We put out a call asking readers what kinds of boats they’re currently building or fixing up. Your very interesting responses are posted below. —Eds
James Bland was looking for a quiet little project before building an OK Dinghy, but his SF Pelican build ended up being followed by folks all over the world. Built from plans, it took longer than expected (1000 hour and 18 months), but James says the kindness of friends and sailors has made it all worthwhile.
Martijn Thomas is building a Tenderly Dinghy from Chesapeake Light Craft in his garden under a patio roof. The kit was supplied by Berger Boote in Germany. Martijn lives in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, so a roof and some tarps are required to keep the rain and cold air out. Follow his Instagram of the build here.
Wayne Dyson is building a Chesapeake Light Craft Nesting Pram. He has about 12 hours into constriction, but that includes removing and replacing panels, “Don’t ask!” he says. “I’m lready dreading cutting it in half!”
Paul Bargren is building a 10'6" Scout, from Duckworks. The kit arrived on New Year's Eve and Paul was able to work inside at a volunteer to get the hull assembled. He brought it back home near the end of May, finished off the details in the garage and most recently has been painting. “This one will go on the car top, so I won't need another trailer,” he says. “Oh, and I made some oars for it, too, from a 2x8.”
Speaking of Scouts, Danile Patterson is just about finished with his. He writes, “117 hours, and at the point of bedding hardware, so it should be in the water really soon. It was built on a couple benches (extended width wise) and on top of a table saw, which involved some unpleasant climbing to reach the far side, but that’s the space available. The non ‘shop’ side of this narrow 1930s garage has a sailboat on a trailer & two canoes hanging above it.
This picture shows a 1940 Old Town Otca 17 that Dirk van Duym is restoring with a friend, and in the foreground, the port side of the centerboard case for his next project, a Pete Culler Sampan.
Bruce Robbins says he’s thinking about how to give this old Beetle Cat new life. We hope he finds a way.
A reader “B.C.” sent us these photos of his 7’9” pram—form model concept to sailing boat using a carbon sailboard mast and homemade sail.
We’ll show you a few more reader projects soon! —Eds
I love them ALL!!! So little time…so many cool boats!!