by David D. Beach
LOA 19' 11/2", BEAM 92"
Designed primarily for an outboard, this fast open fishing boat can be adapted to inboard power. Special attention has been given to help the one-man builder
This design is based on an idea I which developed out of a discussion with a builder of small boats on the Florida east coast. Its characteristics are those of a trailerable craft which can be used by small groups for fishing and general utility, including day cruising, camp cruising and some water skiing. The boat is simple to construct, but huskily built, and within the capabilities of the home builder who works by himself. Further, it should be primarily for outboard motors, but the advent of steady acceptance of the inboard/outboard drive requires that provision be made for that type of propulsion. The discussion of how small boats are used in different parts of the country, for different purposes, brought out several other characteristics which should be included. These were that some provision should be made for fitting a water closet out of direct view of the passengers, that some fixed berth or lounge area be provided, and that there be some convertible shelter which can be stowed and easily erected. Simple sketches indicated the possible means whereby these features might be combined into one craft, and over some months of not too-continuous contemplation about them, Sunflsher, as this design has been named, evolved. The final form is considered to be applicable to a wide variety of boating, fishing and cruising activities. To meet with the approval of as many builders as possible, several alternatives have been illustrated. The outboard-motor version has been dimensioned for a pair of inline motors and there is structure adequate to carry a pair of the 60 hp models. A proper propulsion setup would be a pair of 25 to 40 hp motors which would seem, to the designer, to provide adequate performance with a substantial cruising range on the fuel carried. Of course, the larger engines can be fitted and the craft will go faster, but not for long, as the fuel consumption will be high. Should the builder desire to fit only one motor the transom cutout dimensiom should be determined to suit thc particular motor chosen. The inboard version shows the Volvo-Penta motor of 80 hp and the outboard drive with which that motor is fitted. This is a highly efficient propulsion system and should drive the craft at nearly 30 mph with a wide range of loads. There are other power plant possibilities, including lie Universal Motors Vee-drive Atomic 4, the Swinhardt out-drive with any inboard motor up to 80 hp or the conventional power plant with a Walters transfer drive. All of these will make proper installations.
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