Boat Plans: A Tunnel Boat For Sport C Class Racing or 40 hp to 60 hp Motors

Also Available: Cockpit Plans
Well suited for the Laker SC12

The Laker SC12 was designed specifically for Sport C class racing. However, its 12'+ length and deep, bouyant stern sections make it suitable for heavier, more powerful motors in the 150 to 180 lb. range. Filling the gap between the Dillon Pro Tunnel and the Laker 14, the Laker SC12 should work very well with the smaller 3-cylinder motors, the large twins, and even a small 4-cylinder motor like the classic Merc 500.

I hope to build my own Laker SC12 for Sport C racing in 2015 or 2016.

Meanwhile, I have created Construction Notes for the SC12 by adapting the Sport C and Laker 14 Notes. As my own building project progresses, I will update the Notes as needed.

I recommend 3mm plywood for the deck and cowling deck, and 5mm or 6mm plywood for everything else. You can't go wrong using okoume marine plywood, but exterior will work as well, especially the 5mm luan available wherever (in the US, at least) lumber is sold. NOTE: Make certain that you are buying truly exterior plywood, made with waterproof glue, not the "weather resistant" stuff they sell at some of the big home centers.

Many will insist that marine plywood is the only choice. But though I've seen failures in exterior plywood, I've seen virtually identical failures in marine. Exterior grade plywood requires good structure (stringers and bulkheads) behind it, but I would stipulate that marine plywood calls for exactly the same.

That said, okoume marine plywood is very nice plywood. But you can save several hundred dollars by using locally available, exterior grades. It's your choice.

See Customer-built Laker SC12s

I design my boats on a "computer aided design" (CAD) program on my computer. Once the basic lines have been developed, I draw the plans full-size on a loft table to ensure all curves are fair. Corrections made in the loft plan are then carried back to the CAD drawings and the plans are finalized.

The resulting plans are NOT a set of blueprints or full-size drawings. The plans are (in part) a collection of digital scale drawings of all the major parts which the builder can print out on regular printer paper. (Pre-printed drawings shipped via postal mail are also available.) The drawings include all necessary measurements so that the builder can expand them full-size -- onto paper templates if desired, or better yet right onto the plywood.

The plans package, available via direct download or by postal mail, includes 17 measured drawings; a scantling list; and some notes on wood, hardware and other materials needed to complete your boat and set it up for recreational boating or sanctioned racing. Also, I provide extensive online construction notes, including dozens of photos, which will guide you through the entire building process. And, I will be just an email away if you have questions.

The plans package is $55 US via direct download; or $65 printed on 8.5" x 14" sheets and sent via postal mail. You can pay online through Paypal (you do not need a Paypal account), or you may send a check or money order.