Re: Micro big enough for a young family?
--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Derek Waters" <dgw@...> wrote:
been built without the cabin. Makes for a very roomy open boat, and
a tent would give spacious overnight shelter. Micro, if built
internally like a bigger Oldshoe hull should be sufficiently braced.
the trailer, or in very rough conditions, a hard cockpit cover
(hatch) could be fixed in position. Water would then drain to the
open self draining aft well.
the worst happens and, say, they are holed, they may be actually
safer with all the seperate under seat flotation chambers, and the
huge covered storage box. Probably would'nt sink, and may still be
able to make way.
Cheers
Graeme
>There is a photo somewhere of a Chebacco, Sam's I think, that has
> Interesting idea. Micro's a deep hull...competent attention to
>bracing the result up for rigidity to compensate the loss of the
>roof and deck...
been built without the cabin. Makes for a very roomy open boat, and
a tent would give spacious overnight shelter. Micro, if built
internally like a bigger Oldshoe hull should be sufficiently braced.
>I imagine you would end up with a boat which would take a long timeA problem for all open boats, but a tent would keep out the rain. On
>to bail out after a rainstorm.
the trailer, or in very rough conditions, a hard cockpit cover
(hatch) could be fixed in position. Water would then drain to the
open self draining aft well.
>...Unless perhaps it were that rarity... with the foam floatationI think they are rare, are'nt they? If done like an Oldshoe and if
>installed as shown on the plans.
the worst happens and, say, they are holed, they may be actually
safer with all the seperate under seat flotation chambers, and the
huge covered storage box. Probably would'nt sink, and may still be
able to make way.
Cheers
Graeme
Interesting idea.
Micro's a deep hull; someone sitting in the cuddy on the berths higher than
those drawn has their eyes level with the ports. Perhaps lopping the hull
off at the level of the rubstrake would work. With competent attention to
bracing the result up for rigidity to compensate the loss of the roof and
deck I imagine you would end up with a boat which would take a long time to
bail out after a rainstorm.
"...Of course Micro depends on it's decking to be self-righting in a knock
down...."
Unless perhaps it were that rarity, a Micro finished with the foam
floatation installed as shown on the plans.
cheers
Derek [who has the foam, but after several seasons has yet to finish the
installing part :) ]
Micro's a deep hull; someone sitting in the cuddy on the berths higher than
those drawn has their eyes level with the ports. Perhaps lopping the hull
off at the level of the rubstrake would work. With competent attention to
bracing the result up for rigidity to compensate the loss of the roof and
deck I imagine you would end up with a boat which would take a long time to
bail out after a rainstorm.
"...Of course Micro depends on it's decking to be self-righting in a knock
down...."
Unless perhaps it were that rarity, a Micro finished with the foam
floatation installed as shown on the plans.
cheers
Derek [who has the foam, but after several seasons has yet to finish the
installing part :) ]
--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "John Kohnen" <jhkohnen@...> wrote:
down. Without it the boat would likely sink or at least contain a big
load of water to bail out:-)
Nels
>cabin
> I've sometimes wondered how a daysailer Micro would work. Forget the
> and finish it out like a big Oldshoe.Of course Micro depends on it's decking to be self-righting in a knock
>
down. Without it the boat would likely sink or at least contain a big
load of water to bail out:-)
Nels
I've sometimes wondered how a daysailer Micro would work. Forget the cabin
and finish it out like a big Oldshoe.
and finish it out like a big Oldshoe.
On Fri, 21 Apr 2006 19:38:28 -0700, John Trussell wrote:
> A Micro has a cabin, but an Old Shoe is all cockpit, complete with
> seats, a place to put your feet, and a backrest. My impression is that
> a small child will be more enclosed in an Old Shoe than on a Micro, and
> said child could stand against the forward bulkhead and keep watch.
> ...
--
John <jkohnen@...>
I Can't take a well-tanned person seriously. <Cleveland Amory>
A Micro has a cabin, but an Old Shoe is all cockpit, complete with seats, a place to put your feet, and a backrest. My impression is that a small child will be more enclosed in an Old Shoe than on a Micro, and said child could stand against the forward bulkhead and keep watch.
I have considered Birdwatcher cabins, but I note that many of the pictures I see of them under sail show the crew on deck. Perhaps someone with experience with BW cabins in warmer climes can offer actual experience.
My biggest problem with BW type boats is that I'm old and arthritic. BW cabins have to be as low as possible and this seems to require sitting flat on the bottom of the boat or on a very low bench. For me, this is uncomfortable. However, if you're young enough to have small children, this shouldn't be a problem for you.
John T
I have considered Birdwatcher cabins, but I note that many of the pictures I see of them under sail show the crew on deck. Perhaps someone with experience with BW cabins in warmer climes can offer actual experience.
My biggest problem with BW type boats is that I'm old and arthritic. BW cabins have to be as low as possible and this seems to require sitting flat on the bottom of the boat or on a very low bench. For me, this is uncomfortable. However, if you're young enough to have small children, this shouldn't be a problem for you.
John T
----- Original Message -----
From: The Peillet-Long Family
To:bolger@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Friday, April 21, 2006 9:18 AM
Subject: [bolger] Re: Micro big enough for a young family?
Thanks, Mike, for the great sailing report on your Martha Jane, I'm jealous. I don't think
either Martha Jane or Long Micro would really work for us, though. Long Micro weighs "3/4
of a short ton," or 1500 pounds, empty per PCB, and I imagine Martha Jane is similar. With
trailer and accumulated stuff, that sounds like waaay too much for my little Citroën minivan
with its 2.0l, 4-cylinder engine.
So, Micro or maybe Oldshoe are still the frontrunners. I do find myself returning to the
Anhinga cartoon, and scheming where I might be able to fit a little outboard motor, but if I
go down the fiddle-with-the-design road, I know it will take twice as long and cost twice as
much. Ah, decisions, decisions....
Cheers,
Matthew
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Thanks, Mike, for the great sailing report on your Martha Jane, I'm jealous. I don't think
either Martha Jane or Long Micro would really work for us, though. Long Micro weighs "3/4
of a short ton," or 1500 pounds, empty per PCB, and I imagine Martha Jane is similar. With
trailer and accumulated stuff, that sounds like waaay too much for my little Citroën minivan
with its 2.0l, 4-cylinder engine.
So, Micro or maybe Oldshoe are still the frontrunners. I do find myself returning to the
Anhinga cartoon, and scheming where I might be able to fit a little outboard motor, but if I
go down the fiddle-with-the-design road, I know it will take twice as long and cost twice as
much. Ah, decisions, decisions....
Cheers,
Matthew
either Martha Jane or Long Micro would really work for us, though. Long Micro weighs "3/4
of a short ton," or 1500 pounds, empty per PCB, and I imagine Martha Jane is similar. With
trailer and accumulated stuff, that sounds like waaay too much for my little Citroën minivan
with its 2.0l, 4-cylinder engine.
So, Micro or maybe Oldshoe are still the frontrunners. I do find myself returning to the
Anhinga cartoon, and scheming where I might be able to fit a little outboard motor, but if I
go down the fiddle-with-the-design road, I know it will take twice as long and cost twice as
much. Ah, decisions, decisions....
Cheers,
Matthew
Here are some numbers regarding size and space on my MJ revised.
During a downpour, we had 8 adults seated comfortably inside keeping
dry and eating dinner. Three more were outside under the bimini and
cockpit overhangs. It was during a Lake Champlain Magnum Opus -- we
tied the boat to a Saab 9000 parked near the water.
I spent several trips taking myself, two adults, and 2 boys (one
three and one 8) for afternoon swim/rides. The younger kept going
from the front to the back, front to the back. The forward hatch is
a great play for kids to get away from the adults but still be chest
high at the front of the boat, and in plain sight of the adults.
One outing was with myself (about 145 lbs), two adults each well over
250, and one other adult near about 175. The cockpit rode a little
low, but there was no cause for alarm.
When underway, I generally sit on the starboard sponson (I moved the
mizzen over to port) giving me a view of everything and making that
much more room in the cockpit.
We often take after-work dinner cruises to the lake, the usual party
being myself and 4 other adults. There is plenty of room to spread
out in the cockpit, and usually some people like to sit on either
side of the forward hatch, legs dangling inside.
An often appreciated benefit is having the French doors going into
the cabin. It makes a great place for bored kids to be inside
playing games or whatever. Or, an adult who needs to get away from
bored kids and go below and shut the door with them in the cockpit.
It is easy to see for maneuvering either with the doors open or closed.
I also added some blinds inside, so shutting the doors and dropping
the shades make for a roomy private head.
When out at night, usually 1 or two adults like to lie on the roof
near the front of the cabin eyeballing the stars.
If you get more than 5 adults in the MJ, it is a good idea to spread
them out a bit - maybe 1 or 2 inside, and 1 or 2 poking out the front
hatch (which is the quietest place to ride).
When it was just Phil and I one afternoon, I was up in the hatch
riding -- he told me it was important to try and keep the weight back
so the nose can be up. That is never a problem because everybody
wants to sit in the cockpit all the time. And the sponsons make such
great seats ALL the way in the back.
For the folks who really want to get away from the crowd for a bit,
sitting in the bow well on an upside down bucket makes for a good time.
Mike
Mike Stockstill
mkstocks@...
http://mkstocks.tripod.com/
During a downpour, we had 8 adults seated comfortably inside keeping
dry and eating dinner. Three more were outside under the bimini and
cockpit overhangs. It was during a Lake Champlain Magnum Opus -- we
tied the boat to a Saab 9000 parked near the water.
I spent several trips taking myself, two adults, and 2 boys (one
three and one 8) for afternoon swim/rides. The younger kept going
from the front to the back, front to the back. The forward hatch is
a great play for kids to get away from the adults but still be chest
high at the front of the boat, and in plain sight of the adults.
One outing was with myself (about 145 lbs), two adults each well over
250, and one other adult near about 175. The cockpit rode a little
low, but there was no cause for alarm.
When underway, I generally sit on the starboard sponson (I moved the
mizzen over to port) giving me a view of everything and making that
much more room in the cockpit.
We often take after-work dinner cruises to the lake, the usual party
being myself and 4 other adults. There is plenty of room to spread
out in the cockpit, and usually some people like to sit on either
side of the forward hatch, legs dangling inside.
An often appreciated benefit is having the French doors going into
the cabin. It makes a great place for bored kids to be inside
playing games or whatever. Or, an adult who needs to get away from
bored kids and go below and shut the door with them in the cockpit.
It is easy to see for maneuvering either with the doors open or closed.
I also added some blinds inside, so shutting the doors and dropping
the shades make for a roomy private head.
When out at night, usually 1 or two adults like to lie on the roof
near the front of the cabin eyeballing the stars.
If you get more than 5 adults in the MJ, it is a good idea to spread
them out a bit - maybe 1 or 2 inside, and 1 or 2 poking out the front
hatch (which is the quietest place to ride).
When it was just Phil and I one afternoon, I was up in the hatch
riding -- he told me it was important to try and keep the weight back
so the nose can be up. That is never a problem because everybody
wants to sit in the cockpit all the time. And the sponsons make such
great seats ALL the way in the back.
For the folks who really want to get away from the crowd for a bit,
sitting in the bow well on an upside down bucket makes for a good time.
Mike
Mike Stockstill
mkstocks@...
http://mkstocks.tripod.com/
--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Bill" <kingw@...> wrote:
It would be a tough choice which way to go but the standard might be
best with small kids.
Of course both standard Micro plans have a large hold under the
cockpit area with a hatch in the center. When the weather is fine
you can remove the hatch cover and have access below as well as
dangle your feet inside when sailing. It then functions as a non-
draining footwell.
As Bill aludes to - if built this way, the hold in Long Micro
becomes a rather large sleeping area in which a 60" wide air
mattress will fit with room to spare -providing you include the area
specified for foam floatation. Of course the mattress will provide
floatation if left enflated.
The regular Micro has one hatch cover and the Long Micro two which
are overlapped and sloped fore and aft. One or both of them could be
built as skylights. The plans call for a platform below to rest your
feet when sailing, but without it the hold becomes a fair sized
playpen, or rest area for tots. (The two covers stacked below could
serve as a platform as well.)
Another practical advantage of the Long Micro is that the bunk flats
are further aft than the regular Micro which provides more walking
space forward if you build the forward companionway. If the bunks
are shortened to 6' instead of the 6' 6" on the plans, you could
even have a hanging closet in the dresser area. I would prefer to
do the cooking under the doghouse which has standing room - using
the seaswing stove, (Thanks Mike:-) or else a small bbq installed
over the motorwell.
Another somewhat larger and more complicated design is Red Zinger,
but I think Long Micro is more flexible.
Yes Bill I will be building a model as soon as I get my place ready
to put on the market.
Nels
>already
> Matthew and Nels,
> I have very little to add, as Nels and the other members have
> said most everything I would have said. The standard Long Microplans
> show a very large covered space below the cockpit seating area(it's
> approx. 6 feet by 6 feet). This space provides room for storinga
> supplies and/or a below decks sleeping area for children. On my LM
> the framing for my self-bailing cockpit filled most of this space-
> sacrifice I was willing to make.Good point Bill!
>
It would be a tough choice which way to go but the standard might be
best with small kids.
Of course both standard Micro plans have a large hold under the
cockpit area with a hatch in the center. When the weather is fine
you can remove the hatch cover and have access below as well as
dangle your feet inside when sailing. It then functions as a non-
draining footwell.
As Bill aludes to - if built this way, the hold in Long Micro
becomes a rather large sleeping area in which a 60" wide air
mattress will fit with room to spare -providing you include the area
specified for foam floatation. Of course the mattress will provide
floatation if left enflated.
The regular Micro has one hatch cover and the Long Micro two which
are overlapped and sloped fore and aft. One or both of them could be
built as skylights. The plans call for a platform below to rest your
feet when sailing, but without it the hold becomes a fair sized
playpen, or rest area for tots. (The two covers stacked below could
serve as a platform as well.)
Another practical advantage of the Long Micro is that the bunk flats
are further aft than the regular Micro which provides more walking
space forward if you build the forward companionway. If the bunks
are shortened to 6' instead of the 6' 6" on the plans, you could
even have a hanging closet in the dresser area. I would prefer to
do the cooking under the doghouse which has standing room - using
the seaswing stove, (Thanks Mike:-) or else a small bbq installed
over the motorwell.
Another somewhat larger and more complicated design is Red Zinger,
but I think Long Micro is more flexible.
Yes Bill I will be building a model as soon as I get my place ready
to put on the market.
Nels
Matthew and Nels,
I have very little to add, as Nels and the other members have already
said most everything I would have said. The standard Long Micro plans
show a very large covered space below the cockpit seating area (it's
approx. 6 feet by 6 feet). This space provides room for storing
supplies and/or a below decks sleeping area for children. On my LM
the framing for my self-bailing cockpit filled most of this space- a
sacrifice I was willing to make.
If you have questions about building an LM I'll pipe up as I'm about
80 percent done with mine. The other members give excellent advice so
I don't speak up often. If you decide to build give serious
consideration to Nels' proposed modifications to the LM. I think he's
spot on, and he should build one.
Bill (back from the Caribbean for a bit), in Ohio
I have very little to add, as Nels and the other members have already
said most everything I would have said. The standard Long Micro plans
show a very large covered space below the cockpit seating area (it's
approx. 6 feet by 6 feet). This space provides room for storing
supplies and/or a below decks sleeping area for children. On my LM
the framing for my self-bailing cockpit filled most of this space- a
sacrifice I was willing to make.
If you have questions about building an LM I'll pipe up as I'm about
80 percent done with mine. The other members give excellent advice so
I don't speak up often. If you decide to build give serious
consideration to Nels' proposed modifications to the LM. I think he's
spot on, and he should build one.
Bill (back from the Caribbean for a bit), in Ohio
> William King is in the process of building one and has taken quite
> a few photos. He will likely chime in if he is back from his tough
> assignments in the Caribean:-)
>
Hi Matthew
We regularly daysail three adults. It's possible to put all three in the
cockpit, but one tends to end up below [often happily snoozing, it's a nice
space]. For our lazy style, the cockpit is a good two [adult] person sprawl
space. With everyone aft the weight distribution is less than ideal. If the
three year old can be relied on not to stand up then perhaps the cockpit
would be OK. A toddler on their feet would not be adequately restrained by
the coamings. Leashes might work. The seven year old is likely to revel in
the fore well, for some of the time at least. In my imagination you end up
with one adult below with the youngest, the middle child leashed above or in
care below as suits, and the eldest being trained as mate. By the time they
are 4, 7 and 10 you'll have more crew than room to deploy them. Sleeping at
a mooring could work as you have described. It would be a full ship, but not
impossible. Micro will certainly cope with the load. If you need pictures
showing the available space, please let me know.
cheers
Derek
We regularly daysail three adults. It's possible to put all three in the
cockpit, but one tends to end up below [often happily snoozing, it's a nice
space]. For our lazy style, the cockpit is a good two [adult] person sprawl
space. With everyone aft the weight distribution is less than ideal. If the
three year old can be relied on not to stand up then perhaps the cockpit
would be OK. A toddler on their feet would not be adequately restrained by
the coamings. Leashes might work. The seven year old is likely to revel in
the fore well, for some of the time at least. In my imagination you end up
with one adult below with the youngest, the middle child leashed above or in
care below as suits, and the eldest being trained as mate. By the time they
are 4, 7 and 10 you'll have more crew than room to deploy them. Sleeping at
a mooring could work as you have described. It would be a full ship, but not
impossible. Micro will certainly cope with the load. If you need pictures
showing the available space, please let me know.
cheers
Derek
--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "dnjost" <davidjost@...> wrote:
OTOH if one had a tent and could cook ashore... I did some touring
in a camper van with 4 adults and two kids and we all slept in the
van by the side of the road one rainy night:-)
Nels
>aboard
> Matthew,
>
> I have had as many as 3 adults a 12 year old and an 8 year old
> my former Micro. We had plenty of space as the teen/pre-teen justthe
> loved standing in the bow well most of the time. this also helped
> trim. The eight year old would stand in the companionway, whilethe
> rest of us sprawled on deck. I did learn that adding some non-skid
> material to the cockpit was wise, unless we were really closeand am
> friends.
>
> I second the motion of Birdwatcher. This is my current project
> just getting underway slowly as finances are a wee bit tight rightI agree for daysailing but overnighting or weekending?
> now.
>
> David Jost
> Boston
>
OTOH if one had a tent and could cook ashore... I did some touring
in a camper van with 4 adults and two kids and we all slept in the
van by the side of the road one rainy night:-)
Nels
Matthew,
I have had as many as 3 adults a 12 year old and an 8 year old aboard
my former Micro. We had plenty of space as the teen/pre-teen just
loved standing in the bow well most of the time. this also helped the
trim. The eight year old would stand in the companionway, while the
rest of us sprawled on deck. I did learn that adding some non-skid
material to the cockpit was wise, unless we were really close
friends.
I second the motion of Birdwatcher. This is my current project and am
just getting underway slowly as finances are a wee bit tight right
now.
David Jost
Boston
I have had as many as 3 adults a 12 year old and an 8 year old aboard
my former Micro. We had plenty of space as the teen/pre-teen just
loved standing in the bow well most of the time. this also helped the
trim. The eight year old would stand in the companionway, while the
rest of us sprawled on deck. I did learn that adding some non-skid
material to the cockpit was wise, unless we were really close
friends.
I second the motion of Birdwatcher. This is my current project and am
just getting underway slowly as finances are a wee bit tight right
now.
David Jost
Boston
--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Bruce Hallman" <bruce@...> wrote:
of Martha Jane, and the Jochems Schooner. The thing I like about the
LM is there are no centerboards, leeboards, or water ballast tanks to
worry about.
Two other items I forgot to mention:
In measuring headroom below from the plans, the LM sleeping flats
could quite likely be raised about 6 inches, which gives more storage
under and a more natural sitting posture. (Depending on crew height of
course.)
Another thing I would consider is to install foam insulation - at
least in the interior roof and under the cockpit seats. The areas
specified in the plans are subject to collecting moisture in my view,
as well as taking up storage space that is situated on the bottom of
the hull. (That gets back to my quandary of whether floatation should
be down low or up high or in the ends?)
Peter never installed any floatation in Lestat, who is now 14 years
old. His rationale was that if the ship sank, he would go with it as
he came from a long maritime heritage of not being able to swim
anyway. This creates its own "built-in" safety factor:-)
Nels
>I believe Birdwatcher was already mentioned, as was the latest update
> > Nels
>
> I ditto what Nels wrote. Though I think an ideal boat for small kids
> would be a Birdwatcher, because of the large safe interior volume,
> with inside space that is not claustrophobic, and with inside space
> suitible for naptime and carefree play.
>
of Martha Jane, and the Jochems Schooner. The thing I like about the
LM is there are no centerboards, leeboards, or water ballast tanks to
worry about.
Two other items I forgot to mention:
In measuring headroom below from the plans, the LM sleeping flats
could quite likely be raised about 6 inches, which gives more storage
under and a more natural sitting posture. (Depending on crew height of
course.)
Another thing I would consider is to install foam insulation - at
least in the interior roof and under the cockpit seats. The areas
specified in the plans are subject to collecting moisture in my view,
as well as taking up storage space that is situated on the bottom of
the hull. (That gets back to my quandary of whether floatation should
be down low or up high or in the ends?)
Peter never installed any floatation in Lestat, who is now 14 years
old. His rationale was that if the ship sank, he would go with it as
he came from a long maritime heritage of not being able to swim
anyway. This creates its own "built-in" safety factor:-)
Nels
> NelsI ditto what Nels wrote. Though I think an ideal boat for small kids
would be a Birdwatcher, because of the large safe interior volume,
with inside space that is not claustrophobic, and with inside space
suitible for naptime and carefree play.
--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "The Peillet-Long Family"
<owlnmole@...> wrote:
I own Lestat, a Micro built by Peter Lenihan and there is a folder
with photos over in Bolger3. It would likely work quite well as a
daysailer and would be safe enough, although a bit cramped.
However a Long Micro would suit you admirably I would suggest. That
extra four feet added to the central hull really makes a difference
as it increases the interior living space by over 30%.
If you build a self-draining cockpit like several have done, there
is enough space there for six adults quite likely when you consider
the bridge deck and lazarrette for and aft the footwell. As well
there is room for quarter berths below. Dan Gonneau has a wooden
grating in the footwell of Zephyr and if cleats were installed to
the seats it could be raised to close up the footwell and there
would be enough space in the cockpit for a queen-sized air mattress.
Yet in a pinch all five could sleep below.
Long Zephyr is in some ways easier to build than a Micro, as the
bending of the stringers are not as great and the ballast piece is a
simple rectangular shape. It also has a tabernacle located right at
the bow which makes it easier to raise and lower the mast and
creates more space in the bow well. It also has a sail plan that is
more capable in light airs. In fact the usual sailing mode is with
one reef tied in. The added 4 feet of waterline and greater
mommentum make it faster once it gets going. Here is a link to
Zephyr:
http://www.znw.com/homepage/zephyr.htm
William King is in the process of building one and has taken quite
a few photos. He will likely chime in if he is back from his tough
assignments in the Caribean:-)
Three things I would be tempted to add:
1. Build a companionway forward into the bow well to make it easier
to go forward to handle the ground tackle. This well would give
shoulder height security to most 7 year olds.
2. Build in a hard doghouse something like the One Person Liveaboard
whch would give standing headroom in lieu of the main companionway,
open up the forward ends of the quarter berths, and have it extend
aft above the bridge deck for outside overhead shelter from sun,
wind and rain.
3. Raise the tablernacle height about another foot so the mast would
lie flat on the doghouse roof when lowered. This would also provide
a natural center beam for a weather cover.I would also add a chunk
of lead to the bottom of the mast and it's weight would be
counterbalanced by a heavier motor on the stern. (T9.9 4-stroke.)
Perhaps the only other addition would be a higher coaming around the
cockpit or a railing of some kind.
This would give you a boat capable of handling about any kind of
weather, even if you never have to test the limits.
So is Radio Luxembourg still broadcasting? Used to listen to it most
of the time when I was stationed in France many years ago. As well
as visiting the city quite often. Beautiful cosmopolitan city! Never
forget the quality of the food. Preferred to go there over Paris any
day.
Nels
<owlnmole@...> wrote:
>built in Tunisia, I'd love to
> Following up on my earlier post about a family boat to build/have
> hear from the Micro builders in the group on how suitable Microwould be as a daysailer for a
> family of two adults and three small children, ages 1, 3 and 7.small kids (in other words,
>
> I am particularly interested in cockpit space and suitability for
> room to move and not too easy to fall overboard).that, with the cockpit tented in
>
> I don't imagine any serious cruising, but am I right to imagine
> and some camping mattresses and sleeping bags, we could probablymanage to camp out for
> a night or two?investment, but I have a built-in
>
> I know that kids grow, and a bigger boat might be a better
> time limit as we will only be in Tunisia for three years or so andwe are unlikely to be able to
> take the boat with us to the next assignment.Hi Mathew,
>
> Thanks and regards,
>
> Matthew in Luxembourg
>
I own Lestat, a Micro built by Peter Lenihan and there is a folder
with photos over in Bolger3. It would likely work quite well as a
daysailer and would be safe enough, although a bit cramped.
However a Long Micro would suit you admirably I would suggest. That
extra four feet added to the central hull really makes a difference
as it increases the interior living space by over 30%.
If you build a self-draining cockpit like several have done, there
is enough space there for six adults quite likely when you consider
the bridge deck and lazarrette for and aft the footwell. As well
there is room for quarter berths below. Dan Gonneau has a wooden
grating in the footwell of Zephyr and if cleats were installed to
the seats it could be raised to close up the footwell and there
would be enough space in the cockpit for a queen-sized air mattress.
Yet in a pinch all five could sleep below.
Long Zephyr is in some ways easier to build than a Micro, as the
bending of the stringers are not as great and the ballast piece is a
simple rectangular shape. It also has a tabernacle located right at
the bow which makes it easier to raise and lower the mast and
creates more space in the bow well. It also has a sail plan that is
more capable in light airs. In fact the usual sailing mode is with
one reef tied in. The added 4 feet of waterline and greater
mommentum make it faster once it gets going. Here is a link to
Zephyr:
http://www.znw.com/homepage/zephyr.htm
William King is in the process of building one and has taken quite
a few photos. He will likely chime in if he is back from his tough
assignments in the Caribean:-)
Three things I would be tempted to add:
1. Build a companionway forward into the bow well to make it easier
to go forward to handle the ground tackle. This well would give
shoulder height security to most 7 year olds.
2. Build in a hard doghouse something like the One Person Liveaboard
whch would give standing headroom in lieu of the main companionway,
open up the forward ends of the quarter berths, and have it extend
aft above the bridge deck for outside overhead shelter from sun,
wind and rain.
3. Raise the tablernacle height about another foot so the mast would
lie flat on the doghouse roof when lowered. This would also provide
a natural center beam for a weather cover.I would also add a chunk
of lead to the bottom of the mast and it's weight would be
counterbalanced by a heavier motor on the stern. (T9.9 4-stroke.)
Perhaps the only other addition would be a higher coaming around the
cockpit or a railing of some kind.
This would give you a boat capable of handling about any kind of
weather, even if you never have to test the limits.
So is Radio Luxembourg still broadcasting? Used to listen to it most
of the time when I was stationed in France many years ago. As well
as visiting the city quite often. Beautiful cosmopolitan city! Never
forget the quality of the food. Preferred to go there over Paris any
day.
Nels
Following up on my earlier post about a family boat to build/have built in Tunisia, I'd love to
hear from the Micro builders in the group on how suitable Micro would be as a daysailer for a
family of two adults and three small children, ages 1, 3 and 7.
I am particularly interested in cockpit space and suitability for small kids (in other words,
room to move and not too easy to fall overboard).
I don't imagine any serious cruising, but am I right to imagine that, with the cockpit tented in
and some camping mattresses and sleeping bags, we could probably manage to camp out for
a night or two?
I know that kids grow, and a bigger boat might be a better investment, but I have a built-in
time limit as we will only be in Tunisia for three years or so and we are unlikely to be able to
take the boat with us to the next assignment.
Thanks and regards,
Matthew in Luxembourg
hear from the Micro builders in the group on how suitable Micro would be as a daysailer for a
family of two adults and three small children, ages 1, 3 and 7.
I am particularly interested in cockpit space and suitability for small kids (in other words,
room to move and not too easy to fall overboard).
I don't imagine any serious cruising, but am I right to imagine that, with the cockpit tented in
and some camping mattresses and sleeping bags, we could probably manage to camp out for
a night or two?
I know that kids grow, and a bigger boat might be a better investment, but I have a built-in
time limit as we will only be in Tunisia for three years or so and we are unlikely to be able to
take the boat with us to the next assignment.
Thanks and regards,
Matthew in Luxembourg