HMS Sharktypus

HMS Sharktypus design schematics.

The HMS Sharktypus is a stitch-and-glue flat-bottom dinghy with a Sharktypus paint job which is currently under construction. When complete, it will serve as the principle research dinghy of the Bacliff Exploration Society. It is planned to be fully equipped with an inboard weed-eater motor, ham radio, flounder lights, glass bottom, and oar locks shaped like shark fins.

Requirements

Artist's rendition of the Sharktypus shakedown cruise.

Top Level

Must be cheap
Must fit on Solitaire's foredeck
Must be launch-able by a single adult
Must handle 5 hp outboard
Must take 2 adults and gear/kids/dog
Must float when swamped with 5 hp attached

Specific

Solitaire's hatches must be open-able when dinghy is in place
Must not obstruct anchor locker
Must not obstruct side decks
Dinghy floor window must line up with Solitaire's main hatch for light below
Must be securable to deck by access through Solitaire's hatches
Must have integrated running lights
Must have long grab handles on bottom to facilitate going forward on deck
Must have towing bridle
Must be able to be rowed
Must be able to be sailed

Construction

The Sharktypus is being constructed in the ESOB Shipyards using the cheapest door skin plywood that money can buy, as well as scrap hurricane plywood, and tomato stakes. The builders have embraced a design philosophy which ignores such things are measurements and common sense, in favor of "listening to the wood". This process has already led to many innovations which will be studied by naval architects for decades to come.

Parts

1/4 inch door skin plywood (main structure)
3/4 inch hurricane plywood (transom)
PVC pipe (rub rails and drainage hole)
Wooden tomato stakes (misc structure)
Cable ties
Staples
Fiberglass and epoxy
Rustoleum oil-based enamel paint (black, white, green, yellow, red)

Shakedown cruise

The shakedown cruise of the (unpainted) HMS Sharktypus took place on June 24, 2011. After being christened with Bud Lite, it was deployed into the Watergate Marina in League City, Texas, and tethered to Solitaire. It was then taken on a Ham Radio Ranger training expedition.

Current status

Currently, the Sharktypus is awaiting its paint job. It is expected that the paint will dramatically improve the vessel's structural integrity, as well as its resale value.

Gallery

Under construction in the Bacliff Exploration Society Shipyards.	The designers stopped listening the wood in order to create the landing craft style bow.	It's starting to look like a real boat.
Almost finished.	Bottom.	Transporting the Sharktypus.
First encounter with water.	Shakedown Cruise.	Primed and ready to paint.
Painting has begun.	Tentacles.	The gaping maw of Sharktypus.
Painting has begun.	Tentacles.	The gaping maw of Sharktypus.