Belhaven 19 as First Build?

[ricknriver]

Hi, Had planned a CS17 (#281) this spring as a prep build for a later cabin boat but would really like the creature comforts of the cabin boat for a couple of seniors (& wee doggie) for day sailing on the Pamlico River and 2-3 day adventures in coastal rivers and sounds. Had a FGlass 23' sloop years ago but too difficult and time consuming to rig & unrig for trailering.  Really liked Scott's BH19 at Graham and Carla's last fall Messabout, especially the apparent easy set up and sailing of the cat ketch rig.  Would the Belhaven 19 be a much more difficult challenge for a first boat build than the CS17, or just more time and patience?  Have some carpentry experience, and a skilled woodworking friend/helper with a nice shop and building space. When time permits.  Thanks, Rick, Washington, NC  :?

[John Burritt]

If you haven't looked at the BH19 info on Graham's web site, you might find it informative.

[Peter HK]

Would the Belhaven 19 be a much more difficult challenge for a first boat build than the CS17, or just more time and patience? 

Having only built a CS17 and not both designs I would have to say that the difference between the 2 designs is simply, as you say, more time and patience. There don't seem to be any different techniques or special challenges in the Belhaven.

However, if you've never worked with epoxy/ glass before then there is a learning curve. I was glad the CS 17 was not the first boat I had built as I could confidently move from step to step with little wasted time.

My advice would be to build a very small, simple dinghy that you could use as a tender in the future- it won't matter that it might not be so neatly built- and then you'll have the skills to build a Belhaven quickly and neatly and you'll have a tender for shore trips. I see that as a win/win situation.

Cheers

Peter HK

[ricknriver]

Wise words Peter.  Have a bunch of assorted little boats though, so think I'll try some epoxy n glass practice on some daggerboards, maybe a rudder, mast bases and thwarts for my canoe that I want to rig for sailing, and another I have to do a major repair on, while I get sorted out on the BH19.  ScottD's great detailed and photoed posts are almost a daily to-do list and I'm really grateful for them and all the suggestions and responses they elicited. Working an angle on a possible partially completed one and if that doesn't pan out, think I just jump lightly in, pray a lot, and hope for all your continued great coaching. Some other builders close by too. Maybe ready for a fall messabout  ?  Rick

[Michael Collins]

Would the Belhaven 19 be a much more difficult challenge for a first boat build than the CS17, or just more time and patience?

There is one important difference. You can build a CS17 from a kit, which for someone like myself with limited woodworking experience, is a much more comfortable idea.

[Scott Dunsworth]

:)I know of a Belhaven that might or could be for sell. :eek:

[ricknriver]

That would be GREAT and make it wonderfully easy and sooooooooo tempting, but not sure my budget could cover all the fine labor you have put into her - but maaaaybe.............. I've kind of watched her "grow up" thanks to your fine postings here, and enjoyed her company at messabout.  Your thoughts?  Rick  

[ricknriver]

With no options panning out, and after checking lots of alternatives, I'm going with the BH19 and will be ordering plans today.  Will be back as she comes together. Thanks for the decision help.    Rick

[John Turpin]

Great news, Rick.  Please keep us posted.

[G Man]

Just to support your decision, I am in the process of building Belhaven #40.  It is my first build and it's going great!  I am very glad I decided to just go with the Belhaven instead of practicing on a smaller build first.  As others have said, it really is just a matter of more time and money and the use of the same techniques, but on a larger scale.  I have just installed the keel and finished the paint.  After the hull dries, I'll flip it over and finsih off the interior structure and cabin and decking.  I have been working on mine since the end of October last year and the time has flown by!  Best of luck on the project!

[ricknriver]

Thank you for the note of support and reinforcement for my decision G Man.  Good to hear there is another one underway and that you are so well along.  Have the plans (#42) and hope to have the shop ready in a week or two.  Then off to B&B for materials.  Fortunately they're nearby.  Will keep you posted and probably pester you & others with questions. Have been compliling notes from other builds and would appreciate any BH19 specific things to watch out for, if any :-).  Rick