Vandal
by Tom Shertzer
Photos at right and four below show the great job Tom
Shertzer did building his wood/ply VANDAL in
Pennsylvania from our plans. Note the rugged framing
we incorporate for fatigue resistance, strength, and
durability, not to mention the superior planing hull
form.
Says Tom, "...you wouldn't believe the people
who stop and look at it. It just draws the people in
and they ask, "did you restore [it]?" or "did
you just put a cabin on a hull you bought?". I just
smile and say I built it from scratch."
Tom is further proof that do-it-yourself builders can turn
out boats that equal or exceed production jobs by using a
good set of plans & a sound design. Tom has now
moved on to another boatbuilding project using another of our
designs - this time it's our LA PAZ.
Note the deep-vee forefoot and integral chine flats that will assure a soft, dry ride even in rough seas.
Righting a hull may be intimidating, but it's easier than most expect. Note the old tires that will protect the hull on it's way down right side up.
Practical, safe "big boat" features such as recessed walk-around side decks, raised bulwarks, and a deep cockpit belie the modest size of this trailerable design.
In the water, Tom's VANDAL might be mistaken for a slow, traditional tug yacht. But she'll really scoot by virtue of her high-speed full-planing underbody.