Copyright 2001-2021 inclusive McGowan Marine Design, Inc.
Based on an older and narrower LeBlanc hull, the new mould, built in 2005, usually accommodates boat lengths from 45' to 55' (13.7 - 16.8 m) at widths of 23.5' (7.2m) - 27’ (8.2m). The mould may be used for vessels up to 80' (24.4m). Many Nova Scotian workboats have widened to L/B ratios of less than 2:1 in the last few years, due mostly to the need to move large numbers of lobster traps at one go in the lucrative winter fishery, and surprisingly performance hasn't suffered in the LeBlanc boats. Due to the weights of these types of vessels top-end speed has always been limited to speed/length ratios of around 1.1 (just over the calculated hullspeed), but now stability and comfort in a seaway has increased markedly, and the wider boats regularly head out into 40 knot winds and 10' seas in the winter, while lighter vessels remain in port. The resulting hulls can also make excellent cruising boats.
LeBlanc Forchu 45-55 (13.7 - 16.8 m)
I increased the deadrise forward (deeper vee and forefoot) and flattened the run aft while adding a 'hook' to it - to allow for more efficient, larger props. Hulls are used for lobster fishing, dragging, seining, trawling and cruising. This boat is known for its excellent seaworthiness, dryness, and fuel efficiency. (See Mai Pehn Rai for fuel numbers)
Here are some examples of workboats from this mould:
LeBlanc Forchu 50 (shallow keel version shown)
