Mark V 28

Since I have had many requests for a smaller, trailerable version of the Mark V 39, I started working on a new design.

I decided on a V bottomed boat because I didn't like the pounding of the flat bottomed boat. The hull is basically an enlarged version of the Mark V 20, which is very pleasant going into a chop. It doesn't pound at all, and throws very little spray.

The Mark V 28 is relatively easy to build outboard powered houseboat. It will cruise at 6 knots with a 10 hp outboard, or up to 15 knots with a 50 hp outboard.

The interior has 6’ 5" headroom, but if more is needed, the cabin height can built a few inches higher. The cabin interior is 13 feet long. There is a couch forward that folds out to form a double berth. I've lived with that arrangement for over 5 years now, making up the bed every night isn't that much of a hassle. The helm seat is an office chair mounted on a raised platform, when the chair turns around, it is comfortably close to the table.

There is an enclosed head and shower area and a good sized galley.

A hanging locker is under bookshelves aft of the couch.

There are plenty of opening windows for ventilation, and the forward side windows hinge back against the cabin side, for access to the side cleats. You can go through locks without leaving the cabin.

Aft is a self-bailing cockpit with a pair of 27 gallon gas tanks, and lockers for propane tanks, life jackets, and other things. There is also a self-bailing cockpit forward with a large storage area, and a 35 gallon water tank underneath.

There is plenty of room on the roof for a dinghy and solar panels, or a couple of Kayaks.

Construction is mainly plywood and epoxy. The bottom is two layers of 1/2" plywood, and the sides are 1/2" plywood.

The boat is relatively easy to build for an amateur, but you should have some boat building experience before taking on a project this large. Lofting is not necessary, as all the dimensions for the molds and bulkheads are on the plans.

Building plans consist of 18 drawings and building hints and sources.

Mark V 28 plans (U.S address) $105

Mark V 28 plans (overseas air mail) $110

Mark V 28 Metric plans (U.S. address) $105

Mark V 28 Metric plans (overseas airmail) $110

You can also mail a check to:

Fort Myers Beach, FL 33932