It is called a pilot house cruiser and we can start building it this fall. It is 22' long and powered either by an IO Volvo Penta Diesel or a 90 hp outboard hidden in a well. There is another option too, something called a sail drive. I have ordered the plans so we can start making some modifications. The pilot house needs to be enlarged to accommodate a better galley as well as an enclosed head. Privey for you landlubbers. To keep us all from getting too much sun the pilot house roof will be extended aft and then an awning to keep us in the shade while cruising. Its range is more than 300 miles with a 50 gallon gas tank. That means some serious exploring on Lake Powell or at the Gorge. Certainly a charcoal grill we could hang over the side for cooking our catch of trout or bass would be required.
Dark Canyon is a destination in Lake Powell that is only reached with some difficulty by trail from above. Driving the Noyo King to to its mouth and throwing out the anchor and wading ashore to explore the springs, pools and water falls will be one of the first destinations. GPS, a sonar fish finder, an I Pod wired sound system, a small heater to take the chill of fall mornings on the water, a solar array to keep our batteries charged and a cooler stocked with Calistoga, what else do we need? How about a launch date of summer 2009?
I have seen several of these designs also carry a mast for a simple cat rig sail. With a breeze we could cut the engine and hoist the sail and drift along with the fishing lines over the side. Anyone want to bring along a good book too? Maybe a lounge chair on the foredeck for the first mate?
