Solent Skipper 'SOSKI 25'

Today, May Day 2022, marks the start of an exciting project I have wanted to undertake for a very long time. I have been drawing boats since I could hold a pencil and have always been lucky enough to have easy access to boating, through my parents, who have owned boats since before I was around.  I have long desired to build a classic style launch, pulling inspiration from the likes of Carlo Riva, Chris-Craft, Van Dam and even J. Samuel White (Miss England) to name a few. Projects that are personal to me have always taken a long time to conceptualise, let alone create. Often driven by cost and time but more importantly an attention to detail which can only be developed with trial and patience over time.  The 7.5m vessel will largely be of plywood construction then sheathed and painted. Potentially allowing for moulds to be taken should there be any interest. Its build name will probably change a few times over the next few years, some perhaps not so polite, but for now it will be known as ‘project: SOSKI’ or ‘Solent Skipper’ to be complete. Ideally it will be powered by around 220 - 300 Volvo Penta horses driving a Hamilton HJ274 waterjet, the latter of which I have already acquired, albeit re-purposed. Hopefully achieving a 30 knots cruising speed.  Today we launched a 1:10 scale prototype, which we tested in Bembridge harbour. It floats! Maybe slightly lower than I wanted it too, though it is a scale tonne heavier than it should be for its size. Its successors will be a kilogram lighter! It’s powered by an RC motor and jet-drive, so we were able to see some of its capabilities. I intend to build a few more models to compare subtle tweaks to the hull. One probably incorporating a stepped hull.  The duration of this process will be 5 years (unless certain events or good fortune reduce this time). The next year will see spare time being spent creating and testing scale prototypes to decide on the final hull form and collecting parts and materials required for construction. Also finishing projects currently underway in our Cowes workshop to clear the space for the main build. The following couple of years will be the build of the main structure followed by a couple of years of machinery, final fit-out and finishing. This will obviously all have to fit around supporting the incredible Diverse Marine team with ongoing lifeboat projects and our other lovely customers.  You never really get the chance to properly thank the people that have taken the time to help you develop your skills, and I have been lucky to have had many great mentors along the way including my Dad and my Granddad, everyone who helped me through my apprenticeship and the years up until now, you know who you are and I thank you all very much.  I look forward to embarking on this adventure, and hope that Nicola and the children will get involved so they will have something to remember and cherish as they grow up. Giving them a taste of something I remember so fondly as a boy. Because there's nothing better for the soul than messing about on boats!