A discussion ...."Marie Michon" ?

[Ed Burnett]

Interesting boat.

The aft body may have been influcenced by a desire to achieve a good metacentric analysis. 1935 is about the right time for that.....

The layout is unusual, but you can see the thinking. One of the fun things about yacht design at that time is that there seemed to be plenty of scope for people to try something different. Much more fun than these days, where a more thorough understanding of the science (not to mention mass production) leads to things being a bit dull in the majority of cases.

[Ed Burnett]

Just noticed something:

"Deep Water" was built for a man named Charles Welch. There is a thing called the "Welch Axis", which if my memory serves me correctly is a slightly simpler first step than a full Metacentric analysis. Developed it seems by a Mr. Frank J. Welch. I wonder if there is any connection?

[PeterSibley]

Yes , she's obviously very "balanced " ,fore and aft .I wonder how she sailed ?

On variety Ed , I would have thought there was more today .Everything from extreme record setting single handers to the likes of mine ! American sharpies to plastic cruiser racers .

[Ed Burnett]

On variety Ed , I would have thought there was more today .Everything from extreme record setting single handers to the likes of mine ! American sharpies to plastic cruiser racers .

Looking at it that way I guess you are right. The overwhelming majority of new boats built today are pretty standard though, and I do feel that the average boat buying individual struggles to see much opportunity for something unique.

It is perhaps a by-product of the modern age, where we all buy things that are actively sold to us off the shelf rather than having to make our own judgements about what we really need and what form it might take.

[PeterSibley]

In that case I must be a very specialised demographic .I've built my house , sheds , a sawmill ,made a living for 20 years building other peoples housing or jewllery boxes , depending on the year .With a bit of luck this design will prove a success too !

I can't really pass up the pleasure of creating something from scratch ! :) It really is the most enjoyable thing a man can do .

[Andrew Craig-Bennett]

One thing about the Thirties was the level of interest in cruising boat design, and the number of amateurs willing to have a go.

I still have the drawings that I did thirty years ago and I am mighty glad they stayed on paper, but the process was very educational!

I think Ed is right (no big surprise!) - that design looks very much influenced by "metacentric" thinking.

[peter radclyffe]

In that case I must be a very specialised demographic .I've built my house , sheds , a sawmill ,made a living for 20 years building other peoples housing or jewllery boxes , depending on the year .With a bit of luck this design will prove a success too !

I can't really pass up the pleasure of creating something from scratch ! :) It really is the most enjoyable thing a man can do .
its terrific Peter that your designing & building a boat

[PeterSibley]

In that case I must be a very specialised demographic .I've built my house , sheds , a sawmill ,made a living for 20 years building other peoples housing or jewllery boxes , depending on the year .With a bit of luck this design will prove a success too !

I can't really pass up the pleasure of creating something from scratch ! :) It really is the most enjoyable thing a man can do .

Oh dear ! Please forgive my flight of enthusiasm ,it's all true but doesn't need broadcasting .The last sentence is worthwhile though! :)

[NYCKiwi]

This is an awesome thread. Many thanks to everyone contributing...

[PeterSibley]

Hi ,I've just been reading it .It was certainly the most fun I've had in ages !

[Paul Pless]

a mighty bump

[Duncan Gibbs]

Peter does have plans... They've changed again though!! :D

[PeterSibley]

Thank you for that succinct explanation Duncan !

Yes , life is interfering again and it's further down sizing ,but on a very similar vein .Perhaps more later .