Recommended Horsepower                     40 - 75hp (according to application)

Standard Equipment

• Hull fitted with transverse bench seats
• Rear lockable Bench seat (for stowing batteries, tanks etc.

• Centre console
• Flat decked floor
• Swivel or fixed seats
• Grab rails
• Sun canopy
• Trailer

Our test boat was one of the first to be produced by Fibrecraft, and was undergoing lake trials. Configured as a cargo carrier, she was fitted with a 90 hp Mariner.
Construction of the Pelican is basic, emphasising light weight with great strength. A single skin lay-up of fibreglass is supported and reinforced by multiple foam encased beams. Due to the very shape of the hull, immense strength is accomplished with the minimum of reinforced structure. The hull itself has a deep cutting vee for handling rough water, with full length lifting strakes, chines and splash deflectors making for a very low planing speed, and a soft safe ride in rough water.

Although not the type of noat one would tow around much, a basic trailer can be provided if required.
The specific application of the boat negates the need for elaborate fittings and finish. The quality of consruction is to the same high standard as expected from Fibrecraft. Ivor Kesson hopes to develop several variants to the concept as time and customer feedback dictate, and in fact already there is an 18 foot version of the Pelican available for production.
Our test boat was fitted with a centre console, and Ride guide steering, although in most applications, the boat is fitted with a tiller control engine (30-60hp) and little else. Discussing possible applications while using the boat on Kariba, it is possible to alter the interior with a minimum of hassle, dropping floor boards in and even seating, turning the craft into an economical passenger carrying boat for either lake transfers or lake cruises - game viewing etc.

We chose Kariba as our test venue to ensure we found some big water, and this we did. Operating from the Senkwe River fishing lodge, we boated through the Chete Gorge to be met by some pretty big swells. Having driven a conventional boat earlier in the day through rough water - cruising just on the plane to negotiate the rough, short chop, I was immediately impressed by the Pelicans smooth ride in rough water. Travelling relatively light (with only four on board) the hull cut through swells in excess of two metres with very little pounding or bouncing. Her sher length (22 feet) makes the relatively short wave pattern encountered on Kariba, little more than a series of stepping stones as she seems to ride from crest to crest.
The effiency of the hull meant we could slow the boat right down if necessary, making the ride even more comfortable whilst providing a dry ride. The 90 hp proved to be too much power, even once the boat is fully loaded. Designed for economical sized engines, I would guess she would be comfortable with as little as 30 hp, although this would ultimately depend on application and payloads to be carried.

I thoroughly enjoyed driving her over smoother water. At speed, standing at the rear mounted console, she seemed to "fly" over the water, banking into turns much like an aeroplane. When on the plane, the Pelican is very stable and threw no surprises in steep turns or other tight manoevres. At rest, the hull has a tendency to heel, this is due to the narrow beam. With all four peple leaning on one side, she leaned but did not feel like she would capsize, immediately righting herself once the weight was centralised.

After our departure, Ivor tested the boat more fully laden - carrying 12 people. As would be expected, she handled the weight admirably, performing much as she did with four people on board. Following these trials, Ivor believes a load of 20 people would be quite comfortable in the Pelican.

The applications for the Pelican within the commercial sector accross Africa would be as varied as they are vast. As a general cargo carrier for camps and lodges on the lake or Zambezi, to game viewing craft within the swamps, to a pick-up craft catering to the many kapenta rigs.... the applications are endless. Due to its high gunnel and narrow design, I cannot see any major use from a sport fishing or recreational perspective in this country, but I've no doubt that one exists.