If you are about to undertake constructing wooden boats, the very first factor you want to decide would be the use of the boat. Perhaps a multipurpose boat is what you may need, by which case it would not be specifically made for any one particular function, but will perform nicely as a fishing boat, speed boat and recreational boat. Take into account, it will not perform as well as a wooden speed boat which is specifically made for that purpose alone.
Generally speaking, the method by which you employ to build a wooden speed boat won’t vary too much from other wooden boats you have built. Exactly where it will vary is within the design.
Understanding Planing Hulls
You’ll often hear the 0 ‘Deep V’ or ‘Moderate V’. These 0 fundamentally describe the degrees of the “V” at the transom. The 0 will not be interchangeable they are different hulls. A true ‘Deep V’ hull will have 20 to 24 degrees of V at the transom whilst a Moderate V hull is one with around 20 degrees of V at the transom. Some builders and designers will also include V hulls that are less than 20 degrees but greater than 16. Suffice to say that a hull with a V at the transom of 20 degrees or more can be safely labeled as being a deep V and probably should not be considered a long distance or cruising boat.
Virtually all planing wooden hulls are single chine configuration and many have ‘chine flats’ or ‘planing chines’ and sometimes ‘planing strakes’ that help with getting on to, and keeping the planing attitude. Most builders will concur that chine flats are desirable on all planing craft. However, intermediate planing strakes might not beneficial if your wooden speed boat won’t be traveling faster than 30 knots. Planing chines or flats, will start with a small flat close to the bow, which will gradually increase in width to the widest point just aft of amidship and will keep this width through the stern. The downward cant throughout its duration will establish the efficiency of the ‘chine flat’.
Deep V hulls perform properly at higher speeds in rough water. This performance tends to make them outstanding racing boats. While most deep V wooden speed boats are made to travel from about 30-35 knots, some more innovative speed boats can comfortably reach speeds as much as 50 knots.
Planing hulls, deep V hulls are really popular designs in the event you like to feel the speed and are ready to equip it with the engine that will facilitate the speed, at a high fuel cost I might add.
Should you be planning on operating your boat at lower speeds, you will not be pleased with the overall performance of a wooden boat with a deep V hull; the bow wave can be most unpleasant to the rider.
The most significant factor in planing hull efficiency is weight, specifically the amount of weight per square foot of hull bottom. Because of this a wooden speed boat’s cockpit will be quite scant as to not add weight. Although they are comfortable for the most part, the main function is to fulfill your need for speed, not luxury.
A perfect place to boat at higher speeds is Lake Coeur d’Alene. It is possible to take your wood boat from Spokane over to the lake and open it up with little restriction. However, touring far around the waterways will not be the most comfortable thing you have ever done.
For more information about owning a classic wooden speed boat, contact our Sales Center @ 866.525.3232 or via email pauln@hagadonemarine.com. For restoration services contact the Resort Boat Shop @ 208-667-5099 or via email eobrien@hagadonemarine.com. You can also visit us on the web @ www(dot)hagadonemarine(dot)com