I started my Oughtred MacGregor canoe....

[Joe Dupere]

Finally, at long last. Well, at any rate I finished the strongback yesterday. This week I hope to get the molds cut out, and set up on the strongback and all leveled before starting the actual construction.

Norm Messinger was the inspiration for me deciding on the MacGregor. I had emailed him a few times about his experiences with his, and it seemed doable for a first time builder. (It was supposed to be my first boat, but I built a Shellback dinghy instead). I'd originally intended the MacGregor for my wife, but she'd rather have a traditional canoe, so my son said he'd take it. I promised him I'd have it done when he got out of the Marines, and holy smokes!! That's only a couple of months away!! I figured I'd better start making shavings and sawdust so I can show him some progress when he gets home.

Pictures will follow as I make progress.

Joe

[Popeye]

Hi Joe, i have those plans also and for a long time been at it .. from my armchair.

Did you decide on a stretched version and are you planning a sail rig or just paddle?

[andrewdarius]

Wish you the best with this project. I've spent many exciting days sailing mine in the Adirondacks, on the St. Lawrence, Lake Ontario, etc. It rides well on the top of my car. I like the looks of the open version and use the extra space to pack supplies for camping, but if you want to avoid bailing as much as I do, then a decked version should be considered.
I have made two sets of sails. One to Iain's design and another with the leech hollowed and battenless. They are a LOT lighter without battens...Feel free to ask me any questions regarding its performance and/or building.

Andy

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid187/p2e37371028faf39576bfc96a5425e511/f23c2f31.jpg

[Joe Dupere]

I'm going with the standard 13' decked design as that's what my son has requested. As far as rigging it to sail? dunno yet. My son doesn't sail, although he's expressed an interest in learning, but I have the Shellback for that. I suppose it depends on how soon he wants it!! I figure I have about 6-8 weeks tops before I have to knock off for the winter. My garage/shop is unheated and Maine winters get a bit nippy. Most likely it won't be done by the time he gets home, so we'll have all winter to figure out whether to rig it for sailing or not.

Joe

[Steve Lansdowne]

A sailing canoe is not for the faint-hearted or those who are just learning to sail, especially in very cold water.

[Joe Dupere]

Originally posted by Steve Lansdowne:
A sailing canoe is not for the faint-hearted or those who are just learning to sail, especially in very cold water.Well, that's pretty much what I was figuring. The no sailing experience would weigh against him, but as far as the faint hearted part? I dunno, after two tours in Iraq a little bit of hairy sailing might be a bit relaxing by comparison.

I'm pretty sure he'll decide on the no sailing rig, though. He really wants to get out onto the water in some of the backwater streams around these parts. Last time he was home on leave we went rowing together and he really enjoyed it.
After four years of barracks he wants some peace and quiet around him!

Joe

[skuthorp]

I've been sailing, paddling and rowing a 16'7" decked version for about 5 years now, and Norm helped me a lotr too. Yes, they are tender, here's my story
http://www.woodenboat-ubb.com/cgi-bin/UBB/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=6&t=002262&p=
I now carry a set of sponsons, just tubular fenders, to make it stable enough to easily re-enter and bail. Felicity is beautiful, a delight to use. I use a sweep rudder as I sail a lot in water sometimes only a few inches deep. In retrospect I'd make the cockpit a foot longer and the sail 10%smaller. I use it as a camp boat and it's much more tractable with a load on.