Yon'e 22 - A Modern Mahogany Runabout

A Modern Mahogany Runabout - Also see "Features" below
While not wanting to take anything away from the beautiful mahogany boats of the past, I wanted to provide a modern mahogany runabout. One that is powered by a more maneuverable and more efficient sterndrive, rather than the typical inboard; one with very comfortable seating in a modern central cockpit, rather than split seating; one that is made from beautiful mahogany with a 10+ year finish; and one that can top 60 MPH.
The Yon'e 22 is a super strong, cold molded, lightweight boat. Combined boat & trailer weight is less than 3500 lbs., allowing it to be towed with a Class II hitch.
Construction starts with extra stiff stringers supporting traditional frames. Keel, chine, sheer, deck strong back and battens lay over this structure to form the skeleton of the boat. Then multiple layers of mahogany are first epoxied to this skeleton, and subsequently epoxied to each other (the cold molded technique) forming the complete hull & deck into a monolithic structure. Lots of sanding, 3 coats of epoxy, 10 coats of 2-part polyurethane, and 3 final spayed on coats of IMRON clear-coat provides a very durable, very long lasting, and very high gloss finish. (9 out of 10 people who see the boat "argue" with me and say that the boat is fiberglass.)
Every component for the boat I choose to be a step above standard. Along with the beautiful mahogany tilt steering wheel, it has high performance steering helm and cables, super flexible shift and throttle cables, all chromed bronze and stainless running hardware (no zinc or plastic). Bose marine speakers compliment the upscale Sony stereo, and no maintenance teak-like flooring in the cockpit. I also used the softest and best marine vinyl available -- plush Ultra-Leather.
For power, I choose the Mercruiser SeaCore version of the 6.2L with the Bravo I sterndrive. This combination on a light-weight boat provides unbelievable performance. Just ease the throttle a notch beyond idle and she is up on plane without any bow-high tendencies. (There are lifting features on the hull bottom at the chine that provide lift and stability at slow speeds.) Now check that all aboard are ok. Bring the throttle up half way and you are forced back in your seat and are doing 30 -- 35 MPH almost instantly. The modified V bottom gives a nice comfortable ride. Now check again that all aboard are ok, and advance the throttle all the way. Again, you are forced back in your seat and in seconds are doing about 60 MPH. Again, comfortably. I've been told that "it's almost too much fun to drive". There is an awesome amount of torque available from that 6.2L.
My inspiration for the Yon'e 22 was based on the Riva Ariston and the present day Chris Craft Lancer 22. I have to say that this boat has met and surpassed all my desires. I could not be happier with its appearance or performance. If I get to build more of them I would not make any changes to this Modern Mahogany Runabout.
Features
MerCruiser Inboard/Outboard
V8 377 C.I.D. MPI FWC - SeaCore 320 HP
Bravo I Stern Drive - transom exhaust
Remote Oil Filter
Remote Engine Flush
Remote Oil Drain
1000 MCA Battery with ON/OFF Switch
3 Blade SS prop
45 Gallon fuel tank
Mahogany Tilt Steering Wheel
Teleflex High Performance Controls and Cables
Soft ultra-leather marine vinyl
Faria Gauges
- Oil Pressure - Temperature
- Fuel - Battery Voltage
- 4" Tachometer - 4" Speedometer
- Digital Depth Sounder
Sony AM/FM CD Player Stereo
Dash Mounted Remote Control w/IR remote
Bose Marine Speakers
Auto/Manual Bilge Pump
Dual Blowers
Navigation Lights
Air powered horn
Removable Seat Cushions (3) with storage under each
Storage under cockpit floor
Storage under forward deck with Double Door Access
Stainless Steel, Brass, and Bronze hardware.
Owners Manual with all equipment documentation.
Hull Sides and Transom - 1/2" thick Cold Molded - 2
inner layers of 3 mm 3 ply occumme mahogany marine
plywood plus outer layer of 1/4" Utile Mahogany
Hull Bottom - 1/2" thick Cold Molded - 4 layers of 3mm
3 ply maranti mahogany marine plywood covered with 6
oz fiberglass cloth
Deck 1/2" thick Cold Molded - inner layer of 6 mm 5 ply
Maranti Mahogany marine plywood plus outer layer of
1/4" Utile Mahogany
10 Year Finish - High Tech / Low Maintenance - 3
coats of epoxy over stain followed by 10 coats of 2 part
polyurethane followed by 3 coats of Imron 600
Clearcoat.