Originally Posted by
Malcolm Schweizer
It is technically a planing hull, so in theory it could exceed waterline hull speed. She is around 18' at the waterline, so rad18 x 1.34 = 5.7 knot hull speed. The bottom is a flat football shape and the first strake fairly flared. I have seen videos of one really scooting along.
[snip] It is plenty for a backup. This boat is only 800 pounds and should sail well in light airs with all that overhanging sail[snip]. .
And now the challenge will be to make your weight. Takes careful building and good discipline to avoid adding a couple of pounds here and a couple there. Got a way to weigh it when you're ready to launch? That will make this thread all the more interesting as we all kibitz and, of course, tell you all the things you've done wrong (after the epoxy has cured).
And I agree, you'll be a lot faster under sail except in a flat calm. Unless you want to go dead up-wind; just remember, gentlemen don't sail to windward.
Edit: You may see a flat calm in St. Thomas before the end of the present century. Or perhaps not.
Last edited by James Waldron; 08-14-2018 at 9:43 AM.
Fair winds and following seas,
Jim Waldron