What next?

Well this is where we try to make a decision or two. Dory project? Dead. In the current economic situation, what's the point of building a boat that matches every single criteria which my beater sled already has? Eh, maybe someday.

Big projects:

Bieker Boats of Seattle has designed a boat which made a big deal over at Power Boatbuilder magazine. She's slim, light, long, and very efficient. Most appropriately, her name is Shearwater:





Stats:

LOA: 25 ft (7.6 m)
Max Beam: 7’-3” (2.2 m)
Displacement, Max: 4,000# (1,814 kg)
Displacement, Lightship: 2,019# (918 kg)
Engine: Yamaha F60
Fuel Capacity: 34 gal
Max Speed, 1/2 load: 22 knots
Cruising Speed: 13-17 knots
Range at Cruising Speed: 170 nm
Potable Water: 30 gal
Ballast Tank Capacity: 76 gal (652# s.w.)

I love her lean lines, her light weight for towing behind the little pickup (toyota tacoma), and those insanely high speeds for such a small motor on a 25 foot boat. 60hp? In the words of Mary, "That's just nuts".

Anticipating a start point next year sometime, Im hoping a designer somewhere decides to make her available as a set of plans. Ive been picking on Jacques Mertens over at Bateau.com to make it happen, so here's to holding our breath.

More timely, however, is the possible collaboration of a small tugboat from Glen-L. I have built a Tubby Tug in the past:



This time, however, a good close personal friend and amazing woodworker will be called in for the tough stuff. To be used as a showcase, the tug will be shown regionally and potentially put up for sale for interested parties. I will be building the hull, and Derek will be building and detailing the cabin.

Derek's woodwork is absolutely amazing, it can be seen at:

http://www.wolcottcustomwoodworks.com/

Please have a look, and feel free to talk with him about any woodworking products or projects.

As always, input is greatly appreciated!

E