This is the overview. The bottom hull shape is off the Oz Mk II plans.
The rest of it is mainly dictated by purpose: My main concern with the
eXpedtion PDR is the ability to row for extended periods of time.
By the time you get comfortable rowing ergonomics in a PDR, the sides
are 20" high. Rather than leave them 20" high (and have to deal with
all the wind force that would be affecting my course) I decided to make
the ends 'droopy.' I actually like the shape - it looks sorta shark-like
in profile.
The airbox setup is something new in PDR design - mid-craft instead
of fore-and-aft (like the early days) or the more common side airboxes.
It is really just an evolution on the Oz Mk II design: Airboxes to provide
positive flotation plus decking fore and aft.
The sides of the airboxes are sloped for 2 very important reasons:
There is no reason for the top to be more than 8 inches wide AND I want
to provide structural strength for the bottom.
A 7" top is plenty comfortable to sit on, but I wanted structural
support at least 12" in from the side. Rather than make the top 12"
wide (uncomfortable and requires bracing to prevent breaking) I followed
the Oz plans and angled the bottom of the airboxes in 15 degrees so
they meet the cockpit sole 12" in from the edge. This gives me 24" of
cockpit space - with open areas under the decking.
Plenty of space for sleeping and gear stowage.
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