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Hi all. After my success at building two boats now, my attention is turning to my ultimate (do we ever have an ultimate??) boat build.
I am looking to build a trailer sailer of around 16' which sails well and can be rigged/sailed solo, but which can accommodate 2 to 3 for sail camping trips. 16' is about the biggest I can build in my carport so that dictates the size pretty much.
Any suggestions on designs are welcome.
Have you looked at the Herreshoff 12&1/2? brilliant little boat. about twelve and a half on the waterline but sixteen overall. Absolute classic, lead keel and all.
Thanks Toymaker Len, I was more thinking of a cabin style. I am looking with interest at the AF3 by Jim Mikalak. It's a very economic build but with the skiff hull will be nice for the shallow beaches and mud flats I sometimes sail into. Acommodation for 2 as well which is good in a fairly narrow boat.Quote:
Originally Posted by Toymaker Len
A Hartley16 would be a possibility.You would have the ssupport of a keen class which would assist in sourcing material that you might not be able to fabricate yourself, perhaps the centreboard.
John Welsford's Sweet Pea might also appeal, in either its cruising or racing form.
Good luck.
Thanks RossV. I haven't looked at the Sweet Pea but I'll do so. As this time my budget is severely restricted I am going to have to look far and wide for budget materials. My first build was blessed by being able to acquire almost all of the materials I needed pretty cheap from a bloke who didn't get around to building his. I'll be posting a wanted ad on Gumtree to see what I can get. The cost of materials will influence what am able to build. (My wife isn't as in love with my hobby as I am, so fitting the cost into my non-existent budget is a bit of a challenge).
You have my sympathy, GoAnyWhere. My finance committee would rather go to work, than come sailing.Quote:
Originally Posted by goanywhere
There are a number of designs for a small pocket cruiser in this size range, though at 16' it's tough to get much of anything. Simply put, a working cabin needs enough room to sit up and lie down, leaving precious room left for a cockpit and foredeck. Of course with clever design you can overlap these areas a bit, but because the boat is relatively small, footwells under cockpit seats or foredecks tend to be cave like. Look at "Nancy's China" from Sam Devlin, for a boat that sails well and offers the accommodations you want. Alternatively, the Glen-L "Minuet" is another option, both of these will fit your building space.
Thanks everyone. I have ordered plans for a Jim Michalak design, the Blobster. A bit of a quirky design but for the kinds of boating I do it has most of the features I want. For example, I have been kayaking the Murray River for the last few years, mostly by Kayak, but I would love to sail/motor down much of it in years to come. Being a pram hull, I expect I will be able to nose up on a shallow sand or mud flat and walk straight out the front onto dry land, or via a gang plank onto a steep bank has some real appeal. For a small cruiser it also has quite a generous living area. By all accounts it sails pretty well and with water ballast tanks I should be able to manage some of the gusty spring winds here in South Australia. Anyway the plans are pretty cheap so if I end up changing my mind I haven't wasted much money.
Well, it's been a month since your last post Steve, so going by the speed of your previous builds I just have to ask......
.......has this thing gone 3D yet? :U
G'day Bob, I was wondering when you would make your presence known! Actually I have 3D'd it already. Well partially at least, in Sketchup :D. It's a great and no-cost way to build a model and get an intimate idea of how the plans translate into the building side. Just as well, as JM's plans are not as complete and full of photos as some others.Quote:
Originally Posted by labr@
Cheers, Steve.
This is the "skeleton" of the Blobster. 7 frames which seem reasonably simple to make. I haven't quite learned yet how to make conforming surfaces in Sketchup. I've been learning it as I've been drawing it.
What is already clear to see is that the bow is well swept so that there should be a good capacity to ride over waves, making the open bow seem to be less silly. The water ballast tank is the raised section between frame 3 and 4 from the bow end. I'm surprised that this will hold 600lb of water.
When I've worked out how to draw the rest as per the stock plans I will start playing with some ideas around customising the cabin and storage etc.
I'll post more pictures when I have progressed a bit more.
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I've looked at some photos of the Blobster a few times now and just can't bring myself to like it. At least we know you appreciate her for her practical qualities because you sure as hell can't have fallen for her looks:U.
Anyhow, I'm looking forward to seeing real world progress and some on-water adventures.
By the way, what will you do with your Spindrift now? Does it have to go or do you have room for both?
I'm not surprised that you don't find the Blobster attractive. Yes it's purely the functionality that attracts me. The only issue might be that should I ever want to sell it there might be a lack of interest over the looks then too. I do have a couple of other designs I'm considering but without the functionality. I have time still to thnk and consider though. Yes the Spindrift will have to go to make room, and to contribute funds for this build. Judging from the many shoreside comments I've received I don't think that will be a problem.
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Name of the blobster says it all - just plain ugly. Look at Ross Lillestone's designs; around the right size, handsome craft with excellent performance. Ross Lillistone - A Passion for Wooden Boats
Regarding camping/sailing, see the write ups of one cruising the waters of the Pacific NorthWest.
Good luck with your build.
build an extension on the car port?Quote:
Originally Posted by goanywhere