Bikermouse

Boat looks beautiful! The V-Star looks like fun, too! Now we know why the boat REALLY isn't done yet! :-)

I was home sick for a couple of days this week, and my wife had the suggestion that before I go out and spend several weeks of paycheck on lumber, I should try building a model from the plans I got online. I discovered a couple of things: 1. My wife is much wiser than I am. 2. It's hard to accurately measure out a 1/16 scale model with a kitchen ruler, 3/32" square basswood struts, and an x-acto knife. 3. While an experienced boatbuilder could probably fill in the gaps for instructions like "carve the stem from a 1"x8" plank", I need a bit more detail. The model is actually coming along fairly well, and I'll post a pic when I get the sides and bottom on the hull, but the dimensions are a bit wonky. Yes, that's a technical term. So, given that this is a project that will either fulfill or frustrate me (probably both) for several years, I suppose I'll have to pony up and buy some real plans. Any suggestions for a first-timer with more mechanical than wood-working experience? As I mentioned above, I'd like to stay fairly close to what I'll be learning to sail, vis. a Lido 14. To that end, I like the looks of the Glen-L 14. Comments? Experience? Alternate suggestions? I know y'all hate to offer up opinions, but give it a shot...

No. Although my Mom and Step-Dad have a place in Seaford (on the water on Chisman Creek), I'm in California. My closest launch place is Long Beach, but I'm more familiar with Newport Beach. I do feel lucky that I'm within driving distance of Allied Veneer Company, so I'll save a few ducats on delivery fees. I keep telling myself that... :-\

Greetings to all here! I'm Mouse, and I'm one of those irritating newbies with no idea of what I'm in for. I've only sailed a few times before, but every few years, much to my wife's chagrin, the urge bites me again, ever since I spent a summer cleaning rental boats in Newport Beach when I was a teenager. This fall, I'm finally going to learn how to sail when I take the beginning class at OCC in the same bay. So, at least I have no bad habits to break. I'm looking at boat plans online, right now I'm leaning towards the Zephyr on www.svensons.com for a couple of reasons. First, it looks like it will be within my abilities, although I expect to be challenged. Secondly, the dimensions and rigging seem pretty similar to the Lido 14's that I'll be learning on. Thirdly, it's small enough that I can get it to a launch, but big enough to bring my wife or daughter along. So, to sum up, I know just enough to get myself in trouble, but I'm looking forward to learning what I need. I hope I don't annoy too many of you with basic questions, but I do know that without mentors, this project will never happen, and my circle of acquaintances includes lots of folks who used to sail, but none who can answer my questions. So, tear into me. I've got a tough skin, and I'm looking forward to joining your ranks, even though it'll probably be a year or two before I'm really on the water.