Check here for plans
http://www.clarkcraft.com/cgi-local/...g=019&cart_id=


"Jim B." wrote in message
news:m8iGb.445165$Dw6.1352034@attbi_s02...
Ok. I live in a small coastal town in New England where the Dory was
invented (at least that is what I have read). Ever since we moved here, I
have wanted a boat. But we really can't afford one. It is very low on
the
financial needs list. But I have two kids (5 and 7 yr old) and I think it
would be great to have them grow up sailing with me and maybe even on
their
own. But enough with the hopes and dreams....

A little background on potentially pertinent skills...I did some sailing
as
a teen in a tiny sailboat called a Laser (??) and I loved it but only had
the chance a few times. My woodworking/building experiences consist of
shop
class in 8th grade and 3 years of drafting class in high school. These
days
I do not own any power saws. Once in a blue moon I might pick up my hand
saw and cut a 2x4 for some reason. As for other experiences, I majored in
and taught high school physics. Eventually, I found myself in a computer
tech job.

I have been trawling the internet for plans, advice, building materials
costs, building journals, etc. I actually started this little obsession 2
years ago but then it went away for a while. My wife is not sold in this
idea at all. Anyway, this is what information I've got so far:

-The boat has got to have an LOA of 17' or less. I want to build it in my
garage and keep it there for storage (haven't considered the length of a
trailer though). It is a two car garage and is 17'10" in length. One of
the doors is 5'10" in height, and 7'8" in width.
-I want the boat to hold two adults and 2 kids.
-I want a sailboat not a powerboat.
-I think I should build a small boat first.
-I also think it should be a plywood boat. I would prefer the first boat
use
less than 6 sheets of 8'x4' plywood. It looks like the initial big cost
will be in buying plywood sheets and around here that looks like $50 a
sheet
for marine ply. So if I could do this with 4 sheets to start the first
boat, then if my wife saw me build a cool boat with 4 sheets, then I
could
go bigger in the years to come. (At least it sounds like a good plan...)
-I realize the sail will also cost. So, adding oars to the first small
boat
might be the way to go and experimenting with plastic tarp material for
cheap.
-Plans I have considered for the first little boat:
*Some of stevenprojects.com plans
(http://www.stevproj.com/SailDingh.html) as well as the 11' skipjack
Stevenson published an a book in the 70's Sailboats You Can Build.
*Optimist Dinghy (http://www.optiworld.org/ioda-intro.html)
*Canoe (but I do not think I want to do this one since I couldn't
sail it) - http://www.bateau2.com/free/cheapcanoe.htm

-Plans I have considered for the bigger boat:
*Weekender http://www.stevproj.com/PocketYachts.html
*Bolger's Micro - This one seemed better then the Weekender
http://www.boatdesign.com/micro/
*Sztrandek (probably not a good one since the plans are free and
there will be no support)
http://www.zeglarstwo.3miasto.pl/sztraeng/sztrengl.html

Please comment and advise. I am looking for boat plan recommendations,
similar experiences, tips, tricks, help with making it cheap,

--Jim B.






---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.553 / Virus Database: 345 - Release Date: 18/12/2003

What about http://www.boatplans-online.com/prod....php?prod=CV16 or
something similar? The Caravelle type of boat sounds right down your alley,
and it's easy to build since it's stitch-n-tape (common tools, common
skills).

Brian

--
My boat project: http://www.advantagecomposites.com/tongass


"Jim B." wrote in message
news:m8iGb.445165$Dw6.1352034@attbi_s02...
Ok. I live in a small coastal town in New England where the Dory was
invented (at least that is what I have read). Ever since we moved here, I
have wanted a boat. But we really can't afford one. It is very low on
the
financial needs list. But I have two kids (5 and 7 yr old) and I think it
would be great to have them grow up sailing with me and maybe even on
their
own. But enough with the hopes and dreams....

A little background on potentially pertinent skills...I did some sailing
as
a teen in a tiny sailboat called a Laser (??) and I loved it but only had
the chance a few times. My woodworking/building experiences consist of
shop
class in 8th grade and 3 years of drafting class in high school. These
days
I do not own any power saws. Once in a blue moon I might pick up my hand
saw and cut a 2x4 for some reason. As for other experiences, I majored in
and taught high school physics. Eventually, I found myself in a computer
tech job.

I have been trawling the internet for plans, advice, building materials
costs, building journals, etc. I actually started this little obsession 2
years ago but then it went away for a while. My wife is not sold in this
idea at all. Anyway, this is what information I've got so far:

-The boat has got to have an LOA of 17' or less. I want to build it in my
garage and keep it there for storage (haven't considered the length of a
trailer though). It is a two car garage and is 17'10" in length. One of
the doors is 5'10" in height, and 7'8" in width.
-I want the boat to hold two adults and 2 kids.
-I want a sailboat not a powerboat.
-I think I should build a small boat first.
-I also think it should be a plywood boat. I would prefer the first boat
use
less than 6 sheets of 8'x4' plywood. It looks like the initial big cost
will be in buying plywood sheets and around here that looks like $50 a
sheet
for marine ply. So if I could do this with 4 sheets to start the first
boat, then if my wife saw me build a cool boat with 4 sheets, then I
could
go bigger in the years to come. (At least it sounds like a good plan...)
-I realize the sail will also cost. So, adding oars to the first small
boat
might be the way to go and experimenting with plastic tarp material for
cheap.
-Plans I have considered for the first little boat:
*Some of stevenprojects.com plans
(http://www.stevproj.com/SailDingh.html) as well as the 11' skipjack
Stevenson published an a book in the 70's Sailboats You Can Build.
*Optimist Dinghy (http://www.optiworld.org/ioda-intro.html)
*Canoe (but I do not think I want to do this one since I couldn't
sail it) - http://www.bateau2.com/free/cheapcanoe.htm

-Plans I have considered for the bigger boat:
*Weekender http://www.stevproj.com/PocketYachts.html
*Bolger's Micro - This one seemed better then the Weekender
http://www.boatdesign.com/micro/
*Sztrandek (probably not a good one since the plans are free and
there will be no support)
http://www.zeglarstwo.3miasto.pl/sztraeng/sztrengl.html

Please comment and advise. I am looking for boat plan recommendations,
similar experiences, tips, tricks, help with making it cheap,

--Jim B.

"Brian D" wrote in message
news:y3lGb.649504$Fm2.576276@attbi_s04...

My boat project: http://www.advantagecomposites.com/tongass

If nothing else, I salute you for merging tongue and ass into a new word.

;-)

Thanks! Haha ...no really, I'll be using this boat in SE Alaska (or so I
intend). ALL of SE Alaska is the Tongass National Forest and where the
Tongass natives come from. Hence the name. I must admit though, that I
sometimes wonder if I shouldn't use a different name ...I'm sure I'll hear
the same remark again (although you win the prize for being the first to say
it out loud...)

Brian

"Chris" wrote in message
. com...

"Brian D" wrote in message
news:y3lGb.649504$Fm2.576276@attbi_s04...

My boat project: http://www.advantagecomposites.com/tongass

If nothing else, I salute you for merging tongue and ass into a new word.

;-)

"Brian D" wrote in message
news:h5qGb.640037$HS4.4639233@attbi_s01...
Thanks! Haha ...no really, I'll be using this boat in SE Alaska (or so I
intend). ALL of SE Alaska is the Tongass National Forest and where the
Tongass natives come from. Hence the name. I must admit though, that I
sometimes wonder if I shouldn't use a different name ...I'm sure I'll hear
the same remark again (although you win the prize for being the first to
say
it out loud...)

Brian

Thankyou, thankyou!

Takes a bow

Jim:

Here's another lead - Chesapeake Light Craft. Their specialty is
kayaks but they also make some rowing and sailing craft. Very much
geared to the first time builder. They use the "stitch and glue"
method of construction - a great way to get started. Check out this
little sailing pram -
http://www.chesapeakelightcraft.com/...stportpram.php

Eric

"Jim B." wrote in message news:m8iGb.445165$Dw6.1352034@attbi_s02...
Ok. I live in a small coastal town in New England where the Dory was
invented (at least that is what I have read). Ever since we moved here, I
have wanted a boat. But we really can't afford one. It is very low on the
financial needs list. But I have two kids (5 and 7 yr old) and I think it
would be great to have them grow up sailing with me and maybe even on their
own. But enough with the hopes and dreams....

A little background on potentially pertinent skills...I did some sailing as
a teen in a tiny sailboat called a Laser (??) and I loved it but only had
the chance a few times. My woodworking/building experiences consist of shop
class in 8th grade and 3 years of drafting class in high school. These days
I do not own any power saws. Once in a blue moon I might pick up my hand
saw and cut a 2x4 for some reason. As for other experiences, I majored in
and taught high school physics. Eventually, I found myself in a computer
tech job.

I have been trawling the internet for plans, advice, building materials
costs, building journals, etc. I actually started this little obsession 2
years ago but then it went away for a while. My wife is not sold in this
idea at all. Anyway, this is what information I've got so far:

-The boat has got to have an LOA of 17' or less. I want to build it in my
garage and keep it there for storage (haven't considered the length of a
trailer though). It is a two car garage and is 17'10" in length. One of
the doors is 5'10" in height, and 7'8" in width.
-I want the boat to hold two adults and 2 kids.
-I want a sailboat not a powerboat.
-I think I should build a small boat first.
-I also think it should be a plywood boat. I would prefer the first boat use
less than 6 sheets of 8'x4' plywood. It looks like the initial big cost
will be in buying plywood sheets and around here that looks like $50 a sheet
for marine ply. So if I could do this with 4 sheets to start the first
boat, then if my wife saw me build a cool boat with 4 sheets, then I could
go bigger in the years to come. (At least it sounds like a good plan...)
-I realize the sail will also cost. So, adding oars to the first small boat
might be the way to go and experimenting with plastic tarp material for
cheap.
-Plans I have considered for the first little boat:
*Some of stevenprojects.com plans
(http://www.stevproj.com/SailDingh.html) as well as the 11' skipjack
Stevenson published an a book in the 70's Sailboats You Can Build.
*Optimist Dinghy (http://www.optiworld.org/ioda-intro.html)
*Canoe (but I do not think I want to do this one since I couldn't
sail it) - http://www.bateau2.com/free/cheapcanoe.htm

-Plans I have considered for the bigger boat:
*Weekender http://www.stevproj.com/PocketYachts.html
*Bolger's Micro - This one seemed better then the Weekender
http://www.boatdesign.com/micro/
*Sztrandek (probably not a good one since the plans are free and
there will be no support)
http://www.zeglarstwo.3miasto.pl/sztraeng/sztrengl.html

Please comment and advise. I am looking for boat plan recommendations,
similar experiences, tips, tricks, help with making it cheap,

--Jim B.

I like shell boats. Nice boats and made for beginners.
http://www.shellboats.com/

Donald

The list of requirement you have so far is a good start.
It looks like you need to set yourself a budget next.
Then look at the cost of materials at local suppliers.
Glues and fastners can cost more than the plywood.

I'd repeat my advice to use some geometry or a compute program to estimate
teh size of boat you'll need. I desinged my own first boat, a simple flat
bottom skiff, and it turned out to be just what I needed.

Of the ready made plans I'd recommend taking a look at the Dobbler 16 at
www.jonesboats.com. I've read both of Jones' boatbuilding books where he
describes a plywood and a fibreglass version he has built.

--
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
William R Watt National Capital FreeNet Ottawa's free community network
homepage: www.ncf.ca/~ag384/top.htm
warning: non-freenet email must have "notspam" in subject or it's returned

I'm a fan of the Stevensons' designs myself having built their MiniCup.
There's a strong builder support community for them at http://www.byyb.org -
which include several Skipjack builders. Bolger builders have also built
themselves a strong community as well.

Based on your criteria, you need to decide what compromises you are willing
to make. Obviously you can pick up a used boat as many would suggest
although I personally believe that it is possible to build a boat for less
than you can buy and refurbish a used one for - if you are building a small
boat and if you don't worry about the level of finish. You also need to
honestly think about how you are going to use the boat - is your entire
family actually likely to want to participate and making a boat that will
safely hold four people makes it quite a bit bigger boat than one that will
hold just yourself or you and one child. It also depends on how large said
people are.

One simple design to consider is David Beede's "Summer Breeze" -
http://www.simplicityboats.com/summerbreezetemp.html You could also
consider building yourself something like that, or even one of Gavin Atkin's
"Mouse Boats" - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mouseboats/ just to get
something to get you on the water.

Additionally, you need to consider sea conditions - you say you are on the
coast - if the sea is rough at all, you will need a much more stable boat
than many of the easily built plans can accommodate - most of them,
including the ones I mentioned - are intended for calm inland waters.

No matter what your decision - good luck.

--
Andrew Butchart

http://www.floatingbear.ca



"Jim B." wrote in message
news:m8iGb.445165$Dw6.1352034@attbi_s02...
Ok. I live in a small coastal town in New England where the Dory was
snip

Please comment and advise. I am looking for boat plan recommendations,
similar experiences, tips, tricks, help with making it cheap,

--Jim B.

First of all, thank you all. Wow! I will be posting to this group again;
hopefully with information for others from what I will be learning. I have
a lot to think about. By the way, I mentioned that my wife was not sold on
this idea; however, for Christmas she bought me a wood model sailboat kit.
I went a little "overboard" on the $2 kit with a photo journal of the
building and finishing process. Now in response to those involved in this
thread:

Tailgunner: I like the Dory idea too since I live in the town where one of
the designs were invented. I will be emailing you.

Chris: Thanks for the links. I have bookmarked the Intro to Wooden
Boatbuilding. I found that link to old boats before. Regarding your second
post ... I just don't think I will find an abandoned broken boat laying
around on the beach BUT...I'll keep my eyes peeled, stranger things have
happened.

Lew: I just can't slap down the money to buy a whole boat now. Even first
jobs are hard to come by in the tech industry these days and a 2nd job would
mean even less time with the kids. And I would rather not charge one
either. I am thinking that by building it, I get the joy of building as
part of the hobby. Plus I will be buying the boat a piece at a time and I
could even stop and restart as finances permit.

Curtis: I know you agree with Lew; however, your idea/potential offer is a
great in-between comprimise (buy/rent vs build vs barter). I will
definetely be emailing you. This could give me some experience before the
real building project is lauched.

Brian W: I agree.

Habbi: Clark Crafts looks to have a wide selection plus I can price compare
boat plan costs. Thanks.

Brian D.: I am seriously considering the Caravelle boat. Thanks for this
link.

Eric: I will check the rest of the Chesapeake Light Craft site. The pram
you mentioned does not look like it will hold 2 adults and two kids.

Donald: The shellboats.com site looks like it is catering to people like
me. I will continue to investigate there as well. Thanks.

William R Watt: I know I need to fix the budget. My wife is a very
pragmatic women and this is what she wants to see (after I repair a few
things around the house). I found the jonesboats.com site although I did
not take a good look at that Dobbler 16 until you posted. Also, looks like
you sell boat designs according to your website. I hope to see replies from
you again in my future posts here.

Andrew Butchart: I agree with you. I know that I will most likely be
taking me and my two kids on the boat often (as I alluded to in my first
post, "The best-laid plans o' mice an' men gang aft a-gley." -Robert Burns)
I can relate to your website. I know that I will need a few sailing
lessons. In terms of the sailing environment, I will probably stick to the
nearby harbor rather than sailing the high seas until I feel (and am deemed
by some authority) that I am a competent sailor. By the way, I am seriously
considering the Summer Breeze as well.

--Jim B.