This was an earlier project, built to explore the potential for a cruising boat which would be economical to operate

Build date: 1976-78

Length: 47',  later modified to a transom stern with a gate and swim platform reducing the length to 38'. Made for much easier boarding.

Beam: 6'9"

Capacity: people 6-8 for a daysail was not crowded. two bunks forward

No galley or head. Outfitted as a day cruiser.

Power: Perkins 4-99 Diesel, converted from a truck refer unit, approx. 25 hp. A water cooled exhaust manifold was made from aluminum and a hot stack of stainless steel fitted. Cooling was by a keel cooler. The closed cooling system used antifreeze.  Transmission was an aluminum Powerglide with the torque converter and oil pumps removed. I built an aluminum bell  housing/adapter and new front cover. The low band and reverse clutch was  operated by a selector valve directing engine oil pressure to the trans. Bleed oil was returned to the engine via a hose from the trans pan to the engine pan.

Range: 90 gal. of Diesel in four aluminum tanks, 900 miles

Displacement: 6700 lbs.

Construction: Strip plank sandwich, two layers fiberglass mat each side.

Steel full length keel. Plywood decks and hardtop, fiberglassed.

Design by: L. Francis Herreshoff, Marblehead, MA Design was from 1951 for a launch for Wm. Strawbridge, who raced 6-meter sloops and wanted a  launch/tender. Later, Herreshoff bought the boat and donated it to the Harvard crew for a coaching launch. The original was called Piquant and was featured in the Feb., 1951, Rudder magazine. She had twin 37 hp gas engines and did 16 kts.

Characteristics: Double ender, economical to operate, 1 gphr/ 10 kts. Very low wake.

Where is it now? Last known location, on its trailer near Tulare, CA.

Questions or comments email me
Jim Rudholm

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