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This hull has less deadrise at the transom than the other 7.4m hulls in this
group, as can be seen in the photographs. The owner wanted good stability while
leaning over and harvesting crabs, and needed shoal draft. The split sheer
combined with a relatively high stem, kept the inside freeboard low aft to
ease harvesting without having an exaggerated sheer line.
The application of this boat is quite interesting. The owner uses it to harvest
horseshoe crabs which are bled for medical use. We understand he was a pioneer
in this activity working with a doctor at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute.
Horseshoe crab blood is blue; however, if injected in a fluid specimen containing
bacteria, it turns red. Thus it is a highly useful indicator. Incidentally
the crabs are not bled to death. Only some blood is withdrawn and they are
taken back and put in the ocean. Reports indicate that being blood donors is
not harmful.
The owner, whose input in the design was important, is much pleased with this
boat. It is powered by a single Yamaha 115 HP outboard which pushes it nicely
in the low 20 knot range with a 2,500 lb. load.
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