Perry Designed 40' Commuter Launch

The Little Palm Island Resort & Spa on the Florida Keys commissioned Seattle-based designer Robert Perry to create a new high-speed launch to ferry guests across the three-mile channel that separates the resort from highway access at Little Torch Key. The resort’s relaxed but luxurious style is based on a 1920s theme that extended to the styling of its new boat. This design is a modern version of the classic "commuter yacht"—the type of craft that once whisked Wall Street tycoons out of Manhattan and away to their Long Island retreats.
Perry’s updated version of the commuter combines a distinctive traditional look above the waterline with an underwater shape and construction methods that are as modern as any today.

foam core, vinylester resin and fiberglass interior and exterior skins to form a sandwich panel, and employed vacuum-bagging  to ensure superior strength with low weight. The hull has a sharp V at the forefoot, full planning sections amidships, and maintains 15 degrees of deadrise or “V” at the transom.
The deckhouse continues the 20s theme with oval top windows, teak trim, cambered roof and a forward steering station. The interior features fine mahogany trim and a tongue-and-groove ceiling with concealed lighting. Doors, ports and polished brass deck fittingswere all carefully selected. Since the cabin is full-width, all mooring cleats are positioned to be accessible without going on deck. The distinctive hull color is Awlgrip's Aristo Blue, set off by a varnished transom with name and hailing port in gold leaf. Power is provided by twin  440 HP Yanmar  6LY-DTE turbo-charged diesels turning 20 X 26 bronze four-bladed DIX propellers via ZF 301 1.86:1 transmissions. The propellers spin in tunnels to increase efficiency and decrease draft to 2' 8". Speed at 2800 rpm is 28 knots fully loaded, and maximum loaded speed was 30 knots at 3300 rpm. The fuel tank holds 350 gallons. The navigation system is Furuno's Navnet.
The layout offers comfortable seating for 22 passengers and the launch is certified by the Coast Guard to carry a total of 34 people, including crew. The Woodson (named after an early settler on the island) was launched in the summer of 2007, sea trialed on the Columbia River, and delivered to Florida by truck at the end of the year.The exclusive Little Palm Island Resort is listed among the top resorts in the world by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel+Leisure. The seven-acre island is designed to be “a world unto itself“ with 30 thatch-roofed cabins, restaurant and spa. Since the only access is by water, those fortunate enough to spend time there will have the pleasure of arriving in style on board this fine Schooner Creek vessel--or by their own private yacht, launch or seaplane.