C.W. HOOD 57 LM

This C.W. Hood 57 Express-Classic was built by Lyman-Morse in Thomaston, Maine.

A relationship that started with a 26-foot refit/repower project led to the design of this custom cruiser that marries classic lines and modern-day performance. Chris and David developed a design that met these goals, and teamed up with Stephens Waring Yacht Design of Belfast, ME to provide engineering and construction drawings as well as final design collaboration.

With weight control and strength as priorities, the vessel features innovative wood/fiberglass composite construction. Powered by twin Volvo Penta IPS 1350’s, it is expected to reach nearly 40 knots.

The Interior arrangement revolves around the open saloon, with drop-down electric windows, sports car-like helm, mid-level galley, and accommodations for four. The unique cockpit layout provides plenty of seating and direct access to the water and dock, with a large portion of the sole that lifts for full engine access. Other features include a helm and sitting area on the flybridge, as well as a foredeck cockpit complete with a “rumble seat.”

Keep an eye out for her on the waters of New England.

SPECIFICATIONS

LOA: 57'3"

LWL: 49'10"

BEAM: 17'6"

DRAFT: 4'10"

DISPLACEMENT

BUILDER: Lyman-Morse Boatbuilding Co.

MODEL: Hood 57

YEAR: 2020

CONSTRUCTION: Wood Composite

HULL MATERIAL: Strip-Planked Fir and Resin-Infused GRP

CONFIGURATION: Express Cruiser

BOAT ENGINE: Volvo IPS 1350 pod drives (2)

DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

Two interesting new techniques are being utilized in the construction of this 57’ high-performance cruiser. First, to achieve the expected 39 knots from the Volvo Penta’s IPS 1350 integrated propulsion system, the yacht is engineered with weight-control and strength as a priority.

Stephens Waring Yacht Design provided innovative composite construction details that hybridize wood and fiberglass into a contemporary build method. For custom projects, this approach delivers substantial value and cost savings over molded methods.

IMPROVING ERGONOMICS AND VALUE IN BOAT BUILDING

For this new project, Lyman-Morse is employing a new overhead crane system to facilitate an ergonomically efficient building environment for the boat building crew. Taking the module-building practice employed on Anna to the next level, they will build the hull in four separate parts:

The bottom module, which is about 50’ in length by 15’ in width that includes the stem of the boat
Both topsides sections, port and starboard, that run from the stem aft to the transom
The curved transom section

MODULAR WOOD-COMPOSITE BOAT BUILDING

The process starts with the jig that was precisely cut by Lyman-Morse’s Haas GR-712 CNC machine from direct digital inputs. Once assembled, the jig yields such a perfect form that the wooden sheathing for the bottom along with the pre-made curved transom can be installed.

Meanwhile, the tricky internal longitudinal structural stringers, using CNC machined foam formers that have their structural epoxy laminate completed, are constructed simultaneously with the bottom sheathing. To eliminate the ergonomically difficult work of working on an upside-down part, the bottom is lifted off the jig using the overhead crane, rotated to the upright orientation and placed in a cradle which then allows the inner structural laminate to be installed and epoxy-infused.

Next the pre-made internal longitudinal stringers are lifted and placed in reliefs that have been machined into the jig to perfectly locate them in the hull. Then the bottom, with its inner skin installed, is lifted, rotated back to the inverted orientation, and put back on the jig. An epoxy adhesive is used to bond the longitudinals to the hull bottom.

The topside planking follows, finishing up with a structural epoxy-impregnated laminate as the outer skin for even distribution and incredible strength. After the hull is rotated to the upright position and the jig removed, the topsides will have their structural inner skin vacuum bagged in place and the joints between the four separate parts will be joined together, creating a structural monocoque assembly.

PHASE 1 - DESIGN

This design and build is perfect for weekend cruising and entertaining, the Hood 57 will feature custom titanium hardware and a titanium spiral stair leading to the flydeck. These elements will be constructed at Lyman-Morse Fabrication. The 57's open-format cockpit with direct access to the water and dock, along with well-founded accommodations for four, will ensure fun times on the water for family and friends.

PHASE 2 - CONSTRUCTION

Lyman-Morse’s Haas GR 712 CNC router cut the pieces of the construction jig to begin constuction. The jig is then assembled from the pieces cut by the CNC machine. As the jig is erected, Lyman-Morse’s CNC division cuts the stem pieces to begin other aspects.

An overhead crane lifts precut planking into place beside the jig. Builders then carefully install the tongue-and-groove fir planks that form the hull’s inner core. Rabbets where longitudinal stringers will be placed can be seen on the underside of the hull.