Medeiros Boat Works' latest release, the Limestone 17, sports a host of innovative design, construction and interior features. The 19 degree deadrise hull has a V-shaped entry and extremely broad chines at the transom that increase stability, particularly at rest. The bottom surface is noticeably smooth - there are no lift strips which, on more conventional designs, improve a boat's trim and ability to plane.

Construction is equally as innovative as the design. Multiple layers of unidirectional fiberglass, hand-laid at 45 degree angles, and mat deliver a solid and stiff hull. There are no stringers - the one-piece deck and liner, glassed to the hull in strategic areas, provides structural support. Foam, which is added to the deck only, increases strength without weight.

The transom is made of high density closed cell foam, shaped and molded into the hull. Developed by Al Medeiros, this construction technique creates a unique extremely rigid yet lightweight structure.

The hull-deck joint is embedded with 3M 5200 marine adhesive, then securely fastened with rivets. A heavy-duty, ship-size roto-molded plastic rub rail slides over the flanges. The custom-made rail provides an exceptionally strong, watertight joint. The molding is made locally and was not delivered in time for our test. Instead, as you'll note in the pictures, plastic head hose concealed the hull-deck joint on the prototype.

Deck hardware includes six cleats, and two bow chocks. All have aluminum backing plates that are glassed into the deck, then drilled and tapped. Another novel feature: port and starboard navigation lights are housed in a recessed cutaway molded into the hull sides.

The large cockpit is self-bailing and deep. The stable hull coupled with a 20 inch freeboard measured amidships offers a secure feeling when leaning over the side.

The no-nonsense center console features a speedometer, tachometer, fuel, trim, emergency ignition cut-off switch and a center-mounted Ritchie compass. Placed in the middle is a large stainless steel destroyer-type tilt steering wheel. The Quicksilver throttle was also well positioned for seating or standing operation. Circuit breakers are located under a plexiglass covered panel on the dash. There are plenty of flat surfaces and room to mount accessory electronics.

A tall, tinted plexiglass windscreen serves as an effective windbreak for the driver when seated. A wraparound stainless steel grab rail frames the windscreen and is standard, but was not installed on our test boat.

The contoured two-way reversible bench helm seat is thickly padded. The backrest flips forward when you want to fish out the back of the boat. Underneath the helm seat is a full-size, roto-molded plastic cooler that is removable and fastens securely to a custom floor mount.

Inside the console is a cavernous storage area accessed by a lockable door. An inclined footrest for the driver is integral with the hatch cover. The front of the console incorporates a seat with a backrest. The seat pad is domed and lifts for access to more dry storage. Forward, the bow seat with the optional cushion provides a comfortable lounging area.

Besides storage in the console, there's more lockable storage under the bow seat; an adjoining four foot, in-floor storage locker for paddles and other gear; and another in-floor dry storage compartment behind the helm

Another unique feature is the flat surfaced motor well which is a continuation of the cockpit floor and separated from the seating area by a contoured bulkhead. The design facilitates easy access to ski tow eyes, lines or a kicker engine. A flush-mounted, in-floor waterproof hatch houses the battery and bilge pump.

A stainless steel bow rail and stern rail are optional. Buyers can also add a T-top, bimini top with a forward bubble, swim platform or fishing equipment such as a live well.

All walking surfaces, including the motor well, have a molded-in nonskid finish for easy maintenance.

The 17 is an exceptionally dry boat. Heading into the rough seas of Lake Ontario at about half throttle, I sat high and dry. In these conditions, zero trim gave the best ride and handling. Lightweight, the 1,650 pound boat didn't pound, but felt somewhat loose. The hull is designed to ride bow-low and fly over the swells rather than break through them. In the rough-water conditions, the low riding altitude gave unobstructed viewing.

During acceleration, in a single, barely discernible motion, the boat lifts, planing in just under three seconds.

Trimmed out positive, the Limestone 17 dances on water. Due to the sea conditions we were unable to get a radared top speed; however, the boat's speedometer recorded 45 mph at 5,200 rpm and should top nearly 50 mph in more favorable conditions. We recorded a minimum planing speed of 16 mph at 2,500 rpm. Entering a turn, I needed to trim in to reduce cavitation. Mercury's three-cylinder, loop-charged 90 hp engine had plenty of reserve power. For general use, I suspect many buyers will opt for the smaller 60 hp.

Functional and fun, the Limestone 17 performs equally well as a family boat for water skiing, tubing, fishing or cruising. This frisky 17 foot center console sells for a modest price of $12,000. Two other versions are available: a forward-deck steerer and a sport model with a full-width bench helm seat. Engine options include twin outboards with twin gauges and controls. A jet-propelled model is planned for '96.

-Jan Mundy