Bill Paxton

That's a nice looking boat, Steve. Clean lines, not complicated, practical yet smart looking. I think you've got a winner. Bill

Can't wait to see it, Steve. You always manage to bring something interesting to the Lake Pepin Messabout.

I can't remember what type of boat you have, but some Weekenders take in water at the base of the mast.

I agree, Bruce. She's a beauty. Hmmmm. Now where did I see something similar.......

It's good to hear from you again, Konrad. Glad to see you're going to float your boat. Bill

Congratulations, Joel. There's nothing like the satisfaction that comes from sailing a boat you built.

Not only is that a beautiful boat, but now I'm suffering from workspace envy.

You can find photos from the recent messabout at http://www.LakePepinMessabout.com Just click on the Photo link to access pictures from this year and past years. Bill Paxton

My set up is very similar to Dave Richards'.

That's one great looking boat, Joel. 3/8" line is overkill for the jib sheet. You'll notice significant improvement with 1/4" line. I have laced my mainsail to the mast for years, and it works just fine. I have not tried the spiral lacing that you used, but have found the back-and-forth method (posted on this board several times) to be very easy to use. The trick is to get some very, very pliable line. Bill

Would you like to go for a sail in a Weekender, Al? Join us a the Lake Pepin Messabout and I'll take you for a sail in mine. There's also a good chance you'll see other Weekenders and a Skipjack. You can get a good idea of what the weekend is like by reading the article on Duckworks. http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/08/gatherings/pepin/index.htm The event website can be found at http://tinyurl.com/23aeq2 If you are in the early stages of building, there's nothing like a messabout to jump start your experience. You can look at dozens of home built boats, pick up new ideas, and get great tips from other builders. Bill

Hoyt's rig is interesting, but seems a bit much for the kind of boats we build. I tend to think that the work Michael Storer has done with the balanced lug on his Goat Island Skiff (http://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/storer/gis/index.htm) is more in line with what we enjoy. Bill

Your spot is reserved, Steve. Bill

The Hok-Si-La campground, the base for the messabout, allows tent camping only. If you check the messabout website at http://tinyurl.com/23aeq2 you will find a section called RV/Trailer. That has info on a very nice RV camp less than a mile away.

I have already reserved some campsites for the weekend. Just let me know what nights you will be there, and you'll be set. Glad you can make it. I'm looking forward to meeting you and your boat. Bill

This year's messabout will be May 30 - June 1. Full details can be found at http://tinyurl.com/23aeq2 Bill Paxton

Wow! I'm impressed. Great job, Scott.

Here's a link to my photos of SURPRISE's build: http://www.flickr.com/photos/58781034@N00/sets/72157600449973289 They should provide lots of answers as to how I did it. The Weekender was the first boat I built, and since I knew nothing about boat design I would have to say that I was just plain lucky that it turned out so well. To others who want an open Weekender I would suggest buying both the Weekender and Super Skipjack plans, see how the Stevensons designed their Super Skipjack and then transfer the ideas to the Weekender. They're clever guys who design good boats.

Hi, Russ. I'm still sailing my Weekender. That makes seven seasons now completed. Can't wait for the ice to melt so we can get her back in the water. Bill

I skipped the chainplates and went through the deck with U-bolts. I added a 1x6x12 Douglas fir backer board under the deck. Haven't had any problems in seven seasons of sailing my Weekender.

Welcome, Mouse. You sound perfectly qualified to build your own boat. You'll fit right in. Bill

Way to go! Your perseverance has paid off. You now know the unique satisfaction of piloting a boat you've built.

Sorry you can't make it, Greg. The next messabout is the Midwest Homebuilt Boat Messabout at Rend Lake in southern IL on the following weekend. (http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/calendar.htm) Closer to home, we'll probably have a one-day event in mid-August back at Lake Pepin.

The weekend after next, June 1-3, is the Lake Pepin Messabout. For full details please visit http://tinyurl.com/y8v6es

The Cutty Sark is what my Weekender dreams it will grow up to be.