Image © Graham Byrnes, see B&B Yacht Designs for more pictures.

In the fall of 2008 when gasoline prices topped well over $4.00 a gallon Marinas noted far fewer power boats being used. Many opted to not launch that year and others severely curtailed their use. With many boats using in excess of 8 gallons of fuel per hr that makes for expensive hours on the water. Wooden Boat Magazine decided to do something about it to promote new designs of economical power boats to be brought to the market. A call for designs was brought forth to create a new design of around 18 ft length with a maximum horsepower of 25 and the ability to cruise at 15 knts burning less than 2 Gallons per hour. Graham was intrigued by the challenge and decided to take on two tasks at once. One was to deign a boat that could win the contest. The other was to fulfill a promise to his Granddaughter. His Granddaughter Marissa had asked him to design a boat and name it after her. Graham asked her what sort of Boat she wanted as her Name Sake and she said she didn't care "Just Make it Fast, Fun, and Beautiful!" I think Graham succeeded on all counts.

SPECIFICATIONS
LOA	18' 0" (5.49m)
LWL	15' 3" (4.65m)
BEAM	6' 10" (2.08m)
DRAFT / hull	8 3/4" (22cm) @ dwl
DEADRISE at transom	12 degrees
HORSEPOWER	25 - 60
BOAT WEIGHT   including 25 HP motor:	1050 - 1150 lbs (480 - 520 kilos)
DISPLACEMENT	1680 lbs (764 kilos) @ dwl
POUNDS   per 1" immersion	335 lbs (152 kilos)

Graham decided that the most popular Power boat on the market was a center console design preferred by Fishermen for ease of separation of crew out on the boat fishing. So an 18 foot center console design was in the works to have the widest appeal and potentially the most impact. In order to keep costs down for the masses to be able to afford it, Graham designed the hull in develop-able curves to allow rapid ply panel construction. He designed in chine flats to provide extra lift for ease of efficient planing, a narrower hull form at lower speeds and less wetted surface to reduce drag. The Chine flats also add visual appeal and break up the visual impact of ply panel construction. This also allows a sharper entry for ease of piercing through waves and avoiding pounding. The hull also features less deadrise than is common on today's deep v hull boats which hurt fuel efficiency greatly. Graham also subtly influenced the boats final outcome in order to take various design cues form the Ocracoke 20 design Not only did Wooden Boat declare the Marissa the Winner, but it stated in it's announcement that it was head and shoulders above the competition. While the design contest specified ability to perform to spec with a maximum of 25 HP, Graham has designed the boat sufficient to accept up to 60 HP for those who desire greater speed than the 25 hp can provide. Calculations show that at 15 knots (17.27 mph) with the 25 hp motor, the 16 gallon (60 liter) fuel tank will give a range of 210 nautical miles in flat water for 15mpg which is more than a lot of pick-ups can do. The top end speed with a 25 hp motor is 21 knots or 24 miles per hour burning 2.2 gallons (8.3liters) an hour. I am offering the Marissa with boat as shown, trailer and 25 HP motor for $28,500.00 Other options available and priced individually.


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