New-York tribune., 1907-03-03
MOTOR BOAT PROGRESS.
Speed Being Neglected for Room
and Safety.

One of the most prominent facts connected
with the present development of the motor boat
is the waning interest in craft Of the lightly
constructed and Overpowered racing type, and
the growing popularity of the stanchly
built. roomy, seagoing boat of moderate power,
with ability to make an extended cruise without
replenshing the fuel supply. The decline in
popularity of the type which is built exclusively
for racing has been gradual but decided. and
particularly so during the last two years
The popular type Of motor boat to-day is Il
moderate powered cruiser. provided with a
roOmy cockpit and a substantial cabin with
ample head room. one or more staterOoms
abundant lockers a toilet. galley and pantry.
and all the accessories necessary for comfort
on a cruise of several days duration. OF course,
the meeting of these requirements has made
necessary an increase in size and particularly
in boats intended for deep sea cruising or for
an extended trip in the more sheltered waters
of Long Island Sound. the extensive harbors
of the South. Hence the dimensions of a mod
ern cruiser will be represented by vessel from
30 TO 60 feet I'm length and furnished with en-
gines Of from 20 TO 100 horsepower
Perhaps the most potent influence I'm the de-
velopment of this type of craft has been the
institution of the long distance races which
have grown In frequency and popularity in the
last few years. Confined at first to courses laid
through the Sound from New York 10 some
point on the Massachusetts coast. these races
have developed fast cruising boats of such
power and excellent seagoing qualities that in
the present year two important races are be-
ing run over ocean courses: one from Miami
Fla. TO Nassau a distance Of 100 miles and
the other from New York to Bermuda Tho
latter is. of course, the more formidable under
taking and the restrictions which have been
laid down regarding the size and construction
of the Contesting boats have been so well drawn
that there is no reason why all the contestants
should not make the 10O-mile trip in safety.
Although the aimsy racing craft has waned
in popularity relatively 10 the moderate pow
cred cruiser. there will always he demand for
high speed yachts. capable of averaging about
eighteen knots hour. for what is coming to ne
known ferry service, or the work OF car
rying business men To and fro between New
York other maritime cities and their distant
summer residences. These craft run in length
from 40 10 100 feet over. and carry engines
capable Of giving them a sustained speed in
sheltered waters of from sixteen tc twenty knots
an hour. They are provided with ample deck !
space and spacious cabin accommodation while |
frequently they will have a dining room and |
galley sufficient TO enable the owner and guests |
10 dine aboard II they should so wish.
The question has been asked as to whether
the gasolene engine will be applied 10 ocean |
going yachts of a size capable Of making the |
transatlantic passage.
One of our leading naval architects has re- |
Gently expressed the opinion that in the present |
condition Of the art this is not practicable be- |
cause Of the prohbitive cost OF the fuel More |
over. il Is undcniabe that many prospective |
yacht owners would be deferred by considera- |
tions Of the supposed risk attaching to the stor-
age Of large supplies Of gasolene although. as a |
matter OF fact. by the Of proper precauton.
the danger may be so greatly reduced as to be
practically negligible
1t is likely thar under the stimulus afforded
by the introduction Of free alcohol the designers
of internal combustion engines will succeed in
designing motors so well suited to the use Of |
this fuel thar it will ultimately prove to he more
economical than gasolene; and there is not the
ShBhleSt DOUBT nut th&t with the more extended
use Of alcohol the price must ultimately come
down 10 a point which will render ii as economi-
cal as gasolene When that point is reached
the added advantages Of safety and absence Of
odor, etc. Will render il such an ideal fuel that
we NAV look for its extended use i'm the larger
sizes of yachts. even in those capable of maLins
the trans2 tantic passage
Furthermore. the internal-combustion engine !
mas several collateral advantages which must !
commend II strongly to the prospective ,,ocbt |
toilers for "a steam plant, the first cost Of :. |
gasolene or alcohol plant viii he considerahlv |
less; ana there will be a decided sa wing in Tho |
important matter Of space Also for tho sa,,e |
bunker or tank capacity. the steaming radius
or sailing radius, will he much larger than whore |
steam power is used; while the comfort ,f tI,o |
owner VIII be further assured by The ahsepca 90 !
smoke and ashes. and the inevftabIe ,lust 90: !
attendant upon coaling Already
the way for The appearance of the large oceo,, |
going gas driven yacht has been prenarad hy /
the successful operation of the large auxiIisrs,
scnooheLs IN some OK which gasolene engines Of
cessIully operated-Scientifc American ~