Snapdragon - A Mk I Based Picnic Boat
This is an example of one of the early picnic boats built by L.H. Jones and is based on a MkI shell.
As is typical with boats built by L.H.Jones she has both pulpit and pushpit fitted. Also typical, at the stern you there is a pair of outward opening aft doors and, inevitably, because of the siting of the toilet/shower compartment no stern facing window in the superstructure.
©2004 Richard Grifiths
Much less framing to the windscreen than is usual.
©2004 Richard Grifiths
Twin aft doors and lack of aft window are typical.
©2004 Richard Grifiths
Once inside the aft door, you find the galley to the left. Just visible in the foreground is a hinged section of worktop over the two burner cooker with grill under.
©2004 Richard Grifiths
The positioning of the bulkhead does not seem to allow enough space for the standard domestic sink and drainer worktop that many cruiser fit-outs use in their galleys.
©2004 Richard Grifiths
The toilet compartment is spacious which allows reasonable access to the engine, seen here with its sound-proofed cover removed.
©2004 Richard Grifiths
While an engine mounted transversely in the stern keeps noise away from passengers while running, it appears to make access for servicing a little more difficult.
©2004 Richard Grifiths
The cupboard opposite the galley borrows space in the toilet compartment but provides some very welcome storage space opposite the galley.
One of the advantages of fitting an engine transversely at the stern of the boat is that is provides much more flexibility in the use of the space in the rest of the boat. However, in Jones' picnic boat you'll see the raised floor in the saloon is retained from the cruiser layout. In the standard boat, it is believed that Hamptons recommended a raised floor because the saloon seating needed to be set high enough to clear the engine. With the floor at the same height as the rest of the boat legs are left danging uncomfortably, unable to reach the floor.
It might even be that Alec Hampton came up with the sliding wheelhouse, as part of the design of the Safari25 because he already realised he needed the extra headroom to accommodate the raised floor. Remember, his Early Drawing gave no idea about where the engine was to be sited. Was it that he was still considering whether to fit a transverse engine?
However, by the time L.H. Jones was buying Safari shells the decision was made and they took advantage of the available headroom and raised the floor in their boats too, but for a different reason. It gave them the space to put a large water tank and so keep the boat evenly balanced fore and aft.
It is also worth saying that part of the reason for calling this fit-out design as a picnic boat is because of the limited facilities in the galley. There are some interesting compromises in the design. For example, there is no oven on this boat. Others did have one, but here it is a fridge that sits beneath the cooker. There's also limited room for food storage.
As a side note, about making the best use of space, the use of roller doors, rather than sliding or hinged ones on the cupboard under the sink and that facing the galley means both that the gangway to the aft door cannot be blocked and it is easier to access the depths of the under sink cupboard, which extends under the aft deck.
©2004 Richard Grifiths
Although, primarily a picnic, or day cruise, boat, the curtains seen just forward of the saloon bulkhead suggests overnight trips are planned. The steps appear to be movable and able to be clipped to various points around the gunwale.
©2004 Richard Grifiths
There is a curtain between the gally and mid-cabin, another indication the overnight trips are provided for. There's even some limited wardrobe space.
Photos that show other fit-out arrangements for this variant of the Hampton Safari, and the stories behind them, would be welcome. Please use the Forum to supply any information you have.