The Mainship people call this a ‘downeast, inboard boat….’ they’re referring to the US East Coast, which has a great tradition of trawler-type yachts adapted from wooden workboats of the first half of the 20th Century.
The hull certainly has classic lines; the Pilot is even more reminiscent of workboats of decades ago. The traditional ingredients are a warped plane hull (flatter deadrise at the stern than forward towards the bow), which also features a skeg and what the builders call a ‘full sandshoe’ for prop protection. The single 220hp Cummins fits this boat like a glove!
The joy of warped-plane hulls is that they never feel underpowered, because there is no planing transition the hull feels comfortable whether it is using 100 or 300hp. The Mainship is happy at any speed and any throttle opening. The test boat had the 220hp Cummins 5.0 BT, certainly one of the best marine engines ever developed, which is good for a top of 21 knots and a cruise of 15-16. This boat is fitted with the optional bow thruster, which should eliminate any doubt you may have about dealing with prop-walk while docking a single-screw boat. The layout is unusual.
Downstairs you have a central double berth, Her saloon is also a bathroom and shower and there’s a two-burner electric stove & microwave (dockside only as there is no generator) and small fridge with a countertop ice box. You can comfortably seat four around the table
The cockpit/cabin is large and comfy. There are chairs for the helmsman and the observer and two longitudinal settees for anyone else. These also provide the backup beds. Helmsman’s is adjustable fore and aft, a good idea because the pedestal is set well back from the wheel. You sit high; the standard footrest is essential. The engine hatch is long and narrow and also lifts on struts. The boat is delivered with two batteries, one for starting and one for the boat.
The interior is trimmed in cherry; there is not a lot of trim, but externally the Mainship has no timber save one finely varnish cabin rail. In fact, there is nothing that is not essential; this is a straightforward boat with no hidden tricks and would be easy to own. So how does she handle ? You push the throttle forward and the turbo Cummins wakes from its sleep and the boat accelerates. As it does so the bow lifts, in the style of all warped-plane hulls, but the bow does not rise far enough to obscure the helmsman’s view, which is not always the case.
The Mainship corners flat, which I always reckon is good for safety and for not scaring the kids. Deepvee hulls counter centrifugal force when they lean into a turn; a warped-planer subjects the occupants to centrifugal force and the occupants have to learn to lean when the boat turns.
There is a step, or lip in the hull topsides, which throws the bow wave down and away at all speeds. The Mainship does this better than most, whether the bow wave starts at the cutwater when she’s moving at jogging speed, or further aft when she’s up and running.
The open-backed cabin, with clears to keep out the drafts, is a sensible setup for Bay waters. Comfortable and capable, the Mainship 30 is one of the best in class.