"Starlite" 27-1/2 ft Auxiliary Cruiser

[Twister]

I'm having a clear out of old papers, and I came a cross a set of construction plans and building instructions for a "Starlite" 27-1/2 ft Auxiliary Cruiser, published by Science & Mechanics magazine [quote: "The magazine that shows you how"].

Although only covering 3 sheets, the plans and instructions are very detailed and Starlite looks like a very practical, easy to build cruiser.

I can't remember when I bought these plans but it must be more than 30 years ago. Needless to say, I never got around to building a Starlite and I have never heard of one since.

Out of idle curiosity, I'd like to know if anyone here has ever seen one, sailed one or built one and, if so, what are your impressions of the class?

[BarnacleGrim]

http://www.svensons.com/boat/?p=SailBoats/StarLite

It looks like a nice design, even I played with the thought of building one, but it's a pretty big project, and there is no designer to call if you get stuck. It's too bad you don't see more of these around.

[goodbasil]

A fellow I work with had one in his backyard until about 8 years ago. Then he gave it away.

[sailorrandy]

I have built a Star-Lite sailboat. I started in 1983 and launched it in 1994 and have been living on it since 1999. I rigged it as a Gaff cutter and have sailed it over twenty thousand miles. I would be interested in knowing of others who have built one.

[Dave Wright]

I have built a Star-Lite sailboat. I started in 1983 and launched it in 1994 and have been living on it since 1999. I rigged it as a Gaff cutter and have sailed it over twenty thousand miles. I would be interested in knowing of others who have built one.

You seldom hear of folks building from Science and Mechanics plans anymore. The original magazine included an article of the first boat's cruise in addition to the plans and building pictures. You learn a little more about William D. Jackson who developed scores of those plans and then seems to have disappeared. He built Starlite from 1950 to 1952 then headed down the Mississippi in October of 52.. Here's a couple of pages from that second article (there's 8 more pages):

[Dave Wright]

If the OP is still interested, the latest Woodenboat has an article on a home built "Star-lite."

[tomlarkin]

I have built a Star-Lite sailboat. I started in 1983 and launched it in 1994 and have been living on it since 1999. I rigged it as a Gaff cutter and have sailed it over twenty thousand miles. I would be interested in knowing of others who have built one.

Welcome to the forum! I'm sure a number of people here would be really interested in seeing some construction pictures if you have any, and a description of the good and bad points of the completed boat.

[tomlarkin]

I received a PM from a guy in Germany who is planning on building one of these. He's having trouble posting and asks if anyone here has more information or pictures about this boat.

[sailboy3]

Like post #6 says, there's a good article about the guy from post #4, and his boat, in WB #218. He can download the magazine with the article Here.

[earling2]

I almost bought one years ago in Rhode Island. the owner was an older guy who just never finished it, looking to unload it. Never launched. It had a huge Grey Marine engine (gas) inside, not mounted. It wasn't half bad. I loved the boat, in general, but it as too much project for me at the time, though it was about 90% done. Full hull, decks, cabin, rig, sails.

I could see building one. I remember at the time I think it looked under rigged, or something; I think maybe it was the long, straight shoal keel. It didn't look like much of a performer. Could have been wrong. Lots of charisma though.

[Jollyroger]

Hello! Does anyone have full plans for the Starlite? Seems like a beauty. I'd love to give it a try to build her...

[wizbang 13]

You can do betta den dot Rahjah

[beernd]

Here is a link to free plans for her:

http://www.svensons.com/boat/?p=SailBoats/StarLite