What Would You Choose ?

[Thorin]

So out of these six boats which would you build and why? Anything I build will be rigged as a schooner and most of these designs can be altered for that clipper bow that I love (for a price). To help you help me decide keep in mind I want to cruise the arctic and antarctic, will most likely be putting in an electric drive and genset. I am open to other boats if you want to recommend them based on experience you have had, but if it's not a schooner it doesn't stand a chance
So, let me know what you think!


Surprise 36. Supprise 36

Boat plan Centennial Spray 36 steel wood. Centennial Spray 36

Atkin & Co. - Island Princess. Island Princess 37

http://www.bruceroberts.com/public/H...description.ht. Spray 38

Shearwater 39 classic cruiser. Shearwater 39

Devlin Designing Boat Builders. Whimbrel 40

[Boracay]

The only one on your list that I would consider is the Shearwater.

The other designs look to be old, may not be suited to a modern lifestyle and could take much longer to build. Designer support for some may be limited.

The Shearwater 39 does appear to be a bit on the light side. Dix supplies plans for wood or aluminium but "You can't get the wood anymore" (or it's horrendously expensive not to mention poor resale value) and aluminium requires very specialised welding (good if the skills are available in your area).

I'd suggest asking Dix if it can be built in glass/foam - solid up to the waterline and foam above. I believe he supplies good support to amateur builders.

It does look to be a very nice boat.

[SabreKai]

The only one of the lot I've ever even seen is the Spray. But looking at the drawings you posted, I'd go hands down with the Island Princess. I'm not a fan of fat beamy boats, and I like her lines. You loose cubic with that sort of a design, which is why most boats today are fat tubs. But she has the classic look and those photos of Endurance show that very well. If she could be built of steel that would be even better. My second choice would be the Spray, also in steel. More cubic for you to live in and carry stores.

Sabre

[alanvdh]

Definitely the Shearwater 39. I'm a Dix fan.
Cheers,
Alan

[Stillraining]

I would not build at all...rather buy complete and choose to sail instead ( cheaper by far as well )...but if I had to pick from your choices id be the Shear water 39...sloop rigged.

I would not want to put all those years into building a boat and then hate living aboard it because it was to Blue water...but that's just my opinion...others MMV

Fist tool in my boat shed woukld be a Keg-o-rator..

[David M]

I hate to be a party pooper but I agree, I would rather go sailing now than build a boat.

[paulrack]

A number of glass Shearwater 39's were built in South Africa. I am not sure where the moulds are at the moment.

[Thorin]

Oh I know buying would be cheaper, faster, and a heck of alot easier. I still want to build a Schooner. When you see a schooner with all it's sails set, charging into the waves, I love it. IMO it's the prettiest thing in the world. Thanks for you thoughts

[Doodles]

Originally Posted by Thorin

Oh I know buying would be cheaper, faster, and a heck of alot easier. I still want to build a Schooner. When you see a schooner with all it's sails set, charging into the waves, I love it. IMO it's the prettiest thing in the world. Thanks for you thoughts

Yes, when you "see" a schooner from a distance, but when you are driving I don't think it matters if its a sloop, cutter, ketch or schooner ... it all pretty nice!

[Curmudgeon]

I own a Devlin boat, and his designs are interesting, if sometimes quirky. But there are lots of very well thought-out touches. He's also very available if you need advice, and stitch and glue makes a very sturdy and easy to maintain hull.

But I would go with the Hope of Glory, not the Whimbrel. You can use a hard dodger in lieu of a pilothouse. The Hope of Glory is beamier and will have more interior volume for distance cruising.

Having said that, the Shearwater is a really nice boat, so long as you can get your hands on a mold. You don't need a mold to build a Devlin boat.

[alanvdh]

The Shearwater can be build out of cold moulded wood or aluminium. (Aluminum for our colonial cousins in the west) Give Dudley a call.
Cheers,
Alan

[blgklr]

Build what you like but first move from Medecine Hat to somewhere on the BC coast or you will not be able to afford to put it in the water. Sloop is better for single handling but if you can afford to build the schooner you can probably afford the crew to sail it.