Lyle Hess

[paladin]

It would appear that Lyle Hess' daughter, Linda DeCoux has moved and no forwarding address.....phone seems disconnected and information has no listing.....can anyone enlighten me.....

[Jay Greer]

I'll do some checking on this for you. I know the family.
Jay

[jp4sail]

Any updates on that?

JP

[emichaels]

Jay please do follow up with the family. I bought my plans from Linda a little while ago and when I talked with her she mentioned that her husband had the foundry patterns for the port lights for the cutters. I definitely would like to get my portlights from those patterns if it is still possible.

Eric

[paladin]

All my normal sources are quiet.....did get an e-mail from Lin Pardey that they were trying to check with some friends, but as of yet no replies....

[emichaels]

Been a few weeks.... hoping Jay or paladin has heard something ??

Eric

[Jay Greer]

Yes, I have put the word out that any member of the Hess family should contact me. So far, nothing has been heard.
Jay

[paladin]

Yes....I used someones pattern/plans to have some portlights made in Taiwan......and I have someone asking the same question. If I can't get an answer soon I'll be forced to create them and send out to have some stuff made.....

[emichaels]

paladin, which pattenrns do you have. Are they the pats for the 28'-32' boats ?

Eric

[paladin]

They were made from patterns made by a fellow that was building a 39footer in the next bay when I was doing my 44.....they were based on a couple of photographs of one of Lyles boats, where the original ports were made I do not know....I have a foundry person in Chomburi Thailand that can make anything if I make a wood pattern for him. He may or may not use the pattern, it's just so that he can see how it goes together. This is the same person that made all the metal work for the blocks on my boat, using Antal sheaves and rosewood shells, all the mast metal parts, chainplates etc.....he even made the star for the end of the sprit and had it gold plated.....and some sorry s.o.b. snitched it...I have another pile of drawings headed that way in a week or so.

and to add...all metal work that is processed through there for me takes a week longer than when done by other folks. I insist that all the metal made for me is magnafluxed or zyglowed before released....

[paladin]

I could make patterns for 28-32 foot boats,,,,,is that what you have?

[Tom M.]

If you finally establish contact again, I will heave a sigh of relief, and promptly purchase some plans.

[emichaels]

I could make patterns for 28-32 foot boats,,,,,is that what you have?

I am building the 30 Hess cutter, The original patterns, designed by LH are in Linda's hands. Her husband, I believe she told me, has the lites cast there in CA. If we can't find her I suppose I would make some patterns and cast my own since I will be casting all the other bronze pcs. Long way from that stage of the game and hope that Linda resurfaces so as a chance to get the original design incorporated into my boat.

But thanks for the offer.

Eric

[paladin]

I sketched mine out, not even real engineer drawings, just sketched and shaded with a pencil with some dimensions.....and this real neat feller in Chomburi Thailand made the patterns and cast them for about 20 bucks each at the time. I never made permanent drawings or patterns. I did make the gasketed area a little wider so that I could use two layers of automotive safety glass and some Lexan....glued it together with the epoxy used to install prescription lenses in scuba masks. The lexan for strength and the auto glass for scratch resistance....never broke one...

[emichaels]

Sounds like a very solid design. Did the castings come out pretty clean or was there quite a bit of afterwork to get them looking good ?

[emichaels]

If you finally establish contact again, I will heave a sigh of relief, and promptly purchase some plans.


Tom which set of plans are you intending to get from Linda ??

Eric

[Tom M.]

Tom which set of plans are you intending to get from Linda ??

Eric

32-34 footers, if Hess designed them. I have yet to see an example of a Hess cruising boat over 30 feet.

Truthfully, I'm not ready to buy plans, but the fear of them not being available is messing with me:rolleyes:. Like you, I've been admiring Ed Burnett's designs, which are another canidate. I like Hess and Burnett's clean decks, outboard rudder and clean underbodies that won't catch on things.

[emichaels]

32-34 footers, if Hess designed them. I have yet to see an example of a Hess cruising boat over 30 feet.

Truthfully, I'm not ready to buy plans, but the fear of them not being available is messing with me:rolleyes:. Like you, I've been admiring Ed Burnett's designs, which are another canidate. I like Hess and Burnett's clean decks, outboard rudder and clean underbodies that won't catch on things.

Tom,

The plans I have include a bunch of detail drawings for hatches and other odds and ends for 28-32' boats. I am not sure who owns the rights to the drawings over 30'.

I do know there are several people in New England states that are building the 30' according to Linda.

Eric

[paladin]

I can't say, but the fellow that did the work delivered masterpieces. I understand he carved everything from wood, sanded it, then coated it with something else, and made the molds.......and the last word that I had, just before everyone disappeared, is that there had been a price change in the plans, almost doubling, something I have been unable to confirm.

[jverl]

Tom,
Lyle did do some larger designs an example is the 32 ft Bristol Channel PILOT CUTTER at this site:http://www.yacht.ro/bristol_unu.php?lang=en&linc=bris_unu

John

[emichaels]

Jay Greer is probably really knowledgable as to the designs still available to build in wood. I think a company in WA or Cancouver bought the rights for a 32 or 34 BCPC design of LH and has been producing glass hulls. I vaguely remember Linda Smith conteplating this option in the article about her and building of Tenacity. She ended up cold molding much to LH approval.

Eric

Perhaps Jay G. will be along this weekend to set us straight.

[JimD]

Does the Nor Sea 37 count?

[Tom M.]

I know of the Hess cutters being built in Romania, and of the glass ones in British Columbia, as well as the Norsea 37. But I can't say that I've ever seen a lines plan for any of them. No photos of a completed boat either. I'm talking about the 32 and 34 footers.

The profile drawings shown on the Romanian site appear to be Lyle's, except for the 34 footer. The 34 appears to be drawn by a different hand, or maybe by Lyle late in life?

No matter...either I'll be able to see the genuine article, or I won't. Time will tell.

[StevenBauer]

I recently read the WB article about Lyle Hess. Worth seeking out if you haven't read it. Chad's Balboa 20 was one of his designs, too.

Steven

[Tom M.]

Steven I enjoyed that article. WB has done some great profiles of boat people over the years, and the one on Lyle Hess (1987 I think) was one of the most enjoyable for me.

[JimD]

New World is a 32er

http://www.chron.com/content/interactive/voyager/sail/photos/boat/boat8.jpg

A few years ago ClassicBoat had an article that claimed a Hess English Channel Cutter 40 was in build but can't find anything new about it.

[paladin]

A 40 was designed (actually 39'6") specifically for a gentleman who I can't recall at the moment. A 40 footer was also built under contract for someone in the U.S. although I don't have current info at hand. I corresponded with Lyle Hess when I did the 44 as I used Renegade as the basis and used most of his concepts, along with drawings by Butler. I did not want to draw a boat and step on Lyles toes at the time, as I was unsure if I violated some rules or something. He looked at my drawings and blessed them, and merely stated that he would like to see the boat when it was finished. Sadly, when I next contacted him he was losing his sight. I then drew a 35 footer and a 33 footer based on comments that he made while we corresponded. At one time I tried to keep track of the boats that were being build close to me. I believe the gentleman in Romania has built only one boat, for an american customer, although I could be mistaken.
A company in Cal. is building (I think) a 36, and they also have the molds for a 40..although I am unsure whether an actual boat has been pulled from the molds, The information that I have says the mold is absolutely beautiful, although the fellow that spent several years intending to pull a fiberglass boat from it died before getting to that point. Although I never met Lyle Hess face to face, and never spoke to the daughter, the one time that Linda's husband answered the phone he was very abrupt and did not "have time to talk".....stating that Mr. Hess was in a "home" and would be unable to talk. The period of over 3 years that we spoke and conversed by writing was very informative as Mr. Hess seemed pleased to look at the drawings I sent and always made comments or suggestions in a very positive way. I will say that it was a very sad day when I learned of his passing.

[Nanoose]

My dream boat....probably around 32-33 feet for the two of us. When I win the lottery.....

[paladin]

Don't wait too long....most people are to busy earning a living to get rich.....and wait too long in life to have an adventure.....too late and you're too old to di or enjoy it...build it now...and go sailing...the world is ending for the cruising sailor......dammmittt:D

[JimD]

A company in Cal. is building (I think) a 36

The ClassicBoat article mentioned a CA company named King Instruments.

[Nanoose]

Don't wait too long....most people are to busy earning a living to get rich.....and wait too long in life to have an adventure.....too late and you're too old to di or enjoy it...build it now...and go sailing...the world is ending for the cruising sailor......dammmittt:D

this is the dream "Part B", Chuck. We lived aboard for 4 years with our 2 kids, and spent one of those years out sailing. Was that ever a good decision.

I know what you mean about the end of things for the cruising sailor...it is very different now than how it appears to have been for those writing of their experiences back in the 60/70's.

[emichaels]

Nanoose and paladin can you elaborate a little about your comments about the cruising sailor and how things have changed for them. I am intersted in your views based on your years on the water. We are just getting started in our mid 40's.

Eric

[paladin]

In the 60's and into the 70's you could visit almost anywhere, and as long as you were a kind and proper towards people no one bothered you, were extremely helpful, allowed you to anchor out etc.......with the commercialism in the world.....more "tourists", larger, longer runways the general outlook on folks have changed......
as an example....visit some out of the way place not frequented by tourists, treat folks as you would expect to be treated, then return to the same place 10-15-20 years later after the place is "discovered" and note the attitudes of the people.....sorta like the BuBBa tourist in one of the James Bond Movies......When visiting Cuba when Cuba was off limits you could enter the country, be escorted to a proper berth at Hemingway Marina, Folks would insure that no one messed with your boat, Policia were actually nice and helpful, and no stamps in the passport because they understood that "people" are not the same as "governments".....as was China...and other places we were
"forbidden" to go...it's an attitude...commercialism.....

[Hwyl]

There's a related discussion going on in sailing anarchy, someone over there says Hess Designed the Cape George 34.

The builders don't seem to say anything about it.

http://www.capegeorgecutters.com/34/index.html

Not my kind of boat.

[paladin]

Again...it has been many years since I spoke with those folks, but my understanding that the boats were based on John Atkins work and "redesigned" by the fellow that started the Cape George company, and his personal boat was the first one built.

[Hwyl]

That's what it says on the site, but anecdotally it was suggested that Hess designed the 34, it does look different from the others. More sheer, vertical rudder, bowsprit more horizontal.

[paladin]

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pe583a16d5cc5f307b73484521d3a1b17/ea5d6eea.jpg


Hess 32

[Stephen]

At one point we were contemplating building the 40 footer. This was just before he passed away. I will look to see if I still have the study plans for it here.
We met with his daughter at the Port Townsend festival one year. She told us of a fibreglass version being built in California.
About 6 years ago I saw a glass hulled /wood deck Hess 40' pass thru Victoria BC. Somehow (IMHO) the boat didn't look quite as elegant as the 30' or 32'er. The beam of the boat looked excessive to its length.
A couple years ago there was a wooden built 40' on the East coast of the US - there was a short blurb and photo in WB magazine on it.
So there are a couple of them out there somewhere...

[Iolaire]

http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s42/Stenon/Paintingfinished.jpg


http://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s42/Stenon/Iolaire-afterspringpaint4.jpghttp://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s42/Stenon/Aftercoveroff.jpghttp://i149.photobucket.com/albums/s42/Stenon/Reloading3.jpg

Noticed the question regarding a Lyle Hess 32. Thought I would post these pictures to show my boat, and to learn how to post pictures (hope I have done both!!). She is 32' on deck, cedar over oak frames, cutter rigged.

[emichaels]

In the 60's and into the 70's you could visit almost anywhere, and as long as you were a kind and proper towards people no one bothered you, were extremely helpful, allowed you to anchor out etc.......with the commercialism in the world.....more "tourists", larger, longer runways the general outlook on folks have changed......
as an example....visit some out of the way place not frequented by tourists, treat folks as you would expect to be treated, then return to the same place 10-15-20 years later after the place is "discovered" and note the attitudes of the people.....sorta like the BuBBa tourist in one of the James Bond Movies......When visiting Cuba when Cuba was off limits you could enter the country, be escorted to a proper berth at Hemingway Marina, Folks would insure that no one messed with your boat, Policia were actually nice and helpful, and no stamps in the passport because they understood that "people" are not the same as "governments".....as was China...and other places we were
"forbidden" to go...it's an attitude...commercialism.....

I understand what you're saying paladin and it is indeed true in many places. My wifes sister married a Norwegian fella 20 something years ago and has lived in Norway pretty much all of her adult life, on a fjord. We go over there and spend time there and go boating along the coast. The laws in Norway are such that anyone can land moor for 2 nights, on private shoreline and go ashore and campfire and play within 50 metres of the high tide line, Apparently this is the case in all of Norway. It makes for a tremendous social opportunity and it really makes boating there a great adventure and a lot of fun.
It is a shame and a great loss commercially and socially for a society to lock out people with property rights like we do in this country. Of course here nobody gives a damn about another's property and the shoreline would be littered. In Norway you rarely saw any kind of litter on any of the shoreline , what you would see is boaters bagging any litter they did see and properly disposing of it. We were out for 8 days and on three occassions the landowners came down to the campfire and brought liqour and wine to join the party. Kids running all over the place and everyone having a real nice time. Usually by sundown there would be 4-7 boats rafted up in a cozy cove, people you had never met and would probably never see again all getting along and having a fun time. Thats were you'll find us when the boat is done !

Eric

[paladin]

That's the way it was in Iceland. Because of the way I dressed and travelled away from the NATO base, no one recognized me as an American, and were surprised when I spoke with my poor Icelandic...but I was invited into homes, for overnight stays, and when I was sailing folks would come to see the boat and pass judgement.....never an unkind word....same along coastal Turkay, Romania and Ukraine.....the way it was in the South Pacific in the old days...

[jzeigler]

I'm sure you all heard that Sumio Oya, of Bristol Channel Cutters in Costa Mesa has closed its doors. Could not survive making solid well built boats costing over 300k and only 28ft.
At first the word was that he would destroy the molds. However, I'm reading that there might be a buyer. Sumio would only have someone who could make the boat in a fashion that he built the boat, continue the heritage of the BCC.
Even as a woodenboat enthusiast, I've considered the BCC worth considering as a next boat.

[paladin]

I spoke to those folks before selling my boat, and their estimate to build my boat today, less all the "extras" would be in the neighborhood of 900K.....it is very hard to believe that the cost in this country could be so high.

[YMT]

Modern BCC.
http://www.kayitsiz.com
http://www.kayitsiz.com/images/tekne1.jpg

[Tom M.]

Noticed the question regarding a Lyle Hess 32. Thought I would post these pictures to show my boat, and to learn how to post pictures (hope I have done both!!). She is 32' on deck, cedar over oak frames, cutter rigged.

Thanks for the pics!

[Tom M.]

Paladin, is that a scan of the 32 you posted? I can't read the fine print. Anything on there worth reading?

[paladin]

dunno.....I can make the full scan...I have the set....and others

[Jay Greer]

Lyle Hess's Daughter, Linda DeCoux, is experiencing health problems.
This is the reason that her phone has been disconnected.
I talked with Lyle's nephew, Mike Hess, this evening and got the straight story. For those who are interested in obtaining plans of Lyle's boats, Mike has suggested that they contact him at:
http://www.hessmarine.com/
He will be happy to help you with obtaining plans.
Fair Winds,
Jay Greer

[Tom M.]

Thanks Jay. I contacted Mike and am waiting for a reply.

Tom

[Jay Greer]

I got a call from Mike Hess this morning. His comment was, "There must be some interest in my uncle's plans cause I got seventy four hits last night!" With this thought in mind, if Mike doesn't get back to you right away, be patient. He said it will take a while because of the sheer mass enthusiasm for Lyle's designs and the associated questions that go along with it.
Jay

[paladin]

Most folks thought my boat was a Hess design and asked a lot about it....I of course told them that I was inspired by Renegade and worked from there. I corresponded with and spoke several times to Lyle Hess when he was alive, and before he apparently went into the "home"....but at that time I had taken a couple of pictures of Tana Mari....and later learned that his sight had already failed. He always seemed interested, a feeling that I sensed was just the opposite with his son in law.....from him I felt it was a "bother".....just a personal feeling and may not be true.

and Jay...thanks for making the contact.

[Jay Greer]

To quote one member of the family, "We are not exactly the Brady Bunch!" But, to me, Lyle was a staunch and good friend. I was just getting ready to assist him on drawing a new design at the time of his loss of eyesight and my heart attack. The design is still unfinished and unpublished. It is a trawler design that would make for a nice sea boat and cruiser.
Jay

[paladin]

....sounds like my family....:D

[kc8pql]

His comment was, "There must be some interest in my uncle's plans ...

I'm kind of amazed by that understatement.

[emichaels]

Jay,
Thanks for following thru. It is very unfortunate that Linda's health is ailing, wish the best if you get a chance to contact her.

Eric

[Thad Van Gilder]

I want a mini channel cutter!!!!!

[Jay Greer]

I met with Michael Hess this morning concerning his desire to publish a biography of Lyle in book form. He also mentioned that any of you who are interested in building or having any of the Lyle Hess designs built should contact him at:
hessmarine.com.
Mike is revising the site with a special page devoted entirely to Lyle and his work.
Jay

[Thad Van Gilder]

I contacted him about the min B.C.C.

I hope he gets back to me.

-Thad

[Tim Diebert]

For anyone that might be interested here is a link to some info and articles about LH.

http://www.msogphotosite.com/LyleHess.html

I have admire LH design for 25 years. I finally own a LH design.... small one....a Montgomery 17. Designed by Lyle and built by Jerry Montgomery. Such a sweet boat.

[DaveWhitla]

Hey Jay,

Thanks for getting in touch with Mike for all of us. Would 3-4 weeks be the kind of delay you'd expect? I have sent a couple of messages to Mike (via his web form) over the last month without any reply. Is he still being overwhelmed with requests for plans?


I got a call from Mike Hess this morning. His comment was, "There must be some interest in my uncle's plans cause I got seventy four hits last night!" With this thought in mind, if Mike doesn't get back to you right away, be patient. He said it will take a while because of the sheer mass enthusiasm for Lyle's designs and the associated questions that go along with it.
Jay

[paladin]

It has been many weeks now and not a word......

[HessMarine]

Lyle Hess Boat's will live forever, Aloha Michael................:)

[rbgarr]

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1999/Rockport-Marine-Lyle-Hess-1983484/Dundee/Canada

[JimD]

A Hess design at Maple Bay, Vancouver Island. It hasn't been moored there for a couple years. An old pre war Japanese fishing boat is now there in its place

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d804b3127ccec727197b887500000040O00CbOGrVu4cMQ e3nw8/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47b9d804b3127ccec7273be509ca00000040O00CbOGrVu4cMQ e3nw8/cC/f%3D0/ps%3D50/r%3D0/rx%3D550/ry%3D400/

[Jay Greer]

It is my understanding that Mike has now aquired the building mold for the thirty footer. He is a fiberglass expert as well as a competent wooden boat builder.
I think he is planning to produce boats on custom order.
Jay

[HessMarine]

Thank you Jay, I have aquired the 40 foot molds. My uncle Lyle called it the "Engish Channel Cutter". It's a awsome boat. It will take sometime to get it going. This was my uncle's dream boat. The hull will be the only thing in fiberglass. The deck's, spars and interior, will all be in wood. It will have the look and feel of a wooden boat. Aloha Michael :)

[paladin]

Michael...the information on the Falmouth 34 is 35 feet on deck, 11'7" beam, 5'1" draft LWL 30'10"...
The mast is 54 feet 6 inches from the heel to the top.....
Sails..
Main 387
Jib 256
stays'l 147
storm trys'l 120
135 genoa 557
150 genoa 618
spinnaker 1300

I developed the lines and offsets using the computer, found two "irregularities" and corrected them the ballast was off by a very small percentage but about 300 pounds. The weights and measures were all done assuming fir to be used throughout the boat as he had specified on two others. After calculating everything, I again changed the frames to laminated, obtaining the same physical dimensions but increasing the strength.

[bott]

Michael...the information on the Falmouth 34 is 35 feet on deck, 11'7" beam, 5'1" draft LWL 30'10"...
The mast is 54 feet 6 inches from the heel to the top.....
Sails..
Main 387
Jib 256
stays'l 147
storm trys'l 120
135 genoa 557
150 genoa 618
spinnaker 1300

I developed the lines and offsets using the computer, found two "irregularities" and corrected them the ballast was off by a very small percentage but about 300 pounds. The weights and measures were all done assuming fir to be used throughout the boat as he had specified on two others. After calculating everything, I again changed the frames to laminated, obtaining the same physical dimensions but increasing the strength.

What is the displacement of the Falmouth 34? and the balast ratio?

Thanks,
Eric

[peter radclyffe]

Thank you Jay, I have aquired the 40 foot molds. My uncle Lyle called it the "Engish Channel Cutter". It's a awsome boat. It will take sometime to get it going. This was my uncle's dream boat. The hull will be the only thing in fiberglass. The deck's, spars and interior, will all be in wood. It will have the look and feel of a wooden boat. Aloha Michael :)
you dont feel anything do you, if you think fibreglass feels like wood

[paladin]

Displacement...14000 pounds....ballast 5600 pounds.

[bott]

Displacement...14000 pounds....ballast 5600 pounds.

Wait, so Taleisin at 29.5' LOD weighs in at 16,500# light, and the 34 footer is a ton and a half less in designed displacement? Am I missing something?

It seems to have the rig for at least ~9 ton boat allowing for a still generous SA/D...

[donald branscom]

It is vacation time now.

[paladin]

OOPS! 19,300 ballast 6800...looking at wrong lines on chart.....sorry....