You had me at Small Boat Journal! I loved that magazine and was heart-broken when Ketchum & Blair sold it an the new owner changed direction (I remember it featuring a Cigarette boat). Apparently other readers felt the same way and it wasn't long before SBJ was a memory. That is actually how I found SBA, when doing a search to see if SBJ had been resurrected. Two different magazines, both excellent.
I am intrigued by your article. Not that I seem to find the time, despite being retired, to build even a simple piroque much less something more involved, but your description sounds perfect!
Phil Bolger was introduced to me in Small Boat Journal. Then I started buying his books and paying attention. He became a sort of boat physics guru to me and I began to see sea worthiness in a different light. Thanks John for sharing this, and thanks for the things you do for the small boat crowd as well!
Good question. Would lowering the freeboard improve the boat? Yes, it'd look better, and there'd be less windage. (There are marginal conditions in which the windage can make the boat hard to tack.) BUT, I think you'd lose the essential character of the design, which is an incredibly comfortable cockpit, and dryness in cold weather.
Geez, all I need - another set of plans to build (laughing). I have always liked this design. I remember seeing one during the 2016 Palooza up here along the east side of the Olympic Peninsula (thanks for the memories, Marty Loken!) More seriously this is a wonderful article - well done!
One or two notes - I sailed with John a number of times in this "Good Little Ship." However, the blunt front and slab sides will toss spray in any chop and wind. A suggested fix would be some trim along the first 1/3 of so of the sides, to deflect spray. And a couple of same on the bow.
Sailing alone once (John loaned me the boat for a while to keep on a dock) I got hit with a puff that caused a vicious jibe. The boat handles it, and it wasn't a knockdown, but it's so short that it amounted to pivoting on its keel. Startling and unexpected.
And finally, I'd opt for a little more rudder area.
Oh my gosh, you can draw a straight line from Oldshoe to the Nesting Expedition Dinghy. N.E.D. is a mash-up of Bolger's "Sailing Pirogue 12" and Oldshoe. Any resemblance to Bolger's design language is absolutely intentional.
I should add briefly that the large amount of locker space means the Oldshoe could very easily carry batteries for electric power. AFAIK this was never tried but marine electric power has come a long way since.
I have a “rescued” old shoe that was built by a couple in WA who towed it to warmer climes and lived on it for six months or so…fresh paint and new masts and off we go…
I loved reading about the Oldshoe - at first I thought it must be a prank - looking like sailing a cereal box - but no, after your description, I'd say yes anytime to an afternoon sail in it!
I have Pondered “Old Shoe” over the years….Simplicity Rules!…..I have just never made the leap to do it!…..Maybe if I lived closer to “Retired Kees” he would guide & encourage me to do it!….Dan
You had me at Small Boat Journal! I loved that magazine and was heart-broken when Ketchum & Blair sold it an the new owner changed direction (I remember it featuring a Cigarette boat). Apparently other readers felt the same way and it wasn't long before SBJ was a memory. That is actually how I found SBA, when doing a search to see if SBJ had been resurrected. Two different magazines, both excellent.
I am intrigued by your article. Not that I seem to find the time, despite being retired, to build even a simple piroque much less something more involved, but your description sounds perfect!
Phil Bolger was introduced to me in Small Boat Journal. Then I started buying his books and paying attention. He became a sort of boat physics guru to me and I began to see sea worthiness in a different light. Thanks John for sharing this, and thanks for the things you do for the small boat crowd as well!
Hey John, I'm curious: did you ever consider lowering her freeboard? Do you think she needs to be that high sided?
Good question. Would lowering the freeboard improve the boat? Yes, it'd look better, and there'd be less windage. (There are marginal conditions in which the windage can make the boat hard to tack.) BUT, I think you'd lose the essential character of the design, which is an incredibly comfortable cockpit, and dryness in cold weather.
A miniature Micro.
Geez, all I need - another set of plans to build (laughing). I have always liked this design. I remember seeing one during the 2016 Palooza up here along the east side of the Olympic Peninsula (thanks for the memories, Marty Loken!) More seriously this is a wonderful article - well done!
One or two notes - I sailed with John a number of times in this "Good Little Ship." However, the blunt front and slab sides will toss spray in any chop and wind. A suggested fix would be some trim along the first 1/3 of so of the sides, to deflect spray. And a couple of same on the bow.
Sailing alone once (John loaned me the boat for a while to keep on a dock) I got hit with a puff that caused a vicious jibe. The boat handles it, and it wasn't a knockdown, but it's so short that it amounted to pivoting on its keel. Startling and unexpected.
And finally, I'd opt for a little more rudder area.
I kept increasing the size of the rudder endplate until it was 12" wide. THAT was, finally, big enough.
John, wondering if I should put an endplate on the rudder of the (new to me) Micro?
So how much influence did Old Shoe have on designing your Nesting Expedition Dinghy?
Oh my gosh, you can draw a straight line from Oldshoe to the Nesting Expedition Dinghy. N.E.D. is a mash-up of Bolger's "Sailing Pirogue 12" and Oldshoe. Any resemblance to Bolger's design language is absolutely intentional.
I should add briefly that the large amount of locker space means the Oldshoe could very easily carry batteries for electric power. AFAIK this was never tried but marine electric power has come a long way since.
I have a “rescued” old shoe that was built by a couple in WA who towed it to warmer climes and lived on it for six months or so…fresh paint and new masts and off we go…
Lived on it? No kidding?
well maybe lived on it is a more appropriate way of putting it...
I loved reading about the Oldshoe - at first I thought it must be a prank - looking like sailing a cereal box - but no, after your description, I'd say yes anytime to an afternoon sail in it!
I have Pondered “Old Shoe” over the years….Simplicity Rules!…..I have just never made the leap to do it!…..Maybe if I lived closer to “Retired Kees” he would guide & encourage me to do it!….Dan
Thank you for sharing your passions and challenges…
earth, water, heavenly-sound
Are plans available anywhere?
From Phil Bolger & Friends. You can get info from the Bolger discussion list at groups.io.
Great story, Bolger reigns. Some day he will be “discovered.” Thank you for sharing your story, John.