Summary
We had a good time helping develop the new Sparkman & Stephens designed 55′ powerboat for Mit and George Twombly. The Twomblys decided to use the “old line” firm of S&S to meet their parameters of building a boat with rugged seakeeping qualities like a fisherman might have and at the same time combining modern design criteria to gain a 20-knot cruise. The result is a mixture of New England and the Northwest in styling with the high bow, long sheer, and high inside bridge. Visibility and handling in poor weather will be superb but when the weather moderates the flybridge and 3196 Caterpillars will allow the boat to make up for lost time in great comfort while cruising at 20 knots. The needs of the Twomblys are modest in the interior with two excellent staterooms forward each with a separate head and shower, and a utility room that can substitute for a crew’s quarters in the future if they decide they need help. The large main salon is open to the galley and the aft cockpit. Perhaps the nicest area in the entire boat will be the bridge with a terrific helm and nav area and an elevated L-shaped settee for people to sit in comfort with a forward view while underway. A salty boat with a good turn of speed from its modified ‘V’ bottom should be a lethal combination.
