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2025-04-19 Grasshopper by Russell Brown of Port Townsend Watercraft (2048x1200).

Cap Sante Marina.

 

Grasshopper is a unique and efficient motorboat designed and built by the renowned boat builder Russell Brown of Port Townsend Watercraft.

 

Here's what makes the Grasshopper notable:

 

Experimental Design: It was conceived as an experiment in efficiency, utilizing leftover parts.

Construction: It features a custom plywood and composite pod mounted on Tornado catamaran hulls, braced with repurposed carbon mast sections.

Power and Efficiency: It's powered by an extra-long-shaft 15hp Honda 4-stroke outboard, achieving impressive fuel efficiency: 15 knots at 1 gallon per hour in various conditions.

Practicality: Despite its unconventional appearance, it's described as a stable and dry "pickup truck of the seas," weighing only around 500 pounds including the engine.

Camp Cruising: A platform can be added to span the bench seats, accommodating two adults for comfortable sleeping, often used with a simple rainfly for shelter.

Adventures: Russell Brown has used the Grasshopper for trips like Port Townsend to Desolation Sound and others have explored the San Juan Islands with it.

 

Russell Brown is well-known for his innovative boat designs, particularly his proas and efficient small craft, as well as his expertise in epoxy and composite construction. The Grasshopper stands out as a testament to his creative problem-solving and focus on practical, efficient boating.

 

-Google Gemini AI

 

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Uploaded on April 19, 2025
Taken on April 18, 2025