LENGTH 5.3m | BEAM 2.45m | USAGE Inshore/Coastal | KIT OPTIONS DuFlex Balsa/Foam, Plain Foam and Plywood
The Rapid 5000 is the ideal trailer boat, lightweight, agile and easy to handle. Unlike typical production boats, this design being built using the lightweight epoxy composite materials keeps the hull weight to a minimum. This has plenty of benefits such as a lower power to weight ratio which means that smaller engines can be used to propel the hull. Another is an easy to handle craft on the water as well as on the road when trailering. The half cabin set up with a full height windscreen and hardtop offers excellent protection and visibility for comfortable passages.
Design Brief
Performance
Running twin outboard engines mounted partly into the aft section of each hull provides good safety if going offshore and provide good manoeuvrability. On the plane the twin hulls force the water and spray into the tunnel between the hulls creating a cushion of air for the boat to ride on. This also acts as a kind of ‘shock absorber’ and it provides a very comfortable ride even in rough and choppy conditions. Estimated speeds depend on the final weight of the boat depending on build material choice, however the recommended engine size starts at twin 40hp outboard engines. This option is estimated to offer speeds of between 20 and 25 knots for cruising, and a top speed of around 30 knots. The larger engine option is twin 60hp engines with estimated speeds of 25 knots cruise and a top speed of around 35 knots.
Cockpit
The open flat internal wet-deck is spacious and uncluttered, and is also self-draining for safety at see or if the boat is left on the water for a period of time. The cockpit area is a practical space whether fishing, diving or simply spending a day out on the water. At the back of the cockpit is the aft bulkhead that creates the back wall of the cockpit with two doorways to access the duckboard between the engines. These doorways are designed to have doors fitted to close these openings when underway and guard against any green water washing into the cockpit and for the safety of the passengers. The helm position is set to Starboard with a pedestal seat for the driver, and a matching pedestal seat opposite for the co driver. Through the front main bulkhead leads into the front cabin which is laid out with a couple of single bunks and a deck hatch above. However being a kit boat offers room for customization, so personalisation is an option either in the designing phase or during building. To access below the aft cockpit floor there are two flush mounted deck hatches which lead to further storage and also the fuel tanks. Services are also run through the hulls below the floor as well as drains for the cockpit floor hatches.
Construction
The Rapid 5000 can be built using plans or a kit package, in a variety of different materials. If choosing the building plans option the plans include the hull parts all dimensioned for the builder to develop and cut themselves. Plain foam core is also an option for a more confident builder who feels capable of laminating the panels themselves. On the other hand if choosing a kit package all parts are cnc cut to size as well as the builder receiving all the estimated composite structural material such as epoxy, fiberglass and modifiers etc. The Rapid 5000 is built over a temporary MDF frame which provides the builder with enough time to make any adjustments to the panels and fit. The hull panels are screwed to the frame with temporary chipboard screws with blocks to support any panels between frames. Once happy with the fir and run of the hull panels then the seams are filled with epoxy filler and left to set overnight. The next step is to remove the screws and blocks and shape the seams for glassing. A similar design and process shown below using Duflex panel.
Layout
Specifications
| LOA | 5.3m / 16ft 8” |
| BOA | 2.45m / 7ft 7” |
| DRAFT | 375mm / 10” |
| DESIGN DISPLACEMENT | 950kgs / 3306 pounds |
| BRIDGEDECK CLEARANCE | 320mm/ 9” |
| PAYLOAD | 480kgs / 925 pounds |
| CRUISE SPEED | 20-25 knots (Twin 40hp motors) 25-30 knots (Twin 60hp motors) |
| TOP SPEED | 25-30 knots (small motor option) 30-35 knots (large motor option) |
| HEADROOM (in hulls) | 1.9m in Cockpit 1.8m in Hulls |
| MOTORS (Large Option) | 2x 60hp 4 Stroke Outboards |
| MOTORS (Smaller Option) | 2x 40hp 4 Stroke Outboards |
| FUEL CAPACITY | 150 Litres |
| ESTIMATED BUILD HOURS | 1800 (Basic Standard finish) |
| ESTIMATED COST OF MATERIALS TO MOTOR-AWAY (basic standard finish, plywood option, small motor option) | AUD55,000 ex tax ex freight (not incl. trailer) |
Orders
To place a purchase order, or purchase a kit package, study plan or construction plan for your Rapid 5000 please visit our purchase page.