John Leather - Oyster Sloop

[JimM]

Hi
Is there a web site with John Leather's boat designs or does someone know where I can write to inquire about plans.

Thanks All
Jim McGee

[garland reese]

Hey Jim,

I did a little searching last night for any site's with Mr. Leather's designs (specifically the oyster sloop 18 footer). I didn't find anything except several books that he's written, most being out of print these days. I wonder if any lines or plans are in any of his books?

I hope something turns up on the Oyster sloop. Several folks seem to be intrigued with the design, since seeing the picture that John posted. She sure is fine looking. I wonder if she's done in glued lap ply or more traditional clinker construction?

Hope something turns up...........

[TomFF]

Great Lakes Boat building has a pic of one they built. Perhaps they can give you some info.

http://www.greatwoodboats.com/c-thumb.htm

http://www.greatwoodboats.com/c10.jpg

[Phil Joseph]

Thats me in my Oyster sloop on the Lake Michigan beach. Mike Kiefer did a fine job of building the hull, and I finished it. We lengthed it about a foot and a half, and I added the cuddy. It is a superb boat and I would highly recommend it as a daysailor. It is solid, stable, extremely seaworthy. It is reasonably fast. This boat is built very strongly, as it is epoxy glued mahogany ply with steamed oak ribs copper riveted. I wrote to John Leather when I got the plans and he thought the construction method was just fine, especially if the boat was going to be trailered a lot. I have moved it a lot and it never leaks a drop. I highly recommend Mike as a shipwright. He is a sailor, boat lover, and and will build a strong, correct boat at a fair price. John Leather is a highly respected marine historian and designer and I would Imagine the plans are still available from him. A fellow named Charlie Ward is building an interesting line of boats, including the Oyster Sloop, in England. He always has ads in the British magazine, Classic Boating. There was an article on the Oyster recently. If you e-mail me I could send you a copy. Hope this helps.

[JimM]

Thanks Phil
I looked for information on your Oyster Sloop. I could only find information on a open 16'+ sloop designed by John Leather. Thanks for solving the mystery. Your sloop is a really pretty boat. Mike Kiefer did a wonderful job.
Jim McGee

[ 03-12-2003, 12:21 AM: Message edited by: JimM ]

[Peter Jacobs]

Phil: What's the thickness of the plywood planking on your beauty?

-Peter-

[Phil Joseph]

Peter, the planking on the Oyster is 3/8 mahogany ply. I don't know the exact brand or type. The ribs are white oak. Mike built the boat over temporary section molds, with laps epoxy glued. He said when taken off the mold the hull seemed so strong you could probably leave out the ribs, though we didn't. (and I wouldn't) The general scantlings of the boat are much stouter than most boats her size. That was one thing that appealed to me about the design. And that John Leather had designed it for his own use. That seemed a pretty good recommendation. I found the design in the Mariner's Catalog. Sure wish someone would revive that.

[KenC]

Phil - do you recall which volume of Mariner's Catalog that design was in? There are occasionally some old volumes available as used books. I'll add my praise -- that is one fine-looking boat.

[Phil Joseph]

Volume 3, page 22. "Boat Plans from an English Designer." It lists six plans, the Oyster, a 19 foot cruising cutter or sloop (pictured), a 24 and 32 gaff cutter, and a 26 and 32 foot lobster-type powerboat. The Oyster plans were 30 dollars. Wonder if that price is still good. All the plan prices were very reasonable, from 30 to 250 dollars. The address at that time (1975, is that possible?) was, John Leather, Stanswood, 118 Baring Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight, U.K. If that doesn't work I'm sure the folks at Watercraft could help you find him. It is a British small craft magazine widely distributed in this country. A fine, worthwhile publication if you like things British. Yes, yes, its' almost as good as Woodenboat.