Re: [bolger] Re: Elco 26 Imitation??

Me! I've been here just about forever...

On Wed, 23 Jan 2013 17:26:31 -0800, Gregg wrote:

> The Bolger group is in fact all inclusive for boating and boatbuilding -
> especially Bolger and Bolger-inspired. Any "on-topic" within that range
> is fair game. The goal is to build more boats and promote and propagate
> PCB's and SA's boats, plans, and ideas or even extrapolations.
> ...
> BTW, who here still dates back to Chris Noto's listserver from the 90's?
> Anyone?
> ...

--
John (jkohnen@...)
His heart was bound in oak and triple brass who first committed
a fragile bark to the raging sea... (Horace)
The Bolger group is in fact all inclusive for boating and boatbuilding - especially Bolger and Bolger-inspired. Any "on-topic" within that range is fair game. The goal is to build more boats and promote and propagate PCB's and SA's boats, plans, and ideas or even extrapolations.

Here's the group home page athttp://groups.yahoo.com/group

}Description
}Discussing and building Philip C. Bolger's (1927-2009) boat designs }and similar.
}
}This is a spam-free, on topic group - pretty much anything boating, }design, or boat-building related is fair game. Please don't repost }Spam. Spammers and flamers will be bounced off.

BTW, who here still dates back to Chris Noto's listserver from the 90's? Anyone?

Anyone wishing to discuss list mechanics/politics are welcome to email me off-list. Otherwise, everyone's welcome here.

Gregg Carlson/Moderator


--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Matthew Long" wrote:
>
> I guess we'll have to agree to disagree there, Rocky. PCB was never afraid to acknowledge the influence of other designers or even point a potential client to another designer if that would be better match. He often acknowledged other designers in his work. IIRC, he mentioned Jim Michalak in BWAOM as the consulting engineer on the mast of his big steel leeboard sharpie motorsailer for Pacific island commerce. Like I said, this group has long included Jim's work in it's discussions. Cheers, Matthew
>
> --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, captainrocky@ wrote:
> >
> > Would you recommend Ford on the Chevy site or try to tout Coke on the Pepsi site ? Nothing against an imitator but this IS a Bolger site. Sues response was a lot milder than mine would have been. Nice restraint Sue! Capt. Rocky
>
I guess we'll have to agree to disagree there, Rocky. PCB was never afraid to acknowledge the influence of other designers or even point a potential client to another designer if that would be better match. He often acknowledged other designers in his work. IIRC, he mentioned Jim Michalak in BWAOM as the consulting engineer on the mast of his big steel leeboard sharpie motorsailer for Pacific island commerce. Like I said, this group has long included Jim's work in it's discussions. Cheers, Matthew

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, captainrocky@... wrote:
>
> Would you recommend Ford on the Chevy site or try to tout Coke on the Pepsi site ? Nothing against an imitator but this IS a Bolger site. Sues response was a lot milder than mine would have been. Nice restraint Sue! Capt. Rocky
I appreciate the 'diplomatic angle', Matthew.

Continuing the MAIB design-column is in part intended to let it be known to those who did not notice my work during Phil's and my collaboration across 15 years that this office is gradually easing back into design-work again.  Lot's to be done.  Including many 'left-overs' from the more tragic times. 

Susanne Altenburger, PB&F 
   
----- Original Message -----
Sent:Monday, January 21, 2013 1:47 AM
Subject:[bolger] Re: Elco 26 Imitation??

 

Honestly, Susanne, I would take it as form of flattery. Jim Michalak's designs have long been part of this discussion group--a quick search shows over 2,400 messages mentioning "Michalak" going back to 1999.

Jim has taken on a few of Phil's many innovations--in this case the developed plywood sheet small boat, the Birdwatcher cabin and a fondness for lug sails--and continued to riff on those chords for quite a few years now, developing a stable of designs to fill a wide range of amateur builder needs. Jim would be the first to admit that he builds on the Bolger/Payson instant boat legacy and, I would add, with a touch of his own creativity.

I think that most of us consider Jim to be a Bolger "disciple," a tribute to Phil's lasting influence on amateur building and small boat design.

Cheers from Nairobi,

Matthew

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, wrote:
>
> I doubt I'll ever get used to folks selling other folks' design-services and designs in this particular forum...
>
> Yoh, Schultz, what do you think of the recent installments in MAIB ?
>
> Susanne Altenburger, PB&F

Would you recommend Ford on the Chevy site or try to tout Coke on the Pepsi site ? Nothing against animitatorbut this IS aBolgersite. Suesresponsewas a lot milder than mine would have been. Nice restraint Sue! Capt. Rocky
From:"Matthew Long" <owlnmole@gmail.com>
To:bolger@yahoogroups.com
Sent:Monday, January 21, 2013 1:47:30 AM
Subject:[bolger] Re:Elco26 Imitation??

 

Honestly, Susanne, I would take it as form of flattery. JimMichalak'sdesigns have long been part of this discussion group--a quick search shows over 2,400 messages mentioning "Michalak" going back to 1999.

Jim has taken on a few of Phil's many innovations--in this case the developed plywood sheet small boat, the Birdwatcher cabin and a fondness for lug sails--and continued to riff on those chords for quite a few years now, developing a stable of designs to fill a wide range of amateur builder needs. Jim would be the first to admit that he builds on theBolger/Paysoninstant boat legacy and, I would add, with a touch of his own creativity.

I think that most of us consider Jim to be aBolger"disciple," a tribute to Phil's lasting influence on amateur building and small boat design.

Cheers from Nairobi,

Matthew

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, wrote:
>
> I doubt I'll ever get used to folks selling otherfolks'design-services and designs in this particular forum...
>
>Yoh, Schultz, what do you think of the recent installments inMAIB?
>
> SusanneAltenburger, PB&F

> Yoh, Schultz, what do you think of the recent installments in MAIB ?

I'm not Schultz, but while I was looking up a couple of the older designs to suggest, I did wonder if an adaptation of the Robin Jean model would fit the bill. It seems to be about the same size, and would be more stable platform than the Elco.

I remember seeing a boat of the Elco type in Long Island Sound a few year ago. It was a breezy day with significant chop, though I don't remember how much. I was struck by how much the boat rolled and although she looked great, she also looked uncomfortable.

Peter
Honestly, Susanne, I would take it as form of flattery. Jim Michalak's designs have long been part of this discussion group--a quick search shows over 2,400 messages mentioning "Michalak" going back to 1999.

Jim has taken on a few of Phil's many innovations--in this case the developed plywood sheet small boat, the Birdwatcher cabin and a fondness for lug sails--and continued to riff on those chords for quite a few years now, developing a stable of designs to fill a wide range of amateur builder needs. Jim would be the first to admit that he builds on the Bolger/Payson instant boat legacy and, I would add, with a touch of his own creativity.

I think that most of us consider Jim to be a Bolger "disciple," a tribute to Phil's lasting influence on amateur building and small boat design.

Cheers from Nairobi,

Matthew

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, wrote:
>
> I doubt I'll ever get used to folks selling other folks' design-services and designs in this particular forum...
>
> Yoh, Schultz, what do you think of the recent installments in MAIB ?
>
> Susanne Altenburger, PB&F
That may be a more sensible response than mine...
Susanne Altenburger, PB&F
----- Original Message -----
Sent:Sunday, January 20, 2013 7:03 PM
Subject:RE: [bolger] Re: Elco 26 Imitation??

 

Susanne you may take it as an indication of just how popular, inclusive, indispensable and vital this forum has become. We look up to you. Hope that helps some...

From:bolger@yahoogroups.com[mailto:bolger@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Ofphilbolger@...
Sent:Sunday, January 20, 2013 6:48 PM
To:bolger@yahoogroups.com
Subject:Re: [bolger] Re: Elco 26 Imitation??

 

I doubt I'll ever get used to folks selling other folks' design-services and designs in this particular forum...

Yoh, Schultz, what do you think of the recent installments in MAIB ?
 
Susanne Altenburger, PB&F
----- Original Message -----
Sent:Sunday, January 20, 2013 6:43 PM
Subject:[bolger] Re: Elco 26 Imitation??

 


IMO Jim Michalak would be a good choice to commission to design something similar that would be an EZ plywood build. It would likely be based on the AF-4 Casa, or AF-4G.

Don

Susanne you may take it as an indication of just how popular, inclusive, indispensable and vital this forum has become. We look up to you. Hope that helps some...

From:bolger@yahoogroups.com [mailto:bolger@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Ofphilbolger@...
Sent:Sunday, January 20, 2013 6:48 PM
To:bolger@yahoogroups.com
Subject:Re: [bolger] Re: Elco 26 Imitation??

 

I doubt I'll ever get used to folks selling other folks' design-services and designs in this particular forum...

Yoh, Schultz, what do you think of the recent installments in MAIB ?
 
Susanne Altenburger, PB&F
----- Original Message -----
Sent:Sunday, January 20, 2013 6:43 PM
Subject:[bolger] Re: Elco 26 Imitation??

 


IMO Jim Michalak would be a good choice to commission to design something similar that would be an EZ plywood build. It would likely be based on the AF-4 Casa, or AF-4G.

Don

I doubt I'll ever get used to folks selling other folks' design-services and designs in this particular forum...

Yoh, Schultz, what do you think of the recent installments in MAIB ?
 
Susanne Altenburger, PB&F
----- Original Message -----
Sent:Sunday, January 20, 2013 6:43 PM
Subject:[bolger] Re: Elco 26 Imitation??

 


IMO Jim Michalak would be a good choice to commission to design something similar that would be an EZ plywood build. It would likely be based on the AF-4 Casa, or AF-4G.

Don

IMO Jim Michalak would be a good choice to commission to design something similar that would be an EZ plywood build. It would likely be based on the AF-4 Casa, or AF-4G.

Don

Idaho.

 

great cabin , it's all-view.  Forward and aft cockpit.  Designed for Bernie Wolfard, who was wheelchair-bound, thus NO PROBLEM to move about.

 

"snipping" from prior posts of others here, about this boat:

 

here is what PCB writes:

Tennessee is lighter, cheaper in materials, quicker to build, and more efficient with low power (ten horsepower is ample and as much as she can efficiently use).  Idaho is stronger, faster with more power, and has more useful space as designed.  They are about equally capable in rough water.  neither is  properly called seaworthy, defined as "having the ability to keep the sea in all weather with reasonable safety."  In either you should expect to exercize prudence as to weather in the Bay!

 

and from others: 

 

TN is a displacement hull, designed for low power and low speeds. 10-15 HP

gives 10-12 mph max, cruise at 8  mph. Putting a bigger engine on TN won't

make it go much faster, it would just make bigger waves.

 

ID is a planing hull, designed to operate at higher speeds given adequate

horsepower. 25-35 HP gives 20+ mph. ID should cruise at a higher speed than

TN, maybe 12 mph.

 

 

For those who are incredulous about this boat's reported smoothness in a chop, see this YouTube video from one launched in Argentina -- go to minute 2:00 thru 2:54 for shots of her cruising so un-ruffled in a good chop... amazing!     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vox3gnHtAE4

 

Regards,

Wayne Gilham

who hasn't yet committed to building one of these, but sure is tempted....

 

 

 

 

 

From:bolger@yahoogroups.com [mailto:bolger@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf OfStephen Kandul
Sent:Thursday, January 17, 2013 11:23 AM
To:bolger@yahoogroups.com
Subject:[bolger] Elco 26 Imitation??

 

 

Is anyone aware of any Bolger designs that mimic the rough size and style of the Elco 26 power boat?  I am an aging fat guy with bad legs and I like the standing head room, fore hatch to stand in when handling anchor, big hatch to get on/off deck/cockpit, and wide open cockpit for folding deck chair and wine cooler with overhead cover.  Regards, SSK

I'd like to make a plug for a the stock Tennessee with a folding or fixed canvas top over the cockpit.  It would not look at all like an Elco, but it's a fantastic design for the kind of inland pleasure cruising you have in mind.  It's inexpensive and easy to build, a modest four-stroke outboard (9.9-15 hp) will push it quietly at 10 knots, you have room for a little galley, head and berths to seat four or sleep two and more could camp in the cockpit just by adding side panels to the canopy.  It's light enough to be pulled by an ordinary car, despite the long length.  A little attention to detail in the shape of the ports, a mix of painted and varnished surfaces, etc. will give it a nice period look.  Personally, it's one of my favorites.

<http://www.ace.net.au/schooner/tenn4.jpg>

John Boy,

 

Yes, I know the original plans are still on the market.  Two factors motivated me to ask the question to the group.  One…I live in an area where there are no traditional wooden boat builders who would build an Elco to the standards of past decades.  And I am probably past the point where I could successfully do it myself.  Two….If there is a Bolger design (or other of more recent origin) it will probably be more easily constructed, one off, and more in tune with presently available materials and methods.  So my chances of having a more modern design built locally here in the Coastal Empire of Georgia would be better. 

 

If I had about $100K to devote to the project I could have an Elco built in the NE and shipped to me.  I saw a rather nice job of similar size, but different design, that cost that much a couple years ago on the coast at Cresent.  The guy who ran the marina there told me it was built in Maine to order for a millionaire who would keep it in covered storage when he was not in the area to use it.  It was one of five or six boats he had built and pre-positioned around the world for vacations….  All I could say is that it must be nice…!

 

Regards, SSK

 

P.S. Thank you to all who responded with some interesting suggestions for me to consider in answer to my question.

 

 

Re: Elco 26 Imitation??

Sat Jan 19, 2013 7:15 am (PST) . Posted by:

"John Boy" t1ro2003

You know the original plans are available.
http://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/wf/elco/index.htm

John Boy
 

I have a blog!  http://toon2sailor.blogspot.com/

“Seaward ho! Hang the treasure! It's the glory of the sea that has turned my head.” 

Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island

You know the original plans are available.
http://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/wf/elco/index.htm
John Boy
 



“Seaward ho! Hang the treasure! It's the glory of the sea that has turned my head.” 
Robert Louis Stevenson,Treasure Island

From:Peter <pvanderwaart@...>
To:bolger@yahoogroups.com
Sent:Saturday, January 19, 2013 8:43 AM
Subject:[bolger] Re: Elco 26 Imitation??

 
> There are a couple in the early books that I don't see there.
> One is a rough water boat designed for an 80-year-old customer,
> and the other is a cruising boat about 26' drawn for a design contest.

I've looked them up.

One is Liboo, Chapter 20 in 30 Odd Boats. It doesn't look anything like the Elco, but the design was meant to address some of the OPs concerns.

The other is the Economy Motorsailer in Folding Schooner. You can forget the motorsailer part; that was an add-on. The basic boat is pretty nice-looking semi-displacement cruiser with a nice interior. It would be a bigger building job than one of the plywood boats, and perhaps a simpler boat like Tennessee would serve better anyway.

Just incidentally, one of the drawings for the EM, design 282 was published in the book in the preceding chapter on Moccasin.

Peter



> There are a couple in the early books that I don't see there.
> One is a rough water boat designed for an 80-year-old customer,
> and the other is a cruising boat about 26' drawn for a design contest.

I've looked them up.

One is Liboo, Chapter 20 in 30 Odd Boats. It doesn't look anything like the Elco, but the design was meant to address some of the OPs concerns.

The other is the Economy Motorsailer in Folding Schooner. You can forget the motorsailer part; that was an add-on. The basic boat is pretty nice-looking semi-displacement cruiser with a nice interior. It would be a bigger building job than one of the plywood boats, and perhaps a simpler boat like Tennessee would serve better anyway.

Just incidentally, one of the drawings for the EM, design 282 was published in the book in the preceding chapter on Moccasin.

Peter
Your JRTA GUAM was one of the inspirations for my River Rat mockup (see photo section). A few questions if you would be so kind:

Am I correct that you used glue & screw construction, or was there epoxy involved?

What type and thickness of plywood did you use for the sides and bottom?

Any fiberglass/epoxy coating on the hull?

Seems you trimmed away the rear enclosure (head?) at some point, can you explain why?

The roof seems transparent in some of the photos. Can you describe it's construction?

John

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "gravelyrider" wrote:
>
>
> I modified Tennessee and proportionately shorted it to 24' keeping the beam at 6'.
>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bolger/photos/album/1198015615/pic/list
>
> We love the boat. Roomy, comfortable very light weight for easy trailering. 8 hp Yamaha gives an easy cruise of 7.5 mph and full throttle 9.8 mph. Self draining floors fore and aft keep you in the boat when tinkering at the ends . We lock thru while standing at the wheel, no scurrying across a deck for lock lines.
>
> It may not be what you have in mind, but it sure works for this old fart with bad back-knees-you name it.
>
> Bee sure to see pic 21 to get an idea of the comfort level.
>
> --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Stephen Kandul" wrote:
> >
> >
> >
> > Is anyone aware of any Bolger designs that mimic the rough size and style of
> > the Elco 26 power boat? I am an aging fat guy with bad legs and I like the
> > standing head room, fore hatch to stand in when handling anchor, big hatch
> > to get on/off deck/cockpit, and wide open cockpit for folding deck chair and
> > wine cooler with overhead cover. Regards, SSK
> >
>
> If you want something really simple, inboard, and seaworthy,
> I like "Utility for Homebuilders" from "Folding Schooner".

I think I read the PCB had designer's regret about the U for H. Better ask Suzanne.

All in all, Mr. Bolger probably designed 50 boats that might be of interest as an alternate to the Elco. It depends a lot on which features are important to you, especially the speed range, accommodations and style. And cost, of course.

Looking through the boats herehttp://hallman.org/bolger/isometrics,I am reminded of:

Alice
Low-powered outboard cruiser
Mikim
Moderate speed power cruiser
Fast motorsailer

There are a couple in the early books that I don't see there. One is a rough water boat designed for an 80-year-old customer, and the other is a cruising boat about 26' drawn for a design contest. The latter might be my choice. I'll try to remember to look them up.

It seems that #636 CHAMPLAIN should fit that bill on 22' length. 
Good ergonomics. 
Quite acceptable 'style'. 
Proven 6.5kts as measured two ways on 10HP. 
Several hulls running. 
Point proven.
And adding to her afterdeck for 2-plus-2 deck-chair seating is an obvious and simple option.

Susanne Altenburger, PB&F
----- Original Message -----
From:Tom Pee
Sent:Friday, January 18, 2013 10:45 AM
Subject:Re: [bolger] Re: Elco 26 Imitation??

 

Marina Cruiser looks great.

From:Matthew Long <owlnmole@...>
To:bolger@yahoogroups.com
Sent:Thursday, January 17, 2013 5:06 PM
Subject:[bolger] Re: Elco 26 Imitation??
 
Off the top of my head, "Merlin" (ex-"Marina Cruiser") would fit those criteria nicely. It's designed to carry an optional dipping lug rig for fun and back-up power, but you could simple not install the mast for a straight powerboat The design and a little story are featured in the book BOATS WITH AN OPEN MIND. Here's a lovely one that was for sale down in Australia: http://yachthub.com/list/boats-for-sale/used/power-boats/timber-motorsailer/64149>

--- Inmailto:bolger%40yahoogroups.com, "Stephen Kandul" wrote:
>
>
>
> Is anyone aware of any Bolger designs that mimic the rough size and style of
> the Elco 26 power boat? I am an aging fat guy with bad legs and I like the
> standing head room, fore hatch to stand in when handling anchor, big hatch
> to get on/off deck/cockpit, and wide open cockpit for folding deck chair and
> wine cooler with overhead cover. Regards, SSK
>

A modified Tennessee would work if an outboard is desired.

If you want something really simple, inboard, and seaworthy, I like "Utility for Homebuilders" from "Folding Schooner". It's kinda cute/homely like many of Bolger's designs where functionality drove his thinking. For simplicity, it would rival the Michalak AF-4G or Tennessee as much as an inboard V-bottom design can.

It could be built with a stretch of 4'. Bolger shows a diesel with a 'simple' (more polite than crude) tunnel mounted prop. He also sketched an outboard on the end of the tunnel version.

I would consider a 4' stretch to 26', using 1' in the sleeping space 'cause I am 6'3" and want long bunks, 1 or 2 feet in the cabin to improve the galley space, and the balance in the cockpit.

I'm pretty sure UfH has never been built. There is more than one Marina Cruiser. There may be one Plywood Diesel Cruiser, not sure. There are several Tennessee, and Dakotah variants out there.
Marina Cruiser looks great.

From:Matthew Long <owlnmole@...>
To:bolger@yahoogroups.com
Sent:Thursday, January 17, 2013 5:06 PM
Subject:[bolger] Re: Elco 26 Imitation??
 
Off the top of my head, "Merlin" (ex-"Marina Cruiser") would fit those criteria nicely. It's designed to carry an optional dipping lug rig for fun and back-up power, but you could simple not install the mast for a straight powerboat The design and a little story are featured in the book BOATS WITH AN OPEN MIND. Here's a lovely one that was for sale down in Australia: http://yachthub.com/list/boats-for-sale/used/power-boats/timber-motorsailer/64149>

--- Inmailto:bolger%40yahoogroups.com, "Stephen Kandul" wrote:
>
>
>
> Is anyone aware of any Bolger designs that mimic the rough size and style of
> the Elco 26 power boat? I am an aging fat guy with bad legs and I like the
> standing head room, fore hatch to stand in when handling anchor, big hatch
> to get on/off deck/cockpit, and wide open cockpit for folding deck chair and
> wine cooler with overhead cover. Regards, SSK
>

You might look at Tad Robert’s 20 footer:

http://www.tadroberts.ca/services/small-boats/barge/shanty20

Word from Tad suggests that this hull is not meant for more than 4 to 5 kts cruising speed, if that’s a concern.

Tim

From:bolger@yahoogroups.com[mailto:bolger@yahoogroups.com]On Behalf Ofdaschultz8275@...
Sent:Friday, January 18, 2013 1:24 AM
To:bolger@yahoogroups.com
Subject:[bolger] Re: Elco 26 Imitation??



--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Stephen Kandul" wrote:

>
> Is anyone aware of any Bolger designs that mimic the rough size and style
of
> the Elco 26 power boat? I am an aging fat guy with bad legs and I like the
> standing head room, fore hatch to stand in when handling anchor, big hatch
> to get on/off deck/cockpit, and wide open cockpit for folding deck chair
and
> wine cooler with overhead cover. Regards, SSK
>

The Plywood Diesel Cruiser in "Boats With An Open Mind" fits the specs you describe.

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Stephen Kandul" wrote:
>
> Is anyone aware of any Bolger designs that mimic the rough size and style of
> the Elco 26 power boat? I am an aging fat guy with bad legs and I like the
> standing head room, fore hatch to stand in when handling anchor, big hatch
> to get on/off deck/cockpit, and wide open cockpit for folding deck chair and
> wine cooler with overhead cover. Regards, SSK
>

The Plywood Diesel Cruiser in "Boats With An Open Mind" fits the specs you describe.
Sorry, Stephen:

Here are a couple of links to MichaelStorer'sversions.
http://www.storerboatplans.com/Venice/Venice.html
http://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/storer/venice/index.htm

At 1600 pounds it's much lighter than the Elco but has the style.
Mark

On Jan 17, 2013, at 11:23 AM, Stephen Kandul wrote:

 

<image001.gif>

Is anyone aware of any Bolger designs that mimic the rough size and style of the Elco 26 power boat?  I am an aging fat guy with bad legs and I like the standing head room, fore hatch to stand in when handling anchor, big hatch to get on/off deck/cockpit, and wide open cockpit for folding deck chair and wine cooler with overhead cover.  Regards, SSK



I modified Tennessee and proportionately shorted it to 24' keeping the beam at 6'.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bolger/photos/album/1198015615/pic/list

We love the boat. Roomy, comfortable very light weight for easy trailering. 8 hp Yamaha gives an easy cruise of 7.5 mph and full throttle 9.8 mph. Self draining floors fore and aft keep you in the boat when tinkering at the ends . We lock thru while standing at the wheel, no scurrying across a deck for lock lines.

It may not be what you have in mind, but it sure works for this old fart with bad back-knees-you name it.

Bee sure to see pic 21 to get an idea of the comfort level.

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Stephen Kandul" wrote:
>
>
>
> Is anyone aware of any Bolger designs that mimic the rough size and style of
> the Elco 26 power boat? I am an aging fat guy with bad legs and I like the
> standing head room, fore hatch to stand in when handling anchor, big hatch
> to get on/off deck/cockpit, and wide open cockpit for folding deck chair and
> wine cooler with overhead cover. Regards, SSK
>
Off the top of my head, "Merlin" (ex-"Marina Cruiser") would fit those criteria nicely. It's designed to carry an optional dipping lug rig for fun and back-up power, but you could simple not install the mast for a straight powerboat The design and a little story are featured in the book BOATS WITH AN OPEN MIND. Here's a lovely one that was for sale down in Australia: <http://yachthub.com/list/boats-for-sale/used/power-boats/timber-motorsailer/64149>

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Stephen Kandul" wrote:
>
>
>
> Is anyone aware of any Bolger designs that mimic the rough size and style of
> the Elco 26 power boat? I am an aging fat guy with bad legs and I like the
> standing head room, fore hatch to stand in when handling anchor, big hatch
> to get on/off deck/cockpit, and wide open cockpit for folding deck chair and
> wine cooler with overhead cover. Regards, SSK
>

Some of the permutations of PB&F's state series might work for you, especially Tennessee or Idaho. Look to the unauthorised versions from Duckflat, down under, or Michael Store's versions for inspiration. Somewhere in our archives is a shortend Tennessee set up like the Elco.

Is anyone aware of any Bolger designs that mimic the rough size and style of the Elco 26 power boat?  I am an aging fat guy with bad legs and I like the standing head room, fore hatch to stand in when handling anchor, big hatch to get on/off deck/cockpit, and wide open cockpit for folding deck chair and wine cooler with overhead cover.  Regards, SSK