More on the Centreboard Shape Issue

I've been working on the possibility of producing an altered internal layout for both Phoenix III and First Mate, but as always seems to be the case with designs, it is better to go with an entirely different boat, with the desired element designed-in from the start.

Before the flood did its job on us, I had been working privately on a new design for my own use. She was to be the same size as Phoenix III and First Mate but was to be slightly higher in freeboard, have a rectangular centreboard to allow a forward rowing station in addition to the midships thwart, and to be of a shape which is suitable for both glued-lapstrake and strip-planking. The rigs from the original two boats would work, but I wanted to use an un-stayed gaff-headed cat with a small (optional) jib set flying.

This hull shape has less bearing aft than the other two, so it won't be necessary to pay lots of attention to sailing her flat - she should balance quite well at significant angles of heel. In fairness, Phoenix III is pretty good in this regard anyway.

Work was interupted by the floods, but here is a rough drawing for the sake of interest.

The boat is shown with a vertical transom in the drawing, and with five planks of lapstrake or batten-seam (or stitch-and-glue) planking. The final design (if ever finished) might well have a raked transon - say 10 degrees - and would also has a set of lines showing a completely round hull for those who may wish to build strip-planked, cold-moulded, or lapstrake with a larger number of planks. The cut-away forefoot is to make planking with wide strakes easier.

Dimensions to the inside of the planking are 4610mm/15'1-1/2" length x 1373mm/4'6" breadth and a total of 104 sq.ft of sail including the flying jib.