New and full of questions

[Dutch Boy]

Hello Everyone

Let me start by saying, this place is a cache of information, insperation, and ideas; and a credit to all that post here.

Now on to the boats...

I am getting ready to build my first boat, ambisious as it might seem I would like this to be in the 30' to 38' range; I will have a practiced builder helping out once he is done with his project and relocates to BC. I am not with out the $$$ to toss at this but it is not unlimited and will be a project lenght of 2 or more years.

The first thing I wish to locate is a resource that explains in detail the language of hull design. Terms such as "power of X forward & aft", "forward & aft S shape" et-al. The concepts seem clear enough but some math or pratical tutorial covering them would be welcome. I'm not big on working off of assumed understanding when it comes to anything and would like to understand all of the factors involved in a sound design.

I have fallen head over heals for the Carolina style of hull and think it would be a stellar performer here on the west coast of Canada. In particular the design of the Shearline 43 walk around has cuaght my eye, which leads me to these questions.

Is there a plan available for a walk around carolina that is similar to the Shearline vessel? I have seen a few smaller craft in this design but nothing approaching the size I wish to build, see the attachment. What would be the pitfalls of (if any), enlarging a design based on a 22' open version to 30' or more and incorporating a cabin?

What power requirments will a boat of this size (30' to 38'), hull shape, and displacment (est - 15,000 to 20,000 lbs) demand? I'm immidiatly thinking big diesels in the 400hp plus range; would torque be the main consideration? High power gas is not beyond my talent as a mechanic but would gas be suited to this type of boat?

Would also like to know if a surface drive (looking at Seafury units), would lend itself to this type of boat. I would like to have a vessel that is capable of shallow (somewhat) water navigation.

Please no "build a small boat first" responses, while I realize the merits of the advise I never start small on anything.

[lprimina]

There are designs covering all sizes from 20 ft to 70 ft. there are people that will design the boat for you but you have to tell them what specs you want. I agree with you on building the size you want first.. That way if you mess it up bad enough the second one or third one will be perfect.

[Dutch Boy]

In a nutshell I'm after...

• Walk around cabin
• Trailerable if needed
• Shallow water capable, 3 to 4 feet
• Full head
• Full galley
• Higher end in terms of crusing speed
• Carolina hull styling

Come to think of it... what I'm after is a slightly smaller version of the Shearline as a DIY. The sticker shock on one of these as an original would probably kill me, I naturally assumed the cost of a custom design based on it would have a similar effect.

I hope my post didn't come off as arrogant in terms "doing it all", as I said I will be assisted by an uncle with many builds under his belt. However he is in holland and I do not speak dutch so until he gets here... I'm looking to cram as much knowledge on the topic into my head as I can.

I would never presume to think that I could design and build a boat on the first try without help, but I don't think additions to a plan are out of the question for a determined novice.

P.S. I'm really hoping to not have anything messed up...

[lprimina]

Does your uncle know how to build a cold mold boat? Or do you know how?
There is a man I know who would design the boat for you from 3 to $4000.00.
This includes the specs and drawings.And there are guys on this forum who could design the boat for you too. but you will have to know how to build the stations from the scamatics. Or you could get someone to build just the hull for you and you do the rest.

Give Dave Sintes a call in New Orleans. He has several Carolina hull designs available. He can provide the frame kits. You could ask him to design a tunnel for you boat. His Phone number is 504-288-4814. I have been considering a similar boat (smaller). Some of his boats can be seen at www.newtonboats.com