R.I.P. Jeff Spira

[SKIP KILPATRICK]

From Jeff's website: https://spirainternational.com/hp_wood_boats.html

I never met the man but from watching his videos, I got a strong impression that he was a kind and gentle man.

I enjoyed build form his plans for the Rogue Power Drifter and I look forward to getting it back in the water in the next week or two.


Rest in Peace Jeff.




SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT

Fellow Boat Builders,
With profound sadness we share news that Jeff Spira, the founder and driving force of Spira Boats, passed away recently. Consequently, we are temporarily ceasing sales of printed boat plans while we regroup, but we’ll be announcing our plans for going forward soon. Downloadable PDF plans are available until further notice. We regret any temporary inconvenience.
Jeff was a pioneer in the design of boats that are uniquely easy to build, seaworthy, and beautiful. Many in the boatbuilding community came to know Jeff through his boat plans and YouTube channel. Jeff considered all of you friends.
Please feel free to check back frequently for updates and further announcements.

[SKIP KILPATRICK]

My impression of Jeff's Rogue

[DEF1]

Sorry to hear about Jeff. I was going to buy some plans. Do you think anyone will be taking over his sight.

[Breakaway]

Just catching this. RIP
Read and " dreamed" his plans on a number of occasions.


K

[Landrith]

Just catching this. RIP
Read and " dreamed" his plans on a number of occasions.


K

Same here. His videos were coming up a lot on my YouTube home page and I followed a link to his plans and saw the message. last year I was thinking about taking his online boating certification course soon.

[martin1302]

Does anyone know if the relatives are planning to make his boat building plans and building instructions available again or to sell the business.
It would be a real shame if all his work just disappeared. Its easy-to-build boats also stand out from many other providers

[thedutchtouch]

oh man! also never met him, but what a legend (in my opinion). i had a few of his boats on my "plans i should purchase next year" list that i never got to. hope his work isn't all lost to the void, website isn't working at the moment.

[rregge]

The website linked in the original post is down. Not a good sign.

[martin1302]

Yes, until a week ago there was at least a short text and an email address. At that time, I wrote to the relatives, expressed my heartfelt condolences and asked whether the website was planned to be reactivated or whether they were considering selling the business so that someone else could continue.
Unfortunately I didn't get an answer, but the homepage was completely gone a day later.

[Beowolf]

That is a heartbreak...

Whenever thoughts turned to knocking together a small driftboat, his site was my first stop.

[dwr9]

No help if you want to purchase plans, but you can at least look at the web site on the WayBackMachine: https://web.archive.org/web/20220126...rnational.com/
Doug

[BeyondReprieve]

Jeff was a wonderful person, and a very dear friend. I know it would have broken his heart to learn his plans and knowledge did not continue after his passing. I truly hope there is a way to continue his legacy. ❤️