Author Topic: Wooden Sailboat (Read 2680 times)

AtlLaw · « **on:** December 20, 2010, 05:32:55 AM »

I've had the hots to build a (very) small plywood sailboat. 8 or 9 feet max. Question is, if I do it, should I document the construction here or in the boat forum?

Dirt Bag · « **Reply #1 on:** December 20, 2010, 07:44:41 AM »

Hello "Law;
Either or...... I for one would be real interested in following that, as we have had that itch ourselves. Sent for information packet about the construction and plan prices for a very pretty little boat called a "Penobscott?". Also bought several books of wooden boat building, and that is about the same time we went nuts with the antique tool collecting, as boat building is where the planes come into play. It's a long story, but about that time a 19 foot Century Resorter turned up right here in town and we had another quick change of plans. We would get it bought and restore it...... re build the 318 chrysler it had for power, (build a little of that rumpity rump sound into it long as it was apart too.) Well, none of it ever got off the ground.... the boat is still around here somewhere and the price is still way too high.
'nuther one of our "will do it someday" projects that won't ever see daylight. Go for it 'Law.... another new distractioin is always good.
D.B.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #2 on:** December 20, 2010, 07:55:08 AM »

Quote from: Dirt Bag on December 20, 2010, 07:44:41 AM

'nuther one of our "will do it someday" projects that won't ever see daylight.

Ain't that the truth!

I've got a refinished FAL sitting on my workbench that I haven't got around to reassembling in 4 years!

Dirt Bag · « **Reply #3 on:** December 20, 2010, 10:05:28 AM »

Richard;
Looky here..... You gotta admit this would be sweet..... You could do it!!

Had to do some digging thru the book cases, but it was still there.
Man, you would look good in one of these;
D.B.

BBF · « **Reply #4 on:** December 20, 2010, 01:52:01 PM »

Depending on your skill level and patience, this is not a beginner project.

hillbill · « **Reply #5 on:** December 20, 2010, 02:33:08 PM »

yu shud git with drillingman, if he aint built one ill bet he has the lumber to do it?

Zulu · « **Reply #6 on:** December 21, 2010, 04:55:06 AM »

AtlLaw,
Post the build here. It's wood work and woodworkers will appreciate it. The boating forum is boring.

Zulu

pmeisel · « **Reply #7 on:** December 21, 2010, 03:56:42 PM »

Richard, if you want one that small, there is a sailing pram design called the Optimist, 8 feet long, designed for amateur build, plans easy to obtain. It's tiny, really for kids, but it would be a great place to start the hobby.

BBF · « **Reply #8 on:** December 22, 2010, 12:37:18 PM »

Quote from: pmeisel on December 21, 2010, 03:56:42 PM

Richard, if you want one that small, there is a sailing pram design called the Optimist, 8 feet long, designed for amateur build, plans easy to obtain. It's tiny, really for kids, but it would be a great place to start the hobby.

There are other similar framless designs called stich and glue that are way easier then the traditional frame and plank types.

pmeisel · « **Reply #9 on:** December 23, 2010, 04:12:45 AM »

For a little bigger project, a lightning:

http://www.lightningclass.org/marketplace/store/plans/index.asp

Plans for a variety of simple construction sailboats

http://www.glen-l.com/designs/sailboats.html

Lots of options. Start small and learn. It can be addictive. I never had room to build one, so I focused on repairing neglected older ones, and moved from wood to fiberglass, and got much bigger......

Then I moved away from the water and went back to fishing and shooting but it was fun.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #10 on:** December 23, 2010, 04:26:01 AM »

Quote from: Dirt Bag on December 20, 2010, 10:05:28 AM

You gotta admit this would be sweet..... D.B.

It sure would be! That is exactly what I would like to build, but I'm trying to be realistic here!

Maybe when I retire...

Quote from: pmeisel on December 21, 2010, 03:56:42 PM

there is a sailing pram design called the Optimist,

That's very much what I was talking about, but as Scatterbrain said,

Quote from: scatterbrain on December 22, 2010, 12:37:18 PM

There are other similar framless designs called stich and glue

I found that S&G method interesting and wanted to give it a try. I'd have to use the conventional construction method for something like DB's Penobscot14 though. Darn that's a pretty little sloop rig!

It seems the two finalists (right now anyway) are the glen-l "Eight Ball SG" and the Devlin "Guppy." I'm leaning toward the glen-l design... don't know why. $:-\$

Dirt Bag · « **Reply #11 on:** December 23, 2010, 01:51:14 PM »

Wish you lived closer Richard.......we'd tackle one of them frame and plank type boats.
D.B.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #12 on:** December 24, 2010, 03:44:23 AM »

That would be cool!

After seeing your stock work I know you're a perfectionist!

That's my problem, $:-\$ I don't have any friends that live close. One of my Son in Laws will build it with me though. I guess 1 outa 4 boys ain't bad...

Lessee here, where to start... $:-\$ I know! clean out the garage! I can barely get my motorcycle in there now!

pmeisel · « **Reply #13 on:** December 24, 2010, 04:58:57 AM »

Glen L has been around selling plans for years, tried and true.

The Optimist, while not exactly stitch and glue, is pretty simple too. Nice thing is they are racing fleets for kids, if that feature could be useful to you. Plans link below.

Good luck and enjoy, tell us about the project!

http://www.optiworld.org/goods.html

rdlange · « **Reply #14 on:** January 27, 2011, 11:46:10 AM »

Hi Richard,

It's me, the guy with the new Handi mannlicher. I worked as a boatbuilder for awhile. Let me know what you're seriously looking to use it for. I got some books I can let you have. With the new techniques available I recommend you try 'stitch and glue for your first boat. It'll give you a good, long lasting boat with fair resale and won't take you a lifetime to build. And plenty of free designs on the web.

Check out: 'Hannu's Boatyard' for some ideas & techniques.

Be Well...

AtlLaw · « **Reply #15 on:** January 27, 2011, 03:17:21 PM »

Quote from: rdlange on January 27, 2011, 11:46:10 AM

Let me know what you're seriously looking to use it for.

I once had a nice 25' McGregor that I really enjoyed but didn't have the time to sail. So I decided on a little boat (8ft or so) I can through in the truck and run up to a lake just up the road when I feel like sailing. Plus I like to build things...

Quote

I recommend you try 'stitch and glue for your first boat.

My decision exactly!

If this works out I have seen some sloop plans that have me drooling!

We're talking 12-15' here...

Quote

won't take you a lifetime to build.

Well, I wanted to have it done by May or so, and I thought that was doable since one of my son's and two of my S in L's say they want to help. But you know how that goes!

Unfortunately I've had to put any major project on hold for the time being, but as soon as Kathie is fit again I'm on it!

I'll keep you posted!

AtlLaw · « **Reply #16 on:** January 27, 2011, 03:19:53 PM »

Oh! Look at that Penobscot 14 a few posts up and you'll get an idea of what makes me drool!

Flynmoose · « **Reply #17 on:** February 17, 2011, 06:42:12 PM »

Glen-L has always provided a good set of plans with clear instructions. Dad
built one of their designs in the 50s, good solid boat. Friends have used them
since with good results. When I retire.......
FM

AtlLaw · « **Reply #18 on:** February 19, 2011, 06:46:00 AM »

I keep reviewing the Glen-L site myself. Glad to know they have a good history.

'course I've had to put everything on hold for a while. But someday... I hope someday soon!

Dirt Bag · « **Reply #19 on:** February 19, 2011, 11:44:00 AM »

Hello 'Law;
Your mentioning the missus and having to put things on hold for a while.........Wishing you well..... and thought you might like to see this. Just one nut's opinion, but this is what a small boat ought to look like.

I think what it would be like to have one of these in progresss, and indoors...... and how much time I would spend just looking at the lines of it sitting there on the forms...... while having a couple of cold ones and sharpening plane irons. Have to envy those who have made something this beautiful from a pile of lumber. Only they can know how good it is.
Have a good one Richard, and hoping this finds you and yours well;
D.B.

cange · « **Reply #20 on:** February 21, 2011, 02:21:57 PM »

that is very poetic.....very true....good kuck...everyone should have the opp to build somthing that awsome.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #21 on:** February 22, 2011, 10:51:35 AM »

Thanks DB. Things aren't great but Kathie and I are taking it one day at a time.

I had time during the last 3 weeks, after getting Kathie settled in, to sneak off to the man cave or garage to catch up on some projects. I even started cleaning the small garage just off the family room where my work bench, tools, motorcycle and boxes of who know what all are!

Looking at it, I decided that, after cleaning up and throwing out junk, I'll have plenty of room for boat building. Might have to move my murder-sickle though...

Then you post this picture!

Quote from: Dirt Bag on February 19, 2011, 11:44:00 AM

this is what a small boat ought to look like.

And I'm again reminded how pretty that Penobscot 14 is... exactly the look I desire...

So I did some more research on it and I says to myself, "self, what the heck! Go for it!" The end result is that unless I find something in the 10 -12 ft range that looks as good and is stitch and glue a sloop rigged P14 is it! Who cares if I never finish it!

'course, a double masted Penobscot 17 would be pretty sharp to!