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Next step, we started looking for a boat to take us Long Range Cruising at an economical rate. So quite by accident we bumped into (literally) a couple on board a Waverunner 45 in the Port Severn locks on the Trent System, and the upshot of this is that we were invited onboard for a look-see. It was obvious that this was the boat we had been looking for, and it was our first introduction to Bruce Roberts Designs.

This particular boat had been constructed down on the east coast somewhere in Maine. To this day I cannot remember the vessels name or the owners, both of which I had on their ships card, and lost somehow. I could kick myself many times over as I would have liked to contact the owners many times over the years for advice. All I can remember is that the vessels name started with a V--------- and sounded I believe something like "Velcro". This boat had been constructed of glass over foam by the yard for the hull and decks, with the owner finishing her off, including mechanicals & interior. The only departure from your plans was to extend the sedan roof over the rear cockpit for sun protection during southern cruising.

Well needless to say, I ordered study plans from you, then later the full size plans, to begin building the sedan version using the West System. After building a suitable strongback I began construction and carried on accordingly. I will skip all details of actual construction/build, but would like to comment thus; I would not recommend an individual using the West System for such a large project alone. As I am sure you are aware, the amount of time and labour involved to do it properly is just totally staggering. I gave up keeping track of hours. I would think steel or glass over flex-foam would be a far swifter method. Our boat was built using kiln dried B.C. fir, clear, for all frames, stringers, keel , deck, house, and sedan beams. The hull is 3 layers of 1/4"mahoghany as per plan; all decks & sedan top 1/2" mahogany ply. Sedan roof, deck house, and all areas of fwd trunk cabin fully insulated for heat/cold (3" waterproof glass insulated with vapour barrier). The entire hull was given 2 layers of 10oz glass cloth, and all deck areas, fwd trunk, and upper sedan bridge have 1 layer 10oz glass cloth. All inside joints/corners are epoxy filleted, & all outside edges well radiused. I can say with all honesty, if you go to the website listed, you will see the beautiful lines you designed into her.

Wherever we pull in, boaters are always coming over to look her over and ask questions, She is greatly admired as a vessel departed from the norm with very graceful lines. There are 5 photos to view at the above site, and she is built to your plans. With the tankage near capacity she will cruise along very comfortably @ 2300 giving us a true speed of 8.2kts as per g.p.s. I estimate that we are burning approx 2.5 to 3.0 gph. At present I have no means for an exact measure such as a floscan meter, but I believe I am fairly close. There is a bowthruster fwd with a 7" tunnel with an electric drive, which to date has been more than sufficient for our needs. We have no ballast aboard, and at present sit a few inches above blueprint W.L.(Chines at the after end are approx 1/2" above water at rest) Cruising Geo Bay and the North Channel this past summer she behaves very well and takes heavy seas with no fuss and little movement. I just wanted to write you and let you know how very well pleased my wife and I are with the boat as a whole and her performance.