Which Design

[Boatgnome]

Hello to everybody I have been a keen forum watcher for quiet a while now because I have been thinking about building a small sailing boat. Through info I have read and picked up from this forum I have decided that that I have the confidence and woodworking ability to build in stitch and glue.:rolleyes: Having decided on the method I need help picking a design.:?There are a lot out there any suggestions and advice would be appreciated.:2tsup: I would like to build a boat approx 15ft so that I can sail two up with a bit of gear. Due to my inexperience as a sailor I will need to build a design which is going to easy to rig and learn to sail.

[bitingmidge]

Gidday gnome bloke.

Your question should have you inundated with replies with everyone calling out their favourite design, and it won't really help you make a decision.

Send me a PM. I just happen to have a bloke staying at my place who knows a bit about this stuff, and my boats are spread all over the lawn at the moment, so if you feel like a trip down the road to Mooloolaba, you can see 'em for real, and go for a sail too.

Then you can go for a sail in some others, or at least talk to someone whose built and sailed the design you have in mind before you commit.

I think for a boat that size there are easier ways of building, the ones based on Bolger's "Instant Boats" are a great example.

I'd seriously give the PDRacer a shout, even though it's a "little" boat, it's perfect for what you describe, particularly for a beginner.

There again, the Goat Island Skiff is the size you are after, and very simple to build and rig. There are a couple being built on the Sunny Coast at the moment too.

Cheers,

P
:D:D

[bloggs1968]

Welcome to the forum mate. Midge is right, a post like this will be inundated with design replies.

If you have the skills to stitch and glue, you would have the skills to build clinker ply. I reckon Phoenix III seen here http://www.baysidewoodenboats.com.au/ might suit - apparently the instructions/building manual are very comprehensive for inexperienced builders.

Some of Graham Byrnes plans are well detailed for stich and glue http://www.bandbyachtdesigns.com/

If you are concerned about not having enough knowledge to build, go for plans that have lots of infirmation/instructions and don't forget you can ask questions here till the cows come home for free.

if you get stuck during the build, you'd be able to find a boatbuilder locally who could give you an hour or so and keep you on track.

regards,

AD

[Boatgnome]

Midge thank you for your quick reply I would like to take you up on that invitation but I am visiting cockaroach country for the next week or so.The Pdracer may sail ok but is a little small and I would like to build a boat that looks like a boat. The GIS seems more to my liking would you say that that with the lug sail it would be a good boat to learn to sail. I have checked out Michael Storer's web site and believe you have also built one. What was your sailing experience before you sailed it and what were your first impressions?

[Boatgnome]

Andrew thank you also I am familiar with your Web site and your work I was that impressed with the Gartside boat I bought a Raffle ticket.I have seen the Bayside site but am a little overawed by the ply clinker construction. I feel that when I start this project I want to finish it and not bight off more than I can chew so to speak. I think a lot of people buy plans start the construction and then do not finish for that same reason.I like the Bandb boats especially the Core sound 15 what is a Cat Ketch rig like to sail?