FAMILY TIME

FAMILY TIME is a sailing tri-keel fin skiff, based on Summer Breeze by David Beede. She was garage built in Rowlett, Texas, from studying several sets of internet plans.

Materials were mostly from Home Depot: Lauan plywood, KILZ original oil based primer, Glidden Exterior Porch and Floor paint, and PL Premium construction adhesive. The bottom 3 inches were also given a layer of fiberglass cloth and fiberglass resin.

Mast is 16 feet tall made of 3 pieces of aluminum that connect together with a 4 foot long wooden masthead for the 3 stays. The boom is 9 feet long and made from 1 inch dowel that is dogboned along the side for weight and flexibility. Sails are made from thin polytarp and last about 3 years with heavy use. Thanks to Polytarp David Gray for the ideas.

We saved on the materials in the beginning but that was a mistake. We have to make repairs all the time because of delamination or soft spots. Lauan is not marine grade and will delaminate even with great conditions. Once every couple of years I have had to replace different small sections of the hull (approximately 4-sq-ft each time). Better materials at the beginning will result in fewer repairs and more sailing. Recently I began repairing her using marine grade 1/4 inch Douglas-fir plywood and marine epoxy resin. Wood is from Wood World Dallas. I am pleased with the ease of use of the epoxy and can tell that it will extend the life of her.

Davide Beede https://www.simplicityboats.com/summerbreeze.html
King Metals https://www.kingmetals.com/Catalog/Catalog.aspx?CatalogId=c39
Polytarp Dave https://polysail.com/about.htm
Woodworld Texas 13650 T I Blvd #101, Dallas, TX 75243 https://woodworldtx.com/