When you know it's time to start a new project

[SBrookman]

Since there is no logical reason to build your own boat you have to be creative. Here's just a few that I came up with as I prepare to start the next build.

You know it's time to build anew when:
Epoxy stirrers and containers (popsicle sticks and yogurt cups) multiply and start taking over the shop
The list of to-dos on the last boat seem almost manageable
Your bank account has almost recovered from the last build
You spent the last summer sailing, not building, but thinking of the what to build next
Others???

So now that I have the reasons, the model built:
http://traditionalsmallcraft.com/Images/BM/BMfurled.jpg (http://traditionalsmallcraft.com/BleuMelo.html)
The plywood is being delivered tomorrow, so it's time to start the real build...whenever it warms up.

[Dave Gray]

Looks nice! They are all very sound reasons, to my thinking anyhow. Your own design?

[W Grabow]

I understand where you are coming from. I finished a boat in December; haven't even taken it out yet, and am already day dreaming about the next build. The model is nice way to at least do something constructive.

[SBrookman]

It's a 1 1/2" scale model of a 16' Melonseed, sort of a Barto/Brady hybrid. More details at http://traditionalsmallcraft.com/BleuMelo.html

[Michael Wick]

I find building the model is a tremendous help when it comes to building the real boat. It makes the real boat your second build, not your first. The Maritime Museum in Cortez Florida sells laser cut kits of the Cortez Melonseed that were packaged by Ted Cook. They aren't cheap, but they go together well. Mike Wick

[jacketch]

Needs more pictures; closeups?

[SBrookman]

You don't need to look toooo close (this isn't a Donald Branscom (http://forum.woodenboat.com/member.php?9249-donald-branscom) model) but here are some:
http://traditionalsmallcraft.com/Images/BM/Hull1.jpg
Planks from left over "real" boat wood, spruce here...Hull from WB's Barto plans.
http://traditionalsmallcraft.com/Images/BM/DeckBeams.jpg
Rounded coaming from John Brady's plans...Modified CB, brought to deck level, no lanyard.
http://traditionalsmallcraft.com/Images/BM/BMBoardDown.jpg
Not a real MS rudder and a slightly modified CB shape
http://traditionalsmallcraft.com/Images/BM/BMRudder.jpg
Closeup of kick up rudder. If there were MS rules this might not pass! Will try to make it look barn door when up.
http://traditionalsmallcraft.com/Images/BM/BMDeck.jpg
Went with side benches on the model, would need a removable thwart or stool for rowing. Not sure which way to go on the real one. Plenty of time to decide.

More info and pics here: http://traditionalsmallcraft.com/BleuMelo.html

[donald branscom]

Thanks for sharing your photos of the beautiful scale model.
I like the combo of off white on the deck, and pure white inside the hull.

[Eddiebou]

I'd love to see that boat sailing across Machodoc creek/ Potomac river/ Ches. Bay. Build it, man. You know you want to.... I can't think of a better reason.