cradle boats

[Charles Neuman]

It looks like my first boat will be a cradle boat! I am leaning towards the Baby Tender I or II from Jordan Wood Boats.

First, the Baby Tender looks like it would be a lot harder than the Baby Tender II. I don't mind a challenge, but you know, this project has a time limit. Any comments from builders?

Also, is the WoodenBoat book "The Expectant Father's Cradle Boat Book" useful, even if I don't build one of those boats? I'm curious if the instructions might be useful even if I pick other plans to use.

Thanks,

Charles

[nedL]

Do we sense that a "CONGRATULATIONS!!!" is in order? :D

[TomRobb]

They don't have to float; they don't have to stand up to a measurment committee; they only have to cradle a very small person and look cute to the mother and her friends. Relax and have fun, it's easier than the mother's task :D

[Charles Neuman]

Yes, I'm expecting a new crew!

Yeah, I realize the boat doesn't have to "work". But I'd like to get my techniques down to practice for a future bigger boat. Plus, it's a place to focus my energy so that I feel like I'm actually DOING something. smile.gif

Charles

[imported_Krueg]

Congratulations!

I have the plans for the Baby Tender II. They are well done and easy to follow. I too am expecting a little one. I bought the plans while expecting my last child and never got around to it (I still haven't heard the end of it). I am going to finish it this time! I swear. Just in case my wife sees this.

Eric

[Tom Dimock]

I built the Baby Tender II several years ago - very enjoyable project. Overall, it was a fairly easy project to build. In fact, building this was my first boat project and served as the inspiration to build a Shellback Dinghy and my current project - a lapstrake canoe. The materials I used were pine and cherry for the boat with traditional boat rivets. The davits are cherry and ash with bronze fittings. To date, three children have used this vessel!

I also have the Expectant Fathers book and am considering building the Bahama Dinghy.

[Kevin G]

Charles:

Congrats
I built the Bahama Dinghy as for my first grandson, and the built the Baby Tender for the second g'son.. I had never built a boat before, but had rebuilt a couple of them. I would consider my skills as "very basic"

Both boats were comparatively easy to build, if you are careful and take your time. They are both attractive little craft and will certainly garner you much praise as a loving, caring g'pa.

On "My Wooden Boat" my cradles are "Sea Squirt" and "Sea Pup". I enjoyed building both of them very much.

Good luck and Congrats again.

Kevin