23' Martlet Pilot Cutter Plans

The 30' LOD Martlet has been a popular design and represents a lot of seaworthy boat for her length but I have often been asked about a smaller version - a design which embodies the robust pilot cutter looks and sea keeping qualities and the ability to cruise far a field but, in a smaller package. I was eventually commissioned to do the drawings for a 23' version and jumped at the chance - so here she is.

The original 30' Martlet was drawn up for clinker plywood construction over a fairly extensive ply framework and then strip plank construction details wwere added at a later date. With her 23' sister, we start off with strip plank construction and eventually, when someone asks for it, ply construction (either clinker or multi-chine) will almost certainly be added to the design package. So, as usuall the computer faired mould, inner stem and transom shapes are given to be set up on a strongback before planking starts. The planking could be done in a number of ways - single Cedar with a glass sheathing, a thinner Cedar core with 1 or 2 veneers on the outside etc. Even cold-moulded if you want - we can give advice on relevant scantlings for the method you choose although a single Cedar strip sheathed in glass is specified on the plans. she has a relatively shallow draft with a long central ballast keel and steel plate bilge keels - other keel configurations could be drawn up to suit.

The accommodation is laid out with forward 'V' berths, a small wc compartment and galley opposite and then a further two pilot berths aft. there is room for a 9 or 10hp inboard plus a generous cockpit with plenty of stowage.