So, it’s the middle of a sweltering summer, and to help counteract the heat (or perhaps because of the heat), I’m considering adding another “B” to my list of activities: Boats. Sailboats, in particular, and the building thereof. (Wait… should that actually count as two things?)
The notion struck me at work one day. I spent 20 years in the Navy as a “sailor,” but never really sailed a single day. Ten months of sea time, but that was all motoring–and I had precious little to do with any of that.
I was also looking for a way to beat the heat, remain socially distant, and maybe even get a little fishing done. So, as with all such things, I did a little research.
We live near enough to the Chesapeake that finding somewhere to take lessons is trivial. Google lists dozens of places, all within a reasonable distance. So, learning how to sail can be arranged.
Most of the places to learn will also rent boats–for everything from one day in the bay fishing trips, on to bareboat charters for many days at a time. Practicing the skills learned in the class can be arranged.
But in the scheme of things, I’d really rather own a boat, rather than rent one–especially if any sort of cruising might be in order. (Or, god forbid, an actual crossing!)
Given the pandemic, apparently purchasing a boat is problematic, unless you want to essentially strip and refurbish one from the keel up. (Everyone else has decided that boats are the way to go, too–so the dealers have sold out of pretty much everything that’s ready to go.) All right, if I can’t buy one, can I build my own?
It seems the answer is “Yes.” There are a number of places that sell the plans to build boats of various types and sizes, from canvas-hulled, collapsible rowboats, up to a 45′ steel oceanic cruiser.
One consideration I had was that I’d like the boat to be trailerable. In no small part, this is because I’d be building it at home, a good 2-plus hour drive from the coast, even without hauling a boat. Also, since I’d want to be near home to do any sort of significant maintenance/overhaul, I’d have to get it back & forth. I may save a little in berthing fees in the off-season, or if we should decide to only cruise every other year or so. The trailerable requirement limits the size–I’ve got to be able to haul it, and it has to be “legal trailer width,” which means absolutely no more than 8′ 6″ of beam.
One of the boats I had started looking at was the 22′ Amigo, from Glen-L Designs. This boat is most famous for its appearance on a popular TV show, although most people wouldn’t know that… I figured, though, if Gibbs could build her in his basement, I could build her in my barn.
But a 22′ sailboat doesn’t seem to leave much room for stuff–she’d be an overnighter/weekender, and folks aboard would have to get really friendly, quick. So, I began perusing Glen-L’s catalog, ad saw that they have two “big sisters” to the Amigo, both trailerable; of the two, the 27′ James Cook caught my eye.
Now, I certainly don’t plan to have her built in a day, or a weekend, or even a month. I’ll probably spend weeks, just looking over the plans and instructions. And while my woodworking chops are fair-to-adequate, I’m certain I’ll be learning a host of new techniques during the build. And, of course, other things around the farm take precedence.
As such, I don’t think I’ll be able to launch anything for several years–I’m shooting for six, but things may slide, and that’ll be possible only if things in my Etsy shop really take off.
As things move ahead, I’ve probably set up a Patreon account, for folks to help out (if you like what you see). Not sure just what I can offer, as incentive. Perhaps the chance to help with the build? Maybe day trips, when she’s built? That’s all stuff to be decided.
For now, it’s just dreaming.