Glen-L.com

Hi all, I've taken the plunge to build a boat (first time for a full size one, anyway) I love the style and size of the Barrelback 19, however I picked out the Key Largo. It seems to fit our needs the best and still has the look I want. One thing I noticed right away from the plans is that the engine seems set further forward in the Key Largo than in the Barrelback 19. Is this the case? I'm concerned that the Key Largo will not have the same trim, balance or handling characteristics as the Barrelback 19. The two boats use the same patterns and hull design. Can anyone shed some light on this?

Peter,

My guess is passenger placement. The engine is back in the BB to accommodate all passengers being forward. The KL has a more balanced passenger load.

Bill

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Mini -Tug, KH Tahoe 19 & Bartender 24 - There can be no miracle recoveries without first screwing up.
Tahoe 19 Build

Thanks Bill, I suspected that was the case. As unscientific as it is, I compared the sketches of the Barrelback and the KL by placing one over the other. It looks like the Barrelback engine placement is about 1 frame space aft that of the KL. My concern here comes from what effect it will have on the behavior of the KL. My guess is not that much, maybe a little flatter planing attitude. I'll dust off my boat design and building books and do some reading.

Again thanks Bill! By the way, your fine work on your Tahoe 19 has been one of my inspirations, it looks great!

Pete

If you compare the Tahoe and the KL you'll see almost the same engine placement.

And, thank you.

Bill

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Mini -Tug, KH Tahoe 19 & Bartender 24 - There can be no miracle recoveries without first screwing up.
Tahoe 19 Build

Peter,

Look at the CC Continental vs CC Capri.

http://www.classicboat.com/boats.htm

Bill

_________________
Mini -Tug, KH Tahoe 19 & Bartender 24 - There can be no miracle recoveries without first screwing up.
Tahoe 19 Build

Excellent point Bill, the engine placement is very different, the hulls are basically the same. I feel much better about the Key Largo arrangement. I looked at the other Chris Craft models (Sportsman utility, Riviera and Custom with their dual cockpits) and found the same "proportions" in their arrangements. Thanks for the info!
Something else I just noticed: It's interesting to see the difference in displacements between Ken Hankinson's barrelback versus the original Chris Craft barrelbacks of the same size. The Chris Crafts draw much more water at rest, they are that much heavier.

Pete

I think cc used 2 layers of planking and a canvas layer in the middle. (Somebody that knows for sure, Please jump in!) I think the cold mold system is supposed to be lighter and stronger. Also, the old boats used the wood swelling when wet to seal. That adds lot of weight. The engines are also heavier per HP.

Bill

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Mini -Tug, KH Tahoe 19 & Bartender 24 - There can be no miracle recoveries without first screwing up.
Tahoe 19 Build

It is surprising how quickly the old CC's moved thru the water
with the older lower HP motors and the weight resulting from the
double planked bottoms.
They did ride quite smooth as a result of that weight.

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If you don't build it now, You will regret it later!

Crackerbox Build:
http://s232.photobucket.com/albums/ee255/jtpatronimfg/

These boats are narrow by current standards. On down in the link, above, there is a Racing Runabout in the water. It looks 3 seats wide. But, the guy fills almost half the seat. People were smaller then. I once was considered average height. Now, I'm short.

Remember when 200 lbs was a big man. It's pretty common now.

Bill

_________________
Mini -Tug, KH Tahoe 19 & Bartender 24 - There can be no miracle recoveries without first screwing up.
Tahoe 19 Build

Bill said jump in, so here goes! The '39-'41 CC Custom (Barrelback19) was double planked with 1/4" and 1/2" with a layer of canvas between that was soaked in water resistant glue. It was their primative version of our resin/glass cloth. The first problem was that planks were not even glued together, allowing independent movement. After a few cycles of this "swelling" seal, all fasteners were strained to their limit and either broken off or the screw holes were turned into ovals, allowing even more movement. The old adage that nothing rides like a wood boat comes from the "shock absorber" effect of all the scantlings moving around. No boat really SHOULD absorb water, but it's good they do or they would sink. The originals in discussion were a good 2000 pounds plus a 1000 pound 6-cylinder. What people don't see is that a 130 h.p. six made it's peak power at like 2400 rpm or something. Horsepower is a calculated number concerning torque and rpm, meanind the actual torque of that six was like a Cummins turbo deisel. The proper size prop allowed 42 mph at 3200 rpm or whatever. A packard Liberty 12 cyl engine at 1600 cubic inches made 500 h.p. but unthinkable torque at 2200 rpm. Different math back then!

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Those who would sacrifice liberty for security deserve neither. - Benjamin Franklin

Flipper,

Thanks for "Jumping In". I haven't had the opportunity to really study the original boats. But, your description matched my understanding on the topic.

In the old days, muscle cars had high torque V8's and red lines around 5000. Now, you get the hp with a much smaller V6. But, lots more rpm.

The heavy, high torque, low RPM engines originally used is why I thought a modern diesel might actually give similar performance.

Bill

_________________
Mini -Tug, KH Tahoe 19 & Bartender 24 - There can be no miracle recoveries without first screwing up.
Tahoe 19 Build