| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
| LOA | 5.765 m | 18'11" |
| LWL | 5.385 m | 17'8" |
| Beam | 2.020 m | 6'7½" |
| Draught, board up | 0.300 m | 0'11¾" |
| Draught, board down | 1.320 m | 4'4" |
| Displacement on dwl | 823 kg | 1814 lbs |
| Ballast (inc centreboard) | 260 kg | 573 lbs |
| Main area | 12.618m² | 135.82ft² |
| Genoa area | 7.427m² | 79.94ft² |
| Headroom | 1.415 m | 4'7¾" |
| Outboard (in well) | 4.5-7.5 kw | 6-10 hp |
| EU Category C - Inshore | ||
Design No. 074 – 5.765m (18'11") 2-berth sloop
However various builders requested plans for an extended coachroof and a more extensive accommodation. Over time, we have made quite a few modifications to suit these requirements, to the point where there were so many variations that it became difficult to issue a coherent set of plans, let alone make them available on the web for download.
Other changes were to comply with new regulations as they came along – the principal one of these was to raise the cockpit sole and make it watertight and self-draining. With the new cockpit arrangement, the coamings were angled out to make the seats more comfortable. We have also added internal ballast to improve stability and an optional outboard well, rather than hanging an outboard on a bracket on the transom.
We have now brought the various changes together and updated the plans so as to be more coherent and more in line with builders’ requirements, whilst retaining the ease of launching and excellent sailing performance. Instructions for a cold-moulded hull skin are also included.
The updated plans still feature ply frames, as several builders have made it clear that this is their preference. But we have also added alternative laminated frames so builders can choose either method. There are fewer laminated frames and the interior is more easily changed if wished; and the mast frame has no mast post so that the twin vee-berths can be converted to a double if required. In fact, if a builder wished, the boat could be built on the original ply frames, with just the mast frame laminated – for some builders the best of both worlds!
A full set of CNC cutting files is also available for this design, including CNC cut single-layer ply frames, the lapstrake planks, decking and coachroofs, together with the plywood parts for the centrecase, interior furniture, cockpit structures and so on.
Accommodation is, as mentioned above, two full length comfortable berths forward, which with the laminated mast frame can be a double if wished. There is good stowage beneath the berths, accessed by lifting the mattress. Aft of the berths, to port, there is quite a civilized little galley with space for a sink and cook stove, with lockers beneath. Aft of the galley unit there is a decent locker under the bridgedeck.
To starboard, aft of the berths, we have a dresser unit with stowage; and then aft of that a full height locker. The area under the bridgedeck can be a wet locker as shown. The marine toilet sits immediately below the hatch, with a lid over it, forming a step down.
The self-draining cockpit remains, as befits a day boat, spacious and wide. The seat fronts are set well back under the seat tops, which gives really good foot-room in the cockpit while providing comfortable wide seats. The downside of this arrangement is that the space outboard of the seat fronts is not easily accessible for stowage; indeed it can be left as two watertight compartments to provide flotation should the cockpit be flooded. Other cockpit options can be considered of course, one of which could be a conventional parallel well (say 610mm - 24" wide) and variable width seats, which would be quite a bit wider forward and slightly narrower at the aft end.
With the outboard well, the major structural change is to add a skeg which slots through the hog and provides location for the lower rudder hangings. The rudder design is a little different and the lifting blade is smaller. The outboard well structures, particularly the sides, take the place (structurally) of the removed section of the backbone.
The detailed and accurate plans together with true step-by-step building instructions carry builders, professional and non-professional alike, through the building process simply and easily. And for larger boats particularly, they allow a managed build to be carried out very successfully. Plans are fully dimensioned; no scaling or lofting is required. The plans and instructions are practical, clear and detailed, containing everything required to build and complete the vessel. More plan info …
Click here to look at the free study plans, including the updated layout, outboard skeg arrangements, sample instructions and specification for this design, plus a full list of the plans and instructions that come with the design package.