DESIGNS

SUMMER KYLE
Tunnel-sterned motor cruiser
Design by Dave Gerr Commentary by Joel White

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Particulars 41'6n Draft

LWL

Displacement Beam Power Cruising speed Top speed

39'2" 15,960 Ibs

170-hp Yanmar 12-14 knots 16knots

he design for Summer Kyle first came to my notice in the form of a press release from Gerr Marine. While I tend to digest press releases with a considerable sprinkling of salt, anything from the board of Dave Gerr interests me, and Summer Kyle proved to be no exception. Designs from his office are usually no-nonsense, goodlooking boats, with a considerable leaning towards traditional styling. A glance at the outboard profile of this

design would seem to confirm this assessment. Yet there is much about this boat that is not usual or traditionalonce the outer veneer of the 1930s styling is peeled away. Most noticeable are her hull shape, and her shallow draft; these two elements are integrally related to each other. Quoting the press release: "Summer Kyle was designed for a client who wanted extreme shoal draft, eco-

nomical operation at moderate speed, and relatively long range on a vessel he and his wife could live on for several months at a time'long exploring vacations.' He specifically requested 1920s to 1930s styling." la order to achieve very shoal draft in a single-screw powerboat, Gerr has used a hull form derived from the old Sea Bright Skiffs of the New Jersey coasta narrow flat bottom, horizontal chines starting about Station 4

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Summer Kyle's lineage can be traced through William Allan's tunnel-sterned designs back to the Sea Bright Skiffs of the NewJersey shore.

and running to the stern, and a tunnel stern (which Gerr credits to naval architect William Atkin). The tunnel, starting about amidships, is an inverted V-shape, with the box deadwood separating it into two tunnels from Station 6 to Station 9. From Station 9 to the transom, the tunnel is a single inverted V with straight sections running from the submerged chines to the centerline of the transom above the designed waterline. The

perspective lines sketch shows the shape clearly. With the boat floating at rest on its designed waterline, about onethird of the 22"-diameter propeller is above water while the remainder is submerged. The shaft is horizontal, as the flat bottom construction allows the engine to be mounted low in the boat. There is much that appeals about this tunnel configurationthe shoal draft will permit exploration

of many places that are off-limits to deeper craft. Gerr states, "You can run at full cruising speed anywhere there's 24" ofwater or morea simply incredible, almost unbelievable thing!" If I were running at 14 knots in 24" ofwater, I believe my heart would be in my throat the whole time for fear I might suddenly arrive at a place with only 18"ofwater! The flat bottom is to be plated with '/4"copper-nickelplate,andtheboat

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can be grounded out without fear of her falling over, another appealing trait. The propeller and rudder are well protected from damage by the box deadwood and skeg that support the bottom of the rudder. I do have some concerns about this tunnel. A naval architect friend who has done dozens of designs with tunnel sterns tells me there are two definite no-no's in tunnel design: First, the top of the back end of the tunnel must be completely below water when the boat is at rest; otherwise, when the engine is put into reverse, the propeller will fill the tunnel with air bubbles and the boat will not back down. The second concern is that the rudder when turned must not close off the tunnel, as there needs to be plenty of room for the slipstream from the prop to escape. Summer Kyle's design seems to violate the first rule. In talking to Gerr about this, he tells me that Atkin had a number of boats built with this tunnel arrangement, some of which are still in service. My friend also tells me that if there is too much hook downward in the after end of the tunnel, the boat will run bow-down and consequently be very wet. Again, I can'tjudge if this will be a problem with Summer Kyle.

he arrangement plan is nicely set up for extended cruising for two, with the possibility of two more guests. The owner's cabin aft is large and pleasant, with a big double bunk,

a dresser, and a good seat next to the bunk. However, the only head is forward, making it a bit of a trip from the after stateroom. Amidships, the pilothouse floor is raised over the engineroom. There is plenty of seating, a large chart table to starboard, and a wet locker. In addition to regular floor hatches over the engine, the entire pilothouse floor is designed to be removed for complete access to the machinery below. Down two steps from the forward cabin, the pilothouse contains the galley to port and a dinette with table opposite to starboard. This can convert to a double berth. The head is to port, with a shower and hanging locker to starboard. Having a shower separated from the head is fine luxury on a small cruising boat. I have never liked entering a head compartment that appeared to have recently contained a lawn sprinkler, and which had the atmosphere of a tropical rain forest. Right forward, there is a space that can be used either as a workshop or for V-berths each side. If extended cruising with two couples were contemplated, this would be the second stateroom. The head and shower doors are arranged to close off the forward space for privacy. Altogether, this is a conventional but excellent arrangement for a boat of this size. Because of the space taken by the tunnel configuration and the steering gear mechanism, there is no cockpit where one can sit outside to enjoy

fresh air and the sunset. Gerr has done his best to overcome this problem by making the pilothouse as airy as possible. Virtually all its windows open, there is a sliding hatch cover over each side door, and there are larger sliding hatch covers over the steering and navigation stations. In addition, the after deck over the lazarette is big enough for a couple of folding deck chairs. Still, I would miss not having a cockpit.

he machinery specified includes a 170-hp Yanraar diesel, with 350 gallons of fuel tankage, giving about a 700-mile range at cruising speed, according to Gerr. Also specified are large battery banks, an inverter and converter, a hot water heater, an air conditioner, an 8-kw generator, and an Espar hot-water cabin heater. With all this equipment properly installed and running, the crew should not suffer for lack of creature comforts. Construction is to be strip-planked wood, glued with epoxy, and the outer surface sheathed with fiberglass laid in epoxy. This is a cost-effective way to build a boat of this size, and should facilitate building the unusual shapes of the tunnel stern. While not specified, I imagine that decks and superstructure will be wood framed, plywood sheathed, and covered with 'glass and epoxy. Or the decks could be teak veneered for a more yachty appearance. Gerr tells me that the boat is under construction at the Kortchmar & Willner yard in Greenport,

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Long Island, New York. In addition, there has been so much interest in the design that Cape Dory is considering building the boat in fiberglass. Summer Kyle is an appealing boat for anyone wanting a medium-sized power cruiser. Her overall appearance is traditional, and 1 think quite good-looking. Her relatively narrow beam and long hull lines, combined with a single-screw diesel of moderate power, ensure a boat that is economical to operate and maintain. The raised forward deck configura-

tion gives maximum usable space in Intracoastal Waterway, taking advanthe accommodations, while the many tage of the good days to run, and exhatches, portlights, and windows will ploring the countryside when the provide plenty of light and air below. weather threatens, could take them to The dinghy can be carried on the Florida and across to the Bahamas for after cabintop and easily launched a winter spent in tropical climes. The using the mast and boom. The mast trip back home, following the spring will also be useful for carrying steady- north, might be the best ofall. -1. ing sails. Gerr has done a fine job of providing all the necessary elements Joel White designs, builds, and writes about boats. for fun, comfortable cruising. I am envious of Summer Kyle's Plans for Summer Kyle are available from Gerr future owners. A September depar- Marine, Inc., 838 WestEndAve., SuiteBB, ture for a leisurely trip south on the New York, NY 10925.

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