Update: re: Munroe's "Presto by Reuel Parker (pg 2)

[RodB]

(Updated 1/5/06 Title changed ...see page two for latest details, but have started a new thread for efficiency.)
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Researching information on Munroe's "Presto" and wondered how many folks out there would be interested in building a 32-35 foot "Utilis" /"Presto" type... to defray the cost of having plans developed from existing information. Lines and profile available from Mystic Seaport's "Beebe Collection".

Basics: all internal ballast (or partial external), shallow draft, centerboard, a very simple Gaff Ketch with traditional styling. Commodore Munroe sailed her for over 13 years in all types of conditions. If you have read "The Commodore's Story" and "The Good Little Ship" no further info is necessary. This is quite a interesting idea, comments and additional info welcome. Lines, photos attached.

Edited 9/13/04 SEE UPDATED INFO at end of posting... I finally commissioned Reuel Parker to design a presto based boat meeting my criteria... in the works now... updates will be continuously added to this posting.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid77/p180105c118fd89d8f0e18f1f5ffa77f7/fb3ff2dc.jpg
Presto's Lines from "Good Boats"

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid77/pf9ae81941e9c14df882aa228a274fa4b/fb3ff2d9.jpg
Presto Sailing

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid77/pd2ab2f5211f5fb59c6ac70edc3fc363f/fb3ff2c4.jpg
"Utilis's" Lines from "The Rudder"

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid77/p0c3c61f0d4757931dc8c1ed5d1a42fe9/fb3ff2c1.jpg
"Utilis's" Lines redrawn on my computer

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid77/pbb8233902c769b493bc6dec22bb18898/fb3ff2c0.jpg
"Utilis's" Sailplan

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid77/pb9a4fde6ece8da1316e3ba820ad0ec42/fb3ff2bb.jpg
Munroe's "Wabun" from "The Rudder"



http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid77/pf202bde12420faa9bf580882484d97d5/fb3ff2b6.jpg
Comparison of "Presto" types including Reuel Parker's "Exuma 36 design" based closely on "Presto"


http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid77/pa1bdd8c283fcdba3a41983a15b89a026/fb3ff2b5.jpg

"Utilis" sailing from "The Commodore's Story"

Has anybody built a better mousetrap?
RB

[ 01-05-2006, 04:10 AM: Message edited by: RodB ]

[Zane Lewis]

Great to see those drawings and pics.
I too have a strong interest in this type of yacht. My goal is something based on the Chapelle 36 ft modified sharpie schooner.
Rounded chines , a little arc in the bottom pannels, a more moden centreboard with the lead split between the CB and the Skeg.
I would be interested to keep up to date with your project. Mine is a few years way yet so in the mean time I am redraing the plans, doing the construction details for a double diagonal over strip plank, CB case, deck mounted spair's and OB in a well.
And so on and so on.
Cheer's
Zane

[Russell Sova]

There is another book that I read about a Monroe design called "The Cruise of the Nancy". The plans for the boat are included. The book harkens back to the 1920's and I believe it was writtten in 1926. It's available through interlibrary loan. I taped some Monroe plans onto a window and overlaid a Danish fishing boat plans over them and was suprised how many lines matched up line for line. The only difference was a lessening of the forefoot and rounding of the stern.

[Russell Sova]

There is another book that I read about a Monroe design called "The Cruise of the Nancy". The plans for the boat are included. The book harkens back to the 1920's and I believe it was writtten in 1926. It's available through interlibrary loan. I taped some Monroe plans onto a window and overlaid a Danish fishing boat plans over them and was suprised how many lines matched up line for line. The only difference was a lessening of the forefoot and rounding of the stern.

[Dave Hadfield]

I wish I could say I'm in, but I have a 1950 Munroe-influenced (I believe) ketch (S.V. Drake)and it is all I want.

You wouldn't consider his "Melody", with its raised flush deck? He certainly sailed that one, with his family, for a long time and his son kept her after.

I hope you go through with it. Both his hulls and rigs deserve more exposure.

[RodB]

"Melody" doesn't have half of the appeal of "Utilis", but I'm sure she performed fine, perhaps even an improvement over "Utilis".

[Figmental]

RodB, Thanks for the info and photos.

My questions are - Why did the Commodore not use lots of battens on later sails? He writes about the development on Wabun,and, of Utilis' ability to "drag whole sail" to windward.

[RodB]

Hey Fig,

Thad Danielson would be a good source for answering that question. I assume the Commodore was moving along a progression of simplicity and ease of control with his rigs and must have felt the rig of "Utilis" was as simple, easy to handle, and functional as anything he had used till then. There probably are some more details as to his thinking but I am not aware of them.

RB

[ 04-06-2004, 12:55 AM: Message edited by: RodB ]

[David Stimson]

I have had "The Commodore's Story" and the "Good Little Ship" for about 25 years, and couldn't say how many times I have read them. And every time, I am struck by what a great man Ralph Munroe was. It is too bad that he was building his boats at a time when yachtsmen were overreacting to the "skimming dish" craze and condemning all of the good centerboard boats along with the bad. I'm a firm believer in Munroe's assertion that a well-designed centerboard boat is better than a "lead mine" for seaworthiness and comfort when the going gets tough.

BTW - when I was 14, I got to sail on Micco, one of his early Presto-type ketches built in 1891. Unfortunately, she was destroyed in Hurricane Andrew.

Right now, I'm designing a centerboard boat 45' on deck, 10' beam with 2'-3" draft. I'll post the lines when I finish the drawing.

David

[Jack Heinlen]

Hi David. Nice to see you here.

[Hwyl]

I've had the pleasure of sailing one of Thad Danilsen "Munroe Presto" boats, I'm going to guess she's about 17' there is a picture of her here http://www.reddspondboatworks.com/rpb_newconstruction.html and Thad himself at the helm. Great little boat, it comes close to defining the pleasure in sailing that is by it's very nature indefinable.

[RodB]

Hey David,

I sure am interested in the lines of your design, please post them when you can.

I agree with your comments about Commodore Munroe and I also believe in his concept for shoal draft centerboarders. My favorite existing "Presto" design would be the plans for Crocker's #291 "Dorothy" with her schooner rig , presto hull and iron full length ballast keel (12 inches wide) with a slit for the centerboard. This design offers such protection for the hull and a great foundation for the centerboard.

I would prefer a spoon bow to the clipper type but her size and overall parameters are right on at around 36 feet LOD.

Although there are many lines of older designs available not many actual plans to build exist. From my communications with an NA I have found out that the hull design of "Presto" or "Utilis" could be improved with additional form stability without losing any of the functionality. Naturally the cost of getting such a design produced would not be small.

Reuel Parker's "Exuma 36" is his version of "Presto" although he lessened the overhang at the stern and changed the bow shape. He would make these changes for a reasonable cost.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid79/p3eeba38c05c032d9fd35044587688054/fb1168a3.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid118/pdfb721149391e1770b280c41bcb2ae3b/f8853a7a.jpg
Only one of these has been built...

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid118/p9cabdbc5397a884f9519266430cb72ac/f8853a7f.jpg

S. S. Crockers #291 Dorothy has nice parameters in length and displacement...

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid118/p997103bdb6c8d5cd8622e425533e7eff/f8853a84.jpg

And "Dorothy's lines and profile"

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid118/pcbfd5fd3096af59234605513394e5c00/f8853a8b.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid118/p4775e8ae1350c9ab71b75376d6735e16/f88525ee.jpg

Henry Howard's 50 foot plus "Alice"...
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid118/p801767db4e5bfb792708bd66e2380314/f88525f4.jpg

Can you tell I am taken with these designs???

RB

[ 05-27-2004, 02:33 AM: Message edited by: RodB ]

[sr. jigaboni]

What about Bolger's Swedish Cruiser, in his book "Different Boats"? It is based on the "Presto-type", even designed to be run up on a beach. Seems he may be one to speak to about your plans (no pun intended).

[David Stimson]

Rod -

Dorothy is a great boat, and I know her well since I did a complete restoration on her about 8 years ago. When I did the work, she was owned by George McEvoy of Boothbay Harbor. When she was done, my family and I got to take her for a week cruise along the Maine coast. After sailing the boat a number of times, I would say that Crocker got it ALMOST right. I think that designing Presto boats is a very touchy thing - if they have too much initial stability they won't be self-righting, but if there is not enough, then they won't carry sail to windward. The real secret is in light hull construction with a high ballast/weight ratio, and a light rig. In my opinion, Dorothy is less than ideal in both respects. I think that her hull was too heavily built, and her schooner rig too heavy. She also has less flare in the topsides than Presto did. As a result, she is more tender than I would like, and needs to be reefed early. In spite of these shortcomings, she is still an excellent little cruising boat that is responsive and sails well.

I would be very careful about adding initial stability to a Munroe design. I think your efforts would be better spent figuring out ways to build a lighter hull with higher ballast/weight ratio and - especially important - in making a light efficient rig. If you start messing with hull form, you'll end up redesigning the boat and it will no longer be a Presto boat.

I have a copy of Henry Howard's book "The Yacht Alice". It is another good testimonial for the Presto type. A few years ago while cruising in the ICW we saw a boat in Florida that looked a lot like "Alice". Is it possible that she is still around, after all these years?

[Thad]

I don't know what happened to ALICE, but CARIB was around within living memory and ALICE was built to CARIB's lines. I don't know what happened to CARIB either but it might have been her if it wasn't ALICE. Thanks for the insight.

[RodB]

David,

I was thinking of building "Dorothy" strip-planked (sheathed-stripped via Macnaughton rules) so the hull would be quite a bit lighter than the traditional construciton. As a matter fact I built her I would build her completely modern epoxy composite methods ...
I noticed when reading S. S. Crockers book of designs by his son, that there was quite a bit of positive feedback on "Macaw", which was designed before "Dorothy". I think at least a couple of guys cruised that design over time in the CArribbean in bad storms, and had some ancedotal experiences that were positive as to her abilities...
Do you think Crocker got it closer to right with Macaw?

MACAW....
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid118/p1d65680de31956a603b3b285ec314e49/f8823c80.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid118/pe6081cc60f839a9cca9070d1a3c2a940/f8823c87.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid118/pb69feb4974bafe6e848b4991f7078b16/f8823c7f.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid118/p5305c0b1276890adf2e6d02a937f75eb/f8823c89.jpg

I also have the book "The Yacht Alice" but she is too large for me to consider building.

How about Pete Culler's presto design???

No comments on Reuel Parkers design??? Just curious..

RB

[ 05-28-2004, 01:33 AM: Message edited by: RodB ]

[David Stimson]

I think that all of Crocker's Presto boats are great. The hull lines are really beautifully done on both Macaw and Jingo, as well as Dorothy. In the former two boats, he has gotten an amazing amount of boat into short length. But I think that by doing this, he has compromised some of the good qualities of the original Presto boats. If you look at the buttock lines of Presto, you can see that Munroe was more concerned with long, easy sailing lines than Crocker was. Presto also has more flare in the topsides, with less of a barrel shape. Keeping the curve in the sections down low allows the flaring topsides to be fairly flat, which helps prevent rhythmic rolling - the flat acting as sort of a damper. It also gives her something to lean on as she heels, which the Crocker boats lack. When cruising aboard Dorothy, one of her faults became apparent every time a powerboat went by while we were at anchor- even a small wake would get her rolling like crazy, and this would continue for several minutes after the boat had gone past.

I once calculated that Presto's displacement was somewhere around 19,000 lbs. Almost half of that - 9000 lbs- was in ballast. This, along with the flaring sides and light rig meant that she could carry over 1000 sq. feet of sail. None of the Crocker Presto imitations have had that good a ballast/weight ratio. As a result, they can't carry as much sail, and performance suffers. I think that Dorothy has less than 700 sq. ft.

About 25 years ago, I got to go aboard "Spark", one of Pete Culler's 37' Presto boats. She's a great looking boat, but here again we have not enough flare, and too much displacement for the length of the boat. I'm not saying it's a bad design, but she wouldn't have the performance that Presto had.

I think that Reuell Parker has done the best job of anyone in following the Presto principles, and with light construction, I bet the boat sails really well. He's a very good designer, so this wouldn't be at all surprising.

[RodB]

David,

I corresponded with Reuel Parker on this design and he was willing to extend the stern and change the bow as simple changes. He did suggest that for max stability (open water use) some external ballast be included in building her, such as a ballast shoe, etc... still keeping the draft shallow. Per R. Parker, the Exuma 36 can be built both with all internal ballast or with some of the ballast externally located.

I assume a slightly smaller verison of "Presto" could maintain all her characteristics just less in scale... ie., "Utilis".

How do you think "Utilis" compared to "Presto", I was assuming the Commodore was quite satisfied with "Utilis" and "Melody", and that they gave up nothing to "Presto" in sailing qualities.

BTW, Reuel Parker offered to develop plans for "Utilis" at a reasonable cost.

I guess there are no plans available other than Mr. Parker's that truly represent the Commodore's designs.

RB

[ 05-29-2004, 07:29 PM: Message edited by: RodB ]

[Paul Pless]

In WoodenBoat issue 114, there is a well conceived modern Presto design by Craig V. Walters, I believe he named the design Salt. She's for sale right now, details here:

web page (http://www.marinesource.com/buyerslistings/detail.cfm?ListingNmb=2890024)

http://www.marinesource.com/graphics/289/2890024.jpg

I believe she is now rigged as a staysail ketch. She is lightly built out of DuraKore, and heavily ballasted.

[RodB]

Hey DAvid,

I found the guy in Texas who has been building Reuel Parker's "Presto" boat, the Exuma 36. I think he is about finsihed and I plan to drive down and take a look ASAP. I'll take pix and hopefully post some.

RB

[GregW]

Bump

[RodB]

Here are some pix of the -in progress-
"Exuma 36" I recently went ot look at on the Texas Coast. I prefer a spoon bow and extending the stern a bit. I would also lower the cabin height. She can be powered with twin 9.9 4-stroke outboards or an inboard diesel.

I would want to size her down about 10% as she is larger than I would need , change the bow profile to a spoon shape, and extend the stern overhang a couple of feet purely for aesthetics (see following) I would also lower the cabin top. Reuel Parker is quite willing to make the changes. With some external ballast - draft should stay around 3 feet or less.

Shes quite close to "Presto" with a bit fuller buttocks.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid127/p75fb6529e851818b84292a61567926d2/f7e8db77.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid127/pd0c0b1f12b5413ab4c7605e56eca9cf9/f7e8db74.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid127/pbe47a229e60aa3f472052165cc3e03f1/f7e8db73.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid127/p2b146409120658942e5665c1a3d34271/f7e8bb4a.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid127/p135b4a672ef15f9871760d005e1c1748/f7e8bb46.jpg

The following are my proposed changes although Mr. Parker suggested the modern centerboard as a great improvement.Once I get a rough draft of the proposed design I'll post the drawing.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid127/p1483cde4bd267fdf4fd46d19a2cc151c/f7e8c1a7.jpg

and a stolen gaff/tops'l cutter rig just to see what it might look like. I may end up with a gaff/ketch but I sure like this rig.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid127/pa7f68958fb519b022aea75e526ceb85a/f7e8c08f.jpg

My "mock up" drawings are not drawn with any NA knowledge, they are just to see what the changes would look like.

RB

[ 07-13-2004, 02:34 PM: Message edited by: RodB ]

[RodB]

I forgot, I finally got my photo from the Museum of S. Florida, scanned it and color corrected it so that the detail was maximized....

This file looks great on my Epson printer. I also have a good pix of "Utilis" and "Melody".

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid127/p68e01a7c73251c8c7d3838acb9f94f0a/f7e88b33.jpg

RB

[GregW]

RB.
I've been following this thread and would like to thank you for all your work, pictures, drawings, and especially finding the builder of Mr. Parker's Exuma 36. I'm interest in the direction you're going on this project, keep up the good work.

[David Stimson]

Rod-

I like the profile changes, but I'm not sure about the cutter rig. All of that gear adds up to a lot of weight aloft. Have you ever noticed how much more a mast weighs after all of the standing and running rigging have been added? Munroe's unstayed ketch rig with single halliards saved a tremendous amount of weight aloft - a feature that is necessary for the Presto concept. Also, how do you propose to deal with the problem of the mast stepping in the same fore and aft location as the centerboard? Step it on the house top? Off center centerboard trunk? In my mind, these two options are less than ideal. Having tandem boards would solve the problem, though, and give you more flexibility for adjusting lateral plane.

I'll have to say that i don't like high aspect boards like the one you drew. The reason is that they get the lateral plane too low, which will lead to loss of stability when it pipes up. Many people don't realise that you need less lateral plane on a windy day than on a calm day. Too much lateral plane will contribute excess heeling effect. The traditional fan type of board may be a bit less efficient in theory, but in practice it works much better in a sharpie type hull that by necessity is going to lack power for carrying sail. This is because when you pull the board part way up, the area is quickly reduced, and the lever arm is shortened considerably. This gives ample lateral plane for a strong breeze, without the excess heeling effect. If you look at the high aspect board, you can see that pivoting it halfway up will change the balance, but not reduce the heeling effect.

If you're going to use a cutter rig, I'd suggest designing it from scratch, paying close attention to weight aloft and windage. Combined with tandem fan-type centerboards, I think you could make a workable rig.

[Thad]

Thank you Rod, and David!

[RodB]

David,

I will deal with all you have suggested and try to be very logical. I realize that the ketch rig would be ideal (per you, Thad, Parker, etc...) but I want to see an adaptation to a gaff/tops'l cutter and how she works out on paper.

I will also consider the pros and cons of the centerboard. I was likeing the better performance of the modern centerboard plus it would be a bit smaller and take up less space in the interior.

As far as the placement of the mast , that I will not know until I see a preliminary sketch on the proposed design. I will retain the option of rigging her as a ketch or schooner in the event that choice becomes necessary. I realize you can't just pick and choose parts for a design but I have reviewed enough material to see many designs that incorporate elements that appeal to me have been quite successful.

RB

By the way, the builder of the "Exuma 36" is hoping to launch by The end of August, I plan to be there...

[ 07-13-2004, 02:46 PM: Message edited by: RodB ]

[RodB]

David,

I asked R. Parker about your centerboard comments and he agreed there were good features to consider both, he also said that the modern CB version had a graduated less lateral resistance when raised partially up, and worked quite well. He described the older type of centerboard as a two dimensional plate that allowed any degree of lateral reaistance.The modern version is a 3 dimensional shape and is still effective raised up part way. He described specific situations (how you plan to sail) where the traditonal board may be the board of choice. He also said the gaff/cutter rig (or gaff/sloop) would work out ok, just be aware of its limitations... BTW the mast location would be in front of the centerboard.
RB

[David Stimson]

Rod -

To make a cutter with a single centerboard, and the mast in front of the trunk, the board will be quite far aft. I prefer to design with CE & CLP further forward so that the CLR will move aft when the board is raised for reaching and running. This will decrease weather helm on these points of sail. How about two boards - one forward and one aft?

David

[RodB]

David,

I asked R. Parker about two centerboards and he described his results with them as negative, very difficult to balance the boat. I am sure there would be much more info on the subject but we didn't discuss it at all.

I will be sure to get more info on what you suggest.

RB

[ 07-29-2004, 03:39 PM: Message edited by: RodB ]

[David Stimson]

Rod-

I have never actually tried tandem boards, but have heard of others doing it successfully. It would be good to do a bit of research on successful tandem CB designs.

I think that ketches and sloops are more suited to the centerboard type of hull, because the placement of the mast(s) works well with the placement of the CB.

David

[RodB]

David,

The CB (swing keel) mechanism from North Shore Marine (UK) in their "Southerly" line of yachts is quite interesting and offers possibilities in shoal draft designs like "Presto". I'm guessing the problems would be the swing keel , if heavy enough to provide adequate stability, it would have to lock down so that it would not come up when heeling over was extreme or for that matter if the hull rolled over.

I would also think that ultimate stability with this would depend on the amount of lead that could be placed in the centerboard and that would really define the merit of this idea.

I checked with a foundry that casts one-off items and ball park cost for casting such an item that weighted say 3000 lbs would be $4000 mainly because it would be a single item. Obviously the board would be another part of the mechanism so total cost would be higher.

An interesting concept and expensive I'm sure. North Shore says they have over 20 years experience with this device in several sizes of yachts.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid131/pe4573836e0ca9e8b4e0b968e02454011/f7a557f1.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid131/pe78d11b99b4858dc511f6b8d4c2dedda/f7a557ee.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid131/pd942f3ed091623dfc2cfcdd18bbf64c7/f7a557f4.jpg

RB North Shore Marine (http://www.northshore.co.uk/)

RB

[ 07-29-2004, 03:45 PM: Message edited by: RodB ]

[RodB]

Update on Reuel Parker designing "Presto" type centerboarder:

It seems Mr. Parker has started working on my design and sent the following as preliminary info for me to review. The preliminary lines should be done in the next few weeks.

I thought those interested would like to look over the info he sent me on this concept. I probably did'n't get the exact size of these images right but they will suffice for here.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid139/pc2eaa7624fb6242e2134ec0e40520571/f706d11e.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid139/p26146bd6c8bb86a19220c45fc2a9d336/f706d118.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid139/p9d4d228bba92dc9949406406f90190ae/f706d122.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid139/pf14705ecf09bda83db457b233c31b0bd/f706d127.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid139/p101a662c48c3864cfee83cf080fd80d8/f706d124.jpg
The starting point of a modified Exuma 36...

RB

[ 09-14-2004, 02:41 AM: Message edited by: RodB ]

[Meerkat]

Originally posted by Hwyl:
I've had the pleasure of sailing one of Thad Danilsen "Munroe Presto" boats, I'm going to guess she's about 17' there is a picture of her here http://www.reddspondboatworks.com/rpb_newconstruction.ht ml (http://www.reddspondboatworks.com/rpb_newconstruction.html) and Thad himself at the helm. Great little boat, it comes close to defining the pleasure in sailing that is by it's very nature indefinable.Mr. Danilsen must have updated his site since there are no pics that include humans on that page except the one of this little gem:
http://www.reddspondboatworks.com/rpb_boat1.jpg

... which is described as a 13' clinker beach cruiser, based on Munroe and accomodates "one or a crowd of six" (on a 13' boat!?!). Very sweet looking, that's for sure!

[Hwyl]

Originally posted by Meerkat:
Mr. Danilsen must have updated his site since there are no pics that include humans on that page except the one of this little gem:
[/QB]That's the boat I'm talking about, I sail small boats a lot and that one felt like 17 feet, sorry for the mistake. A great boat by a master builder and a nice guy.

Gareth

[John B]

I have this on Wabun sitting there on imagestation so...
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid25/pa81933e0b551d9947db6a9ac29d07e7b/fd8e1d83.jpg

those are interesting comments above about her .I rather admire the whole thing (including the curtains.)

[GregW]

RodB.
This is a very interesting project. I find Mr. Parker’s comments on each hull form very enlightening, re-reading each one seems to reveal something new every time, interesting indeed.
BTW has the fellow in Texan managed to get his boat in the water? Considering the time of year and the weather down there I wouldn’t be surprised if he delayed it a month or so.

[ 09-15-2004, 03:07 PM: Message edited by: GregW ]

[RodB]

Greg w.

I will be checking on the progress of the fellow building the Exuma 36 ASAP, I will be sure to update if any new info/pix arise.

I too was extremely interested in Mr. Parker's comments considering it will be a culmination of his experience in designing and building many centerboard boats over the years and will entail his past and present thoughts on such craft.

Obviously he has learned quite a bit over the years designing and building similar boats and his present thinking will have changed some from when he first designed the "Exuma Series". I also have supplied him with lots of materials related to such a design.

BTW, he is firmly insisting on external ballast (for increased stability and safety) in the form of a ballast "box keel" shoe which will be approx 16" wide and 8-10 feet long with a slit for the centerboard... (approx 6-8" thick). This lead filled box will be glassed in "fair" with the hull and sheathed with several layers of Xynol polyester cloth. The hull will be able to take the ground easily with the "flat" surface of the box keel and the draft will not be increased any more than the original Presto.

I like the idea that the design will entail all of the best designs of Munroe to some extent with a modern slant and incorporate what Mr. Parker has learned in his many years sailiing similar boats in the exact waters the Commodore sailed in.

More to come later...

RB

[hardystein2004]

Hi rod, and everybody,
I will also be following this very closely , as i have not yet decided on which boat to build to cruise the Queensland Great Barrier Reef.Shallow draft it will certainly be however,and the ballast shoe you mentioned sounds like what i also had in mind.Best of luck with it all, Who knows there may be another one built here in OZ!!

Best Regards , Trish and Hardy from down under. smile.gif tongue.gif

[Dave Hadfield]

My ketch is built along Munroe lines, from what I can see (I have no plans). She's 40ft LOD and 35ft waterline with a 10ft beam. She differs slightly in having shallow deadrise and having, as you say Parker suggests, outside ballast.

In this case, the ballast is a cast iron box section, about 9"wide x 12"deep x 16ft. It also has a slot for the centerboard, which is a traditional fan-shape. I think this slot takes the load when close-hauled, relieving all the strain on the CB trunk -- an important consideration.

It all works out very well. Having the ballast outside frees up the shallow interior space. She's not too tender and always pops up after a heavy gust (though I've never slapped her spreaders in and don't want to). Her rig (Marconi ketch) is stayed and traditional, but she is lightly sparred (Sitka box-section) and heavily stayed.

I can post a picture or 2 if you like, and if I can find them. I took some this spring on the hard.

[RodB]

Dave H.

Please do.

RB

[GregW]

Monroe Design for sale (http://www.boatshop.com.ph/brokerage/lorien.htm)

Follow the link...interesting.

[RodB]

I sure would like to see that hull on the dry...
A modern Presto design.

RB

[GregW]

After the hull form has been settled, I suppose the next step will be the centerboard. Considering the proliferation of earlier remarks, has any decision been made on centerboard shape? Although I’m sure that North Shore Marine has had success with it’s hydraulic centerboard, don’t you think it’s a little out of character for the type of boat Presto represents, i.e. simplicity and affordably?

[RodB]

Greg W.

Look back in this post... the centerboard was discussed quite a bit. I will most likely choose the NACA modern foil as shown in the 2nd drawing on Parker's Exuma 36 with centerboard illustrated. This will offer the most efficient and functional centerboard and the smallest so that more room results below decks.

The Northshore marine type of device is not really feasable because of cost and development in a one-off.

RB

[Brian Cady]

DaveH, I also am intrigued with your iron box keel craft, and would love to see pictures.
Brian Cady

[Dave Hadfield]

Sorry... been busy... I'll try to do it tonight.

[RodB]

The following is a profile that I put together from designs that I liked bits and pieces of. The bow and stern are from Alden's 30 foot centerboard in WB, the sheer was redrawn, the sailplan is from Crocker's "Sea Dawn" a 36 foot centerboarder. I had to size down or up the bow and stern plus squish them some to get what I wanted. I also modified the deck house to make it look right. I realize that many factors come into play when a profile is transposed into a three dimensional shape, but I do really like this profile and thought if of interest to those who have responded to this posting.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid142/pafe95bd3589581ff2f8436da441bd3de/f6aead32.jpg

Update; I am awaiting basic preliminary lines drawings on a Presto type of boat based on all of Munroe's design plus Parker's Exuma 36.

RB

[ 10-11-2004, 03:27 PM: Message edited by: RodB ]

[Wild Dingo]

Thanks for directing me to this Rod

She sure looks "right" doesnt she?... whatever happened with that launch by the fella in Texas? would be great to see how he went.

Have you any updated drawings from Parker yet?

So many questions!!

[RodB]

As far as I know the builder in Houston has not finished yet but I will be checking with him soon.

I hope to get the preliminary lines drawings from Parker very soon. With all the information I have supplied to him I feel that I have had a significant amount of input on this project. I'm pretty excited but Mr. Parker is quite busy and I'm not in a great hurry...

RB

[RodB]

I found out today that initial lines from Parker are in the mail. .

I 'm really looking forward to seeing them.

RB

[RodB]

I finally got the preliminary lines from Reuel Parker but DO NOT HAVE PERMISSION to post them...so I have taken the outline of the hull and put a CABIN TOP and SAILPLAN on it just to see what she would look like. I also drew a tiller in.

Thus...the only part of the design you can see from Mr Parker is the hull profile. The sailplan is from Crocker's "Sea Dawn", a 36 foot centerboarder. I took the cabin top from the "Exuma 36" just to see what she looked like.
I must respect his wishes but I did show the BASIC specifications for any interested parties. Next comes the sail plan and buildng drawing.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid148/p6795daa906537854370b23bebcff0256/f60a2463.jpg

I also found the following comments from an e-mail from Mr Parker on some of the considerations when producing this design. Some of this may be redundant per above cross/sections of the different Munroe designs...but I am sure these comments will be of interest to those following this post.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Parker quoted:

"My Exuma 36 hull has fuller quarters than PRESTO, and has a slightly different hull shape (a little more form stability. I still believe PRESTO is an excellent hull, exactly as drawn, and I do not really agree with any necessity to drastically change the midship section as some other architects insist on doing.

I believe PRESTO was a pure form in and of herself. I think she was a brilliant work of art, and I do not believe she was an unsafe or inadequate type in any way, for her time.

Of course any hull can be improved upon... once the original has been built and thoroughly tested. There will always be some avenue of improvement to pursue... but I think as regards the form of Munroe's original PRESTO the improvements either involve very subtle changes, or involve going to a completely different hull form that is not related at all...

...I believe the subsequent hulls Munroe designed and built were evidence of his inquisitive, experimental nature, and that they were not necessarily improvements per se over PRESTO.

To be specific:

WABUN is a flatter, beamier, harder-bilged hull. She would be faster in moderate wind, stiffer, thinner in accommodation vertically (size for size) and faster off the wind in a blow. She would be considerably stiffer.
She would be slower in light air. She could support a larger rig (including the schooner). PRESTO had a more easily driven hull, inately more seaworthy due to shape, and greater vertical accommodation and size for size less abeam accommodation.

UTILIS appears to make a compromise in midship section back in the direction
of PRESTO, but with the addition of a little initial freeboard, and less topsides flare. Her performance would perhaps be a compromise between PRESTO and WABUN. Both WABUN and UTILIS have fuller, flatter quarters than PRESTO, which means they might be faster in moderate winds, stiffer initially, able to carry more sail longer, but slower in light air and not as easily driven (efficient) as PRESTO. You will note that my EXUMA 36 has after waterlines very similar to UTILIS, as well as quarter-beam buttocks similar to WABUN. These qualities were on my mind when I designed her.

PRESTO's hull is very fine ended and relatively narrow on the beam waterline. These features mean easily-driven hull--very efficient, a
little tender, and requiring early reefing (only moderate ability to carry sail as wind increases--in other words, REEF EARLY). These are not bad features--for a single handed ocean sailor they are QUALITIES. PRESTO's hull will, in my opinion, be more sea worthy and sea kindly than any of the other hulls we are looking at, including my EXUMA 36.

Gilpin's GOOD LITTLE SHIP has very steep buttocks and a chopped stern.
She will "squat" approaching hull speed. She is a poor substitute for PRESTO, and nowhere near as pretty.

Alice is a whole different boat type and size, and does not belong in this comparative study.

Therefore I believe the hull I design for you should still be a slightly (10%) smaller version of my Exuma 36, with the extended ends you desire, and with a little more volume in the bow underbody sections. I must alter the sheer slightly, to be closer to PRESTO's. Some outside ballast, some inside, without increasing draft appreciably (probably close to that of the EXUMA 36.

CONSIDER New centerboard type for increased windward ability... Defer the
inboard/outboard issue for the moment, as it won't affect lines. Gaff schooner or gaff sloop rig, as you prefer. Interior as close to what we
have discussed as I can come.

NOTES:

1) Sloop rig can have double headsails (Becoming a cutter). Schooner rig
cannot--not enough room before the foremast.
2) Single outboard would have to be lifted
vertically--not enough room to swing lower unit up. Will be totally in the way of a conventional tiller, so single outboard in a well is ruled out.
3) Twin outboards, or single on one side only, can swing up and not interfere with rudder or tiller.
4) Diesel most convenient, safest, best resale value, higher cost. NOTE that diesels are much more fuel efficient--hence YOU WILL NEED MORE TANKAGE IF YOU USE OUTBOARDS--YOU WILL USE MUCH MORE FUEL!! Mile for mile.

Please think this stuff over, and perhaps wait for my sample sailplan to arrive
before we talk.-----------------yours, Reuel "

After preliminary lines completed:-----------

"I designed these lines working closely from all source material, and I gave the hull the bow and stern you sent me--I modified them only slightly to fair them. I gave the stern an elliptical "fisherman" transom--with slight tumblehome at the deck level for beauty (Alden style), Not hard to build.

I opted, in the end, for a more conventional centerboard, as I think it is what belongs on this hull. I located it for the gaff sloop rig, but it will work with the ketch rig..."
RP

-----------------------------------------------------------

I thought these comments of interest.... We continue on..., the preliminary lines are quite nice... I like them alot.

RB

[ 12-03-2004, 01:28 AM: Message edited by: RodB ]

[Dave Hadfield]

Very good of you to post this correspondence. Most interesting.

That rig, while salty as hell, surely does not reflect Munroe's concern with simplicity and elimination of lines aloft.

I'd be honoured to sail on her as drawn of course, but it's curious to see that you take Munroe's hull ideas so much to heart, and yet not his rigging philosophy. (I'm not critisizing -- just pointing out an inconsistency.)

Have you drawn her with an outboard in place? I don't see how you could do it. I'll bet you opt for the diesel.

[RodB]

I most certainly will choose the diesel, but taking a look at the two 4 stroke outboards setup on the Exuma 36 was very interesting. Building an outboard motor well was simpler than installing a diesel engine and the lighter setup had other advantages.

I think that Parker got max hull speed plus more... on the Exuma 44, "Theresa", with two 9.9 hp 4 stroke outboards. He said that when you raised the motors and put the hull hatch (hatch for the bottom of the motor well) in place, giving a smooth clean surface below the water at the stern... Theresa seemed to go into another gear under sail with no turbulence or drag from a prop. As a matter of fact Mr. Parker said Theresa ran off and left other similarly sized boats and even larger ones with regular diesel engines when being driven under motors. Naturally she did fine under sail with no prop in the water.

I think, when all factors are considered, the diesel is the best investment for many reasons. The cost of the two outboards is too high to make them a consideration but you have to admit, when thinking of performance without the drag of a prop, most sailors get a little excited...!

About the sailplan... I like the sailplan on Presto fine, but think "Utilis's" sailplan not aesthetically appealing at all. I would be fine with a gaff/ketch sailplan on my "Presto 34" (similar to Parker's Exuma 36) but I prefer the gaff/tops'l cutter rig, if it is workable. I am mostly enamored with the capabilities of the "Presto" boats of Munroe, not necessarily all of the aesthetics.

I may end up with a gaff/ketch rig if the perceived performance and handling parameters of the gaff/cutter rig are not satisfactory.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By the way, I wanted to post the following Tanton drawings as another modern "Presto" design that is available today. I have been meaning to do this for a while but keep forgetting. Although I am committed otherwise, YMT"s design is quite interesting and certainly offers another choice for interested parties... that has modern thinking incorporated into the mix.... I am also sure Mr. Tanton has considered the sailplan to be easy to handle, simple, and very efficient for a singlehander.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid149/p21cdf42e10297f2dc9a5e9364392bc12/f60895f0.jpg

INFORMATION ON THIS DESIGN PER TANTON:

DESIGN. PR.32'

This design is based on Munroe's principles about shoal draft sailboats, with contributions from the Good Little Ship and the original Presto. PR.32' has therefore the following characteristics.

This shallow draft cruiser is representative of the type - her length at 32' is 3’ shorter than GLS, but the waterline has been kept at 30'. Following the rule of 1" of depth per foot of waterline length, the draft is fixed at 30". To follow further in the path of Presto and GLS, the beam and beam waterline are the same at respectively 10'-6" and 9'-1". The flattish bottom gains stability faster than a conventional V-section hull form, by shifting the center of buoyancy to leeward as she heels. The balanced rudder is inboard, but an externally mounted steering system might be easier to build and install.

The displacement significantly includes a 50% ballast ratio, made possible with modern construction techniques. This, in order to react to the curved Gunter ketch rig with the healthy sail area of 781.5 sq.ft. Most of the lead ballast is poured inside a steel shell, external to the boat and made part of the centerboard arrangement.

For bridge clearance, the main mast is not over 35' above water. The mizzen sail is also kept at this height. The Gunter rig has more performance built in than a gaff rig because of the increased aspect ratio. The throat halyard takes the weight of the yard while the peak halyard controls its angle to adjust the set of the sail. More advantage is given by the fact that the weight of the tall curved spars comes down when reefing. Hoops would be the preferred method of attaching the sails to the mast. Keeping the low masts reduces top-hamper. The spars have no standing rigging, with the exception of the forestay. The versatility offered with the split rig will give more options than a single mast would. This sail plan can be handled without winches, and uses lazy-jacks and topping lift to control booms and yards.

The wooden construction is solid - the boat is teachable and so a strong bottom is important. The weight saving comes in the details of the construction above the waterline. The higher topsides are a safety feature, and the height of the cabin house gives full headroom inside.

The interior is still open at this stage, but could include a couple of schemes. The "L" type center plate does not intrude into the saloon and protrudes only 6" above cabin sole under the main cabin table. It could be made part of a centerline bulkhead depending on the chosen accommodation plan.

In conclusion:

The increased range brought by a 30" draft is the main feature of this vessel. The seaworthiness of this design is in the ability to offer the combination of form stability at small angles of heel and a reserve of righting moment with the heavy ballast. The performance of this vessel is in the sail plan - the absence of rigging is for simplicity and the Gunter rig with full battens gives the horsepower needed come high wind or low.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid149/p2b4f9e626c3be14216dd66088c4e1301/f60895ec.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid149/p99a7a3b0faaa0715b49ce5f76ce21485/f60895ed.jpg

I also wanted to post the following drawing that incorporates all of the hulls that Reuel Parker took into consideration on designing the "Presto 34" superimposed on top of one another...different colors for each one. Mr Parker suggested doing this for a clearer understanding of these hulls so I did it. I wish I could post the lines for the new "Presto 34" but I cannot.....
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid149/p24eadcc686293b8cf1f8ec1ec1e749a7/f6085fc5.jpg

This might be more illustrative...
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid149/p8b540ca94e01f66e8f985abd776166d8/f6085fc7.jpg

The transom on the new "Presto 34" is smaller than the Exuma 36,with a little tumblehome... very pretty.

Rod

[ 12-03-2004, 05:24 PM: Message edited by: RodB ]

[RodB]

Hey Dave,

This drawing illustrates the layout of having a double outboard motor well at the end of the cockpit. THE GREEN SHOWS WHERE THE OUTBOARD MOTORS GO. You can't help but consider the option as you see the simplicity of such a set up and consider the performance you get. The diesel is the winner for me but this setup is interesting.

Pros: less costly than a diesel, clean underbody when sailing, clean and usable area under the cockpit for watertight compartment and/or stowage, etc.

Cons" Use more fuel, difficult to raise and lower motors, difficult to place lower motor well hatch, ie close up bottom of motor well, danger of gasoline aboard, Large compartment cover at rear of cockpit, Tiller must be changed to give reasonable positioning for helm....etc etc.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid149/p72ee69de49596314247933833e87945f/f6083940.jpg

RB

[ 12-03-2004, 06:31 PM: Message edited by: RodB ]

[htom]

From the earlier description I expected two wells, one under the aft end of each side bench, rather than the two motors in one center well.

[RodB]

Heres a couple of photos of the Parker's Exuma 36 with the setup for double 9.9 outboard's in a motor well. The hatch that plugs the bottom of the outboard motor well results in a nice clean smooth surface, I don't think it is easy to put in place from inside the cockpit.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid149/p7feed004e571c7a866a992b249d8f3c9/f6080ebd.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid149/p43b1d2616e8c114e9743e87746d8491d/f6080eb8.jpg

RB

[Dave Hadfield]

Wow! What a terrific set of lines to compare. You've
certainly done your homework.

I've seen Parker's wells before from his books.

Sure, it looks do-able, but I still don't see a quick and easy way to raise the motor and fair in the hull opening. And are those prop-marks on the side of the rudder?

[RodB]

Dave,

The double teardrop hatch that closes off the bottom of the motor well and leaves a nice sealed/slick hull bottom, is quite large and I would think not easy to fit down inside the motor well getting by the motors etc., ...especially while underway. It also has to be latched from within to fight the pressure of the water under the hull. The hatch is slightly oversized with the teardrop shaped centers the exact thickness of the hull...thus the hatch has a lip all around to seal out the water and to afford a fastening system.

Some folks have installed motors in this type of arrangement with the capability of just raising or lowering the motors, ie., a jackplate arrangement but Mr Parker assured me this setup with the motors only being tilted up or down took up less room and worked out well.
BTW, I 'm sure you could get handy at putting the hatch in place but all in all the diesel is the way to go.

The motors are simply tilted to the up position, like on a regular boat transom when on a trailer, while underway. When required, the bottom hatch is removed and the motors are tilted back down in the "straight up" position. They obviously run the boat quite well as far a power.

The marks on the rudder are probably abrasion marks from getting it installed... He had to dig a hole in the ground to get it in place for installation.

RB

[ 12-04-2004, 05:41 PM: Message edited by: RodB ]

[GregW]

I've always liked the idea of the twin outboards. Easy to fix, just pull one out and work on it, or bring it to a shop. Built in redundancy, if one fails, you still have the other. Cheaper than a diesel engine.
As for closing off the openings when the engines are tilted up, I'm sure that with some thought a suitable mechanism can be developed.
However I must admit I never gave fuel consumption much thought, figuring the difference wouldn't be that great, I guest I'm wrong.
Keep up the good work, I really enjoy these post.

BTW Mr. Tanton's design is certainly food for thought.

[Brian Cady]

Very impressed with Mr. Tanton's work, and with the twin motor wells of the Exuma.
Would Mr. Tanton consider twin ballasted bilge/flank boards for this design, further freeing the cabin center/walkway, while further stabilizing the grounded boat on outboard portions of the twin boards, plus the skeg?

Brian Cady

[RodB]

Hey Brian,

I think Mr Tanton is actively marketing his stock plans so I would assume he would be ammenable to modifying them for an interested party.

Here is a simple profile of the hull of the Presto 34 without all the added elements.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid150/p3c36d7d479c462061a6b0ad9781faa56/f5eec6b9.jpg

RB

[ 12-12-2004, 06:30 PM: Message edited by: RodB ]

[YMT]

To Mr. Brian Cady.
Since you asked, I have designed a version of the PR32'with Leeboards.
Send me an e-mail to receive the drawing.

[Brian Cady]

YMT; looks nice. Do I see that you kept the ballast external? Eminently groundable/beachable, with no board slots to get jammed shut with peastone, etc.
(Apologies to all, but I don't know how to post the drawing .doc file sent to me by YMT.)

Brian Cady

[RodB]

Heres Mr Tanton's leeboard version.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid150/p699e59ac6bc25b71f3f86634124f44d9/f5e6e569.jpg

RB

[John Gardner]

I would like to order the book "the cruise of the nancy" but, have no idea of the Author? Can someone please advise? Thank You

[RodB]

John,

I have never been able to find that book, which has been out of print for a long time I'm sure. I have searched Abe's books etc and never have gotten the title to come up at all..

RB

[GregW]

I can't help coming back to this thread and looking at the hull of this boat. The only thing that I have the slightest reservation about is the centerboard, and only in the sense that it takes up valuable interior room. I wonder if anyone has even considered the use of bilge keels on such a hull?

[RodB]

I doubt it, why not e-mail Reuel Parker about it.

I agree with you, I was really amazed at the amount of room the centerboard took up in the Exuma 36 I looked at in Houston. The Presto 34 will be 10% smaller so even less room.

I sure do like several boats that are not centerboard designs with a draft of around 4 feet or a bit more.

RB

[ 01-08-2005, 01:33 AM: Message edited by: RodB ]

[RodB]

Update: Recently heard from Reuel Parker on my Presto design...After lots of soul searching decided to reduce the Presto 34 to a size that is a maxi-trailerable design...about 30 feet LOD with an 8' 6" beam (would include rubrails). Sailplan...sliding gunter rigged main/ yawl... just works out very good for trailering and aesthetics. Sailplan and const drawing available soon. More details to follow.

I must say letting go of the concept of building a larger boat that would have to be kept in a slip or mooring took awhile but the versatility and reduced expenses made a "trailerable" cruiser just make more sense. Parker agreed and added that when one of the hurricanes comes to Florida, the only sure way to save your boat is pull her out...or in a trailerable case... drive away inland. He also commented on all the boats destroyed this year during the season.

We all would like to have a 40 footer when cruising and on the water, but one must consider reality in the long run. Several folks that I know who have had an "in the water" cruiser have said they would not do it again...slip fees just are too damn high over time. Depending on your available time and money, most of us don't want a boat to monopolize our lives completely.

BTW, over the past year,while waiting for my Presto 34 design to be completed and waiting to see a sailplan, etc... I have grown to love both Herreshoff's "Pleasure" and "Alerion", not to mention Strange's Wenda-"Sally".. . and have been looking at all three quite hard as maxi-trailerable designs to build. Parker's design will be easier to build and take less time... and less costly for materials, and offer shallower draft...but the effort to build the others would end up with a much more valuable boat in the long run. ...just thinking out loud.

I'll post new details on my Presto design later on. Also, photos of my completed flats flyfishing skiff will be available in the next couple of months, just waiting for decent weather to go fishing on the Texas coast.

RB

[ 12-21-2005, 10:49 PM: Message edited by: RodB ]

[imported_GregW]

Thanks for the update.
I've been wondering about this project of yours lately, Mr. Parker doesn't seem to be in a rush to complete the plans. I wonder if this is typical of the design process or if it's just the way the he works.

[RodB]

Reuel started and finished the preliminary lines, then had a couple of large design projects to complete which took several months. He contacted me because he had some time before beginning building a couple of fairly large boats starting in January...and he was sailing as much as possible through all this time. He is not a full time designer sitting at a desk selling plans and working. I accepted his lifestyle and was not in a hurry... so I'm OK with what has transpired. I think he will defiitely answer emails as he will be based at his office the next many months. He probably only checks emails a couple times a week...just guessing. I have talked to him twice in the past week getting all my questions answered.

He has a great amount of experience to draw on concerning the designs he has produced and built...and is adept at discerning solutions to meet most sailors needs in a design. Having built many of his designs and cruised in them allows for some great direct experience in offering feedback for those contemplating building one of his boats.
RB

[ 12-21-2005, 11:43 PM: Message edited by: RodB ]

[Audasea]

Rod:

You have now swerved into the realm of my desired cruising boat, as far as size is concerned.

Do you have any ideas on layout and what the headroom will be? What about displacement? Draft?

[Dave Hadfield]

Glad to hear this project is still alive.

I've owned a 26ft trailer-sailor, and a 46ft ketch, and like you say, the big boat is grand in the water, but costs a lot and is far harder to work on.

Only you can weigh up your own requirements and resources and arrive at a solution.

Still, this was a very useful thread.

Best of luck,

Dave

[Alan D. Hyde]

Dave Hadfield, this excellent thread would be a fitting place to post some additional photos of your Drake.

I suspect that, in addition to myself, many others here will enjoy seeing them.

When discussing vessel design, nothing is more helpful than the experiences of an owner who's sailed an existing model, and can describe her behavior under various conditions.

Alan

[RodB]

Thanks Dave. Who knows, once I relocate I may end up finding a great deal for storing a boat (like behind a house on one of the canals) and end up building her larger...

Trailerable 30 footer...Draft: about 2' 3", displacement guessing between 6K and 7K lbs...probably more...just guessing for now, will have a good approximation soon. Interior layout fairly generic...per Mr Parker. I requested maximum trailerable size displacement(towable easily with a 3/4 ton truck) with appropriate legal beam of 8' 6". I also stressed a versatle sailplan easily reefed/reduced in size and easily singlehanded. Reuel Parker has many years experience sailing the entire area of the Bahamas and south Florida so I am confident he has a excellent grasp of sailplan size etc...
Note: I am sure that Mr Parker will be able to conplete the Presto 34 as drawn or sized up or down...if anyone was interested. More to follow in the next week or so.

RB

[ 12-22-2005, 07:34 PM: Message edited by: RodB ]

[Dave Hadfield]

OK Allan. You've asked before and I should go ahead and do it.

Right now I'm off my feet recovering from a hernia operation, so it might be a good time to do it.

I'll see what I can do today, and keep at it after Christmas.

Regards,

Dave

[chrisk]

I wonder if this item on Parker marine's price list (http://www.parker-marine.com/prices.htm) is the design you've been working on:



EXUMA 29C-- Scaled-down custom EXUMA 36 to 29' *
The asterisks means:


Plans marked with an asterisk (*) may be incomplete or may take extra time to prepareI've ordered the Cruising Sail Designs Catalog primarily to find out more about the Exuma 27. I'll let you know if the 29C is in there or not.

Chris Kottaridis (chriskot@quietwind.net)

[ 01-04-2006, 02:16 AM: Message edited by: chrisk ]

[RodB]

Update on design produced by Reuel Parker ... The Presto 30, trailerable cruiser.

LOA 29' 11" LWL 23' 11"
Beam 8' 6" (over rails)
Draft 2' 2" / 5' 2" Rig: Sliding Gunter yawl

Construction three layer 1/4 ply cold molded bottom to curve of bilge... topsides 1/2" ply. More details available for Reuel Parker.

http://pic15.picturetrail.com:80/VOL595/4284825/9007612/124517931.jpg

This design will be completed in the near future and from the initial review files I have received, there will be plenty of details....an in conjunction with Parker's book...should be a fairly straight forward "new" cold/molded build. Details start with strongback const and cover all major components. ...pretty comprehensive.

This post is too long now, will repost for shorter thread.

New Thread....

http://www.woodenboat-ubb.com/cgi-bin/UBB/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=004793

RB

[ 01-05-2006, 04:13 AM: Message edited by: RodB ]

[chrisk]

Looks neat! Does the color change at the bottom of the mast imply that there is a tabernacle there ? If so it looks like the main mast can be lowered, hinged at the tabernacle, and not extend beyond the aft end of the hull. That would be very convenient for trailering. I assume that's why a gunter rig was used to keep the main mast short for easier setup.

What kind of headroom do you get at 30 ft on this shoal draft boat?

Do you have sail area and displacement info?

Chris Kottaridis (chriskot@quietwind.net)

[ 01-05-2006, 03:36 AM: Message edited by: chrisk ]

[RodB]

No sail area / displacement ratio yet, I would think that information will come a bit later on.

Yes the sailplan was worked out to be optimal for trailering this boat and yes there is a tabernacle.

Headroom about 5 feet 5" I think was the estimate. Parker will have all this information in the near future..

Lets continue this on the new thread just for expiedence....

http://www.woodenboat-ubb.com/c gi-bin/UBB/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=004793 (http://www.woodenboat-ubb.com/cgi-bin/UBB/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=2;t=004793)

RB

[ 01-05-2006, 04:25 AM: Message edited by: RodB ]

[RodB]

bump for chris