Shearwater 38

As explained when introducing you to the concept plans, the new design is firmly based upon the Fulmar 38, an aging design of which several boats were built, some under the name of ‘Northern Comfort 38”.

But the technology as well as the fashion went on, and I felt the need to have an answer to the demands of the present time.

This meant a longer waterline and beamier at the transom, and to some extend targeting away from the main stream production boats.

Fore more than thirty-five years our office specialised in boats with variable draft, some with centre boards, others with lifting keels.

Here I choose the most optimum being a hydraulic operating lifting keel and rudder blade.

As draft no longer is a strict limitation the keel can be a highly effective high aspect shape with a small bulb on its tip.

This combined with a movable rudder blade makes many small harbours visitable, but is also ideal for using a mud berth.

The lifting keel as I used needs a full height casing which is some what directing the practical use of the interior space.

I designed two options which were shown in the preliminary plans before.

The option I choose to detail first has the working area right in front of the companion way, the sitting is mostly in front of the keel casing.

The deckhouse has two watch keeper seats to look around, a feature the Northern comforts have, and which much admired.

There was little reason to change much on the deck layout of the ‘Fulmar’ and in fact the same cutting file can be used.

However the cockpit is modified for tiller steering, and has full length seats,  which the key hole shaped steering wheel version as used in the “Shearwater 39‘, lacks.

The rig shown is the fractional option, the cutter version will be soon on the board.

The goal is to have the interior independent  from the choice of rig.

Time allowing will I show you on this site how this is done within a few month time