Berry Point 26

The Berry Point 26 was designed to fulfill a need for a traditionally stylish, trailerable, moderately fast, and capable family cruiser. She had to be shallow draft, economical to operate and simple enough for the experienced home builder or small yard to take on. These criteria originated in a discussion on the WoodenBoat design forum concerning the ideal small powerboat. Numerous hull forms were suggested and discarded as being better at one speed or sea state but too deep or slow or not economical, or just ugly.

After much reflection I realized that the hull form that could meet these seeming conflicting requirements was one I had first done in the early 90's for the Hinckley Picnic boat. This hull is somewhat narrow by current standards, thus vertical height must be controlled and kept to a minimum to reduce the vertical center of gravity (VCG). The deadrise at the transom is 14 degrees, amidships its 18 degrees, and foreword over 50 degrees.