19 ft Steam Pinnace, Design #132

Construction: Strip planked/cold molded

A fine, high transom stern as seen on this little launch is ideal for smaller power plants like steam engines. The extra waterline length will allow it to out-perform similar size boats of the fantail stern model. Add to this, simplicity of construction, and it is surprising that it is not seen more often.

This little boat was drawn especially for the home builder and the plans are very fully detailed. Construction is strip planking overlaid with two layers of cold molded planking for a stiff, light, frameless hull. Suitable for steam engines of 2 - 3 horespower or small electric plants.

20 ft Steam Launch, Design #99

Construction: Cold molded

The classic fantail stern, steam launch hull. This one has a little flare in the bow and is a particularly pretty hull. Suitable for most small steam plants or maybe electric power. Glued construction allows it to be kept on a trailer.

22 ft Steam Launch, Design #123

Construction: Strip planked/cold molded.

We built this lovely fantail launch in 2001 for a Washington State customer. For that boat, construction was double fore and aft planking over bent frames - see construction photos in Custom Building Projects. She is powered by a single cylinder steam engine of 2¼ in. bore and 4 in. stroke developing 2.7 HP at 350 RPM. The propeller is 18 in. x 30 in. three blade.

In the stock plan version, a layer of strip planking is laid up over temporary molds followed by two layers of colded molded planking, one diagonal, one fore and aft. This is a simpler method of building and allows for a frameless hull.

23 ft Steam Launch, Design #125

Construction: Carvel on bent frames.

Silva Bay Shipyard School built this husky launch in 2001. Proposed power is a triple expansion steam engine developing 8 HP at 500 RPM.

Generous beam and heavy construction give this one more stability and load carrying capacity than is commonly found in steam launches. There is comfortable seating for six.

Traditional construction, shapely hull and fantail counter with its solid rabbetted stern block make it a challenging building project. However the plans are fully detailed and include building set-up, deck shelf and optional hard canopy.

Plans are drawn 1 in. = 1 ft.