Seeking design and designer

I want to build a stable workboat that will be used on the Chesapeake Bay for a trot line crabbing operation. The boat will be single handed and must be both stable in varying conditions but also have ample workspace for lines, nets, baskets, etc. Most boats that I have seen operating are small deadrise boats, built locallyon Maryland's Eastern Shore. but I have been unable to locate plans for such a vessel anywhere. As far as a commercial comparison, Matthews Brothers builds the Robbins 29 workboat which is very popular with commercial crabbers on the Bay. Obviously I could simply buy the Robbins (if I could afford) but I really want to build the boat. I also think the 29 is bigger than I need. I am thinking something in the 24-25 foot range, 9-9.5 foot beam, perhaps a small trunk cabin or pilot house forward. Any assistance, comments, suggestions in finding plans, design help would be appreciated.

 

Wood, steel, aluminum or GRP?

 

Something like that?

 

Ranchi - boat to be built out of wood and fiberglass. For comparicon see ;http://www.mathewsboats.com/models/index.asp?Model=robbins29

 

Would you be interested in a plywood design?

 

I've built a Sam Devlin plywood/glass/epoxy boat - nice designs, geared towards the amateur builder. This one might be close to what you're looking for: http://www.devlinboat.com/dcseachaser.htm

 

Deering, this is looking very promising. How long did it take you to build? What power did you use? Do you think it is stable enough to be an efficient, safe working platform? Appreciate the information.

 

Well, I didn't build the seachaser model, but it seemed closest to your specs. What I built was a 16' skiff (the Snowgoose). Three of us worked on it. From start to finish we spent under 200 manhours total. I'd estimate (but probably be wrong) that the seachaser would take about double that.

 

Thanks. I will look further into the sea chaser -sounds like it may work.