ON THE DRAWING BOARD
Wanchese Boat Builders has started construction of its third hull, a 55-footer powered by a pair of DDC/MTU 12V2000 motors and carrying a base price of less than $1 million.
This 55-footer carries an exterior profile similar to the highly successful 70-footer completed in late 2000. The design was completed by Applied Concepts, a firm in Stuart, Florida, that specializes in three-dimensional yacht designs (see “Virtual Boat Design,” November 2000). Renowned naval architect Donald Blount in Chesapeake, Virginia, drew up the machinery placement and running gear.
The cold-molded hull will be completely vacuum-bagged and constructed of okume plywood with epoxy and fiberglass skins. The vacuum-bagging process produces a strong, extremely consistent, lightweight product. Wanchese expects the hull, combined with almost 3,000 horsepower and propeller tunnels, to produce a top speed of 45 knots.
Accommodations in the 55-footer include a master stateroom and a guest stateroom, both with private head and shower. A separate day head and a pair of bunks are located in the companionway leading forward. The engine room as well as all other areas belowdecks will be fully painted with Awlgrip.
