Chick Ludwig

Tom, I'll be glad to show you my Mk-2 at any time. This was my first time to make a stepped aluminum mast and I was intimidated by the "un-known". Turned out to be easy!!! There is no birds-eye as all three sections are aluminum. There is a picture of the sections ready to slip together in the building thread---check-it-out. http://messing-about.com/forums/topic/8080-cs20-mk2/page-3 (See post #42.) All BandB boats are well designed and though out, and tested. And there are LOTS of builders just waiting to help you out---and Graham welcomes your questions if you contact him. I hope you choose the Mk-2 and begin building soon so you can be ready to sail this summer. We could get together and do a short cruise up here if you can get time to come up this summer.

I don't know how much the ballast tank holds. The designer, Graham, does know so I suggest that you talk to him. There is a discussion about the tank and the fill/drain method in the Mk 2 building thread (http://messing-about.com/forums/topic/8080-cs20-mk2/). The easiest way to drain the tank is to pull the boat out on the trailer, but with your light car you may not be able to do that. With a 3500# capacity, I don't think that would be a problem unless those "first few meters...". The usual way to drain it is by opening the Anderson bailer and "sucking" the water out while you are sailing or motoring forward. This works fine, but you have to plan ahead to allow time to do it, and if conditions are bad, you may not want to loose your ballast until you get in to the ramp. I have not been out in rough conditions yet, so I can't advise you much on how much difference the water ballast makes, but in moderate conditions, it helps a lot. You can step on the gunnel and the boat barely heals. I'm sure that plenty of owners of the standard CS-20 can advise you on their experiences. In addition to the ballast, the Mk2 has 2 inch higher sides.

I have the first CS-20 Mk-2. The Bellhaven has more room in the cabin and is more able to handle rougher water. The CS-20 has a very roomey cockpit and is fast, and trailers much easier. It is water ballasted, and should be self-righting---but we've not been able to test that yet. She is quite stiff with the ballast tank full, and able to handle her sail area. For day sailing and limited over-nighting, the CS should work well, but for more extended cruising, where you may be exposed to heavy conditions, you may like the Bellhaven better. Have you considered the Princess 22? Check the headroom in your modification of the cabins. Talk to Graham about balance and structural issues. Half of the battle in choosing a design is analyzing the kind of sailing you will actually be using the boat for. Each of Graham's boats is an excellent choice when sailed in the conditions they are intended for. The best source for advice is Graham himself. He's very easy to talk with and will lead you to the right choice. Give him a call or shoot him an e-mail. "You spend the dime, and he'll give you the time." I know you'll be satisfied with whichever design you go with. By-the-way. I've found that the boat ramp is usually not a problem. it is the weight and windage of the boat when towing on the highway. It takes the horsepower to handle the weight. Perhaps the greatest concern is "pushing" when you hit the breaks. Is your vehicle heavy enough to handle that?

Sure wish this thing would show the writing the way it was typed. Changes paragraphs, spacing and stuff---very frustrating!!!

I'm back y'all. Let's pick up where we left off the other day. So, let’s get back to our continuing saga. I had recently discovered girls. I had met one that spent a weekend next door to me at Snug Harbor and fell in love---at least I thought so. I found out where she lived; it was on the water about half way down Tampa Bay from where I lived. One morning, I set off in my Moth, with some water and snacks, and headed to her house. (ADHD, remember) Took me all day, y’all! When I got there, she wasn’t even there! My life was over! By now it was almost dark. I had to use her parents’ phone and call my poor dad. Oh, did I tell you that I didn’t tell anyone where I was going? (ADHD) He had to drive down and get me with the trailer. We had to pull the Moth up over a seawall to load it up. Scratched it all up. My pride and joy. Dad saw that my heart was broken, so he never said a word. So what about the girl? She became my first girlfriend. For a few months. By now I had my driver’s license. One night we stayed out too late, and got put on restriction. (Remember, ADHD) When the time was up, I went to her house and was told that she had run off and gotten married! Broken hearted again. I spent most of my teen years with a broken heart. Somewhere along the way, I acquired a little powerboat. Well actually, I didn’t do the acquiring, my dad did another of his bringin’ home deals. One day he brought home a funny looking little ten foot long, red and white run-about---had fins, y’all. No kidding. It was called a Volksboat. For good reason too. Looked just like a Volkswagon---but with fins. You can look it up on the web, folks, if you’re interested. This was sometime before the Moth experience. I and my friends learned to water-ski behind that little boat. By the way, did I mention that the boat was only ten feet ling? And had seats for four? And we had a 15hp Merc on it? While we kids were trying to learn to ski, but mostly falling, my dad said he thought maybe he’d give it a try. And, dang if he didn’t get up on the first try---didn’t fall off either! Made us all so mad! That was the first and last time he ever skied or rode in one of my boats. He just wasn’t a boat guy. We had a ball with that little boat; blasting around the mangrove islands, skiing, exploring. I can only remember one adventure though. Oddly enough, it involved a girl this time, too. (So what does that tell you about what young teenage boys really care about?) I was in seventh grade and had just discovered girls. You’ll remember the Moth adventure. Well I was about sixteen then. But this story pre-dates that one by a couple of years. This girl, Joanne Hood was her name---see, I CAN remember important things---sat in front of me in one of my classes. With great fear and trepidation (Heck, I don’t even know what that means---trepidation that is---I KNOW what fear means.) I managed to find out where she lived. It was on the south side of St. Pete in a waterfront community called Driftwood. In a flash of brilliance I decided to drive my little Volksboat all the way down there. A LOT longer trip than the Moth adventure that this one pre-dates. I loaded up the boat with two six gallon tanks. This was back in the day of the pressurized tanks, You had to pump some pressure into the tank with a little pump that was built tight in the tank. Once the motor started, it would pump air through an air line back to the tank. There was a double line that plugged into the motor from the tank. It worked pretty well if the seals actually sealed. Some times they did too---sometimes. If not, just give the tank a few pumps now and then. Guess we better get back to the story. Remember, I was on my way to see a girl. When I finally got to her house, and built up the nerve to knock on her door, she came out and talked with me a bit. I showed her my pride and joy, the little ten foot, funny looking, roundy-decked, finned Volksboat with the mighty mercury fifteen horse. Then she showed me HER pride and joy. Would you believe it was a Switzercraft power catamaran with twin hundred hp Mercurys. Broken hearted again. Don’t remember much after that folks, but I managed to make it back home again. On fumes. Used up both tanks. Twelve gallons to go all that way---just to be embarrassed. Hey y’all, I bet twelve gallons would just about last long enough to get those big-old Mercs warmed up good. Well, that's enough for now. I'll see y'all in a few days.

Messin’ with Chick (a lifetime of “messing" about in boats) Let me introduce myself. My name is Chick and I want to introduce you (later referred to as “y’all”) to my various adventures, boats and characters that I’ve known over the course of 65 years or so of life, most of them messing about in boats. It’s all true as far as memory can make it. I haven’t bothered to change names, at least most of the time (only I will know when) because many of the characters have gone on to another ocean, and the ones still around really won’t mind. Let’s just call these “ramblings” because my memory isn’t all that great---never has been. We’ll just get along as best we can if you’ll just hang in there with me. I guess the best, most logical place to start is the beginnings, y’all. (See, I told y’all that you would be “y’all”.) Beginnings It all started in the sleepy little southern town of St. Petersburg, Florida---y’all will just have to take my word for that one---it WAS just a sleepy little retirement town back then. Old folks laying on the green benches and all. My Mom-to-be was on a visit from Bristol, Virginia/Tennessee. Well, I guess I’d better explain that the Main street of that old mountain town straddles the state line---I think they call it State Street. You older folks may remember Tennessee Ernie Ford. He grew up there. Mom used to baby sit him when he was just a little pea-picker in diapers. Awww, there I go to ramblin’ on. Y’all will just have to forgive me, y’hear? Back to our story. My M-t-b (Mom to be) was walking along Spa beach one day when my Dad-to-be spied her. He was on a visit from Brooklin N.Y. (Imagine the accent with that combination.) Being a wise man, he thought he’d surprise her by swimming under water and popping up right in front of her! It was love at first sight. Marriage came soon and about a year later, I came along. Born of water as the Bible says---had to throw the water in to tie the theme of the story together. I asked my folks to move me back to St. Pete when I was less than a year old. My earliest memories---well, maybe I only remember ‘cause my parents told me---are of long drives through the Australian pine wilderness out to St. Pete beach. Back then the beaches were about deserted. Don’t look at me in that tone of voice, it’s all true. The story goes that I learned to swim before I could walk. Are you guys still with me? We’re gettin’ to the boat part right now. I must have been about five or six at the time. By then we had a summer cottage in Snug Harbor off of Old Tampa Bay, just below Gandy Bridge. My dad was working at a car dealership (Kaiser-Frazier, I think). One day he brought an advertising banner on a pole home from work. He mounted it on a raft he built out of scrap wood, and tied it to the end of the dock. Even back then, I loved to go cruisin’. I managed to get the knot untied, and started out across the crick toward Weedon’s Island---and got scared---started wailin’ don’t-ya-know. Then Mom started wailin’, then Dad started wailin’ well, probably not. Anyway, he swam out and rescued me. (The first of many times, as you’ll find out as the story winds on.) The next remembrance I can drag up comes when I was about ten or eleven. For the next couple of years, Dad would take me and a friend out in a wooden rental boat from O’Neils boat basin at the end of Pinellas Point. He had his own 5HP John-rude that he put on it. That was before the Sunshine Skyway was built---I know, y’all thought it had always been there, didn’t ya. My parents used to ride their bikes from the south side St. Pete to where the ferry docked and ride it across Tamper Bay to Scary-soda (Sarasota). (Well, that’s what they called them back then.) Hey, I can still remember my old address from when I was a kid, 1910 Seminole Blvd. S. (no zip code then, either) HA! Maybe my memory ain’t so bad after-all. And my phone number was 72- 8262. . (And NOW what’s my phone number?) Well, back to the story. Remember where we left off? We were headin’ off from the boat basin to Mullet key to explore Ft. DeSoto. I think it was built for the Spanish American war, but don’t quote me on that. Maybe it was earlier than that---must have been. Remember, that was before there was a bridge. That reminds me. We kids used to go out to the causeway they were dredging for the Skyway and hunt for fossils that were pumped up from the bottom of the bay. We found tons of horse teeth, parts of mastodon teeth, and all sorts of bone fragments. We’d take bagful’s home and then throw them at each other. Nope, kids were just as dumb back then as they are now. Now where were we? Oh yeah, still sittin’ in that boat. We’d stop at the little spoil islands that were being piled up from the dredging, and pick up turtles (Diamondback terrapins---protected by law now),and take them home to put in my turtle pool (turtle Town, USA, I called it). I still have turtles in a pool to this day---all legal, so don’t get that look again! When we got out to Mullet Key, we'd land and explore. It wasn’t a big-deal tourist attraction back then. We’d climb all over the fort, look at the old miniature railroad that ran around the island, peek into the old museum, check out the WW II gun emplacement on the beach, swim, and look longingly across the ship channel at Egmont Key. There was a smaller fort on that side. Together, the two forts provided enemy shipping from sailing into Tampa Bay. Dad would never let us go over there because the buzz-tails (rattle snakes, y’all) were so thick. Besides, there were unexploded bombs left on the island from the war. Yes I know we were never bombed---these were left from bombing practice from McDill field. (Actually, we were bombed, but on the west coast of the United States, but someone else can tell y’all about that.) We kids just KNEW that there was an old tunnel across from Mullet to Egmont---kinda believe it to this day. ‘Course the channel IS ninety feet deep, but don’t confuse me with facts! I remember on the way back one day, the lining of my bathing suit got to itching so bad that I thought I would die. Being a shy kid, I wouldn’t say anything---just sat and squirmed all the way home. One of the longest days of my life! When I was about twelve or thirteen, a friend took me to the St. Pete. Junior Yacht Club, where we would check out a couple of prams that Clark Mills had designed tor the Optimist clubs. Yep, you got it! The Optimist pram. And so started a love affair that has lasted to this very day---sailing. Would you believe that they would let kids just come get the boats and sail them in the yacht basin un-supervised!? Now, we hardly let them out of their own yard---our kids, not the boats. When my dad saw how much I loved boats, he decided it was time that I should have one of my own. One summer’s day he came home with not one, but two! (Got a real deal). Were they beautiful---to me anyhow. First I had to fix them up and paint them. The first of a long line of fixer-uppers---they were a deal, remember? One was a plywood Sailfish; fore-runner to the Sunfish. A little smaller without a cockpit. You would sit or lie on top---until you slid off. The other was a Needlefish, an even smaller board boat. I would sail the sailfish, and a friend could sail the needle fish. I still remember laying on that deck, with the sprinkled on sand non-skid, in the salt, with my acne pimples on fire! Would you believe, I actually thought I was having fun? The only real adventure that I remember was sailing as a hurricane approached. Hurricane Donna maybe? What a blast! I don’t know how windy it was, but the wind snatched the mast, mast step and all, right out of that boat. I tried to fix it, but the poor thing was never right again---had to pull it out of the water and drain it several times a day. The next summer, Dad brought home a fiberglass sailboat---a Moth class dinghy. The Moth is an open class. Any hull design. But this was before they got so only a gymnast - or Graham Byrnes - could sail them. It actually was a great little day sailer. Of course I had it upside down every chance I got. No big deal---you know the drill---over the side, stand on the centerboard, pop it upright, and go on about your business. By-the-way, about now you’re probably wondering why my dad kept bringing home boats for me. At the time, I just took it for granted, but many years later I asked him about it. I had been an ADHD kid before anyone knew what it meant. I was prone to getting into trouble, and he knew I needed something to keep me occupied. Turned out, he was right. Way back at the beginning of this narrative, I told y’all that he was wise. (Took me a lifetime to learn that, though.) We'll carry on this little ramble in a few days, y'all.

Ok guys, now is your chance. Let's hear about your adventures!

Thanks Rick!!! That's a great website. Here is the page on tent camping from the site: http://www.nps.gov/calo/planyourvisit/camping.htm Click on the map to see the Cape Lookout area. I'm thinking that we would camp along Power Squadron Spit if the wind is southerly, or across from it on Shack if it is Northerly. We can decide when we get there.

Tv, love to have you. Lots of good cruising around here. I might even join you for an extra day or two. (I built the first P-22.)

Can we add a category for boating stories about cruises and such? Or can we just do them on the main forum? Kind of a "messing About in Boats" online magazine.

Thanks Rick. Let's just post something every few days to keep some interest going, and make some real plans beginning about March. I wonder if Graham and Carla would like to come in their OB-20? A STINKPOT!!! Awww, but it's purdy and a good cruiser...

Hi y'all---just wanted to keep this in your minds over the winter. Let's set it for third weekend in April with the destination to be Cape Lookout. We could meet at the same ramp, or just get out to the cape any way we can. It is possible to sail across from Harker's island before you get to the channel at the end,and across the shallows if the tide is up a bit, and not have to stay in the channel from the ranger station on the end of Harker's which can be difficult depending on wind direction. I'm not sure of the best route across the bars, but the water taxis cut across all the time. I usually go to Lookout by sailing out Beaufort inlet if the wind is from the southwest, making the other route into the wind. Of course, if it is blowing too hard, the seas build up too much. Like Oyster said, there is lots of room behind shack, and a camping area near the bathrooms for you beach cruiser types, and we sleep-a-boards can anchor out from the shore a bit and have no buggy problem. It's true---I've done it lots of times. If y'all are good, I'll show you the perfect place---but ya gotta keep it a secret from the Jetski types!!! Awww, let's not fret about it---it's all good. Keep it going guys---keep dreamin' of that soft summer breeze---hey, sounds like a good name for my new CS-20 Mk 2.

May his seas be ever peaceful and his breezes pleasant.

I agree---just build the thing! It's amazing how things seem to work out when you actually start working. Grahams plans are really good and well thought out. Mainly be sure things are level and square. Locations a little forward or aft won't hurt.

Check-it-out. (Thanks rick) http://www.carolinac...asp?item_id=333 (http://www.carolinac...asp?item_id=333)

Rick and I have been discussing the Super-dink. I'll get started on the plan real soon and post it to get some interest going. Anyone who wants to can build from the plan, but I'll make patterns a long with the first boat so they can be built at least partially stitch and glue. We'll see if there is enough interest in that. The boat is simple enough to build with normal plywood construction using the transom, forward cockpit bulkhead, and bow transom as a building frame, along with the hull sides and keel. So, anyone interested?

Too bad that there is not enough racing in region 4 to make it worthwhile anymore. Check this out:

Sorry didn't work. Don't know how to cancel this post.

Here are some Flivver boat pictures. scan0002.pdf This one has a John-rude 25 mounted on a Mercury quicksilver racing lower unit. scan0003.pdf Sorry, you'll have to click on these and rotate them. I scanned them into my computer upside down. Don't know why they didn't print picture on this post.

I had forgotten, but I used to have a mold for a planing bottom dinghy (sold as the "Princess" dingy or "Lost Bay-9"). I built a deck mold for it and sold several mini-runabouts. I'll see if I can find a picture and post it later.

There used to be several types of these little runabouts around before the jet skis became popular. I had fun over the years with some of them. when I was a teen, my dad brought home a Volksboat that I had for several years. Then I got into racing in BSR in the APBA. These were actual race boats--not playboats. later I had a mold for a Flivver boat and built a few of them; some with remote steering, Then more recently, we had the little runabouts like my blue one. Check out Flivvers, and Stock outboard racing on U-tube. And Volksboats on Google search. Actually, I've seen videos of the inflatable cats you mentioned. With a little encouragement, I probably will draw-up and build a Super-dink. I saw a TV show a LOT of years ago about some guys that traveled around running rivers with a couple of these, Been fascinated ever since. Give it some thought--we could each build one and go play together. My son would run the glass boat with his son. Lots of interesting places to explore around here.

Do any of you guys remember these? http://bigfinboats.c...ksboat-is-here/Here are some more cool mini-boats. http-~~-//www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKHs1YPN26Y

The Superdink is about 8 Ft. long with a pram bow and semi-v hull form. Seating is for 2 just ahead of the midpoint. Power is 10 hp-25-hp. Intent is for running creeks and small rivers and general messing about. She has remote steering/controls and hopefully electric starting(for us older guys anyhow.) Lots of fun in a small package. The MOST fun is when two or more explore the creeks together. Is there any interest in building and getting together to use boats like this? My thought is to meet in different places around the area to explore interesting areas. Any small boat up to about 12 ft. with motors in the 15-25 hp range would be included. (Kind of like Puddle Duck Racer for power boats.)

The Superdink is about 8 Ft. long with a pram bow and semi-v hull form. Seating is for 2 just ahead of the midpoint. Power is 10 hp-25-hp. Intent is for running creeks and small rivers and general messing about. She has remote steering/controls and hopefully electric starting(for us older guys anyhow. Lots of fun in a small package. The MOST fun is when two or more explore the creeks together. I wonder if anyone else would be interested in doing this---or has the world gone to jet skis? If there is some interest, I may start a new topic. I also still have the molds for the 11 ft. sport boat, but have no interest in building fiberglass boats anymore. Anyone interested in the molds? I guess it's time to give you back your topic and get back to your Diva build.

Been fun remenissing (how ya spell that?) with you. I'm sure we'll meet up out on the water. If you ever want to build a "personal runabout", get in touch--I have some thoughts about a "Super-dink".