Bay River Skiff

[DISTELTK]

The 2nd test sail with my just completed BRS was much better than the 1st.

My first tryout was at the local lake. I do not like this lake, the wind is always variable and changes direction with gusts.  The 2nd was at the same lake.

!st:  My adult son and I spent a windless day on teh lake.  The boat set up easily enough.  The wind died shortly after we set out.  She performed well for the first hour.  The wind died and much of the lake was like glass.  We were both amazed that the little craft moved even without a noticable breeze.

Only one small problem,  The wood plate over the centerboard pivot bolt had a small leak.  I used rubber gaskets.  These were fixed.

Test two Yesterday a friend went with me.  We had 15 MPH winds with higher gusts.  Some caps on the waves.

The boat performed very well and we both were surprised at the speed she carried.  I was able to tack in just over 90.  Usually it was over 100 degrees.

I found another problem.  The top of the centerboard trunk aft end had a water problem.  A small gap that was epoxy filled after I got home.

I am pleased with the boat.  Next week I will take to northern Michigan to Higgins Lake.  I hope to get some pictures to post.

Tom D. 

[JeffM]

Tom, let me get this straight: you were putting the hull together 4 months ago, and today you're sailing her?!  That's some fast work!

Congratulations are in order on completion and launching!  Did you take pictures?  By the way, the BRS seems a pretty rare build--I'm curious how you chose the design.  Again, congratulations!

[DISTELTK]

8)  I am retired so I have more time to work on the boat.  I have a large workshop attached to the rear of my garage,  this allows me to leave tools and parts out.  One section of the garage is for boat storage, with a 6 foot door to the workshop.

I had a CL16, copy of the Wayfarer.  This was a little more than an this old man can rig and sail solo.  I sold it to a club member in Ontario that has a fleet that races.

The BRS was chosen because I sail mostly on inland lakes.  I also sail solo most of the time.  I needed a boat that would fit in my garage on a trailer.

It must also be easy to rig and sail solo.  The choice was CS 15 or BRS.

I read the article about sailing a BRS along the Baja in the Gulf of California.

This convinced me that I could sail in Lake Michigan and inland lakes.

I did not take any pictures during construction, but will take some next week sailing and will try to post them.  I have a lot to learm sailing this rig.  My prior experience was in sloop rigged dinghys and Sunfish. I don't know if I like the double ended sheets.  This boat is narrow enough that a enter mounted main sheet may work better for me.  I will get a lot of practice next week.

Tom D

[JeffM]

When I was building, that Baja article fueled my dreams, too.  I added a crude cabin to my cs20 recently, which neccesitated a change in the mainsheet route.  I ended up with a single ended sheet led to the thwart beside the mizzenmast.  So far I like it better and don't find it to be in the way.  I'm looking forward to your pictures.