Eun na Mara or Wee Seal II

[Sea Frog]

Sirs,

A few questions concerning those two designs.

* Does the 6 meters ie 19'8" Eun Mara length include the fore and aft bowsprits? I shouldn't ask as it is given as a LOA, but I've seen at least once such an expression as deck length overall or deck LOA so one never knows! I'm concerned with my workshop space.
* Is there a big difference in roominess between the two cabins, as the Wee Seal is overall shorter anyway?
* Cost estimations ain't easy as those have to include so many factors, but for the EM those vary from 12,000$ to twice that figure or more; should we always pick the pessimistic figure?
* The indicated building time on the Classic Marine site is 50% longer for the Eun Mara, although the Wee Seal is heavier; do we need 500 extra hours to build the mizzen?
* Will the Seal be a better seafarer with her scandinavian overhang and larger beam?
* Perhaps we're being overly macho there, but doesn't the bowsprit look a bit like a fishing rod left behind on that large foredeck?
How about a sturdier replacement, and could it run parallel to the deck, pointing slightly upwards, without reducing the foresail area?
Or is the visible bend a practical indication of the right tensioning opposing the forestay pull?

Thanks,
Eric

[Thorne]

As for specifics, you may wish to post your questions to the various forums / groups that focus on these designers.

for Oughtred builders - http://www.quicktopic.com/31/H/2A2LGRxMzGR

Plus several other resources - google the designer.

I lurk on the Yahoo groups for both Oughtred and Welsford just to see what issues the builders encounter, and how good the support it. Welsford of course is very active in supporting and discussing his designs, a HUGE plus for inexperienced builders like myself in my opinion.

[ 03-16-2006, 10:24 AM: Message edited by: Thorne ]

[JimM]

Sea Frog

Iain Oughtred does not have a web site but he is very good at replying to letter sent to him. He writes very detailed letter. Why not ask him your questions, you will get the straight infomation. His address is:

Iain Oughtred
Struan Cottage Bernisdale
Isle of Skye IV51 9NS Scotland

Jim McGee

[Dale H]

Hi Eric,

I'll have a go at answering some of your questions.

Length excludes spars.

Can't say as I've never been in a Wee Seal. The Eun Mara is probably roomier as there is no centerboard in the way. I can say the Eun Mara, while small inside, does have tons of storage for a boat this size.

The cost depends on so many things. You can make your hardware, buy good used, or buy top of the line new. Where you are also affects price/availability of parts/supplies. I often say to do your best estimates and then double it. I figure our Eun Mara will end up costing close to $25 000 CDN with bought sails, trailer, outboard(new), tons of bronze hardware, and very little scrimping. I know you could build her for a fair bit less but I was not wllling to go cheap anywhere.

I don't pay those building times any attention at all. An amateur will take a lot of hours to build a boat. I tried to do my level best on every task involved and sometimes this means 2 or 3 tries to get something right. The extra hours are because of two bilge board cases, more spars, and so on. By the time ours hits the water this summer it will be 5 1/2 years in the building.

The prototype Eun Mara handles the North Sea conditions around Scotland with no trouble so I doubt if there is much difference here.

You must mean Minna, the prototype. Yes it is a curved bowsprit and not bent in use. Looks are a subjective thing but my plans show a straight bowsprit. Trust me the foredeck is not that big.

There are choices here but check with Iain first.

Regards,

Dale

www.alistego.com (http://www.alistego.com)

[Venchka]

Interesting debate, eh? I just GOOGLED an image of what may be Wee Seal Mk II #1...

http://simmonsandbroome.com/images/wee_seal_20050614.jpg

Very nice looking boat. The two boats are very similar in size. Eun Mara a tad longer, Wee Seal II a tad wider. I'd wager that they come out very nearly equal in terms of materials and time.

"Ya pays yer money and takes your choice."

Both are winners.

By all means write to Iain.

Wayne
In Texas. :D

[Sea Frog]

Infos much appreciated, thanks to all.
Dale, your site and construction have my admiration.
Eun Na Mara has a moderate beam as a canoe, but lots of volume in the ends, hence the large foredeck impression. Quite a decent depth, too.
I'll have to check her compliance with the damned Euro regulations, e.g. as to a self-bailing cockpit or imperial plans measurements.
I'll write as said.

Eric

[StevenBauer]

The latest Watercraft Magazine has a few pictures of a recently launched Wee Seal Mk 2. And a promise of a more detailed article in the next issue. :D

Steven