ricknriver Posted April 26, 2010 Report Share Posted April 26, 2010 Hi, Just about to dive into a BH19 but fell on Shell Boats site and saw their "similar" Great Blue Heron 19'. My first build and bit scared to build the BH19 from just plans. Heron comes as a "complete" kit for $9k. Anyone know how they compare in sailing quality, features, etc? Suprisingly looks like few of either been built yet seem like nice fun weekenders. Little info on the Shell Boats site. Thanks, Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Lathrop Posted April 28, 2010 Report Share Posted April 28, 2010 Rick, No one has offered any words of wisdom on your question so I will give an opinion. I've only seen one version of the Shell boats and am not familiar with them in any detail. From what I see on the Shell website, they seem quite different from the B&B boats in most every detail. In short, there should be no difficulty in choosing between them since favoring one will surely eliminate the other. Belhaven is much more of a little cruising boat that could be reasonably comfortable for a couple for several days on the water. With well designed underwater appendages, Belhaven can be expected to get to windward much quicker. Blue Heron is smaller and therefore more restricted in interior room. Cabin fever will set in much quicker on bad weather days. The shallow keel of the Shell boats does not promise efficient weatherly performance. As always, individual preference is paramount is choosing a boat. My choice would be the Belhaven. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricknriver Posted April 28, 2010 Author Report Share Posted April 28, 2010 Hi Tom, Thank you very much for the information. Felt that way too but since I'm new to these designs and constructions was fishing for some reinforcement. A Belhaven it will be. I probably will be a real forum pest when I get started . Thankfully I'm close to many of you. Hope my building friend won't mind the extra construction time in his shop over the CS17 we originally planned. R Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tom Woodson Posted May 1, 2012 Report Share Posted May 1, 2012 Owner of a Shall Great Blue Heron I highly recommend it. Easy to launch, sail and very roomy. I have had others look at it and all have given it two thumbs up>>>>> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricknriver Posted May 2, 2012 Author Report Share Posted May 2, 2012 Thanks Tom, but have Scott's BH19 #3 in the driveway as he's going bigger, and I couldn't pass it up. Weather and wind nice here now in NC so she'll be cruising the Pamlico soon. Rick Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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