Re: Fiddlin' around with Fiddler II
> I think I would just add a low rail around the center of F II'sdeck, maybe a foot high.
and folding deck chairs (the rail would keep me from scooting my
chair overboard). I would need a socket for a big umbrella over the
chairs.
These are very good thoughts, if no "Birdwatcher" slot is cut in the
deck
> Maybe a cushion aft of the athwartships slot for sitting on inextend
> smooth water, feet dangling in the slot. OK, maybe the rail should
> aroundFiddler II as conceived is certainly stark in the cockpit, and some
> the back too. Helm high enough to steer with my feets.
creature comforts are in order.
Thanks for your thoughts.
Thinking about the way I use boats, I spend a lot of time in the cockpit.
I think I would just add a low rail around the center of F II's deck, maybe
a foot high.
Build deck strong enough to support 2 people, and folding deck chairs
(the rail would keep me from scooting my chair overboard).
I would need a socket for a big umbrella over the chairs.
Maybe a cushion aft of the athwartships slot for sitting on in
smooth water, feet dangling in the slot. OK, maybe the rail should extend
around
the back too. Helm high enough to steer with my feets.
Justin
I think I would just add a low rail around the center of F II's deck, maybe
a foot high.
Build deck strong enough to support 2 people, and folding deck chairs
(the rail would keep me from scooting my chair overboard).
I would need a socket for a big umbrella over the chairs.
Maybe a cushion aft of the athwartships slot for sitting on in
smooth water, feet dangling in the slot. OK, maybe the rail should extend
around
the back too. Helm high enough to steer with my feets.
Justin
--- Bruce Hallman <bruce@h...> wrote:
poptop cover somewhat like I imagine. I could see removing the
poptop and leaving it home for day cruising. Just securing the slot
with a simple snap on cover as is done on AF4's. The poptop could
be used for extended camping trips and larger crews. Part of this
boat's mission will be to serve as a camping trailer.
The thought of adapting a folding hardwall ala' Bantam is a very good
idea. Hinge the sides, and pull out the fore and aft walls
as "plugs". Eliminating canvas is always an advantage. It is easy
with the depth of the pop top available for storage.
A specially built or modified tent would work, but would need to be
stored somewhere, and I don't want it inside a smallish cabin, so
that probably that means on the top either in a custom bag and lashed
or in a hard shell of sometype that uses deck space. It would bring
with it many of the hassles of a tent. The upside is that I could
likely find an inexpensive nylon tent with fiberglas rods, cut the
bottom out, install a bunch of snaps, and have it ready in a day.
If modified to sail, I guess one would add; twin rudders, mast, lee
board, and maybe a 7-10 hp aux? I'm thinking 40+ for mine. This is
not an easy cruising, comfortable, enjoy the view kinda boat, might
as well get there in a hurry.
> A tent makes as much sense as a pop-top.There is a pic of an Australian Tennessee on the web somewhere with a
> The Bantam Bolger design has a pop-top
> which might be harvested for detail ideas.
>
> I bet that Bolger could be enticed to work on
> the design Fiddler III, in fact he suggests as
> much in his write-up for Fiddler II.
>
> The Birdwatcher slot, and the FastBrick cutwater
> both make a lot of sense.
>
> I still favor adding a Superbrick like sail rig to Fiddler II.
poptop cover somewhat like I imagine. I could see removing the
poptop and leaving it home for day cruising. Just securing the slot
with a simple snap on cover as is done on AF4's. The poptop could
be used for extended camping trips and larger crews. Part of this
boat's mission will be to serve as a camping trailer.
The thought of adapting a folding hardwall ala' Bantam is a very good
idea. Hinge the sides, and pull out the fore and aft walls
as "plugs". Eliminating canvas is always an advantage. It is easy
with the depth of the pop top available for storage.
A specially built or modified tent would work, but would need to be
stored somewhere, and I don't want it inside a smallish cabin, so
that probably that means on the top either in a custom bag and lashed
or in a hard shell of sometype that uses deck space. It would bring
with it many of the hassles of a tent. The upside is that I could
likely find an inexpensive nylon tent with fiberglas rods, cut the
bottom out, install a bunch of snaps, and have it ready in a day.
If modified to sail, I guess one would add; twin rudders, mast, lee
board, and maybe a 7-10 hp aux? I'm thinking 40+ for mine. This is
not an easy cruising, comfortable, enjoy the view kinda boat, might
as well get there in a hurry.
A tent makes as much sense as a pop-top.
The Bantam Bolger design has a pop-top
which might be harvested for detail ideas.
I bet that Bolger could be enticed to work on
the design Fiddler III, in fact he suggests as
much in his write-up for Fiddler II.
The Birdwatcher slot, and the FastBrick cutwater
both make a lot of sense.
I still favor adding a Superbrick like sail rig to Fiddler II.
The Bantam Bolger design has a pop-top
which might be harvested for detail ideas.
I bet that Bolger could be enticed to work on
the design Fiddler III, in fact he suggests as
much in his write-up for Fiddler II.
The Birdwatcher slot, and the FastBrick cutwater
both make a lot of sense.
I still favor adding a Superbrick like sail rig to Fiddler II.
On Jul 2, 2004, at 4:05 PM, donschultz8275 wrote:
hal
> I've been looking at what I would do with Fiddler II to make it moreLooks good so far. Let's see more.
> useful to me, and also update it to reflect Bolger's later thinking
> for this class boat. Fiddler II could be thought of as a 25' cuddy
> cabin cruiser with about 10' missing. Making good use of what is
> left is a challenge.
hal
I've been looking at what I would do with Fiddler II to make it more
useful to me, and also update it to reflect Bolger's later thinking
for this class boat. Fiddler II could be thought of as a 25' cuddy
cabin cruiser with about 10' missing. Making good use of what is
left is a challenge.
I've posted in Bolger4Photos, the results so far.
I've added a cutwater/step based on discussion from earlier this year
by several here. The step's beam will be 25% to 30% of the main
hull's beam and about 3.5" deep. I believe this will improve
handling significantly. I may add "rails" out at the chines similar
to WaterVan's. No other mods to the wet part of the hull The
cutwater/step will be added to the existing Bolger design.
I've modified the bow cabin space so that the ceiling does not
impinge on the double bunk space forward. I've also taken out the
kitchen and other built in features. Joiner work that stiffens the
cabin floor will remain as needed. I much prefer general purpose
shelving in a camper.
The poptop as a design add is not fully developed. If built it will
span the full width of the boat, and only be deployed at anchor. The
hinge hardware will be external and rather crude. Possibly taken
from an older popup camper. I don't want to give up interior space
for anything fancy. It will have canvas walls like a popup camper
trailer. I could stiffen the cabin roof, and use the area as a 2nd
bunk, with an inflatable mattress. OR I could put a slot passage
forward from the rear slot, have stand up head room AND 2 narrower
bunks. There is no value in sleeping 4 in this boat, but 2 bigger
guys might be much more comfortable if each have their own bunk.
I think it is looking pretty good, and value your input.
useful to me, and also update it to reflect Bolger's later thinking
for this class boat. Fiddler II could be thought of as a 25' cuddy
cabin cruiser with about 10' missing. Making good use of what is
left is a challenge.
I've posted in Bolger4Photos, the results so far.
I've added a cutwater/step based on discussion from earlier this year
by several here. The step's beam will be 25% to 30% of the main
hull's beam and about 3.5" deep. I believe this will improve
handling significantly. I may add "rails" out at the chines similar
to WaterVan's. No other mods to the wet part of the hull The
cutwater/step will be added to the existing Bolger design.
I've modified the bow cabin space so that the ceiling does not
impinge on the double bunk space forward. I've also taken out the
kitchen and other built in features. Joiner work that stiffens the
cabin floor will remain as needed. I much prefer general purpose
shelving in a camper.
The poptop as a design add is not fully developed. If built it will
span the full width of the boat, and only be deployed at anchor. The
hinge hardware will be external and rather crude. Possibly taken
from an older popup camper. I don't want to give up interior space
for anything fancy. It will have canvas walls like a popup camper
trailer. I could stiffen the cabin roof, and use the area as a 2nd
bunk, with an inflatable mattress. OR I could put a slot passage
forward from the rear slot, have stand up head room AND 2 narrower
bunks. There is no value in sleeping 4 in this boat, but 2 bigger
guys might be much more comfortable if each have their own bunk.
I think it is looking pretty good, and value your input.