Sailors Ahoy...or avast.......or whatever (craft, price, shops, best)

[BillyC64]

I am in the process of designing and building what I hope to be the first of many small sail boats. I am not a sailor by any means, I am however a woodworker, a lake lover and I have helped build several row boats and the like. There are a bazillion designs out there ( most just appear to be variances of proven designs) but I would like to see how much interest there is in little wooden boats. What people would like to be able to aquire a small sailboat for ( $ ). I know the average person doesn't have alot of money to throw around so I want to offer something inexpensive but nice. I would like to hear opinions from people who like ( or would like) to sail small boats (under 16 footers). This one is a shortened version (8') of a flatbottom v rowboat design my grandfather built, using the hull profile of a "Puddle Duck". Just want to here thoughts and ideas. Thanx

[sunsprit]

You'd be well guided to get your hands on back issues (as well as subscribe to) "Wooden Boat" magazine.

They've got a lot of input specifically about the concerns you've raised re boat design, construction, and types of boats that are selling. Since all boats are compromises, a lot of what will influence your design will be the sailing conditions and intended utility of the boat you build.

From what I've seen in the custom wooden boat building business, there's not a lot of money to be made unless/until you establish a signficant local reputation and following. Most of the financially successful guys in small wooden boat building stick to a couple of designs and perfect them to a specific target marketplace and use, building them in very small shops (low overhead and minimal extra labor needed). You really must know what your target marketplace needs for a boat to be an improvement over the competition, especially in wooden boats.

[linicx]

I worked at a sailing facility that was located on a 60 mile long lake for nearly 20 years. I loved the day sailors more than the 30' boats for the smaller ones were out of water and of little trouble. I would not put any small boat on this lake unless it had a powerful motor. There are far too many large wake speed boats and ocean cruisers on this lake to be safe in a smaller, slow, clumsy boat.

The most beautiful small boats have Teak decks and interiors, and lots of brass.. Both are durable and desirable and expensive. When it comes to sailing you get what you pay for.

[sunsprit]

Originally Posted by linicx

The most beautiful small boats have Teak decks and interiors, and lots of brass.. Both are durable and desirable and expensive. When it comes to sailing you get what you pay for.

Having owned/raced/sailed a lot of boats ... large and small, dayracing/ocean racing/lake sailing around the buoys, one-design class boats, one-of-a-kind boats, and wood, steel, and fiberglass construction ...... I'd have a hard time agreeing with "teak decks and interiors, and lots of brass" as being a requisite to a safe, durable, and desirable materials of construction. Especially with other modern metals and composite construction for hardware in the marketplace ... and so many other wood varieties with a lot of virtues in boat construction.

I'd also take exception to the concept that "you get what you pay for" in sailing ... I've seen way too many boats that weren't worth any amount of money to me and were sold purely for vanity and features that were detrimental to the design intent and utility of the boat. Monuments to naval architects or the bean counters at the builder's facility, some of them have actually sold well in certain markets, catering principally to the "docksider" market looking for a floating condo in the marina tied up to the dock.

That's why a very careful analysis of what you're intending to do with your boat design and building is important to your small boat venture. Good luck.

[Tinman313]

If you go back 10-15 years in the PBS Series "New Yankee Work Shop" "Norm" had a 2 part series on a small sail boat. The plans if I remember where around $40 with the building video plus it listed all vendors of the hardware and sail. A twin seater with a dagger board that retracted along with a shear pin rudder...... all made out of marine grade plywood and upper deck a marine grade mahogany laminate over plywood.... Sweet little boat for a small lake or flat river.... ye vast mate's swab the poop deck

Just found the link: http://www.newyankee.com/getproduct.php?708

[ReturningWest]

Having owned/raced/sailed a lot of boats ... large and small, dayracing/ocean racing/lake sailing around the buoys, one-design class boats, one-of-a-kind boats

Ditto here everything from a laser to a Shock 35

I will tell you that from my stand point MAINTENANCE is a big issue with wooden boats...I'd much rather be sailing than dealing with additional care for a "woodie" yes they are beautiful if maintained, also, I raced and woodies rarely are fast.

As someone else stated check the Wooden Boat Mag. I doubt you'll find a big market for them. People who sail woodies generally are into the "artsy" part and into the care of them. Also, there are already plenty of one design boats already out there that people lovingly restore and care for.

[Tinman313]

Returning West: Nothing like a classic Woodie..... artistry and the love restoring them. For those in Central FL. Here's a link for the Classic Woodie Festival in Nov. In Mount Dora...

Sunnyland Chapter - The Antique and Classic Boat Society

[Happy Cells]

Hi!

Interesting project you have going!

I've been sailing since I was seven...and have dealt with just about every conceivable type of boat.
Wooden boats can be fun but they can be a particular challenge too.
In addition to the "wooden boat" magazines and books out there, the U.S. has a number of very good wooden boat building schools, where students learn the art and craft of being a boat-wright...
Some schools do 'plank off' restorations too...a skill in and of itself.
Some wood boats can be built relatively inexpensively....but the cost of materials...(as is the case with any vessel) is where your going to get hit. (if you don't count your time that is....)
Even marine grade plywood is pricey. The more exotic woods are going to be expensive. Quality fasteners are expensive too....My family and I rescued several wood boats and literally rebuilt them into very nice and handy vessels...but it was a task...At any rate your off on an adventure! Enjoy!

All the best!