The Classic Trawler-Yacht
Roberta Jean 47
Perspective Aft | Perspective Forward | Portside Perspective Aft
Portside Cutaway Forward | Portside Cutaway AftCopyright 2008 Michael Kasten
General Concept
The 47' Roberta Jean is an expanded version of the 43' Roberta Jean layout. The hull form of the RJ 47 is very much the same, only slightly wider and with another 4 feet of overall length in order to allow a full second cabin to be located aft.
Overall height is kept under 3.5 meters in order to also allow cruising the canals of Europe.
Roberta Jean's particulars are:
- 47' - 0" Length on Deck
- 13' - 0" Moulded Beam
- 42' - 10" WL Length - Half Load
- 5' - 1" Draft - Half Load
- 10' - 0" Air Draft - Half Load
- 44,600 Lb Light
- 58,000 Lb Loaded
Layout
As with the RJ 43, the Roberta Jean 47 has a covered aft deck for part-time outdoor living. The aft deck can be screened in or enclosed by a canvas / vinyl dodger in cooler weather. A large open fore deck allows plenty of space for sun tan adventures and for stowing gear on the flat "cargo platform" forward. The shore boat will go on the house top, nested in between the legs of the "A-Frame" mast.
Inside, the layout is exactly the same as with the 43' Roberta Jean, except that the additional 4 feet of length allows there to be a second sleeping cabin aft, below the pilot house dinette. By studying the interior layout of the 43' Roberta Jean as well as the 47 footer's Portside Cutaway Forward and Portside Cutaway Aft, the space made available for the second sleeping cabin can be readily discerned.
As with the RJ 43, the galley is quite large, occupying a generous part of the port side aft. There is a large head / shower opposite the galley to starb'd complete with its own bath tub.
Construction
The choice of aluminum for the structure has been to keep structural weights as low as possible, yet very rugged. All parts are intended to be NC cut by plasma arc or water jet. The NC cutting process leverages the work that has already been done to create the computerized model. In other words, structure can be easily defined directly from the surface model of the hull and superstructure. The resulting "boat kit" makes for fast and accurate assembly. Once the parts have been pre-cut and delivered, the frames and other internal structure are quickly erected, the stringers placed, and the plating applied.
Power
The engine intended is a John Deere 4045 TFM, mated to a Sabb controllable pitch gear and Helseth self-contained shaft system having a three blade controllable pitch propeller.
These days (2008) with fuel costs ramping up in leaps and bounds almost daily, there is much to be said for introducing a sail rig...! It would not be at all difficult to provide a modified keel to optimize sailing ability, and certainly the hull form is very conducive to carrying sail. It is likely that the sail rig could be fully "sail" capable, i.e. not a 50-50 motor-sailor, but a fully 100% motor AND sailing vessel. Please see our article on the advantages of Motor Sailing for more information on this option.
In Summary
For a couple seeking a comfortable life afloat, the 47' Roberta Jean combines all of the basic necessities with the luxury of a spacious and un-crowded interior. The addition of a second cabin aft would allow plenty of room for two kids or for two guests, as the case may be.
For more information on these vessels, please contact us...
Other Designs in the same family of Interior layouts...
36' Molly | 43' Moxie | 43' Roberta | 43' Roberta Jean | 49' Quinn | 60' Peregrine | 64' Peregrine | 66' Nusa Tengara
Other Designs in the same family of Hull Shapes...
22' Boojum | 25' Boojum | 30' Boojum | 30' Buster | 32' Terrier | 38' Nidaros
Please see the Plans List page to review our available Boat Plans.
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