Fleet Expansion Completed: the Nolan Lefler Launched

[Frank Hagan]

This morning, August 27, 2006, at 12:18 AM, the Lefler Fleet launched the "brother ship" to the Matthew Reid Lefler, announced just 20 months ago HERE.  The Nolan Thomas Lefler weighs in with a displacement of 7 pounds, 7 and 1/2 ounces and a 20" LWL, nearly identical to the launch size of the Matthew Lefler.

Build time was also 9 months, proving the efficiency of the Lefler boatshop.  Launch time was a surprising 3 hours and 18 minutes, raising concerns that getting to the launch ramp on time for any future production might prove difficult.  However, the proprietors are not concerned, as they say the production schedule will be curtailed dramatically now that the Nolan Lefler has joined the fleet.

The Nolan Lefler was found to be in good condition, with all on-board systems working fine, according to a survey by an expert just after launch.  He is expected to journey to his home port within the next few days.

The builders assert the craft will continue to grow, citing their success with the Matthew Lefler.  As with their prior launch, they will entertain other names for the Nolan Lefler, such as "grandson" and "one of the two cutest babies in the world".

[Ken_Potts]

  Congratulations to all the senior officers!

[P Doug (WA)]

Congrats to the designers.  Job well done and what a great way to announce it to the forum.

[Frank Hagan]

My wife, Jan, got back there in time (she was originally scheduled to travel back there today, but we moved the date up).  With my new job, I couldn't take as much time off, so I'm headed back there in a couple of weeks.  I can't wait to see the little guy (and my other grandson, who is about 21 months old ... just starting the really cute stage when they are more independent.)

[RSdaCat]

[move] Oh Happy Day! [/move]

How lovely and joyus!  Congratulations to all and many, many happy days ahead.

May he always have full sails, and a laughing wind to follow him.

[dale]

Congrats!  What a joy.

Never knew the truth of "Happiness is being a grandparent" until I actually became one.  Our second is currently "in production" and due for completion in Feb.

[JeffM]

Congratulations on the launch!  By now doubtless the Nolan Thomas has gotten wet.    Don't forget to put up some pictures of the shakedown cruise.

[john bowen]

From the drafting table to the splash, so say ye. Hmmmm.

Now to the bucket brigade, errrr, diaper brigade :

Congratulations GRAND'PAw Frank

[PAR]

Are plans available and will a construction video be offered? Maybe full size stations on Mylar? Backbone templates? Man this is way to easy . . . all kidding aside, Congratulations.

[Frank Hagan]

Thanks, everyone! 

The baby is doing fine, and I'll get some pictures SOMEDAY I'm sure.  Seems with Grandma there already, they see no need to send me pics!  I'll take care of that when I go back there on the 13th. 

[Greg Luckett]

Yes, Frank, congrats and please post some pics soon.

Was it a splash, side slide, or bow first sort of launch?

Greg :)

[Brian Walters]

Congratulations Frank, what wonderfull news.