Steam Boat Styles

We currently have plans and moulds for three different hull styles as shown below, with the primary difference being the variations in stern design. These hulls can be built in a range of sizes and lengths and with many different deck and seating configurations.

The three hull shapes represent typical steam launch design at the turn of the last century.

The wineglass transom gives maximum water-line length (more speed) for a given hull design and more usable space inside. One of the important factors in a hull's design is its water-line length, the length of the boat at the water line. The water-line length determines some of the boat's characteristics. For instance, it is a large factor in determining the hull's maximum speed. Also, a longer water-line length will allow heavier displacement. If you have space limitations for storing a boat or other reasons for wanting a smaller boat, this might be a good choice.

The fantail is a typical steam launch design; it's pretty but you give up water-line length and interior capacity for it.

The torpedo stern is designed for speed. Also called a drake tail or a beaver tail. The stern is very flat underneath and the stern is wide, so the boat doesn't squat at speed. It also leaves almost no wake. Herreshoff's Now Then is a good example of this style, at one time the fastest boat in the world.

You can see more examples of these different styles on our gallery page.

  • Wineglass Transom
    Wineglass Transom

  • Fantail
    Fantail

  • Torpedo Stern
    Torpedo Stern