Suggestions with respect to vessel design and construction were 

 confined principally to the larger, standard-type shrimp boat. The con- 

 tractors concluded generally that the time has come to replace the 

 traditional Florida-type craft with a newly designed vessel possibly 

 greater in length. 



The forward sections of the vessels must be made finer, with 

 an effective flare topside to provide a dry bow with ample reserve 

 buoyancy, ^ank tests do not indicate that a V-bottom hull could be used 

 to advantage. The midship sections should be hardened at the turn of 

 the bilge to overcome excessive rolling. The run aft must be flatter 

 to provide better speeds and less critical changes in trim when loaded. 

 Ample power mufft be installed to enable free running speeds up to 10 or 

 11 knots and more effective towing speeds. A single screw with a variable 

 pitch propeller has been the solution in other fisheries facing the same 

 problems. Preferably, the deck house and quarters should be moved aft, 

 leaving the waist open as a working deck, assuring easy visual and 

 vocal communication between it and the wheel house. The single mast 

 could then be stepped forward of the midsection. With minor improvements 

 the present Florida rig, which is efficient in its use of manpower, 

 could be easily adapted for use in this new position. If possible, 

 crews* quarters should be located topside and living conditions improved. 

 Below, the engine room should be well aft and an insulated, refrigerated 

 hold provided amidship near the center of buoyancy. Storage tanks for 

 fuel and water could be so placed that the trim of the vessel could be 

 controlled, 



AlthoTogh the arrangement of the deck plan would be altered, 

 the deck machinery and rigging currently in use could be easily adapted 

 to the new layout. A yoke or gallows could be built into the cabin top 

 in order to properly center the towing lines. Consideration should be 

 given to the installation of deck winches, spars and rigging of greater 

 capacity since it is more than likely that future fishing will be done 

 at depths greater than at present. 



In addition to the recommendations on vessel design and layout, 

 suggestions were made for the elimination of objectionable features in 

 prevailing construction practices. Detailed recommendations are outlined 

 in Chapter II of Volume 1. In general the suggested improvements relate 

 to the desirability of heavier construction and more adequate fastenings. 



Economic considerations bring out an important objective that 

 shoTild be sought in the selection of a design and construction method 

 appropriate for the shrimp vessel of the future. Because of seasonal 

 catch variations in the fishery careful consideration should be given 

 to the development of a dual-purpose vessel, capable of being used in 

 other fisheries without physical changes, or crew additions. Experi- 

 mental work is now being conducted along these lines in the Gulf of 

 Mexico and the Caribbean. 



15U 



