Hi,

I've searched the archives of this group for a number of years and
always learn something new. I've been dreaming of building a small
sailboat for many years now and am finally starting to narrow my choices
down.

I need a small sailboat that can handle lake erie fishing weather; which
is a bit more than most recreational boaters like. My childhood memories
of fishing with my dad invovled leaving early in the morning with 2-3 ft
waves, by lunch those waves were 4+, and on returning home 6 or more
wasn't all that rare. This weather was always taken in a 22-26 ft
powerboat(bayliner). This is basically my standard of what a boat should
handle although it may never see it. The prospect of going 20 miles out
for walleye in a sail/rowing craft is rather daunting.

The boat should be able to be rowed as well as sailed; an engine is not
wanted. I have very little interest in fighting to cartop a boat and the
sizes I need are a little to heavy for that in my view. I want room for
a passenger or more. I'm looking at the 14-16 ft range but will go up to
about 21 if neccessary.

I will be first time builder and I feel plywood is the best choice for
time/cost. Feel free to convince me other wise. I also prefer a smaller
simpler boat for a freshmen effort. I'm more interested in traditional
form. It would be nice if I could build the boat in the winter then
assemble it in the spring, but this is not neccesary.

My choices a maybe a norwegian sailing pram 12-18 ft (not at all sure
about this one), a flat-iron skiff (parker's 14ft oystering sharpie),
and some type of swampscott dory.

Out of these 3 choices I know a swampscott will be able to do what I
want. I notice glen-l has a 18ft version of the beachcomber alpha. The
"oystering sharpie" looks like it would be a good sailer. I like the
prams but have no idea if they are up to what I want from a boat.

I'm a big fan of the dories but will build a flat-iron if it is
significantly easier/cheaper. The "oystering sharpie" is my favorite so
far.

matthew
ohio