Haven was inspired by lapstrake runabouts of the 1950s and 1960s by builders like Lyman and Thompson. I was unable to find existing plans for a boat of this type and size, and asked Paul Gartside to draw up the plan. It was subsequently published in Watercraft magazine and Paul’s book “Plans and Dreams Volume 2”. She was a pleasure to build part-time over a four-year period, using meranti plywood for the planks and Sapele for the cockpit and deck. Lofting and installing the boat’s systems were the most challenging parts of the build.
She has a 40hp Suzuki four-stroke for clean and quiet power, with a top speed of about 24 knots and comfortable cruising around 18-20 knots. Her hull has a shallow vee for a smoother ride through the chop of inshore ocean waters. We use her for day trips in the Gulf Islands and plan to take advantage of her easy trailering to explore areas farther afield once travel restrictions lift.