Hi everybody,

I'm thinking about building a 34/36 steel sloop or ketch but I'm very
confused about the right project & designer.

I've looked at some bruce roberts plans and though they look nice I'm
afraid of the building method. With this size of boat I think you don't
need all those frames around, am I correct ? Why should I waste a lot
of time welding unnecessary steel which also makes the boat heavier ?

I've also had a look at Van de Stadt 34 which would be a lot cheaper to
build and I would also have a local support. Problem is, it is a very
small boat inside.

I've had a look at dudley dix designs but in this case the problem is
they don't provide cutting files and I'm sure I need a kit or, at
least, cutting files to save time. What do you think ?

Thank you!

Nevermind

On 7 Apr 2006 05:46:58 -0700 nevermind
) wrote:
Hi everybody,

I'm thinking about building a 34/36 steel sloop or ketch but I'm very
confused about the right project & designer.

I've looked at some bruce roberts plans and though they look nice I'm
afraid of the building method. With this size of boat I think you don't
need all those frames around, am I correct ? Why should I waste a lot
of time welding unnecessary steel which also makes the boat heavier ?

I've also had a look at Van de Stadt 34 which would be a lot cheaper to
build and I would also have a local support. Problem is, it is a very
small boat inside.

I've had a look at dudley dix designs but in this case the problem is
they don't provide cutting files and I'm sure I need a kit or, at
least, cutting files to save time. What do you think ?

Did you have a look at www.kornaatyachtdesign.com ? Not a sloop or
ketch, but I'm building one
http://www.inter.nl.net/users/schnecke/catharina/

--
Richard
e-mail: vervang/replace invalid door/with NL.net

Hi Richard,

thanks for your info but i cannot read any dutch !!!

Jay Benford has designed a number of boats in that size range in various
materials. http://www.benford.us/

I wouldn't be too quick to second guess the designer's scantlings. Those
frames came from some perceived need, either for strength or for the need to
maintain the hull shape and distribute stresses.

Roger

http://home.insightbb.com/~derbyrm

"nevermind" wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi everybody,

I'm thinking about building a 34/36 steel sloop or ketch but I'm very
confused about the right project & designer.

I've looked at some bruce roberts plans and though they look nice I'm
afraid of the building method. With this size of boat I think you don't
need all those frames around, am I correct ? Why should I waste a lot
of time welding unnecessary steel which also makes the boat heavier ?

I've also had a look at Van de Stadt 34 which would be a lot cheaper to
build and I would also have a local support. Problem is, it is a very
small boat inside.

I've had a look at dudley dix designs but in this case the problem is
they don't provide cutting files and I'm sure I need a kit or, at
least, cutting files to save time. What do you think ?

Thank you!

Nevermind

On 7 Apr 2006 07:20:35 -0700 nevermind
) wrote:
Hi Richard,

thanks for your info but i cannot read any dutch !!!

Sorry, I was forgotten that the site was only dutch, but if like the
Klipper or Kvase designs why not e-mail the designer. I don't know if he
has any foreign contacts, but you can always ask.

--
Richard
e-mail: vervang/replace invalid door/with NL.net

if you are looking for a serious cruising design you might also look at
George Buehler he has several boats that are either designed for steel or
will modify for steel.

Brian

derbyrm wrote:
Jay Benford has designed a number of boats in that size range in various
materials. http://www.benford.us/

Hi All:

I wrote Jay Benford a letter in 1982 regarding one of his designs. He
was still in the Seattle area then. He wrote back within ONE week!

I emailed him last year, 2005, regarding one of his designs. I got a
reply back in ONE week!

I found him extremely helpful and very prompt.

Bob

A friend of mine just bought a Dix boat, and it looks like a great
boat. It's had a lot of sea miles and is still in good shape. Lots of
clever design features as well.
You can get CNC cutting files from for this boat from Dix .

http://www.dixdesign.com/pr35.htm

This is a cutter rig, not a sloop, BTW, but sails fine without the
staysail.

When you are comparing designs and cost, you should remember that the
hull/deck will probably only be about 20% of the final cost.
Keel,spars,engine, sails, etc etc etc etc will not vary too much within
the same displacement range.
Unless you need to build a boat for the satisfaction of constructing it
(like I did), you will be way further ahead (and on the water a lot
quicker) to get a used boat- even one that needs some refurbishing.
Building your own is an expensive way to go, especially if you would be
happy with something that's on the market already.
Check yachtworld.com listings against your shopping list!
My 1-cents worth on building.
John