Actually, it would be the Core Sound MK3 because it has a small cabin and similar sailing characteristics. Nice to be able to have a dry place to store gear, sleep and close a cabin door and hopefully avoid very large snakes and other such wildlife guest when sleeping.
Dovekie would be second choice for similar reasons.
Actually the Core Sound MK3 17’ (b and b yacht designs) is an actual boat that is the original Core Sound 17’ with an upgraded design. See https://bandbyachtdesigns.com/cs17mk3
I have done the Wilderness Waterway including the Nightmare several times during the Everglades Challenge. My son & I have completed it 4 times on a Hobie Tandem Island. This is the only boat of those listed that is capable of making it through the Nightmare/Broad River section. It is a really versatile boat & ideal for the Everglades with some of the narrow river sections and shallow areas. It is even possible to sleep aboard (uncomfortable with no modifications) if you are unable to make it to a ground site or chickee.
Sea Pearl would be fine for much of the Everglades, but would be limited by it’s overall size for exploring some of the smaller rivers & sections like the Nightmare. Question was which boat would be the “best” which is subjective, but I felt the Hobie TI offered the most options. All of the boats mentioned would be good for visiting many areas & using the boat you have is always a great choice.
After giving this a bit of thought, I decided against the plywood Core Sound, only because I don't have the time or patience to build one. If we were talking Sea Pearl Tri, I likely would have chosen that. The Dovekie is a little more boat than I need, and the Adventure Island isn't enough. That, of course, leaves the Norseboat, which is totally fine with me, as it ekes out a win for my aesthetic vote (which counts for way more than it probably should). The Viking component of my ancestry also heartily approves. The only remaining question is which model!
The best boat for this trip isn't on your list. It's the Bolger Birdwatcher (plans from instantboats.com). You absolutely want that sun protection. I'd add a motor mount though. The Everglades is a big area, and you need to be able to cover some distance, even when its calm.
I have never sailed the Everglades, though I want to. My vote was for the dovekie for several reasons.
Shoal draft: it floats in inches of water, just the thing for getting past underwater obstructions and sandbars.
Leeboards: while not my favorite devices for stopping a sailboat from sliding sideways, they kick up easily if they hit something and generally drop back down on their own.
Cabin: While the Dovekie does not have much of a cabin, it better than the others. The "roll bar" also allows for easy tenting of the cockpit for when the afternoon rains and thunderstorms rolling. Even if you don't put a tent up, you can still sit in (limted) comfort until the rains have gone.
I had one, as well as a Marsh Hen. The Dovekie's shoal draft with both leeboards up was perfect, and the dead flat bottom meant very easy recovery after the inevitable grounding. Just poled off with an oar. Downside was minimal mosquito protection in the evening. I think they all suffer from this ..... but they are camp-cruisers!
After reading Killing Mister Watson I was very interested (maybe obsessed) with seeing the Watson campsite where his house was on the Chatham River south of Everglades City. Knowing what went on there around the 1900s, it was pretty freaky to visit that place on the river. I would have trouble camping there overnight. A great read to see what it was like in SW with all the mix of Indians, early settlers, fishermen and outlaws.
For sailing THRU the Everglades (Ft. Meyers to Stuart)…. My Monty 15 worked well…also for the ICW and most of the Coastal Gulf….However, thru the Everglades (Flamingo…130 miles to Everglades City)…my old trusty Potter 15 would be my choice (retractable CB, shallow draft, cabin, row or scull just fine)….mast down!!
CS17 was designed for the EC challenge, sails fast, serves well in shallow water, can be beached, can be slept on, and even rowed. Doesn't need a wet suit. And if you're just 'sploring, not racing, it takes a handy outboard as well.
After sailing a Catalina 22 in the Key Largo side of the Everglades, I think the C-22 was ok but I wanted a boat to get into and through the shallow water better. The Sea Pearl would be great for exploration of all the nooks and crannies, easy in-easy out for swimming and a good camp cruiser .
Dovekie because of the leeboard and capacious cabin. Like a floating Chickadee on the water. Best boat for exploring implying spending many days on the boat. Besides, this is not the Everglades Challenge so you can have a motor on the back.
To all those who have done the Everglades Challenge - congrats! whether you finished or not.
With regard to the boats, I know the Sea Pearl was disigned and build right in that area and FOR that area, but still not my favorite for the EC. My view is possibly warped by youtubes of the EC but I can't help think that the CS17 with a nice dodger would be ideal for the average EC. I love the look of the Norseboat and think it could have serious potential but I have no experience there. I hope a Norseboat gets a good EC video out there and if I missed one please reply with a link to it! Also due to the youtubes, the Hobie Adventure gets the job done nicely - but I can't imagine not being able to get up and move around.
Actually, it would be the Core Sound MK3 because it has a small cabin and similar sailing characteristics. Nice to be able to have a dry place to store gear, sleep and close a cabin door and hopefully avoid very large snakes and other such wildlife guest when sleeping.
Dovekie would be second choice for similar reasons.
And to escape mosquitos
I voted for the Doveie, Duncan but your idea of adding the cabin ti to Core Sound has merit! BestRoy
Hi Roy,
Actually the Core Sound MK3 17’ (b and b yacht designs) is an actual boat that is the original Core Sound 17’ with an upgraded design. See https://bandbyachtdesigns.com/cs17mk3
I have done the Wilderness Waterway including the Nightmare several times during the Everglades Challenge. My son & I have completed it 4 times on a Hobie Tandem Island. This is the only boat of those listed that is capable of making it through the Nightmare/Broad River section. It is a really versatile boat & ideal for the Everglades with some of the narrow river sections and shallow areas. It is even possible to sleep aboard (uncomfortable with no modifications) if you are unable to make it to a ground site or chickee.
Interesting--why couldn't a Sea Pearl? With boards up it has only inches of draft. It's essentially a giant canoe. I'm not doubting you, just curious.
Sea Pearl would be fine for much of the Everglades, but would be limited by it’s overall size for exploring some of the smaller rivers & sections like the Nightmare. Question was which boat would be the “best” which is subjective, but I felt the Hobie TI offered the most options. All of the boats mentioned would be good for visiting many areas & using the boat you have is always a great choice.
After giving this a bit of thought, I decided against the plywood Core Sound, only because I don't have the time or patience to build one. If we were talking Sea Pearl Tri, I likely would have chosen that. The Dovekie is a little more boat than I need, and the Adventure Island isn't enough. That, of course, leaves the Norseboat, which is totally fine with me, as it ekes out a win for my aesthetic vote (which counts for way more than it probably should). The Viking component of my ancestry also heartily approves. The only remaining question is which model!
The best boat for this trip isn't on your list. It's the Bolger Birdwatcher (plans from instantboats.com). You absolutely want that sun protection. I'd add a motor mount though. The Everglades is a big area, and you need to be able to cover some distance, even when its calm.
I have never sailed the Everglades, though I want to. My vote was for the dovekie for several reasons.
Shoal draft: it floats in inches of water, just the thing for getting past underwater obstructions and sandbars.
Leeboards: while not my favorite devices for stopping a sailboat from sliding sideways, they kick up easily if they hit something and generally drop back down on their own.
Cabin: While the Dovekie does not have much of a cabin, it better than the others. The "roll bar" also allows for easy tenting of the cockpit for when the afternoon rains and thunderstorms rolling. Even if you don't put a tent up, you can still sit in (limted) comfort until the rains have gone.
I had one, as well as a Marsh Hen. The Dovekie's shoal draft with both leeboards up was perfect, and the dead flat bottom meant very easy recovery after the inevitable grounding. Just poled off with an oar. Downside was minimal mosquito protection in the evening. I think they all suffer from this ..... but they are camp-cruisers!
Oh, I forgot to mention, bring a paperback copy of Killing Mister Watson by Peter Matthiessen or better yet, read it before going.
After reading Killing Mister Watson I was very interested (maybe obsessed) with seeing the Watson campsite where his house was on the Chatham River south of Everglades City. Knowing what went on there around the 1900s, it was pretty freaky to visit that place on the river. I would have trouble camping there overnight. A great read to see what it was like in SW with all the mix of Indians, early settlers, fishermen and outlaws.
For sailing THRU the Everglades (Ft. Meyers to Stuart)…. My Monty 15 worked well…also for the ICW and most of the Coastal Gulf….However, thru the Everglades (Flamingo…130 miles to Everglades City)…my old trusty Potter 15 would be my choice (retractable CB, shallow draft, cabin, row or scull just fine)….mast down!!
Ditto that with a P-14 :-)
I'm opting for a Dovepearlcore. I can dream can't I.
Never been, never will. Too many bugs, too much humidity, too many reptiles, no thanks. I’ll stay in the PNW.
While the Sea Pearl and the Core Sound17 are both good choices, I intend to explore the Everglades, in a SCAMP. (As soon as I finish building it!)
Charles, don't get stuck.
It can happen- in a SCAMP.
Remember reading the story, vividly!
CS17 was designed for the EC challenge, sails fast, serves well in shallow water, can be beached, can be slept on, and even rowed. Doesn't need a wet suit. And if you're just 'sploring, not racing, it takes a handy outboard as well.
After sailing a Catalina 22 in the Key Largo side of the Everglades, I think the C-22 was ok but I wanted a boat to get into and through the shallow water better. The Sea Pearl would be great for exploration of all the nooks and crannies, easy in-easy out for swimming and a good camp cruiser .
Dovekie because of the leeboard and capacious cabin. Like a floating Chickadee on the water. Best boat for exploring implying spending many days on the boat. Besides, this is not the Everglades Challenge so you can have a motor on the back.
I own 51% of the choices :)
To all those who have done the Everglades Challenge - congrats! whether you finished or not.
With regard to the boats, I know the Sea Pearl was disigned and build right in that area and FOR that area, but still not my favorite for the EC. My view is possibly warped by youtubes of the EC but I can't help think that the CS17 with a nice dodger would be ideal for the average EC. I love the look of the Norseboat and think it could have serious potential but I have no experience there. I hope a Norseboat gets a good EC video out there and if I missed one please reply with a link to it! Also due to the youtubes, the Hobie Adventure gets the job done nicely - but I can't imagine not being able to get up and move around.