Suggestions for self build

[ukdiving]

Some while ago I queried if self-build was worthwhile and got a pretty discouraging response! Not totally discouraged I have been looking at what wooden (strip built preferably, Plywood as an alternative) designs are around that might meet my needs. If I can find a suitable design, then I really can consider the options, cost, effort etc.

Being based in the centre of the UK, about as far from the sea as it is possible to be on an island, something trailerable is essential. Equally we want to be able to pursue a wide range of environments from the broads/rivers and exploring estuaries to coastal work and the occasional hop across to Ireland or France. Due to distances it will also need to have reasonable accomodation.
Ok, so these are mutually exclusive desires, requiring a 'jack of all trades' but it seems to me that some of the larger trailer sailers eg Macgregor 26 are probably as close a compromise as we will get - 26', Maximum trailerable size/easily launched, shallow draft with deep daggerboard and water ballast, power and sail, adequate accomodation for up to a week.

The question is has anyone seen a similar design for self build in wood?? Selway Fisher show two smaller (Ailsa and Beaumaris) designs but nothing at the 26' size and at this size even a few feet makes a signifiant difference to accomodation.
Any suggestions of self build designs that would meet our needs?
Clearly, if I cannot find something that suits then self build will have to be discounted but hopefully someone will be able to suggest something.

 

[Porthandbuoy]

I read somewhere that "Foolish men build boats for wiser men to buy". However, if building a boat is your aim have a look at the plans here:
Classic Marine

 

[Peterduck]

It is often and quite accurately said that there ar two kinds of boat people;sailors, for whom any time spent not sailing is time wasted, and builders, for whom the building of a boat is the expression of their innermost selves. It is essential to know which group you belong to. If you are one of the former, you'll run out of patience before you are far into the project. If you are the latter, the building process becomes the end in itself, and it can, and will, go on for years and years. Sailing becomes the crock of gold at the end of the rainbow, where the boat is the the most beautiful 'rainbow' ever seen. A common mistake of new builders is to go for the largest boat that they think will need. If you are one of the "builders", by all means build, for these folk get great satisfaction from the process of building. However, can I suggest that you temper your aims to more modest adventures in keeping with your probable experience. As your experience grows, you can sell the smaller boat and buy a larger one IF, [and it's a big 'if'] you really want to take to 'higher seas'. Many very experienced and skilled sailors find inshore sailing gives all that they want, and that they can do it in a smaller, cheaper, more convenient boat. Read the exploits of Maurice Griffiths, Jack Coote and others. You'll take a smaller boat out more often than you will a larger one because it is that much easier to do so. There are numerous designs around 20ft long which will do a great job of coastal sailing.
Peter.

 

[chippie]

Do a google search for 'Wooden Boat Magazine' and visit their forum. Lots of stuff there.

 

[oldharry]

Loads of info about Maurice Griffiths designs (Eventide, Waterwitch, Senior etc) still being built, restored, sailed, broken up (for parts), etc on: http://www.eventides.org.uk/index.html

 

[Barney01]

Ian Oughtred has a number of clinker ply designs which might suit your purpose.

For a range of options for smaller timber boats, you could purchase a copy of Building Classic Small Craft by John Gardner - I think there are 40 odd designs varying in size and shape.

Alternatively, if you are dead keen on making your own trailer sailer, you could look in to a Stitch & Glue design (plywood and fibreglass). www.bateau.com has a few which might meet your requirements, but these are not "classic" designs. Alot faster and easier to build than a timber boat.