version is available with a more utilitarian look and cabin design, with substantial beltings and fenders. She performed well during her sea trials. Yes, this is a traditional displacement hull form being pushed above her designed hull speed of seven knots. She gets along comfortably at up to nine knots very well and pulls a manageable top speed of 12 knots, although her engine was keen to do more and pulled 15 knots on full power. By this stage her bow was up and she was tossing spray as things became a bit lively at the top end. We found the Scupper 21 was manoeuvrable and able to turn in under a boat length to port and slightly more to starboard. We were impressed with her stability in turns and in a beam seaway, a result of her full, solid deadwood design. Her displacement hull can perform well depending on the application, with a range of engines from 37kW to 60kW to give economical service.
It was hard not to like this little vessel. She kind of grows on you. She is small enough to be hauled on a trailer or moored in a cheap corner of a marina. For the right application we are sure the Scupper 21 will soon find favour again among boat owners. The high standard of finish in this latest version, built by Gavin Osborne, is reflected in her $185,000 price tag. Depending on the application, power required and finish, more realistic workboat versions will cost from $160,000 including GST. These vessels will remain popular with discerning boaties looking for something small, manageable and traditional, or commercial operators who may be purists but who still want a tough little workhorse.
When you compare one of these traditional, solid workboats with the likes of an RHIB there is no argument in our minds. These boats have character written all over them.
The fully encased engine bay
FOOTNOTE: Our research has revealed seven Scuppers are still alive and well and may still be in service. We would like to find out what has happened to them. If any reader owns one or knows of any which are still in use or are lying in disrepair in a shed or paddock, please contact the editor.
SPECIFICATIONS Length
Beam Draft
Displacement Engine Power Drive Fuel
Water
Designer Builder
6m 2.4m
760mm 1360 kg
Nanni marine diesel 37-60kW Shaft
89 litres 40 litres
Warwick Yacht Design Lloyd Stevenson Boatbuilders
Proud builders of the Scupper 21
Phone +64 9 274 7680 www.lloydstevensonyachts.co.nz November/December 2011 Professional Skipper 19
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