Ness or Alaska/whitehall

[TMBorgerding]

Hello, I'm new here, and thought I'd draw upon the collective wisdom. I'm planning my second boat (the first a 14' sharpie skiff to Reul Parker's design) and am torn between Oughtred's Ness Yawl and Kurylko's Alaska Skiff. Both are about the right size (ca. 19 ft.), lightweight (i've a small car to pull the trailer), and designed for the sort of daysailing/beaching/occasional camp sailing I want to do. And, of course, both are stuning. If anyone has any opinions on the performance of these boats (I sail more than row, and while i like going fast, i don't plan on racing...windward performance is probably most important), or the effeciency of construction (I've never done either clinker glued ply or strip-plank), I'd love to hear them. Most of my sailing will be on inland lakes here in Wisconsin, but I want something I could take out on one of the big lakes (Superior or Michigan) as well. BTW, I think I've visited every site on the web having to do with these boats...and I'll probably end up building both!
Thanks!
tmb

[Venchka]

Would you like an unbiased or an admittedly biased opinion?

Have you been here:

Caledonia/Ness Yawl Forum (http://www.mavc2002.com/cyforum/index.php)

You will get all manner of good information at that site.

As for Alaska, it was on my short list. However, except for the one boat built in San Diego, I couldn't find out a whole lot about it.

Iain Oughtred's Yawls, on the other hand, have many examples sailing and currently building. They have a proven track record.

I too wanted a boat for BIG water and a boat I could pull with whatever the government sees fit to mandate in the way of vehicles in the distant future. My current tow vehicle has 125 hp. Anemic, but adequate.

I am currently having a Caledonia Yawl built. I know of 7 or 8 Caledonia or Ness Yawls currently under construction in North America by professionals and first-timers alike. Add a dozen or two already sailing here in the Colonies. A proven track record.

I can't speak for any long term good/bad points. An hour in a Caledonia Yawl sold me.

Go ahead, get totally confused. Throw the Caledonia Yawl into the mix. It will carry more stuff, not weigh a whole lot more on the trailer or cost a whole lot more to build. It is a whole lot more boat for the bucks.

That's the biased opinion. Don't misunderstand, Alaska is a fine boat. The ability to take an outboard alone nearly swayed me. In the end, I went for slightly more boat. One with proven abilites and one I actually sailed aboard.

Cheers!

[TMBorgerding]

Thanks for the reply! I've all but eliminated the caledonia because Oughtred says the Ness is more easily rowed by one and that it sails a bit better. I often sail solo, and when the wind dies, I'd rather have a comfortable row home. And, yes, I'd found the discussion group you posted in your message--great stuff!

[TMBorgerding]

oh, and biased or unbiased, all opinions are welcome! :)

[Venchka]

Granted, the CY is reported to be a bear to row. That's why I am opting for a sculling arrangement and my trusty 2hp Suzuki outboard.

But, ease of rowing comes at the expense of volume for gear and folks. The two boats you mention are narrow.

I do know one thing, the morning I sailed aboard a CY the air was LIGHT! The boat ghosted along nicely. I expect, though, that the Ness would have done the same.

What exactly is the DWL displacement of the Ness Yawl and Alaska?

[Chipito]

Hi guys, I have the boat in San Diego and I've sailed her for six years or so from Baja to the bay area. This is a good sailboat, very versatile and she does go to windward well. I sail with a friend who has a Shearwater( Joel White) which is similar to the Ness Yawl and Alaska will out row the Shearwater and outsail her except in real light air.

[Venchka]

Well, shucks.

I guess that makes it a real tough decision.

Too late for me I'm afraid.

Thanks! There is nothing like the voice of real experience!

[Todd Bradshaw]

Whichever one you build, I want a ride in it!

[Don Olney]

TMB, I do not know the Alaska design, but I built and sail a Ness Yawl.

http://www.imagestation.com/album/?id=4292011163

The Ness Yawl does row easily in light air and it is fast under sail. Rowing against moderate wind and any current is another story. I just got a second set of oars and installed a second rowing station for this purpose.

If you will be sailing with more than one other person and if you plan on beach cruising or overnighting, I recommend the Caledonia Yawl. As has been pointed out, it is much more capacious and suitable for this purpose. If you have room to store a Ness Yawl, you have room for a Caledonia Yawl.

On the other hand if you just want to go like a bat out of hell, the Ness Yawl is for you.

-Don

[Ben Fuller]

If you go with the Caledonia you are talking an outboard for auxiliary power. Its a big boat and even for two you are swimming in space. I had Ian do the 95% Ness for one .... and then did not build it, going for a custom design by Tony Dias instead, the Harrier. Check his site. I wanted a flat bottom for taking the mud better. Lots of time spent on the rig with no complaints up the breeze or down. Have had it sailed against a Caldonia and I suspect that the Caledonia will need a bigger breeze to be faster. Harrier will plane, and the full batten high aspect sail is scary efficient. My mast needs to be stiffer as that is the limiting factor to flattening the sail when the breeze is up. Double reefed one day over at WoodenBoat I was sailing the Harrier solo to check on my students in 12 1/2's, a little like a chase boat.

[Dennis Marshall]

TM, while I have no experience with either the Ness/CY or Alaska, I am interested in hearing what you have to say about Parker's sharpie. Have you any pics?

Dennis

[Venchka]

Originally posted by Todd Bradshaw:
Whichever one you build, I want a ride in it!Todd, if you are ever down on the Gulf Coast or my boat and I are ever in the Frozen North, you are invited, welcome and encouraged to sail with me on my Caledonia Yawl.