Swifty update anyone?

[Shoemaker]

My first post, and I hope this is the right spot to put it. Please have patience with this aspiring builder!

I've narrowed my search for a dinghy kit to Shell Boat's "Swifty 11," believing that as much pre-cut lumber and comprehensive availability of everything else that I can get is the way for me to go - - a first-time builder except for a cradle boat from plans by Jordan Wood Boats. I believe I've found everything on this forum about the Swifty - - most of it having been posted some time ago. I also found some YouTube sites with more info. But I thought it might be smart to ask for an update before I go further - - from anyone with more recent experience or knowledge - - and especially with regard to other options that may have appeared on the scene since the earlier discussions.

Here's a brief list of my wishes and circumstances:

* One-stop shop for pre-cut lumber, detailed plans/instructions, epoxy, spars, rigging, sails, and oars (IF all that makes as much sense as it seems to me)
* 10-12' - to fit in my garage
* 90-120 lbs. - so that I (and likely only I) can manage to flip and leverage it around as necessary during building and afterward - - I, at the tender age of 67, and not as strong as an ox
* Large enough (or designed appropriately) for "comfortable" outings with my wife or one grandchild - - giving the side seats and beamier design of the Swifty what seems like the edge over other small-dinghy designs with the regular bench seats. I weigh about 180. My wife - - well... she's under 180.
* (I can hear the groans on this one) - - Able to handle a small motor if I just have to have one some day
* Good initial stability and not too tender overall under sail
* Easy to rig - - and ideally providing the option for deciding to sail after rowing around for a bit - - (making the folding/stowable mast of the Swifty seem appealing)

When I look back on this list and think - am I the only one to want all these things? - I'd predict that other designers must have been thinking along these lines in recent years - - so... can anyone give me some greater perspective on what's available, or, if nothing else, some confirmation that I wouldn't be making a mistake by going for the Swifty 11?

Thanks!

[BigIsland]

- am I the only one to want all these things?

You're not. I can't count the number of times I have been motivated to start a boat building project, only to find myself mired in sourcing proper materials. Boat building, depending on where you live, is a very small community and the resources are not easily attained. For example, for me to get marine ply I either have to be very patient with Craigslist, have it shipped to me (cha-ching) or drive 50 miles. This sucks the life out of the project and amplifies cost. Clint Chase has a nice and short pdf going over his belief in why a kit benefits a certain type of builder. It certainly seems like you and I fit into this category. I need to finish my Storer QuickCanoe as proof to my wife that I have the ambition and follow through and if she gives me the okay I would love to pick up Shell's 13' Lucky. His kits are nicely inclusive (including sails), though I don't believe oars are standard....could be wrong on this and in any case decent oars can be found at West Marine.

I say go for it, the Swifty looks like a great boat and is probably one of the better kit values out there. Certainly a better value than the Jimmy Skiff from CLC, though I can't comment on whether of not it's a better boat.

Good luck and I would love to know how the kit purchase process goes. Keep in touch!

Andrew

[Shoemaker]

I say go for it

Andrew

Thanks for the response and encouragement, Andrew! I was beginning to think I WAS the only one with a list of fussy contingencies, but I also appreciate the fact that others on this forum are miles ahead of where I am - - trying to get up the nerve to start on just one boat, let alone a whole series of them on into the future, each more challenging than the last.

Thanks again - - getting closer to taking the plunge!