Shoal Draft Boat

Shoal Draft Boat

Sometimes all it takes to change the game are a few fans to speak up and say, 'hey, there is something great going on here.'

In last month's PassageMaker Magazine, Paul and Linda Bremer along with designer Dave Gerr recapped the success of Gerr's shoal draft boat - a 42' tunnel drive trawler that draws only 22".  Yes, that's twenty-two inches.  Officially, it's called a "Summer Kyle" design; an Ultrashoal Tunnel-Drive Motorcruiser.  And, in case you were wondering, that's exactly the regal title it deserves.

Ultrashoal Tunnel-Drive Motorcruiser

At 41'3" LOA, 12' beam, and you know the draft, this is a serious cruiser's serious cruising boat, and talk about possibilities.  It makes a relative newbie think, 'if this is even possible, why aren't all boats like this?'  I mean, think about it...no more worry about hitting bottom.  If you do, the boat will stand up on the hard all by itself.  Reliable propulsion in protected pockets.  Semi-planing speeds at displacement power and MPGs (3 GPH at 11 Knots...really).  Tons of living area.  Fantastic sea-keeping capability.  And I quote, "she's experienced very rough waters going offshore, and has proven exceptionally stable, soft riding, and comfortable."

This time, you'll get no answers out of me.  I wish they made smaller boats in this size range so decent folk like myself could afford one.  Then again, this 42 footer with two cabins and two heads was listed for around $260,000 in 2011, which is hardly bank-breaking territory for most boaters looking in this range.  I'm no boat manufacturer, but I am good at math, and all these numbers add up to some serious consideration for such a unique design.

Dave Gerr, you've done something great here.  I hope it catches on and changes the game; at the very least, I'll call you when it's finally time for me to do some serious cruising.