CHERUB 2-1/2

This design was commissioned by Trevor Pallet around 1993 who coined the name "Cherub two-and-a-half" for the project - the idea was to use the existing lines of Albert Strange's Cherub II expanded by 15% (hence giving a size about 2.5 times the displacement of the original) - but with the addition of a cabin and inboard engine. The rig and appearance was to emulate the character of an AS design. The dimensions of the boat allows use of narrow guage canals which was one of the reasons for this choice.

The underwater profile is altered to accommodate the engine and the sheer was raised proportionately somewhat from that of the original as I expected weight could be a problem - this extra freeboard gives a bit more room for manouvre. The centreboard is designed to interfere as little as possible with the cabin, which offers two berths and an open layout with a deck-stepped mast supported below via lockers/webs to avoid a central pillar.

The plans were used to make a strip plank hull (beautifully built by Jamie Clay) with a lead keel for later fitting out by the owner.
(the project was not completed and the hull is currently for sale (March 2011) - a great opportunity for someone looking for their own project or to have the boat professionally finished - please get in contact for details)

The fit-out is in ply. In general, with a narrow shoal draft hull it is important to make as light a boat as possible (to give room for additional ballast if desired) so this design is best executed with modern methods though in theory a traditional craft could be made to the design. I have to add that I favour framing in larger glued wood craft for various reasons - and this design uses laminated frames at 21" centres. The frames act as moulds, of course, but also allow the planking to be lighter. It is also much easier to install an interior. The distribution of transverse framing means that webs and bulkheads attached to the hull skin are less likely to become hard spots.

There is space for a small inboard engine (eg a Yanmar IGM10 was the original expectation) though the boat would sail better without.

The plans consist of an A0 sheet with lines (scale 1:8), offsets, and expanded lines (scale 1:4 athwartships) from which to check offsets. Two A1 sheets cover construction and rig, with a 17-page guide to construction and specifications.

It would be possible to customise the basic design - in fact I think the hull already built could make a really good half-decker!

Plan Price £95

The illustrations shown are edited from the plans.

Here are two photographs to show the hull built by Jamie Clay