Oughtred's SKUA update

[GaffRig]

I wrote a letter to Iain Oughtred with a few questions, one of which was the status of SKUA. I received his reply yesterday, in it he states that the SKUA will be 16' x 5'3", easier driven by oars or a small outboard (contrasting the Fulmar design). He said he is hoping to get her drawn up in 3 or 4 months, and if I wanted to go ahead with SKUA, he can do lines and patterns first, enough to get me started on moulds, etc. and construction plans - sail plans would follow soon after.
He said plans will be $162

I find myself at a real decision point, but am gravitating towards the Fulmar for my first boat, as I think I would prefer to build the SKUA as a traditional copper/bronze riveted clinker. So that may be my next boat after Fulmar. As Iain stated to me, the Fulmar is beamier with a much bigger and more adventurous sailing rig. I think this sounds more in line with my goals for my first boat.

-Tony

[Venchka]

The check is in the mail, right? :cool: Not? What are waiting for? :D

Either boat will be a good one. No doubt about that. A major undertaking. Will you actually build both?

Wayne
In the Swamp. :D

[GaffRig]

Wayne,
My only holdup is that a friend made the suggestion that I should consider repairing/refurbishing an existing boat, like a Thistle for my first boatbuilding attempt. He tells me if I get one in good shape, the timeline on the project may be less demanding in man hours... So I am mulling it over, but am still leaning towards building the Fulmar.

[bheys]

Tony - finding a used Thistle could sure get you on the water much sooner. The Thistle is fairly ubiquitous and if your interests tend toward racing, it would certainly lend itself. I believe the sail area of the Thistle is about 175 sq. ft. compared to the Fulmar's 155. The Thistle is a bit heavier (but still a lightweight), it is an open boat and its sails are not reefable. From what I've seen, it is usually sailed by 3 people. In many conditions it is hands-down faster than the Fulmar. All in all, the two boats are very similar.

[GaffRig]

I'm curious to know how the Thistle compares to the Fulmar in terms of initial stability, and I would think she would be more likely to capsize in the event of an unexpected puff. I race keelboats every week (tonight matter-of-fact), but am very new to centerboard boats. I sailed one(an American-[something]) this past Tuesday for the first time.

[Dean4140]

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

The web site has the history, specs and used thistles for sale. Used boats are either all wood (cold molded) or fiberglass hull with wood interior components.

The Thistle has a very fast portsmouth rating of 83.
www.ussailing.org/portsmouth (http://www.ussailing.org/portsmouth)

It requires a crew of three. Can only be sailed solo in light winds or with a reefed main. Thistles are very nice and the all wood boats are really beautiful. Most Thistles also have floatation compartments. Dean

[Venchka]

Or something similar, yet different. A bit more docile perhaps until you get the hang of a centerboard boat. O'day Daysailer I or II. There are two for sale in N.J.
Daysailer I (http://www.daysailer.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1272)
Daysailer (http://www.daysailer.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1262)

Daysailer Association (http://www.daysailer.org/index.php)

Wayne
In the Swamp. :D