COLORADO BUILDER

One thing no one has mentioned is using plenty of construction adhesive in addition to nailing the gusset plates. Glued and nailed is a common specification for all structural members. In addition you may want to find an existing truss of approximately the same span and roof slope to use as an example for your layout. Also be sure to use appropriate uplift anchors – the amount of uplift the wind can generate is amazing (kinda like sailing ) Even if you don’t plan on getting a permit, consulting a structural engineer might prove to be cheaper than you think and better that than potentially dangerous surprises later. I think an engineer should be able to do a review of your napkin for only a couple of hundred dollars. You say you have decided on building a permanent structure and if that’s what you want then that’s what you want. I myself am planning to erect a tented carport (my only available flat spot is in a setback so no permanent structures are allowed). I found a company in New Brunswick (www.coxventures.com) that makes all types of Poly-covered structures. The fabric is rated for 10 years against UV deterioration and the cost is almost certainly cheaper than a permanent structure. My 12’x30’ carport is about $750 plus shipping. (This has nothing to do with truss design but perhaps it is a possible solution.) And it will get you inside and building a boat that much faster?

Terry, you have just asked my next question. I don’t know if it takes a long shaft or short shaft. I presume someone will tell me. Bye the way, does your CS20 have aluminum masts and did you find them locally? And did you find a local supplier for lead? I like the consensus for a small 4 or 5 HP engine. I noticed the price went up steeply for motors larger than that. The 4stroke is probably the way I will try to go (unless I find a deal I can’t refuse on a 2stroke). I am a former 4stroke dirtbike racer and grew to hate the clouds of smoke produced by the 2stroke competition. And as Terry pointed out it will live in the OB well and just like the dirtbike I plan to carry it or lay it upside down as little as possible.

I was just shopping the net for outboard engines. Ouch. I had no idea of the cost. Oh well, no worries. What is the recommended size outboard for the Princess 22? The webpage indicates a 4hp maximum for the Belhaven but I didn't see anything about the PS22. I suppose what I really need to ask is how small can I go and how big can I go and what are the advantages/disadvantages either way? Michael

Hey Terry, Glad to know I’m not the only wooden boatbuilder in Colorado. I’m sure there are a number of canoe and kayak builders but I haven’t met anyone who builds sailboats. Thanks for the lead on plywood, someone else had suggested having it shipped to a depot and picking it up myself to save money – the freight yard sounds even better. The info about trailers is also good to hear, perhaps I won’t need to build one after all. I guess I automatically assume nothing will be available around here. I do have a source for mahogany and other hardwoods. I don’t know if the cs20 has a cast lead keel or aluminum masts? A local source on those items would be appreciated. I have not yet ordered plans or a material list, but hope to be able to purchase plans and start ordering materials mid-January – I don’t have my boatshed yet but I’m sure there are plenty of things I can work on in the woodshop before spring. I’m starting to get excited, it seems to be coming together. Charlie, I have seen some of your “how to” pictorial postings. They are great! They are part of the reason I decided on Graham’s designs. I had no idea how to go about casting a lead keel – your pictorial made me feel much more confidant. Michael

Thank you Graham, Living here does present a few more obstacles to building a boat. The price range you outlined is about what I was expecting for the Princess 22 and about as much as I will be able to afford if I expect to build in the next 18 to 24 months. And my Toyota Tacoma probably would not be adequate for towing the larger boat. I have no sailing experience beyond sailing my Shellback dinghy in the local lakes. But I have definitely been bitten by the bug and have a dream of sailing down in the Caribbean or the Sea of Cortez. I also fell in love with the boatbuilding process. I started making my living as a carpenter and then switched to Architecture (easier on the body) but have always enjoyed woodworking and now have a small hobby shop and enjoy making furniture etc. Then last winter I purchased a copy of Woodenboat magazine and on a lark built a model of the Shellback. Then I was hooked. I couldn’t afford the kit for the full size Shellback so I built it from scratch. This summer I visited Mexico for the first time (Cabo in August and Cozumel in December) and now I want to sail there on extended camping vacations. So I need a bigger boat. Having looked at many designs through the Woodenboat forum I have settled on the Princess for a few reasons. It seems fairly easy and economical to build and easy to sail for a novice. And from what I see on your forum you provide ongoing help and advice to all of your builders. While I am a good woodworker I am ignorant of most things nautical and will undoubtedly need that advice not only for building but also for materials and sailing information. And of course having a forum dedicated to your designs will give me access to many other builders and their advice as well. I plan to install a concrete slab this spring on which I will construct a temporary carport (tented enclosure) since my garage shop is not long enough. So I will probably be ordering plans from you very soon. As I won’t be able to start building until June I may build a model this winter. My only remaining question to you now that you know my background and where I plan to sail, is the Princess 22 a good choice for me? Thank you for your welcome and happy holidays, Michael Slingsby

Hello All, This is my first time visiting here. I have been shopping around for my next boat to build. So far I have built only one, a Shellback dinghy. I like the Princess 22 because I live in Colorado and must trailer it 1500 miles to get to an ocean, but the 26 footer would be roomier and perhaps more seaworthy. I am also on a fairly tight budjet. Can anyone out there give me some cost estimates as to how much a 22 footer will cost to build? And how much more the 26 footer might be? I will also need to build a trailer and wonder if the 26 footer will require double axels and brakes? Looking foward to meeting you all, Michael