imported_Glenn
03-06-2005, 04:32 PM
Choosing a design to build should be given alot of thought and consideration. Maybe you can help this budding boatbuilder...
I have built 2 Catspaw Dinghy's - both using plank on frame with cedar over steamed white oak. The first one was for my wife and the second is being sold upon completion - this spring. I have also helped finish out a Haven 12 1/2 at the Wooden Boat school in Brooklin, ME. The first Catspaw came together nicely but its workmanship was only fair. The second one has gone together much quicker with a much higher standard of quality work.
I love the Haven and I know it is a difficult boat to build. The Dark Harbor looks to require an equal level of advanced skill but I think I am more than ready to take on either project with much confidence. I built a 24x40 post and beam shop 5 years ago and I now have an abundance of tools and am truly setup to dive in. I am set up to cast my own lead keel after alot of consultation with those who have knowledge at this and I am fully aware of the dangers after casting a small lead keel balast for my Catspaw.
Now for comparing the two craft under consideration. The first project will be for my wife and I to daysail here in Great Bay in the seacoast of New Hampshire. The second project will probably be the same design from which I will attempt to sell. I know better than to try and sell the first boat from a new design given my experience. Once I build our own cruising boat in a few more years, I will then hopefully have the confidence to try a new design out with the idea of selling the first one. Quality work is paramount to me and I am on the road to getting there but I know it takes years to achieve this level.
The Dark Harbor has a 3'-2" fixed draft but it can still be easily trailered with a LOA of just 20 feet and a displacement of 2,000#. I plan to get a mooring and leave it in for the season and then haul it out myself and do my own maintenance. The 16 foot Haven at 1500# has the swing keel enabling one to maneuver through the shallows but the 3'-2" draft on the Dark Harbor is not a huge concern especially given the waters I will be in and the knowledge I have of the tides, currents and terrain.
There are alot of Haven's and the Dark Harbor is a boat that is equally beautiful to me and I am leaning in its direction but I am wondering if any pearls of wisdom can be shed upon me by some old salt to consider in my choice. Yes, there are many other designs out there, but these two really grab me.
Thanks...
I have built 2 Catspaw Dinghy's - both using plank on frame with cedar over steamed white oak. The first one was for my wife and the second is being sold upon completion - this spring. I have also helped finish out a Haven 12 1/2 at the Wooden Boat school in Brooklin, ME. The first Catspaw came together nicely but its workmanship was only fair. The second one has gone together much quicker with a much higher standard of quality work.
I love the Haven and I know it is a difficult boat to build. The Dark Harbor looks to require an equal level of advanced skill but I think I am more than ready to take on either project with much confidence. I built a 24x40 post and beam shop 5 years ago and I now have an abundance of tools and am truly setup to dive in. I am set up to cast my own lead keel after alot of consultation with those who have knowledge at this and I am fully aware of the dangers after casting a small lead keel balast for my Catspaw.
Now for comparing the two craft under consideration. The first project will be for my wife and I to daysail here in Great Bay in the seacoast of New Hampshire. The second project will probably be the same design from which I will attempt to sell. I know better than to try and sell the first boat from a new design given my experience. Once I build our own cruising boat in a few more years, I will then hopefully have the confidence to try a new design out with the idea of selling the first one. Quality work is paramount to me and I am on the road to getting there but I know it takes years to achieve this level.
The Dark Harbor has a 3'-2" fixed draft but it can still be easily trailered with a LOA of just 20 feet and a displacement of 2,000#. I plan to get a mooring and leave it in for the season and then haul it out myself and do my own maintenance. The 16 foot Haven at 1500# has the swing keel enabling one to maneuver through the shallows but the 3'-2" draft on the Dark Harbor is not a huge concern especially given the waters I will be in and the knowledge I have of the tides, currents and terrain.
There are alot of Haven's and the Dark Harbor is a boat that is equally beautiful to me and I am leaning in its direction but I am wondering if any pearls of wisdom can be shed upon me by some old salt to consider in my choice. Yes, there are many other designs out there, but these two really grab me.
Thanks...