The Contender hull

[Matt76]

I'm interested in building a electric powered, cedar strip and fiberglass boat.
i really like the size and the looks of the sailing dingy "contender".
is this the right hull type i should be looking for?
i need her to be able to carry two persons and the weight of the batteries.
any thoughts?

[John B]

Are you talking about the Bob Miller aka Ben Lexen one man trapeze boat .. about 16 ft? Its a flat planing hull like a laser..there's going to be lots better out there for use under power.

[Matt76]

thats the one, i really like that boat.
what other ideas do you have?
i need to be able to carry at most 400lbs of batteries, and two people.
i also need to be able to use the strip and fiberglass methode of construction.

[John B]

Anything can be done matt, but thats about 600 pounds + in a boat intended for about what.... one man at 170 or so plus a rig and gear say oooo, maybe another 100. It'll drag its transom and not be efficient. There's others here who will have a better hull recomendation but a Penobscot 17 type springs to mind. Nice exit you see.;)

[Thorne]

Please be more specific -=- is this boat gonna sail, or just use electric power? What sort of powerplant -- trolling motor or ? What range and what waters (offshore or duckpond), etc?

What you are discussing is an electric launch, so you might try joining the ElectricBoats Yahoo group.

[Tom Lathrop]

The above advice is spot on. A Contender hull is not a good candidate for electric power. Electric power is a very limited power source so the hull must be an efficient one and be able to carry the weight required to provide adequate power. If you look at the link below, you will see a boat that fits this description. It's larger than you want but it demonstrates what is best. A minimum resistance boat at the speed that matches what electric power is capable of delivering.

http://www.woodenboatvb.com/vbulletin/upload/showthread.php?t=55666&highlight=weston+farmer+coyote

[Matt76]

thanks for all the ideas so far.
basically i want to build a lightweight, electric powered, scaled down Chris Craft Riviera.
the boat would only be used on small lakes that don't allow gas motors.
i want to be able to move as quickly as the hull will allow me to. i don't mind not being able to travel far between charges.
400lbs of batteries, another 50lbs for the motor, and two passengers.
i need a hull i can deck. i only want the area with the seats to be open.

[Lewisboats]

See my reply on Boatdesign.net forum

[Matt76]

take a look at this.
does there need to be that much rocker in the bow?

http://www.glen-l.com/designs/special/lovoltage.html

i also found this

http://www.electricboats.co.uk/designs.html

the henley 16 foot slipper

what do you guys think?