Coquina owners/ builders opinions sought

[Skegemog]

I am trying to finish up my Coquina build in glued lap per Doug Hylan's plans and I cannot decide which setup to use for the thwarts of the two shown in the examples on the CD. Those of you who have actually sailed one of these, how do you like the stern sheet arrangement?

[Rob Hazard]

I launched my Coquina on May 15th and have been sailing her since then. I chose the more traditional setup with the thwarts, except I changed the forward one, the one with the mast step in it, into a storage compartment with a watertight hatch. I also relocated the after-bulkhead about 3" forward so it supports a mizzen mast partner at deck height, thus eliminating the partner thwart aft. I changed the single hatch in the after bulkhead for 2 smaller gasketed ones either side of the mizzen mast so I could access the compartment without interference from the mast. I also added tubes through the compartment for the steering lines so the compartment could be watertight.

So far I am totally happy with the boat. Totally. The steering system took a couple hours to get accustomed to, but I'm perfectly at home with it now and I love being able to steer from the bow, even standing up forward with the main sheet in one hand and the steering line in the other, watching the bottom slide by as I cruise up the salt marsh creeks.

This is a very cool boat to sail!

Sorry, what was your question again?

[Skegemog]

Not to sound dense hopefully but do you mean the curved "stern sheet" arrangement as I have seen it described here? I love the way that looks and would love to do it that way. Where do you find yourself sitting when you are reaching or pointing in a decent breeze, say above 12 knots? Have you had occasion to hike out much and if so do the little rails on the inside of edge of the side decks bother your legs at all? Sorry for all the questions but I have thoroughly enjoyed building this boat and want to finish it off as well as possible.

I'm dying to sail mine, trying to get it in the water by mid October so I have a lot to do..............

[m2c1Iw]

I'm planking my Coquina at the moment and I keep asking myself the same questions but am leaning towards thwarts. While the stern sheets look nice and provide a level of comfort I wonder about trim with the weight so far back. I have always sailed dinghies perched on the side deck so sitting in a boat would be novel.

Rob can you post some pics of your boat set up they sound like great ideas.

[Skegemog]

I wondered too about weight distribution. I came up sailing board boats, dinghies and catamarans so have had my share of sitting on top of boats, but for the past ten years I have done the majority of my sailing in a 23' Joel White designed double ender (same as LALA in WB many years ago). It is such a comfortable boat to sit in and lean back against the coaming. The Coquina is a much smaller boat but I would love to have a comfortable way to sit in it.

[Rob Hazard]

When I'm alone in the boat I prefer to sit a bit forward of the after thwart. I think the boat moves more sweetly if the transom is kept just clear of the water. With 2 aboard, one on the after thwart and one on the middle thwart feels just right. With 3, one aft, one amidships and one on the forward thwart feels fine. The low coaming on the side decks is no problem. You won't feel it at all under your legs when you're hiking out.

[Rob Hazard]

Oh, the stern sheet arrangement. No, I chose the thwarts, partly to encourage myself to keep my weight out of the stern. This is not a planing hull. Dragging the transom is not a good idea, as far as I can tell.

[Mick Herron]

I am currently fitting the floor boards and thwarts to my Coquina. I have chosen the traditional placement of the after-bulkhead, so I will have the mizzen thwart. I believe I will use the curved "stern sheet" arrangement; although I may change my mind. I think the placement of the curved section will keep the crew weight properly forward. I have just finished sewing a Sailrite kit in cream Dacron. I was very pleased with the quality and completeness of the kit.

Rob you're an inspiration. Congratulations on your launch.

[Rob Hazard]

Thanks, Mick.

I will try to get some pictures posted soon.

[Breeeze]

Hi Skegemog,

I just launched my Coquina. I built with the curved seat in the back, and I like the looks and being able to sit there as well as on the floor. First I was a bit hesitant because I felt these seats take away some "floor space" when sleeping in the boat (I plan to camp out overnight some time), but after rolling around on the platform and "trying" a few sleeping arrangements it will be fine.

Sailing is great, I can sit very comfortably "higher up" on the seat, and also on the platform. I think you should go for the curved seats. And they are very pretty, especially if you build them with the turned spindles. Have a look at my site, you'll see.

http://gallery.me.com/w123.153/100371/IMG_7706/web.jpg?ver=12868440510001

Best,