Woody Runabout phase 24 - Appraisal & Trials

Job done and time to reflect on my labours. One of the most satisfying projects undertaken to date for this hobby woodworker. Several river, Estuary and coastal trips at sea have now been taken to fully test this classic craft. Not exactly a copy of the true 1930 style below the waterline, since the spray rails and degree of rocker used is not akin to that era at all. Instead I have gotten the design to look very much like the true classic above the waterline and chosen the more modern and very much more seaworthy features found on modern day craft. There is quite a lot of rocker and a "V" section hull with pronounced spray rails to trap air under the hull and ride through waves, without porpoising or too much slamming, (subject to sensible choice of speed through choppy water).
Top speed with this Honda outboard is in excess of 20 mph (as measured by GPS). This speed was achieved on a slightly choppy sea run and is reckoned to be less than could be reached on calm water.
The turns are quite stable and flat with no tendency to trip or wallow. The rails afford considerable extra stability to the roll. 

Today a run from Totnes to Dittisham on the river Dart was enjoyed, taking two hours in all at no more than six knots - the most permitted speed here. The Honda is not too thirsty and only consumed five litres for this round trip.

The previous day I made round trip of 12 miles along the coast between Teignmouth and Dawlish Warren. The freshening breeze on the return leg gave rise to a choppy sea but no water was shipped and myself and co-driver stayed dry for most of the time.