Power boat for commuting around the VI

Hello,

I have been a sailor my whole life and rather purist until about 3 years ago when I move to the BVI. Now living here small motorboats have become a key part of our lifestyle and I have had the chance to use quite a few brands from a custom 29' epoxy cat with twin 50's to a proline 250 with twin 175s (never again!) and probably my favourite a Avon RIB 5.4m as well as many boats in between. I spent last weekend using a Panga 27' with a 140 (violent slamming at speed in chop).

I currently own a few boats, but one in particular is ready for the axe - a 17' RIB from Poland but this will leave me with a 90hp outboard and all the other gear such as steering, etc - I want to build or buy a hull to fit this too but I need advise.

The waters here are generally pretty choppy 2-6' wind driven chop form Tradewinds that blow year round. The avon has been an awesome boat for this able to proceed at speed of 25kts into anything I have seen short of hurricane conditions (so here that means up to 30kts which is normal) yet and she always seems to land nice and soft, settling back in from 'air' jumps off waves without violence. Other boats like the Panga, the Camel 22 RIB, and my 17' boat seem to slam quite badly. The proline rode nice but used WAY too much fuel. The cat did alright but again didn't like the bigger waves and is a bit to pricey, to large, for my needs.

My primary need is to use this boat to carry an optimist dinghy or two from tortola to st thomas and back two weekends a month for my son's race training. Secondary is to get around the islands for the purpose of meeting clients on surrounding islands. I am intrigued by boats like the sea skiff (simmons) the bartender and the panga - but I need a hull that will travel at 20+ kts into serious chop, that can carry on Opti onboard, and 2-3 people, and use a modest outboard of 60-90hp to conserve fuel.

I am thinking of something about 20-22' long with a centerconsole/saddle seat that might slide fore'n'aft to accommodate the Opti behind (or two double stacked) it when needed, but then slide back to provide a balanced ride when no Opti onboard....

I would like this boat very simply constructed of plywood and epoxy/glass or of course something already existing that I can find and modify would be fine too.


suggestions as to designs that can handle this weather and use?

Thanks for the input!

 

http://www.atkinboatplans.com/Utilities/AbleMabel.html

I wonder if this sort would work. Designed by a name I certainly respect, and proposed for heavy work... aft cockpit is big enough for Opti's....


but cost may be too high, would it work with outboard? other suggestions please!

 

Seems to me like you already had the boat that would best meet your needs. A RIB is ideal for use around kids sailing about in opti's (I do exactly the same). You can strap the opti down in front of the centre console - the tubes being ideal as they prevent either boat from getting damaged. They will carry heavy loads and so long as the design is right (deep-vee, largish diameter tubes etc) they are reasonably dry riding and comfortable....

 

Contact me via pm with an email address.

I have a design for a modern 22' ply/epoxy/glass outboard powered centre console that may suit you. Does 33 knots with 140hp so 20+ with a 90 is possible. 2-6' chop not a problem.

abcdefg

 

Be careful. No name No location and personal details evasive.

 

Frosty,
Thanks for the warning, but I'm big enough to look after myself. His name is Brian Duff and he's from the BVI btw.


Unless you were talking about me.. in which case I reserve the right to remain anonymous on this forum.


Brian,
This is a legit offer for a proven design I developed. If you like the boat I have on offer, and I cannot convince you I am legit then feel free to walk away with your money.

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