Boat Plans: Racing / Recreational V-bottom Boat For Motors to 40 HP

This 11' 11" long v-bottom boat was designed for racing in the APBA Sportsman classes called Mini GT and GT Pro. In fact, the Mini Vee is the ONLY homebuilt boat approved for racing in Mini GT. Both Mini GT and GT Pro are raced in Minnesota and surrounding states, in races organized by the Twin City Powerboat Association.

With a 35 hp Johnson or Evinrude motor, equipped with an off-the-shelf OMC propeller (somewhat modified), the Mini Vee has attained speeds near 47 mph. With a proper racing propeller (and no race-rules minimum weight requirement), I expect speeds can top 50 mph.

Furthermore, due to the Mini Vee's simple shape, it is easily stretched into a longer boat that should be able to carry larger motors, especially the smaller 3-cylinders, or motors in the 140-180 lb. range. I have recently added information about such changes to the Plans package and the Construction Notes.

The Mini Vee offers two setback options; two coaming height options; and a choice of 18-inch wide or 20-inch wide cockpit. All options are included in the plans package.

The Dillon Mini Vee boat was designed with the 31.8 cubic inch Johnson or Evinrude in mind. This two-stroke, two-cylinder motor was manufactured in 20, 25, 30 and 35 horsepower versions from 1976 through 2005. It is the 30 and 35 horsepower models (they are actually identical) that are approved for racing in GT Pro, while the 25 horsepower version is used for Mini GT.

At its original length, I do not recommend using an engine that exceeds a weight of 130 lbs. The two cylinder, 30/35 hp OMC that we use for GT Pro racing is of course an excellent choice. The 25hp (or 30hp) Tohatsu that is used for racing in Europe and Australia should also work very well.

I tested my own Mini Vee with a 2-cylinder, 40hp Nissan (130 lbs.). I recorded 50 mph in a quick test with whatever prop I had on hand. Surely more speed is attainable as Sport C boats using this same motor race at nearly 60 mph.

Longer versions of the Mini Vee should be able to handle heavier motors, but I have not tested this hypothosis, so attempt it at your own risk.

See Customer-built Mini Vees

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 thirteen 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 $50 US via direct download; or $60 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.