To All the 'Nesters' Out there . . .

[w32honu]

Hi All,

Just purchased plans for Danny Greene's Chameleon Nesting Dinghy. Just a quick question to those that chose to nest.........

What is the best arrangement (simple, economical, effective) for the mechanical connection??

I was thinking a series of 5/8 inch bolts with a rod welded on the head and one welded on the nut................a giant wing nut if you will.

Thanks in advance.

Steve

[perchance]

Pictures pictures I need pictures.

[w32honu]

Originally Posted by perchance

Pictures pictures I need pictures.

More to do.......

[Tim R.]

Nice. Shape reminds me of the Mirror I learned to sail on as a kid.

[vancouver25]

Just finishing up my own "nester" (a two-paw from B&B) but so far plan is 1/4" bronze bolts with "Black Phenolic Knobs with Brass Insert" and neoprene and bronze washers. I use these same knobs for my tilting solar panels and some sliding boards and carry extras as I'm pretty good at dropping them overboard!

There are other options but short of custom metal fabrication this system seems pretty simple. The welded bar and "wing nut" idea sounds good too. You might find with the neoprene washers you don't really need a "bar" to hold the bolt tight while you tighten the nut/knob if you weld the bolt to the bronze (or stainless) washer. Either way this is a two-handed operation.

If the picture attached you can see it on deck where I'm trying to decide where it will go during passages (still unsure but in front of mast seems best so far).

[w32honu]

Nice job!!!! Looks great.....

Spring is in the air around these parts so its time for the final push. Boat needs to be finished, sail and spars are pretty much done.

Thanks for the input.......

I will definitely take a look at your idea.

[Nikolina]

Gentlemen (if I may use the term loosely)
I don't mean to get off topic, I'm wondering what is the proper and or best way to launch a nester? On deck (not enough room) In the water if it's calm. I heard of hanging one half on the rail, setting the other half on, making up the two halves and launching over the rail. I also have one in the making a B&B two paw so have yet to launch. And I think stainless carriage bolts with wing nuts would be simple enough to hold the two together. Any thoughts

[vancouver25]

I'm still experimenting. So far, with my small foredeck, I suspend the front section with tow ring from spinnaker topping just high enough to slip stern section under (so vertical against the mast). Assemble. then wrestle the thing over the side.
Admittedly, this is awkward at best, and I've only done it once as a "test" while at the dock in a dead calm. Still managed to ding the paint a little.
My next test will be to experiment with two halves over the side and assemble while sitting in the stern.
But I don't have enough experience with it yet to give a definitive answer. I'll keep you posted when I figure it out.
Also open to other ideas?

[Delancey]

Interested to learn about getting plans for this design. Snail mail a check to the designer? Or can you Paypal and receive plans as .pdf via email?

[sabray]

The chameleon you just put the halfs in the water and bolt it up. It almost floats together. The sailing design has a fitting that keys into the cb trunk. This helps line everything up

[w32honu]

Originally Posted by Delancy

Interested to learn about getting plans for this design. Snail mail a check to the designer? Or can you Paypal and receive plans as .pdf via email?

I believe Danny Greene is a snail mail kinda guy. I mailed him a check. Design cost was about $35 if I remember correctly. I am on the road at the moment..........can check for his email when I get home.

[w32honu]

Phil and Leslie on the s/v Carina have written an article for Good Old Boat magazine. Issue was some time ago. Anyway they describe their launch techniques and the usefulness of the boat over an extended period of hard use cruising.....

[Strait Shooter]

Port Townsend Watercraft has an ingenius way of connecting the two halves in the water.

Port Townsend Watercraft?s Nesting Dinghies

[w32honu]

Yes the PT 11 looks like a great boat. I might have built their kit if it was available at the time. Happy with the Chameleon tho....

There is a short post on the forum regarding the PT 11.

[Strait Shooter]

Originally Posted by w32honu

There is a short post on the forum regarding the PT 11.

I'll have to go search for it, I missed that one.