Twin Keels
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Design by Chris Ostlind- Salt Lake City, Utah - USA

About a year and a half ago I drew-up this design as a serious, 17' microcruiser for coastal adventures.

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The boat carries twin bilge keels, self draining cockpit, room for two adults (though cozy in that regard) and has an integrated gunnel rail with self-draining holes that double as mounting points for gear.

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There's an anchor compartment forward and the outboard snugs into the aft lazzarette to keep the gas from the living quarters.

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click to enlarge

I'd seen plenty of this style of boat from used boat postings over in England and wanted to do something that was an update in terms of a style exercise, as well as intended use of build materials based on new technology in composites. I'd like to build the boat in foam sandwich with easily repaired glass for the laminate with selected applications of carbon for high stress locations, especially around the keel mounts and chain plates.

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click to enlarge

This should be a rugged little boat that can take the ground when it suits the owner as well as remaining trailerable for a mid-sized car. Some of the renderings above are for a very preliminary study I did to lengthen the cabin at the expense of the cockpit. Obviously, this version would be for solo sailor or a couple in which one did not mind sitting on the lee side underway. Of course, the same cabin size can be had without the sacrifice of cockpit space if I were to lengthen the hull to 19'.

Chris Ostlind
Lunada Design
Chris@Wedgesail.com

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