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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    Flagstaff Hill, South Australia
    Posts
    18

    Default Decisions, decisions - help please with new sailboat choice.

    Hello all. As a new member here I'm hoping to get some help deciding on a small sailboat design. I posted a thread on the boatbuilding forum here but thought this would be the better one for this question.

    My needs are as follows:
    • I would like something around 10-12ft which can handle conditions in the St Vincent gulf South Australia (average winds 10-15 knots often quite choppy).
    • Space is limited for storage so must be able to be stored either on a standard trailer or demountable (nesting pram?) for storage in a garage.
    • I'm not a rank novice but an easy to build low cost design is a preference.
    • I don't need something super fast but not sluggish either, and comfortable to sail (I'm 58 so not too eager for extreme sailing and like to stay dry )


    I love the Goat Island Skiff but it's a bit too big. Something similar in a 10-12ft size would be ideal. (Could the GIS be built in a 12' version?)

    Your suggestions would be very much appreciated.

    Cheers, Steve.

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    Perth, Australia
    Posts
    126

    Default

    G'day Steve
    I'm currently building the GIS which is certainly a bit bigger than I expected. Anyway Mik Storer is working on a 12 foot design which can be seen on his website the first prototype is currently in the water. Or you could look at B&B's Spindrift series of dinghies all stitch and glue 9 to 12ft some of which are nesting. Ross Lilistone and John Welsford also have some really nice designs (if a little more complex) as well. There's plenty of designs in that size range. All the aforementioned designers include very detailed build instructions and have a large online following/knowledge base to draw upon as well.

    Anyway half the fun is window shopping.

    Cheers
    Dan

    Sent from my GT-S7710 using Tapatalk

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    Flagstaff Hill, South Australia
    Posts
    18

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Capturethebeer View Post
    G'day Steve
    Or you could look at B&B's Spindrift series of dinghies... Anyway half the fun is window shopping.
    Hi Dan. Thanks for that. I've had a good look at the B&B Spindrift and have decided on the Spindrift 11, which is about ideal for my needs. Very nice boats these. I've taken the plunge and ordered the plans and have started checking out materials. I want something that sails well, can be used as a fishing boat and will take a small motor. The Spindrift seems well suited to all of these options.

    Now comes the fun part...

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    Perth, Australia
    Posts
    126

    Default

    The first cut is the hardest, one you've done that it's all a matter of momentum. Good luck, and make sure you post photos.
    Dan

    Sent from my GT-S7710 using Tapatalk

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    Flagstaff Hill, South Australia
    Posts
    18

    Default

    Well, it's been awhile since visiting here. I have spend most of my forum time on the B & B forum where I have my build log, but for those who are interested, here are some pics of my build so far:
























  7. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Adelaide - outer south
    Age
    67
    Posts
    935

    Default

    It's looking good Steve.

    Have you been keeping track of hours spent? I ask because there was a thread on here recently by someone wanting a design to build in 100 hours and I wonder if the Spindrift might be done in that time.
    Cheers, Bob the labrat

    Measure once and.... the phone rings!

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    Flagstaff Hill, South Australia
    Posts
    18

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by labr@ View Post
    It's looking good Steve.

    Have you been keeping track of hours spent? I ask because there was a thread on here recently by someone wanting a design to build in 100 hours and I wonder if the Spindrift might be done in that time.
    G'day Bob. Yes, I reckon the Spindrift is about a 100hr build, give or take a few hours. I would estimate I have put in about 80hrs so far, and I'm nearing the end of the build stage, then it's fairing and finishing.

    We must get together when I'm ready to launch. Mustn't break tradition!

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    Flagstaff Hill, South Australia
    Posts
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    Well, I have finished the Spindrift 11 and today launched her for her maiden voyage.

    She handled beautifuly and was nimble in the light winds. Looking forward to more tweaking and just enjoying being out there.


















  10. #9
    Join Date
    Jan 2012
    Location
    Perth, Australia
    Posts
    126

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    Looks fantastic Steve.

    Congratulations on achieving such a beautiful looking boat.

    Cheers Dan

    Sent from my GT-S7710 using Tapatalk

  11. #10
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Adelaide - outer south
    Age
    67
    Posts
    935

  12. #11
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Wongawallan, SE Qld
    Posts
    161

    Default

    Gee you've done a nice job there. Well done and congratulations on the launch!!!

  13. #12
    Join Date
    Dec 2014
    Location
    Cowra, NSW, Australia
    Posts
    10

    Default update?

    I agree, very nice looking boat, must have been sailing quite a bit now, any update? What's it like in a capsize situation? Why did you choose that particular sail configuration?

    The reason I ask is that your initial criteria are nearly the same as mine except that I would be more interested in the nesting versions. This is because I could fit it in my van rather than have yet another trailer to register, store and maintain. Did you think about the N version.

  14. #13
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Adelaide - outer south
    Age
    67
    Posts
    935

    Default

    Poppy,

    I'm not sure how often Steve checks in here. If you want a quick response it may pay to send him a PM as these are sometimes linked to member's email.

    Alternatively you could check his build log on the B and B forum where he uses the name SteveKos.

    Here is a link to page 6. There are comments on his experience on pages 6 and 7. The last post on P7 includes comments on heavier weather performance.

    http://messing-about.com/forums/topi...rift-11/page-6
    Cheers, Bob the labrat

    Measure once and.... the phone rings!

  15. #14
    Join Date
    Dec 2014
    Location
    Cowra, NSW, Australia
    Posts
    10

    Default

    Great, thanks for the tip.

  16. #15
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Location
    Flagstaff Hill, South Australia
    Posts
    18

    Default

    Hello all. Been a while since I checked in here. I didn't get much time to sail in my new Spindrift before this spring, but after quite a few outings in various weather conditions I can give you my evaluation:

    - this design is a true all-round sailing design. Excellent for learning to sail as she is very stable and forgiving in heavy weather, and responds to very light winds. I have only capsized once in a 25kt gust and that was because my tiller extension got caught in the corner of the transom as I tacked! She was righted easily though and was relatively easy to re-board even though she has a high profile.

    - As a rowboat she is easy to row. You definitely need a cushion though if you are going to have to row for any distance!

    - I purchased a 3.5hp Tohatsu outboard last summer, and that will take care of the 'no wind' syndrome common in our gulf waters on light-wind forecast days. (What is it about weather bureau wind forecasts!!). The outboard is an ideal size and shoves her along at a nice clip. She planes at about 7kts so getting to fishing spots is very quick on a nice still day. I have sailed with the motor mounted, and she still performs well, but you have to sit further forward to get a nice trim.

    Now I have my sights set on a new boat build project. I will post another "Help Please" thread regarding that.

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