project.Designed to be built

using well proven stitchand glue techniques, thehull is a Epoxy E–glassmarine plywood corecomposite. All scantlingshave been designed tocomply with AustralianStandard AS4132 Parts 1& 3 for commercial vesselsover 6 metres in length.This makes for anexceptionally stiff, strongand durable structure. Theepoxy resins and multiaxialfabrics when combinedproduce a structure that isfar superior in terms ofwater resistance andstrength than the typicalpolyester resin/choppedstrand laminates used inmany well knownproduction models.

The BuildThe hull is constructed

upside down on a jigconsisting of a set ofstrong backs that providefor precise alignment of thecomputer cut temporarymdf jig panels and pre-

glassed marine plywoodstructural parts.

Once the hull shellpanels (also computer cut)are scarfed together, theymay be fitted to the jigusing temporaryattachments before thegaps are filled prior toglassing the outside

surfaces. Hull laminates consist of

100% stitched fabrics andepoxy resins. Each layer offibreglass, and there arequite a few, is strategicallyoverlapped at both the keeland chine to provideadditional wear resistanceand strength.

The external surfacesare then faired before turnover, and more fibreglasslaminates are addedinternally - thus turning themarine plywood hull shellinto a fully sealed sandwichstructure.

From here we see thefitting of the aluminium

31Fisherman & Boatowner

Some time ago, I wasapproached todesign a sport fishingvessel capable ofoffshore and inshoreoperation alike.

The prospective clientwas highly intrigued by theefficiency and simplicity ofthe panga style longboatsof the Pacific Islands andelsewhere, and had avision of building his ownboat using some of theprinciples of these boats.

The boat also had to bebuilt by an inexperiencedboatbuilder using a modernversion of the time testedʻstitch and glue ̓plywoodtechniques.

Lastly, the boat had to becost competitive, relativelycheap to build, withoutsacrificing quality andeconomical to run withmoderate horsepower.

The result of thisconcept is the M670. A 22foot (6.7m) modern styledcentre console that can bebuilt by anyone withreasonable skill of handtools and an eye for detail.

To achieve such goals,the design had to be keptsimple, straight forwardand honest. Simplicity ofdesign, simplicity ofconstruction and simplicityof layout, are principlesthat led to a design thathas since proven toperform well aboveexpectations.

The DesignTo achieve some degree

of the efficiency of thelongboats, overall beam

was kept to a minimum at2.20m overall, and lessover the chines. Themodest 12° deadrise angleat the transom turns toalmost 40° at the forefootand 51° at entry, to aid ridecomfort in a swell.

The end result is astable, yet easily drivenhull which has shown inpractice to be up on theplane within a couple ofboat lengths and able toput on a good turn ofspeed with only modest

power requirements.The design features a

fully sealed, positivefreeboard, self-drainingdeck, 190 litre underflooraluminium fuel tank and afully customizable enclosedtransom outboard well.

Side pockets, andprovision for an anchorlocker forward are alsoallowed for.

Should the builderrequire it, as has beendone on hull #01,theaddition of a forwardcasting platform andadditional storage is aneasy modification to thestandard design. Individualbuilders can add their ownmeasure of customisationin way of the transom well,and the ability to fit itemssuch as kill tanks, baittanks and additionalstorage. This makes theM670 a versatile platform.

Naturally, since thedesign is a kit product, thefinal finish will be entirelyup to the builder of eachindividual boat, thus givinga personal stamp to each

30 Fisherman & Boatowner

Specifications

Length Overall (inc. outboard) ........................7.365 mLength Hull ..........................................................6.7 mBeam ....................................................................2.2 mPower (Std)................................ * 1x140 hp (XL Shaft)

................................................................175hp Max.Fuel Capacity ................................................ 190 litresDry Weight ** ..................................................1200 kgTransom Deadrise...................................... 12 degreesDeadrise at 25% LWL ................................37 degreesDraft Loaded ................................................*** 0.35 mTop Speed as tested (140HP, 3 Adults & 100L Fuel) ......................33 knotsConstruction Epoxy/E–glass/Marine Plywood Core Composite

Introducing one of the most interesting DIY craft weʼve seen for some time - and for once, itis not in aluminium, either. Using the latest ʻsaturated ply ̓technique, Gold Coast naval

architect Brett Murrie has really challenged the notion that DIY enthusiasts seem to have tosettle for second best. Not here - this is a gorgeous hull that is right ʻup there ̓with the bestof them - and streets ahead of most others. What makes this so interesting is that Murrie

has combined some of the oldest, simplest DIY boatbuilding tricks in the book, together withthe very latest materials, and then used computer power to cut out the bits and pieces . . .

this is a craft - a technique - that is easily within the scope of the ʻSaturday morning,Bunnings trained amateur ̓and could offer a whole new approach to sensible, economical

and safe, family fishing and boating. We asked Brett to create the background . .

Brett Murrie’s

M670 DIY Series

N E W D E S I G N S

underfloor fuel tank, fuellines, foam flotation andconduits from the consoleto transom being run inprior to deck fitment,bonding and glassing.

The result is anincredibly durable structurecapable of withstanding themost brutal treatment.

The standard consoledesign uses the samestitch and glue styleconstruction techniques asthe hull.

Geometry is kept simpleand uses subtle curves tocompliment the shearlineof the hull and maintain themodern styling presentelsewhere in the boat.

The standard versionincludes a forward facingseat and locker that maybe omitted if preferencedictates.

PerformanceThe M670ʼs goal to

perform well with modestpower was proven duringtrials held on the GoldCoast during April (2009).Running in ideal conditionswith 3 adults and 100 litresof fuel on board, a topspeed of 33 knots wasrecorded (GPS) with astandard 14” alloy propellerfitted on the Suzuki DF140.

Accelerating from astanding start revealed thehull to have no appreciableʻhole ̓and was easily ontothe plane within two boatlengths - and up to topspeed in very short order.

A series of sweepingturns, hard over figure ofeights revealed control andhandling to be predictable,positive and safe.

Barreling over a 1.5metre swell and chopoffshore on the GoldCoast, at a steady 22knots, the ride wascomfortable and dry, withthe wide down turnedchines deflecting water andspray down and outwardsaway from those onboard.

A couple of weeks

following the Gold Coasttrials, owner and builderGary Blake wrote telling ofhis recent trip to HerveyBay. His comments on therigʼs performance areinteresting:

“G/day Brett. We havebeen in Hervey Bay for thelast few days celebratingmy 50th Birthday withfamily.

“We headed around theoutside of Big Woody and

up the straight between itand Fraser Island to reallytest the rig out. We had astrong out going tide with a20 to 25 knot northerlygusting to 30 knots. Theseas ranged from 1.5 to1.8 metres and as hard aswe tried, we couldnʼt stuffthe bow in. It came close acouple of times, but overallthe boat was fairly dryconsidering the conditions.

“We ran the entire lengthof the straight between the

two islands maintaining aspeed of between 20 to 22knots.

“We passed a large(name brand) aluminiumcentre console and anunknown large glass cabinboat as though they werestanding still. They wereboth shut right in, with thecentre console looking likeit was running into a wallevery time it hit the waves.

“The boat just did exactlywhat I asked you to designit to do. It performedbrilliantly and at no timewere we concerned with itshandling or what we wererunning into.

“Several times I was ableto let go of the wheel for areasonable amount of timeand we still kept on a goodstraight course.

“There was no hardslamming or jarring as youwould expect in theconditions, just acomfortable controlledmotion. On the other sideof the straight we were stillable to maintain goodspeed running with theseas just by trimming rightup.

“What we put the boatthrough would make mostshudder. I have beenwaiting to put the boatthrough its paces properlyand I canʼt fault it. Mybrother was impressed noend.

“I can safely say now thisis a seriously good roughwater boat doing what itwas built and designed todo and will live up to whatever you may want to writeabout its rough watercapabilities.

- Gary”

I canʼt complain aboutthat!

Kits & CostsThe M670 is available in

kit form to make startingsuch a project a simpleand hassle free affair.

A detailed drawing set is

32 Fisherman & Boatowner

HM90

11

This is the real deal.(We’re talking about the boat.)

If you want quality fishing, you get yourself the quality gear. The Haines Family has been building Australia’s finest quality fibreglass boats for 50 years. That would make them expert at it and the

Traveller range is a fine example of that high standard. We call it Haines quality boating, so you can enjoy what you set out to do – some quality fishing. The other real reel deal.

For info about Traveller, call 07 3271 4400 or visit www.travellerboats.com

35Fisherman & Boatowner

included that details jigsetup, hull construction andlamination, fuel tankconstruction(recommended to be builtby an experienced tankmaker), fuel tankinstallation, foam floatationarrangement and consoleconstruction plus more.

Material wise, the kitincludes computer cutparts for the build jig (mdf)and hull shell/structure(marine ply), fiberglass

fabrics and epoxy resins,fillers, coving and fairingcompounds plus a fewconsumables to get youstarted.

As builder, you supply aset of sturdy strongbacks,a shed or other protectedwork space, power andhand tools and fewadditional easy to sourceconsumables as you go.

Given a little time andeffort, you will end up witha hull that is ready for

painting and fitout as yourheart desires.

To complete the boat,you will need to allow forpaints, fuel tank andfittings, outboard motor andsteering gear, batteries,electronics and electricalitems, fittings and fixtures,T-top or targa, safety gear,dual axle trailer, groundtackle and foam flotation.

Of course, since you areallowed to use your ownimagination to personalise

your build to exactly as youneed it, these requirementsmay vary a little.

For enquires regardingthe M670 or its smallersistership the M550 (alsounder construction) pleasecontact Brett Murrie (navalarchitect & marineconsultant) on

(07) 5501 5407 or by email atmboats@bigpond.com.

F&B

34 Fisherman & Boatowner

STOP PRESSJust as this issue was going to press

(15/7/09) we were able to confirm that theprice of the building kit Brett is refering

to in the text of this report - as ineverything you need to complete the

basic hull - comes in at $12,950,including GST - plus freight, ex Brisbane. This clearly makes it highly attractive for

the home builder, especially as all thetricky bits are cut out for you.