Description
The New ECO 55 is a modification of the Original ECO 55. When you buy the new plans you receive the complete set of the original plans plus the details for the new gunter rig and new leeboards/luffboards.
The first ECOnomy cruiser was designed 2003. The first multi hull with a negative bow by the way. The model is basically the same but the experience from owners/builders around the world is flowing in in this updated model. The ECO is a perfect trailer/sailor. With its empty weight of only 290 kg the boat can be even trailered with a medium size car.
It stays that the ECO is a perfect first time boat building project. The boat has been proven to be, in capable hands, a perfect coastal cruiser.
The time proven wood/glass epoxy composite technique is easy to master. The result a light and fast catamaran. The boat is easy to build, also by a first time boat builder. The hulls for instance are single chine hulls. The cabin sides are made from a single sheet of plywood. The bows are now made from single pieces of wood, so the whole construction is now simplified.
There are now two rig option, a new regular rig and my solution for a low cost rig with a dividable mast. The rotating aluminum mast is made from a 80mm diameter tube. The main sail design, with aerodynamic sleeve and still the possibility for standing rigging and shortening of the sail.
Rudders fold automatic back when an object is hit. Single dagger board which can be handled from the cockpit.
The boat sleeps 3 to 4.Good size pantry. This boat can be build for a fraction of the costs of any other boat of this size. See list of materials and calculate for your self.
- All drawings are CAD drawings
- Wood/epoxy composite for easy construction and low maintenance.
- From the trailer into the water without set up time
Construction time about 350 hours !
Plans consist of 22 Drawings: .JPG or DXF files.
Manual: 16 pages description (Adobe Reader)
Additional Information
Measurement: |
Metric |
Designer Name: |
Bernd Kohler |
Sail area (Imperial / Metric): |
200 sq. ft / 18.5 sq. m |
Rig Type: |
Sloop |
Keel Type: |
Daggerboard |
Rudder: |
Kick-up |
Length (range): |
16' - 23'11" / 4.88m - 7.29m |
LOA: |
18' / 5.5m |
Length at Waterline: |
18' / 5.5m |
Beam: |
8' 2-1/2" / 2.5m |
Hull Weight: |
200 - 999 lbs / 90.72 - 453.14kg |
Estimated Hull Weight: |
637lbs / 289kg |
Draft: |
36" / 91.44cm |
Unloaded Draft: |
3' 3-1/2" / 1m |
Weight Capacity: |
730lbs / 331kg |
Primary Material: |
Marine Plywood |
Method of Construction: |
Stitch and Glue |
Hull: |
Multihull |
Hull Type: |
Planing |
Hull Shape: |
V bottom |
Cabin: |
Cabin |
Power Source: |
Wind |
Built-in Floatation: |
Yes |
Trailerable: |
Yes |
Cartop: |
No |
Unit of Measure: |
Metric |
Instruction Manual: |
General Instructions and Sequence |
Lofting Required: |
No |
Recommended Experience Level: |
Intermediate |
Designer's Thoughts on Experience Level: |
Chuck Leinweber's suggestion |
Number of Occupants: |
3-4 |
Boat Type: |
Sailboat |