So, there has been much surfing of the net over recent days, and a lot of boat plans have been perused and cogitated over. There is just so much out there to get a handle on. I'd like to build most of them, even the Shanty Boats look appealing in their own way.
The search now needs t be narrowed down, though, and I think It's time to draw up a list of what I / we want from a boat and from the build, and then use this checklist to find a suitable shortlist of possible candidates.
The list of requirements is currently as follows.
1) Simple Build - Stitch and glue probably.
2) No more than 14' long due to space in the garage.
3) Stable and rugged for general messing about.
4) Able to be rowed at a pinch, and to take a small outboard.
5) Not necessarily fast, but must be comfortable in a choppy estuary.
6) Fairly light and able to be launched from the end of the garden down a 1' drop into the canal.
7) Able to be taken through a canal lock, or portaged round it (perhaps on a trolley)
8) able to carry several (4-6) adults plus a picnic / gear.
9) Have a flat bottom, or the ability to construct a packaway sleeping platform.
10) Car-toppable.
11) Relatively cheap to build.
So, not much to ask for there, then.
At the moment I am drawn to the Dogsbody by Gavin Atkin, to a Garvey, and to a multitude of skiffs and dories. The problem with the latter is the outboard requirement.
Next post, hopefully, will be the final shortlist of 5 boats. Then it will be decision time. Exciting stuff.
