Wednesday 29 December 2010

Liz in Massachusetts

I had a bit of a double-take when this picture slipped into my in-tray from Jim Brousseau, longstanding friend of this blog. I thought it was the same design as a boat currently under construction in which I have a personal interest.
But it turned out to be completely different. Jim explains:
Chris,
About two and a half year ago I bought a Ken Bassett designed boat, the Liz. Around 18' by 36", 90 lbs. I put the Piantedosi row-wing in it and I love it. But the boat was designed and built as a fixed-seat rower. The thwart is removable. I can use it as a fixed-seat boat but much prefer the sliding seat row-wing. Why throw my legs overboard?
Anyway, I have a real two-for-one boat. First time I used it with the slider, it just went so smoothly I said to myself, this thing glides. Hence the name of my boat "Glide".
I now notice with "Glide" that I seem to be pulling a stern wave. Is this good or bad, is my weight distribution wrong? I felt that if I went fast enough I would put up a rooster tail. Never had any of this with my 15'6" dory. What do you think?
Take care,
Jim Brousseau
Westport, Massachusetts

One odd thing: I pull a slight 'rooster tail' in my 15ft sliding seat skiff Snarleyow (the boat pictured on the blog masthead). However, it is only visible on the return, when I am shifting my admittedly substantial weight towards the stern causing it to dip the triangular transom in the water. Being three feet longer, Glide should not hobbyhorse so much but she will a bit.
You feel that 'if you went fast enough you would put up a rooster tail'. Well, because the boat is longer you are going faster. Perhaps that is the reason.
I am particularly interested in this question because a boat of very similar dimensions is currently under construction and I am looking forward to rowing her a lot. Here's a sneak preview >>>------>

3 comments:

Bursledon Blogger said...

Ken Bassett's Liz is one of my favourite designs - on my list of "boats to build next".

My current Gato Negro also pulls a slight "rooster tail" when I'm at "speed" - I thought it was bad design on my part, having made the run both curved and possibly too steep to try and emulate a Whitehall type stern as close as I could with a three plank chine. From what I'm reading it's a more common problem which needs some more research - if you're in Hamble for new years day row could make some comparisons.

Chris Partridge said...

Hi Max, I might well come along to the New Year's Day row at the Hamble, but won't be bringing Snarleyow sadly (logistical reasons). We can discuss the theory over a pint (or two).

peterson said...

Howdy-

I am very interested in any and all information you'd care to share about this beautiful boat-
1st, on the link to Wooden Boat Mag / plans given, she is listed at 125 lbs, while you give yours at 90 lbs...?
2nd, how does she row in rough, open waters?

I currently row a CLC chester yawl, which at 15' and 100 lbs is beginning to feel slow to me.

Thanks for any and all info-

cheers & happy new year
peter