Pilot 19 by Bateau.com

The Pilot 19 (P19) is the vee hull version of our HM19. While the HM19 offers a maximum of stability and is every economical to build and operate thanks to it's dory type flat bottom hull, several builders requested a vee hull to handle choppy waters without pounding.

The vee hull will require more labor than the HM19 hull and also more horsepower to reach the same speed but she will keep going in bad weather while the HM19 will have to slow down.

The proven hull shape with a moderate vee similar to the C19 and CX19: 45 degrees at the cutwater, 10 degrees at the transom. Sufficient deadrise to run smoothly in bad weather but moderate enough to provide good stability at slow speed without the wild roll typical of deeper vee hulls.

The generous freeboard and the classic sheer are also tried and true features contributing to seaworthiness. This boat will negotiate both head and following seas with ease. The P19 will require 90 HP to cruise in the low 30 mph range. This boats transom is designed for a standard 20" shaft. The transom can easily be modified to accept other shaft lengths.

The self bailing cockpit depth minimum 26" with 12" wide gunwales, is another important element of safety. Thanks to the freeboard and transom design, she can be rated to a max. capacity of eight persons (USCG) and we recommend engines in the 90 to 125 HP range. While stronger than the typical production fiberglass boat of that size, she is also lighter and does not require as much HP (or fuel) to cruise at the same speed.

Layout

One can't offer standing headroom in that size boat without compromising stability and looks. An ugly boat is not worth building. Some believe that boxy hulls have hidden qualities or are easier to build: not true. Looks and behavior go together: if she is pretty, most of the time she will handle well. If she is a bad boat, she usually looks like it. The pilothouse is just right: one can sit with good clearance above his head but see above it when standing in the cockpit.

From stern to bow

Large lockers on each side of the motorwell can be used for storage or bait well. The self-bailing cockpit sole is high enough to stay above the waterline until the displacement reaches 3,300 lbs.

Under the cockpit floor, we show 60 gallons fixed fuel tanks.

Under the nicely cambered pilothouse roof, the rear frame of the pilothouse doubles as a grabrail.

The skipper will find enough room in front of the wheel to mount electronics and we use the extension of the cabin roof as a dashboard. The same surface on the port side can be a small chart table.

Access to the cabin is through an open companionway but feel free to install a sliding hatch.

The vee berth is 6' 6" long and a Porta-Potti slides under the mid section. On deck, the 8" wide gunwales extend all along the pilothouse and cabin side. Handrails on each roof helps circulation forward. A small toe rail runs all long the sheer line.

Options

There is room for a bench in the rear if one needs more seating.

Under the gunwales, the frames can be cut to act as rod holders. There is ample storage room in the seat boxes: they extend all the way to the hull sides. With the proper foam insulation, a seatbox can be used as an ice box.

The pilothouse can be partially or completed closed with Plexiglas or Lexan but builders should keep the size of the boat in mind and not make the topsides too heavy or excessively increase windage. Framed or hinged windows are possible but keep them light. We show a small hatch in the roof for light and ventilation, no portholes but they are easy to add.

The P19 can be made unsinkable with expandable buoyancy foam under the sole while foam sheets glued under the gunwales will guarantee upright floatation.