Family Camping/Sailing

[Summersnow]

Reading all of these recommendations about different designs has me daydreaming some. So, I was looking through the WB store at plans and really couldn't find much that I would say I didn't like. However, I have zero experience at the helm on a sailing (no power) vessel.

The question is which design do ya'll believe will best support a family of 5 for DaySailing and Camping on the water, overnights, weekends, etc.?

Particulars ...
1) Potomac River, Rappahannock River, James River, Chesepeake Bay, i.e. areas between Richmond and Maryland would be most frequented.
2) Size, only large enough to sleep at night without elbows poking me in the back :eek: . (Interpret however you wish) (Head of the executive committee would also like to include at least a porta potty).
3) Construction ... well I've learned most things the hard way don't expect any different here. I also don't expect this to be the first (or second) boat I build.
4) Tent rigging over the hull would be acceptable for overnights but please refer to #2.

Ok, if you want any more details either ask, or assume based upon your own experience (because I promise my experience is lacking :rolleyes: ).

The reason this will be build 3 is I want to use the first 2 builds to get my feet wet and to figure out if sailing will be acceptable to the executive committee:confused:. If it is not, then one of the first two builds would be sufficient to my desires.

Thanks a bunch,
Rob

[Summersnow]

Oh, and trailerable would be good

Rob

[Cuyahoga Chuck]

You had better think big. 5 people plus gear can be a considerable load. Small to modest sized sailboats may fall off in performance if loaded too heavily.
Sailboats need a slippery shape which is not necessarily conducive to max interior capacity.
All the bits and pieces required for sailing not only take up space but you have to be able to get at them readily if something needs changing. So you can't have wall to wall people. Sailboats don't get anywhere fast so having no more passengers than can comfortably be carried is the way to keep everyone happy.
If you spring for a used sailboat fit for no more than two people you will have the tool to learn sailing and many things will become immediately appearant to you.

[Thorne]

Get some sailing experience and then rent a boat that meets the above specs.

You will learn a lot, and if the wife and kids are still speaking to you at the end of the trip, consider it a success.

PS - you will need a motor in those waters.

If you can handle a porta-potty in the cabin, a sailboat like a Catalina 22, Venture 21 or San Juan 21 would work OK. The adults could sleep in the V-berth forward, two children out on the cockpit seats and one in the quarterberth -- but it would be crowded.

If you or the kids need total privacy on the potty, you'll need a larger boat with a small closet for same -- these are usually in the 23-25' range.

[DrakeChristensen]

How about the Cape Henry 21 (http://www.dixdesign.com/ch21.htm) from Dudley Dix? I have one fewer crew than you but otherwise similar requirements and have considered this boat.

[Summersnow]

Thanks for the link. I am starting to believe that boat camping with 5 just won't be an option.

[Plumbtex]

Have a look at John Welsford's penguin
http://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/jw/penguin/index.htm

Chris

[Summersnow]

Penguin looks good. I just need to figure out where to put the 5th person.

Rob

[Plumbtex]

Anchor watch :)

Chris

[JimD]

Thanks for the link. I am starting to believe that boat camping with 5 just won't be an option.

Room for four however is very doable in quite small boats provided you keep the gear to a minimum. There are 15 or 16 footers with six foot cockpit benches and six foot berths in the cabin. Although an 18 or 19er would be much better. I'd want a design with a big cockpit. Its not just where does everyone sleep but where does everyone sit while underway? This boat is 18 feet, also comes in 19.5 and 23:

http://www.selway-fisher.com/High18p1.jpg

[slusher_ben]

I always thought that Lichen from Sam Devlin would make a great family cruiser. Easy to build and you could get as fancy as your budget allows.

http://www.devlinboat.com/lichen.htm

[outofthenorm]

If you have a taste for the unconventional, Bolger's birdwatcher fits the bill. Here's a good website (http://www.proaxis.com/~boblark/bw2_main.htm) of one person's build.

http://www.proaxis.com/~janlark/bw2_OpenPix.jpg

[wtarzia]

How about a sailing scow? Lots of room for its length, easiest to build, and can sail fast: Chapelle has good things to say about them. You must avoid gales in them, though. --Wade

[Jay Greer]

In his book "Sensible Cruising Designs", L. Francis Herreshoff offers a kaladiascope of proven and practical boat designs. Also, in his book "The Complete Cruiser", he gives a time proven look into the philosophy of simple cruising techniques as well as several designs. Many of us consider these classics to be a must on every woodenboat owner's book shelf. Even if one does not opt for an LFH boat, the books are a good read and offer great insight in to the world of simple cruising.
Jay