Outer Banks 20
Builders Logs (many pictures) Materials List Performance Builders Guide (new)
The Outer Banks 20 was designed to be an economical cruiser for a couple. The design brief was for a boat with two bunks forward, a portable head under a V berth filler, an ice box, and enough galley to make coffee and simple meals. All of this had to be able to cruise comfortably on a plane at around 15 mph with a 25 hp motor and use no more than 1.5 gals of fuel an hour. She easily met her design requirements with a wide open throttle speed of 20.6 mph using a Tohatsu 25 but today most builders are using 40-60hp. A box in the cockpit which holds a camp stove and necessities satisfies the galley requirements. An ice box was built into the side seat in the cockpit.
Specs:
LOA………20′-0″ [6.1] m
LWL………18′-5” [5.61] m
BEAM………7′-1” [2.16] m (Trailer-able width)
DRAFT/ hull………9″ [23] cm @ DWL
*DISPLACEMENT………2550 lbs (1157 kg) @ DWL
Deadrise at transom… 12 degrees
Horsepower…… 25 – 60hp
Pounds Per I” immersion 440# (200 kg)
Trailering weight including 25 hp motor…*1700-1800# (772-818 kilos)
* Depending on materials and options. Weight @ designer’s suggested materials; different plywood plus different fiberglass weight and optional gear will change boat weight.
The hull is plywood, built over a jig. Most of the “jig” becomes permanent structure. This is not a stitch and glue “introduction to building” type of boat. However, our CNC cut kit option makes it possible for a competent amateur to easily work their way through without having to spend hours patterning all of the components. This model would also be an excellent choice for the small commercial yard. The bottom is planked with a single layer of 3/8″ (9mm). Pictured below, kit #47 is being planked in Utah.
The sides are planked with two layers of 3/16″ (4mm) ply. The side planking uses the Ashcroft method which means both layers run diagonally in the same direction, the seams in the two layers are staggered.
The entire boat is epoxy glassed outside with one layer of 10 oz. glass cloth to toughen and seal the outside of the boat. The boat is painted with epoxy primer and the top coat is two part polyurethane paint. Built as designed, the owner will have no more maintenance than a production built polyester boat unless you want to enjoy the beauty of wood, in this case it is desirable to store the boat under cover when not in use.
To see many more pictures of the Outer Banks 20 under construction and on the water check out our OB-20 builders library with links back to our builders forum and additional photo albums from our builders.
CNC KIT: Click here to view the current kit price. To order, checkout with the deposit and we will get you on our production schedule and be in touch shortly to discuss options and shipping. If you have any questions don't hesitate to contact us.
Graham upgraded hull #1, his Outer Banks 20 named 'Jeanie', last year with a 50hp etec motor. Below, a video testing the new motor. It's worth noting that hull #1 has a slightly different bottom shape which causes her to ride a bit more bow high at her most economical trim angle. After she was built Graham re-drew the bottom as a "true monohedron" bottom.