Fast Launch 26?
Jacques Mertens writes: Attached are some renderings of a new design, still in the works. I already lowered the windshield since I made the renderings. I may call her Fast Launch 26...
It is an economical inboard diesel day cruiser. It offers the same layout as the LB26 but will cost a lot less to build and operate. I guess she will cost 1/3 of the LB26 in materials and labor. The engine is a 50 HP, down angle transmission, straight shaft, prop behind a skeg. The hull is sharpie style, flat bottom with well immersed bow. She is capable of 18 mph with a 50 HP, up to 14 with a 30. She has a very fine entry but generous flare at the bow. An unusual feature is a trim ballast tank forward. This will trim the bow down, clear the transom and save fuel at low speeds. It is an option. For those who want to keep going fast in rough seas I recommend trim tabs. She is an offshore capable boat, I may build one for my self to cross to the Bahamas on the week-ends.
The looks are inspired by a Sparkman and Stephens design from 1940s: the Escort. Bolger drew his own version of it named Blackbird. Escort and Blackbird are round chine boats, mine is hard chine. She is not as narrow at the waterline as the Dave Gerr 28' dory but more in the style of some Atkins designs.
She has a lot of flare at the bow and some tumblehome at the transom. The plans show exactly how to create that shape from plywood sheets with a few slits. The curved transom is a cylindrical development. All the superstructure panels are easily developable.
Jacques Mertens
Bateau.com
July 2007
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