Looking for 27' to 30' plywood epoxy powerboat that cruises 20 + knots

[Second Wind]

Hi folks, I live on Vancouver Island and distances on both sides are pretty substantial and thus the need for the 20 + knot cruise. I have a strong dislike for trailering so when we go, we go on our own bottom. Thus no 8'6" beam restriction. Boats I have looked at and admire include, Doug Hylan's/Ellery Brown's Bowler - Stretched, Tad Roberts' Berrypoint 26, Nexus Marine's Vashon 31, Siewerts Tombolo 28 and finally, Swallow Yachts Whisper 300.

Must haves include:

• epoxy ply construction
• outboard power
• 20 + knot cruise and faster is okay - no need for anything above 25
• must track well in a following sea to deal with the west coast rollers
• open and large cockpit, i.e. no Alaskan bulkhead
• hardtop for kayaks

Nice to have:

• beam that is 9'6" or greater
• east coast look - I used to be a deckhand on a downeast style boat
• galley up

My current boat, shown below, is a 22 foot Webber's Cove and with my first grandchild on the way, my needs are expanding - truly a great problem to have!

My thanks for any insights that are offered.

C83D840DA1BC4EA1834F52DAB045C1CE.jpg5F7FD56AAA444B9B9013529DB70D8882.jpg

[Edward Pearson]

Re: Looking for 27' to 30' plywood epoxy powerboat that cruises 20 + knots

Additional to your list the B&B Outer Banks 26 should be worth a look for you.

[Rigadog]

Re: Looking for 27' to 30' plywood epoxy powerboat that cruises 20 + knots

The new Commuter 325 under construction in our Florida shop–Plans available by special order



THE NEW COMMUTER 325 UNDER CONSTRUCTION


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[Edward Pearson]

Re: Looking for 27' to 30' plywood epoxy powerboat that cruises 20 + knots

The Bluejacket 28 (there's a range) should also be worth your perusal. They run efficiently with 60-90 hp. Future resale will increasingly require relatively lower running costs.

[DeeMac]

Re: Looking for 27' to 30' plywood epoxy powerboat that cruises 20 + knots

These are not traditional but otherwise might meet your criteria.

https://www.sailingcatamarans.com/index.php/designs-2/6-powercats

[Second Wind]

Re: Looking for 27' to 30' plywood epoxy powerboat that cruises 20 + knots

Edward, thanks for the tip - solid looking boat. Great build resources when I googled her. I like the bracket idea.

[Second Wind]

Re: Looking for 27' to 30' plywood epoxy powerboat that cruises 20 + knots

Rigadog, thank you - looks like an extremely efficient hull form.

[Second Wind]

Re: Looking for 27' to 30' plywood epoxy powerboat that cruises 20 + knots

DeeMac, that is an interesting take - I must confess that I have thought about a proa hull design similar to the Aspen production boats but I am not aware of any plans/designs for proas for wood epoxy construction.

[Kennneee]

Re: Looking for 27' to 30' plywood epoxy powerboat that cruises 20 + knots

Additional to your list the B&B Outer Banks 26 should be worth a look for you.

The above boat is Rosie, my OB26. This is our 4th season aboard and we couldn’t be more pleased. She is comfortable and efficient and I think, a beautiful looking design. There is a version under construction with a bracket and will have more horsepower than the 90hp we choose. We like to cruise around 16knots.

https://smallboatsmonthly.com/article/outer-banks-26/

Ken

[timo4352]

Re: Looking for 27' to 30' plywood epoxy powerboat that cruises 20 + knots

The Bluejacket or a big ass Bartender would turn me on.....
Question to be answered is how much money do you want to spend on gas...

[Second Wind]

Re: Looking for 27' to 30' plywood epoxy powerboat that cruises 20 + knots

Ken, many thanks and I see you live on Saltspring Island! Definitely on my short list and really appreciate the strong endorsement. Chris

[finkeel]

Re: Looking for 27' to 30' plywood epoxy powerboat that cruises 20 + knots

Lovely looking boat. In your opinion, would a 2' stretch in the aft cockpit area be possible? I have plans to build or buy in the next few years, this one fits my choices for a East Coast boat. I'm thinking a opening side door at the helm would also help.

Thanks
Rob