Basic Q: Tiny single berth dive boat - what hull type?

[gasket]

Hello everyone.

After completing a 3-year rebuild of a classic truck I'm choosing a small boat for my next project.

My initial plan was to build one from scratch from ali or steel using plans from Bruce Roberts or the like. I was about to buy my first set of plans when a friend explained that I was bonkers given the relatively low cost of unloved boats available online.

So I'm aiming to pick up a little boat and refit it to suit my needs - depending on condition it could be a refurbish and service or a full strip-back to a bare hull.

But despite weeks of research I'm stuck at the first hurdle: what basic design would suit me? So I thought I'd ask here.

• I want the boat to be as small as possible - both for storage and economy. Ideally one that will fit in a large garage on its trailer (I've previously had a LWB Land Rover in there so its a good size)
• I'd like space to be able to refit it to include a single berth and basic cooking/washing facilities (folded away in the cabin space) - even if this means extending the cuddy into a closed cabin/wheelhouse
• The boat will be primarily a dive boat for two day-passengers (me being one of them)
• I'll eventually be keeping it on a trailer in Malta and will drop it into the water for a month at a time - I'd like to spend most nights sleeping on board.
• I'd like somewhere appreaching 30kt top speed with a comfortable/econimical cruising speed in the high teens.
• And here's the big one: she needs to be able to handle a bit of weather. I'd like to be able use it on the West Coast of Scotland, for crossing the Channel and ideally a careful crossing to Holland

I did my training on a big, ridiculously powerful, RIB and thereafter used a big, open 22' powerboat - neither of which were mine so I'm a bit lost when it comes to slower, all weather smaller boats.

I adore the little Warriors and think that if I got an older one boat of this style I could alter the cuddy to become a small, enclosed cabin. But am I dreaming - will such a small boat be up to the weather? Is there a name for this style of boat ('fast fisher' is one I've seen).

Really appreciate your patience and responses.

 

[rustybarge]

Hello everyone.

After completing a 3-year rebuild of a classic truck I'm choosing a small boat for my next project.

My initial plan was to build one from scratch from ali or steel using plans from Bruce Roberts or the like. I was about to buy my first set of plans when a friend explained that I was bonkers given the relatively low cost of unloved boats available online.

So I'm aiming to pick up a little boat and refit it to suit my needs - depending on condition it could be a refurbish and service or a full strip-back to a bare hull.

But despite weeks of research I'm stuck at the first hurdle: what basic design would suit me? So I thought I'd ask here.

• I want the boat to be as small as possible - both for storage and economy. Ideally one that will fit in a large garage on its trailer (I've previously had a LWB Land Rover in there so its a good size)
• I'd like space to be able to refit it to include a single berth and basic cooking/washing facilities (folded away in the cabin space) - even if this means extending the cuddy into a closed cabin/wheelhouse
• The boat will be primarily a dive boat for two day-passengers (me being one of them)
• I'll eventually be keeping it on a trailer in Malta and will drop it into the water for a month at a time - I'd like to spend most nights sleeping on board.
• I'd like somewhere appreaching 30kt top speed with a comfortable/econimical cruising speed in the high teens.
• And here's the big one: she needs to be able to handle a bit of weather. I'd like to be able use it on the West Coast of Scotland, for crossing the Channel and ideally a careful crossing to Holland

I did my training on a big, ridiculously powerful, RIB and thereafter used a big, open 22' powerboat - neither of which were mine so I'm a bit lost when it comes to slower, all weather smaller boats.

I adore the little Warriors and think that if I got an older one boat of this style I could alter the cuddy to become a small, enclosed cabin. But am I dreaming - will such a small boat be up to the weather? Is there a name for this style of boat ('fast fisher' is one I've seen).

Really appreciate your patience and responses.

A member of this forum is selling this project due to family health problems; stripped ready for rebuild.

seems to fit your criteria too: http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?377221-Winter-project-Relcraft-23-f-b

 

[BartW]

Hi there,

I started my boating career with some of the same desires, (but not a project as such)
on top of your list, I preferred inboard instead of outboard engines,

Our first (real) boat was a Faeton 630 sport (sport fisher model)
after 3 years intense using her in Holland, Belgium and Croatia, we wanted the same but bigger,
I purchases a Faeton 730,
one year later I discovered a similar model, but available with mid cabin,, and twin diesel enigine:
a Karnic 2660 (which I still have)
we have been trailering that boat all over Europe, UK, Schotland, SOF(x3), Croatia (x3) , ....
and still use her for diving in south holland;

good luck with your search !