Hawk 20 for Design
A high ballast ratio to give stability rarely permits speed but the hull shape is so efficient and (after exhaustive trials) the balance of the rig so perfect that Hawk will actually plane. Because Hawk is so stiff it sails at only a moderate angle of heel thus retaining power. It has been clocked planing on a reach with two aboard at 12.6 knots. It sails briskly in Force 2 and regularly exceeds its theoretical hull speed in Force 4 or 5 at 6 to 7 knots, and 7 to 8 knots (or even 12 knots planing) in Force 6. At the same time it is a very comfortable, stable boat for pottering single handed in a Force 1 or just parking in the rushes for a snooze. Hawk is exceptionally manoeuvrable under motor because this is in a special inboard closable well, directly in front of the rudder and, being well forward of the transom, there is little chance of cavitation. Considerable time was spent on the development of a well balanced tilt-back road trailer with a perfectly positioned pivot and a multi-roller system with nylon bearings to take the drama and back-ache out of launching and recovery which can be done in minutes wearing ordinary sailing shoes instead of waders or boots, single-handed if necessary, with the trailer brakes and wheel bearings clear of the water.
Design Features:
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