Pond Cruiser

I have been asked to design and help build a boat for a friend. My professional experience has been in sea-going vessels only. Requirements:

Operates only on a pond; stored dry
Lapstrake, neo-classical appearance, figurehead on stem.
Seat 4 middle aged non-athletic adults (women in voluminous dresses)
Cruise speed 3 kts
Max speed 5 kts
Strongly prefer electric propulsion

Would also explore a design that seats 6.

Given the intended use, I'm thinking strong bilge chines and broad transom. Are there any plans already out there that might be a good starting point, or am I in completely new territory? Can this be done (reasonably well) in 16-18 ft LWL?

 

18-20' victorian punts or wherrys are what you describe, but you say you want electric propulsion. You will want to go look at the ELCO launches. www.elcomotoryachts.com.

 

Paul Gartside has a handful of steam launches that should be suitable:
http://www.gartsideboats.com/catsteam.php#steam132

As does Selway-Fisher:
http://www.selway-fisher.com/Steamup20.htm

Also Tad Roberts has a lovely electric launch available here:
http://www.tadroberts.ca/services/small-boats/tender-launch/electriclaunch15

A google search for "steam launch" will likely be helpful to you. Typically steam powered boats used very efficient hulls that convert easily to electric propulsion.

 

MatthewDS - Thanks for the pointers. The requirements set was all about slow and elegant, and I failed to consider the power levels of earlier days, and the boat styles thereby required.

Alan

 

Electric Cruiser

The easiest way to get a good electric cruiser is to buy a used fiberglass sailboat on e-bay, cut out the centerboard well, and glass in a propeller shaft. Sailboats with bad sails or a broken mast go for a song on e-bay, I bought mine, with trailer, for $108. Yahoo groups, electric boats, has a description about building an electric Javelin. I have been cruising with this boat for 5 years now, good for 4 adults, so something a little larger would be required for 6 passengers.