Linwood Man Builds Launch For Cruising

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28742, 13 November 1958, Page 15

Linwood Man Builds Launch For Cruising

A2IFT LAUNCH, the Kotiti, was launched last Saturday ’ in the estuary at South Brighton. J It took Mr A. J. Stent, of Lin--1 wood, two years and a half to 1 build the launch. He spent much time in selecting a design which could be used for fishing as well . as for general cruising in the : Marlborough Sounds. Another of , Mr Stent s problems was a small ' building area which again re- ’ stricted the launch's design. ' Mr Stent has built his launch ' of Jin Oregon plywood on beech ’ framing. The outside of the hull is covered with fibre glass, tvvp ’ layers on the bottom and layer along the side. The job « ’ fibre-glassing the hull was done under cover to ensure a temperature of 60 degrees needed to work the material and get good bond to the ply. This is the first launch Mr Stent has built and his first experience with fibre glass. It took him a long time to build the hull, because it was a spare time project, but when it u’as completed he installed a fourcylinder Rugby car engine which had been converted for marine use. The fuel for the engine is contained in two copper hot water cylinders, which hold 40 gallons, giving useful range. Mr Stent took the launch for several short runs in the river,

and it drove easily at 8-9 miles ■ an hour, its designed speed. Very few adjustments were needed and • there were no leaks. Further • seaworthy trials and tests for fuel , consumption will be made before Christmas. The Kotiti has sleeping accom- , modation for two and room for

; six in the cockpit for fishing. f Over-all dimensions are: length 1 21ft 6in. 7ft beam and draught, * about 21in. The weight is one 1 ton and a half. The fibre hull i is impregnated white and the cabin sides are finished in coral ■ red. with the top in a sand colour, : giving a pleasing combination.