Boson's Mate 23 by Bowdidge Marine Designs

Discussion in 'Boat Design' started by Green65, Nov 1, 2021.

  1. Green65
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    Green65 Junior Member

    Hi all, I am looking for information about the above boat, articles, performance numbers, plans. The company that designed this boat has not sold any plans for this boat for many years and is not willing to. Still, I am interested in information. Thanks in advance.
     
    Last edited: Nov 1, 2021
  2. Mr Efficiency
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    Mr Efficiency Senior Member

    You can't get plans for it anywhere ?
     
  3. bajansailor
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    bajansailor Marine Surveyor

  4. Green65
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    Green65 Junior Member

    I contacted the company twice. They will not sell plans for this boat. They said it didn't match their typical line of more modern boat plans and just didn't fit. It would not have mattered to me, but the answer was no.
    I also wonder what it would cost to have the basic design redrawn (if legal / ethical) from the information and basic line drawings that are still online. There seems to be enough information still out there.
     
  5. Mr Efficiency
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    Mr Efficiency Senior Member

    Have you tried Duckworks, as bajansailor suggests ? It was the first thing that came up in a Google search
     
  6. bajansailor
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    bajansailor Marine Surveyor

    It is rather strange - Duckworks say that plans are available, but I cannot find a link on their site for the actual set of plans.
     
  7. Green65
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    Green65 Junior Member


    I have been to that page often, but still do not see where those plans from almost 10 years ago are actually available. I could be wrong, and if so, please direct me to the right page.
     
  8. Green65
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    Green65 Junior Member


    Yes, that page, almost 10 years old seems to lead to nothing.
     
  9. Green65
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    Green65 Junior Member

    Maybe contacting Duckworks directly. I will try.
     
  10. Green65
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    Green65 Junior Member

    While waiting for a reply, my guess is that this boat , with it's shape and low HP will be a semi-planing design suitable for close coastal cruising at about the 15 knot speed, more or less. Probably stable with good load carrying ability if it is rated for 10 people. For the more experienced reading this, does that sound correct?
     
  11. Mr Efficiency
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    Mr Efficiency Senior Member

    It is a fairly rudimentary style of boat, is there anything similar in other plans provider's offerings ?
     
  12. Mr Efficiency
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    Mr Efficiency Senior Member

    It is a kind of semi-planing boat, better suited to sheltered water. It would be a pretty good load carrier and not need a lot of power. Is there something about the type of construction that draws you to it?
     
  13. Mr Efficiency
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    Mr Efficiency Senior Member

    Am I right in thinking they weren't full size plans ?
     
  14. Green65
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    Green65 Junior Member


    It does seem pretty basic doesn't it. I like the over all shape, similar to the FOA fisheries boats (Fishing boat designs: 2. V-bottom boats of planked and plywood construction (Rev.2) https://www.fao.org/3/y5649e/y5649e00.htm), but at least this is a semi-planing design it seems and therefore a little bit faster. The FAO boat design mentions up to 7 kts with an 8 hp engine. I would think semi-planing should be about twice that.
    I like the length and 7' width as it would eventually be used for boat camping around the great lakes and rivers of Michigan. I also like that it is a blank slate with plenty of room to add a (very) light weight and low sleeping cabin in the forward half.

    Ross Lillistone has designed 3 Brothers that is similar.
     
    Last edited: Nov 1, 2021

  15. Green65
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    Green65 Junior Member

    I was assuming that they were full size. "Plans for the Bosun's Mate 23 are extremely comprehensive, with 9 sheets (D size or 2ft by 3ft) of drawings, complete written specifications and builders manual."
     
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