Retirement boat

[troutman]

I'm retiring in January. Got half of a two car garage. I live on a tidal creek 2.4 miles from the Delaware river. I row or paddle to the river now and would like to do that in a new boat and sail to Alloways creek or the Rancocas and back. I have the plans to the Arch Davis Sanddollar. I've built stitch and glue boats (never again, to messy) and have nice servicable tools and skills. Any thought before I get started. Sort of along the lines of "well for a little more time , work and money why not built this or that". Frankly, I'm 59 and don't see a couple of year project. I like the look of the Penobscots. thanks

[Thorne]

I like Arch's designs too -- very pretty and still functional, good support via phone for builders.

Consider something that can take aux power -- either a small outboard or electric system (Minn Kota on a rudder or whatever). As we all get older, it becomes nicer and nicer to have the option to use something other than backs and arms to get home if the weather and/or tides don't play nice.

Another option is to look for wooden boats already built that you can then convert to sail -- might knock off a year on the building as well as a lot of money for materials. I was all ready to build a PB 14 when I ran across a dory skiff built by the local maritime museum's boatbuilding classes...

;0 )

[Ed Armstrong]

I'm currently building Ian Oughtred's Acorn dinghy. Ian lists the build time at 100 hours, but I've probably put in twice that. I'm in my third year of building, but I work slow; I'm not retired, and I have two young kids. It is glued plywood lapstrake, so there is some working with googe, but I would guess that it is not as messy as stitch and glue. The dinghy is 10-feet LOA, weighs around 100# or so, and has options for sail, oar and power. It also looks great with 7 strakes per side and a pretty transom.

Ed

[JimD]

If you're going to be retired with a lifestyle that allows you to more or less build the boat full time you can get a lot done in a relatively short period. When I built our small sailboat I had it half finished in five or six weeks because I had the time to devote to it. Then things changed and it took over a year for the second half to get done.

[Woxbox]

How about a Delaware Ducker? Indigenous to the area, looks great and seems to fill the bill.
http://www.tsca.net/delriver/images/ducker2.jpg

[openboater]

I had it half finished in five or six weeks because I had the time to devote to it. Then things changed it it took over a year for the second half to get done.

Didn't Yogi Berra say something about that ??

"the first 90 % takes 90% percent of the time, and the other 10% takes the other 90."

[Ned Asplundh]

How about a Delaware Ducker? Indigenous to the area, looks great and seems to fill the bill.
http://www.tsca.net/delriver/images/ducker2.jpg

Thank you, Woxbox. I was going to suggest the same.

In fact, that's my boat pictured and he's for sale if you, troutman or any other Delaware Valley locals are interested. Please PM for details.

[Tom W.]

Arch Davis' designs are not difficult to build. I completed his Penobscot 17 in about 8 months of part time building. It is a larger boat, with 2 oar stations. Rowing solo is work, it is designed to sail. And sail it does, very well. The 14 may be a better choice, or as you said, the sand dollar, if you already have the plans why not see if you like it?
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid206/p57ee2dea3edf269035ed9a2eccb1658c/eee18898.jpg

[Don Maurer]

You might take a look at a sneakbox. Also indigenous to the area. They build them all the time down at Tuckerton Seaport. I believe you can either take a class or volunteer down there if you want to gain some experience.

[troutman]

I appreciate the feedback. After getting the Sanddollar plans I started to give more thought to comfort for me and I hope my wife and the Penobscot 14 would allow two adults to sit on actual seats. I've used so many small boats and I have a vision of myself sitting up off the floor, leaning on the tiller. Retiring Jan 3 so there's time. thanks

[mdh]

Just to suggest, the one I keep looking at that suits my eye, is the Gartside Skylark. Don't know about the time, but your still young.


http://www.gartsideboats.com/skylark.php

[tossedman]

How about William Garden's Tom Cat. Plans through the Wooden Boat Store.

http://www.woodenboatstore.com/images/400143.jpg

To quote his book The Making of Tom Cat "...we decided to work up plans for a Beetle-sized catboat of our own to build here at Toad’s Landing over the winter—a boat with raised seating, for more comfort. (The leg cramps generated from sitting on the floorboards can take the sparkle out of a good sail.) Although this was the number one requirement, the following considerations also came to mind for the design of Tom Cat:
• A high sail area–to–wetted surface ratio, at least matching that of a Beetle.
• A tumblehome stem with a slightly hollow waterline to best work through our short chop or summertime powerboat wake.
• Some exposed keel for beaching and directional stability with the centerboard raised.
• A non–fouling barn–door rudder with end plates for a real bite when broadreaching in a breeze.
• A hole through the stem at waterline height for towing without broaching and overturning.
• Freeboard enough for a dry boat and to allow for the cockpit seats.
• An under–deck stowage area for life jackets, picnic basket, and miscellaneous gear."

Besides, someone's got to build one so the rest of us can see how it's done!

Cheers,

Todd