Overall Configuration
The Duen is full keel boat of galeas construction, gaff-rigged with two masts. A galeas is a type of small trade vessel that was common in the Baltic Sea and North Sea from the 17th to the early 20th centuries. The galeas design was developed from the Dutch galliot ships, which usually had two masts and rigged as ketches. Norwegian and Swedish built galeas ships differed slightly in that they were equipped with a rounded stern rather than a square stern typical of galleons.
- LOA: 72'
- Beam: 18'
- Displacement: 55 tonne
Hull Construction
9 inch frames - Norwegian pitch pine
1.5 inch Norwegian pitch pine double planking fastened with trunnels
Fir bowsprit - 16'
Rigging
The Duen is a gaff rigged ketch with a single forestay on the bow and a 16' fir bowsprit that anchors two additional forestays. In addition to the shrouds, four running backstays support the main mast and mizzen mast. She has 6 sails:
Main Sail: 410 sq.ft. Gaff rigged.
Mizzen: 315 sq.ft. Gaff rigged.
Jib: 200 sq.ft. Roller furling Genoa
Jib top: 170 sq.ft. Roller furled triangular jib
Stay Sail: 170 sq.ft. Hanked on forestay sail
Main topsail: 140 sq.ft. triangular jib-headed topsail
Equipment
- Hydraulic windlass and 50 lb Bruce Anchor
- 100 ft of navy chain, 300 ft of 3/4" galvanized wire
- Dual helm hydraulic steering
- Fire hoses and pumps
- Fire suppression system
- Radar
- AIS global positioning
- two life rafts
- Epirb
Interior
Originally built as a fishing boat, the entire middle section of the Duen was a hold for the catch. The Fletchers spent more than a year installing a rig and an interior. Mike and Manon Hobbis have updated the interior extensively, installing 4 cabins to enable the Duen to host school groups and environmental conservancy organizations over the years.
- 4 Water tight bulkheads
- Galley with propane burner
- Two marine heads
- Main accommodation for 8-14
- Crew accommodation for 2
- Diesel heater and radiators
Engine
Originally, the Duen was powered by a Rapp 24 Hp, one cylinder semi-diesel 2 stroke engine. For 30 years, it powered the Duen during it's career as a north sea fishing vessel. The Fletchers struggled with the old, big, heavy, unreliable engine for the first three years of ownership, repowering with a 16 year old Perkins 6.354 diesel in Barbados in 1973. The Perkins 6.354 diesel engine was a highly regarded powerplant known for its reliability, versatility, and robust design. In 1978, the tired Perkins engine was retired for a Gardner 6LXB - the holy grail of diesel engines.
The Gardner engine is a legendary diesel engine celebrated for its reliability, simplicity, and exceptional mechanical craftsmanship. Unlike modern diesel engines that rely heavily on electronics and computer systems, the Gardner operates entirely mechanically, requiring only fuel, air, and cooling water to function. This independence from electronic systems makes it a symbol of durability and straightforward engineering.
It has a 10.45-liter displacement, six cylinders arranged in two stacks of three, and weighs approximately 1,660 pounds. Despite its size, these engines consume less fuel while maintaining impressive efficiency. For instance, the 6LXB can push a heavy vessel at an average speed of 7.4 knots while burning less than three gallons of fuel per hour, outperforming many modern diesel engines in fuel economy.
