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Sprite Plus
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About this boat
This Sprite Plus is a lengthened version of the LesRo Sprite that is now 30” long to make it a better boat for use in all weathers, 12 months of the year.
The plans for this lengthened model were drawn up by Chris, who is also planning to use it with an outboard motor - something that looks really good and should be a superb combination.
Meanwhile I am building this as the “prototype” Sprite Plus with a conventional single shaft drive, and I will keep Chris aware of any changes that I make that may be of benefit to him when he builds his own version at a later date.
The main design change (apart from the length) is the front cabin detail that has changed from a flat screen to a “V” shaped double windscreen design.
Chris had drawn this on the plan, but (as is the way with prototypes) I have changed it a little as things tend to “evolve” with prototype builds and my version has been planned to be built right from the start with an integrated cabin construction with access being gained via a “lift-off” cabin top.
Chris prefers to have a complete lift-off superstructure that does give better accessibility, but I prefer to forgo a little accessibility and gain the superior strength and water-proofing that the integrated construction type provides.
My build choice has been ingrained in me ever since I raced my Aerokits Swordsman in an off-shore race in the open sea in the late 1960’s and my friend who had a very similar Swordsman was unable to complete as his complete superstructure was easily “washed-off” by any wave or heavy wake, and even when it was able to stay in place, any “deck-wash” tended to enter the hull as it crept in under where the superstructure sat on the deck.
My friend was a superb craftsman who earned his living as a furniture maker, and so his build quality was far better than anything that I was able to achieve (then or now!), but the construction method could never be as water tight - even with his perfect fit between deck and superstructure.
My build is not yet complete, so I will change the “lead picture” when it is finished, but for now the picture shows the design as it is being built.
Bob,
The plans for this lengthened model were drawn up by Chris, who is also planning to use it with an outboard motor - something that looks really good and should be a superb combination.
Meanwhile I am building this as the “prototype” Sprite Plus with a conventional single shaft drive, and I will keep Chris aware of any changes that I make that may be of benefit to him when he builds his own version at a later date.
The main design change (apart from the length) is the front cabin detail that has changed from a flat screen to a “V” shaped double windscreen design.
Chris had drawn this on the plan, but (as is the way with prototypes) I have changed it a little as things tend to “evolve” with prototype builds and my version has been planned to be built right from the start with an integrated cabin construction with access being gained via a “lift-off” cabin top.
Chris prefers to have a complete lift-off superstructure that does give better accessibility, but I prefer to forgo a little accessibility and gain the superior strength and water-proofing that the integrated construction type provides.
My build choice has been ingrained in me ever since I raced my Aerokits Swordsman in an off-shore race in the open sea in the late 1960’s and my friend who had a very similar Swordsman was unable to complete as his complete superstructure was easily “washed-off” by any wave or heavy wake, and even when it was able to stay in place, any “deck-wash” tended to enter the hull as it crept in under where the superstructure sat on the deck.
My friend was a superb craftsman who earned his living as a furniture maker, and so his build quality was far better than anything that I was able to achieve (then or now!), but the construction method could never be as water tight - even with his perfect fit between deck and superstructure.
My build is not yet complete, so I will change the “lead picture” when it is finished, but for now the picture shows the design as it is being built.
Bob,
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The keel and doublers were cut and glued together in the usual way and the bulkheads were slotted onto the keel in the 4mm space that was left between the doublers - followed by the cabin sides.
Everything inter-locked perfectly.
Bob.
I am really pleased with it, and I am happy that you have also decided to use it for yourself to mount your outboard motor on as I think it looks absolutely “right” with your chosen outboard motor on the (modified to fit) stern of the Sprite Plus.
I had already started the build before your idea about the curved cabin sides was added, but I am happy with the straight sides on the prototype as I think that it suites this punt bowed boat very nicely and that it also compliments the original LesRo Sprite - even though we have changed the windscreen shape…….
I am certain that they will both look and drive very well, and the integrated construction will be water-tight and able to withstand reasonably rough water without failure or leaks.
The weather is looking a bit “damp” next week, so I may be able to take another look at my Sprite Plus and get the engine bay painted so I can install the motor and ESC platform.
Once I have enough paint cover on the hull, I will test run it to check out its performance and handling and let you know how it runs.
Bob.
But you are right I usually prefer a lift off superstructure though in some of my builds since the Fairey sports cruisers I have used fixed. I did in fact start looking at lift-off for my Sprite Plus build but there were problems with doing that so I reverted to fixed which was reinforced for the outboard version as less access was required, particularly in the cabin area.
As well as the modifications for the outboard I took the proposed angled cabin/ coaming sides a stage further and curved them.
To be honest I wasn't sure in the end about building an outboard version of the Sprite Plus and drew up some plans based on the Sports Fisherman using the modified Stiletto/Rapier hull. But having looked at the plans again for this thread it's got to be done hasn't it! The Sprite Plus is so different to any of our other builds! But none of these drawings will be wasted as they can be used for prop driven models if needs be. Then again? Doh!!
Just prior to this a centre line was added to each bulkhead shape and it was folded along this line just to ensure that each template was perfectly symmetrical (old habits die hard), and they were !
One of the original bulkhead drawings was intended for the boat to be built with a “lift-off” superstructure, but I wanted my version to have an “integrated” build with access to the hull via a removable cabin roof and a removable rear aft compartment floor, so the bulkhead around the cab area needed to be joined together at the right height.
The correct height for the modified bulkheads were taken from the drawings.
These two patterns were carefully taped together where needed but the overall shapes remained the same.
Bob.