On Sep 30, 11:02 am, MatthewK wrote:
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

Remembering you will be a first time builder, with some skills I would
suggest you look at "The Dory Book" by John Gardner (Available from
Mystic Seaport, CT USA) The Dories of the North East sound like just
what you are looking for. The double ended sailing/rowing dories built
down east are some of the most sound rough weather boats you can find.
Sailing, rowing, surf, these boats can do it all, comfortably, and
efficiently. Elegant boats, all of them. Since you have no interest in
a motor, I would look at the double enders. Banks and St Pierre's are
simpler builds, But a Hammond, Dion, or Chamberlin sailing dory would
in my opinion be doable by you as well as being the best tool for your
boating needs in my opinion...

I should note that I have the book in my lap for reference as I type,
I can't just spew this stuff off from my head although I would like to
think I could