Re: Birdwatcher vs. Birdwatcher II
I agree that BWI is probably slightly easier to build, but sitting on a
damp floor does not appeal to me. the insulation is not too expensive
and does not IMHO add a significant amount of weight or time to
install. The bonus of having a dry behind cannot be overrated.
I sail on the south coast of Massachusetts during bass and bluefish
season and the backporch gives me a place to clean the fish (inevitably
caught at the worst possible moment) and keep it out of the living
quarters. We always have a rod trolling out behind us.
I kind of think the lexan (I would go with the smoked) glass is
actually pretty good looking in a Frank Lloyd Wright or Corbu kind of
way.
Just built two saw horses today to replace the ones beat up building
several other boats, I am going to start laminating up the mast over
the next couple of weeks.
damp floor does not appeal to me. the insulation is not too expensive
and does not IMHO add a significant amount of weight or time to
install. The bonus of having a dry behind cannot be overrated.
I sail on the south coast of Massachusetts during bass and bluefish
season and the backporch gives me a place to clean the fish (inevitably
caught at the worst possible moment) and keep it out of the living
quarters. We always have a rod trolling out behind us.
I kind of think the lexan (I would go with the smoked) glass is
actually pretty good looking in a Frank Lloyd Wright or Corbu kind of
way.
Just built two saw horses today to replace the ones beat up building
several other boats, I am going to start laminating up the mast over
the next couple of weeks.
Decisions, decisions. Simplicity and economy vs increased cost/complexity and better performance.
If I were to build one, I think I would use a BW1 hull with the steering and c/b from BW2 with a fairly large balanced lug sail. Insulation is probably more useful in colder waters than I sail in, and adds weight, cost, and construction time. The back porch basically hides a side mounted motor and also adds weight, cost, and construction time. Its admittedly good looks are something a can do without.
Everyone has their own opinions and tastes (and this is one of the few valid reasons to build your own boat--you get to have it your way). Isn't it grand that PCB has given us choices!
The other boat that is pretty close to BW is Bolger's Camper. I think the railings shown on the plan are primarily decorative and that they would be much in the way while boarding the boat. I am also not certain about the bends in the lucite panels forward. However, to my eye, Camper is a prettier boat than either Birdwatcher.
JohnT
If I were to build one, I think I would use a BW1 hull with the steering and c/b from BW2 with a fairly large balanced lug sail. Insulation is probably more useful in colder waters than I sail in, and adds weight, cost, and construction time. The back porch basically hides a side mounted motor and also adds weight, cost, and construction time. Its admittedly good looks are something a can do without.
Everyone has their own opinions and tastes (and this is one of the few valid reasons to build your own boat--you get to have it your way). Isn't it grand that PCB has given us choices!
The other boat that is pretty close to BW is Bolger's Camper. I think the railings shown on the plan are primarily decorative and that they would be much in the way while boarding the boat. I am also not certain about the bends in the lucite panels forward. However, to my eye, Camper is a prettier boat than either Birdwatcher.
JohnT
----- Original Message -----
From: dnjost
To:bolger@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Saturday, December 16, 2006 7:19 AM
Subject: [bolger] Re: Birdwatcher vs. Birdwatcher II
I think right here is a good place to start.
Wooden Boat ran a great article on the original Birdwatcher and the
upgrades the BW2 provide. Look up Mason Smith in VT, he built a real
nice one. I have been pouring over these plans engaged in copious
amounts of armchair boatbuilding for the past year.
In short -
BW1 - easy build / underpowered rig/shallow board/ no insulation/no
back porch/limited steering radius.
BWii - should be a better sailor = deeper board, bigger rig, jib, small
motor on back porch, insulated hull keeps everything drier with drip
channels, steering assembly more robust and has a tighter turning
radius.
I think it is worth the upgrade. Wish I could show you one, but not
this year.
David Jost - Boston
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I think right here is a good place to start.
Wooden Boat ran a great article on the original Birdwatcher and the
upgrades the BW2 provide. Look up Mason Smith in VT, he built a real
nice one. I have been pouring over these plans engaged in copious
amounts of armchair boatbuilding for the past year.
In short -
BW1 - easy build / underpowered rig/shallow board/ no insulation/no
back porch/limited steering radius.
BWii - should be a better sailor = deeper board, bigger rig, jib, small
motor on back porch, insulated hull keeps everything drier with drip
channels, steering assembly more robust and has a tighter turning
radius.
I think it is worth the upgrade. Wish I could show you one, but not
this year.
David Jost - Boston
Wooden Boat ran a great article on the original Birdwatcher and the
upgrades the BW2 provide. Look up Mason Smith in VT, he built a real
nice one. I have been pouring over these plans engaged in copious
amounts of armchair boatbuilding for the past year.
In short -
BW1 - easy build / underpowered rig/shallow board/ no insulation/no
back porch/limited steering radius.
BWii - should be a better sailor = deeper board, bigger rig, jib, small
motor on back porch, insulated hull keeps everything drier with drip
channels, steering assembly more robust and has a tighter turning
radius.
I think it is worth the upgrade. Wish I could show you one, but not
this year.
David Jost - Boston
Try this link,
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bolger4/files/Birdwatcher/
Cheers,
John
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bolger4/files/Birdwatcher/
Cheers,
John
--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Thierry" <southcoveemail@...> wrote:
>
> Where can I find a discussion about the 2 different versions of
> Birdwatcher?
>
> Is there a Birdwatcher for sale or to look at in the maritime
> provinces of Canada or Maine?
>
> I am located in Nova Scotia.
>
> Thanks
>
> Thierry
>
Where can I find a discussion about the 2 different versions of
Birdwatcher?
Is there a Birdwatcher for sale or to look at in the maritime
provinces of Canada or Maine?
I am located in Nova Scotia.
Thanks
Thierry
Birdwatcher?
Is there a Birdwatcher for sale or to look at in the maritime
provinces of Canada or Maine?
I am located in Nova Scotia.
Thanks
Thierry