Bolger's Blackbird

[Memphis Mike]

Is there anyone that knows anything about this boat?

I. e. construction methods, plank on frame, sheet ply, etc? Where to get plans?

I've been trying to decide on a small motor cruiser and I really like this design.

Any info would be much appreciated.


http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid151/p41a4a874ecca21787cdbb6b0e16c8b42/f5be21d7.jpg

[JimConlin]

There was an article in WB's recent publication 'Small Boats'.

Plans from:
Phil Bolger & Friends
P.O. Box 1209
Gloucester, MA 01930

[mister_moon]

It's a lovely boat, not an easy project. It's cold molded. The superstructure was apparently quite challenging to build.

[Memphis Mike]

I don't know anything about cold molding. I wish I could could find something along the lines of this design.

I really like this hull. Is this a displacement hull or a planing hull?

[JimD]

Mmike, she's light and fast. Zero deadrise at the transom, very shallow in the water., 23'4" x 7'8", x 1 ' draft. Rated for 15 to 90 hp outboard but the article in Small Boats seems to suggest 50 is about right. A real beauty. Described as 'all about curves', which doesn't sound easy to build. Cold molding is labour and epoxy intensive. This would be a big job for a solo builder working in his spare time. Not cheap, either.

[Memphis Mike]

Thanks, Jim. I ordered a copy of Small Boats to find out more. If it's that big of a job, I probably won't do it.

She sure is pretty, though.

[Nicholas Scheuer]

ever since she was written up in Small Boat Journal.

Small Craft Quarterly (Or is it Boat Design Quarterly?) by Mike O'Brien also wrote Blackbird up about 2005.

My other favorite is Snow Leopard, also by Bolger.

Were I to get serious about building Blackbird (within the realm of possibility when I truly "retire") I would ask Bolger whether I might stretch her out three feet for a little more commodius interior. We presently tow a 28-ft Edey & Duff Shearwater Yawl all over Creation, so more length on the trailer wouldn't bother me at all. I'd also inquire about the possibility of incorporating a pair of smaller motor, though increased weight might be a problem. Lacking sails, I would worry about cruising with a single motor. I presently have zero experience cruising in a powerboat.

O'Brien's article also mentions the viability of a roof over the helm, a feature Bolger apparently would consider without prejudice.

As to the "difficulty" of building Blackbird, curves and all, remember, she's light, so think STRIPPER CANOE, a type of craft built sucessfully by a wide variety of people, both with and without previous experience.

Moby Nick

[JimD]

To paraphrase the article the cabin provides 'cozy space' and 'luxurious camping' for one or two. Can't be much more than four feet of head room in there. She's inspired by Al Mason's 1940 Escort, a 40 footer.

[Memphis Mike]

That'a all I want is camping for Sue and I and Heidi the Lab.

[JimD]

This David Payne design is under 20 feet, probably a little easier and cheaper to build. You could play around with the cabin shape. Rated for 20hp.

http://www.duckflatwoodenboats.com/designers/payne/6mPlyMotorLaunchDwg1.jpg

http://www.duckflatwoodenboats.com/designers/payne/6mPlyMotorLaunchCrossSect.jpg

Also a glued ply lap version:

http://www.duckflatwoodenboats.com/designers/payne/6mPlyMotorLaunchDwg2.jpg

http://www.duckflatwoodenboats.com/mainpages/gallery?KID=27



The popularity of the 6m strip plank design has led to this close sister, designed to be built in plywood with a single chine hull shape. With a similar laypout this launch is a capable weekender or longer camping trips.

She has 2 construction options, 12mm glued ply lapstrake sides and moulded bottom or glass reinforced 15mm WR cedar strip. Deck, cabin and bulkhead fitout are of 9mm ply.

The launch is powered by a 15 to 20hp outboard for good consumption and easy installation.

Though some previous building experience would help, the comnfident handyman would be quite capable for a first time project.

[mcdenny]

Blackbird is one of my all time favorites too. I would (and actually might) build it strip planked with fiberglass skins inside and out.

It's an old Bolger design. He did several with the sharp bow sections and a flat bottom at the transom. They run with their bow up at speed as the after buttock lines have to be at a slight positive angle to the water to plane. Later designs like his "Fisherman's Launch" have a more conventional 15ish degree deadrise carried all the way aft.

I corresponded with him several years ago about his "Halloween" design and he suggested the Fishermans Launch as a better design for this reason.

You might discuss this with Mr. Bolger if you want to go fast (20? to 35 mph). With low power the flat after sections probably work better as less of the transom would be dragging in the water.

A project of this magnitude will cost $20 - 30k to build, depending a lot on interior accomodations and power. A few bucks spent for optimizing the design just for you would be money well spent IMHO.

Keep us posted.

[Pericles]

http://www.boatplans-online.com/prodimages/OP21_350.jpghttp://www.boatplans-online.com/prodimages/CX25_350.jpghttp://www.boatplans-online.com/prodimages/CS25_350.jpg

All here and easy to build. http://www.boatplans-online.com/products.php?cat=18

Pericles

[Spokaloo]

Pericles, you missed one other boat! This is what Im building, and with the little cabin, could make for cozy camp cruising:

http://www.bateau.com/proddetail.php?prod=LB22

http://www.bateau2.com/gallery/LB22/photos/LB22_Bow.jpg

http://www.bateau2.com/gallery/LB22/photos/LB22_port_cabin.jpg

A tad spartan, but VERY easy to build (Im building it, thats proof enough), stable in a seaway, economical to power (30hp reccomended), semi-planing speeds of 15-18mph, and bar none the most impressive customer service Ive ever seen from a designer.

There are two of us building them right now, first two built to the design. See my blog if your interested at the link below.

E

[Pericles]

Spokaloo,

Nice boat,--- first time I've looked at it in detail. I suggested the Caroline Flare boat to Memphis Mike, because it looks so stylish. I do wonder how the ply is cut to create those concave shapes., because it is stitch and glue. I guess I'll have to buy the plans.:)

Pericles

[dmede]

There are two of us building them right now, first two built to the design. See my blog if your interested at the link below.
E

Well, you're sort of the first two. Many boats have been built to the original Atkin design know as Ninigret (http://www.boat-links.com/Atkinco/Photos/Ninigret/index.html). Gorgeous boat that is definitely on my short list. I wish bateau would give some credit to Atkin for the design though, I think it's one of his best.

[Spokaloo]

The curves were hard to imagine, and even harder to believe until I hung the panels. The photos on the blog are evidence that she really does have that insane curve to the bottom panels:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/fighterama2/cloud%20cap/nina16001.jpg

Im a proud papa so far, if you couldnt tell:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b65/fighterama2/cloud%20cap/nina20012.jpg

Check the blog out, all the info is there.

Oddly I have the study plans for NINIGRET and the full plans for NINA and there are quite a few differences. While he does take some lines from Atkin's drawings, the hull shape is a more traditional double wedge. Atkin had a fuller midsection and let the panels stay straight on the bottom of the boat, where the NINA lines by Mertens have a nice full curvature as you can see. In his online study plans he tips his hat to various designers, most notably Atkin and Bolger, both of whom are very visibly obvious in this boat (Atkin for the Ninigret, Bolger for the Halloween).

http://www.bateau.com/studyplans/LB22_study.htm

"While our fiberglass/plywood composite material is 100% original, there isn't anything new in the hull lines. It is a proven type with very predictable behavior. For the looks and layout, we took ideas from several classic designs: the cuddy cabin is inspired by the Atkins design Ninigret, the open version windshield comes from Bolger's Halloween, the engine cover from the Handy Billy that was featured in Wooden Boats. We mixed it all with a touch of Culler's influence and it became the Nina. "

E

[dmede]

Glad to hear he mentions Atkin. I should say I wasn't insinuating that he lifted the design without consent. I think somehere back on the Atkin board it has been mentioned that Nina is a sanctioned offspring ;)

I think if you sit down and look at the two designs (and here I'm talking about the cuddy cabin version since thats where the design originates), its more than the cabin that he owes to Atkin. The lines are very close, the cabin and layout almost identical and the motor cover he attributes to Harry Bryan is present on the Ninigret, it just open differently. When I look at Nina I see a stich and glue Ninigret. Which I think is pretty cool. I'd like to see some other Akin crusier designs brought up to date and simplified for modern building.

Little Water (http://www.boat-links.com/Atkinco/Utilities/LittleWater.html) would be one I'd liek to see updated, and fits in here with the boats already mentioned.

[Wiley Baggins]

I've been trying to decide on a small motor cruiser and I really like this design.


Very stylish and given it's one of Bolger's probably practical to run in spite of (or because of) the apparent amount of effort involved in building her. Go for it, Mike. You and Sue would make quite the classy pair in that rig.

[Wiley Baggins]

Little Water... fits in here with the boats already mentioned.

That is a very nice design, dmede. I hadn't seen her before. Thanks for the link. That might have the makings of a perfect bass boat.

[rbgarr]

BLACKBIRD will be one of the 'safety boats' at this summer's Small Reach Regatta sponsored by WB.

[JimD]

Mark Van Abbema's 20er is worth a mention, too:

Mark V-20http://www.duckworksbbs.com/nav/line.gif
Plans - $95.00

--- Select Measure --- Standard Metric
http://www.duckworksbbs.com/nav/line.gif





A trailerable, outboard powered cabin cruiser.
Designed by Mark Van Abbema
http://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/markv/20/launch2.jpg
My Dad wanted a trailerable boat for short cruises, and for traveling across the country exploring different waterways. He didn't want it to be any longer than 20 feet, because that would be the largest size he could fit on the trailer he has. (We bought a used trailer to launch "Heart of Gold" with.)
http://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/markv/20/0223stem1.jpgHe wanted a comfortable berth, sitting headroom in the cabin, and an enclosed stand-up pilot house. We started with a design close to Sam Devlin's Surf Scooter, but when it was shortened to 20 feet, the pilot house and cockpit were both too small. We decided on the pilot house/cockpit combination, with an extended hard top. The sides will be enclosed with canvas.
http://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/markv/20/0330turn10.jpgSpeed was not a priority, so it has a semi-displacement hull. A 50 HP 4-stroke is the biggest motor contemplated, which should give a comfortable cruising speed of about 11-12 knots. We used a 25 hp Mercury Four stroke Bigfoot, which pushes the boat 7 knots at 4,000 rpm.
Originally, the motor was going to go in a well, but we decided to mount it on the transom to make more room in the cockpit. There is a full height watertight bulkhead 2 feet forward of the transom.
The cockpit sole is at the waterline, to give 6'6" headroom under the hard top, so it is not self bailing. There is a sump and a bilge pump for rainwater that may get in. http://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/markv/20/0722bow.jpgThere are storage compartments on each side of the motor. One of the compartments will house the porta-potti, Which can be moved to wherever is convenient for use. A cooler can be stored on the other side.

The flush deck is stronger and gives more room below than a trunk cabin would have. The forward most part of the deck will be at the level of the lower shear, for anchors and stuff. Anchors will be handled while standing in the forehatch, to save going out on deck. The cabin has a 7 foot long V-berth. There are removable panels so the aft part of the berth can be used as settees, with a nice view through the ports.

Aft of the berth are 2 1/2' counters on each side, with shelves above. 18 gallon fuel tanks are under each counter.

http://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/markv/20/pilgrimanchored.jpg
Pilgrim IV, the original Mark V 20


LOA 20 feet
Beam 7 feet
Draft 18"
Disp. aprox. 3,000 lb

http://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/markv/20/mv20sideview.jpg
http://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/markv/20/pilgrimplan.jpg

[JimD]

Pericles, you missed one other boat! This is what Im building, and with the little cabin, could make for cozy camp cruising:

http://www.bateau.com/proddetail.php?prod=LB22

http://www.bateau2.com/gallery/LB22/photos/LB22_Bow.jpg

http://www.bateau2.com/gallery/LB22/photos/LB22_port_cabin.jpg

A tad spartan, but VERY easy to build (Im building it, thats proof enough), stable in a seaway, economical to power (30hp reccomended), semi-planing speeds of 15-18mph, and bar none the most impressive customer service Ive ever seen from a designer.

There are two of us building them right now, first two built to the design. See my blog if your interested at the link below.

E

Nina was inspired by Atkin's Ninigret, yes?

http://www.boat-links.com/Atkinco/Photos/Ninigret/Ninigret-02.jpg

[Pericles]

As acknowledged in post #16

[JimD]

As acknowledged in post #16

Oh, THAT post #16!

[Spokaloo]

havent heard Mike chime back in on this one, whats the word?

E

[dmede]

There's also Baten from Jay Benford. Cute little boat. Would make a great little crusier for SF Bay or Puget Sound (her current home).

http://static.flickr.com/48/148284715_dd0a7ab3d3_o.jpg

Wait, what was the original question?

[capt jake]

Tom Lathrop also offers plans for the Blue Jacket 20. In the link there is no sketch, but I know I have seen one recently for it.
http://www.bluejacketboats.com/bluejacket_20.htm

[JimD]

havent heard Mike chime back in on this one, whats the word?

E

Mebee the word is he was interested in Blackbird and not the inevitable thread drift about a dozen other boats, some of which are not even remotely simililar to her. ;)

[mister_moon]

Me thinks Mike would like something a bit faster than many of the designs listed here.

I'd take Ninigret any day. It's my favorite powerboat, Romilly my favorite sailboat.

[rbgarr]

BLACKBIRD looks better in some views than others. IMO, she looks kind of boxy in this view

http://i13.tinypic.com/3yrv2qc.jpg

[JimD]

Boxy??? She's nothing but curves everywhere you look.

[Memphis Mike]

havent heard Mike chime back in on this one, whats the word?

E

I'm still undecided. I looked at all the other designs mentioned here a couple of years ago but was still right in the middle of another project.

Thanks folks.

[rbgarr]

Boxy??? She's nothing but curves everywhere you look.

I'm probably spoiled because I was used to seeing ESCORT (years ago), the design BLACKBIRD was based on:

http://tinyurl.com/2kc2dr

[Nicholas Scheuer]

Then it's "Bolger Boxes" for me!

That bow quarter view exhibits nothing BUT sex appeal.

Moby Nick

[JimD]

Escort:

http://www.cannellclassicboats.com/images/cbb_escort2.jpg

http://www.cannellclassicboats.com/images/cbb_escortdrawing1.jpg

[Pericles]

Gentlemen,

I bring notice that Jacquesmm has raised the bar once again. The LB 26. View the study plans at http://boatplans-online.com/proddetail.php?prod=LB26

http://boatplans-online.com/images/boatpics/LB26_bowview.jpg

Then go to http://bateau2.com/content/view/160/28/
which although it describes building with foam, also offers details to build in wood.:):)

Pericles

[Speedboy]

Memphis, I too was drawn to the Blackbird design. I recently completed the Rascal Runabout design by Ken Bassett and I know that Ken was also involved in the design of Blackbird. I think I read that only 1 of the Blackbird boats has been built to date. I hope to build one some day.

Speedboy

[Memphis Mike]

My Small Boats mag. came today and I love that boat but I think it's probably beyond my capibilities and budget right now.

I may start looking again at a small cruiser designed for sheet ply construction.

[JimConlin]

Do I remember correctly that Escort is at Mystic, back in the Rossi mill?

[stumpbumper]

Arch Davis has an interesting design that I've been looking at. The Bay Pilot 18 might suit your needs. There are a few construction photos on the website.
http://www.by-the-sea.com/archdavisdesign/davis_bay_pilot_18.html

[rbgarr]

Jim- I used to pass by ESCORT propped up in a saltmarsh near Charleston, SC about twenty-five years ago, totally collapsed over her cradle. Then one day she was gone. If she's at Mystic I'd be delighted to hear it.

[Memphis Mike]

I've always liked this but I'm not gonna get much speed out of her. She might make a nice little camp cruiser for Sue and I.



http://www.cmdboats.com/images/RW18-SCF-3A.jpg

[JimD]

Mmike, just curious, but why the need for speed? Cruising is at least as much about the journey as the destination. Almost all the best times I've ever had on the water were below ten miles an hour. That Red Wing is a real nice looking boat.

[JimD]

What do you think of Devlin's Dipper? She'll do 7 knots with minimal outboard power. Check out all the interior room:

http://www.devlinboat.com/homebuiltleppik5.jpg

http://www.devlinboat.com/homebuiltleppik7.jpg

http://www.devlinboat.com/dipper.gif

[Memphis Mike]

Looks too much like a Tug for me, Jim.

[capt jake]

Looks too much like a Tug for me, Jim.
That shoots all of my ideas. ;) I like tugs! :)

[JimD]

Looks too much like a Tug for me, Jim.

I knew you were going to say that :D

[Memphis Mike]

I knew you were going to say that :D

Well..you know....a hillbilly has to have a little class.:D I don't like the idea or the lines of a Tugboat..

[Nicholas Scheuer]

BlackBird really pushes my buttons, but she's a little short (both length and height) for incorporating the creature comforts Gayle and I would like over a two week period.

To lengthen Black Bird, and increase her displacement, would require a larger engine with more power.

I haven't put any lines on paper (Oh, for the old days when I used to work at a drafting board) but am toying with the idea of a 30-something, narrow, light, cruiser having a plywood hull with a fine entry and tapering to a pointed stern. Topsides would twist from a flared bow to a tumblehome stern, so both stem and stern are raked forward.

This Cruiser would be powered by a pair of 15 or 25-hp Yamaha HT outboard motors mounted on the stern quarters. The mounts would incorporate a bit of structure faireing into the topsides that protect the motors from being sideswiped at docks, or from other boats coming alongside. These structuress also provide a "shelf" supporting portable gasoline cans so that fuel is kept outboard instead of "in" the boat.

The quarter-mounted motors would also give easier access to the props for purposes of unfowling lobster trap lines.

I haven't decided whether the house would be "Lobster Style" or "Streetcar Style". The later would allow one to walk upright from bow to stern, of course, but as I said, Black Bird REALLY pushes my buttons.

I like the round bilges and flat bottom on the hull of my Shearwater Yawl (designed by Bolger to be much like Dovekie, but having more curves in the topsides) so I visualise a gap between the topsides and bottom which is closed by strip construction. This gap might well widen at the bow in order to incorporate more sex appeal, perhaps a hollow entry and a curved "Clipper" profile with the strip construction.

It is hoped such a vessel would slip through the water at a maximum of 10 knots, leaving little wake behind, as elegant as our Shearwater TRUE NORTH under power, just a tad faster.

Hey, if you havent' got a dream, then how ya'gonna make a dream come true?

Moby Nick

[Nicholas Scheuer]

There is WAY too much water in an around the U.S. for confining a cruising boat at a mooring.

MN

[hnsbrc]

Mike, here are some pics of my Whitefin 22. On the first photo it has a bit of a "Ninegretish" look with the cuddy up. It has proved over the last 2 seasons to be very versatile for cruising, camping, fishing, and the occasional joyride. Cruises nicely, and tops out at 35 with 90 HP .Also reasonably fuel efficient for type, took 16 gallons for my last trip of the season, a 110 mile round trip at speed (upper 20's). It was my first other than canoe or pram build, and not too difficult, just took me a long time. I agree that Blackbird and Ninegret are very classy designs. Good luck, Bruce
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pba212909e00587a1f51b7462294021a2/e9bcc2ab.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pb2d0f87b99964c74f4aa44a05bf3577b/e9bcc20d.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pff5384ea8049b6cf30d15ca88843c778/e9bcc2bd.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pbc67f8043ec712f04942979a7cc79f20/e9bcc297.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p081222c49dde1b113b5a6342482a4af3/e9bcc2d9.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pf3c7eab48a260b7a77fb77c7efc336de/e9bcc284.jpg

[katiedobe]

I like the look of your boat Bruce! Where did you get the plans? Did you build it yourself?

Looks like you and your family have lots of fun.

[hnsbrc]

Thanks Jimmy, rather than take up more of this thread will refer you to my original post of launching. http://www.woodenboatvb.com/vbulletin/upload/showthread.php?t=10250The family in pic is my then soon to be son in law, his kids, and my wife and daughter. I am behind the camera.
Bruce

[JimD]

Mmike, I think realistically you'lll probably return to designs like Glen-l's Cabin Skiff or one of Jacques Mertens very nice stitch and glue designs:

http://www.glen-l.com/designs/cruiser/cruiser-images/dsn-cabe.jpg

They are nice looking and as quick and inexpensive to build as you'll find. Twer it me, I'd be looking at hulls only. Virtually any of those types of boats can handle a small cabin. Then design the cabin yourself.

[Mark Van]

Nice to see someone mentioning my Mark V 20 design, however, it isn't much like Blackbird, which was designed to be a rather fast boat.
I see no practical reason for twin outboards, the new four strokes are extremely reliable. About the only thing that can go wrong is bad fuel, or water in the fuel, and that would be likely to hapen with both engines. A 50 hp four stroke is only about $1500 more than a 25, and would be more efficient than two 25s. Sea-Tow, at $120 a year, is a lot cheaper, and more usefull than a second motor.

[Memphis Mike]

Very nice boat, Bruce.:) Jim, the more I look at the Redwing the more I like it.

[rbgarr]

And if you're an AAA member, SeaTow for the first year is discounted.

[Tom Robb]

You'd not build Blackbird in order to get comfortable vacation accomodations, a cheap way on the water, or easy construction. You'd build her because you can't stop looking at her when tying up for the night after provoking jealous stares from others. It's all about truth and beauty and needs no other justification - art for art's sake someone once said.

[joek]

First post here.
I have a set of blackbird plans from CSD along with the portland skiff bought long ago and never built. thinking of listing my collection of unused plans on ebay, but have no idea on value? Joe