Re: [bolger] Boat for a small kid
I learned in an El Toro. I used to sail it out from the old Richmond Yacht club from my Uncle's dock
at his boat shed next to the Yacht Club (He was one of the co-designers of the El-Toro). I used to
sail by myself in the summer out the channel to the entrance of San Francisco Bay with its summer
winds. Looking back now, I can't believe my parents let me do it, but I didn't come to harm. I would
strongly suggest some similar sailing pram (Nymph?). Lots of action, but it takes a while to get
anywhere.
cShe needs a real boat - one she can single-hand in a couple years, in
at his boat shed next to the Yacht Club (He was one of the co-designers of the El-Toro). I used to
sail by myself in the summer out the channel to the entrance of San Francisco Bay with its summer
winds. Looking back now, I can't believe my parents let me do it, but I didn't come to harm. I would
strongly suggest some similar sailing pram (Nymph?). Lots of action, but it takes a while to get
anywhere.
cShe needs a real boat - one she can single-hand in a couple years, in
> real water. Until then, she'll be taking along a large adult foremast% Harrywelshman@...
> hand.
>
> I am thinking about Teal, epoxy over 1/4", with some modifications to
> the flotation scheme. Perhaps even some ballast for single-handing,
> but I don't mind a too-tender boat to learn in.
>
> Anyone have suggestions for other designs, or experience in similar
> situations? I have no idea how to figure out the rowing geometry for
> a half-sized person...
>
> Thanks
> Curtis
>
My parents first let me solo in a Naples Sabot. I've been partial to
leeboards ever since.
Have you considered a Nymph or Ruenben's Nymph? I would build extra
flotation into these.
Regards
Andy Farquhar
leeboards ever since.
Have you considered a Nymph or Ruenben's Nymph? I would build extra
flotation into these.
Regards
Andy Farquhar
I've done two kid boats, a 9' cedar strip canoe (Sairy Gamp copy) and an
Elegant Punt. The canoe is very light, and great for exploring nooks and
crannies along the shore, while the punt is big enough for adult company in
more open water. (My eight year old could row it on his own, though) We
haven't sailed the punt, so I can't say how well it performs in that
department.
An advantage of the punt's instant boat construction is that you don't need
epoxy or other unpleasant substances, so there's no worries over letting the
skipper help build his or her boat.
Jamie Orr
Elegant Punt. The canoe is very light, and great for exploring nooks and
crannies along the shore, while the punt is big enough for adult company in
more open water. (My eight year old could row it on his own, though) We
haven't sailed the punt, so I can't say how well it performs in that
department.
An advantage of the punt's instant boat construction is that you don't need
epoxy or other unpleasant substances, so there's no worries over letting the
skipper help build his or her boat.
Jamie Orr
One of the Mystic Seaport boatbuilders made an interesting point in
suggesting the Seaford Skiff as a boat for his son. He noted that the
boat had enough stability that before the boat would capsize, the
sheet load would be too strong for the child to hole. Probably true
of Cartopper, too.
Speaking of Mystic, I broke the leeboard of a Thomaston Galley at a
Small Boat Shop when I ran over a rock there. (You wonder why there
is a buoy just behind the Morgan?) Teal has the same leeboard
construction. So the point about running aground is well taken.
Peter
suggesting the Seaford Skiff as a boat for his son. He noted that the
boat had enough stability that before the boat would capsize, the
sheet load would be too strong for the child to hole. Probably true
of Cartopper, too.
Speaking of Mystic, I broke the leeboard of a Thomaston Galley at a
Small Boat Shop when I ran over a rock there. (You wonder why there
is a buoy just behind the Morgan?) Teal has the same leeboard
construction. So the point about running aground is well taken.
Peter
--- In bolger@y..., kwilson800@a... wrote:
> Teal is a good boat for kids, probably better than it is for
adults,
> since it won't handle much of an overload. Cartopper might be
> better. It takes a little longer to build, but has a much more
> forgiving rudder/centerboard arrangement than Teal's leeboard and
> fixed rudder. You can run her over sandbars and right up on the
> beach without breaking anything. Floatation (in either boat) could
> be arranged under short decks fore and aft like June Bug.
>
>
> --- In bolger@y..., curtisbetts@m... wrote:
> > My daughter is five, . . . She needs a real boat - one she can
> single-hand in a couple years, in real water. . . .
Hi! I had the same query (except that my daughter is 9, not 5), and
I decided on a D-4. I've been taking her out on a Sunfish, but it's
starting to get a bit cramped. The D-4 is not a Bolger boat but the
Bolger designs that are small enough (I need to be able to cartop it
single-handedly at this point) are explicitly intended for protected
waters, and I sail in Lake Michigan. You can get free plans at:
http://www.bateau.com/free/freeplans.htm
I decided on a D-4. I've been taking her out on a Sunfish, but it's
starting to get a bit cramped. The D-4 is not a Bolger boat but the
Bolger designs that are small enough (I need to be able to cartop it
single-handedly at this point) are explicitly intended for protected
waters, and I sail in Lake Michigan. You can get free plans at:
http://www.bateau.com/free/freeplans.htm
--- In bolger@y..., curtisbetts@m... wrote:
> My daughter is five, and we're up to the ninth book in the Swallows
> and Amazons series. At the very beginning of the series, Father
> telegraphs permission for the kids to go on a sailing/camping
> expedition:
> BETTER DROWNED THAN DUFFERS
> IF NOT DUFFERS WONT DROWN.
>
> She is determined not to be a duffer (landsman), and is already a
> better crew than most people out on the water. But, we have only
> grown-up sized boats, and no sailboats at all! The closest thing
we
> have to a kid-sized boat is a skimmer; not an ideal training ship.
>
> She needs a real boat - one she can single-hand in a couple years,
in
> real water. Until then, she'll be taking along a large adult
foremast
> hand.
>
> I am thinking about Teal, epoxy over 1/4", with some modifications
to
> the flotation scheme. Perhaps even some ballast for single-
handing,
> but I don't mind a too-tender boat to learn in.
>
> Anyone have suggestions for other designs, or experience in similar
> situations? I have no idea how to figure out the rowing geometry
for
> a half-sized person...
>
> Thanks
> Curtis
Teal is a good boat for kids, probably better than it is for adults,
since it won't handle much of an overload. Cartopper might be
better. It takes a little longer to build, but has a much more
forgiving rudder/centerboard arrangement than Teal's leeboard and
fixed rudder. You can run her over sandbars and right up on the
beach without breaking anything. Floatation (in either boat) could
be arranged under short decks fore and aft like June Bug.
since it won't handle much of an overload. Cartopper might be
better. It takes a little longer to build, but has a much more
forgiving rudder/centerboard arrangement than Teal's leeboard and
fixed rudder. You can run her over sandbars and right up on the
beach without breaking anything. Floatation (in either boat) could
be arranged under short decks fore and aft like June Bug.
--- In bolger@y..., curtisbetts@m... wrote:
> My daughter is five, . . . She needs a real boat - one she can
single-hand in a couple years, in real water. . . .
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From: pateson@c...
Date: Sun 8 Apr 2001 10:28pm
Subject: Re: Boat for a small kid
Please address returns toriverwatch@...
as I am going to be in the hospital for the next few days
and that will be the best way to contact me.
I would recommend a "Toad" (Bolger's "Elegant Punt")
See photohttp://www.egroups.co.uk/files/bolger/Toad/Toad-1.jpg
Plans for both "Elegant Punt" and "Teal" in "The Folding Schooner"
by Philip C. Bolger or "Instant Boats" available from "Dynamite"
Payson. (I believe it to has plans for both "Punt" and "Teal".)
http://www.instantboats.com/also building of a "Punt" at
http://mkstocks.tripod.com/boats/elegant_punt/index.htm
Complete plans available from "Dynamite", but mine build from book.
My Son was not much older than that when photo taken some 18
years ago.
Great "Kids Boat". Not greatest "Sailer" but will sail.
Sail rig will cost more than boat. Same rig as "Teal"
Great for kids to learn to row. Can send two kids out in it
with confidence that they will come back. Can never remember a kid
or kids accidentally overturning it while rowing. (Sometimes on
purpose, "just because".)
They come back real "Salts", knowing that they have been able to take
a boat out for an "expedition" by themselves and come home safe.
Kids ask to take the "Toad" out, and I just say yes. Never a worry.
(Of course, life jackets a must. I always were mine when in it,
easier to "Stow" on me, than to try to find a place in the boat.)
Have probably had 10 to 15 "Kids" and several "Adults" learn to
row in it.
Still large enough that my wife and I(total weight about 320+pounds)
use it a lot for fishing.
Easy to build. No joints because everything less than 8 feet.
Outside chines and bow and stern frames. It's not gonna go much
faster "Clean". Makes small "Kid sized" lakes "Big".
Mine build with "Welwood Glue" No glass or epoxy anywhere, just a new
coat of Red paint (Done by my Son) every year at the start of a new
season. 18+ years so far, we'll see if it holds up.
Same two sheets of 1/4 ply as "Teal". Bolger says he thinks "Teal"
is better design, but I still favor "Punt".
Punt, only 8' long so it will fit in the back of full sized pickup,
or on top of any car.
Because of "Punt" square ends makes beaching and getting into and
out of a lot easier. I always come in stern first, and can just step
out or in.
Flotation under for and aft thwart (do build with that for and aft
thwart, makes for variety of seating positions.), but make sure you
use "closed cell" foam.
Light enogh to be carried some distance by one adult or a couple of
energetic kids.
Ours has been used for everthing from "Boat",(including hauling vast
ammounts of camping gear)to Small "Drift Boat" on Molalla River,to
wading pool, to water slide for kids, to picknic table.
Even uses once to "Rescue" a 24' boat that had gotten rope wrapped
arouond outdrive prop.
Mine painted Bright "Regatta Red" so it's easy to spot.
Feel free to contact me if you want any more info.
Pat Patteson
Molalla, Oregon
Source ] [ Delete ]
From: pateson@c...
Date: Sun 8 Apr 2001 10:28pm
Subject: Re: Boat for a small kid
Please address returns toriverwatch@...
as I am going to be in the hospital for the next few days
and that will be the best way to contact me.
I would recommend a "Toad" (Bolger's "Elegant Punt")
See photohttp://www.egroups.co.uk/files/bolger/Toad/Toad-1.jpg
Plans for both "Elegant Punt" and "Teal" in "The Folding Schooner"
by Philip C. Bolger or "Instant Boats" available from "Dynamite"
Payson. (I believe it to has plans for both "Punt" and "Teal".)
http://www.instantboats.com/also building of a "Punt" at
http://mkstocks.tripod.com/boats/elegant_punt/index.htm
Complete plans available from "Dynamite", but mine build from book.
My Son was not much older than that when photo taken some 18
years ago.
Great "Kids Boat". Not greatest "Sailer" but will sail.
Sail rig will cost more than boat. Same rig as "Teal"
Great for kids to learn to row. Can send two kids out in it
with confidence that they will come back. Can never remember a kid
or kids accidentally overturning it while rowing. (Sometimes on
purpose, "just because".)
They come back real "Salts", knowing that they have been able to take
a boat out for an "expedition" by themselves and come home safe.
Kids ask to take the "Toad" out, and I just say yes. Never a worry.
(Of course, life jackets a must. I always were mine when in it,
easier to "Stow" on me, than to try to find a place in the boat.)
Have probably had 10 to 15 "Kids" and several "Adults" learn to
row in it.
Still large enough that my wife and I(total weight about 320+pounds)
use it a lot for fishing.
Easy to build. No joints because everything less than 8 feet.
Outside chines and bow and stern frames. It's not gonna go much
faster "Clean". Makes small "Kid sized" lakes "Big".
Mine build with "Welwood Glue" No glass or epoxy anywhere, just a new
coat of Red paint (Done by my Son) every year at the start of a new
season. 18+ years so far, we'll see if it holds up.
Same two sheets of 1/4 ply as "Teal". Bolger says he thinks "Teal"
is better design, but I still favor "Punt".
Punt, only 8' long so it will fit in the back of full sized pickup,
or on top of any car.
Because of "Punt" square ends makes beaching and getting into and
out of a lot easier. I always come in stern first, and can just step
out or in.
Flotation under for and aft thwart (do build with that for and aft
thwart, makes for variety of seating positions.), but make sure you
use "closed cell" foam.
Light enogh to be carried some distance by one adult or a couple of
energetic kids.
Ours has been used for everthing from "Boat",(including hauling vast
ammounts of camping gear)to Small "Drift Boat" on Molalla River,to
wading pool, to water slide for kids, to picknic table.
Even uses once to "Rescue" a 24' boat that had gotten rope wrapped
arouond outdrive prop.
Mine painted Bright "Regatta Red" so it's easy to spot.
Feel free to contact me if you want any more info.
Pat Patteson
Molalla, Oregon
--- In bolger@e..., curtisbetts@m... wrote:
> My daughter is five, and we're up to the ninth book in the Swallows
> and Amazons series. At the very beginning of the series, Father
> telegraphs permission for the kids to go on a sailing/camping
> expedition:
> BETTER DROWNED THAN DUFFERS
> IF NOT DUFFERS WONT DROWN.
>
> She is determined not to be a duffer (landsman), and is already a
> better crew than most people out on the water. But, we have only
> grown-up sized boats, and no sailboats at all! The closest thing
we
> have to a kid-sized boat is a skimmer; not an ideal training ship.
>
> She needs a real boat - one she can single-hand in a couple years,
in
> real water. Until then, she'll be taking along a large adult
foremast
> hand.
>
> I am thinking about Teal, epoxy over 1/4", with some modifications
to
> the flotation scheme. Perhaps even some ballast for single-
handing,
> but I don't mind a too-tender boat to learn in.
>
> Anyone have suggestions for other designs, or experience in similar
> situations? I have no idea how to figure out the rowing geometry
for
> a half-sized person...
>
> Thanks
> Curtis
curtisbetts@...wrote:
a D4 (see www.bateau.com). This is nice little 8ft pram which is
ideal for small kids. It is so stable that I can stand up and move
about in it. It has massive overkill floatation. It will fit on
your roofrack or box trailer. Two kids can lift it. Construction
is very simple and forgiving (straight-forward stitch and glue).
Very similar to the Optimist or Sabot, but S&G construction. Free
plans are more than adequate for an experienced builder, or you
can buy paper plans which have more detail.
I haven't done the sail conversion yet so I can't comment on
her behaviour under sail, but optimists and sabots are classic
trainers for small kids. I can't think of a safer boat to learn
in.
She is a bit of a pain to row quite honestly, but that is probably
mostly because I forgot to build the skeg. If your primary use is
rowing then you would probably be better with something a little
longer and narrower.
Bruce
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> Anyone have suggestions for other designs, or experience in similarNot a bolger boat, but I built my (small) 10 year old daughter
> situations? I have no idea how to figure out the rowing geometry for
> a half-sized person...
a D4 (see www.bateau.com). This is nice little 8ft pram which is
ideal for small kids. It is so stable that I can stand up and move
about in it. It has massive overkill floatation. It will fit on
your roofrack or box trailer. Two kids can lift it. Construction
is very simple and forgiving (straight-forward stitch and glue).
Very similar to the Optimist or Sabot, but S&G construction. Free
plans are more than adequate for an experienced builder, or you
can buy paper plans which have more detail.
I haven't done the sail conversion yet so I can't comment on
her behaviour under sail, but optimists and sabots are classic
trainers for small kids. I can't think of a safer boat to learn
in.
She is a bit of a pain to row quite honestly, but that is probably
mostly because I forgot to build the skeg. If your primary use is
rowing then you would probably be better with something a little
longer and narrower.
Bruce
**********************************************************************
This email and any files transmitted with it from Mi Services
Group may contain information which is
privileged, confidential and protected from disclosure.
If it is not addressed to you, please immediately contact
nzpostmaster@...and do not use, disclose,
copy, distribute or retain any of it without our authority.
**********************************************************************
Great topic! this brings back memories.
I think that a small rowboat is the best introduction to boating that
one can have. I remember that one of our neighbors on Cape Cod would
let me row their 8' rowboat when I was about 6 years old. They would
tie a long rope to the stern and then I could row out about 100' and
they would then pull me back in. This was fun for hours, and allowed
everyone a chance to retrieve dropped oars. I had a problem with the
rowlocks when I was small, but learned how to feather the blades and
use them for an advantage.
I then learned how to sail in a small boat that took 2 people to
sail. Although the Opti is better for learning by oneself, the
concept of teamwork and crewing is also a good one for kids to
learn. We had an Enterprise 13' racing dinghy. this was a lot of
boat for a light crew to handle.
I think that a long rope on Nymph would be great to teach small
children the art of rowing, and maybe rig it for sail as well! Just
add floatation.
David Jost
"reliving his youth as we speak"
I think that a small rowboat is the best introduction to boating that
one can have. I remember that one of our neighbors on Cape Cod would
let me row their 8' rowboat when I was about 6 years old. They would
tie a long rope to the stern and then I could row out about 100' and
they would then pull me back in. This was fun for hours, and allowed
everyone a chance to retrieve dropped oars. I had a problem with the
rowlocks when I was small, but learned how to feather the blades and
use them for an advantage.
I then learned how to sail in a small boat that took 2 people to
sail. Although the Opti is better for learning by oneself, the
concept of teamwork and crewing is also a good one for kids to
learn. We had an Enterprise 13' racing dinghy. this was a lot of
boat for a light crew to handle.
I think that a long rope on Nymph would be great to teach small
children the art of rowing, and maybe rig it for sail as well! Just
add floatation.
David Jost
"reliving his youth as we speak"
>
> I would recommend a "Toad" (Bolger's "Elegant Punt")
I would recommend a "Toad" (Bolger's "Elegant Punt")
See photohttp://www.egroups.co.uk/files/bolger/Toad/Toad-1.jpg
Plans for both "Elegant Punt" and "Teal" in "The Folding Schooner"
by Philip C. Bolger or "Instant Boats" available from "Dynamite"
Payson. (I believe it to has plans for both "Punt" and "Teal".)
http://www.instantboats.com/also building of a "Punt" at
http://mkstocks.tripod.com/boats/elegant_punt/index.htm
Complete plans available from "Dynamite", but mine build from book.
My Son was not much older than that when photo taken some 18
years ago.
Great "Kids Boat". Not greatest "Sailer" but will sail.
Sail rig will cost more than boat. Same rig as "Teal"
Great for kids to learn to row. Can send two kids out in it
with confidence that they will come back. Can never remember a kid
or kids accidentally overturning it while rowing. (Sometimes on
purpose, "just because".)
They come back real "Salts", knowing that they have been able to take
a boat out for an "expedition" by themselves and come home safe.
Kids ask to take the "Toad" out, and I just say yes. Never a worry.
(Of course, life jackets a must. I always were mine when in it,
easier to "Stow" on me, than to try to find a place in the boat.)
Have probably had 10 to 15 "Kids" and several "Adults" learn to
row in it.
Still large enough that my wife and I(total weight about 320+pounds)
use it a lot for fishing.
Easy to build. No joints because everything less than 8 feet.
Outside chines and bow and stern frames. It's not gonna go much
faster "Clean". Makes small "Kid sized" lakes "Big".
Mine build with "Welwood Glue" No glass or epoxy anywhere, just a new
coat of Red paint (Done by my Son) every year at the start of a new
season. 18+ years so far, we'll see if it holds up.
Same two sheets of 1/4 ply as "Teal". Bolger says he thinks "Teal"
is better design, but I still favor "Punt".
Punt, only 8' long so it will fit in the back of full sized pickup,
or on top of any car.
Because of "Punt" square ends makes beaching and getting into and
out of a lot easier. I always come in stern first, and can just step
out or in.
Flotation under for and aft thwart (do build with that for and aft
thwart, makes for variety of seating positions.), but make sure you
use "closed cell" foam.
Light enogh to be carried some distance by one adult or a couple of
energetic kids.
Ours has been used for everthing from "Boat",(including hauling vast
ammounts of camping gear)to Small "Drift Boat" on Molalla River,to
wading pool, to water slide for kids, to picknic table.
Even uses once to "Rescue" a 24' boat that had gotten rope wrapped
arouond outdrive prop.
Mine painted Bright "Regatta Red" so it's easy to spot.
Feel free to contact me if you want any more info.
Pat Patteson
Molalla, Oregon
pateson@...
See photohttp://www.egroups.co.uk/files/bolger/Toad/Toad-1.jpg
Plans for both "Elegant Punt" and "Teal" in "The Folding Schooner"
by Philip C. Bolger or "Instant Boats" available from "Dynamite"
Payson. (I believe it to has plans for both "Punt" and "Teal".)
http://www.instantboats.com/also building of a "Punt" at
http://mkstocks.tripod.com/boats/elegant_punt/index.htm
Complete plans available from "Dynamite", but mine build from book.
My Son was not much older than that when photo taken some 18
years ago.
Great "Kids Boat". Not greatest "Sailer" but will sail.
Sail rig will cost more than boat. Same rig as "Teal"
Great for kids to learn to row. Can send two kids out in it
with confidence that they will come back. Can never remember a kid
or kids accidentally overturning it while rowing. (Sometimes on
purpose, "just because".)
They come back real "Salts", knowing that they have been able to take
a boat out for an "expedition" by themselves and come home safe.
Kids ask to take the "Toad" out, and I just say yes. Never a worry.
(Of course, life jackets a must. I always were mine when in it,
easier to "Stow" on me, than to try to find a place in the boat.)
Have probably had 10 to 15 "Kids" and several "Adults" learn to
row in it.
Still large enough that my wife and I(total weight about 320+pounds)
use it a lot for fishing.
Easy to build. No joints because everything less than 8 feet.
Outside chines and bow and stern frames. It's not gonna go much
faster "Clean". Makes small "Kid sized" lakes "Big".
Mine build with "Welwood Glue" No glass or epoxy anywhere, just a new
coat of Red paint (Done by my Son) every year at the start of a new
season. 18+ years so far, we'll see if it holds up.
Same two sheets of 1/4 ply as "Teal". Bolger says he thinks "Teal"
is better design, but I still favor "Punt".
Punt, only 8' long so it will fit in the back of full sized pickup,
or on top of any car.
Because of "Punt" square ends makes beaching and getting into and
out of a lot easier. I always come in stern first, and can just step
out or in.
Flotation under for and aft thwart (do build with that for and aft
thwart, makes for variety of seating positions.), but make sure you
use "closed cell" foam.
Light enogh to be carried some distance by one adult or a couple of
energetic kids.
Ours has been used for everthing from "Boat",(including hauling vast
ammounts of camping gear)to Small "Drift Boat" on Molalla River,to
wading pool, to water slide for kids, to picknic table.
Even uses once to "Rescue" a 24' boat that had gotten rope wrapped
arouond outdrive prop.
Mine painted Bright "Regatta Red" so it's easy to spot.
Feel free to contact me if you want any more info.
Pat Patteson
Molalla, Oregon
pateson@...
--- In bolger@e..., curtisbetts@m... wrote:
> My daughter is five, and we're up to the ninth book in the Swallows
> and Amazons series. At the very beginning of the series, Father
> telegraphs permission for the kids to go on a sailing/camping
> expedition:
> BETTER DROWNED THAN DUFFERS
> IF NOT DUFFERS WONT DROWN.
>
> She is determined not to be a duffer (landsman), and is already a
> better crew than most people out on the water. But, we have only
> grown-up sized boats, and no sailboats at all! The closest thing
we
> have to a kid-sized boat is a skimmer; not an ideal training ship.
>
> She needs a real boat - one she can single-hand in a couple years,
in
> real water. Until then, she'll be taking along a large adult
foremast
> hand.
>
> I am thinking about Teal, epoxy over 1/4", with some modifications
to
> the flotation scheme. Perhaps even some ballast for single-
handing,
> but I don't mind a too-tender boat to learn in.
>
> Anyone have suggestions for other designs, or experience in similar
> situations? I have no idea how to figure out the rowing geometry
for
> a half-sized person...
>
> Thanks
> Curtis
The sailing program here will not start kids before about age 8. They
also require swimming ability, I think to swim 2 laps of the pool with
clothes on. Also, it might be good to think about weight...is their weight
sufficient to offset the heeling force of the sails?
The Red Cross has a formal program of sailing instruction starting with
Opti's and going through Lasers. Ours here is a wonderful program. I'm
reasonably sure Opti plans are available on the web, if you are thinking of
having the kids compete.
Regards,
Warren
also require swimming ability, I think to swim 2 laps of the pool with
clothes on. Also, it might be good to think about weight...is their weight
sufficient to offset the heeling force of the sails?
The Red Cross has a formal program of sailing instruction starting with
Opti's and going through Lasers. Ours here is a wonderful program. I'm
reasonably sure Opti plans are available on the web, if you are thinking of
having the kids compete.
Regards,
Warren
Curtis, I don't think I would put a 5 or7 year old out in a Teal (to
sail). When my daughters started driving they could not take out a car
until they could change a tire. I would not let my daughters out in a
boat alone until they could rig, reef or take the rig down on the
water. A five year old would have trouble with that. I would think of
something like an El Toro or Mirror. Teal is a fine rowboat. The seat
is a moveable "stool" but probably not useful for a child. I am
planning on installing a conventional seat but one that can be moved
for or aft or just lifted off. This would take care of your "rowing
geometry". Do you sail? My daughters would probably have stayed more
interested in sailing if someone other than myself had taught them to
sail.
Bob
sail). When my daughters started driving they could not take out a car
until they could change a tire. I would not let my daughters out in a
boat alone until they could rig, reef or take the rig down on the
water. A five year old would have trouble with that. I would think of
something like an El Toro or Mirror. Teal is a fine rowboat. The seat
is a moveable "stool" but probably not useful for a child. I am
planning on installing a conventional seat but one that can be moved
for or aft or just lifted off. This would take care of your "rowing
geometry". Do you sail? My daughters would probably have stayed more
interested in sailing if someone other than myself had taught them to
sail.
Bob
--- In bolger@y..., curtisbetts@m... wrote:
> My daughter is five, and we're up to the ninth book in the Swallows
> and Amazons series. At the very beginning of the series, Father
> telegraphs permission for the kids to go on a sailing/camping
> expedition:
> BETTER DROWNED THAN DUFFERS
> IF NOT DUFFERS WONT DROWN.
>
> She is determined not to be a duffer (landsman), and is already a
> better crew than most people out on the water. But, we have only
> grown-up sized boats, and no sailboats at all! The closest thing we
> have to a kid-sized boat is a skimmer; not an ideal training ship.
>
> She needs a real boat - one she can single-hand in a couple years,
in
> real water. Until then, she'll be taking along a large adult
foremast
> hand.
>
> I am thinking about Teal, epoxy over 1/4", with some modifications
to
> the flotation scheme. Perhaps even some ballast for single-handing,
> but I don't mind a too-tender boat to learn in.
>
> Anyone have suggestions for other designs, or experience in similar
> situations? I have no idea how to figure out the rowing geometry
for
> a half-sized person...
>
> Thanks
> Curtis
My daughter is five, and we're up to the ninth book in the Swallows
and Amazons series. At the very beginning of the series, Father
telegraphs permission for the kids to go on a sailing/camping
expedition:
BETTER DROWNED THAN DUFFERS
IF NOT DUFFERS WONT DROWN.
She is determined not to be a duffer (landsman), and is already a
better crew than most people out on the water. But, we have only
grown-up sized boats, and no sailboats at all! The closest thing we
have to a kid-sized boat is a skimmer; not an ideal training ship.
She needs a real boat - one she can single-hand in a couple years, in
real water. Until then, she'll be taking along a large adult foremast
hand.
I am thinking about Teal, epoxy over 1/4", with some modifications to
the flotation scheme. Perhaps even some ballast for single-handing,
but I don't mind a too-tender boat to learn in.
Anyone have suggestions for other designs, or experience in similar
situations? I have no idea how to figure out the rowing geometry for
a half-sized person...
Thanks
Curtis
and Amazons series. At the very beginning of the series, Father
telegraphs permission for the kids to go on a sailing/camping
expedition:
BETTER DROWNED THAN DUFFERS
IF NOT DUFFERS WONT DROWN.
She is determined not to be a duffer (landsman), and is already a
better crew than most people out on the water. But, we have only
grown-up sized boats, and no sailboats at all! The closest thing we
have to a kid-sized boat is a skimmer; not an ideal training ship.
She needs a real boat - one she can single-hand in a couple years, in
real water. Until then, she'll be taking along a large adult foremast
hand.
I am thinking about Teal, epoxy over 1/4", with some modifications to
the flotation scheme. Perhaps even some ballast for single-handing,
but I don't mind a too-tender boat to learn in.
Anyone have suggestions for other designs, or experience in similar
situations? I have no idea how to figure out the rowing geometry for
a half-sized person...
Thanks
Curtis