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| Past Projects 
Vixen The Vixen 17 design by Hartley and Brooks was built to satisfy the desire for a fast/dry runabout that could be housed in a one car garage with motor and trailer. The design was modified for reduced draft and self bailing/positive flotation. The scantlings were built to the designer’s recommendation for 200 HP but has performed beautifully with a 90 HP outboard for 5 years (about 7 months per year she has been docked, not dry stored). This boat delivers 5 miles per gallon at a 23 knot cruise speed Vee bottom boats ride softer but require more power and water depth than flat bottom boats. This boat has relatively wide beam for length and planes fairly quickly with 6 passengers. The draft was reduced 4 inches (to 13 inches engine up) by transitioning the vee into a flat in the last 2 feet before the transom (my idea and I was relieved when it worked so well!). This boat has variable deadrise with 17 degrees aft, not the deepest vee but enough for a soft ride at 18 knots in 1.5 foot chop. However you have to slow drastically in no wake zones and walk ashore to beaches adjacent the flats. The photo view aft shows the stringers between which the 50 gallon fuel tank is housed. The raised sole over this forms a monocoqe structure that increases torsional and longitudinal strength while providing air flotation chambers. This and a strong foredeck eliminate shake and flex when pounding to weather at speed.
This is an example of a boat finished to work boat stage. 
The tall wind shield is great to keep of cold water and wind. But you will want opening glass for summer comfort in the warmer climates. I have modeled a style and amenities upgrade to this boat, with the steering moved one station aft and a cuddy cabin with v berth. No start date selected. In the interim she serves as a race committee platform or as a family “taxi” to the Gulf for shelling. - The beam of Vixen is about the maximum you can tow easily with a standard US pick-up truck. But a boat length up to 24 ft is not a towing challenge. So some concept sketches lead to lines drawings and models were built for 20 and 24 ft lengths. The Pronto Series boats are shown below.
Pronto series study 
The result is a 20 ft speed boat concept, and two 24 ft boat concepts on the same “spine”. One 24 ft boat is a “Picnic” type with simple amenities for two overnight or a picnic for six. The other is a fast, day boat that would prioritize comfort at speed for four people. The 20 ft and the 24 ft fast boat could be outboard or IO powered. The picnic boat could have the same options or a single diesel with straight shaft and prop in a tunnel for good fuel economy and an estimated 2 ft draft.
Please add your suggestions at pwcboats@aol.com Jams 
This boat was launched in spring 1995 with a 90 BHP motor. It would reach 45 knots with two aboard but was twitchy at this speed. Any sort of waves dictated 17-20 knots for safety. Cabin Skiff plans from Glen L were used to get the extra freeboard . This boat used my full length stringer, self bailing cockpit, aft central fuel tank that established the practice for the next (Vixen) boat. The boat has a raised casting platform forward with a cargo cover that opens to provide seating for two guests. A great boat for sheltered lakes, it proved too wet and hard riding for a 40 mile day trip out to the gulf in winter winds. I gave the boat to a friend in 2005 and he painted the mahogany decks to minimize maintence. He bought a 60 BHP motor because I put the 90 on Vixen. The 60 is still plenty fast and tows a skier easily.I guess a 40 BHP would be enough for almost any use. This shows the price paid for a more comfortable ride thru a vee bottom and heavier scantlings.
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