LeBlanc 50

 Design background

In Nova Scotia, the distinctive Cape Islander style boats originated on and around Cape Island in the South West corner of the province in the early days of powered fishing boats. As engines became more powerful the hull of the Cape Boat became larger and heavier. Today some of these lobster boats and inshore draggers are really enormous. A special set of circumstances unique to the area of Southwest Nova Scotia led to the development of extremely wide and heavy designs. The Department of Fisheries and Oceans put a limit on the overall length of the boats at 44’ 11”. As a result fishermen have pushed the builders to produce wider boats to accommodate the loads needed. Since the local lobster season begins in November and the boats go well offshore for the best fishing grounds, it is necessary to have a boat that can carry an enormous load of traps on “dumping day” (the first day of the season) as there is not time to make several trips. Fishing 100 miles off Nova Scotia in November and December is no picnic (and no place for a Picnic Boat), so these boats have to be tough and seaworthy. This has resulted in boats with a length to beam ratio of 2 to 1 or even more, not too different from what you would expect in a catamaran.

Laurie McGowan is a yacht designer based in the beautiful town of Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia. Laurie has reworked these commercial hulls for recreational use and admits that, while the shape seems unusual these boats work, and work well. It takes some getting used to but once you get aboard, the incredible volume of the hull becomes apparent. The accommodation possibilities are endless. Unlike many boats with a wonderful open layout, these boats can really go to sea. This isn’t just hyperbole. You just have to talk with the fishermen who operate these boats to see how much they trust them.

Boat tour:

Flying bridge

The flying bridge has a large L shaped seating area and room for a complete electronics array. Overhead is a permanent fiberglass dodger mounted on an aluminum frame.

Boat deck

Stepping aft onto the boat deck there is plenty of room for a selection a tenders and other water toys. On board the first LeBlanc 50 the owner has a 13 ft. fiberglass dinghy and a nice 12 ft. sailing dinghy, both built and designed by Neil LeBlanc. On the starboard side of the boat deck is a section of safety rail up against the very edge of the deck. From here the skipper can operate the crane and easily make sure all is clear while launching the dinghy.

Galley

A couple of wide steps on the port side of the boat deck lead down to the pilothouse door. The pilothouse contains the galley (kitchen really) on the port side. Except for an entrance opening, the cook is completely surrounded by counters. There is a large window over the sink area giving the cook a great view. The galley has room for a full sized side-by-side fridge freezer, electric range and microwave. This “kitchen” would do any condo proud.

Pilothouse

On the starboard side is a lounge area with table. The helm is forward on the starboard side next to an access door. The visibility over the bow is excellent, but what is most impressive is the all around visibility. From the helm one can see the transom corners through the aft windows. This is defiantly not the case on many pilothouse trawler yachts.

Saloon

At almost 20 feet wide the saloon has plenty of room for a large L shaped settee on the starboard side and to port a there is a long desk area for computer and ship’s office.  Forward are built-in bookshelves and a large flat screen TV.  As with the rest of the boat’s interior, woodwork is cherry with white trim, for a light and modern look.

Guest stateroom

The stairs leading to the lower deck are located on the port side at the forward end of the pilothouse. This is not some perilous steep ladder, but a proper staircase. Forward is the guest stateroom with a queen-sized berth with an ensuite head and shower.

Master stateroom

At the foot of the stairs aft is the master stateroom and it is an impressive space. Amidships sits a genuine king sized bed. On the port side is the master head, again there is lots of elbowroom for toilet, sinks, a huge mirror and an enclosed custom-built shower stall with seat. At the foot of the stairs is an over/under washer dryer.

Engine room

Access to the engine room is down a set of stairs from the saloon. Down here sits the 12.5 litre John Deere. There is plenty of room port and starboard, to access the engine for service and for the 21kw generator. Incidentally, the owner would have been content with an access hatch and ladder to the engine room, but the builders, with their knowledge of commercial boats, insisted on a proper door and stairs. Easy access to the most important room on the boat is a priority. Below the covered aft deck are hatches giving leading to the massive lazarette and allowing easy access to stern gear.

We customize to meet your needs

With its large internal volume the LeBlanc 50 has the room to accommodate a wide range of optional layouts. You can work with our designers to get the layout that works for you.

LeBlanc 50 specifications:

L.O.A. 50’

L.W.L.  47’7”

Beam: 23’6”

Draught: 5’3”

Displacement: 87,000 lb.

Engine: John Deere 6125