Boat Builder Central - Builder Forums

Reference the linked thread, where I found the broker listing for a DE25 that I just bought in North Carolina. http://forums.bateau2.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=61864

Its not a build thread since I didn't build the boat. I feel for the owner/builder, who put a ton of time & effort into this and for outside reasons wasn't able to fully enjoy it. I haven't yet met him as I bought it through the brokerage.

I'll use this thread to ask questions and post pictures as I use/upgrade/modify the boat. It is the long cockpit version, and built to plans as far as I can tell. Suzuki DF140 on an Armstrong bracket, SeaStar steering, 2X 30gal poly tanks in boxes in the cockpit.

It tows great with a mid-size pickup: In the other thread I mentioned the prop ventilates in turns. I've had boats that were worse, but it is noticeable. Here's a pic of the keel, it runs full length to the transom. However the motor is nearly 30" back on the bracket. The motor is also mounted fairly high, in the lowest bolt hole. I didn't yet get a chance to put a straight-edge from the running surface back.
Another observation - this boat has zero through-hulls. Not even a plug. To go along with this, it doesn't have a bilge pump. As best I can tell, the only way for water to get into the bilge would be for a major leak in the cabin, or for enough water to get into the cockpit to get over the lip into the cabin or over the bottom of the transom hatch doors. Bilge was dry when I inspected the boat, and it had been sitting there for months. I'm not too comfortable in taking trips without having one at all...

The cabin top feels like it is laminated from thin ply with some strips (or foam?) as core/spacers. Is this standard in the plans? What kind of weight can that take - people sitting or standing on it? Paddle boards or kayaks? It is reinforced from inside where things are attached, like hand rails or the mast.

Matt

Matt, Congrats on your purchase!! Would you send us some photos of the cabin? Really good looking boat. Hope everything works out for the builder!! Jeff

With 30 " of setback that skeg should be no problem.

That's a beautiful boat. I'm no expert but I second your notion on adding a bilge pump. Someone might be able to give you a better answer on your cabin top questions if you had some pics of the underside of the roof....while you're at you might be able to take some pics of the cabin for us to ogle.

Matt no problem with the keel causing problem with the Armstrong Bracket. You mentioned the motor and prop being high, so that is probably the result of your ventilation. Run a straight edge from the bottom and see how high the center of the prop is. Also see my post in your other post on propellers, I think with a change we can give you a better handling boat. Get rid of the plowing and help with the handling, and top end. I have a prop in mind that provides lift at the bow and is a four blade that provides better handling over a 3 blade. We will just need to dial in the size.

Tom

Photo dump:
Berth Cabin roof fwd Cabin roof aft

Cabin looking aft Cabin looking fwd Trunk cabin roof

Hardtop. The mast is hinged and held up with ropes. I may make a fixed/removable prop for it, so I can slide paddleboards up there. Trunk hatch. This is probably the first thing I'll refinish, as there is a little checking. Could use routed edges. I like the window for some light down inside, but it isn't strong enough to stand on. Also need a prop to hold this thing up safely. Fwd deck / sprit. Its got a nice plow anchor, and the rode slips nicely into the little portal, and the box drains out the side.

Trailer tie downs
I'll address the maintenance and safety stuff first. I don't like these tie-downs, the trailer really is too short for the boat so there is no structure aft of the transom. At least the bunks go that far back, but the trailer is made for an 18-21' boat.

Not sure what I'll do here, I don't like the "seatbelt" style of strap over the gunnels due to wear.

Prop: I agree with Tom, the prop is probably high. You say fairly high but can we get a number? If you call Armstrong, they will probably tell you that for that set back, the cavitation plate should be about 2" above the hull surface.

Plowing: what is that? I don't see anything explaining what happens there but it probably is trim.

Roof: it looks built as designed: 1/4" framed. It is not a roof to jump on but with that framing, it can take a board or two, no problem.