Researching WB Plan No.6, 18'3" sloop, O-boat

[Steve Martinson]

Greatings all,

This is my first time here. I am in the early stages of researching a daysailer to build. I am interested in info on WB plan #6 by John Alden in 50 Wooden Boats.

I have experience from a stint at Hinkley in South West Harbor, ME working on the 44' Jet boat. Now I am ready to build a real boat.

It will be primarily used on Lake Michigan.

I most likely will build cold-mold.

I would appreciate any tips and perhaps links to pictures.
I am comfortable with wood working and fiberglass.
I have basicly no experience with sail rigging.
As this will be trailered, I need to understand how to build a mast which is easy to drop for travel, or where to buy one.

Thanks for any help.

Steve

[ishmael]

Just a couple things.

After an hello and welcome, let me say the O boat is a great little daysailor. Very able for its size and type.

Dropping the mast. Are you talking about doing it by yourself? You might want to look into a carbon fibre spar...depending on your budget. Could also change the plan and build a tabernacle, basically a big hinge, that allows a heavier wooden spar to be stepped and un-stepped with a tackle. As you go along you'll pick up many references, but for a look at old style tabernacle, check out Chapelle's book, "Boatbuilding."

That's all I know. Best of luck, Ishmael