Description
About Rocket MkII
Rocket MkII is a modernised boat building plan based on the original design of Rocket by William Jackson. The design is for an inboard engined 15ft stepped hull Gentleman’s race boat with a two seater cockpit aft.
Rocket MkII has some differences to the original design. I have made several small corrections to the measurements of frame heights and widths, but other than that the hull below the waterline is as per the original. The major change that I have made to Rocket is the modified profile of the deck. The original transom had a very high centreline and quite a drastic curve to the aft deck. I have reduced this to have a more subtle curve and reshaped all of the deck frames to true up the deck accordingly. I have also added the plans for the curved cockpit opening that I designed. This option can be fitted or the cockpit can be of a more open design, like the original if desired. Altering the cockpit shape does not require any major structural work and so can be decided upon further down the build process.
I have added several additional parts that aren’t mentioned in the original plans. Frames 2a and 4a have been added to support the deck at each ends of the engine hatch opening. I have also added detail of the hatch ends and middle frames.
Rudder and Drive System
The original plans specify a 12 degree shaft angle. This positions the rudder approximately with it’s shaft just outside the transom. On my build of Rocket I reduced the shaft angle to 10 degrees, pushing the rudder further aft which consequently called for a rudder bracket that was stepped off the transom. Increasing the shaft angle above 12 degrees would mean that the builder could install a traditional inboard rudder instead.
Please note, the plans for the transom mount rudder system are not included with Rocket MkII. However, if you should wish to adopt a similar setup then these are available to purchase in my Mechanical Systems category.
Plan Types
CNC Cutting Plan Set – The CNC plan set contains all of the reference material included with the dimensioned lofting plan set, along with an additional illustrated document showing assembly of the parts. All DXF files are pre nested onto sized panels ready for sending straight to the manufacturer or timber supplier.
Dimensioned Lofting Plan Set – The dimensioned lofting plan set contains A2 drawings with measurements for the full size lofting of each frame, the stem and constructional forms. Also included is a 3D Sketchup model of the entire framework assembly in its un-faired state, for referencing how all of the parts fit together.
Scale Model Plan Set – The scale plans come in 1:5 and 1:12 and are quite basic in form. They contain full size outlines for each frame and the keel, as well as patterns for bottom, sides and deck skins. There are no drawn cutouts for battens or boat structure, so the details of assembly method and structure will need to be decided by the builder. This plan set contains full size PDF files for the parts so that they can be printed and used as paper patterns or CNC/Laser cut.
Plan Updates
From time to time I may make alterations to some of the plan sets. This can be anything from small corrections to parts, file formats or complete additions to the design. Once you have purchased a set of plans you will have access to these updates free of charge. If you buy a set of plans but don’t decide to build your boat right away then make sure you get in touch before starting to see if there have been any design revisions. If this is the case I can set up a link for you to download the latest version with any changes included.
License
This plan set is licensed for single personal use only. Not for resale or commercial production, please contact me if you would like more information regarding commercial licensing.
