BassMD

I'm thinking of replacing my 16" Jet with the 18" Rikon. Anyone here care to share their experiences with this machine? My problem with the Jet is that the upper blade guide shaft is sloppy (weak and bendable) and as a result the saw lacks accuracy. I also don't like the "bump and pray" table tilt adjustment system. I wanted a Laguna but several people have warned me about their horrid customer service. I use the saw primarily for instrument-making but will be tackling a boat build soon. I would appreciate comments on the blade guides as well as the overall performance. Many thanks!

Thanks folks, the replies were very helpful. Here's what happened to wrap up my choice: I live in rural downstate NY and took a trip this past weekend to see my daughter in southern Maine. At a Rite-Aid I picked up the last remaining copy of Wooden Boat. Perusing it later, I turned to the "launchings" page and there was pictured a beautiful Penobscot 17 just completed by Paul at Fox Lane Boatworks here in my town. Turns out Paul is the gent who will be advising me! As I was already strongly considering that model for my build, it was obvious to me that the universe had intervened to finalize my decision. This has been fun and I promise I will post pics of the build if I can ever figure out how to do so.

New boat builders tend to pick a boat based on appearance; they want to build a Weekender because of the bowsprit, or a stripper kayak because of the look, and generally look within whatever category they are attracted to. The Core Sound boats may be better sailers, and easier to build, but sailing performance isn't something he's even thinking of now. You know what I am thinking? Actually, I am quite interested in performance, and since I have expert sailing credentials with sloops, that is what I want to own and what I know how to get good sailing performance out of. I also want a boat that will be happy on a trailer and easy and fast to rig and launch, since i will be drysailing her.

I have pretty much decided on the Penobscot 17, which is indeed a lapstrake design. Though this is my first boat build, I have two things going for me: 1) the help of a very experienced builder who has made the Penobscot already, and 2) thirty years of experience as a woodworker and instrument maker (yes I make my living at it).

Fantastic post, Frank! Many thanks...

I would like to find an available plan if possible. The Gig Harbor 17 Jersey Skiff comes really close to what I want but is not available as a plan or kit. It would help greatly if I could be pointed in the direction of good websites and/or books. Thanks!

Hi folks--great forum here! I am an experienced pro woodworker looking to build my first boat. I'm looking for some ideas from you experienced builders. I would like to make a nice little daysailer sloop in the 15-20' range, open interior plan with pretty lines. Thanks in advance for your help.