By Bill Mantis
The Number 1 Design Criterion.
In designing City Slicker 2.0, I was looking for a boat that would deliver the highest pleasure/aggravation ratio possible. A boat that would be small, affordable, easy to build, easy to roll up onto a trailer, light, easy to flip over for maintenance or storage without assistance, easy to launch and to set up, and easy to propel without a motor. I was seeking a daysailer that could handle shallow, weedy lakes. One that would be ready to go on a moment’s notice, whenever the urge struck. The State of Minnesota adds an incentive to own a boat of that general description. If it’s 10 feet or shorter, you don’t even need to register or license it. A big part of her high P/A ration can be attributed to the pleasure I derived from designing and building CS 2.0, as well as the fun I have in learning her quirks and making changes. Plus, there are the compliments she receives whenever she goes out in public.
The Vital Statistics
City Slicker 2.0’s hull measures 8.5’ x 4.4’ and weighs 90 lbs. The length along the waterline (LWL) is 7.25’. The rig is a balance lug with 70 SF of sail area. The plywood hull is flat-bottomed with approximately 4” of rocker in the keel. Her side decks are an uncommon feature in a boat of that size. Although pivoting leeboards that are mounted outboard are not rare, outboard daggerboards—of the sort CS 2.0 carries—are. Compared to boats of similar hull size, her sail is large, her leeboards and rudder are small.
Taking City Slicker 2.0 for a Sail
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