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| The bait boat, with Jeannie II in the background. |
When I sold TARDIS, I told myself I would never build another boat, I was done. Seven months have past, and I have not started another build. However, I have started to grieve the loss of TARDIS. Oh, I know it's best she is with another, but when I read about other Paradox builds, I feel a little sad and feel the need to create something. I was asked, "If you had it to do over again, what would you do different?" I suppose, it would be, build TARDIS faster, so I could have at least sailed her once before I sold her. But I lost my focus, and my heart wasn't in it anymore.
My friend Chuck, started building a small bait boat with a holding tank. He has bait traps he puts out, but the more these little fish are handled, the greater the possibility of their demise. Chuck envisioned a boat that could be pulled up to the bait holding pen, open a valve and the fish would drain from the holding tank, through PVC pipe to the bait pen behind his house. This way, the only time the fish would be handled, is when they are moved from the trap to the tank on the boat.
This unfinished bait boat sits on a trailer in front of Chuck's house. Every time I walk past this boat, it screams out to me, "FINISH ME." In due time. Right now, m/v Jeannie II is receiving all the attention. Jeannie II is Chuck's 29' Mirage fishing boat. A tuna tower, A/C unit, inverter, a new cabin door and several repairs have been made, and she is almost ready to be put back into the water for hours and hours of fun. A future post with details will soon follow. When she is in the water, the bait boat is next on the list.
But I still have that desire to sail a small vessel created by my own hands. In my weak moments, I flip through the plans on Duckworks. If I did build something, it would have to be a stable, open boat design, no more than 14 feet, shallow draft, easy to board from the water. She would have to be an easy build, and not too expensive. If my boat building friends have any suggestions, please send them my way. I feel certain that there is the smell of lumber and sawdust in my future.
I'll be the first of many ... Mayfly 14... I think it fits everyone of your criteria without compromise.
ReplyDeleteThank you Pehr, I will take a closer look at Mayfly 14.
DeleteI don't know Mayfly in particular, but after building a Piccup and a Jewelbox Jr., I'd say go with Jim Michalak.
ReplyDeleteSmall Craft Advisory Magazine
ReplyDeletehttp://smallcraftadvisor.com/
I am building a SCAMP some thing to look into. Less complicated than Tardis. Look a videos of capsize tests that was important to me.
http://www.buildingasailboat.com/ this link is how I found your blog. She is building a SCAMP.
I was fortunate enough to see the red SCAMP that Mike Monies built a couple of years ago. She seemed to sail very well in the high winds that day.
DeleteThe Mayfly 14 is a great boat and could not be much simpler to build. It may be the cheapest to build for its capabilites. Chuck Pierce has a great artical about his in The latest Small Craft Adviser.
ReplyDeleteThe Scamp would be a great small boat for leaving at the dock or on a bouy. Its self draining(I think)
If you are wanting an open boat as capable as the Paradox. Look at the Roamer Dinghy. Bill Serjeant owned one. He has a lot about it on his blog. I am guessing you know he has another Paradox. He has said his Paradox Faith is the only boat he has regreted that he sold.
Why not build the Mayfly. To go sailing as quick as posible and also sail while building something more complacated
Thomas,
DeleteI appreciate the input, and have really considered the Mayfly 14. I really like Scamp, and followed Mike Monies' build. That is more complicated than I really want to tackle... I would like a more simple build that would get me on the water sooner.