Recently Gary Brown home built a Surf Runner 25 and modified the design by adding more headroom in the cabin and he had a beautiful result. The link to the video below is provided courtesy of  Off Center Harbor.

Watch his video of the boat here.

The Surf Runner 25 is available in study and construction plans.

When Sam designed and built this Black Crown 27 the purpose was to create a perfect small cruising boat for a couple. There are lots of sensible uses for every space on “Guillemont” and sensible equipment for the cruising couple (like all new Garmin electronics). Currently she is located on the Chesapeake. When conceived she needed to be perfect for cruising the Northwest. Her sturdy build works well on both the East and West coasts.

Since her initial launching in 1993 the current owners added: a new hot water heater and new inverter/charger. DC lights have been replaced with new LED fixtures , AC outlets changed to GFI and all navigational instruments have been replaced- GPS, radar, VHF radio, etc. Her specs are all below.

Yanmar 4JH2-UTE (Engine 1) Type: Inboard    Fuel Type: Diesel       Hours: 1177    Drive Type: V Drive    Power: 91 hp

Dimensions – LOA: 27 ft   Beam: 9 ft 8 in    Max Draft: 2 ft 9 in.    Dry Weight: 7,000 lb     Displacement: 8,400 lb    Cruising Speed: 8 kn    Max Speed: 13 kn     Tanks – Fuel: 150 gal and Fresh Water: 140 gal.

Holding: 9 gal.

Accommodations: Double Berth: Enclosed Head, Galley, Cockpit Cover

Electrical – Shore Power Inlet – Inverter

Electronics – Depthsounder – Log-Speedometer – Navigation Center – Plotter – Compass – GPS – VHF

Inside Equipment – Electric Bilge Pump – Microwave Oven – Marine Head – Heating – Refrigerator – Battery Charger

Outside Equipment/Extras – Cockpit Shower – Weaver Davit – Cockpit Cushions

Price: $74,000

Guillemont is ready to cruise – give Sam a call to find out more:    360-402-9824

Holden’s stats: LOA  35′, Beam  10′ 8″,  Draft  2′ 2″,  Dry Weight:  14,500 lbs,,  Cruising Speed  22 KN, Propulsion: Diesel Stern Drive 250 HP, 2 berths, 1 head,  Location: Bellingham, WA.

This build of the TopKnot design features a large cockpit with hardtop protection and drop down canvas enclosure, forward cabin with 2 single berths, complete head, dining table for 8, complete galley, and pilothouse with comfortable seating for two.

She has a recently installed Garmin radar, depth sounder, and navigation plotter. And the diesel is completely outside cabins making for a much quieter cruise. Contact Sam with your questions: 360-402-9824.

PRICE:  $145,000   SOLD

This small but capable boat can get into or out of the moorage with little stress, and she can be used for anything from an evening cocktail cruise to occasional overnights. An outboard provides quiet and smooth power — a top end of 30 mph with a 115-hp engine or an economical 15- to 18-mph cruise with a 60. With modern outboards, the entire engine and mounting bracket are out of the water when locked in the tilted position, reducing maintenance.

The small pilothouse is not completely enclosed, but it does keep the captain and crew out of the elements. The top-hinged front window and side windows open to create a “porch” area at the steering station, with security and comfort.  The cozy cabin is forward with a small but functional galley up in the bow, a pair of berths to port and starboard, and a heater on the galley bulkhead forward. The “throne” rests in a place of honor, concealed by seating. The Banjo 20 is functional, stable and safe in normal conditions — a lot of bang for the buck, if you ask me. I built myself a small launch a couple of years ago, similar to the Banjo 20 but without the accommodations. Though I like her and use her often, I sometimes wish I could throw the anchor over the side and lie down for a nap. Some of my friends call my launch a “grandpa boat,” and that’s not an inaccurate description, as one of my uses for her is to take my granddaughter out during summer visits. I understand the desire to be on the water without the fuss of a larger boat. Of course, this couple could go even smaller, but I think the Banjo 20 is pretty close to the perfect “bridge” between a serious, large cruising boat and something that is small enough to enjoy on a whim.

Length on Deck  20′-1″        Beam  7′-10″       Draft     18″      Displacement   3400 lbs.

(The above excerpt is from the April 2017 issue of Soundings Magazine)