I have decided to build a Spindrift to serve as an occasional tender for my unstarted Belhaven and as a play boat that I can throw in/on my van when camping or for quick afternoon fun. If I love it enough I may sell my Phoenix III to help fund the Belhaven. My wife is already complaining that our backyard is starting to become a boatyard.
So, my first question is, how many sheets of plywood are needed for the S9 (not nesting)?. For the S10? I have never built from a kit before, but I am liking the idea of it. It really comes down to if I can justify the cost of the kit + shipping over buying ply locally from Macbeaths and just getting plans.
My second question is sure to annoy, it annoys me thinking about it. It's whether I should build the 9 versus the 10. Logic and common sense says that if I plan to use it as a tender I should build the 9. In fact a catspaw would make more sense. But it will have dual roles, will always be towed behind the mothership, and Spindrifts are supposed to tow quite well and I want something to keep me happy sailing. The 10 is really only 6" longer with a few inches more beam. The 10 was the original, but I am wondering if it offers that much more performance and space. Just like with bigger boats, I am cursed with the idea that I would be happier with a few more inches. I know some may think it is ridiculous to tow even a 9' boat behind a 19' beachable Belhaven, but one of my favorite areas to sail is the San Juan and Islands where beaches are rocky and anchoring out requires a way to get to the docks. So, sorry for this question. I just think other opinions will help me find my own.