Chris White Discovery 20

[Tel750]

Hi all, I am new to the forum and am planning my first project. After much searching online ( and having an interest in multihulls) I
like Chris Whites Discovery 20. The thing is its difficult to find out much about the construction process other than wood, epoxy, glass. I assume its a strip plank boat? I have ordered his book on ebay ( $1.94 bargain), but would be greatful to hear from anyone who has built this boat. Also is this an over ambitous first project, should I try one of the smaller ply tri's frist. Greatful for any advice and to have the benefit of seasoned expertise.
Regards
Terry

[JimConlin]

Have you conversed with the designer (http://www.chriswhitedesigns.com/contact.php) ?

If you are to build that boat, you'll need to talk with him.

[Tom Lathrop]

I can't tell you much about the construction but my son has one. I have sailed it and done a bit of repair. There is a considerable amount of plywood in the construction.

It sails beautifully, tacks readily, fast and easily handled. It's light enough to trail with a small vehicle but, and it's a big but, the windage is terrific and I would want a medium or full size vehicle and a couple sand bags in the bottom of the trailer.

[bainbridgeisland]

I am pretty sure the Discovery 20 is built using 'constant camber' method. It is a pretty fast method once you get used to it. The main disadvantage to it is somewhat limited hull shapes. But as pointed out by Tom, this boat performs very well, much better than most "high tech" looking boats of the same size. So, hull shape limitations are not a problem with this boat. Great performance is because it has plenty of sail area and uses an efficient construction method that allows lightweight and wide beam.

It is a very nice boat. ...well designed in my opinion. ...fast and economical too.

[Tel750]

Thanks for the information folks.
I had considered contacting the designer (who is probably very busy) but more important to me was to get an unbiased veiw of the boat. I have looked at a lot of Tri designs and consider this one to be a well rounded craft, plenty of room for the family and some race speed as well.
Windage is always a problem with some thing that presents alot of surface area, but I suspect no more than a Caravan (trailer home). The boat would spend most of its time at the boat park anyway and if I did need to get it home we are no more than 5 minutes from the coast.
I think this boat will be well suited to the tropics, with our dry season sea breezes it will perform well and will provide a good, safe platform for twilight racing and weekend camping at a very economical price. I especially like the inclusion of hobie rigging (actually I may be wrong on this, was confused with another boat) and sails which allows the opportunity to purchase secondhand equipment at a modest price
Thanks again
Terry

[ 12-23-2005, 01:27 AM: Message edited by: Tel750 ]

[Mick Herron]

My two cents worth. A very nice design!

I am also considering building one. I am not sure either, but I think it's a stitch and glue construction.

The biggest concern I have with the design is that the amas fold above the center hull for trailering. Windage would have to be great.

I wondered about changing the folding geometry so that the amas fold against main hull ... like Ian Farrier. The patents have expired as he himself acknowleges and immitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

Please keep us posted.

[Tel750]

I am not sure of the construction method myself, in my reading so far if its a Constant Camber design it maybe over complicated to build the molds for the length of the boat.. Stitch and glue would be nice although a little boxy, I am starting to lean toward the Kurt Hughes designs for smaller tris but like Chris White's tri its difficult to find out much more about these boats other than what is on their web pages (which is very little) and I wouldn't contact them unless it was absolutely necesarry as I am sure they would appreciate.
There is a very interesting article on cylinder molds www.multihulldesigns.com/pdf/cm33.pdf, (http://www.multihulldesigns.com/pdf/cm33.pdf,) ( sorry link seems to be broken, web search "cylinder mold") this seems to be the most simplifyed system that I have read about to date and ideal for the multihull home builder. I would like to find out more about Developed- Plywood but so far my search has been in vain, any help in this regard would be greatly appreciated. My plan (dream) at this point is to build the Hughes 16ft tri to get on the water then build the Discovery or 23ft daysailer.
Cheers
Terry
Merry Christmas to all
p.s. found another term for 'developed-plywood' its 'compounded plywood' ( I think)

[ 12-23-2005, 09:07 PM: Message edited by: Tel750 ]