Bobcat, the instant catboat

[Phil Gowans]

Phil' date=' where did you learn to model, it looks really nice. I noticed a book on the Payson site for modeling.[/quote']

Greg, Sorry but you did bring it up. I've got a good excuse to talk about one of my other hobbies.

I started modeling as a kid. I started with the standard Revell plastic models of just about everything. After visiting the San Francisco Maritime Museum and becoming enthralled with the models there, I tried my hand at ship models - still plastic. I built about 20 of them. They used to have a lot more choices then.

I started visiting the Museum a lot more and would go up into their archives and dig through ship plans. I even wrote to one of the modelers and found where he got his plans for the HMS Bounty. I got copies of the original plans from England. There are lots of books on ship modeling. Many of their techniques are the same as when done in full scale.

The British Admiralty used to build every new ship as a model first and basically scale it up to full size when doing the real thing. There are lots of kits you can get, but I have the most fun doing a scratch built model - build it out of what ever you have on hand. You don't have build fancy models to find them useful in shipbuilding. A scale model can give you a great feel for what a boat is going to be like. When you can't see the real thing a model can suffice. I recommend building a model it to all builders. It also gives you a basic idea of the steps in building full scale.

I like to build with different woods. It is kind of like painting with wood. Here's a picture of one of the models I have on my site:

I've become too busy to do much modeling now, but some day I want to do that model of the Bounty I dreamed of building as a kid.

[Greg Luckett]

I too built models when a kid. Cars, sailing ships, steam ships, boats, airplanes, jets, rockets, etc. but I stopped doing it when I was about 16, except for rockets. I am going to give boat modeling a try. It would be a good way to spend the winters here until I can get a real, heated shop. Thanks.

Greg.

[Charlie Jones]

Phil- Both of those models look very nice. I HAD a scratch built Glouchesterman almost done once- ready for rigging. Then I changed wives and the old one tossed the ship.

What I've harbored thoughts of trying is to build a scale model of each of the boats I've built. I still have the plans for most of them. Trouble is, I'm so busy fooling around with full sized ones there's no time for model building

Oh well- one day I'll get to old to go sailing and then maybe I can build models

[Greg Luckett]

Charlie,

You could always move up here in the land of ice and snow, then you might have 6 months to while away until the weather gets warm enough to build boats again.

Greg.

PS. You could stay at my house here, and I could stay at yours....

[tdrown]

for a moment, when I read the title of the thread, I thought it was going to be an amusing story about one of these: http://www.midstateequipment.com/rental%20images/763%20bobcat.jpg

[cmreaching]

Hello folks,

My name is Riley Smith and Charlie Jones mentioned to me that there was some interest on this board in the Bobcat ( or Tiny Cat ) and I thought I might give y

[Greg Luckett]

for a moment' date=' when I read the title of the thread, I thought it was going to be an amusing story about one of these: http://www.midstateequipment.com/rental%20images/763%20bobcat.jpg[/quote']

Is that Bobcat at the link also called a Tinycat?

[cmreaching]

Yes, IIRC they are the same boat. Bolger designed, Payson built. The book "How to Build the Instant Catboat" even made it clear to this novice and is an invaluable aid. Oh yes... as designed the gaff jaws aren't up to snuff. I've modified mine to 1" solid oak vs. the 1/2" ply the plans call for. One other change was adding pad-eyes on the side deck for the traveler.

Riley

[Charlie Jones]

Howdy Riley- Thanks for weighing in. Looking forward to seeing S.R. Cat on the beach at BEER in June

[Greg Luckett]

Hi Riley,

Thanks for the information and the picture. Another boat for me to ponder about

Greg.

[Steve Day]

Hey Greg,

While you are pondering other boats, are you ever going to build your Spindrift?

I think mine will get wet in late April. Just depends on how much finish work I do before the maiden voyage.

Steve

[Greg Luckett]

Steve,

:oops: Now there is a good question. It keeps getting put on the back burner due to the scarcity of marine grade plywood near here, and my not wanting to pay those high shipping costs to get some. I am working on getting together a group of local boat builders to buy a larger lot size and save on shipping costs. That will be a long term solution. Local lumber yards are interested if I can show them the volumes we are buying locally too.

I made a trip to Woodsource in Grand Rapids and Johnsons in South Bend to get Okume BS1088. Woodsource wanted around $80 per 6mm sheet and it was not stamped BS1088, while Johnson's only had 3 sheets for $60 each.

I am busy now refurbishing a Laguna 24 sitting at a local marina and helping my sons with thier boat, plus a full time job with Whirlpool.

I will eventually build my Spindrift.

[Guest windwalker3014]

Interesting post-line.  I am looking into building the Bobcat.  I have built many RC model sailboats and have race dinghies, bigboats, and catamarans my whole life.  I will always have something fast but I want a small boat to go out on with my wife or the dog and enjoy the elements minus the workout.  The Bobcat looks like a nice, trim little design that shouldn't be too big a deal to build.  Does anyone know how she actually sails?  Is she fast at all?  Looks like she has about 30 more sq feet of sail than a Laser so the power looks to be there (even if the pointing ability is not as high).  I'm not looking for a screamer but I don't want to end up with a slug either.  Anyone actually sailed one or know anyone who has?  Thanks.

-Chris

[ScottWidmier]

I love catboats though I don't have experience with the Tinycat.  I built a C12 by bateau.com and later modified it to be more of a catboat.  Managed to hide the rudder under a forward sleeping platform that gives me a 6' long cabin with the dodger I made.  I also gave it a seat with a back as I like back support for long trips.  A catboat can point rather well as people who have seen me sail this boat and a 14' Pocket Cruiser (my first built) can attest to.