23 Comments
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Laingdon's avatar

"Shadow of the scythe", nice!

And why shouldn't boat design consider the intended user/s? That's been a core tenet of architecture for decades.

Dick Dowdell's avatar

I'll be 80 on my next birthday, but it is still tempting.

Eric Russell's avatar

Handsome hull. I like the large cockpit paired with the cuddy. I would like to see the bottom to side joint more rounded using more strakes. A bit more work, but the aesthetics!

One thing to double check is the ergonomics of the various parts and how they work together. Perhaps a couple of longitudinal ribs on the cockpit sole would improve the feeling of security for the old salts sailing the boat when she heels.

I am learning more about those details as I tune Nereid.

Dale Niemann's avatar

I am wondering about rocks & sand clogging up the centerboard. A long time ago I had a DaySailor II and the primary reason I sold it was because every time I took it to a beach the board would get locked up by sand and stones. I finally had to make a tool that I would have to go under the boat and stick it up and catch the board and pull it down. I have never had that problem with my CS17 with a 1 inch keel and centerboard offset a few inches. Something for you guys to think about. I am way too old to have to use my Daysailor II solution.

Please give this some thought. Thanks

Joshua Colvin's avatar

Hi Dale. Like with SCAMP, the Old Salt will have access to the slot and board from above, so it will be relatively easier to clear an obstruction. And the board isn't ballasted, so somewhat easier to work with. We will likely use a flexible gasket to cover the centerboard slot on the bottom as well for better performance.

Dale Niemann's avatar

The Daysailor had a flexible plastic "gasket" for the reasons you mentioned, however, it actually helped accumulate sand. I finally removed it and it got better but still got stuck. Of course its slot was on the center line which was part of the problem.

Rob Kunzig 57's avatar

The Capri 16.5 did as well. When worn it actually directed water up into the slot, into the cockpit. I've never seen the "rod" on Ross's Phoenix III used but would something like that help?

Peter Mumford's avatar

This is one of the drawbacks to a centerboard. The only solution is not to beach the boat on sandy shores if there is any wave action at all.

But actually centerboards, leeboards, and keels all have drawbacks. A centerboard is a pretty good compromise. And, good point about the offset centerboard, protected by a small keel.

Rob Kunzig 57's avatar

Interesting title for this article as - THAT IS - exactly what we are all doing.

I can't WAIT for video's of the trials etc. Pictures of the finished product on the water.

My Ilur is so close to how simple this rig will be. Downhaul, sheet, halyard - but the reefing should be much easier. I'm hoping with the full battons the number of reef ties can be minimal! Can't wait to see it.

Louis B. Smith's avatar

Please put me on the wait list. Glad to prepay in advance.

Louis Smith

Medford , Or

Michael Moore's avatar

Is there a non-tanbark sail option? I'm wait-listed and following this eagerly.

Joshua Colvin's avatar

Yes! We’ll have white and tanbark options.

Michael Moore's avatar

With the build approaching, I'm sure you're getting tons of "thoughts", and here's another: (I'm unsure of the date of this report, so this may seem way off-track) I understand that the hollow mast will accommodate the halyard, so there must be a plan for a block at the masthead. How about using a triple block to allow for the spinnaker halyard and the probable topping lift or lazy jack halyard? It seems like a "cap" or sheave will be needed there anyway, so adding two more lines at production might be worth doing. I'm anxious to come a few times and watch the work and the progress!

Mike Moore

Charlie Nichols's avatar

Well now....a couple of us "old salts" were having a discussion that went some thing like: "I'll build one if you will" and that's a PERFECT boat for Morro Bay and Port San Luis here on the Central California Coast - so, we're cheering you on and hoping that a couple sets of plans will become available soon!!!!

Mark Pingel's avatar

I’m only 42 years young, and I love this boat! Such a great concept and design. You guys should be proud!

Angela Treat Lyon's avatar

The logo - hmmmm - looks familiar . . .

Mark Gallo's avatar

I think it will be a blast to have a PNW messabout and/or races of the OS 15. The kit price is right and the build is pretty simple. There are going to be a lot of these built.

Philip Grate's avatar

Looking forward to the Founders Build. Live in Port Townsend and happy to help with the pre-build preparations.

Kyle Reed's avatar

Won't be long till Old Salt vs Scamp races.

Brad Cote's avatar

Thanks for the update! I am very excited for the Founders Build!

Mike Barnett's avatar

She's turning out to be one amazing looking craft - and eminently sensible, unlike so many boats these days.