Love the concept and shape. My ideal would have been a little less cockpit and a bit more cubby as I enjoy boat camping. I built a Bolger "Tiny Cat" years ago. This would have been great then.
Yep, always a tradeoff. We are aiming squarely at how most of these types of sailors will actually use their boats. That said, we are looking forward to how this boat can be tented and converted to an exceptional beach-cruiser.
I’m looking forward to the fully-ballasted test sail in gusty 15-25k winds blowing against a Salish Sea current. Reading about it, not doing it. Sweet boat.
What a beauty! Any comments on how you plan to fill and empty the water ballast tank? On my Scamp, I usually fill with a hose before launch and leave it that way, but this boat sounds like the ballast is based more on the conditions. Will the tank self-fill and self drain, or are pumps involved? I've used Elvstrom bailers, and found them to work, but I wouldn't call them reliable.
Hi Mike. We haven't had enough wind yet to want to fill the tank, but we've got it set up with an Elvstrom bailer—no pumps yet. We'll need to test to decide on protocols.
Quite an amazing little boat, actually! Could the folks involved address what would be lost by increasing the cabin accommodations at the expense of the cockpit?
Mostly just less cockpit and associated comforts. As I say, we're aiming at how most people use their boats most of the time. The current cockpit is uniquely comfortable and unobstructed. But some fun tent/camp options exist, working off the partial cabin.
Thats a brilliant approach to mast handling! Being able to drop and raise the mast on thewater without a second thought shows how well thought-out the simplicity is. The "toaster slot" design basically removes one of the biggest barriers for solo sailors. I've struggled with unsteppng masts at awkward angles enough times to appreciate how liberating that must feel.
I think you have done a great job merging the classic and modern, without creating a Franken-monster! Well done. I think the simplicity will be welcome by many, not just the old salts!
This looks like a great boat in which to grow old and still enjoy the water. This design has the possibility of reaching a mass audience. I can hardly wait to test sail one. Are there any professional boat builders on the east coast whom I might contract with for a build in the future?
Please pardon the ignorant question, but does the registration cost for the https://nwmaritime.org/events/old-salt-founders-build-2026/ include the materials for the build (minus mast, sail, trailer, which are noted as extra), or does one need to purchase the materials separately from the registration cost? Thank you!
Hi Peli, My understanding is that the Founders Build fees include the basic plywood kit (including foils kit) and the materials needed for contraction during that period. Sails, mast, trailer, and additional supplies/hardware are not included. But reach out to the NWMC for any clarifications. Thanks!
How many meters of sheet do you have to let out to sail downwind? Or does the sail form like a spinnaker so that you "hardly have to let out any sheet"? That would be brilliant.
we desperately need a video tour of this boat. walkaround, rig, the interior - the whole 9.
Will do soon!
Please include an "Off Center Harbor" style on the water sailing section on the video?!
Love the concept and shape. My ideal would have been a little less cockpit and a bit more cubby as I enjoy boat camping. I built a Bolger "Tiny Cat" years ago. This would have been great then.
Yep, always a tradeoff. We are aiming squarely at how most of these types of sailors will actually use their boats. That said, we are looking forward to how this boat can be tented and converted to an exceptional beach-cruiser.
I’m looking forward to the fully-ballasted test sail in gusty 15-25k winds blowing against a Salish Sea current. Reading about it, not doing it. Sweet boat.
What a beauty! Any comments on how you plan to fill and empty the water ballast tank? On my Scamp, I usually fill with a hose before launch and leave it that way, but this boat sounds like the ballast is based more on the conditions. Will the tank self-fill and self drain, or are pumps involved? I've used Elvstrom bailers, and found them to work, but I wouldn't call them reliable.
Hi Mike. We haven't had enough wind yet to want to fill the tank, but we've got it set up with an Elvstrom bailer—no pumps yet. We'll need to test to decide on protocols.
What do you think the price point will be for a fiberglass version?
Quite an amazing little boat, actually! Could the folks involved address what would be lost by increasing the cabin accommodations at the expense of the cockpit?
Mostly just less cockpit and associated comforts. As I say, we're aiming at how most people use their boats most of the time. The current cockpit is uniquely comfortable and unobstructed. But some fun tent/camp options exist, working off the partial cabin.
I could look at these photos ALL DAY - kinda have...
Congrats to all
Thats a brilliant approach to mast handling! Being able to drop and raise the mast on thewater without a second thought shows how well thought-out the simplicity is. The "toaster slot" design basically removes one of the biggest barriers for solo sailors. I've struggled with unsteppng masts at awkward angles enough times to appreciate how liberating that must feel.
BRANDON'S OLD SALT IS EXCEPTIONAL IN EVERY RESPECT.
I think you have done a great job merging the classic and modern, without creating a Franken-monster! Well done. I think the simplicity will be welcome by many, not just the old salts!
Thanks for the update!
Clean form!!!
This looks like a great boat in which to grow old and still enjoy the water. This design has the possibility of reaching a mass audience. I can hardly wait to test sail one. Are there any professional boat builders on the east coast whom I might contract with for a build in the future?
We have a West Coast pro builder who is happy to build a kit boat for interested parties, but none in mind on the East Coast.
Please pardon the ignorant question, but does the registration cost for the https://nwmaritime.org/events/old-salt-founders-build-2026/ include the materials for the build (minus mast, sail, trailer, which are noted as extra), or does one need to purchase the materials separately from the registration cost? Thank you!
Hi Peli, My understanding is that the Founders Build fees include the basic plywood kit (including foils kit) and the materials needed for contraction during that period. Sails, mast, trailer, and additional supplies/hardware are not included. But reach out to the NWMC for any clarifications. Thanks!
Looks very comfortable. I look forward to a longer version already.
How many meters of sheet do you have to let out to sail downwind? Or does the sail form like a spinnaker so that you "hardly have to let out any sheet"? That would be brilliant.
Looks GREAT, Josh! If I had any woodworking ability AT ALL, I would join your first build group. Looking forward to more updates.