Thank you for considering my plans for Bowler, a “cruising” version of my Top Hat launch. These boats are descended from Harry Bryan’s inspired Handy Billy design, which in turn can trace its origins back to William Hand’s V-bottom designs from the early 20th century. One hundred years later, Hand would still recognize these boats – handsome, sea kindly, efficient, and attractive to the home builder. We’ve incorporated some extra beam, modern construction, and today’s wonderfully quiet and clean-burning outboard motors.

Bowler uses modern glued wood construction. Her bottom is plywood and her curvaceous topsides are strip-planked. All is sheathed in Dynel/epoxy for a boat that stays good-looking with less maintenance. Her fine bow will handle a chop with ease, and her semi-displacement hull can be driven up to 17 knots with just 60 horsepower.

Down below is a generous V-berth, followed by a toilet to starboard and a sink & counter to port. A step up brings you to the shelter, with 6′ 3″ of headroom. The helm station is to starboard, and to port is a “co-pilot” seat with storage under. A luxurious settee extends across the aft end of the cockpit, just forward of the motor well. Lots of storage back here as well.

Bowler’s motor is in a covered well, which makes engine noise almost negligible. The plans are based on an Evinrude E-TEC 60 hp motor – if you want a different motor, you should plan to purchase it early, before the dimensions of the motor well are all glued in place. Please don’t call to ask me if a bigger motor can be installed. This type of hull is not appropriate for speeds over 20 knots.

While most will consider Bowler a day boat, a weekend cruise is easily accommodated as long as simple eating is acceptable. A young and adventurous couple might head off for a week! With curtains around the shelter, even a pair of kids could be included in the fun.

The plans consist of six sheets: Lines, Outboard Profile, Construction Plan, Construction Sections, Joiner Details, Lofted Offsets. Also included is a CD of construction photos and other helpful information.