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Hi, would love to see a CS 15, 17, or 20 (and maybe bum a sail???) Thanks, -Bill R. PS: I haven't read the rules on posting links to commercial sites here, but if you google "Okoumefest 2011" you'll find all the details. I have never been, but it sounds like a good time even if I don't get to meet a CS owner/builder.

Thanks, all. Think I hear some votes either way on the 17 vs. 20. Anyone with either of these boats planning on going to Okumefest or other mid-upper chesapeake events this year???

Hello, all. This forum is a great resource and has already been a big help. Background: Am considering building a small sailboat. Have been primarily a powerboater, but have been around the water most of my life and used many types of smallcraft. Learned to sail (or at least the basics) through formal instruction on Sonar 23's. Feel confident with basic woodworking, reading plans, etc. Have never built a boat of any kind and my only fiberglass experience is fixing minor dings on a surfboard. Have basic woodworking tools at home, a sizable working area, and access to a shop with every woodworking tool imaginable. (brother-in-law is a fine furniture builder, and will probably cringe at what I'd consider acceptable workmanship) The boat: After a lot of web searching, I think the Core Sound series is for me. Mostly will be daysailing on a small nearby lake, various parts of the Chesapeake, or coastal bays of MD/VA. Have some (90 min. drive) access to marine grade lumber and boat-building supplies at CLC in Annapolis. I do like some of their designs also, but even many of the sailboats seem more rowing oriented with sailing as an afterthought. Will probably be singlehanded (or crew of our black lab) 50% of the time, another adult or teenager 25% of the time, and the whole fam-damily 25% of the time. (2 adults, 2 early teens, and said dog) Questions: Is there any good reason not to start right out with the CS 20, given all the above. For the 50% of the time I'm alone, it looks like an easy enough rig to handle, but does anyone feel differently? Is the ease or cost of construction significantly different, or is it just "more of the same" as compared to the 15 or 17? The one thing I noticed was the 17 is available as a kit and has a type of "puzzle joint". Does that make the process so much easier for a beginner that its worth considering the 17 since I'll only rarely have more than 2 or 3 aboard? Is seaworthiness of the 17 + 20 comparable? This next may be blasphemy here, but am really not envisioning a lifetime pursuit of building the perfect boat, just want one of this type and thought the project would be neat and something to involve the kids in. Thanks, -Bill R.