The TOURISMO
TOURISMO - In the Detail:
Hull: Length 17 feet 5 inches (5.32m) - Width: 21.5 inches (0.545m) - Volume: TBA
Review of Rockpool Tourismo on expedition
By Pete Mac
"Hi Mike, I have used the boat in the Outer Hebrides for 3 weeks, for day trips and multi-day trips, and for a few day trips in Cornwall.
The boat has exactly the same stability as my 15 year-old Rockpool GT, both laden and unladen. I have had it out in some big seas and I never had to think about stability, even side-on to big sets. Near Mingulay we were crossing channels and landing on small islands in fast tidal waters for several days, and the boat was stable, responsive and drama-free.
The change from skeg to rudder provides an enormous additional storage area in the rear compartment, which is great for long tours. Removing the skeg box greatly increases the usable space. Being somewhat "short-of-arm" I have had to rig an old tent pole with a hook to fish stuff out of the far end.
I got you to move the front bulkhead back about 75 mm. This has been a great success, as the additional room behind the front hatch cover is enough to allow me to pack my sleeping bag and clothes before I slide my tent into the front of the boat. I could not do this with my GT, so when breaking camp in rain, all the vulnerable stuff had to be covered until the tent was packed.
The additional room and ease of packing the front compartment is a significant benefit. Because it is easier to pack, you can make better use of the available space, so the difference is even greater than I had hoped...
There is still plenty of room for someone up to about six foot to paddle the boat, but this small adjustment has a major benefit for a touring boat, so I would recommend you to promote two options - one for people up to 6 foot ("Normal!") and one for up to six foot four inches ("Giant").
I have not moved the seat since we set it up in the factory. It is far back in the cockpit, in the same position as my GT. It has no obvious effect on trim or handling, but it does ensure that I can get out of the boat quickly. Having a moveable seat is real benefit as it can be moved back as the years advance."