It seems that both Phil Bolger and Bill Short (designer of the 12-foot San Francisco Pelican, which I enjoy sailing) may have shared the same ideals, with regard to simplicity, ease of build, and seaworthy function can still be hoots of fun if not quite "artistic".
Great story. Made me laugh out loud. I built a catboat that basically is a scaled-up version of Bolger's Bobcat. Bolger knew how to solve the problems that any useful boat must solve. In his case he seldom included "looking right" on the list of problems he was addressing. I suppose you could say he "worked outside of the box" although that would contradict the usual criticism that his designed often looked boxy.
As a former Citroen owner and dealer, I long ago learned that beauty is as beauty does. The first time I knowingly saw a Citroen, I thought it looked like an oyster trying to swallow a duck. It was too radical. Now, many cars seem to derive from similar design concepts.
The same can be said of many of Bolger's designs. They take some cognitive shifting and are not for everyone. His market is a niche within a niche. When it comes time to move on, the boats will be difficult to sell unless the potential buyer has also shifted attitudes.
The first boat I bought plans for was a scow schooner [Even then, I was a schooner freak.], not a Bolger design. I never built her but still appreciate the drawings. The opportunity never arose.
One of my criteria was cost to build and simplicity. A lot of people would have said she was not pretty, but I would have been building to meet my needs, critics be damned.
Yes, and art is in the eye of the beholder. Properly done these boats can amaze on more than one level. You might want to use it up, however, since all boats are much harder to sell when old. many of these even harder!
An “artistic” touché!
It seems that both Phil Bolger and Bill Short (designer of the 12-foot San Francisco Pelican, which I enjoy sailing) may have shared the same ideals, with regard to simplicity, ease of build, and seaworthy function can still be hoots of fun if not quite "artistic".
Of course, let me assure you, arguments of Aesthetics are studies within the Philosophy Department, not the Art Department.
Artist's intentions are purely their own and too often only valued by admirers of a similar mind~
I thoroughly enjoyed the Art photos. It's amazing what you miss if you don't look at the WHOLE picture....
Great story. Made me laugh out loud. I built a catboat that basically is a scaled-up version of Bolger's Bobcat. Bolger knew how to solve the problems that any useful boat must solve. In his case he seldom included "looking right" on the list of problems he was addressing. I suppose you could say he "worked outside of the box" although that would contradict the usual criticism that his designed often looked boxy.
You're awesome Dave, great piece.
As a former Citroen owner and dealer, I long ago learned that beauty is as beauty does. The first time I knowingly saw a Citroen, I thought it looked like an oyster trying to swallow a duck. It was too radical. Now, many cars seem to derive from similar design concepts.
The same can be said of many of Bolger's designs. They take some cognitive shifting and are not for everyone. His market is a niche within a niche. When it comes time to move on, the boats will be difficult to sell unless the potential buyer has also shifted attitudes.
The first boat I bought plans for was a scow schooner [Even then, I was a schooner freak.], not a Bolger design. I never built her but still appreciate the drawings. The opportunity never arose.
One of my criteria was cost to build and simplicity. A lot of people would have said she was not pretty, but I would have been building to meet my needs, critics be damned.
Yes, and art is in the eye of the beholder. Properly done these boats can amaze on more than one level. You might want to use it up, however, since all boats are much harder to sell when old. many of these even harder!
That was just fun.
I agree! I would never design a boat with that wasteful pointy bit on the bow!!! Lol! AllthebestRoy
Just ordered a bunch of pre-owned (and hopefully pre-read!) Bolger boat books. Looking forward to learning more about Brick & other designs.
An enjoyable story Dave. Thank you.