The Next Dreamboat: Part IV

(Still More Options as We Edge Into the Off-Season…)

Quick Review: Back in October we launched what accidentally became a string of columns on our search for a trailerable camp-cruising powerboat—something we’d either build from scratch, restore or buy and enjoy as-is…probably starting a year from now when we’re finished with current projects.

The goal is to find a fuel-efficient, comfy, slower-speed motorboat design that comes in at slightly less than 3,000 pounds total towing weight, so that we can continue enjoying our 2004 Toyota Tacoma and avoid an oversized, overpriced tow vehicle.

Before unveiling some newfound candidates, we need to say we’re still smitten by Sam Devlin’s Dipper 19, or the slightly stretched and newer Dipper 20 option. While we were originally hoping to get by with a High Thrust 9.9hp Yamaha for power, sensible power for the Dipper would probably be a High Thrust 25hp, since it would get to our desired cruising speed of 5-6 knots at a far lower rpm than the 9.9…achieving excellent fuel economy and making less noise than the wide-open smaller outboard.

This is a handsome Dipper 19 built in British Columbia—a strong candidate in our search for a camp-cruising powerboat. The Devlin design features a pilothouse with comfortable seats for skipper and mate, along with a small galley counter, generous berth and porta-potty down below in the cuddy cabin. Most Dipper 19 or Dipper 20 builders would want an outboard in the 60 to 90-hp range for higher-speed cruising, but we’d be happy with something like a High Thrust 25hp…able to drive the hull to 10 or 12 knots when needed to push through headwinds or adverse currents, but quiet and fuel efficient at our all-day cruising speed of 5-6 knots.

So, one of our regular readers suggested another idea: Why not take a look at the tempting Outer Banks 20 designed by Graham Byrnes of B & B Yacht Designs, available in kit form and with a total trailer weight of just under 2,000 pounds, including a 25hp outboard motor. (With a four-stroke 25, the Outer Banks 20 cruises easily at 15mph, and tops out wide open at 20…so as with the Dipper 19/20, an outboard in the 25hp range would hardly be working at our all-day cruising goal of 5-6 knots.