Hickman style hull any good for low powered outboard Houseboat?

[Stofferaus]

Most probably a silly question but would a Hickman style hull be any good for a low powered say 15-25 hp outboard Houseboat hull say 30 x 10 ft with a 8 ft long open deck up front? What to get a better hull to handle small chop. Thanks

 

[DogCavalry]

Well, take a look at mine over in Sea Sled Madness. It's a 26 by 10 houseboat, with an 8' deck forward. But I mean to have a little more power. What is your expected loaded weight.

Btw, yes, a great hull form.

 

[Stofferaus]

Yes I’ve been binging all week up to page 27 of your Madness forum enjoying it very much. I want a total build weight plus motor etc just under 2500 kg as that’s my current Hilux dual cab tow limit, as for payload at least another 1500 kg if possible. Thinking aluminium hull and fibreglassed foam panel superstructure. Would use ply if possible on aluminium frame.

 

[Mr Efficiency]

You want a displacement-type of hull for a houseboat with a 15-25 hp outboard, not a sea sled. It's a planing boat.

 

[DogCavalry]

Well, it'll certainly move around, but at that power to weight ratio, it won't plane. On the other hand, for a sled hull of those dimensions, that is a very light payload.

 

[Mr Efficiency]

15-25hp is not much for anything with the windage of a houseboat, he doesn't need the substantial drag of a submerged transom.

 

[DogCavalry]

No. But his sor included load carrying capacity, and resistance to chop. I'd put on a pair of 50's and get on the plane. His fuel consumption won't be great.

 

[Stofferaus]

Hi All,
Speed is not that important, trail ability is, what about twin hulls sealed each ends with middle sections for water, grey water tanks. Compost toilet. 800 x 800 mm aluminium ?

 

[Mr Efficiency]

Where are you planning to use it ?

 

[Stofferaus]

Hi Mr E,
I’m in North Queensland and when weathers good, close islands are achievable, Snapper off Daintree, Fitzroy off Cairns, Franklins off Russsell River. Plus just being able to cruise up local rivers and able to travel south to the mighty Murry. Just needs some height above water or railings up north due to the big lizards.

 

[Mr Efficiency]

Well aware of your crocodile concerns, I even sent Bob Katter an e-mail the other day ! Well, it sounds as if you do need a pontoon style boat, what is your tow limit ?

 

[Stofferaus]

2500kg just don't want to upgrade yet.

 

[Mr Efficiency]

You might be able to get it up to 24 feet and stay within that limit. Anything less will be getting a bit small anyway.

 

[Stofferaus]

Sounds like I need to do more work on weights and displacement, thanks for your help. At least I’ve eliminated a sea sled hull, I just definitely don’t want a barge hull.

 

[Mr Efficiency]

Pontoons probably the way to go.