Dark Harbor 12 1/2 information

[Kaptin-Jer]

I am trying to find someone who has built the Dark Harbor 12. I am undecided between the DH 12 or the Haven. I like the design of the DH, but I am leary of the "drawings with limited information". I am an Architect and I have built or renovated 6 prior boats, but this will be my first "traditional" build. Any suggestions to help my decision will be welcome.

[JimConlin]

Only you know what your skills are. I suggest that you get the drawings for the Dark Harbor, study them, and see if there's a gap between their information and your knowledge. Relative to the cost of the project, the plans' cost is negligible.

[TimH]

Art Read built a 12-1/2

[Yeadon]

I'm sure he'll be along shortly to tell us how it turned out.

[TimH]

I'm sure he'll be along shortly to tell us how it turned out.

Whats the inside scoop on that Tim?

[Yeadon]

Come to CWB's Home Built Boats Weekend, July 24-25 ... I'll tell you everything you want to know. And you can see the boat in person.

For everyone else, a few searches here on the forum will tell you much about Art's Dark Harbor.

[alkorn]

If you'd like to build essentially the same design with detailed plans and support from the designer, perhaps you should consider the "Safe Harbor 12", a redesign by Paul Fisher for strip planking.
http://www.selway-fisher.com/DH124.gif
http://www.selway-fisher.com/OtherDB.htm#HARB.

[mp29k]

Don't forget Somes Sound 12 1/2 from John Brooks. Free study plans avail on his site. He altered the design slightly from the Haven to really shine in Glued Lap. I actually like the resulting transom shape on this better than the Haven. John make s a convincing case for the changes he made to the design not only to accommodate building her in glued lap, but also to reduce a few performance issues in the original design:

http://brooksboatsdesigns.blogspot.com/2010/03/somes-sound-12-12-study-plan_12.html

[esingleman]

I think the DH 12 1/2 is more of a thoroughbred boat than the Haven, just my opinion, never sailed the Dark Harbor.

Also it is a full keeled boat which I would prefer if I am not going to trailer it. DH has large overhangs that will increase the LWL when heeled over and make her theoretically a faster boat.

Haven = dryer, more stable, slower, great plans, shoal draft, no running back stays.

If I were 30 something I might choose a DH 12 1/2, since I am 50 something, I'd go for the Haven.

The Selway Fischer is nice if you can stand looking at a boat that has the boom parallel to the waterline.