Powerboat for the Sailor
We have a reader looking to make the move from a sailboat to powerboat, but he’s hoping to maintain some sailboat character and the option to camp-cruise aboard. He mentioned hoping for a design that “would fit it reasonably well on a group cruise with sailboats.” He’s open to wooden boats and even to building something, but would much prefer to find something on the used market ready to go.
Marty’s column here covers the topic thoroughly and offers a bunch of good options, including Devlin’s Dipper, Tad Robert’s Pogy, and Ray Richards’ Ranger 18—among others.
The Glen-L Bo Jest has been popular as a character powerboat with cruising potential.
But how about more common production powerboats? Any that fit the bill? We were impressed with the C Dory 16 we reviewed, and columnist, John C. Harris makes a good case for the that design here.
At the first-ever Small Boat Festival we were able to checkout the intrguing new Haber 20 outboard cruiser, a Polish-built canal-barge style cruiser with amazing accommodations and many creative design solutions.
Perhaps readers have some additional suggestions? —Eds
I'd recommend looking at the Devlin design "Little Coot", an 18-foot motor-sailor. I thought of it immediately when reading the description of what the reader is looking for. devlinboat.com/litl-coot-18-bilge-keel/
One of the first built, if not THE first, was out with us on the 2022 Salish-100. Here's a picture: https://www.flickr.com/photos/old_salt7/52238249165/in/album-72177720300705096
And another picture: https://www.flickr.com/photos/old_salt7/52237758061/in/album-72177720300705096/
With Respect, Pete
Any of the C-Dory models are great small camp cruisers. The 16-footer, however, is probably too small; it has no enclosed sleeping area. But step up to the 22-footer and you get a fairly roomy V-berth, a dinette, and even an enclosed head in some models. They’re very sea-worthy and economical boats.
Another option that’s somewhat more rare are the boats made under the Nimble brand name. Very nice fiberglass trawler-style boats, usually with a 4-cyl. Yanmar inboard.