what say you (advice please)

[DavidF]

In advance, thank you for taking the time to read my questions and for your consideration. I posted pictures of this boat earlier, while I was thinking about whether to take it on. Well, I figured it was free and there would be no harm in taking a closer peek by sanding off the paint. I’m still not convinced that this boat is worth the work. But my friends like to say there are three ways to do something: the easy way, the hard way, and David’s way which is unnecessarily complicated but yields much more amusement. I love the lines of this boat. I love that it appears to be rather unique. I had prepared to build a Caledonia Yawl this winter but had reservations about the size and my ability to make the thing fair.

[URL= http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid145/p5428818df40e12c7a8563b06469a0309/f6707557.jpg ]
This boat measures 15’5” x 4’9”. I think it is white pine strip planking (too hard to be cedar), oak ribs and oak keel. The newer transom is mahogany. The only rot in the boat is up at the stem, including about four feet of keel and up the first five or six strips. The boat had an ornate lead shoe covering the stem which had some elaborate pressed lead and gilt filigree. The wood under the shoe was in perfect condition. All the ribs need replacing. The shape looks remarkably true.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid145/p3863aac2ff4979acbc4eeba6744659c3/f670755e.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid145/pdfc2dc83e0ddc7adcfa0640df21cb2dd/f670756d.jpg

My plan is to replace the ribs (13), the rotten keel and the front most strips and then cold-mold two layers of cedar.

Now my questions: Any clue what this might have been? There is a hole in the deck for a mast but no step on the keel. There was no centerboard and the keel projects about 4 inches the length of the boat. No hardware remains. The back of the interior shows dark staining which might have been oil, implying a motor but there is no obvious place where the shaft exited.

As I start thinking of centerboard vs dagger board and their likely location, I have to consider rig. My first gut feeling was a cat rig with a long long boom. A gunter might be nice too. But then, how about a split batwing rig? I like traditional but I also like unconventional. Beautiful is the only requirement (and some performance.) The options are fun to ponder. But I want to stop dilly-dallying and get to work.

So, what does the considerable experience of the forum opine?

[ 10-31-2004, 02:08 PM: Message edited by: DavidF ]

[JimD]

Looks to be in about the same shape as a canoe a neighbour once gave me, maybe slightly better. I ended up returning her to the termites. Lovely lines if you have the time and patience, though.

[Paul Scheuer]

To my eye, she looks as though she might have been a foot or more longer at some time. With maybe a smaller transom and at least some knees. The mast step was probably a separate block fitted over the stem, fastened as the final adjustment to the rigging.

[Peter Malcolm Jardine]

Does anyone else share the thought that she might have been not only longer but perhaps double ended (or damn close to it)

[nedL]

I'll have to agree with P.M.J. & B.B. , but that doesn't mean I'd give up on her at all. (The lack of stern knees is also saying something went on.) Real pretty little thing & certainly not beyond rebuilding (you should see what I'm in the middle of right now.) If you change you plans I hope you find a good home for her.

[DavidF]

Thanks for the input. And, now, I must be honest. I thought this might be an easy way out (or at least easier). BillyBones said:
"Build the Caledonia. Less work, more fun, better boat, maybe cheaper, and mostly self-fairing if you follow the book."

I figured this would be less work (the molds, spiling, lofting all done), and cheaper (smaller and the mold is itself an important structural layer). Now, I'm likely to believe the CY will be a better sailer compared to an unknown beast and I know you always grow into whatever size you buy.

And yes, someone cut off the butt. There is evidence. So, am I grossly off base?

[whb]

1/2 a freighter canoe or Newfoundland canoe?

Howard

[Venchka]

Originally posted by DavidF:
...
Now, I'm likely to believe the CY will be a better sailer compared to an unknown beast and I know you always grow into whatever size you buy.

No brainer! Yep! The Caledonia yawl.


That's for sure and for certain.

Tom Selleck, a.k.a. QuigleyWayne
In the Swamp. :D

[JimD]

Sounds like you've decided not to build the other half and glue the ends together :D