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ScottWidmier

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Everything posted by ScottWidmier

  1. Forgot to post my picture. You can see the cruise in carry in its little spot out of the way. Oyster, I am hoping to get out on the lake with this boat this weekend to try out the motor thing. After that I am gone for three weekends with two of them being a study abroad I am directing to Trinidad and Tobago. You do know it will be extremely painful for me to see so much beautiful water but not have one of my boats!
  2. Yup, just like I thought. Either the motor will have to stay on the transom or on the sleeping platform forward for longer sailing/cruising. For daysailing it looks like I will still be using the cruise n carry which tucks real nice in the available space. You should be able to see it at the back of the cockpit in the picture below. Oyster, is the length on the evinrude with the motor out of the case and folded? If so, it is longer than my 4hp Evinrude (35X10X16) with control handle folded. I am surprise the Honda is so large though I suppose that is a longshaft? Again, I think I need to get out on the Lake with the 4hp Evinrude and see how it does. I can easily make that motor like new at a fraction of what a new motor would cost and the extra hp doesn't hurt nor does the external tank if I can find somewhere to store it (goes longer without needing to be refilled). Our family has owned this 1974 motor since it was new so I remember it from when I was a kid.
  3. I just weighted my Evinrude Lightwin 4hp at 30 lbs (external tank)! Really puts all of these 4 stroke motors in perspective for me. I also did something I should have done from the beginning...measured :-[ . The space I have to store a motor without it getting in the way of the cockpit or going on the sleeping platform (a possibility) is 31" long X 13" X 9" which really limits the outboards I could use unless I resign myself to having one decorate my transom while sailing. The Cruise n Carry fits in that space but I don't think any of the 4 stroke motors would fit. That folding motor of yours might if I took it out of the case.... something to think about. The used Johnson might work if it is similar to some other ones I have seen. The Honda is very attractive, admitedly, for the reliability and fuel efficiency. I could also get a brand new Suzuki for $750. What I need to do is get out on the lake with the Lightwin on the back of the boat and see how she trims out and sails. If that is too much weight then there is a good chance both the Honda and the Suzuki will be too much and I am back to the Cruise n Carry or maybe this CruzLite.
  4. The quote I got for a new 2hp Honda was $1400 . Hence my hesitation on considering the Honda :-\ . As for a good price on a used (barely) Honda, based on Ken's price I would say $600 would be a good price (on my price it would be closer to what Ken paid new! Ken, I would love it if you could measure your motor and give me the dimensions. I have come to the conclusion that the other 2.5hp 4 stroke outboards are too large but the Honda might work and would definitely address the confidence issue. Fixing up an older outboard like new is moving up on my list not because of the price but just because the old 2 strokes are so much smaller and lighter than the new 4 strokes. However, even fixed up, I don't think the cruise n carry would be my motor of choice for going a long distance. It is just too noisy and only pushes my boat along at around 3mph. It still isn't a bad option for something to put in the bottom of the boat just in case (I mainly use oars when the distance is shorter). Speaking of, does anyone know where I can get a replacement cowling for a cruise n carry? After looking at the weight and size of the Yamaha 4 stroke (guy in my sailing club had a 2.5 for sale) and other brands I am now more seriously considering a third option which is using my Evinrude 4hp Lightwin. It would really push my boat well but storing boat the motor and tank in the boat will be a challenge (a new smaller tank would help). How long can the fuel supply hose be? Maybe I could hide the tank under the sleeping platform up forward. Most likely the motor would reside on the transom though I should probably move the mainsheet to the mid-boom rather than the end. Of course, that gets it in the way of rowing.... Picture of my cruise n carry prior to fixing it up (I did a few small things) and prior to the cowling breaking apart. Also pictures of my 4hp on the transom.
  5. The Honda will be an option if I can find a good used one in the area. Definitely high marks for reliability! If I remember, though, the Honda is air-cooled and the exhaust goes out above the waterline? If so, this CruzLite might be quieter because it is liquid cooled and the exhaust goes out from the prop. But, like you I am looking for alternative propulsion so a little bit of noise will encourage me to sail! ;D
  6. The Honda 2hp is the lightest 4 stroke but is air cooled and all of the reviews I read say it is noisy. It also is the most expensive! I know a guy who is selling a 2.5 hp Yamaha that I could get for a good price but, again, it is fairly large for the hp as are all of the 4 strokes. This cruzlite is 2 stroke and the dimensions look a lot smaller than the Yamaha with water cooling and exhaust through the prop it should be reasonably quiet. Besides, nothing can be more loud than the cruise n carry !
  7. I am looking for a good outboard for my boats replacing a cruise n carry outboard someone gave me for free. I love my current cruise n carry for its small size and lightweight which allows me to store it inside the boat. Most of the time I prefer to sail and then use oars close to shore but I want the confidence and outboard gives. While the cruise n carry hasn't let me down yet, I have a feeling it is only a matter of time. I have been looking at the 4 stroke 2 to 2.5 hp outboards out there but am concerned about their size (ability to fit inside my boats). I just found Cruzlite outboards which are smaller and lighter (17lbs) than the other options. It is a two-stroke but water cooled and exhaust through the prop. Is anyone familiar with these motors and/or used one?
  8. Thanks everyone for the great suggestions and a wonderful overall conversation about boats. I have gotten plenty of hours of enjoyment as well as a better refined idea of my next build. Plan is to enjoy my 12' campcruiser and finish the wive and kids boat but only after I make it through March hopefully alive.
  9. I am looking forward to seeing your Peep Hen. I was seriously looking at buying one of those but decided to go with a MacGregor 26D instead. Granted, those boats aren't really comparable but it came down to a choice of a cruiser for one possibly two people or one that the family could go on. For one or two people I absolutely love the KISS concept embodied in the Peep Hen.
  10. Oyster, that is the boat you brought to Hartwell and got me really thinking about open boat cruising. It got lots of eyeprints all over from all of us in attendance ! I was hoping for stitch and glue construction over the more traditional frame to reduce weight and make the interior uncluttered. Besides, I am a lot more familiar and comfortable with stitch and glue. I also need to limit my boat to 18 feet due to storage and handling issues. If I need more weight to bring the boat down to its lines, particularily for daysailing, I was planning on either sand (pebble or rocks would work as well) bags made out of polytarp or water ballast jugs. The advantage of the former is if I go over they will fall out of the boat reducing the weight. I can store additional empty bags to be filled just in case. The advantage of the latter is the availability of water at the lake and ease of filling. They would also be neutrally boyant so recoverable. Not that I am planning on going over! Camp cruising or sailing with a crowd I don't think I will need ballast. I am also still thinking about a non-traditional off-center centerboard. In my, and others, experience, an offcenter board has little if any impact on the sailing characteristics of a narrow boat and would open up the center of the boat for a whole bunch of different uses. There also would be nice storage behind the board. This may limit my choices of a boat a bit though it should work well on all sharpie types including V bottoms. Heck, I could even copy B&B Belhaven idea where the offcenter centerboard sticks out a bit creating a tripod with a little keel on the other side of the boat. I am probably making the traditionalists shudder!!! ;D On your boat that would give me around 60 inches wide open area taking away the flair and space for the centerboard case. Keep the ideas rolling as this is really helping my mind stop jumping around from design to design.
  11. Well, I already have the "family boat" which is a MacGregor 26D that trailers fairly easy and the whole family fits nicely on. In fact, I am planning on taking the whole family on the BEER cruise this year trailering the Mac behind the family minivan to Pensacola and, yes, I have trailered this boat a couple of places, including hills, with the minivan. Nice setup overall but a bit big to trailer for a daysail and/or big and time consuming to setup when I trailer for a weekend cruise. So, really the "family" boat is taken care of and each member of the family will have their own individual boat before I start the build on this hypothetical boat we are talking about (see the beginning of this thread). So, that is where I am at and you do have a point about moving capacity for family of four down the list. However, I still want it on there because I do want the option to trailer the family somewhere for a daysail or maybe even a daymotor on another lake. Will it happen often? Probably not at all. As for capacity, I have actually taken the family out a couple of times on the 12' catboat I had pictured earlier without problems though only for two hours max because of the wiggles. I would think if a 12' beamy boat can handle that many folks then some of these 18' sharpies can as well...I have seen photos of some of them handling greater loads. Now, for the simple vs. more complex builds you have uncovered once again the exact problem I am having. Yes, a simple build with time to focus on the details very much appeals to me but at the same time I am also attracted to a more complex boat (wanting to grow I guess) like a lapstrake. I tell myself I have something in my 12' catboat "Little Gem" I can use perfectly well for campcruising but then I want to get the benefits of a longer/faster hull ASAP! Well, before I have to pull the trigger I will get the chance to use my 12' catboat as a cruiser and see how well it keeps up with the larger boats. I have slept on it for two nights just fine but this was at a dock so I need to try at anchor and near shore. Being more than a shallow V, I can't park it on the beach without excavating a slip so it stays level...maybe I should make up some wedges that I can stick under the hull to keep it level... Anyway, I think the beauty of your sharpies and others I have seen along with their initial stability and simplicity have me fairly convinced they are the boat for what I am looking for. Now to look at all of the options and to figure out my rig...
  12. My problem is too many boats catch my eye! ??? However, your assessment is accurate and much appreciated. One of the reasons I wanted to post here. I guess I need to really list my criteria and stick to it and not be seduced by sexy lines and a slim bottom...we are still talking about boats aren't we ? So, in order of importance: 1) Capacity for a family of four (with wiggly kids) for a nice long daysail and possibly beach-camp cruising. 2) Capacity for one to sleep on-board for a couple of nights (nice if two could for shorter trips.) Both 1 & 2 require a boat with great initial stability IMHO. Also, something that sits flat on the beach. 3) Very easy to setup and launch-- every notice how launch-ramps are the hottest part of the whole boating trip? 4) Light enough to tow behind my convertible-- 1000lbs total but 800lbs to be safe. 5) Shallow draft with centerboard and shoal rudder for worry free sailing in shallow florida waters. 6) Simple rig able to be deployed and the reverse quickly (narrow channels and wind gusts...not great in a boat that you have to turn into the wind to lower sail... 7) Able to be rowed easily but also have some ability to hang a 2hp kicker on the back if distances are too far or wind is too high. I got schedules to keep sometimes. 8) Classic lines appealing to the eye (probably should rank earlier but I hate to admit I am that vain) 9) Fairly dry boat for comfortable end of day sleeping and maybe cold weather sailing 10) Able to take rough water (in protected bays) 11) Comfortable in motorboat chop. Looking through these requirements and the feedback from folks on this thread, I am thinking either a flat-bottom or slight V bottom sharpie fits the bill best. I need the sharp chines for the initial stability and shoal water ability I am looking for (of course I could do a lapstrake flattie). So, now to narrow down a design! Has anyone looked at the Light Trow? http://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/gavin/lighttrow/index.htm I love the rig he has set up for this boat and it definitely is slender enough but is it too slender even if scaled up? I would need to both scale it up and switch from daggerboard to centerboard...preferrably offcenter to leave the floor open for sleeping. Current dimensions are 15'4" X 4'4" which I could scale up to
  13. This year the Cedar Keys small craft festival is May 3 & 4th. I plan on being there possibly with two boats. I will sleep aboard my 12' catboat. Here is a blurb on it: Quote: Fri. 2nd
  14. Oyster, I am assuming you mean other forums (you shared some of your experiences with me when I saw you at Hartwell) rather than the Mower Dory. What do you think of the Mower Dory in specific or some of the other dories in general? Looks more complex than a sharpie but beautiful!
  15. Finally got home...long day...and picked up my copy of the Sharpie Book and saw Oyster was correct! Also, that is a nice boat now that I am looking closer at it. Only problem I have with it is the depth of the skeg. The Ohio Sharpie, on the other hand, doesn't have the big skeg or as much draft requirements. BTW, found a similar thread on the Woodenboat Forum. I do like Aunty helen but it might be a bit small for my needs. I also looked at the sharpie in classic small craft which looks really cool. However, I had to flip back to the Mower Dory in that book again and, even though it doesn't meet some of my requirements, I have always had a hankering to build that boat. The narrow bottom would make it more tender at rest but boy would it handle all sorts of conditions. The swampscot rig is also interesting looking almost as easy to furl as the sprit rig. Anyone know what the weight is of the finished Mower dory? One woodenboat school is building the boat: http://www.barefootwoodenboats.com/mowerdoryproject.htm . Here is a picture of the boat with gunter rig. It placed second in the british columbia raid against some good competitors.
  16. what plans do you have? I am particularily interested in welsford but would consider others. I want an open cruising boat. swidm@yahoo.com
  17. The Mayfly would be a very quick build and you wouldn't have to put much structure (seats etc...) in it. The storage at both ends should be enough for camp cruising as well. I think it would be an excellent throw and go boat when you don't want to rig that Vacationer of yours. As long as you choose not to go out for bob and bake on windless days the flat bottom shouldn't be that big a problem. Besides, the boat is small enough that you could induce heel by sitting on the leeward side turing the flat bottom into a V. I am trying to get some of the other folks in my sailing club to build Mayflies for more trailering adventures especially when they complain about the setup and takedown time on their larger boats.
  18. Thought I would post a few picture of my current boats FYI. Picture of Little Gem at the Glen-L messabout. I am planning to lower the boom about 6 + inches...have to watch my head but it will be in better proportion to the boat. my towing rig Last two are of the dodger I made in place. Only takes 5 seconds to set up and there is plenty of storage under the sleeping platform. I didn't have to migrate my stuff to the cockpit at night because of that storage. BTW. Only 6' of sleeping length though wich is plenty for sleeping but not for stretching out full length on my back. Also, the boat was designed as a daysailer for 2 adults so I am definitely pushing the capacity when loaded as she is in the first two photos. Below are some pictures of the 12' dory I designed with floatation fore and aft. Same length boat as above but definitely smaller due to narrow beam. Rows like a dream, takes a lightweight sprit rig, and is amazingly stable thanks to the flat bottom. The blue seats are those ones from westmarine and, combined with push-pull tiller, make this one of the most comfortable boats to sail that I have. Not to mention the instant furling of the sail and the ability to let it stream out in front of the boat when going downwind and the wind gets a bit too fiesty. People in the boat are friends using her as a tender. The bigger boat in the back of the other picture is my MacGregor 26D. This is the boat that got me thinking about a campcruiser with less beam. In fact, the open cockpit is 8' long on this so I could actually use it for camp cruising but, due to its small size, would probably pull it up on shore to sleep in it.
  19. I really love the looks of that Reul Parker 18'. Downside is that it uses a daggerboard which is why I was more looking at the Ohio 19' sharpie in that book. However....very nice amount of space. Not quite sure about the traditional building methods. I prefer stitch and glue with minimum framing but it could be converted. It would change the weight though... Charlie, I have looked at the ladybug in general and Chucks boat in specific many times. I love the simplicity of Mickalak's designs but am concerned about capacity of the Ladybug for the whole family. Wouldn't mind the ability to sleep two as well so that I can take my wife or one of my kids on an open boat adventure...possibly the Texas 200?!? The Mayfly 16 is basically the Ladybug but with a flat bottom which gives it greater stability, more sleeping space, and no need to build seats inside. It also won't handle chop as well in light wind conditions and probably be wetter. Please keep the suggestions flowing as they will help me narrow down on a set of characteristics. Also, would some of you experienced gentlemen download the light trow plans from Gavin on duckworks and tell me what you think about the possibilties of scaling that up to 18 feet? It has beautiful lines and I really like the rig he has drawn for it. Gets away from the simple flat-bottomed sharpie though.
  20. Oyster, I am all for creating a stir since it creates interesting reading down the line ;D . I don't know if you remember but I met you at Lake Hartwell a couple of years ago. You brought another V bottomed sharpie to that event and slept in the boat. We didn't have much wind so I didn't get to see what she did. Anyway, I also have a preference for older saltier looking designs and I really do like both of the boats you have pictured. I have noticed that V bottoms act like shock absorbers when you face little wind and motorboat chop (modern invention--motorboat chop) so I do like V but was concerned about the boat setting level if I pulled it up on the beach to sleep on and I do want that option. A V also adds complications like having to build something to level out the floor for sleeping. I was thinking really simple with sleeping and sitting on the bottom of the boat to keep my windage low and for comfort. I went to Magnolia beach one year and was really taken with the simplicity of a flat bottomed 14'er were the crew simply sat on some cushions on the bottom leaning comfortably against the side. They were so low in the boat that they were able to rig a very simple awning that they could sail with...very comfortable for our hot summer months. Of course, I am also concerned about the bobbing around and noise associated with a flat bottom...compromises ??? . I absolutely love your sprit rig sharpie but if it is a 20' clc John's sharpie then I think you changed more than just length. It looks more like John Gardner's sharpie from his classic small craft book which is another option I have been thinking about. Do you have any performance observations for the catketch sprit rig? Also, why do you not like the catketch rig? I am kinda attracted to it for the versatility of reefing by taking down a mast and the ease of tacking. I am getting tired of dealing with a jib or genny on my bigger boat. Besides, you can't argue that two sprit rigs aren't easier to furl and unfurl than a jib. Having made mostly catboats, with the exception of a 12' dory of my own design, I am totally aware of the limited space in a sharpie compared to other boats of similiar lengths. However, I do value the easily driven hull type for rowing and simple rigs. BTW, I will take you up on that offer of a ride if you are going to the Cedar Keys meet in May. I won't be starting on my next build until the fall at the earliest so I have all summer to take rides. Charlie, the CLC John's Sharpie is also on my list but I would definitely get rid of the daggerboard and go for a centerboard. I have had a couple of boats with daggerboard and appreciate them for performance and simplicity but, even with a self-retracting daggerboard, I do not like sailing in shallow water with them. The daggerboard adds one more complication when sailing to shore. In fact, I plan on cutting out the daggerboard on my 12' cat and replacing it with a centerboard. I need to move my center of resistance forward anyway and a clumsy job to modify the daggerboard trunk for self-retracting has left a lot of nooks and crannies for rot in there. I do like the smaller transom of the John's Sharpie. Have you looked at the Light Trow? It really is a double-ender on the water which I would think would reduce drag no matter how it was loaded. Ken, I had looked at the lapwing and was intrigued. However, I am concerned about stability when moving about with an almost round-bottomed hull. I want something stable enough to be comfortable sleeping on-board while at anchor. If I were to build something like that I would probably go for Welsford's Navigator or maybe the Pathfinder but both of those are large boats for their waterline giving great stability and volume but harder to move around under oar and requiring bigger more complex rigs.
  21. Ok, I got a problem :'( . If I am not currently building I am thinking about building. This hits me when I am in faculty meetings, sitting in church, driving down the road and even when people are talking to me including my lovely wife . Currently I am busy tweeking my C12 catboat as a little vest pocket camp cruiser, building two mouseboats for the kids, and just received plans for a Toto I plan on building for my wife who loves the idea of a kayak type boat. Even so, I can't stop obsessing over my next build! :-[ I hope you guys don't mind me talking about boats and boatplans as most people who know me, including my family, tend to go running the other way when I even mention the word boat. So, while I am happy with my 12' V bottomed catboat "Little Gem" I can't help but think about an improved one-person cruising and 4 person daysailor. The problems with "Little Gem" are 1) only 6' of sleeping space (never realized the importance of stretching out) 2) gaff sail takes time and room to setup, 3) perhaps a bit too small for me and all of my stuff on some of the waters I want to sail on. The waters I want to explore include inland lakes but the emphasis for this boat will be the shallow waters off of Florida and Georgia which are absolutely beautiful but require a very shoal draft boat to explore in comfort. My first thought, and still the front runner, is a sharpie which really was developed for these waters. Long and narrow so easily driven by a small rig or oars. Flat bottom which, while it may slap a bit, offers very shallow water capabilities, great initial stability, and a flat floor that doesn't need much in the way of additional building to make comfortable. Part of me is very KISS (keep it simple stupid) and something like Mickalaki's mayfly 16 with its storage for and aft but not much else built in appeals in a minimalistic way. I also love Atkin's Light Trow though would have to upscale for my purposes. However, I also have always wanted to build a lapstrake boat and for that Welsford's Walkabout is real nice with the offcenter centerboard I am thinking for all possibilities. Build time would be higher but I have plenty of other boats to use meanwhile. Of course, there are always the Core Sound boats with their wonderful entries and fast speed but looking a bit too modern to my eyes at least. However, adding a V or essentially a round bottom, while improving performance in choppy water, may also cut into my shallow water ability. I guess another way to start is looking at my requirements. 1) needs to be towable behind my little convertible with a total weight (trailer provisions and all) not to exceed 800 lbs 2) needs a very lightweight rig easily stepped in a few moments (no tabernacle for simplicity and peace of mind) -- this rules out a beamy hull requiring a larger sail to move it 3) Needs enough storage that I can go forward to sleep without moving a bunch of stuff. 4) Cat ketch rig for all of the advantages that comes with it, 5) able to keep up with Catalina 22 on up for a variety of events I would trailer to, 6) able to sail in 1 foot of water (actually sail), able to take 2 adults and 2 rapidly growing kids for a nice daysail with gear. As for #2, I am completely enamored with a four-sided sprit rig for the amount of sail area on a short mast, ability to furl and unfurl the sail in a matter of seconds, when it is furled it isn't in the way of the cockpit, and the ability to completely tuck the mast and spars within the boat for easy trailering. Only boat near the size range that uses these sails is the Light Trow though you have to download the plans to see his recommended cat-ketch rig. I also love the T cross-section rudder that only drafts a few inches. I have made a couple of rudders like this and love the simplicity and shoal water capabilities. If I were to build right now (I am not due to the other boats in the pipeline) I would either build a scaled up Light Trow or build a scaled down Ohio Sharpie from Reul Parker's book both of which would be equipped as cat-ketch with an offcenter centerboard to give nice open space to lay down. I would love to hear other's thoughts especially those from people with skinny water sailing in Florida or off the Georgia coast.
  22. Frank, I appreciate the offer but it isn't my website. I will post something to Ben Allen at the trailersailor sight and you might try emailing him if you can get on his website.
  23. I highly recommend this cruise to everyone. Great route and great people. However, I also like the Texas 200...wish I could be cloned. http://bellsouthpwp2.net/b/s/bs_allen/index.htm
  24. Can't wait to get mine! I ordered an extra battery with it as well.
  25. Thanks a lot, didn't think about sinking the camera > . Actually, I was hoping it would have a wrist strap and I was thinking of seeing how many of those key chain floats would be needed to float the camera. I can get lots of those foam floats for free! I think a lanyard attached to the boat wouldn't be a bad idea either.
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