Thread: Goat Island Skiff

MIk, that is interesting about extending the midship seat forward...you are referring to the whole length of seat? I ask because I've been sitting in the Goat for which I am building a rig (Dana's Goat) and it occurs to me that rowing from the mast step/forward tank position would be doable when travelling with two people such that the boat trims OR that a daggerboard trunk plug be fitted such that one's fanny could sit atop it and help trim out the person sitting on the aft tank. Your thoughts on those ideas? I realize that often I'll be able to sail with the Goat's apparent windward ability.

I also wondered if folks are using hiking straps for their boats for flat out sailing.

Cheers,
Clint

Hiking straps are fitted to all the PDRs because I put them in the building list and provided pics.

Hmmm

Certainly leaning straps would appeal to the ones who like to go fast! Easy enough to fit.

Speaking of rowing with a second person ... that's why the mid seat is so wide in the rowboat- so the rower can slide forward to compensate ... and the rear seat is so wide (or should I say long) to force the person in the back forward as far as possible so that narrow stern don't get too sunk. It is marginal anyhow, but providing those too features makes it possible for Daddles and his rapidly growing daughter at any rate!

But this is all for rowing ... and sliding your bottom forward when rowing on the mid seat will help the trim. The other option is to stick the passenger on a swimming pool beanbag on the floor. Fit two sets of rowlock sockets too.

G'day Michael,

IIRC Leigh had hiking straps in his GIS. I was planning to add some to the resurrected GIS as I would eventually like to race it with the little bloke. Any suggestions as to the best way to fit them? I was only going to put them aft of the centre thwart, but perhaps there also needs to be some in the forward compartment for the crew, especially if sailing three up.

cheers,
clay

Yes ... I think front and back.

I did wonder about some on the seat too if you are sailing with the young chap. Might be more ergonomic for those with shorter legs. The Goat is a very deep boat.

MIK

I was thinking the same thing Michael. I doubt he could easily reach the floor from the gunwale. Not sure how to fix them to the seat though unless I just tie a loop through the bulkhead. Probably shouldn't worry about it too much until I get the hull together .

cheers,
clay

Hi everyone. This is my first post here, so I’m the new newbie.

For quite a number of months now I have been looking for a boat building project and I stumbled across the Goat. I’m very impressed with the design and its overall simplicity and light weight, not to mention great looks too. Actually, it’s so simple it’s brilliant.

I’m a contracts manager in my 9-5 life and I write plain English contract documents, so I like simplicity! If my sentences are very short, that’s the reason, hehe.

The Goat ticks all the boxes for me (yes, it’s a shocking cliché, but it’s true). I must admit to lurking here for the past month or so and catching up on the discussions. All forum members appear to be such a friendly and helpful bunch so I must congratulate you all on the fine spirit that prevails here. You guys have pretty much quelled any feelings of trepidation that I was feeling about building a boat, and this is a great comfort knowing that competent help is so close at handJ

I’ll be downloading the GIS plans soon, so I’ll be back J

Greetings Bruce,

Welcome aboard. Holler if/when you have questions. There are a number of GIS builders here now, and Mik is very accessible. Of course you need to be able to translate what he says from Oz to English... but wait, you're from NSW. Too bad, he's from Q'land. No hope <G>

Seriously - if you can't figure it out from the plans (and you probably can), you can very likely get it answered here.

Hello Bruce!

Welcome to the madness! I picked the GIS for many of the reasons you noted. It is a great looking boat. This is my first boat building experience and so far, it has gone smoothly.

Whenever you have a question, just ask. The experienced guys here are very helpful.

Bob

Thanks guys. There has been a lot of water under the bridge since my last boat building experience. Lets just say more than 35 years, so I'm not sure if I can claim any experience that counts. May dad and I used to sail when I was a teen and he built 5 Dabchicks to get us young kids on the water and learning to sail. The Dabchick is a lively and popular class of junior sailing boat in South Africa. In a blow this little scow punches well above its weight and I have very fond memories of screaming past 505's and Fireballs on broad reaches. They were built from Okoume ply over lightweight Meranti frames. The masts and booms were hollow Sitke Spruce. We spent many long nights and weekends on these projects. Here is a pic of a Dabchick.
http://www.dabchick.za.net/wp-conten...ka-sailing.jpg



Later, we completely rebuilt one the the early model Sprogs (Another popular South African boat designed by Herbert McWilliams, a famous South African architect who also designed the Union Buildings in Pretoria where Parliament sits) which I raced very successfully. Here is a pic of a Sprog: http://www.smoothsailing.co.za/images/sprog3.jpg
I have started thinking about timber selections for the GIS and would like to know what your thoughts are in relation to these choices. Let me know if I'm on the right track or if you think there are better choices.



Hull: marine Hoop pine (I've heard it's better quality that the Gaboon stuff that's available these days. Does all the Gaboon now come from China?)
Framing, gunwhales and stringers: Paulownia
Transom: Paulownia
Bow stem: Hoop pine
Seats/decks: Hoop pine
Dagger board and rudder: laminated Hoop pine
Mast and spars: laminated Hoop pine (Hollow mast and solid boom/gaff)

Cheers
Bruce

Originally Posted by arbordg

Greetings Bruce,

Welcome aboard. Holler if/when you have questions. There are a number of GIS builders here now, and Mik is very accessible. Of course you need to be able to translate what he says from Oz to English... but wait, you're from NSW. Too bad, he's from Q'land. No hope <G>

Seriously - if you can't figure it out from the plans (and you probably can), you can very likely get it answered here.

I grew up in New South Wales so I can do New South Welsh like a native.

Actually Dave... sorry ... DAVID .. I am mostly in Adelaide. Just spend part of the year in Queensland ... stay with the Biting Midge and Jo. But this year they are visiting me!

MIK

Originally Posted by Boatmik

I grew up in New South Wales so I can do New South Welsh like a native.

Actually Dave .. I am mostly in Adelaide. Just spend part of the year in Queensland ... stay with the Biting Midge and Jo. But this year they are visiting me!

MIK

It's not so much understanding Queenslanders but more to do with the irrits that come with the State Of Origin clashes. Oh, the pain we New South Welshmen feel with yet another thashing in a game we thought was a good idea to teach those canetoads.

I have no idea what you guys are talking about.

Wooooosh, over the head!

Carry on

I just noticed that I made a post last night in relation to timber choices for the GIS. It was there this morning but has now disappeared. Will it come back or must I repost?

This is my 4th post, but only three are showing...

Originally Posted by Compass Project

I have no idea what you guys are talking about.

Wooooosh, over the head!

Carry on

Hi CP

You don't want to know either. It's football related (Rugby League) and...... enuff said, this is a woodwork forum!