1988 Anderson Custom Boats Greenough 17

Greenough 17: A Big Boat in a Compact, Trailerable Package

1. General Information

The Greenough 17 is a remarkable 5.18 m outboard skiff from Anderson Custom Boats, drawn by George Greenough, the inventive designer celebrated in the surfing world for his pioneering fins, boards and water cameras. Conceived in the mid-1980s around a revolutionary bottom shape, this agile, efficient and seaworthy design has been refined over decades into what its builder calls a big boat in a small package. It suits anglers, coastal explorers and practical owners who want a capable, easily towed boat that can head offshore, run efficiently on modest outboard power and still offer a sheltered place to spend the night. Available in centre console, side console, cuddy and pilothouse versions, the Greenough 17 can be tailored to day fishing, coastal cruising or simple overnight trips, with the pilothouse model providing berths for two and a 189 L fuel tank for a useful cruising range.

2. Construction and Design

At the heart of the Greenough 17 is a distinctive tri-hull: a modified-vee bottom with forward chines and a W-shaped stern. This geometry helps the boat climb onto the plane quickly and stay there, holding speed in both head seas and following seas, which makes it well proven in demanding West Coast conditions. Anderson Custom Boats builds every hull by hand, using a hand-laid, vacuum-bagged, foam-cored fibreglass laminate that keeps the boat light, stiff and buoyant, at a dry weight of around 907 kg. Decks are hand-constructed in wood over fibreglass and finished with non-skid surfacing for secure footing. With a 2.34 m beam and a shallow 0.30 m hull draft, the Greenough 17 combines stable working space with the ability to reach shallow anchorages, beaches and launch ramps.

3. Key Features

Greenough tri-hull: The modified-vee bottom with forward chines and a W stern delivers efficient planing and a steady ride in both forward and following seas.

Custom foam-cored construction: Hand-laid, vacuum-bagged fibreglass with foam core produces a light, strong and durable hull built to order.

Flexible layouts: Choose a centre console, side console, cuddy or pilothouse configuration to match fishing, cruising or utility use.

Overnight-capable pilothouse: The pilothouse version is offshore capable, sleeps two and offers protection from wind and spray.

Easy to tow: At 5.18 m long and around 907 kg dry, the boat is easily trailerable and runs on single or twin outboards.

4. Summary

The Greenough 17 is aimed at the discerning small-boat owner who values seakeeping, fuel efficiency and craftsmanship over showroom gloss. It answers the needs of anglers, divers, surfers and coastal adventurers who want to tow their boat to new waters, run offshore with confidence and occasionally stay out overnight. With its proven tri-hull design, hand-built foam-cored fibreglass construction and choice of layouts, this custom outboard skiff is an ideal match for buyers seeking a compact, versatile and genuinely capable boat with a remarkable design pedigree.