Lightwieght family runabout

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

jeff.pennington@gmail.com - 22 Sep 2005 21:31 GMT

Hi, I'm working with a boatbuilder here in Philadelphia
(www.woodenboatfactory.org) to build a custom family runabout. We're
looking for a design that comes as close as possible to satisfying
these requirements:

- boat + trailer + engine <= 2700lbs (towing capacity of my vehicle)
- small cuddy to shelter the little ones from bad weather and hide a
portapotti
- able to cruise comfortably at 15 - 20 knots through a light chop
- cockpit layout geared entirely toward socializing (cocktail hour)
- room for 2-4 adults and assorted little ones to cruise.
- wood-composite construction
- classic lines

If we had to compromise on anything, the first to go would be the
'classic lines'. it could look really wierd if it got the rest of the
job done.

As far as production boats go, the Nantucket comes closest to our ideal
both functionally and aesthetically.
http://www.boats-nantucket.com/index_uk.html. However, it's made in
France, and is too heavy at ~3700lbs displacement.

Are we unrealistic in trying to achieve all of this? Any ideas out
there for an existing design, or one that could be modified to suit?
Any designers interested in discussing further?

Reply to this Message

Bowgus - 22 Sep 2005 22:47 GMT

My opinion ... first of all, towing at the max capacity is not a great idea
... stability will be poor, tow vehicle will likely not survive many
outings, ... For comparison, I have an older 19' fiberglass runabout with a
Mercruiser V6 I/O on a trailer ... total weight boat plus trailer about 3000
lbs (the trailer's 600 lbs) and I tow it comfortably with a jeep with 5000
lbs capacity. I would not be comfortable pulling much more than the current
3000 lbs with the jeep. If I get a bigger boat, I'll trade in the jeep on a
truck to trailer it.

> - boat + trailer + engine <= 2700lbs (towing capacity of my vehicle)

Reply to this Message

jeff.pennington@gmail.com - 22 Sep 2005 23:17 GMT

Thanks for the input - i'm not an experienced boat-tower, so this is
helpful.

Reply to this Message

Bowgus - 23 Sep 2005 23:40 GMT

Here's a site with some general trailering info ... just flip through the
articles via the upper right window
http://www.boatingworldonline.com/Trailering.htm

> Thanks for the input - i'm not an experienced boat-tower, so this is
> helpful.

Reply to this Message

Mark - 27 Sep 2005 02:51 GMT

check out www.glenl.com some real nice runabout plans there.

> Hi, I'm working with a boatbuilder here in Philadelphia
> (www.woodenboatfactory.org) to build a custom family runabout. We're
[quoted text clipped - 22 lines]
> there for an existing design, or one that could be modified to suit?
> Any designers interested in discussing further?

Reply to this Message

Boat Forum / Building / September 2005

Lightwieght family runabout