Hi from Aus

[Bugged]

My wife and I sail a small gaffer that we built - here she is, the day after she was launched.



We sail in Port Phillip Bay in Melbourne, Australia, which is kind of a boring place to sail. Here is a view.


Here are the builders - JR



and Lelia



We have stayed on the boat for up to 5 days days at a time, and she is comfortable and lovely so long as we have access to a shower on shore! We plan to truck the boat up north later this year (after we retire in August) and, basing at a marina for the showers, spend a season or two in the sunshine.

Building a boat was a lifelong dream, and now that I've done it, I wish I had started with a bigger one ...

Are there any more gaffers on this board?

JR

[delmarrey]

Nice job JR

Sooo, How long did it take you? Thats the first home built that I've ever seen finished.

And, what materials did you us.

I was going to build one back in the early 80's while in San Diego. But could never find the space that I could afford. Now, I don't have the time (age) and/or the energy.

As for gaffers, I don't think we have any others here that I can remember.

I've always wondered. Does it take a lot of line for your peak halyards and is it harder to hoist the gaff then a conventional mainsail.

BTW Welcome aboard......................._/)

[ozskip]

Hi from sth gippsland and nice building job.How big is the boat?I am a bit past half way building boat number 15 and it will be the last i build. Cheers Greg.

[Bugged]

She is 6 metres, or 7.5 over the spars, built of western red cedar strips over ply frames, and glass covered. It was a project of just over 3 years. I don't have the experience to compare with bermudans Del, I know there I a lot of line in the cockpit when the sail has been raised! But it is no trouble to raise the sail - the peak and throat halyards come back to the cockpit and they come in together until the throat has a good tension and then we peak up the ... peak.

What are you building this time, Ozskip?

JR

[irwinsailor]

WOW! What a beautiful boat! Nice job.

[BC Mike]

The photo of the lady next to the mast with the drill is a keeper. Well done you guys. Over here one of the banks was giving away a cordless drill like that if you opened a new account. That is how I got my drill. Michael

[delmarrey]

Well, it sure is a nice job.

Red cedar, is that what gives her that maroon color? And if so, the glass must be transfering the color. And it would have to have a spray on or polished finish. I'm just guessing here

And it sounds like she's well organized..........................._/)

[ozskip]

I am building a hartley 38ft Tahitian ketch, been building her 2months short of 2years but can see the light at the end of the tunnel just hope some idiot doesn't turn it off. Cheers Greg.

[Bugged]

Thats a big effort Greg, go well.

Del, thats a paint job. It was a 2 pack paint, rolled on and brushed out, colour port. It came out good but since repainted with enamel in the same colour because it was not easy to fix damage in the 2 pack.

JR