David Tyler wrote:
David T, (the other one, that is),
I've tried widening Siblim's transom, following your remarks, and I think it improves both the looks and the cockpit space. I just moved the topsides apart a little, without touching the underwater shape, so performance would be unchanged. Whether Annie will be inclined to go that way, I don't know, but I see no reason that she shouldn't.
What I can't do is to both decrease the displacement and increase the headroom. Indeed, if the displacement is decreased, then then headroom should actually be decreased, to sitting headroom, not standing headroom, on this size of vessel. You want a sport-boat, and as such, it ought to have a deep fin keel with a lead torpedo, sitting headroom, minimal accomodation, etc - all the antithesis of Annie's needs. I can see how you could put a mini-coachroof on Siblim as drawn, for headroom, but still at 3 tonnes displacement. If you then add a deep fin, for stability, you can then add a big high rig, to power the three tonnes displacement more than Annie needs to do.
Thank you for that. It would be interesting to see the modified modelling. I basically like very much the shape you have come up with. I have been studying some hull profiles for the more modern style down wind and reaching flyers. They all still have reasonably narrow sterns at the waterline. I would still like to see more waterline length, only because I have always thought that the longer the waterline the greater the speed potential of the boat. A deep fin and bulb would certainly add power and sail carrying ability but compromise the ability to get into shallow water anchorages. Maybe the answer for me would be to go with the basics of your design, add a bigger rig for lots of reaching and downwind power, because being a junk rig it is easy to get rid of sail quickly when needed. I have been looking at mini transat designs and other box rule boats which basically seem get their speed from light construction using high tech materials, which does not equate to the honest wood construction that Annie and I both favor, canting keels for forced stability, and big rigs. I don't want a canting keel or even a deep keel, way too complicated so I still like the idea of minimal draft with asymmetric dagger boards to add upwind capability. Every boat is a compromise.
In terms of extra headroom the only place that is required is where you need to stand to do things, so the galley and maybe the head. So a raised coach roof style set up at the aft end of the cabin which could form part of the companionway is probably all that is needed. In areas of the interior where all you are going to do is sit full headroom is not required.
I very much love Footprints and she is a great boat for family cruising, but the idea of a smaller lighter boat with lighter gear certainly appeals.