General Concept
Raven was originally drawn for a fellow who stands nearly 7 feet tall...! Thus, Raven
has a fairly deep hull very much in the Pilot Cutter / Channel Cutter tradition. Raven
also has a fantail stern - typical as a Channel Cutter feature - and the cutter rig correct for this type.
The full keel has a properly developed NACA foil shape for maximum lift
and minimum drag.
Construction is all steel for the hull and decks. The cabin top and Pilot House upper portion are
cold moulded wood from the window sill upward. These are weight saving measures, very appropriate with relatively narrow beam.
Interior
Briefly described, the interior has a large double berth forward, arranged as a large "V" berth. Aft of that is a settee on either side of the mast. A table is hung on the aft face of the mast and serves both settee seats. The table is arranged with fold-down leaves, and has an 8" wide fixed center portion for storing wine bottles or other similar things.
The galley is aft of the settee, and is located on port and starb'd sides, so it is quite generous in size
Just aft of the galley is a quarter berth to port. Aft of the starb'd part of the galley is a good sized head compartment. The head compartment is located below the "dashboard" of the pilot house, so there is excellent head room.
The "dashboard" is actually an extension of the main cabin top... extended aft in order to form a place for the compass and other instruments.
The pilot house is simple: there is a pilot seat and steering station located to starb'd. A long chart desk is located to port. The portside chart desk houses the quarter berth, accessed from below. The pilot house height is intentionally kept as low as possible in order to be less of an obstruction to steering and sailing from the aft exterior cockpit.
Below the pilot house is the engine. The engine space, even though provided with very ample horsepower, is sized as it would be on a sail boat: Small...! This is by intent, and in fact does not limit access as much as one might imagine. The pilot house sole lifts up, and the companionway ladder to the main cabin also is arranged to be removable. This exposes the engine for routine maintenance, and
provides very good access to all parts of the engine space.
Below the exterior aft deck is the lazarette which is quite large. A well-protected access to the lazarette is provided via doors in the aft end of the pilot house.
A hanging locker is also located below the bridge deck, very handy to the deck.
Summary
Raven is quite a fine design. Perhaps among my ideals as a motor sailor... and also as a sailing vessel. The fantail stern is a natural for any chine hull, and provides a classic grace so uncommon these days..!
As a motor sailor, the design emphasis toward excellent sailing abilities. With adequate power and tankage, and an enclosed pilot house, Raven is also a true motor sailor in every respect.
