Raku 52 Squareback

Squareback has a raised transom platform to support transom hung rudders and outboard motors can be mounted on back face of the aft beam. The transom hung rudders can use wheel steering or tillers. Raku 30 comes in Squareback version only. The larger designs offer the choice of Squareback or Classic

Go with a conventional saloon with a wealth of storage and bench space and good protection for dining, cooking and navigating, or open up the saloon to the cockpit to create a harmonious living space that invites the free flow of tropical breezes.

We generally advise that two double cabins be allocated to the cabin area aft of the saloon bulkhead, although some owners choose to locate a bathroom or workshop to this area.

Apart from that option one or two bathrooms can be allocated to the centre of the hull opposite the saloon, and one or more bathrooms can be allocated to the forward area in the hull as long as there is no berth to be provided for in that area.

A wider berth can provided on the wingdeck forward of the mast bulkhead on one or both sides. If no berth is required here it makes an ideal stowage space with access from the deck.

The Raku 30 has different layouts to the larger boats in the range.

For inboard installations we recommend diesel engines for reliability, light weight and economy. Sail drives are generally preferred for ease of installation. Outboard motors are optional for the Squareback models but are not recommended for long term blue water cruising or if bar crossings are likely to be encountered.

Choose between aluminium mast and boom (either rotating or non rotating) and a carbon rig, (either rotating wing section or conventional oval mast section), rotating or non rotating. A carbon rig will be lighter and provide better performance but is more expensive.

Daggerboards provide the ultimate in performance, especially for upwind performance in light air. They also provide faster tacking. Fixed keels are preferred for fuss free cruising and provide protection for the sail drive leg and propellors.

Choose between hydraulic steering, a mechanical drive system, or a flexible line system with pulleys. The choice depends largely on where you locate the helm station and your priorities regarding weight, cost, and simplicity of installation. Hydraulic steering is the default choice for many cruising boats with cable or mechanical being preferred for a more direct and more responsive feel to the helm.

The location of the helm is a matter of personal choice. There is better visibility from the helm if it's on the saloon bulkhead, but having it aft allows for more seating space in the cockpit and prides direct access to the mainsheet and traveller controls.

Choose between a fixed longeron/forebeam configuration for the code zero and gennaker, or a conventional catwalk and forebeam configuration with option of a removable bow pole for the zero and gennaker. The longeron and forebeam are built from carbon. 

 Raku cats are built using composite sandwich construction with PVC foam cores, glass skins, epoxy matrix and carbon reinforcements. Build from a Duflex Kit or have your boat built one off from a builder of your own choice.

OPTION 1 PRO BUILD

Manage your own project by building from a Duflex kit supplied by ATL Composites in Australia (world wide distribution) or by VDL Composites in Germany (Europe only).

Supplement your kit with moulded components such as hull shoes and cabin tops to help speed the project and give your boat a professional touch.

OPTION 2 PRO BUILT KIT 

Purchase a complete kit of professionally manufactured components and assemble the boat yourself or have it assembled by a professional team in your home country.

We are currently working with a number of builders world wide who may be interested in producing tooling for moulded components.