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Sprite Plus
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About this boat
This Sprite Plus is a lengthened version of the LesRo Sprite that is now 30” long to make it a better boat for use in all weathers, 12 months of the year.
The plans for this lengthened model were drawn up by Chris, who is also planning to use it with an outboard motor - something that looks really good and should be a superb combination.
Meanwhile I am building this as the “prototype” Sprite Plus with a conventional single shaft drive, and I will keep Chris aware of any changes that I make that may be of benefit to him when he builds his own version at a later date.
The main design change (apart from the length) is the front cabin detail that has changed from a flat screen to a “V” shaped double windscreen design.
Chris had drawn this on the plan, but (as is the way with prototypes) I have changed it a little as things tend to “evolve” with prototype builds and my version has been planned to be built right from the start with an integrated cabin construction with access being gained via a “lift-off” cabin top.
Chris prefers to have a complete lift-off superstructure that does give better accessibility, but I prefer to forgo a little accessibility and gain the superior strength and water-proofing that the integrated construction type provides.
My build choice has been ingrained in me ever since I raced my Aerokits Swordsman in an off-shore race in the open sea in the late 1960’s and my friend who had a very similar Swordsman was unable to complete as his complete superstructure was easily “washed-off” by any wave or heavy wake, and even when it was able to stay in place, any “deck-wash” tended to enter the hull as it crept in under where the superstructure sat on the deck.
My friend was a superb craftsman who earned his living as a furniture maker, and so his build quality was far better than anything that I was able to achieve (then or now!), but the construction method could never be as water tight - even with his perfect fit between deck and superstructure.
My build is not yet complete, so I will change the “lead picture” when it is finished, but for now the picture shows the design as it is being built.
Bob,
The plans for this lengthened model were drawn up by Chris, who is also planning to use it with an outboard motor - something that looks really good and should be a superb combination.
Meanwhile I am building this as the “prototype” Sprite Plus with a conventional single shaft drive, and I will keep Chris aware of any changes that I make that may be of benefit to him when he builds his own version at a later date.
The main design change (apart from the length) is the front cabin detail that has changed from a flat screen to a “V” shaped double windscreen design.
Chris had drawn this on the plan, but (as is the way with prototypes) I have changed it a little as things tend to “evolve” with prototype builds and my version has been planned to be built right from the start with an integrated cabin construction with access being gained via a “lift-off” cabin top.
Chris prefers to have a complete lift-off superstructure that does give better accessibility, but I prefer to forgo a little accessibility and gain the superior strength and water-proofing that the integrated construction type provides.
My build choice has been ingrained in me ever since I raced my Aerokits Swordsman in an off-shore race in the open sea in the late 1960’s and my friend who had a very similar Swordsman was unable to complete as his complete superstructure was easily “washed-off” by any wave or heavy wake, and even when it was able to stay in place, any “deck-wash” tended to enter the hull as it crept in under where the superstructure sat on the deck.
My friend was a superb craftsman who earned his living as a furniture maker, and so his build quality was far better than anything that I was able to achieve (then or now!), but the construction method could never be as water tight - even with his perfect fit between deck and superstructure.
My build is not yet complete, so I will change the “lead picture” when it is finished, but for now the picture shows the design as it is being built.
Bob,
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Some of the patterns were carefully taped together to allow for my changed building method from the intended “lift-off” superstructure to my preferred integrated build construction, but the overall shapes remained the same.
Bob.