PK's First Sailboat

[PlumKrazy]

Yes, I want to build it myself. Yes I have already bought a few materials. And yes, I'm nervous about it.

I realize I'm greener than a sunken penny, but I have an idea, a ton of motivation and just enough crazy to try it.

What is it going to be? Just a Whitehall Dinghy with Junk sails. That shouldn't be too tough, right? Lol.

I'm going to start from the ground up. The reference materials I'm going to start with are two books; Building Catherine, Traditional Boat Building Made Easy and Practical Junk Rig.

And I think I would like to take pictures and record my progress every step of the way. Hopefully by posting this, just knowing that people are waiting to see if I can pull it off will keep me accountable.

I really want to earn my sea legs with this one.

Anyone have any advice they would like to share before I smash my thumb for the first time?

Thanks for reading!

[Will post some pictures and stuff that have given me inspiration for this little project, soon!]

[captjcook]

Measure twice, cut once and if you make a mistake...take a break...good luck on your dingy build, sounds like a fun project!


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[PlumKrazy]

Thanks Cap'n! I really appreciate the encouragement.

I said I would post a few things that've inspired me, so here goes:

This thing is huge! Love the design, but not the weight and length, mine will be between 14 and 17 feet I think. Still deciding.

Explore The Waters In Style

And my favorite:

Old Modern Handicrafts Functional Whitehall Dinghy

However mine will be impermeable under several layers of epoxy and maybe a dash of paint to last years and not just look gorgeous.

I'm probably going to use pine for the hull. Still trying to decide whether or not I want to go with Strip Planking or some kind of Clinker method.

I've also been thinking about experimenting with Amish inspired woodworking techniques since they're some of the best in the world! I'm not sure if they'll work for boatbuilding, but I aim to find out!

5 Amish Inspired Woodworking Techniques

As for why I want junk rigging: (Might want to turn up the volume)

Reefing "Hedwig" a junk rig Peep Hen

See what I mean?