Glad to see Bolger recognized! We built and used four of his designs (all of which we still own - with kids & grandkids still using them 50 years later…). Simple, practical and straightforward to build with his simple, encouraging words. One built in the great and sovereign state of Texas, one while marooned in the middle of the great American desert and two while exploring rivers and bays of Florida, ‘Jersey, central NY and now the harbors and sounds of Connecticut. They’ve never let us down. Plus, most importantly, we’ve had (and do) have a lot of fun along the way!
Nicely put Dave, Influences and Influencers are words claimed by social media gurus these days as something new, yet us boomers were victims to the "I" word long before socials ruled the waves (horrid pun- sorry). For me it's been a sine wave crossed with a boomerang (there must be a name for that). At ten and fifty five I was influenced by Arthur Ransome, at twelve and again at thirty three when I re-read it, Joshua Slocum touched my soul (influenced the name of my eldest son too!). Francis Chichester has stayed with me as did Stanley Smith (West Wight Potter designer) as I return to that wee boat with renewed vigour after a thirty seven year hiatus. Perhaps our choice of boat is a potpourri of all the influences we have had over time. Each of my many boat choices were kinda right at the time. Maybe I just influenced myself! I am good at that..
I have to say, my list of folks and things that influenced me looks about like this! Of course this author also did that at times, if my memory serves. Great article!
Glad to see Bolger recognized! We built and used four of his designs (all of which we still own - with kids & grandkids still using them 50 years later…). Simple, practical and straightforward to build with his simple, encouraging words. One built in the great and sovereign state of Texas, one while marooned in the middle of the great American desert and two while exploring rivers and bays of Florida, ‘Jersey, central NY and now the harbors and sounds of Connecticut. They’ve never let us down. Plus, most importantly, we’ve had (and do) have a lot of fun along the way!
I've been a fan of your square boat designs and your writing for years, Dave. Glad you're still at.
Sweet. Gives me extra fondness for my Pelican
Nicely put Dave, Influences and Influencers are words claimed by social media gurus these days as something new, yet us boomers were victims to the "I" word long before socials ruled the waves (horrid pun- sorry). For me it's been a sine wave crossed with a boomerang (there must be a name for that). At ten and fifty five I was influenced by Arthur Ransome, at twelve and again at thirty three when I re-read it, Joshua Slocum touched my soul (influenced the name of my eldest son too!). Francis Chichester has stayed with me as did Stanley Smith (West Wight Potter designer) as I return to that wee boat with renewed vigour after a thirty seven year hiatus. Perhaps our choice of boat is a potpourri of all the influences we have had over time. Each of my many boat choices were kinda right at the time. Maybe I just influenced myself! I am good at that..
I have to say, my list of folks and things that influenced me looks about like this! Of course this author also did that at times, if my memory serves. Great article!
I have an affinity for the designer of the Folkboat, the Thunderbird and the Atalanta. All very different and individually unique.