Easy 10-12ft Sail/Row/Power tack and tape?

[GrFa]

Hi all, I'm new here but not new to boats. I have never built one but after a trying semester at school I have decided to take the summer off and one of the things I would like to do is build a boat. We have quite a few plastic boats in the family including a Com-Pac 16 (keeled microcruiser), a Cape Dory 28, and I have a Club 420 dinghy that has been in need of restoration for the last six years.

I have decided whatever I will build will be something unlike what I have already. Therefore it will be something that could be sailed, but also rowed and possibly powered by a small outboard or trolling motor. It will be used in the Barnegat Bay in NJ to begin with. It will need to have an unstayed rig that is easy to raise on the water, I need to pass under a bridge with apprx. 4ft of clearance.

I bought Dynamite Payson's latest book and figured for a first time builder the tack and tape method would be best although I love the designs of all the Acorn dinghys. I have also considered some of Bolger's designs in Payson's book but it seems like they are all a lot of compromise. Also, I do not want to build a jig unless it is completely necessary. I am also trying to keep the costs within reason, being a somewhat poor college student.

I have considered the Shellback as it seems a popular choice, but it doesnt seem to have enough freeboard for me. Also, it seems like it may be hard to build. I was checking out the Goat Island Skiff earlier today but it is just too big.

I think that pretty much covers everything, I appreciate any suggestions! Thanks

Greg

[adampet]

Bolger's Cartopper is a great first boat. My younger brother and I built one of 1/4 ' AC Ply. It rows well, has a sail rig and went OK with a Seagull outboard(easier just to row). It's 11 1/2 ft and plans are easy to understand.

Adam

[John Turpin]

How about a B & B Spindrift? The plans are very thorough, the size is right and there's a strong builder support group.



http://www.bandbyachtdesigns.com/spin.htm

[Cuyahoga Chuck]

To me "easy" means a three panel flat bottomed hull like this:
http://www.boatplans-online.com/prod....php?prod=SD11
This boat and the others on this site are fairly new designs by Jacques Mertens. I doubt that you will find anything easier to build. And if you get hung up he has a web site where he answers queries in person. There aren't many little dinghies that have a real live naval architect behind them.

[Nicholas Scheuer]

I'd second the recommendation for a Cartopper.

Moby Nick

[BrianY]

Bay skiff 12 from Chesepeake Marine Design.....though I'm not sure about its abiiltiy to handle a motor. Might be worth contacting the designer directly.

http://www.cmdboats.com/bayskiff.htm...dde061eb18fce4

They also have the 'Seal' - which won't motor but looks very nice for rowing and sailing - and the 'Weekend Dinghy' which will take an electric trolling motor