enjoying the thrill of high speed sailing.

The deep floored, ergonomic cockpit allows you to sit naturally on the rail, and the raised boom eliminates crouching even during a tack. Older sailors will appreciate the comfort of the Bongo, and everyone will love the ageless thrill of high speed control.

The one line reefing system makes it easy to adjust the mainsail size to fit a wide range of wind conditions and crew weights. And the well-designed launch and retrieval system keeps the spinnaker under control, so you can concentrate on going fast and having fun.

Photos by Onne Van der Wal & PC Sailing, Inc.

A central console puts sail controls in easy reach from any sailing position. Semi-dry storage under the foredeck provides room for lunch or spare gear without interfering with the well-laid out cockpit. And even though the Bongo is designed to be sailed solo, there is room for eager passengers.

Stiff carbon blades provide smooth feel and control at all speeds, and the bulb keel provides the same stability as 140lbs of crew hiking on the windward rail. That translates to more speed for a lot less work. The retractable bulb makes the boat just as easy to manage off the water.

An optional trailer will transport the Bongo to your favorite sailing spot. And the lightweight easy to handle carbon mast is easy to rig solo so when you get there, you can spend more of your free time on the water.

: Photos by Onne Van der Wal & PC Sailing, Inc.

Specifications:

Length	15' 2"
Length Waterline	15' 0"
Max Beam	6' 6"
Waterline Beam	3' 0"
Draft	3' 11"
Pole length	3' 6"
Displacement	350 lbs
Ballast	100 lbs
Sail area main	112 sq. ft
1st reef	87 sq. ft
2nd reef	72 sq. ft
Spinnaker (std)	147 sq. ft
Spinnaker (small)	104 sq. ft

Pricing:

Standard boat	$11425
Mainsail	$850
Big kite	$720
Small kite	$585
Top cover	$410
Bottom Cover	$450
Mast Cover	$95
Rudder/tiller bag	$105
Dolly	$550 w/bunks
Trailer	$1295 w/bunks