Messing about in boats since 1975. Online Since 1997.
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The 18' Tug-Launch
'Pumpkin Seed'
Perspective Aft | Perspective Forward | Perspective Above Side
Copyright 2015 Michael Kasten
General Concept
Styled after the 25' Boojum, the idea behind the 18' Pumpkin Seed was to create a trailerable pocket "tug-launch" for harbor cruising, inshore travel, or coastwise cruising. At 18 feet overall length, Pumpkin Seed is the smallest sister of the Boojum series... which are already very darn small..!
While the Boojum series of designs are intended for passagemaking, and have both the heft and fuel capacity to make the passage to Hawaii, the intent of the 18' Pumpkin Seed is to have a highly trailerable, fully powered motor launch, with sleeping for two and the basic amenities for comfortable camping on the water... Best though is that whilst on the trailer, it is still an excellent camper..!
Particulars are:
- 18' LOA
- 16' DWL
- 7'-6" Beam
- 2'-6" Draft.
- 5,200# Displacement
Hull , deck and house construction are aluminum. At 500 lb per inch of immersion, there is sufficient capacity for carrying two adventurers, plus ample stores and fuel. The engine need not be more than around 10 hp. Several engine candidates come to mind...
Hull Form
As with the larger boats in the Boojum series, the hull is designed after that of a working tug in order to get the largest carrying capacity within the smallest overall length. Beam has been limited to 7' 6" to allow trailering without being a "wide load" and without requiring a permit throughout the USA. The house is intentionally kept as low as possible to provide minimum windage, and to permit easy trailering on the US freeway system.
Layout
The layout includes a low cabin forward, with a flush deck for added space below; and an open cockpit aft. With a large sliding hatch over the galley, there is standing headroom to be had with essentially unlimited headroom. A soft dodger can be arranged for protection from wind and weather, and would allow the companionway to remain open in nearly all weathers.
The forward end of the cabin can be arranged with settee berths and table in between, or as a large double berth. The galley will be located aft of that to one side, and will include a small stove and a sink with manual water pump. A refrigerator or ice box can be located under the forward berth / settee. Opposite the galley is intended to be a reading chair / short settee with bucket head below it. Simple...!
Can there be a more ideal extra small motor launch for trailering and coastwise cruising? I think not!!
Click for Larger ImagePerspective Aft | Perspective Forward | Perspective Above Side
Similar Designs and Prototypes in this Tug / Trawler Yacht Series
Tug Types
Boojum 22 | Boojum 25 | Boojum 30
Terrier 32 | Talisker 32 | Nidaros 38
Trawler Types
Sweet Okole 30 | Buster 30 | Boojum 43
Roberta 43 | Roberta Jean 43 | Roberta Jean 47
Far Horizon 40 | Far Horizon 43 | Far Horizon 46 | Far Horizon 50 | Far Horizon 54
Direct Quote from an aluminum boat owner... As an owner since 5 years of an aluminum boat I could not agree more with your preference for this material. She is a great boat and requires very little in the way of maintenance. I do a lot more reef snorkeling than the paint, polish, varnish and wax guys!
--Peter Kminek
Please see the AVAILABLE BOAT PLANS web page.
Home | Intro | Our Design Process | Stock Design Info | Motor Yacht Designs | Sailing Yacht Designs | Prototype Designs
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