looking for shallow draft launch plans

[rich morpurgo]

I have a specific request. I am looking for a traditional looking launch that will take my saab GG engine for use on my lake here in indiana. The only problem is that the dock behind my house only has a foot and a half of water.


any suggestions. I would like to build a traditional looking lake launch with a canopy. Probably a workboat paint finish. in the 14 - 16 foot range.

thanks for the suggestions.

rich morpurgo

[stevedwyer]

I'm not sure about your engine but if it's in 25hp range, it would fit with a nice 19ft boat called the Rescue Minor.
http://www.boat-links.com/Atkinco/Utilities/RescueMinor.html
Written up in Woodenboat magazine about a year and a half ago and discussed in the forums...http://www.woodenboat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=53953 (http://www.woodenboat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=53953)
Draws only about 8" and is easily driven by a small diesel or gas.

[Daniel Noyes]

I saw the title and that there was one response and knew it had to be Rescue Minor!
I'd second Mr Dwyer RM would likely fit the bill, I also agree with him in that I think 16' is on the small side and 14' would leave little room for anything but the engine.
You might also consider a power dory as seen in John Gardners Classic Small Craft book, these boats are very elegant (not like a flat sided St. Piere type) and could be quite large 20+ ft and with their shallow draft might work well.
Dan
http://dansdories.googlepages.com

http://www.esseximages.com/images/mgeneral/27282NapthaDory.jpg (http://www.esseximages.com/images/mgeneral/27282NapthaDory_xl.JPG)

[rich morpurgo]

wow, the rescue minor looks like a great boat. I wonder about the saab 10 g in her though. a 450 lb 8 hp diesel. I don't know if it would plane.

I was thinking more in terms of a steam launch type, but maybe the topsides could be modified?

thanks for the suggestions.

rich

[JimD]

Paul Fisher has some nice steam launchs, some fitted with canopies and others that could easily take one. This 15 footer has draft given at 16" and has a 10hp yanmar:

http://www.selway-fisher.com/Felix15p1.jpghttp://www.selway-fisher.com/Felix15p2.jpg

Many other traditional looking launches along the same lines:

http://www.selway-fisher.com/GoldenBay26d1.gif

But extreme shallow draft will really limit you. http://www.selway-fisher.com/Steamup20.htm

[Capt Nat]

Sam Devlin's Godzilli design is being modified to accommodate one of my steam engines. We think it will draw about 16"-18"...
http://www.devlinboat.com/godzilli16.htm

[JimD]

Sam Devlin's Godzilli design is being modified to accommodate one of my steam engines. We think it will draw about 16"-18"...
http://www.devlinboat.com/godzilli16.htm

That little Godzilla has a really nice look to it. Even has a sleeping berth (for one) Bet it would make a lovely open boat.

http://www.devlinboat.com/images/godzilli.gif

Reminds me of Paul Fisher's chined plywood fantails



http://www.selway-fisher.com/Fannyp5.jpghttp://www.selway-fisher.com/Fannyp4.jpg

[Capt Nat]

Jim and Rich...a canopy is almost mandatory with steam power. I plan to build an electric "Godzilli" at some point.

Jim, is that Paul Fisher's "Rose"?

[JimD]

...
Jim, is that Paul Fisher's "Rose"?

.It's called Fanny. Similar to Rose but Rose is not fantailed and has a transom hung rudder.

Fanny

http://www.selway-fisher.com/fanny.gif












Rose

http://www.selway-fisher.com/Rosed1.gif

[Thorne]

The Jersey Skiff might do the trick. Lots of different plans for that basic design, some built to work with inboard engines. Draft can be under 12" on some...

http://www.sailing-new-england.com/jersey_beach_skiff.html

[JimD]

Capt Nat, another thing I like about Godzilla 16 is how shallow the draft is with the motor kicked up. A couple stubby bilge keels and it could easily sit high and dry on a falling tide.

[Capt Nat]

...a smaller version of this Core Sound drag-netter would look sharp on your lake Rich

http://towndock.net/img/3903.jpg

[Capt Nat]

Jim, I'll bet Sam runs his up onto the beach regularly!