"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]

Re: "Starlite" 27-1/2 ft Auxiliary Cruiser

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]

Re: "Starlite" 27-1/2 ft Auxiliary Cruiser

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

[sailorrandy]

Re: "Starlite" 27-1/2 ft Auxiliary Cruiser

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]

Re: "Starlite" 27-1/2 ft Auxiliary Cruiser

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]

Re: "Starlite" 27-1/2 ft Auxiliary Cruiser

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

[tomlarkin]

Re: "Starlite" 27-1/2 ft Auxiliary Cruiser

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]

Re: "Starlite" 27-1/2 ft Auxiliary Cruiser

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]

Re: "Starlite" 27-1/2 ft Auxiliary Cruiser

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]

Re: "Starlite" 27-1/2 ft Auxiliary Cruiser

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]

Re: "Starlite" 27-1/2 ft Auxiliary Cruiser

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]

Re: "Starlite" 27-1/2 ft Auxiliary Cruiser

You can do betta den dot Rahjah

[beernd]

Re: "Starlite" 27-1/2 ft Auxiliary Cruiser

Here is a link to free plans for her:

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

[Gaff rigger]

Re: "Starlite" 27-1/2 ft Auxiliary Cruiser

I built a Starlite years ago sailed it for 22 years, it was a wonderful boat with a smooth easy motion, very comfortable. I used a thin 51/2 in.x28 ft aluminum mast stepped on the cabin top with a post under it for support, the boom was 20 ft made from 3 redwood 2x4s laminated. It had a 12 ft wooden gaff with a fixture that ran in the sail track. this made for a huge mainsail with 4 reefs that gave plenty of power. The mast was on a hinge and with twin gin poles it came down easily to go under bridges. It was cutter rigged with rollers on both jibs ,the smaller jib was on self tending boom. When I drew the lines on paper, I made the keel 4 inches deeper and cut off 3 feet of the rear part for better steering. instead of inboard I simply continued the keel apron plank to the transom and made an outboard motor well , using 7 to 18 hp outboards ,some short ,some long shaft over the years...I kept an extra outboard motor on the boat just incase I needed to replace during trips. The keel and laminated back bone was laid flat on the ground and 1500 lbs of concrete was mixed on a tarp and poured into the keel like a sidewalk. after it dried we pushed the keel erect and connected the frames to the threaded rods embedded in the keel concrete through the apron plank. later I poured another 500 lbs on concrete into the bilge. The wood keel was pressure treated 4x4 lumber, frames were 2x6 with pressure treated wood below water line , rudder was pressure treated 4x6s with 5/8 steal rods soaked in creasote bolted together , shape cut with a chainsaw and tapered. All fittings were made with 1/4 x 2 in. steel welded and painted...later replaced with 1/8 inch stainless flat stock. the steel fittings actually were no problem. rudder hinges welded steel strap and pipe...indestructible...used on the great lakes. I later covered the boat with two layers 6 oz. cloth and polyester with the color in the resin and simply polished out. Planking was two layers of fir BC grade ply 1/4in and 3/8 inch glued with polyester resin. Stringers were two layers 1x4 pine.This was one tough ass boat that was relentless to windward in up to 60 knot winds, 10 ft waves in comfort!. The materials were cheap, and building it was fun out in my back yard...all wood was standard construction grade and all fastenings were ordinary hardware store plated steel...hey , I was 22 years old and married with kids...did I mention , it was fun? The red gaff rigg looked fantastic and was easy to handle, the heavy boom was slow moving coming across. later self steering made it finger controled. The ull form has max beam more forward that newer designs so it is not a racer but I have beaten modern boats off the wind easily as it planes down wind in heavy weather.

[wizbang 13]

Re: "Starlite" 27-1/2 ft Auxiliary Cruiser

Ten foot waves , sixty knots o breeze going to windward …. in comfort .
Yea I call bs on dat .