grj

Jeff, Good luck with the career change. I did that about 15 years ago. Went from building hydraulic equipment for the electric company to computer programming. It has worked out well for us. What are you going from and to? I already have a possible position with the parish (county) that starts in January. Hopefully I will know for sure next week. If the answer is yes then I will face the difficult decision of whether to buy the CS17 kit now or wait to make certain that something does not go wrong. I would be off until January 2 and the 4 weeks or so of full time building would go a long way. grj

Thanks for the encouragement, but I will have to postpone building. I was laid off from work today and cannot spend the money on a boat until I get another job. grj

Those that use trolling motors, where and how do you store your battery(ies)? gary

A hearty thanks for all the replies. I talked with Graham today about the CS17 kit and was very encouraged. I plan to talk it over with the wife tonight. Because of the versatility of the boat I think she will go for it with only a little hesitation. Thanks, gary

Thanks to everyone for posting. I agree the S12 is probably not big enough for fishing with more than 2 people. That thought is one of the reasons for polling folks here. There is a lot of experience on this forum with these boats and everyone's willingness to input thoughts is greatly appreciated. Just to verify a comment made by JeffM, do all CSs have the option to build the Reefing (3rd) Step to sail with 1 sail? Ken_Potts said he removes his 2hp outboard. Is removing the outboard the preferred way or can the outboard be left on the back all of the time? Does anyone use a trolling motor on a CS? I will certainly call Carla and Graham about the CS17 kit. I have been leaning toward the CS17 all weekend. The kit gives it an extra boost. For those wondering what the main purpose of the boat for me is, it is sailing. However, my kids love fishing so I thought maybe one of Graham's designs could be used for fishing though principally designed for sailing. Thanks again, Gary

I am still trying to decide which boat to build. I purchased Spindrift 12 plans, but am considering the CS15 and CS17. Part of my dilemma is that I would like to buy a small outboard for it also for fishing. I have a family of 4 and fishing in the Spindrift would be difficult on a good day. Recalling some things that I read, it seems each of these boats would take a small outboard or even a trolling motor, so that kind of cancels out. I think I read that the CS15 can be sailed with a single sail in a 3rd mast step. Is this correct? Seems like that could be helpful for a beginning sailor and maybe safer to take kids out until the captain gets some seasoning. How would you rate the build complexity of these 3 boats? All input appreciated. Thanks, gary

How long does it take to rig the Spindrift for a sail? Thanks, grj

Has anyone used the wood declared below or can anyone recommend it. I found it at World Panel which is one of the distributors listed by Graham in my Spindrift plans. It cost $47.80 for 6mm. HydroCore Marine Plywood, similar to the Powerply product without the rot resistance. Approved to the BS1088 standards, and very durable for most aspects of boatbuilding. Thanks, grj

In Louisiana, boats 12 foot and under do not have to be registered. Though as soon as I build a 12 footer that law will be changed. :grin:

I have thought about that approach. The problem with it is that it does not allow you to really see if you like sailing. I have been on a sailboat 2 times. The first was to complete a class for lessons. We did not catch a single sail as there was absolutely no wind. The second time was on a charter in Gulf Shores, AL with very light wind. If I based sailing on those trips it would not even be considered. If it were to be a great day for sailing it would no doubt be fun. But does that mean you really want to do it? So in my opinion it seems that I need to get out there and do it. If I enjoy it, I will continue. If my family enjoys it, I will continue. If not, I will sell or give the boat to the next group that wants to give it a try. Another reason for building is to have a project that will allow me to spend time with my family both on the project and secondly with them using the final result. Lastly, as a computer programmer I know full well the joy of starting a new project, working on it and bringing it to completion. Many posts that I have read over the last several years while investigating boat plans have said how great the feeling was to sail the labors of their own hands. I am getting to old and out of shape for sports. Golf is getting expensive. May as well try something else (expensive). I do appreciate all the input and advice. I still have a few decisions to make concerning building. Most pressing is whether to use marine ply or go cheap with ACX or Fir. I have seen compelling arguments for both. Unfortunately, I cannot get marine ply in my area. I have not checked to see if anyone would order it for me. It is strange because I live in Southwest Louisiana. We have water sports of every kind but no one seems to build boats in this area. They all buy aluminum and glass boats. Maybe it is the instant gratification thing. grj

I am building both. I talked with Carla yesterday and she was very helpful. The Spindrift will be sailed. I decided to go with it since I have never sailed and may not like sailing. The wife and 2 children will want to tag along also so decided on the 12' version. I was considering building a CS 15 but so many people are in love with their CS 17s and CS 20s that has been put on hold until I get hands on experience. If the family likes sailing we may build a larger boat. The Spindrift is a test to see if all goes well. When I read the post on this board, everyone seems to have a vast amount of skills and knowledge. What they say is easy sounds difficult (even impossible) to me. I figure if I blow a Spindrift, oh well, If I blow a CS 17, then shame on me for wasting so much time and money. I did not want to practice on a more costly boat. If we do not like sailing I can probably sell a Spindrift to another family that wants to try sailing as it will be less costly to them. Anyway, I am tired of rambling. Love your picture. grj

I ordered plans for both the Birder and the Spindrift 12 Cat Rig. Now I can no longer put off getting the lights in the shop working and a table set up for building. grj

I am about to order plans for the Birder kayak, but also considering building a Spindrift. Looking over many post about the Spindrift several folks built the 10' model. Why is that instead of the 12' model which would have much more room in my mind? Is the 12' model large enough to handle an adult and small child or 2? Ultimately I want to build a CS 15 or 17 or 20. I plan to build the Birder with exterior Luan, the Spindrift with either Fir or ACX. If I feel confident in my building skills and the family likes to sail some, I will build one of the CSs with marine plywood. Any other information is greatly appreciated. Thanks, grj