First sailboat, Again!!

[swamprat]

Hello All, I have never built a boat before but do not feel that it is beyond my reach. I grew up going to a family cottage on a lake in northern Indiana (Lake Freeman) all my life. There we fished, skied, and just messed around. I do look out across the lake and see the sailboats being scooted across the lake and think that looks like a blast. I

[Tom Holder]

so . . . you like the Spindrift then?

[Tidmarsh]

You might also wanto to look at some of Jim Michalak's designs.

http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/store/plans/jim/michalak.htm

I've just finished his 12' catboat, Skat. Be aware that a 12' boat will be fine for 2 people, but likely will be crowded with any more.

Take a look at one of his mayfly designs--small, flatiron skiffs designed for sail or rowing. With a flat bottom and nail and glue construction, it will go together quickly and cheaply. The covered storage areas in bow and stern provide flotation and might also be a good place to mount a battery out of the way. The leeboard design eliminates the centerboard case for a much roomier interior.

Consider the Mayfly 14:

http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/store/plans/jim/mayfly14/index.htm

Or perhaps the Mayfly 16, if you're more ambitious and want more room for the family:

http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/store/plans/jim/mayfly16/index.htm

[Gordy Hill]

The new Core Sound 15 might be just what you're looking for. It's big enough for three people but still small enough to handle easily.

Gordy

[Frank Hagan]

The Spindrift sure looks like a great little boat. A 10' version, like I am GOING TO BUILD SOMEDAY, AND I AM NOT KIDDING is a wonderful compromise between big and heavy and good performance. Two people max while sailing, probably. (Sorry for the exclamation right in the middle there ... I have the Spindrift 10 plans, and while I sit here at work waiting for one of the three reports to finish running that I need for a presentation, I just had to make sure everyone knows I will build that boat! Someday).

You can "singlehand" any of these small boats, even if they have a jib. Its just two more strings to pull when tacking.

I think the plans from B&B and Stevenson Projects are probably easier to understand than the ones from Glen-L. One of the main reasons I built a Weekender was there was an active community of people on the Internet I could ask questions ... and that's true of the B&B and Stevenson Projects boats you mentioned. I think that Glen-L also has a forum set up. You'll get to a point in the plans where it is just so handy to be able to ask in a forum, and get the answer from someone who actually has done it before.

So choose one ... and build it! You will not regret it. If you are anything like most of us here, building and learning to sail in your first boat will be one of the highlights of your life. Launch day is forever etched in my mind as one of the great days in my life.

[Steve Day]

Swamprat,

I just completed my Spindrift 10N and sailed her for the first time this past weekend. The boat was a great project and it has proven to be a great little sailer too. (You can see some pictures of her on the B & B Forum).

I don't have any experience with the other boats except what I have seen in these forums, but IMHO you won't do much better than the Spindrift for a small sailboat that can be used handily for other things. As far as I am concerned the stock rig is just fine. Powerful enough to give some excitement on a breezy day.

Get some plans and go for it!

Steve

[swamprat]

Thanks all for your help, advice, and thoughts. Today at lunch I went ahead and ordered the Spindrift 12, Cat rigged. Looking forward to reviewing the plans and starting on her!

Tom B

Lafayette, IN

[Johannah]

Swamprat, wishing you best of luck. Be sure to keep us posted. No progress is too small! 8)