Fast Launch 26 questions for Jacques

[Jeff]

This question arrived overnight last evening via email: Hello,I have 3 questions about this design: what exactly is “good weather” for this boat? What exactly is “bad weather” for this boat (according to my readings in the forum this boat is not capable of bad weather”? Can this design be stretched?
This is the boat For me , I would like to cruise in the waters around Miami,the keys and if weather permit go to Bimini for a couple of days. Thanks a lot for your time. Miami Fl
“The program of the Fast Launch 26 was an easy to build, economical, classic looking, semi-displacement commuter style boat. Easy to build with her flat bottom, classic looks with the Sparkman-Stephens Escort look, offshore capable in "good weather" thanks to her size, generous flare, good sized skeg and inboard diesel. Her hull lines are well balanced and she will perform well in a wide range of speeds from economical displacement speed (7mph) to semi-planing at 18 mph with the 50 HP engine option. Moderate stern volume and fine entry combined with a good size skeg will keep her on track in (bad weather). The fine well immersed bow will reduce pounding and the generous flare in the topsides not only looks good but add reserve buoyancy. Draft is a moderate 22″ with a well protected propeller. Shaft and prop will not suffer from occasional grounding.” Jeff

[jacquesmm]

If the FL26 was my boat, I would go anywhere you describe in complete confidence except for the crossing to Bimini.
I would cross to Bimini only in very good weather with a forecast that would allow me to come back in the same good weather.
Good weather will be wind below 15 kn and seas 2' or less with a long period like 8 seconds.
It is the flat botttom that limits the capability of the boat: she will slam in waves with a short period. A secondary limitations is the volume of the very large cockpit but the slamming will warn the skipper well before the waves become a problem.

[Browndog]

The Fast Launch 26 is an attractive boat.

Depending on your priorities a few other boats that might be considered that also possess some style are the Panga 25 with cabin, the Lobster Boat 26 and the Trawler 28.

Good luck with your project.

[OneWayTraffic]

Since I am neither a designer or an owner of that boat I will only speak to the large cockpit: You can build side lockers/seats or buy/build buoyancy bags to reduce the size of any cockpit. I built a pair of bags from material I bought from a DIY packraft guy in Canada for my little D5. I strap mine on the outside so I can stand up while fishing with more confidence, and with the boys on board. They have about 100L each (about 3.5 cubic feet). I plan to have them on board my C17 with tiedown points inside the cockpit, though they would only come out in bad weather. Worth considering for peace of mind.

[Raky0311]

Years ago the designer recommended a Perkins 4108 with a down angle transmission,if I want to buy new which model and brand do I need to look for(transmission)?,I’m just calculating project cost.

[jacquesmm]

That Perkins was available at the time of the design. I would look for a 4 cylinder around 40 HP, Yanmar or Beta Marine. I like the Beta better, it is based on a Kubota block, very reliable and less expensive than the Yanmar.

[Raky0311]

Thanks jacques!

[Matt Gent]

I've done 3 crossings to the Bahamas in the DE25, and 2 of 3 we got rocked on the way back. The afternoon storms kick up wind-driven chop that is brutal in a light / shallow V hull: 2-4 at a period of like 3 seconds. The DE pounds like crazy and I imagine an FL would be worse.

It was uncomfortable, but not unsafe: barely took any water into the boat at all. I would have waited but we were in an area where we couldn't communicate out, and family had a float plan. Now I have a satellite communication (texting) device. If I had that I would have waited a day or two more.

That said, there are enough flat days in summer that it is totally feasible to cross in just about any boat. People do it in jet skis and 13' whalers. Just don't get yourself tied to a schedule to get back. Wind forecasting isn't perfect but its pretty amazing these days.

In an FL26 you are looking at 3-5hrs to Bimini, or 6-8hrs to West End. That makes it harder to skirt around storms than in a faster boat. It took us the better part of 12hrs straight into the steep chop from Double Breasted to WPB, and it was not enjoyable.

[Raky0311]

Another question for Jacques about this design, one strong point in this design for me is the swim platform ,can I build the FL26 with an outboard enclosed in a well?,lets say in the 50hp or 60 hp range:
how the predicted numbers:speed,range,handling,will look in this configuration?
which engine can be a good candidate?
how long would be the shaft?
what changes need to be made for weight and balance?
do yo have plans options for this version?
sorry for a lot of question and excuse my poor redaction

[Raky0311]

don't need a answer for that,I dig more into the forum and found all there, now I have a better understanding of this design, thanks for all comments