Trailerable fishing boat under 2.5 metres beam

We are looking to sell the farm , the Grey Seal Huon Seal , the lot , and go live on the Bellarine Peninsular.
I'd like to fish , and there I have the option of bay fishing , or open water fishing.
I'd like to find a fishing boat design offering some shelter from the elements , that will spend a lot of time on a trailer , and of course be under 2.5 metre beam , so that it is able to be towed without a special permit.
It needs to be diesel powered .
Any designs in mind ?.
I like the Atkin Shoel Runner , but that would be a bay boat , not an open water boat.
Regards Rob J.

None of the Atkins designs will incorporate modern methods or materials, so you'll be modifying the plans as soon as you get them, just to have a heavy (compared to modern designs) end result.

Can you refine your thoughts a bit, as there's whole bunch of designs (hundreds) that will fit, given the limited parameters. Try to nail down a build method preference, length, some accommodations requirements, target speeds, fuel use expectations, engine setups and sizes, how guests and crew, etc. This will narrow the search considerably.

PAR , I won't be building the boat myself , it will be professionally built.
If I were building to use just in the bay , I would have the Shoal Runner built , with a small 4 cylinder diesel engine.
The conditions "outside" would be something like this http://www.seabreeze.com.au/graphs/vic_west.asp .
The conditions inside the bay would be something like this , for the same period http://www.seabreeze.com.au/weather/vic/melbourne .
Getting out means going through the heads https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Rip .
So , what I want is something that is under 2.5 metres width , so it is trailerable , that can handle multiple off and on the trailer easily , is good to fish from , has a cabin to get out of the weather , and basic cooking facilities.
And a bunk or 2 , for tired grandkids , or the occasional overnight.
And it must be diesel powered.
Regards Rob J.

This boat http://www.rangertugs.com.au/R-21 looks appealing to me.
Something blown out to the full 2.5 metre width would be perfect , I believe.
Regards Rob J.

This brought a chuckle https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPrQUgLFDHA .
And a familiarality , after a few years as a CG radio operator.
Rob J.

Attachment 351963
Just a tad bigger would be fine , out to just under 2.5 metres width.
That boat is for sale , with the new Volvo Penta engine , and quite close to me.
I might take it out (with the dealer) out through the heads , and see how it goes.
Regards Rob J.

I am in the finishing stages of a four year boat build. It is a Glen-L design Titan tugboat.(aluminium/timber).

I am also assuming you want something different to a Ranger tug?

The Titan maybe something to consider with a much wider beam @ 2.5m and much more freeboard.

Would take a lot more effort and ingenuity however to realise.

Thanks for your post "cool running".
Yes ,I did see her ,and yes ,she has a lot of appeal.
The best thing is , it got my wifes instant stamp of approval !.
I think Titan would handle the open waters better , particularly the longer version.
You must have done your research , what was it that swung you to the Titan ?.
Is there any video of a Titan underway?.
Thanks again.
Regards Rob J.

There is also this Paul Gartside semi displacement boat http://store.gartsideboats.com/colle...nch-design-141 .
I'd like to know more about her too.
Regards Rob J.

Hi Rob-Our build is a long story, but in answer to your questions, I believe there are numerous advantages in the 'Titan' over the 'Ranger' Tugs.

For a quickfix ,you would simply hand the money over everytime and buy a production boat,such as the Ranger.

But,I could not go past the look of a true Fantail stern and a more personalised vessel overall . The keel section is much deeper and the beam is at least 450mm wider.
This does not seem like much,but makes for a lot more space in the cockpit as well as in the cabin.

I keep in touch with Doug in Canada who built one in ply and reckons you can just about throw any weather at it.
Especially punching into the waves is good, but beam on will unsettle it somewhat,but in my experience what vessel doesn't in those conditions?

Finally, the Gartside designs are well renowned in the boating fraternity. To be honest, I do not know if Mike Storer may have a design that you fancy as well -Happy dreaming!-Scott

I've been busy , and got myself on to the Glen L forum.
Lots to read there , from you , and Doug.
Yes , I like the stern too , and what I can see , the whole boat should be good for me.
And I like the comparison to the Ranger.
That is why I put the Ranger up , to tickle out responses like yours.
I'd love to see videos of boats in open waters though.
Thanks again , for your reply.
Regards Rob J. just home from a shoulder reconstruction.

I'm pretty hooked on the Titon.
I'd just like to see more of her.
And how she goes in open waters.
Regards Rob J.

I'm in a "conversation" with Paul Gartside at the moment.
He too has concerns about boat stability in our conditions.
He has suggested a motor sailer.
I've suggested outrigger paravane stabilizers.
Both were used traditionally , and still are , by local boats.
All "grist for the mill".
Regards Rob J.

Now this is appealing !
In ply of course , but it has a reputation as a rough water boat , it should be perfect for trolling.
Regards Rob J.Attachment 352444

We're getting close to launching time here and just need some clear weather.

Hoping to fire up the engine for the first time this week and we'll see how it goes from there.I'm confident the engineering side should work well but there will no doubt be some 'tweaks' required somewhere.