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ScottWidmier

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Everything posted by ScottWidmier

  1. Ooopppss, sorry!! :-[ It was a great suggestion BTW!!!
  2. I tried Charlies method and it didn't work for me :'( . However, building the form did work and I also did PAR's suggestion of gluing the mast in two halves (not putting epoxy in two of the joints across from eachother) which then allowed me to go back later and put the reinforcing blocks in. I did have a bunch of shock cord and used it like Charlie uses inner tubes. It worked real well. Overall, a lot of fun!
  3. Just wanted to pipe up as a Pocket Cruiser guy. I no longer own my PC, having sold it when I moved down to Georgia, but I definitely miss that boat. The advantages of the PC aren't self evident and have to be experienced. The boats listed as alternatives just aren't the same. The pluses: The beam to length ratio makes for a big/little boat. It has the stability of a Vacationer but the easy towing/setup of a weekender (with cat rig even easier). The stability allowed my young kids to wander around freely without me sqwaking about them staying on the windward side of the boat. Though it is only a 14' boat it has a much bigger cockpit and cabin than the 16' Weekender and is comfortable for two people to overnight on for several days. Compared to the AD 14, AD16 or Belhaven, the PC is a very easy build and makes a great first time boat to get the family enthused about sailing. Build it, then take your time on a bigger boat as you won't be able to build just one. The minuses: The beamy hull requires more power to get her going which means larger sail and, like the Vacationer, Oars aren't good for secondary propulsion. I would use my modified rudder (barndoor) to scull her to shore on low-wind days. Also, with her flat bottom and shallow draft she floats on top of the water like a cork which makes her uncomfortable on windless days with a lot of motorboat chop. Wind in the sails steadies her down quite a bit though. There are a few designs that approach (but not meet) the ease of build and low cost of the PC while possibly supplying a better ride in chop and a little more room. One of them is FatCat 2 (http://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/jim/fatcat2/index.htm). I would be tempted to redesign this with a centerboard in place of the leeboard but just for looks. Otherwise, she has a multichine shape that should ride better but be more complex to build (especially finishing out the cabin since you have to do more than put carpet on the floor. Some pictures of my PC: My PC "SuitsUs" parked next to the Vacationer "Rudunyet". Shows how roomy the PC is Sailing pictures showing the big (bigger than the plans) gaff main:
  4. Some folks are supposedly able to put together a birdsmouth mast without a form to hold everything together...they simple get it started at one end, give it a shake, and all the staves fall into place down the length of the mast.... : . These folks also can put one of those springy poled play tents, tents, or screens back into the original bag without a problem. I found putting together those flippy floppy stavs to be like herding cats so a form was extremely necessary. Now, I tapered both ends of my mast so any PVC would have remained inside permanently so I just had to make those last three stavs work without. BTW, I absolutely love the results and know you will to. My warped solid laminated mast is on the right and my birdsmouth mast is on the left in this picture which also shows the taper. The birdsmouth mast is bigger in diameter but weighs a tiny bit less. More important, it is straight and 10 times a stiff even though it is out of the same wood.
  5. I love the walkabout! Beautiful looking boat and one that looks like it could cover some miles. Have to get that client of yours to post pictures and a report when he gets the sailing rig on it.
  6. I have seen the Core Sound in person (both a 17 and a 20') and they are handsome boats. In fact, I think there is a beautiful picture of one finished with bright deck in Small Craft Advisor. However, I want something that screams of an age before outboard motors. Thats what I mean by too modern for me. However, I am really glad that not everyone has the same taste, otherwise, going to the Cedar Keys non-mess-about wouldn't be near as much fun ;D . Thanks for the info on multichine flat bottomed boats. I was kinda wondering if they would have enough bite in the water to avoid bouncing on the rougher surface. However, I am curious if they have the same smooth ride of V bottomed boats through waves or chop? I imagine something ballasted, like the penguin, would but what about something unballasted like the Navigator?
  7. Big thumbs up on my part for a V bottom over flat. My "Little Gem" is a V bottom catboat and she is both surprisingly fast and able to handle rough water. The V shape acts like a shock absorber in waves or motorboat chop and she seems to get up on plane fairly easy. BTW, being comfortable in motorboat chop is a big one on the lakes around us and the flatbottomed Vacationer rode like a car with no shock absorbers. Granted, when there is wind all boat settle down and cut through waves just fine but when there isn't it can get uncomfortable. This has always made me wonder a bit about some boats that have multichine shape but a flat bottom. Welsford's boats do have a nice V entry at the bow though. The downside to V bottomed boats are that they have a little deeper draft than flat and they don't rest upright when pulled on shore or drying out. Despite these downsides, my next "big boat" I plan on building is currently a 16' Chincoteague Skiff designed by Selway-Fisher (http://www.selway-fisher.com/OtherDB.htm#CHIN). I love everything about this boat and I already have a brand-new Northsail gaff that would fit (another big influencer on the choice). The deeper draft gives her more hold on the water and directional stability for scooting along with the board up. I plan on creating "legs" that hook in to the rubrail to hold her upright if I dry her out on shore. Graham's designs excellent performing boats but a little to modern looking for me.
  8. Vacationer would be much easier to build and lighter to trailer than the Penguin. However, the Penguin would be a superior boat for the comfort of your family on the water having much more interior volume and good headroom. I believe both the Penguin and Fancy Free are very ambitious builds for a first-time boatbuilder. By the time you finish either the kids might not be all that small . Much better to build something simpler to learn the process and gain confidence in yourself and from your family that you can build a boat. I would suggest looking at the Navigator or possibly pathfinder both of which could have cockpits shaded by a bimini. Another possibility is Mickalaki's designs (go to the store at www.duckworks.com). One of the birdwatcher variants would be particularily easy to build and good with small kids though unconventional to look at. I myself built a Pocket Cruiser which is a smaller Stevenson design with a cabin though its broad beam gives much more volume than the longer Weekender. At the time I finished it I had two very small kids and it ended up being a great boat! It is a very stable boat allowing the kids to wander where they wanted to. It was able to handle four adults and three kids for day sailing. I put opening doors and portholes on the cabin making it a wonderful retreat for the kids and a little fort on the water. There wasn't enough room for the family to sleep on-board. I sold the Pocket Cruiser and I kinda regret doing so though I have moved onto some other homebuilt boats. I was determined when I moved to Georgia to build a boat big enough for the family to sleep on comfortably and Welsford's Penguin was at the top of the list. However, knowing the complexity of the build and my general speed in building, I figured I would miss out on too many adventures with the kids (they grow up very fast) while building the boat so chose to buy a MacGregor 26D (classic---pure sail) for the family. I still look with some longing at the Penguin but have enjoyed sailing the Mac as well as building other small boats. Currently I am building two flying mouseboats (8' prams) for the kids and will be building a Toto for the wife (I have a self-designed 12' dory). I can use these in conjunction with my bigger boat and/or just have a small boat adventure on another body of water. I also have a 12' V bottom catboat (bateau.com C12) that I have rigged with a cloth cabin for my own sailing adventures and plan on building a larger open boat eventually to replace it.
  9. love the idea of keeping that flat floor clear of built-in seats. If it were me, I would figure out a way to clamp in beach chairs, the ones with backs that are short, both for comfort and to use when you reach shore. Knowing your skills, you could probably whip something out of wood and cane up that would compliment your boat. Look very Adarondakian to...
  10. Nickajack is a beautiful lake and Bud knows how to throw a good messabout so hope to see you there.
  11. Weekender is easier to build for a first time boatbuilder and doesn't sail all that bad. The Pocket Cruiser is about the same amount of effort to build but is a bigger boat and more stable despite being 2' shorter. Each foot of beam is equivalent to 5' of length and the PC is a beamy boat. Nancy's China would be a harder build but a more capable boat with the V bottom (acts like shock absorbers in chop), centerboard, and extra beam. It also will be a heavier boat on the trailer, take more time to launch, and be more expensive. Of course, the question has to be asked as to why limit yourself to these two designs? For flatbottomed easy to build boats you should look at Michalak's designs. For V bottomed designs consider B&B Yacht Designs. For eye candy, look at John Welsford. A great place to look for designs is: www.duckworksmagazine.com . My advice is to start small and simple both to gain experience and get out on the water in something you built. Boatbuilding is a disease and, once infected, you can't build just one boat. The most often mistake I see is people jumping into two complex a build and loosing energy or motivation before they have finished.
  12. I used a harbor freight folding trailer for a long while with a flat-bottomed and then V bottomed boat. Loved the combination with the ability to use the flatbed to transport other stuff besides the boat. For the flat bottomed boat I backed the trailer into the water and slid it on and off of the treated plywood floor of the trailer. Never had a problem. For the V bottom, I made bunks with wedges to hold them at the right angle and had dowels on the bottom of the blocks that slipped into holes I drilled in the bed of the trailer. Again, I just backed her up to the water. At home, I bought a lift system by Harken which I used to raise the boat off of the trailer and store it against the ceiling of the garage. Then, I could fold the trailer up and put it against the wall and actually park a car in the garage. What a concept!
  13. Had an absolutely wonderful time at Cedar Keys mess-about. There were 50+ boats there with a mixture of homebuilt and the more interesting production boats. Best yet, everyone sailed most of the day with a nice strong ocean breeze driving the fleet all over the beautiful keys. Unfortunately, there were so many people that I didn't get the opportunity to talk to everyone... they need to add name-tags or something just to help. You have to consider attending this event next year! Little Gem attracted a lot of attention and, once again, lived up to her name. Everyone noted how fast a boat she is with the Sea Pearls (21' boat) only able to pass slowly. On Friday I averaged 5.20 knots with a few bursts up to 5.8 knots (GPS said even higher but I figure those were false readings). Amazing speed for a 12' boat! Matt Layden was highly encouraging me to use her for the Everglades Challenge! I slept on the boat off a somewhat exposed beach for two nights...well tried to sleep. The wind kicked up to 30mph + both nights and the tide pulled me broadside to the waves which really tossed me about. Lack of sleep didn't help meeting everyone btw. However, it did give me confidence in anchoring in rougher conditions. The centerboard installation didn't leak a drop and the boat balanced beautifully (better than with the dboard). Only 2 hitches were when the centerboard lanyard pulled through the hole on a wild and windy ride in after the 1st night and when some weed clogged the board in the raised position. Both times I took her to the beach, rolled her on her side (with some help), and fixed the problem. The kick up centerboard was a dream sailing in shallow waters vs. the daggerboard. My camera died at the beginning of the trip but here is a link to pictures: http://www.flwwp.com/gallery2/v/Small+Boat+Messabout/
  14. The new centerboard trunk is in place and glassed in (replaced the daggerboard setup I had). The hull has its first coat of paint on...Unfortunately, a bad primer ment I had to scrape and redo all the paint, not just that around the centerboard trunk. I will paint another coat tonight and on Wednesday roll her back over to start putting all of the bits back on. So much for testing the boat for leaks before I do it in front of an audience at Cedar Keys but I will be there!!
  15. Consider buying those foam puzzle pieces that go on the floor. They make a great removable floor covering for our boats that cushion your knees and build up the floor height making the panel joiners less of a problem. Put some berber carpet on top and you have a very comfortable but still firm floor.
  16. I don't build museum pieces so the Cedar Keys messabout looks more like my event. Besides, I have an open weekend on my calendar.
  17. I thought this was the Cortez museum event. ???
  18. I was wondering if I will see any of you at this event. For those not familiar (this will be my first year to attend), every year the Cortez maritime museum has hosted a non-messabout on Cedar Keys. This year it is May 3rd & 4th and I am planning to drive down with one (maybe two) boats for the event. Here is a blurb on it: Quote: Fri. 2nd
  19. Craig, this is gas for a 2 cycle with oil mixed in. However, I think I may mix it (less than a gallon) with fresh gas in a separate can and use it for the old lawnmower. Much less expensive and easier to fix than my car. Besides, the old gas doesn't have that old gas smell if you know what I mean....
  20. At first I was a bit shocked at the idea of pouring out the gas but further reading it does make some sense. Spill gas when filling the lawnmower and it is all gone in a matter of minutes. Ken, the motor I am wanting to use doesn't have an on-board tank so a small gas can isn't an option. Besides, my 3 gallon tank holds enough for more motoring than I want to do on one trip. I was kinda hoping that there was a solution out there that would allow me to adapt any gas can into a gas tank. BTW, got a good tip on refueling the built-in tank on an outboard. Get a section of hose with the fuel bulb on it and then use that to quickly siphon the gas into the tank on your motor. That way you aren't trying to balance yourself and a can of gas over the motor. Simply push the hose into the tank on the motor, other end into the gas can, and then pump.
  21. Figured that title would get interst ;D ! In another thread I decided to use an outboard with external tank on my small boat. My question is if anyone knows a place where we can get smaller tanks than 3 gallons. Preferrably something small in one dimension or the other. As for 3 gallon tanks, I still have my 70's era metal tank whose dimensions are smaller than the equivalent plastic one sold now. I would probably use this but wanted to know what to look out for on these tanks. Also, I have less than a gallon of gas currently in the tank that is very old. What do you recommend I do with this gas? Do I need to clean out the interior of the tank if the gas is still in liquid form? Thanks.
  22. The 4 strokes are nice in a lot of ways but I can't help thinking what we lost by outlawing all new 2 strokes. For motors 5hp and under does 4 stroke really produce significantly less polution than a modern (not a seagull) 2 stroke? Enough to justify the much larger size? I don't want something that has to live on the transom or takes up precious real-estate inside an open cruising boat. I want something that is small and light that hopefully will remain in the bottom of my boat for the whole trip. Its only purpose being pushing me in the extreems (too much or too little wind) or if I have a schedule to keep and have to go upwind. I carry a motor in the hopes that I will never use it so something very small, very light, and very unobtrusive on my sailing is what I am looking for. Something like the old cruise n carry and/or cruz lite outboards and I can't get either or, if I do get them, I can't get parts to maintain. Sorry, rant is over.... As nice as those new outboards look I can't justify spending the money on them because I can't see the benefit over what I currently have. In fact, I see more benefit with the 4hp evinrude being just 3 pounds heavier than some and lighter than others and having more hp to get me to my destination faster or buck adverse winds and waves. All my choices in new motors have to reside on my transom anyway. Only downside is the external tank but I am already thinking of ways of hiding it forward (if I can find a small one) and the external tank can be of sufficient size for a week of sailing without refueling. Besides, I would most likely be carrying extra gas for those outboards with tanks on them. My Evinrude has very low hours of operation on it which I know because the family has had it since new and it's simple 2 stroke nature means I can easily maintain it like new--very reliable. Now, the cruise n carry has never let me down and, after I clean the carborator, will probably run better. I do need a new cowling so if anyone has any suggestions....
  23. That motor is even noisier than the cruise n carry not to mention heavier.
  24. Well, money I don't spend on a motor can go into wood for my next build ;D ! I think I will see if my current motors (cruise n carry and 4hp evinrude) can work for this boat especially now that I have read so much about gummy gas. I have a feeling this is one of the problems with the cruise n carry reliability. The other problem with the cruise n carry is the cowling, which supports the gas tank, is falling to pieces so if you ever spy a good cowling... I might have to make something out of fiberglass using the old cowling for a template. It would be a lot tougher than the plastic original!!! Thanks for the compliments on the boat! I have had a lot of fun adding little touches and learning from the process. Steaming mahogony was a very interesting learning process btw! In that picture, btw, the boat is loaded with cruising gear and a little heavier at the bows without my weight in the stern. Here is a shot from the other angle and you can see why I want a little bigger one-person cruiser by imagining 200+ pounds of skipper added to the cruising gear already in there does to the waterline.
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