The story of PDQ Yachts began in the fall of 1987, born from a shared "passion for perfection, a love of the creative process and a drive to build great boats" among three extraordinary individuals. The co-founders were Dr. Harvey Griggs, an MIT-educated structural engineer who initially commissioned the first yacht; Alan Slater, a chief engineer and staunch proponent of catamarans; and Simon Slater, Alan's son, who contributed to the deck design and spearheaded the construction efforts., 9, 12, 29] Their vision was to create cruising catamarans without the constraints of preconceived notions or historical baggage., 7]
Their inaugural vessel, a 34-foot fiberglass catamaran, was constructed using a combination of molds and flat panel techniques, grounded in solid engineering competency. This first boat proved to be an immediate success, selling at the Annapolis Boat Show before the event even concluded. Encouraged by this reception, the team decided to move into production, relocating to a facility on Charles Street in Whitby, Ontario, Canada, which was previously owned by Whitby Boat Works.
History and Evolution
From its inception, PDQ Yachts focused on building cruising catamarans, quickly gaining a reputation for quality and performance within the burgeoning multihull sector. The company built approximately 300 luxury yachts in total during its active period.
A significant turning point in PDQ Yachts' history occurred in 2003 when its sailboat division was acquired by Antares Yachts., 11] Following this acquisition, Antares Yachts continued the legacy of PDQ's catamaran designs, most notably with the Antares 44, which was a direct evolution of the PDQ 42., 16, 25] The Antares 44, renowned as a robust bluewater cruising catamaran, was built by PDQ until 2008 before Antares took over its full production in Buenos Aires, Argentina. While PDQ Yachts initially focused on sailing catamarans, it also produced power catamarans, with reports indicating that later in its operations, it built three power cats for every sailing cat.
Design Philosophy and Identity
PDQ Yachts established itself with a clear design philosophy centered on creating comfortable, capable, and efficient cruising catamarans. They became known for vessels that were "superb in design, quality and performance." A key characteristic of their boats was their stability, ease of handling, and economical operation, particularly in their power catamaran models. The design of PDQ yachts was considered paramount to their success as cruising vessels, offering more interior space and brightness than other boats in their class.
The company primarily relied on its in-house talent for design. Co-founder Alan Slater was a key naval architect, credited with the design of several models, including the popular PDQ 32 and PDQ 36. Other designers such as Steve Killing and Ted Clements are also associated with the company's boat designs.
Iconic Models and Legacy
PDQ Yachts produced a range of significant models that left a lasting impact on the cruising catamaran market:
- PDQ 34: This was the company's pioneering model, initially a sailing catamaran that quickly garnered attention. It also found success as a power catamaran, lauded for its speed, fuel efficiency, stability, and spacious interior, capable of extended cruising ranges.
- PDQ 32 Passage Maker: Launched in 1994 and designed by Alan Slater, 53 units of this model were built over eight years. It became a popular choice for cruisers.
- PDQ 36: Known for being a "big boat for her length" with a beam more than half her overall length, a modern departure from older catamaran designs. The PDQ 36 was designed as a capable vessel for both holidays and long-term cruising, with a racier variant featuring a taller, fractional rig also available.
- PDQ 42 / Antares 44: The PDQ 42 was a highly regarded sailing catamaran design, which became the basis for the Antares 44 after the acquisition. The Antares 44 maintained the robust bluewater cruising reputation established by its PDQ predecessor, offering exceptional build quality and design features for serious liveaboard cruisers.
These models solidified PDQ's reputation for building well-engineered, comfortable, and capable catamarans that appealed to a wide range of cruisers seeking stability and space.
The Builder Today
While the original PDQ Yachts' sailboat division was acquired by Antares Yachts in 2003, the legacy of PDQ's designs continues through the Antares brand., 11] Antares Catamarans, now handcrafted in Buenos Aires, Argentina, by 40 Grados Sur, are marketed as premier liveaboard sailing catamarans, directly descended from PDQ's designs, such as the Antares 44.
The "PDQ Yachts" name itself is still widely recognized in the used boat market, with various models like the 32 Passage Maker, 36, 36 LRC, and PDQ-34 frequently listed for sale. This indicates a strong and enduring appeal among those seeking well-built, pre-owned catamarans. While the original PDQ Yachts Inc. address remains on record, the primary focus of the former sailboat lineage is now under the Antares brand, which continues to appeal to serious bluewater cruisers and those looking for a robust and versatile liveaboard experience. The lasting presence of PDQ-designed boats on the water and the active community of Antares owners attest to the quality and foresight of PDQ Yachts' founding vision.
