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B&B builders in Eastern Ontario, Canada


brookcreek

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I miss sailing and am thinking that it may be time to add a performance dinghy/day-sailer/camp cruiser to my paddle boat collection. I have reviewed the many design reviews and keep coming  back to the B&B designs, CS-15/17 or Lapwing although a cuddy appeals for camp cruising.

I live in Cobourg, which is on Lake Ontario 100km east of Toronto. I am retired and will likely be sailing solo as my wife is not a water person although she will go canoe camping with me. I am looking for a reasonably stable hull that could still get out of its own way. Perhaps some Wednesday nights at the local club: has anyone had a handicap assigned?

Are there any builders in my area who would be willing to share their thoughts/experiences?

Thanks.

P

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Hello P,

Northern Saskatchewan, while in Canada, isn't in your area (Carolinas are closer!!) but I'd be happy to share my experiences building a CS 17.  I'm new to sailing unless you count canoes and kayaks jury rigged with a camping tarp.  Louisa Rosa slipped into the water this fall after a leisurely build spanning two and half years.  She will be a nice part of the fast approaching retirement years.

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P,

I live in Dunrobin, ON (just west of Ottawa) and have somewhat the same B&B boatbuilding plan as you.  Last year, I had started to investigate building a Princess 22 but now have downsize to the Belhaven 19.  I already have a camp cruising sailboat (Sea Pearl 21) but it's not stable/safe enough for some sailing areas in the Maritimes (where I spend parts of the summer).

I'm in the process of trying to order the study plans for the Belhaven from B&B but no response for the last week -- they must be out for Thanksgiving.

The Belhaven seems to fit my requirement very well for an easy-to-build trailerable beach cruising ballasted shallow draft sailboat.  Others that I have considered to complement my Sea Pearl: 

- Welsford Pathfinder

- Bolger - Chebacco

- Michalak's Picara 18

I should know more about the Belhaven by Xmas, and if I go ahead with the Belhaven build -- I'm sure I'll have some questions for this forum over the next year or two!

.. Denis

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Hello P,

Northern Saskatchewan, while in Canada, isn't in your area (Carolinas are closer!!) but I'd be happy to share my experiences building a CS 17.  I'm new to sailing unless you count canoes and kayaks jury rigged with a camping tarp.  Louisa Rosa slipped into the water this fall after a leisurely build spanning two and half years.  She will be a nice part of the fast approaching retirement years.

Hi Rod,

Thanks for your feedback. SK is getting the wintry stuff right now - brrrrrrrrrr. Karen and I drove through on our way to Edmonton to visit our daughters in late September. I was really impressed with Saskatoon, a lovely city.

I am interested in hearing about your sailing experiences with Louisa Rosa. Where do you sail her? Lake Ontario is right down the street for me, plus I have Rice Lake and the Trent system 1/2 hour away.

Thank you.

Paul

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P,

I live in Dunrobin, ON (just west of Ottawa) and have somewhat the same B&B boatbuilding plan as you.  Last year, I had started to investigate building a Princess 22 but now have downsize to the Belhaven 19.  I already have a camp cruising sailboat (Sea Pearl 21) but it's not stable/safe enough for some sailing areas in the Maritimes (where I spend parts of the summer).

I'm in the process of trying to order the study plans for the Belhaven from B&B but no response for the last week -- they must be out for Thanksgiving.

The Belhaven seems to fit my requirement very well for an easy-to-build trailerable beach cruising ballasted shallow draft sailboat.  Others that I have considered to complement my Sea Pearl: 

- Welsford Pathfinder

- Bolger - Chebacco

- Michalak's Picara 18

I should know more about the Belhaven by Xmas, and if I go ahead with the Belhaven build -- I'm sure I'll have some questions for this forum over the next year or two!

.. Denis

Hi Denis,

I am in Cobourg, a couple of hundred metres from Lake O. The Belhaven caught my eye also, but I am not certain about the cabin profile. It may be just the semi 3/4 photo angle that makes it look a bit stout. I would like to see other photos.

Regardless, my build may be postponed somewhat as I have some SWMBO projects to complete and a shoulder tendon to get repaired.

I  do like the Bolger and Welsford designs too but have not looked at Michalak's designs particularly. The current Small Boat Journal has an article where the author praises his Laguna so I might have to look more. Being an ex-dinghy and Kirby 25 sailor, I can't get excited about sssssslow boats. At the same time, I do not want to wear myself out. Contradictory objectives. ;-)

Thanks,

Paul

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Hi Paul,

Yes, Saskatoon is a nice city.  We are an hour and a half north in the forest which covers over half of Saskatchewan.  I spend a lot of time on the lakes in Prince Albert National Park - Sandy, Trappers, Waskasieu.  I intend to do some camp-sailing up on Reindeer Lake which provides hundreds of miles of arms and bays in a roadless setting.  Did that with a kayak and batwing rig a few years ago.  The local Cree were quite amused by what a southerner did for entertainment.

Sailed Louisa Rosa three times before freeze up.  The lightest breeze will move her along and that was without a staysail.  As others have said, B&B designs are light but strong.  I am able to get the CS17 on and off the trailer without too much effort.  Pulling it with a 4 cylinder Subaru is no problem.

One gusty afternoon I put in one reef and felt very comfortable sailing solo.  The rudder is light to the touch.

This winter I will add a couple of seat lockers and some toe rails on the bow to help with the footing.

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