CANADA’S COMMERCIAL MARINE MAGAZINE AUGUST 2019 WESTERNMARINER.COM 43
Atkins Rotary engine from a 1970s era Mazda automobile
and mated it to a ZF 45A marine transmission with a 1.256
reduction. The 240-hp engine weighs just 220 lbs and, giv-
en its high-revving capabilities, is expected to push the
boat into the near 40-knot speed range at 5,000+ rpm.
On the runabout’s exterior, just two pieces of original
hardware were missing when John brought the boat to
Gibsons: the port-side windshield pillar and the “Eagle”
tow bit on the bow (photo page 44). John used CAD soft-
ware to copy the starboard windshield pillar and mir-
ror-image it, and then he employed an additive printer
to create a polymer model for use as a foundry mold to
cast a new one. In place of the missing “Eagle” on the bow
John has designed and 3-D printed a “Sea Angel” and that
will become the renewed runabout’s namesake. The boat
is expected to be finished later this year and when all is
complete will likely make an appearance at the Fluevog
flagship store in Gastown (Vancouver). John has also used
sea angel as design inspiration for a new line of shoes.
Stern view shows classic barrelback tumblehome in the after
sections.
Simple worm gear steering will connect to the rudder with a
steel rod.The undulating bottom shape would have been quite unusual
in its day and seems to foretell modern “steps” and “vents”
designed to assist planing ability. Bottom frames and stringers
are fastened to the steel skin with just a few carriage bolts
that have been recessed and faired. Final surface will be
painted.
The bronze shaft through-hull at centre and some of the galva-
nized straps and connectors that join the framing.The lightweight 240-hp Atkins rotary engine is coupled to
a ZF 45A 1.256 transmission.PHOTOS BY DAVID RAHN