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A Proposed Design for Pronto, a minature Cruising Sailboat.
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Back in November 2004 I designed a micro-cruiser similar to Swamp Thing . Her overall dimensions were identical to the fore-mentioned micro-cruiser designed and built by Matt Layden. She was the predecessor of his well known Paradox in which the same principles of design were incorporated and developed, namely: a narrow beam, straight-sided box construction, flat bottom with ample rocker, and the use of chine runners. His boats were not equipped with keels, but they had heavily constructed bottoms made with very thick plywood, as per Bolger's Birdwatcher. Storage compartments for water and cruising provisions were placed under the floorboards to bring about a low centre of gravity. Decks were transversely curved for the shedding of water, but more importantly, these overall characteristics made his boats unstable when upside down - that's in the unlikely event of a capsize. Their masts were short, but substantial, and without external rigging, since they were held in place by special fittings under deck.
Over time I have considered building a boat like 'Swamp Thing', but plans for her do not exist, although there are a couple of preliminary sketches drawn by Matt. Currently, she is being recomissioned by Dave Bolduc with Matt's blessing, I hope plans will be drawn up and made available to amateur builders. Meanwhile, for my own amusement I made a cardboard model of my prototype design.
Comparing the model with Swamp Thing, you will note Pronto has a more pronounced sheer, although her underwater lines are probably very similar. She may also be finer near the bow, and I think she could have small differences in the transom area. Her running rigging and spar design have yet to be defined.
I would welcome your comments. Please send them to william @ serjeant5445.fslife.co.uk , but omit the spaces before and after the @ symbol.
Thank you.
Bill.
20.02.05