INTRODUCTION
Assuming that you do not wish to buy a new or second hand
launch, but wish to build your own, the main ways of getting a steam launch
hull are to buy one ready made or to build one from scratch. However that
simple classification hides a fair degree of complexity.
READY MADE LAUNCH HULLS
As steam plant does not provide very much power per kilogram
of weight, the modern vee bottom planing motor boat hulls, that are widely
available, do not make very good steam launches. What is required is a
displacement hull with a length to breadth ratio of around 4:1 or 5:1.
This form is still found in sailing boats, but often such hulls may not
be easily converted into steam launches. However, as the Steamboat Register
shows, it can be done.
A better solution is to acquire a ready made hull that was
designed for use as a motor boat with low powered machinery. Most often
these can be found as being "suitable for electric power". Three examples
are offered here, although others exist:
- The Affordable Steam Launch - This is a design that
has been commissioned by three SBA members, John King, Mike Bell and
Richard Havard. The hull has a transom stern and is 18ft 7" overall,
by 4ft 8" wide and should achieve an overall weight of 530kg with a
careful fitting out. Full details are available from John King (See
Members' Handbook).
- The Nell Class Launch - This is a counter stern
hull that is available for steam or electric propulsion.The hull is
19ft 5" long, by 5ft 9" wide. The suggested fit out weight is something
over 1,000kg. Full details are available at http://www.bossoms.com.
- The Frolic 18 Class Launch - This is a very popular
launch within the SBA. The hull has a counter stern and is 18ft long
by 4ft 8" wide. Full details are available at http://www.creativemarine.co.uk.
HULL DESIGNS FOR HOME BUILDING
There is a wide range of designs available for home building using traditional
methods, plywood or strip planking. Some suggestions to begin the search
need to include:
- Selway Fisher Designs in the UK- This organisation
has a good catalogue of steam launch designs as well as being willing
to customise them to better meet cusromer needs. For full details see:
http://www.selway-fisher.com.
- The Reliable Steam Engine Co in the USA - If you
fancy building Panatella, Will Hardy's classic design in Steam Boats
and Modern Steam Launches, you can buy a proper set of plans from this
firm. For details see: http://members.pioneer.net/~carlich/RSE/RSEhome.html.
- The Traditional Boat Shop at Y Felinheli, North Wales - This business offers complete steam launches, hulls, components and a small range of plans.
There are quite a lot of steam launches in the SBA from this source.
Full details at: http://www.traditionalboatshop.co.uk.
The suggestions made here are for information only and do not constitute
an endorsement by the SBA of any particular supplier or design. Caveat
Emptor still applies! |
