Rationale for scaled down FMS

Having first admired J.Stephen Crim's FMS online, I was motivated to
purchase Mr Bolgers "Boats with an open mind". The abilities of the
FMS under power as featured made a strong impression on me as I was
in the process of selecting a design to build.

My specifications are for a day boat to be used for fishing, both
inshore for the pot and a couple of times annually for game fishing
in blue water albeit always within sight of land. The boat would need
to allow for shelter inside(to lie down) and a porta toilet
facilities. Overall dimensions to approximate Hawkeye 18'6". An
ability to cope with moderate(2-3 metre) seas and a good chop is
required. The vessel must operate out of a narrow river entrance with
a bar which is hazardous in a swell. It therefore must have
sufficient power and quick response to the throttle to ensure correct
timing of the entrance.

Using Mr Carlsons excellent free hull design software, a model was
contructed with slight modification. Modification being to slim down
the forward sections and to eliminate the slight sheer to enable
construction upside down on a trued concrete floor. The floor aft of
amidships is flush with the chine and self draining. Forward of
amidships is cabin with no sole. An outboard of up to 100 horse
power will be hung on a bracket. I have noted Mr Bolgers comments on
strength of construction and on the over-powering of his designs and
would welcome comment on the sanity or otherwise of my intentions.

Having built the model I am pleased with the aesthetic appearance of
the hull form and the simplicity of the construction method.

Rob Macgregor
Whakatane, New Zealand