On Sun, 17 Aug 2008 12:06:05 -0700 (PDT),
wrote:

I dont want to cause a ruckus on this obviously touchy topic, but why
are some boats meant to be used offshore have low transoms? Is it bad
design or is there really a reason? On sailboats, so-called "sugar
scoop" transoms are popular on some modern boats with the reasoning
that it enables the cockpit to drain. This requires a seriously high
bridge deck into the cabin and I simply would not trust such a thing
offshore. I will admit my sailboat cockpit drains are too small.
On the subject of cockpit drains for powerboats, should one put more
effort in keeping water out or in draining the cockpit once it is in?
Currently, I have no large drain in my Tolman but am installing the
largest bilge pump I can find (3500 gph). I also have no decking
installed because I want to be able to see my hull and how much water
I have accumulated.

The Tolmans look to be nice boats.
Note the transom on this Jumbo.
http://www.fishyfish.com/bobbruce/index.html
A simple answer to your questions would be to e-mail these diveboat
guys. I'm thinking they take the boat offshore.
I did a little reading about the glue-and-stitch process, and far as I
can tell if properly done such boats are as strong or stronger than
any other method.
Seems to me that the stitch and glue method used to build monocoque
hulls can be incorporated with additional framing either during or
after the hull construction, and some of pics I've seen of Tolmans
seem to show interior framing that probably wasn't in the original
specs.
How much does your Tolman weigh and have you ever checked
gas consumption? If I was a bit younger I would really consider
building one.

--Vic