Re: Birdwatcher on Sydney Harbour

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Greg Flemming" <greg@...> wrote:

> That's interesting Krissie

> --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, Kristine Bennett <femmpaws@> wrote:
> > Greg they have been putting top and bottom end plates on work

boat

> rudders for years.

IIRC some time ago I read somewhere in some of the Chuck Merrell
collection old CSD Newletters of Elrow LaRowe --
http://www.boatdesign.com/micro/pages/letters.htm-- that when asked
why the rudder end plate on the then new Old Shoe design was not on
the
older Micro design, Bolger had replied he did not know other than he
simply must have forgot to show it on the plan! It's on the later
Long
Micro, and obviously now is on Micro II.

Graeme

That's interesting Krissie

Yes, Bolger seems to get lots of his ideas from traditional practices
;his enthusiasm for the Norfolk Wherry & Thames barges comes to mind.

Both fascinating boats, too

I wonder if anyone has read the novel of A P Herbert on Thames Barges
in the Dunkirk evacuation, called The Singing Swan?

I bet that's a novel that would appeal to Phil Bolger!

Greg

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, Kristine Bennett <femmpaws@...> wrote:
>
> Greg they have been putting top and bottom end plates on work boat
rudders for years. I remember seeing a log boom boat with them 35
years or so ago. They do change the way a hull handles at low speed.
>
> I think Phil is the first one to put them on a sailboat...or at
least his were the first design I saw then on the drawings.
>
> Blessings all Krissie
>
> Greg Flemming <greg@...> wrote: Well
Graeme
>
> As soon as I have completed the (modified) Scram Pram that I am
> building at present (which is taking forever) I would like to apply
> those modifications to the Micro that we have. That long mast is
> intimidating to raise and bring down and actually discourages us using
> the boat.
>
> One other significant modification on the Micro II plans that I forgot
> to mention is the end plate on the rudder ; in the notes Bolger says
> that the end plate significantly improves rudder response.
>
> Greg
>
>
>
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Greg they have been putting top and bottom end plates on work boat rudders for years. I remember seeing a log boom boat with them 35 years or so ago. They do change the way a hull handles at low speed.

I think Phil is the first one to put them on a sailboat...or at least his were the first design I saw then on the drawings.

Blessings all Krissie

Greg Flemming <greg@...> wrote: Well Graeme

As soon as I have completed the (modified) Scram Pram that I am
building at present (which is taking forever) I would like to apply
those modifications to the Micro that we have. That long mast is
intimidating to raise and bring down and actually discourages us using
the boat.

One other significant modification on the Micro II plans that I forgot
to mention is the end plate on the rudder ; in the notes Bolger says
that the end plate significantly improves rudder response.

Greg



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- stay on topic, stay on thread, punctuate, no 'Ed, thanks, Fred' posts
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Oh! ...and a couple more things...the mast tabernacle increases the
length of the boat to 15' 11" on the plan and moves the mainmast 12"
further forward so the notes mention that there needs to be a
corresponding increase in the size of the mizzen. The mizzen shown on
the Micro II plan mods. is a Chinese Gaff as well as the main and is
that little bit bigger than in Micro I.

By the way, to quote from Bolger's notes for Micro II: "Accumulating
complaints from owners, mainly about sleeplessness due to noisy
poinding and slapping under the flat bow overhang but also about the
heavy and somewhat risky process of erecting the long mainmast, led to
another look at the design, to be called Micro II."

Greg

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Greg Flemming" <greg@...> wrote:
>
> Well Graeme
>
> As soon as I have completed the (modified) Scram Pram that I am
> building at present (which is taking forever) I would like to apply
> those modifications to the Micro that we have. That long mast is
> intimidating to raise and bring down and actually discourages us using
> the boat.
>
> One other significant modification on the Micro II plans that I forgot
> to mention is the end plate on the rudder ; in the notes Bolger says
> that the end plate significantly improves rudder response.
>
> Greg
>
>
>
>
> --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "graeme19121984" <graeme19121984@>
> wrote:
> >
> > Ahh, gotcha. Thanks for the explanation Greg. I wonder if anyone will
> > build her this way?
> >
> > Graeme
> >
> >
> > --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Greg Flemming" <greg@> wrote:
> >
> > > The plan modifications are the Navigator ones but just not
putting the
> > > Birdwatcher cabin on, that's about it.
> >
>

Well Graeme

As soon as I have completed the (modified) Scram Pram that I am
building at present (which is taking forever) I would like to apply
those modifications to the Micro that we have. That long mast is
intimidating to raise and bring down and actually discourages us using
the boat.

One other significant modification on the Micro II plans that I forgot
to mention is the end plate on the rudder ; in the notes Bolger says
that the end plate significantly improves rudder response.

Greg




--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "graeme19121984" <graeme19121984@...>
wrote:

>
> Ahh, gotcha. Thanks for the explanation Greg. I wonder if anyone will
> build her this way?
>
> Graeme
>
>
> --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Greg Flemming" <greg@> wrote:
>
> > The plan modifications are the Navigator ones but just not putting the
> > Birdwatcher cabin on, that's about it.
>

Ahh, gotcha. Thanks for the explanation Greg. I wonder if anyone will
build her this way?

Graeme

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Greg Flemming" <greg@...> wrote:

> The plan modifications are the Navigator ones but just not putting the
> Birdwatcher cabin on, that's about it.

Hi Graeme

Micro II is the older cuddy cabin Micro with some mods. such as the
Chinese Gaff rig and the tabernacle mast with a more pointy bow (sort
of) and the addition of some foam fillets to fill out the bottom near
the bow in order to reduce wave slapping at anchor which apparently
many have complained about (noise) These fillets mean that keel in the
forward part of the boat needs to be deepened by two inches or so.

That's about it, but the changes do make the boat seem a lot more
attractive to me, at least.

The plan modifications are the Navigator ones but just not putting the
Birdwatcher cabin on, that's about it.

Besr wishes

Greg

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "graeme19121984" <graeme19121984@...>
wrote:

>
>
> --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Greg Flemming" <greg@> wrote:
> > Actually, MIcro II looks just great to me ; worth checking out.
>
>
> Hi Greg,
>
> I feel like I've missed something here - is there now a Micro II? In
> addittion to Micro Navigator? Wow! Could you describe Micro II a bit
> further please?
>
> Graeme
>

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Greg Flemming" <greg@...> wrote:

> Actually, MIcro II looks just great to me ; worth checking out.

Hi Greg,

I feel like I've missed something here - is there now a Micro II? In
addittion to Micro Navigator? Wow! Could you describe Micro II a bit
further please?

Graeme

Thanks Rob & Mason

You two make the mast seem like a non-event, after all - 6' 2" and
all that may explain it (maybe age, too??). I don't know, I don't
think of myself as a weakling at all but I find the mainmast very
intimidating to put up and bring down. I did see in a Common Sense
Newsletter some years ago the idea of a plywood box channel that could
be put in (removable)to guide the mast in , so it would stand at the
mast step point running up to the top of the bow transom somehow, but
I have never tried that.

Our boat is only fibreglassed to just above the waterline, but if it
was fibreglassed all over, I would put it on a mooring just off the
house. As it is the sun here is so severe that it would be cooked in
5 minutes, as is. At present it is under a shade sail but the bits
that get some sun don't look too good after just a few seasons

Actually, I took John Mann's offer to look at the Micro Navigator
plans and bought them from him as the tabernacle that Phil Bolger has
designed for the Navigator version and MICRO II seems to make Micro a
whole lot more attractive - for single handing, for instance.

The tabernacle for Micro II is meant to go with the Chinese Gaff sails
and actually puts the mast on the outside of the existing bow transom
and therefore puts the mast 30 cm further forward, so a
correspondi8nmg increase in mizzen size is required.

The other thing is that it gives the bow a more "rounded" look which
may appeal to some?

Actually, MIcro II looks just great to me ; worth checking out.

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "goganrob" <goganrob@...> wrote:

Thanks for the comments

Greg F
>
> I have found stepping Micro's mast gets easier with practice. The
> trick is to raise it a little at a time, keeping most of the weight
> on the sail track (aft edge) of the mast, balanced on the forward
> bulkhead, with the mast foot pressing against the bow transom. This
> does scratch up the bulkhead and the inside of the bow transom a
> bit, but it feels a lot safer than the "tossing the caber" motion I
> used to use when I was more protective of David Jost's fresh
> finish. In the early days I tried to raise the mast vertical
> against my shoulder then gently lower it into the step without
> touching any other part of the boat. Using the "slide on the sail
> track" method, you literally step by step, holding the mast overhead
> and walking forward as you increase the angle skyward. When the
> mast foot has slid into the next (lower) transom step, you can
> comfortably walk forward while the sail track bears the bulk of the
> weight until you can take another step forward and slide the foot
> into the next step.
>
> I still make everyone else get below in case I drop the mast.
>
> BTW look for my story in the upcoming issue of "Messing About in
> Boats" about how we graduated from a Snark to the Micro.
>
> --Rob
>
> > It does seem to me though that the mast, as designed, is a real
> > problem to raise and lower although I find it interesting that this
> > does not seem to be a general opinion??
> >
> > However John, you approached this as a problem and first tried a
> > tabernacle and then went even further with more radical change, so
> > maybe I am not the lone weakling that I have been feeling, after
> all.
> >
> > Still, I would be keen to hear what experiences others have had
> with
> > the mast, as designed.
>

Anent the mast-raising on Micro, I've just been doing it on mine for the first few times and find the method of letting the forward bulkhead carry the leverage while I climb up on the cabintop to lift it the rest of the way is pretty good. Easy, in fact. I'm 6'2", 185 lbs, might not be so easy for shorter lighter person. I think I will put something protective on the edge of the cabin, or on the sail-track.
What a charming boat in use. I am pleased with my drop-axle trailer, with 5 soft spool-type rollers fitted to the keel and bolsters that pick up the widest part of the bottom abreast the center of weight. I need to provide low guides to bring the keel precisely onto the centerline of the trailer, and then the Micro will be almost as easy as Dovekie or Birdwatcher to launch and retrieve. Mason

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I have found stepping Micro's mast gets easier with practice. The
trick is to raise it a little at a time, keeping most of the weight
on the sail track (aft edge) of the mast, balanced on the forward
bulkhead, with the mast foot pressing against the bow transom. This
does scratch up the bulkhead and the inside of the bow transom a
bit, but it feels a lot safer than the "tossing the caber" motion I
used to use when I was more protective of David Jost's fresh
finish. In the early days I tried to raise the mast vertical
against my shoulder then gently lower it into the step without
touching any other part of the boat. Using the "slide on the sail
track" method, you literally step by step, holding the mast overhead
and walking forward as you increase the angle skyward. When the
mast foot has slid into the next (lower) transom step, you can
comfortably walk forward while the sail track bears the bulk of the
weight until you can take another step forward and slide the foot
into the next step.

I still make everyone else get below in case I drop the mast.

BTW look for my story in the upcoming issue of "Messing About in
Boats" about how we graduated from a Snark to the Micro.

--Rob

> It does seem to me though that the mast, as designed, is a real
> problem to raise and lower although I find it interesting that this
> does not seem to be a general opinion??
>
> However John, you approached this as a problem and first tried a
> tabernacle and then went even further with more radical change, so
> maybe I am not the lone weakling that I have been feeling, after

all.

>
> Still, I would be keen to hear what experiences others have had

with

> the mast, as designed.

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "mannthree" <johnmann@...> wrote:

>

I managed to contact Ian and Robyn Singleton and they confirmed that
it was indeed them on the Harbour on the 20th. They also confirmed
that they have a new sail (Stitched by Robyn) and made from polytarp.

It is about 138 sqft and has one batten, but they will add more. They
decided to add the battens after seeing my modified sail on the
Micro. They don't have any pics yet. I may get a chance to sail on
it again soon and if so I'll take some pics,

Cheers,

John

> --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Greg Flemming" <greg@> wrote:
> >Greg,
>
> You may also want to look at the Navigator version of the Tabernacle.
> I have the plans, but never implemented them. If you want to look at
> them come on over. I will sell them for $50,
>
> Cheers,
>
> John
> > Yes John, I do seem to remember you mentioning this information in
> > this site or in emails and maybe the tabernacle set-up from the Long
> > Micro would be a better alternative, from the sound of it.
> >
> > It does seem to me though that the mast, as designed, is a real
> > problem to raise and lower although I find it interesting that this
> > does not seem to be a general opinion??
> >
> > However John, you approached this as a problem and first tried a
> > tabernacle and then went even further with more radical change, so
> > maybe I am not the lone weakling that I have been feeling, after all.
> >
> > Still, I would be keen to hear what experiences others have had with
> > the mast, as designed.
> >
> > Thanks for the response John
> >
> > Yes, see you on the Harbour when I get the Scram done and bring it or
> > the Micro back down
> >
> >
> > Greg F
> >
> >
> >
> > --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "mannthree" <johnmann@> wrote:
> > >
> > > --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Greg Flemming" <greg@> wrote:
> > > >Greg,
> > >
> > > The plans for the tabernacle were originally draw for some chap in
> > > Western Australia with a bad back. I bought the plans and built

it as

> > > per spec for my Micro. I cant remember how long it lasted but

one day

> > > when I was out sailing in about 10 - 15 knots I heard a "cracking"
> > > sound and noticed that the mast was a little bit wobbly. There were
> > > large cracks on the supports for the tabernacle around the mast
> > > partner. Here are some possible reasons:
> > >
> > > 1. The wood I used was not true to spec. (I thought I used
> > > Australian Beech, but it looked decidedly "stringy"
> > >
> > > 2. The "Bury" of the unstayed mast was not sufficient as per plan.
> > > My understanding is that the Bury for an unstayed mast is the

distance

> > > between the partner and the foot of the mast at the keel
> > >
> > > 3. All of the above
> > >
> > > You will notice that the mast sits in the tabernacle above the mast
> > > partner. My feeling is that this is insufficient support and

that in

> > > my case the sheering effects were just too great. I spoke to Rob
> > > Ayliffe of Duck Flat wooden boats and he couldn't come up with any
> > > reasons for my failure. I sail my boat hard and regularly so I
> > > suspect that the chap in WA didn't give the design a good

flogging.

> > > I currently step my shortened mast to the step in the floor and
> > > through the Box of what remains of the tabernacle. The mast is 17
> > > feet long and can be stepped/unstepped by me, a 59 year old 150

pound

> > > baby boomer. I recut my sail and lost about 10 sqft in area

which is

> > > not noticeable in performance and also means I can delay reefing in
> > > above 15 knot wind.
> > >
> > > Thats my experience so I hope it helps. I've had the Micro now for
> > > about 7 years and am thinking of letting her go to a good home.
> > > Anyway I am still searching for a worthy replacement,
> > >
> > > Cheers,
> > >
> > > John
> > >
> > > PS: See ya out on the Harbour
> > >
> > > > hello John, and all,
> > > >
> > > > I had the impression that Philsboat had won the contest although
> it is
> > > > not my personal favourite for a few reasons.
> > > >
> > > > It's funny but I have been so caught up in trying to get my

modified

> > > > Scram Pram finished that I haven't concentrated much on other
> stuff at
> > > > all, especially with my Micro, Matilda Jean, which just sits
> under its
> > > > shade sail weathering a bit more, all the time.
> > > >
> > > > But when I have finally finished the Scram I then plan to do a few
> > > > things to the Micro such as changing the deadlights to the as
> designed
> > > > shape, and I would like to modify the mast arrangement so that

there

> > > > is some kind of tabernacle to assist in raising the mainmast.
> To that
> > > > end I remembered that Duck Flat had done a tabernacle

conversion so

> > > > contacted them and they then sent the plans over for $35. Lo and
> > > > behold it seems that the tabernacle was done for John Mann!
> > > >
> > > > But then I also seemed to remember you saying, John, that the

mast

> > > > arrangement on your Micro had problems and needed to be modified
> after
> > > > doing that tabernacle arrangement. I also seem to remember an

email

> > > > from you where you indicate that your original mainmast was
> around the
> > > > same weight as the one on Matilda Jean. So where this is going
> is to
> > > > ask if you think the Duck Flat arrangement would work, as on the
> > > > plans, and if not, what modifications should be made.
> > > >
> > > > I wonder what the experience of others is with the Micro mainmast,
> > > > too, is it too heavy to raise comfortably and what do people

do when

> > > > alone??? I can't imagine!
> > > >
> > > > Greg F
> > > >
> > > > --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "mannthree" <johnmann@> wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Greg Flemming" <greg@> wrote:
> > > > > >Greg,
> > > > >
> > > > > I'm still searching for another boat. Philsboat was a
> > possibility for
> > > > > a while,
> > > > >
> > > > > Cheers,
> > > > >
> > > > > John
> > > > > >
> > > > > > It's incredible that there should be a Birdwatcher on Sydney
> > > Harbour,
> > > > > > not a few kilometres from where I am most of the time, and I
> > > miss it!
> > > > > > Still, there was a Micro off Balmain Saling Club for goodness
> > knows
> > > > > > how long and I never knew it was there, and that was less

than a

> > > > > > kilometre away! - Until I discovered it through this web site.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Last weekend, however, I was up at Pindimar on Port Stephens
> > > trying to
> > > > > > get some more work done on my "birdwatcher" style boat, a

Scram

> > > Pram,
> > > > > > so I wouldn't have had a chance of being surprised by seeing a
> > > > > > Birdwtcher on the Harbour.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > But you, John, sounded as though you were getting close to
> > > building a
> > > > > > Philsboat??
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I recently bought the plans for the Amherst Galley from Mr
> > Bolger in
> > > > > > case I can convince my employer to build one for our community
> > > > > > disability employment service - that is a really great design
> > which
> > > > > > overcomes the only concerns with Birdwatcher I, by using eight
> > oars
> > > > > > instead of two and room for eight oarspersons!
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Why has one not been built? - ahead of it's time, of course,
> as Mr
> > > > > > Bolger himself concedes, no doubt.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Greg F
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Bob Larkin" <boblark@> wrote:
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > John, Ian and Robyn's BW has a white hull and light

green trim

> > > > at the
> > > > > > > rub rail. They were not happy with the Solent lug and the
> > last I
> > > > > heard
> > > > > > > were going to the original BW sprit leg-of-mutton with an
> > > aluminum
> > > > > > > mast. They may have changed their mind and gone modern. So
> > > that may
> > > > > > > have been them.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Whoever it is, I would be most interested in hearing about
> > their
> > > > > > > experience with the sail change.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > On my BW2, I am still trying to make the Solent lug (now
> > sliding
> > > > > > > Gunter) able to be handled, in terms of raising and
> reefing. To
> > > > > handle
> > > > > > > the higher winds, I have added a halyard winch, a topping
> > lift and
> > > > > two
> > > > > > > more lines for the clews (reefed and full). This is
> losing the
> > > > > spirit
> > > > > > > of simplicity. For some situations, a fully-battened lug rig
> > with
> > > > > > > jacks, or something like that, may be added. That could
> use the
> > > > same
> > > > > > > mast and boom as the Solent lug and still carry a reasonable
> > > > > amount of
> > > > > > > sail. Too soon to guess, as I want to keep working on the
> > > > > original BW2
> > > > > > > design, which is great fun to sail!
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Bob Larkin
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "mannthree" <johnmann@>

wrote:

> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > Greetings Bolgeristas,
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > I was out sailing my Micro on Sydney Harbour today

(20/10/07

> > > about
> > > > > > > > 14:00) when to my surprise a white hulled (green trim)
> > > Birdwatcher
> > > > > > > > slid gently across the water towards Balmain Sailing
> Club. The
> > > > sail
> > > > > > > > did not appear to be standard, but a battened fully
> > roached sail
> > > > > which
> > > > > > > > set beautifully on a reach/run. I gave chase but she
> > > dissappeared
> > > > > > > > into the distance. I know of one other Birdwatcher in
> > Australia
> > > > > (Dawn
> > > > > > > > Song) owned by Ian and Robyn Singleton and I dont think
> it was
> > > > > them.
> > > > > > > > If anyone from the Sydney area knows the boat and

owner, it

> > > > would be
> > > > > > > > great to get some info/pics, especially of the sail.

As per

> > > > design,
> > > > > > > > no-one was visible as she sailed by, what a great design,
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > Cheers,
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > John
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

I may just take you up on that offer next week some time John!

Greg

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "mannthree" <johnmann@...> wrote:
>
> --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Greg Flemming" <greg@> wrote:
> >Greg,
>
> You may also want to look at the Navigator version of the
Tabernacle.
> I have the plans, but never implemented them. If you want to
look at
> them come on over. I will sell them for $50,
>
> Cheers,
>
> John
> > Yes John, I do seem to remember you mentioning this information
in
> > this site or in emails and maybe the tabernacle set-up from the
Long
> > Micro would be a better alternative, from the sound of it.
> >
> > It does seem to me though that the mast, as designed, is a real
> > problem to raise and lower although I find it interesting that
this
> > does not seem to be a general opinion??
> >
> > However John, you approached this as a problem and first tried a
> > tabernacle and then went even further with more radical change,
so
> > maybe I am not the lone weakling that I have been feeling, after
all.
> >
> > Still, I would be keen to hear what experiences others have had
with
> > the mast, as designed.
> >
> > Thanks for the response John
> >
> > Yes, see you on the Harbour when I get the Scram done and bring
it or
> > the Micro back down
> >
> >
> > Greg F
> >
> >
> >
> > --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "mannthree" <johnmann@> wrote:
> > >
> > > --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Greg Flemming" <greg@> wrote:
> > > >Greg,
> > >
> > > The plans for the tabernacle were originally draw for some
chap in
> > > Western Australia with a bad back. I bought the plans and
built it as
> > > per spec for my Micro. I cant remember how long it lasted but
one day
> > > when I was out sailing in about 10 - 15 knots I heard
a "cracking"
> > > sound and noticed that the mast was a little bit wobbly.
There were
> > > large cracks on the supports for the tabernacle around the mast
> > > partner. Here are some possible reasons:
> > >
> > > 1. The wood I used was not true to spec. (I thought I used
> > > Australian Beech, but it looked decidedly "stringy"
> > >
> > > 2. The "Bury" of the unstayed mast was not sufficient as per
plan.
> > > My understanding is that the Bury for an unstayed mast is the
distance
> > > between the partner and the foot of the mast at the keel
> > >
> > > 3. All of the above
> > >
> > > You will notice that the mast sits in the tabernacle above the
mast
> > > partner. My feeling is that this is insufficient support and
that in
> > > my case the sheering effects were just too great. I spoke to
Rob
> > > Ayliffe of Duck Flat wooden boats and he couldn't come up with
any
> > > reasons for my failure. I sail my boat hard and regularly so I
> > > suspect that the chap in WA didn't give the design a good
flogging.
> > > I currently step my shortened mast to the step in the floor and
> > > through the Box of what remains of the tabernacle. The mast
is 17
> > > feet long and can be stepped/unstepped by me, a 59 year old
150 pound
> > > baby boomer. I recut my sail and lost about 10 sqft in area
which is
> > > not noticeable in performance and also means I can delay
reefing in
> > > above 15 knot wind.
> > >
> > > Thats my experience so I hope it helps. I've had the Micro
now for
> > > about 7 years and am thinking of letting her go to a good
home.
> > > Anyway I am still searching for a worthy replacement,
> > >
> > > Cheers,
> > >
> > > John
> > >
> > > PS: See ya out on the Harbour
> > >
> > > > hello John, and all,
> > > >
> > > > I had the impression that Philsboat had won the contest
although
> it is
> > > > not my personal favourite for a few reasons.
> > > >
> > > > It's funny but I have been so caught up in trying to get my
modified
> > > > Scram Pram finished that I haven't concentrated much on other
> stuff at
> > > > all, especially with my Micro, Matilda Jean, which just sits
> under its
> > > > shade sail weathering a bit more, all the time.
> > > >
> > > > But when I have finally finished the Scram I then plan to do
a few
> > > > things to the Micro such as changing the deadlights to the as
> designed
> > > > shape, and I would like to modify the mast arrangement so
that there
> > > > is some kind of tabernacle to assist in raising the
mainmast.
> To that
> > > > end I remembered that Duck Flat had done a tabernacle
conversion so
> > > > contacted them and they then sent the plans over for $35.
Lo and
> > > > behold it seems that the tabernacle was done for John Mann!
> > > >
> > > > But then I also seemed to remember you saying, John, that
the mast
> > > > arrangement on your Micro had problems and needed to be
modified
> after
> > > > doing that tabernacle arrangement. I also seem to remember
an email
> > > > from you where you indicate that your original mainmast was
> around the
> > > > same weight as the one on Matilda Jean. So where this is
going
> is to
> > > > ask if you think the Duck Flat arrangement would work, as on
the
> > > > plans, and if not, what modifications should be made.
> > > >
> > > > I wonder what the experience of others is with the Micro
mainmast,
> > > > too, is it too heavy to raise comfortably and what do people
do when
> > > > alone??? I can't imagine!
> > > >
> > > > Greg F
> > > >
> > > > --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "mannthree" <johnmann@> wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Greg Flemming" <greg@>
wrote:
> > > > > >Greg,
> > > > >
> > > > > I'm still searching for another boat. Philsboat was a
> > possibility for
> > > > > a while,
> > > > >
> > > > > Cheers,
> > > > >
> > > > > John
> > > > > >
> > > > > > It's incredible that there should be a Birdwatcher on
Sydney
> > > Harbour,
> > > > > > not a few kilometres from where I am most of the time,
and I
> > > miss it!
> > > > > > Still, there was a Micro off Balmain Saling Club for
goodness
> > knows
> > > > > > how long and I never knew it was there, and that was
less than a
> > > > > > kilometre away! - Until I discovered it through this web
site.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Last weekend, however, I was up at Pindimar on Port
Stephens
> > > trying to
> > > > > > get some more work done on my "birdwatcher" style boat,
a Scram
> > > Pram,
> > > > > > so I wouldn't have had a chance of being surprised by
seeing a
> > > > > > Birdwtcher on the Harbour.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > But you, John, sounded as though you were getting close
to
> > > building a
> > > > > > Philsboat??
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I recently bought the plans for the Amherst Galley from
Mr
> > Bolger in
> > > > > > case I can convince my employer to build one for our
community
> > > > > > disability employment service - that is a really great
design
> > which
> > > > > > overcomes the only concerns with Birdwatcher I, by using
eight
> > oars
> > > > > > instead of two and room for eight oarspersons!
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Why has one not been built? - ahead of it's time, of
course,
> as Mr
> > > > > > Bolger himself concedes, no doubt.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Greg F
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Bob Larkin" <boblark@>
wrote:
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > John, Ian and Robyn's BW has a white hull and light
green trim
> > > > at the
> > > > > > > rub rail. They were not happy with the Solent lug and
the
> > last I
> > > > > heard
> > > > > > > were going to the original BW sprit leg-of-mutton with
an
> > > aluminum
> > > > > > > mast. They may have changed their mind and gone
modern. So
> > > that may
> > > > > > > have been them.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Whoever it is, I would be most interested in hearing
about
> > their
> > > > > > > experience with the sail change.
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > On my BW2, I am still trying to make the Solent lug
(now
> > sliding
> > > > > > > Gunter) able to be handled, in terms of raising and
> reefing. To
> > > > > handle
> > > > > > > the higher winds, I have added a halyard winch, a
topping
> > lift and
> > > > > two
> > > > > > > more lines for the clews (reefed and full). This is
> losing the
> > > > > spirit
> > > > > > > of simplicity. For some situations, a fully-battened
lug rig
> > with
> > > > > > > jacks, or something like that, may be added. That could
> use the
> > > > same
> > > > > > > mast and boom as the Solent lug and still carry a
reasonable
> > > > > amount of
> > > > > > > sail. Too soon to guess, as I want to keep working on
the
> > > > > original BW2
> > > > > > > design, which is great fun to sail!
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Bob Larkin
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "mannthree" <johnmann@>
wrote:
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > Greetings Bolgeristas,
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > I was out sailing my Micro on Sydney Harbour today
(20/10/07
> > > about
> > > > > > > > 14:00) when to my surprise a white hulled (green
trim)
> > > Birdwatcher
> > > > > > > > slid gently across the water towards Balmain Sailing
> Club. The
> > > > sail
> > > > > > > > did not appear to be standard, but a battened fully
> > roached sail
> > > > > which
> > > > > > > > set beautifully on a reach/run. I gave chase but she
> > > dissappeared
> > > > > > > > into the distance. I know of one other Birdwatcher
in
> > Australia
> > > > > (Dawn
> > > > > > > > Song) owned by Ian and Robyn Singleton and I dont
think
> it was
> > > > > them.
> > > > > > > > If anyone from the Sydney area knows the boat and
owner, it
> > > > would be
> > > > > > > > great to get some info/pics, especially of the sail.
As per
> > > > design,
> > > > > > > > no-one was visible as she sailed by, what a great
design,
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > Cheers,
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > > > John
> > > > > > > >
> > > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Greg Flemming" <greg@...> wrote:

>Greg,

You may also want to look at the Navigator version of the Tabernacle.
I have the plans, but never implemented them. If you want to look at
them come on over. I will sell them for $50,

Cheers,

John

> Yes John, I do seem to remember you mentioning this information in
> this site or in emails and maybe the tabernacle set-up from the Long
> Micro would be a better alternative, from the sound of it.
>
> It does seem to me though that the mast, as designed, is a real
> problem to raise and lower although I find it interesting that this
> does not seem to be a general opinion??
>
> However John, you approached this as a problem and first tried a
> tabernacle and then went even further with more radical change, so
> maybe I am not the lone weakling that I have been feeling, after all.
>
> Still, I would be keen to hear what experiences others have had with
> the mast, as designed.
>
> Thanks for the response John
>
> Yes, see you on the Harbour when I get the Scram done and bring it or
> the Micro back down
>
>
> Greg F
>
>
>
> --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "mannthree" <johnmann@> wrote:
> >
> > --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Greg Flemming" <greg@> wrote:
> > >Greg,
> >
> > The plans for the tabernacle were originally draw for some chap in
> > Western Australia with a bad back. I bought the plans and built it as
> > per spec for my Micro. I cant remember how long it lasted but one day
> > when I was out sailing in about 10 - 15 knots I heard a "cracking"
> > sound and noticed that the mast was a little bit wobbly. There were
> > large cracks on the supports for the tabernacle around the mast
> > partner. Here are some possible reasons:
> >
> > 1. The wood I used was not true to spec. (I thought I used
> > Australian Beech, but it looked decidedly "stringy"
> >
> > 2. The "Bury" of the unstayed mast was not sufficient as per plan.
> > My understanding is that the Bury for an unstayed mast is the distance
> > between the partner and the foot of the mast at the keel
> >
> > 3. All of the above
> >
> > You will notice that the mast sits in the tabernacle above the mast
> > partner. My feeling is that this is insufficient support and that in
> > my case the sheering effects were just too great. I spoke to Rob
> > Ayliffe of Duck Flat wooden boats and he couldn't come up with any
> > reasons for my failure. I sail my boat hard and regularly so I
> > suspect that the chap in WA didn't give the design a good flogging.
> > I currently step my shortened mast to the step in the floor and
> > through the Box of what remains of the tabernacle. The mast is 17
> > feet long and can be stepped/unstepped by me, a 59 year old 150 pound
> > baby boomer. I recut my sail and lost about 10 sqft in area which is
> > not noticeable in performance and also means I can delay reefing in
> > above 15 knot wind.
> >
> > Thats my experience so I hope it helps. I've had the Micro now for
> > about 7 years and am thinking of letting her go to a good home.
> > Anyway I am still searching for a worthy replacement,
> >
> > Cheers,
> >
> > John
> >
> > PS: See ya out on the Harbour
> >
> > > hello John, and all,
> > >
> > > I had the impression that Philsboat had won the contest although

it is

> > > not my personal favourite for a few reasons.
> > >
> > > It's funny but I have been so caught up in trying to get my modified
> > > Scram Pram finished that I haven't concentrated much on other

stuff at

> > > all, especially with my Micro, Matilda Jean, which just sits

under its

> > > shade sail weathering a bit more, all the time.
> > >
> > > But when I have finally finished the Scram I then plan to do a few
> > > things to the Micro such as changing the deadlights to the as

designed

> > > shape, and I would like to modify the mast arrangement so that there
> > > is some kind of tabernacle to assist in raising the mainmast.

To that

> > > end I remembered that Duck Flat had done a tabernacle conversion so
> > > contacted them and they then sent the plans over for $35. Lo and
> > > behold it seems that the tabernacle was done for John Mann!
> > >
> > > But then I also seemed to remember you saying, John, that the mast
> > > arrangement on your Micro had problems and needed to be modified

after

> > > doing that tabernacle arrangement. I also seem to remember an email
> > > from you where you indicate that your original mainmast was

around the

> > > same weight as the one on Matilda Jean. So where this is going

is to

> > > ask if you think the Duck Flat arrangement would work, as on the
> > > plans, and if not, what modifications should be made.
> > >
> > > I wonder what the experience of others is with the Micro mainmast,
> > > too, is it too heavy to raise comfortably and what do people do when
> > > alone??? I can't imagine!
> > >
> > > Greg F
> > >
> > > --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "mannthree" <johnmann@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Greg Flemming" <greg@> wrote:
> > > > >Greg,
> > > >
> > > > I'm still searching for another boat. Philsboat was a
> possibility for
> > > > a while,
> > > >
> > > > Cheers,
> > > >
> > > > John
> > > > >
> > > > > It's incredible that there should be a Birdwatcher on Sydney
> > Harbour,
> > > > > not a few kilometres from where I am most of the time, and I
> > miss it!
> > > > > Still, there was a Micro off Balmain Saling Club for goodness
> knows
> > > > > how long and I never knew it was there, and that was less than a
> > > > > kilometre away! - Until I discovered it through this web site.
> > > > >
> > > > > Last weekend, however, I was up at Pindimar on Port Stephens
> > trying to
> > > > > get some more work done on my "birdwatcher" style boat, a Scram
> > Pram,
> > > > > so I wouldn't have had a chance of being surprised by seeing a
> > > > > Birdwtcher on the Harbour.
> > > > >
> > > > > But you, John, sounded as though you were getting close to
> > building a
> > > > > Philsboat??
> > > > >
> > > > > I recently bought the plans for the Amherst Galley from Mr
> Bolger in
> > > > > case I can convince my employer to build one for our community
> > > > > disability employment service - that is a really great design
> which
> > > > > overcomes the only concerns with Birdwatcher I, by using eight
> oars
> > > > > instead of two and room for eight oarspersons!
> > > > >
> > > > > Why has one not been built? - ahead of it's time, of course,

as Mr

> > > > > Bolger himself concedes, no doubt.
> > > > >
> > > > > Greg F
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Bob Larkin" <boblark@> wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > John, Ian and Robyn's BW has a white hull and light green trim
> > > at the
> > > > > > rub rail. They were not happy with the Solent lug and the
> last I
> > > > heard
> > > > > > were going to the original BW sprit leg-of-mutton with an
> > aluminum
> > > > > > mast. They may have changed their mind and gone modern. So
> > that may
> > > > > > have been them.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Whoever it is, I would be most interested in hearing about
> their
> > > > > > experience with the sail change.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > On my BW2, I am still trying to make the Solent lug (now
> sliding
> > > > > > Gunter) able to be handled, in terms of raising and

reefing. To

> > > > handle
> > > > > > the higher winds, I have added a halyard winch, a topping
> lift and
> > > > two
> > > > > > more lines for the clews (reefed and full). This is

losing the

> > > > spirit
> > > > > > of simplicity. For some situations, a fully-battened lug rig
> with
> > > > > > jacks, or something like that, may be added. That could

use the

> > > same
> > > > > > mast and boom as the Solent lug and still carry a reasonable
> > > > amount of
> > > > > > sail. Too soon to guess, as I want to keep working on the
> > > > original BW2
> > > > > > design, which is great fun to sail!
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Bob Larkin
> > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > > > --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "mannthree" <johnmann@> wrote:
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Greetings Bolgeristas,
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > I was out sailing my Micro on Sydney Harbour today (20/10/07
> > about
> > > > > > > 14:00) when to my surprise a white hulled (green trim)
> > Birdwatcher
> > > > > > > slid gently across the water towards Balmain Sailing

Club. The

> > > sail
> > > > > > > did not appear to be standard, but a battened fully
> roached sail
> > > > which
> > > > > > > set beautifully on a reach/run. I gave chase but she
> > dissappeared
> > > > > > > into the distance. I know of one other Birdwatcher in
> Australia
> > > > (Dawn
> > > > > > > Song) owned by Ian and Robyn Singleton and I dont think

it was

> > > > them.
> > > > > > > If anyone from the Sydney area knows the boat and owner, it
> > > would be
> > > > > > > great to get some info/pics, especially of the sail. As per
> > > design,
> > > > > > > no-one was visible as she sailed by, what a great design,
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > Cheers,
> > > > > > >
> > > > > > > John
> > > > > > >
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Yes John, I do seem to remember you mentioning this information in
this site or in emails and maybe the tabernacle set-up from the Long
Micro would be a better alternative, from the sound of it.

It does seem to me though that the mast, as designed, is a real
problem to raise and lower although I find it interesting that this
does not seem to be a general opinion??

However John, you approached this as a problem and first tried a
tabernacle and then went even further with more radical change, so
maybe I am not the lone weakling that I have been feeling, after all.

Still, I would be keen to hear what experiences others have had with
the mast, as designed.

Thanks for the response John

Yes, see you on the Harbour when I get the Scram done and bring it or
the Micro back down


Greg F

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "mannthree" <johnmann@...> wrote:
>
> --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Greg Flemming" <greg@> wrote:
> >Greg,
>
> The plans for the tabernacle were originally draw for some chap in
> Western Australia with a bad back. I bought the plans and built it as
> per spec for my Micro. I cant remember how long it lasted but one day
> when I was out sailing in about 10 - 15 knots I heard a "cracking"
> sound and noticed that the mast was a little bit wobbly. There were
> large cracks on the supports for the tabernacle around the mast
> partner. Here are some possible reasons:
>
> 1. The wood I used was not true to spec. (I thought I used
> Australian Beech, but it looked decidedly "stringy"
>
> 2. The "Bury" of the unstayed mast was not sufficient as per plan.
> My understanding is that the Bury for an unstayed mast is the distance
> between the partner and the foot of the mast at the keel
>
> 3. All of the above
>
> You will notice that the mast sits in the tabernacle above the mast
> partner. My feeling is that this is insufficient support and that in
> my case the sheering effects were just too great. I spoke to Rob
> Ayliffe of Duck Flat wooden boats and he couldn't come up with any
> reasons for my failure. I sail my boat hard and regularly so I
> suspect that the chap in WA didn't give the design a good flogging.
> I currently step my shortened mast to the step in the floor and
> through the Box of what remains of the tabernacle. The mast is 17
> feet long and can be stepped/unstepped by me, a 59 year old 150 pound
> baby boomer. I recut my sail and lost about 10 sqft in area which is
> not noticeable in performance and also means I can delay reefing in
> above 15 knot wind.
>
> Thats my experience so I hope it helps. I've had the Micro now for
> about 7 years and am thinking of letting her go to a good home.
> Anyway I am still searching for a worthy replacement,
>
> Cheers,
>
> John
>
> PS: See ya out on the Harbour
>
> > hello John, and all,
> >
> > I had the impression that Philsboat had won the contest although it is
> > not my personal favourite for a few reasons.
> >
> > It's funny but I have been so caught up in trying to get my modified
> > Scram Pram finished that I haven't concentrated much on other stuff at
> > all, especially with my Micro, Matilda Jean, which just sits under its
> > shade sail weathering a bit more, all the time.
> >
> > But when I have finally finished the Scram I then plan to do a few
> > things to the Micro such as changing the deadlights to the as designed
> > shape, and I would like to modify the mast arrangement so that there
> > is some kind of tabernacle to assist in raising the mainmast. To that
> > end I remembered that Duck Flat had done a tabernacle conversion so
> > contacted them and they then sent the plans over for $35. Lo and
> > behold it seems that the tabernacle was done for John Mann!
> >
> > But then I also seemed to remember you saying, John, that the mast
> > arrangement on your Micro had problems and needed to be modified after
> > doing that tabernacle arrangement. I also seem to remember an email
> > from you where you indicate that your original mainmast was around the
> > same weight as the one on Matilda Jean. So where this is going is to
> > ask if you think the Duck Flat arrangement would work, as on the
> > plans, and if not, what modifications should be made.
> >
> > I wonder what the experience of others is with the Micro mainmast,
> > too, is it too heavy to raise comfortably and what do people do when
> > alone??? I can't imagine!
> >
> > Greg F
> >
> > --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "mannthree" <johnmann@> wrote:
> > >
> > > --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Greg Flemming" <greg@> wrote:
> > > >Greg,
> > >
> > > I'm still searching for another boat. Philsboat was a
possibility for
> > > a while,
> > >
> > > Cheers,
> > >
> > > John
> > > >
> > > > It's incredible that there should be a Birdwatcher on Sydney
> Harbour,
> > > > not a few kilometres from where I am most of the time, and I
> miss it!
> > > > Still, there was a Micro off Balmain Saling Club for goodness
knows
> > > > how long and I never knew it was there, and that was less than a
> > > > kilometre away! - Until I discovered it through this web site.
> > > >
> > > > Last weekend, however, I was up at Pindimar on Port Stephens
> trying to
> > > > get some more work done on my "birdwatcher" style boat, a Scram
> Pram,
> > > > so I wouldn't have had a chance of being surprised by seeing a
> > > > Birdwtcher on the Harbour.
> > > >
> > > > But you, John, sounded as though you were getting close to
> building a
> > > > Philsboat??
> > > >
> > > > I recently bought the plans for the Amherst Galley from Mr
Bolger in
> > > > case I can convince my employer to build one for our community
> > > > disability employment service - that is a really great design
which
> > > > overcomes the only concerns with Birdwatcher I, by using eight
oars
> > > > instead of two and room for eight oarspersons!
> > > >
> > > > Why has one not been built? - ahead of it's time, of course, as Mr
> > > > Bolger himself concedes, no doubt.
> > > >
> > > > Greg F
> > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Bob Larkin" <boblark@> wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > John, Ian and Robyn's BW has a white hull and light green trim
> > at the
> > > > > rub rail. They were not happy with the Solent lug and the
last I
> > > heard
> > > > > were going to the original BW sprit leg-of-mutton with an
> aluminum
> > > > > mast. They may have changed their mind and gone modern. So
> that may
> > > > > have been them.
> > > > >
> > > > > Whoever it is, I would be most interested in hearing about
their
> > > > > experience with the sail change.
> > > > >
> > > > > On my BW2, I am still trying to make the Solent lug (now
sliding
> > > > > Gunter) able to be handled, in terms of raising and reefing. To
> > > handle
> > > > > the higher winds, I have added a halyard winch, a topping
lift and
> > > two
> > > > > more lines for the clews (reefed and full). This is losing the
> > > spirit
> > > > > of simplicity. For some situations, a fully-battened lug rig
with
> > > > > jacks, or something like that, may be added. That could use the
> > same
> > > > > mast and boom as the Solent lug and still carry a reasonable
> > > amount of
> > > > > sail. Too soon to guess, as I want to keep working on the
> > > original BW2
> > > > > design, which is great fun to sail!
> > > > >
> > > > > Bob Larkin
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "mannthree" <johnmann@> wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Greetings Bolgeristas,
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I was out sailing my Micro on Sydney Harbour today (20/10/07
> about
> > > > > > 14:00) when to my surprise a white hulled (green trim)
> Birdwatcher
> > > > > > slid gently across the water towards Balmain Sailing Club. The
> > sail
> > > > > > did not appear to be standard, but a battened fully
roached sail
> > > which
> > > > > > set beautifully on a reach/run. I gave chase but she
> dissappeared
> > > > > > into the distance. I know of one other Birdwatcher in
Australia
> > > (Dawn
> > > > > > Song) owned by Ian and Robyn Singleton and I dont think it was
> > > them.
> > > > > > If anyone from the Sydney area knows the boat and owner, it
> > would be
> > > > > > great to get some info/pics, especially of the sail. As per
> > design,
> > > > > > no-one was visible as she sailed by, what a great design,
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Cheers,
> > > > > >
> > > > > > John
> > > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Greg Flemming" <greg@...> wrote:

>Greg,

The plans for the tabernacle were originally draw for some chap in
Western Australia with a bad back. I bought the plans and built it as
per spec for my Micro. I cant remember how long it lasted but one day
when I was out sailing in about 10 - 15 knots I heard a "cracking"
sound and noticed that the mast was a little bit wobbly. There were
large cracks on the supports for the tabernacle around the mast
partner. Here are some possible reasons:

1. The wood I used was not true to spec. (I thought I used
Australian Beech, but it looked decidedly "stringy"

2. The "Bury" of the unstayed mast was not sufficient as per plan.
My understanding is that the Bury for an unstayed mast is the distance
between the partner and the foot of the mast at the keel

3. All of the above

You will notice that the mast sits in the tabernacle above the mast
partner. My feeling is that this is insufficient support and that in
my case the sheering effects were just too great. I spoke to Rob
Ayliffe of Duck Flat wooden boats and he couldn't come up with any
reasons for my failure. I sail my boat hard and regularly so I
suspect that the chap in WA didn't give the design a good flogging.
I currently step my shortened mast to the step in the floor and
through the Box of what remains of the tabernacle. The mast is 17
feet long and can be stepped/unstepped by me, a 59 year old 150 pound
baby boomer. I recut my sail and lost about 10 sqft in area which is
not noticeable in performance and also means I can delay reefing in
above 15 knot wind.

Thats my experience so I hope it helps. I've had the Micro now for
about 7 years and am thinking of letting her go to a good home.
Anyway I am still searching for a worthy replacement,

Cheers,

John

PS: See ya out on the Harbour

> hello John, and all,
>
> I had the impression that Philsboat had won the contest although it is
> not my personal favourite for a few reasons.
>
> It's funny but I have been so caught up in trying to get my modified
> Scram Pram finished that I haven't concentrated much on other stuff at
> all, especially with my Micro, Matilda Jean, which just sits under its
> shade sail weathering a bit more, all the time.
>
> But when I have finally finished the Scram I then plan to do a few
> things to the Micro such as changing the deadlights to the as designed
> shape, and I would like to modify the mast arrangement so that there
> is some kind of tabernacle to assist in raising the mainmast. To that
> end I remembered that Duck Flat had done a tabernacle conversion so
> contacted them and they then sent the plans over for $35. Lo and
> behold it seems that the tabernacle was done for John Mann!
>
> But then I also seemed to remember you saying, John, that the mast
> arrangement on your Micro had problems and needed to be modified after
> doing that tabernacle arrangement. I also seem to remember an email
> from you where you indicate that your original mainmast was around the
> same weight as the one on Matilda Jean. So where this is going is to
> ask if you think the Duck Flat arrangement would work, as on the
> plans, and if not, what modifications should be made.
>
> I wonder what the experience of others is with the Micro mainmast,
> too, is it too heavy to raise comfortably and what do people do when
> alone??? I can't imagine!
>
> Greg F
>
> --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "mannthree" <johnmann@> wrote:
> >
> > --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Greg Flemming" <greg@> wrote:
> > >Greg,
> >
> > I'm still searching for another boat. Philsboat was a possibility for
> > a while,
> >
> > Cheers,
> >
> > John
> > >
> > > It's incredible that there should be a Birdwatcher on Sydney

Harbour,

> > > not a few kilometres from where I am most of the time, and I

miss it!

> > > Still, there was a Micro off Balmain Saling Club for goodness knows
> > > how long and I never knew it was there, and that was less than a
> > > kilometre away! - Until I discovered it through this web site.
> > >
> > > Last weekend, however, I was up at Pindimar on Port Stephens

trying to

> > > get some more work done on my "birdwatcher" style boat, a Scram

Pram,

> > > so I wouldn't have had a chance of being surprised by seeing a
> > > Birdwtcher on the Harbour.
> > >
> > > But you, John, sounded as though you were getting close to

building a

> > > Philsboat??
> > >
> > > I recently bought the plans for the Amherst Galley from Mr Bolger in
> > > case I can convince my employer to build one for our community
> > > disability employment service - that is a really great design which
> > > overcomes the only concerns with Birdwatcher I, by using eight oars
> > > instead of two and room for eight oarspersons!
> > >
> > > Why has one not been built? - ahead of it's time, of course, as Mr
> > > Bolger himself concedes, no doubt.
> > >
> > > Greg F
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Bob Larkin" <boblark@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > John, Ian and Robyn's BW has a white hull and light green trim
> at the
> > > > rub rail. They were not happy with the Solent lug and the last I
> > heard
> > > > were going to the original BW sprit leg-of-mutton with an

aluminum

> > > > mast. They may have changed their mind and gone modern. So

that may

> > > > have been them.
> > > >
> > > > Whoever it is, I would be most interested in hearing about their
> > > > experience with the sail change.
> > > >
> > > > On my BW2, I am still trying to make the Solent lug (now sliding
> > > > Gunter) able to be handled, in terms of raising and reefing. To
> > handle
> > > > the higher winds, I have added a halyard winch, a topping lift and
> > two
> > > > more lines for the clews (reefed and full). This is losing the
> > spirit
> > > > of simplicity. For some situations, a fully-battened lug rig with
> > > > jacks, or something like that, may be added. That could use the
> same
> > > > mast and boom as the Solent lug and still carry a reasonable
> > amount of
> > > > sail. Too soon to guess, as I want to keep working on the
> > original BW2
> > > > design, which is great fun to sail!
> > > >
> > > > Bob Larkin
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "mannthree" <johnmann@> wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Greetings Bolgeristas,
> > > > >
> > > > > I was out sailing my Micro on Sydney Harbour today (20/10/07

about

> > > > > 14:00) when to my surprise a white hulled (green trim)

Birdwatcher

> > > > > slid gently across the water towards Balmain Sailing Club. The
> sail
> > > > > did not appear to be standard, but a battened fully roached sail
> > which
> > > > > set beautifully on a reach/run. I gave chase but she

dissappeared

> > > > > into the distance. I know of one other Birdwatcher in Australia
> > (Dawn
> > > > > Song) owned by Ian and Robyn Singleton and I dont think it was
> > them.
> > > > > If anyone from the Sydney area knows the boat and owner, it
> would be
> > > > > great to get some info/pics, especially of the sail. As per
> design,
> > > > > no-one was visible as she sailed by, what a great design,
> > > > >
> > > > > Cheers,
> > > > >
> > > > > John
> > > > >
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

hello John, and all,

I had the impression that Philsboat had won the contest although it is
not my personal favourite for a few reasons.

It's funny but I have been so caught up in trying to get my modified
Scram Pram finished that I haven't concentrated much on other stuff at
all, especially with my Micro, Matilda Jean, which just sits under its
shade sail weathering a bit more, all the time.

But when I have finally finished the Scram I then plan to do a few
things to the Micro such as changing the deadlights to the as designed
shape, and I would like to modify the mast arrangement so that there
is some kind of tabernacle to assist in raising the mainmast. To that
end I remembered that Duck Flat had done a tabernacle conversion so
contacted them and they then sent the plans over for $35. Lo and
behold it seems that the tabernacle was done for John Mann!

But then I also seemed to remember you saying, John, that the mast
arrangement on your Micro had problems and needed to be modified after
doing that tabernacle arrangement. I also seem to remember an email
from you where you indicate that your original mainmast was around the
same weight as the one on Matilda Jean. So where this is going is to
ask if you think the Duck Flat arrangement would work, as on the
plans, and if not, what modifications should be made.

I wonder what the experience of others is with the Micro mainmast,
too, is it too heavy to raise comfortably and what do people do when
alone??? I can't imagine!

Greg F

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "mannthree" <johnmann@...> wrote:
>
> --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Greg Flemming" <greg@> wrote:
> >Greg,
>
> I'm still searching for another boat. Philsboat was a possibility for
> a while,
>
> Cheers,
>
> John
> >
> > It's incredible that there should be a Birdwatcher on Sydney Harbour,
> > not a few kilometres from where I am most of the time, and I miss it!
> > Still, there was a Micro off Balmain Saling Club for goodness knows
> > how long and I never knew it was there, and that was less than a
> > kilometre away! - Until I discovered it through this web site.
> >
> > Last weekend, however, I was up at Pindimar on Port Stephens trying to
> > get some more work done on my "birdwatcher" style boat, a Scram Pram,
> > so I wouldn't have had a chance of being surprised by seeing a
> > Birdwtcher on the Harbour.
> >
> > But you, John, sounded as though you were getting close to building a
> > Philsboat??
> >
> > I recently bought the plans for the Amherst Galley from Mr Bolger in
> > case I can convince my employer to build one for our community
> > disability employment service - that is a really great design which
> > overcomes the only concerns with Birdwatcher I, by using eight oars
> > instead of two and room for eight oarspersons!
> >
> > Why has one not been built? - ahead of it's time, of course, as Mr
> > Bolger himself concedes, no doubt.
> >
> > Greg F
> >
> >
> >
> > --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Bob Larkin" <boblark@> wrote:
> > >
> > > John, Ian and Robyn's BW has a white hull and light green trim
at the
> > > rub rail. They were not happy with the Solent lug and the last I
> heard
> > > were going to the original BW sprit leg-of-mutton with an aluminum
> > > mast. They may have changed their mind and gone modern. So that may
> > > have been them.
> > >
> > > Whoever it is, I would be most interested in hearing about their
> > > experience with the sail change.
> > >
> > > On my BW2, I am still trying to make the Solent lug (now sliding
> > > Gunter) able to be handled, in terms of raising and reefing. To
> handle
> > > the higher winds, I have added a halyard winch, a topping lift and
> two
> > > more lines for the clews (reefed and full). This is losing the
> spirit
> > > of simplicity. For some situations, a fully-battened lug rig with
> > > jacks, or something like that, may be added. That could use the
same
> > > mast and boom as the Solent lug and still carry a reasonable
> amount of
> > > sail. Too soon to guess, as I want to keep working on the
> original BW2
> > > design, which is great fun to sail!
> > >
> > > Bob Larkin
> > >
> > >
> > > --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "mannthree" <johnmann@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Greetings Bolgeristas,
> > > >
> > > > I was out sailing my Micro on Sydney Harbour today (20/10/07 about
> > > > 14:00) when to my surprise a white hulled (green trim) Birdwatcher
> > > > slid gently across the water towards Balmain Sailing Club. The
sail
> > > > did not appear to be standard, but a battened fully roached sail
> which
> > > > set beautifully on a reach/run. I gave chase but she dissappeared
> > > > into the distance. I know of one other Birdwatcher in Australia
> (Dawn
> > > > Song) owned by Ian and Robyn Singleton and I dont think it was
> them.
> > > > If anyone from the Sydney area knows the boat and owner, it
would be
> > > > great to get some info/pics, especially of the sail. As per
design,
> > > > no-one was visible as she sailed by, what a great design,
> > > >
> > > > Cheers,
> > > >
> > > > John
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Greg Flemming" <greg@...> wrote:

>Greg,

I'm still searching for another boat. Philsboat was a possibility for
a while,

Cheers,

John

>
> It's incredible that there should be a Birdwatcher on Sydney Harbour,
> not a few kilometres from where I am most of the time, and I miss it!
> Still, there was a Micro off Balmain Saling Club for goodness knows
> how long and I never knew it was there, and that was less than a
> kilometre away! - Until I discovered it through this web site.
>
> Last weekend, however, I was up at Pindimar on Port Stephens trying to
> get some more work done on my "birdwatcher" style boat, a Scram Pram,
> so I wouldn't have had a chance of being surprised by seeing a
> Birdwtcher on the Harbour.
>
> But you, John, sounded as though you were getting close to building a
> Philsboat??
>
> I recently bought the plans for the Amherst Galley from Mr Bolger in
> case I can convince my employer to build one for our community
> disability employment service - that is a really great design which
> overcomes the only concerns with Birdwatcher I, by using eight oars
> instead of two and room for eight oarspersons!
>
> Why has one not been built? - ahead of it's time, of course, as Mr
> Bolger himself concedes, no doubt.
>
> Greg F
>
>
>
> --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Bob Larkin" <boblark@> wrote:
> >
> > John, Ian and Robyn's BW has a white hull and light green trim at the
> > rub rail. They were not happy with the Solent lug and the last I

heard

> > were going to the original BW sprit leg-of-mutton with an aluminum
> > mast. They may have changed their mind and gone modern. So that may
> > have been them.
> >
> > Whoever it is, I would be most interested in hearing about their
> > experience with the sail change.
> >
> > On my BW2, I am still trying to make the Solent lug (now sliding
> > Gunter) able to be handled, in terms of raising and reefing. To

handle

> > the higher winds, I have added a halyard winch, a topping lift and

two

> > more lines for the clews (reefed and full). This is losing the

spirit

> > of simplicity. For some situations, a fully-battened lug rig with
> > jacks, or something like that, may be added. That could use the same
> > mast and boom as the Solent lug and still carry a reasonable

amount of

> > sail. Too soon to guess, as I want to keep working on the

original BW2

> > design, which is great fun to sail!
> >
> > Bob Larkin
> >
> >
> > --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "mannthree" <johnmann@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Greetings Bolgeristas,
> > >
> > > I was out sailing my Micro on Sydney Harbour today (20/10/07 about
> > > 14:00) when to my surprise a white hulled (green trim) Birdwatcher
> > > slid gently across the water towards Balmain Sailing Club. The sail
> > > did not appear to be standard, but a battened fully roached sail

which

> > > set beautifully on a reach/run. I gave chase but she dissappeared
> > > into the distance. I know of one other Birdwatcher in Australia

(Dawn

> > > Song) owned by Ian and Robyn Singleton and I dont think it was

them.

> > > If anyone from the Sydney area knows the boat and owner, it would be
> > > great to get some info/pics, especially of the sail. As per design,
> > > no-one was visible as she sailed by, what a great design,
> > >
> > > Cheers,
> > >
> > > John
> > >
> >
>

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Bob Larkin" <boblark@...> wrote:

>

Bob,

You may be right. I'll drop them a line and enquire if it was their boat,

Cheers,

John

> John, Ian and Robyn's BW has a white hull and light green trim at the
> rub rail. They were not happy with the Solent lug and the last I heard
> were going to the original BW sprit leg-of-mutton with an aluminum
> mast. They may have changed their mind and gone modern. So that may
> have been them.
>
> Whoever it is, I would be most interested in hearing about their
> experience with the sail change.
>
> On my BW2, I am still trying to make the Solent lug (now sliding
> Gunter) able to be handled, in terms of raising and reefing. To handle
> the higher winds, I have added a halyard winch, a topping lift and two
> more lines for the clews (reefed and full). This is losing the spirit
> of simplicity. For some situations, a fully-battened lug rig with
> jacks, or something like that, may be added. That could use the same
> mast and boom as the Solent lug and still carry a reasonable amount of
> sail. Too soon to guess, as I want to keep working on the original BW2
> design, which is great fun to sail!
>
> Bob Larkin
>
>
> --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "mannthree" <johnmann@> wrote:
> >
> > Greetings Bolgeristas,
> >
> > I was out sailing my Micro on Sydney Harbour today (20/10/07 about
> > 14:00) when to my surprise a white hulled (green trim) Birdwatcher
> > slid gently across the water towards Balmain Sailing Club. The sail
> > did not appear to be standard, but a battened fully roached sail which
> > set beautifully on a reach/run. I gave chase but she dissappeared
> > into the distance. I know of one other Birdwatcher in Australia (Dawn
> > Song) owned by Ian and Robyn Singleton and I dont think it was them.
> > If anyone from the Sydney area knows the boat and owner, it would be
> > great to get some info/pics, especially of the sail. As per design,
> > no-one was visible as she sailed by, what a great design,
> >
> > Cheers,
> >
> > John
> >
>

It's incredible that there should be a Birdwatcher on Sydney Harbour,
not a few kilometres from where I am most of the time, and I miss it!
Still, there was a Micro off Balmain Saling Club for goodness knows
how long and I never knew it was there, and that was less than a
kilometre away! - Until I discovered it through this web site.

Last weekend, however, I was up at Pindimar on Port Stephens trying to
get some more work done on my "birdwatcher" style boat, a Scram Pram,
so I wouldn't have had a chance of being surprised by seeing a
Birdwtcher on the Harbour.

But you, John, sounded as though you were getting close to building a
Philsboat??

I recently bought the plans for the Amherst Galley from Mr Bolger in
case I can convince my employer to build one for our community
disability employment service - that is a really great design which
overcomes the only concerns with Birdwatcher I, by using eight oars
instead of two and room for eight oarspersons!

Why has one not been built? - ahead of it's time, of course, as Mr
Bolger himself concedes, no doubt.

Greg F

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "Bob Larkin" <boblark@...> wrote:
>
> John, Ian and Robyn's BW has a white hull and light green trim at the
> rub rail. They were not happy with the Solent lug and the last I heard
> were going to the original BW sprit leg-of-mutton with an aluminum
> mast. They may have changed their mind and gone modern. So that may
> have been them.
>
> Whoever it is, I would be most interested in hearing about their
> experience with the sail change.
>
> On my BW2, I am still trying to make the Solent lug (now sliding
> Gunter) able to be handled, in terms of raising and reefing. To handle
> the higher winds, I have added a halyard winch, a topping lift and two
> more lines for the clews (reefed and full). This is losing the spirit
> of simplicity. For some situations, a fully-battened lug rig with
> jacks, or something like that, may be added. That could use the same
> mast and boom as the Solent lug and still carry a reasonable amount of
> sail. Too soon to guess, as I want to keep working on the original BW2
> design, which is great fun to sail!
>
> Bob Larkin
>
>
> --- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "mannthree" <johnmann@> wrote:
> >
> > Greetings Bolgeristas,
> >
> > I was out sailing my Micro on Sydney Harbour today (20/10/07 about
> > 14:00) when to my surprise a white hulled (green trim) Birdwatcher
> > slid gently across the water towards Balmain Sailing Club. The sail
> > did not appear to be standard, but a battened fully roached sail which
> > set beautifully on a reach/run. I gave chase but she dissappeared
> > into the distance. I know of one other Birdwatcher in Australia (Dawn
> > Song) owned by Ian and Robyn Singleton and I dont think it was them.
> > If anyone from the Sydney area knows the boat and owner, it would be
> > great to get some info/pics, especially of the sail. As per design,
> > no-one was visible as she sailed by, what a great design,
> >
> > Cheers,
> >
> > John
> >
>

John, Ian and Robyn's BW has a white hull and light green trim at the
rub rail. They were not happy with the Solent lug and the last I heard
were going to the original BW sprit leg-of-mutton with an aluminum
mast. They may have changed their mind and gone modern. So that may
have been them.

Whoever it is, I would be most interested in hearing about their
experience with the sail change.

On my BW2, I am still trying to make the Solent lug (now sliding
Gunter) able to be handled, in terms of raising and reefing. To handle
the higher winds, I have added a halyard winch, a topping lift and two
more lines for the clews (reefed and full). This is losing the spirit
of simplicity. For some situations, a fully-battened lug rig with
jacks, or something like that, may be added. That could use the same
mast and boom as the Solent lug and still carry a reasonable amount of
sail. Too soon to guess, as I want to keep working on the original BW2
design, which is great fun to sail!

Bob Larkin

--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "mannthree" <johnmann@...> wrote:
>
> Greetings Bolgeristas,
>
> I was out sailing my Micro on Sydney Harbour today (20/10/07 about
> 14:00) when to my surprise a white hulled (green trim) Birdwatcher
> slid gently across the water towards Balmain Sailing Club. The sail
> did not appear to be standard, but a battened fully roached sail which
> set beautifully on a reach/run. I gave chase but she dissappeared
> into the distance. I know of one other Birdwatcher in Australia (Dawn
> Song) owned by Ian and Robyn Singleton and I dont think it was them.
> If anyone from the Sydney area knows the boat and owner, it would be
> great to get some info/pics, especially of the sail. As per design,
> no-one was visible as she sailed by, what a great design,
>
> Cheers,
>
> John
>

Greetings Bolgeristas,

I was out sailing my Micro on Sydney Harbour today (20/10/07 about
14:00) when to my surprise a white hulled (green trim) Birdwatcher
slid gently across the water towards Balmain Sailing Club. The sail
did not appear to be standard, but a battened fully roached sail which
set beautifully on a reach/run. I gave chase but she dissappeared
into the distance. I know of one other Birdwatcher in Australia (Dawn
Song) owned by Ian and Robyn Singleton and I dont think it was them.
If anyone from the Sydney area knows the boat and owner, it would be
great to get some info/pics, especially of the sail. As per design,
no-one was visible as she sailed by, what a great design,

Cheers,

John