Spindrift 11 or 11S?

[SteveKos]

After trawling the entire internet and much hand-wringing and head scratching I've almost finally decided on the Spindrift 11 as my next boat build. However, just a question about which version. I was initially thinking of a N version but the more I consider the benefits/costs of this option for me I have ruled that out. (My car will just have to live outside from now on ).

 

But now it's a decision whether to go for the S or the standard version.

 

Question. Is the S version able to be rigged for a single sail, and vice versa? Or how easy might it be to make adjustments post-build? My reason for asking is that I'm not a total novice sailor but have not sailed a sloop rig alone. I currently sail a kayak trimaran with a let-o-mutton sprit, which is a nice easy sail to rig and handle, and I want to start out with a fairly simple sailing setup initially on this one too to build my experience and confidence before going to a sloop or second mizzen sail etc. but I would like to do that without needing to do alot of work on the boat to accommodate the change in sail rig.

 

 

[Alex]

Hi Steve,

 

I had the same issue when deciding which rig for my Spindrift 12. I went for the Cat rig and couldn't be happier. Once the boat is off the trailer it's no more than 5 minutes to set up and be off sailing and for de-rigging about 2 minutes. Having sailed on quite a few different boats over time, I love the simplicity of the cat rig. She sails wonderfully.

[Steve W]

I'm with Alex. I have an 11N, and the rig is powerful and it sails really well in light breezes. It has slab reefing an reduces the sail a lot. I'm not sure if the S has stays (usually sloop rigs have them), but even if they didn't, I wouldn't want another halyard and sheets.

 

Take Care,

Steve

[Hirilonde]

  I was initially thinking of a N version but the more I consider the benefits/costs of this option for me I have ruled that out. (My car will just have to live outside from now on ).

Sound decision!  You will be hard pressed to find many here who don't agree, especially with the garage priorities part. ;-)

 

I would bet the sloop points a little higher.  It is also more difficult/time consuming to rig and de-rig. (yes, it has stays)  The cat can be rigged for slab reefing and be luff sleeve.  The sloop would require a track.  Either will be very quick and nimble for a small boat.  I see good reasons for both designs.  I am guessing Graham did too.  Probably why he offers both options.  You will be pleased with either, all a matter of priorities.

[SteveKos]

Thanks for the replies. Looks like it's the standard non-nested. The rig is another decision, but the ayes seem to have it regarding the cat rig.

 

Looks like I've got the nod from the finance officer ;-), so it's a matter of ordering the plans and starting getting the bits together .

 

Another question. Regarding ply. Genuine oukume here in Australia is very expensive. There is a very good quality hoop pine MP but it is very heavy and also wickedly expensive. I am considering an imported European MP. Some have even used exterior ply I believe. I intend to paint everything in a good 2 pack polyurethane paint with just some feature components polished timber. If I use a good primer and paint, could I get away with exterior ply?

[Alex]

Go the good stuff. I bought Gaboon from Boatcraft Pacific which is a little more expensive but nice and light. Pacific Mapel or Pink Marine is quite cheap and a much better option than Exterior ply. You must remember that this is a small boat with only a handful of sheets of ply and the overall difference in cost will be minimal in the end. Go cheap and you will be kicking yourself later on that you didn't spend the extra $200 or so on the good stuff. I'm on the Gold Coast, where are you located?

[SteveKos]

No argument Alex. I wasn't seriously considering external ply, but many boat plans suggest either marine or external ply, so I was curious about it. I'm going up to Duck Flat boatworks today to look at some ply options. I think they stock Pacific Maple which seems a good option.

 

Are you in Australia? You seem to be in a similar time zone to me. I'm in Adelaide South Australia.

[Hirilonde]

It isn't just that the ply be marine.  Almost any garbage can be called marine ply if they use a good glue and treat the wood to make it more rot resistant.  There is no standard for the number of laminations, integrity of the laminations, knots or anything else until you go to a standard that actually addresses those details.  I don't think any of Grahams boats or any of your labor should be expended on anything but the best BS 1088 or similar plywood.  If Alex can hook you up to get BS 1088Gaboon, that is what you want.

[SteveKos]

It isn't just that the ply be marine.  Almost any garbage can be called marine ply if they use a good glue and treat the wood to make it more rot resistant.  There is no standard for the number of laminations, integrity of the laminations, knots or anything else until you go to a standard that actually addresses those details.  I don't think any of Grahams boats or any of your labor should be expended on anything but the best BS 1088 or similar plywood.  If Alex can hook you up to get BS 1088Gaboon, that is what you want.

 

I Called in to Duck Flat wooden boats here in the Adelaide area today. They stock pacific maple ply, which is quite adequate for my needs, but is still AU$77 a sheet. Quite frankly if I bought the Hoop Pine I would have to put off the project awhile. If I glass the hull, and use a good marine primer and paint over this product it will do just fine. I can buy good quality solid timbers for the parts I want to feature in clear timber, so I'm satisfied my materials needs are now taken care of.

 

I have arranged with Duck Flat to pre-order with about 2 weeks notice so that they can hand pick the best of the available sheets. I'm very impressed with these guys. They just love wooden boats and seem as excited about helping me as I am with building it. I should have looked them up when I did my kayak build a couple of years ago. They even offered to go over the build plans with me when I get them to advise on any tips that might assist. They have agreed to do a package price on the materials if I go through them as well, which is a fair trade in my view.

 

I just need to order the plans now and get preparing!

[SteveKos]

Ok, enough sitting on the fence of indecision, plans ordered!

 

Just a question, where is the best place to post a build log on this fourm? I have a build log on the JEM Watercraft site from when I built my kayak here for those interested in seeing it. This SOT kayak was quite a challenge, so I'm looking forward to this build with at least some experience under my belt .

[Steve W]

That is an awesome looking boat. I looked around and the posts end before there are sailing pictures. Do you have any of those?

 

Take Care,

Steve

[SteveKos]

That is an awesome looking boat. I looked around and the posts end before there are sailing pictures. Do you have any of those?

 

Take Care,

Steve

 

I have a couple of not so good videos. I usually sail alone and haven't been able to get shots of it under sail from a distance. The sail shown in the build log is a soft wing sail. I ended up going to a leg-o-mutton sprit which performs very well. It's a great fishing kayak without the sailing rig and as a sailing trimaran it's a great ride, but pretty wet in a bit of a blow, and confining with only foot pedals to control the rudder. That's why I'm looking to build more of a utility boat that can still sail well, fish, and take a small motor.