Re: Power Cruisers: Seabird '86, Chebacco and others
Hi Denis.
I built a Chebacco with a hull and keel like the "glass house"
version, but with a more conventional, albeit, enlarged cabin. I have
a couple of photos of the interior that I'll put here:
http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/bolger/photos/browse/7be6
This tells a little about the changes to the design that I made:
http://www.chebacco.com/articles/014/5/article.htm
I sailed this boat on the Atlantic and my opinion is that it is
happier in more protected waters. I sailed off many waves where I
thought the landing was going to be terminal - this boat really slams.
Fortunately plywood, fiber glass and epoxy are up to the task, but
this is not much fun.
I own plans for Seabird '86. My thought is that this boat is very
similar in accommodations to the Chebacco, but significantly more
seaworthy. I do, however, have concerns about Seabird behaving like
the Chebacco in short choppy seas, as the hull form is very similar.
Paul
I built a Chebacco with a hull and keel like the "glass house"
version, but with a more conventional, albeit, enlarged cabin. I have
a couple of photos of the interior that I'll put here:
http://ph.groups.yahoo.com/group/bolger/photos/browse/7be6
This tells a little about the changes to the design that I made:
http://www.chebacco.com/articles/014/5/article.htm
I sailed this boat on the Atlantic and my opinion is that it is
happier in more protected waters. I sailed off many waves where I
thought the landing was going to be terminal - this boat really slams.
Fortunately plywood, fiber glass and epoxy are up to the task, but
this is not much fun.
I own plans for Seabird '86. My thought is that this boat is very
similar in accommodations to the Chebacco, but significantly more
seaworthy. I do, however, have concerns about Seabird behaving like
the Chebacco in short choppy seas, as the hull form is very similar.
Paul
--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, "denisnh" <denisnh@...> wrote:
>
> Hi All. Life has had more than its shares of twists and turns for me
> over the last three or four years. I've started a few boat building
> projects, but some life changing event occurs, and I have to shelve
> the project and put it in storage. One can accumulate quite a large
> number of bulkheads that way! :)
>
> I've decided to take a year long voyage by land, sea or perhaps split
> the trip by both modes. I have made some pretty long runs in my small
> 18' sloop through some pretty rough conditions so I do have
> experience. In my new boat, I wouldn't even rule out a
> circumnavigation after getting a bit more experience. Of course, that
> would mean more than a year but, heck, I may NEVER come back.
>
> I think building a boat will be the best route to go, as I need
> something easily trailerable and customized to my needs. Building
> allows the use of plywood, where fiberglass is suitable but too heavy.
> Ideally, a motorsailer would be nice, but I suspect I'll finish the
> "motor" part and probably won't rig it for sail for quite a while. I
> need enough cabin room with a writing area (even a convertible dinette
> will work) that I can spend hours at when circumstances allow without
> feeling too cramped. I don't really need standing headroom. I have
> no problem with modifying the cabin design. My knowledge of boat
> design is good enough to avoid totally screwing up the balance and
> windage of the boat by modifying the cabin.
>
> After browsing through BWAOM for about 10 years, I noticed a boat that
> never really caught my attention before. The Seabird '86, originally
> designed by T.F. Day, a man I'm almost embarrassed to say I never
> heard of before. Phil Bolger redesigned the boat for modern building
> techniques and I really like what I see. Phil claims this boat will
> do very well under both power and sail.
>
> Another boat I've admired for years is the Chebacco, including the
> motorsailer, but I'm afraid the glass house may not do well after a
> few beam waves take a swat at it. Again, I could go with a slightly
> reduced cabin height and smaller windows but keep the higher freeboard
> and forefoot of the motorsailer version. The Chebacco has the added
> advantage of being a little smaller, thus lighter. Of course, I don't
> see a major problem with shortening the Seabird about 10% so either
> boat will work as far as size and weight go.
>
> Like I mentioned, the boat will initially be operated as an ocean
> power cruiser. Good seaworthiness and rough water capability is a
> must. I want to keep length to no greater than the Seabird (23'). I
> prefer a multi-chine boat rather than a sharpie or flat bottom boat.
>
> I'm hoping you can share your views on a good candidate for my needs,
> the Seabird, Chebacco, or perhaps you know of a boat that will be more
> suitable. The Seabird is attractive at this point because of Phil's
> comments regarding performance under both sail and power as being very
> good.
>
> By the way, after researching the designer of the original Seabird
> (1901) I came across some free Google eBooks in downloadable pdf
> format written or edited by Thomas Fleming Day. These are really
> fantastic books, especially if you enjoy turn of the century designs.
> There is also a power boat mentioned in one of the 1912 issues called
> Sardine that I think looks great! It's around page 40 in the
> advertising section. Unfortunately, I don't think plans are available
> any longer. You can find these books at:
>http://books.google.com/books?id=kcI6AAAAMAAJ
>
> Thanks for any information you care to offer.
>
> Regards,
> Denis
>
Wow. Old boat magazines!
I had already been looking at the Google Books digitized books. They
have so many great books scanned and available.
I had not been aware of their digitizing of the classic public domain
issues of The Rudder magazine. I see that they have a dozen or more
available in 'full view'.
Look at this link for the 'full view' versions
http://books.google.com/books?q=editions:0gIJc649HJWuY3Qe0n&id=kcI6AAAAMAAJ
I had already been looking at the Google Books digitized books. They
have so many great books scanned and available.
I had not been aware of their digitizing of the classic public domain
issues of The Rudder magazine. I see that they have a dozen or more
available in 'full view'.
Look at this link for the 'full view' versions
http://books.google.com/books?q=editions:0gIJc649HJWuY3Qe0n&id=kcI6AAAAMAAJ
Hi Mark! I checked out that link and WOW it is definite must-read!
I've been among the nautically obsessed crowd for many years, and it
never fails to amaze me when good folks like you post a link to
something I had no idea existed.
I love reading those stories and there's something about those really
old designs that warms the heart. Must have been a boat builder or
adventurer in a past life or something. :)
At this point I'll most likely be going with Phil's Seabird 86. As
much as I think the Chebacco is a masterpiece of form and function, I
have the impression from Phil's writings that it's "almost" offshore
capable. I think he's understating it a bit because the hull of the
motorsailer with its higher freeboard and fixed keel make it seem like
a very able boat.
If anyone comes across any pictures or line drawings of the Sardine,
please send me a pointer. It would be a joy to study that design a
little more closely. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find
anything else on it.
Thanks!
Denis
I've been among the nautically obsessed crowd for many years, and it
never fails to amaze me when good folks like you post a link to
something I had no idea existed.
I love reading those stories and there's something about those really
old designs that warms the heart. Must have been a boat builder or
adventurer in a past life or something. :)
At this point I'll most likely be going with Phil's Seabird 86. As
much as I think the Chebacco is a masterpiece of form and function, I
have the impression from Phil's writings that it's "almost" offshore
capable. I think he's understating it a bit because the hull of the
motorsailer with its higher freeboard and fixed keel make it seem like
a very able boat.
If anyone comes across any pictures or line drawings of the Sardine,
please send me a pointer. It would be a joy to study that design a
little more closely. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find
anything else on it.
Thanks!
Denis
--- Inbolger@yahoogroups.com, Mark Albanese <marka@...> wrote:
>
> Denis,
>
> Talking about Thomas Fleming Day brought to mind the relevant story
> of Harry Pidgeon, who was I think an unlikely second to
> circumnavigate the globe after Slocum. He did it in a 36' version of
> Seabird, built himself in the sand at Long Beach. CA.
>
> I learned that story from Don Holm's wonderful, and very out of print
> _The Circumnavigators_, which by coincidence can now be found
> digitally here, in chapter 6, 'The Farmer Who Went to Sea.
>http://www.mcallen.lib.tx.us/books/circumna/ci_table.htm
>
>
>
>
> On Jul 19, 2008, at 4:07 PM, denisnh wrote:
> >
> > I've decided to take a year long voyage by land, sea or perhaps split
> > the trip by both modes. I have made some pretty long runs in my small
> > 18' sloop through some p
>
Denis,
Talking about Thomas Fleming Day brought to mind the relevant story
of Harry Pidgeon, who was I think an unlikely second to
circumnavigate the globe after Slocum. He did it in a 36' version of
Seabird, built himself in the sand at Long Beach. CA.
I learned that story from Don Holm's wonderful, and very out of print
_The Circumnavigators_, which by coincidence can now be found
digitally here, in chapter 6, 'The Farmer Who Went to Sea.
http://www.mcallen.lib.tx.us/books/circumna/ci_table.htm
Talking about Thomas Fleming Day brought to mind the relevant story
of Harry Pidgeon, who was I think an unlikely second to
circumnavigate the globe after Slocum. He did it in a 36' version of
Seabird, built himself in the sand at Long Beach. CA.
I learned that story from Don Holm's wonderful, and very out of print
_The Circumnavigators_, which by coincidence can now be found
digitally here, in chapter 6, 'The Farmer Who Went to Sea.
http://www.mcallen.lib.tx.us/books/circumna/ci_table.htm
On Jul 19, 2008, at 4:07 PM, denisnh wrote:
>
> I've decided to take a year long voyage by land, sea or perhaps split
> the trip by both modes. I have made some pretty long runs in my small
> 18' sloop through some p
Hi All. Life has had more than its shares of twists and turns for me
over the last three or four years. I've started a few boat building
projects, but some life changing event occurs, and I have to shelve
the project and put it in storage. One can accumulate quite a large
number of bulkheads that way! :)
I've decided to take a year long voyage by land, sea or perhaps split
the trip by both modes. I have made some pretty long runs in my small
18' sloop through some pretty rough conditions so I do have
experience. In my new boat, I wouldn't even rule out a
circumnavigation after getting a bit more experience. Of course, that
would mean more than a year but, heck, I may NEVER come back.
I think building a boat will be the best route to go, as I need
something easily trailerable and customized to my needs. Building
allows the use of plywood, where fiberglass is suitable but too heavy.
Ideally, a motorsailer would be nice, but I suspect I'll finish the
"motor" part and probably won't rig it for sail for quite a while. I
need enough cabin room with a writing area (even a convertible dinette
will work) that I can spend hours at when circumstances allow without
feeling too cramped. I don't really need standing headroom. I have
no problem with modifying the cabin design. My knowledge of boat
design is good enough to avoid totally screwing up the balance and
windage of the boat by modifying the cabin.
After browsing through BWAOM for about 10 years, I noticed a boat that
never really caught my attention before. The Seabird '86, originally
designed by T.F. Day, a man I'm almost embarrassed to say I never
heard of before. Phil Bolger redesigned the boat for modern building
techniques and I really like what I see. Phil claims this boat will
do very well under both power and sail.
Another boat I've admired for years is the Chebacco, including the
motorsailer, but I'm afraid the glass house may not do well after a
few beam waves take a swat at it. Again, I could go with a slightly
reduced cabin height and smaller windows but keep the higher freeboard
and forefoot of the motorsailer version. The Chebacco has the added
advantage of being a little smaller, thus lighter. Of course, I don't
see a major problem with shortening the Seabird about 10% so either
boat will work as far as size and weight go.
Like I mentioned, the boat will initially be operated as an ocean
power cruiser. Good seaworthiness and rough water capability is a
must. I want to keep length to no greater than the Seabird (23'). I
prefer a multi-chine boat rather than a sharpie or flat bottom boat.
I'm hoping you can share your views on a good candidate for my needs,
the Seabird, Chebacco, or perhaps you know of a boat that will be more
suitable. The Seabird is attractive at this point because of Phil's
comments regarding performance under both sail and power as being very
good.
By the way, after researching the designer of the original Seabird
(1901) I came across some free Google eBooks in downloadable pdf
format written or edited by Thomas Fleming Day. These are really
fantastic books, especially if you enjoy turn of the century designs.
There is also a power boat mentioned in one of the 1912 issues called
Sardine that I think looks great! It's around page 40 in the
advertising section. Unfortunately, I don't think plans are available
any longer. You can find these books at:
http://books.google.com/books?id=kcI6AAAAMAAJ
Thanks for any information you care to offer.
Regards,
Denis
over the last three or four years. I've started a few boat building
projects, but some life changing event occurs, and I have to shelve
the project and put it in storage. One can accumulate quite a large
number of bulkheads that way! :)
I've decided to take a year long voyage by land, sea or perhaps split
the trip by both modes. I have made some pretty long runs in my small
18' sloop through some pretty rough conditions so I do have
experience. In my new boat, I wouldn't even rule out a
circumnavigation after getting a bit more experience. Of course, that
would mean more than a year but, heck, I may NEVER come back.
I think building a boat will be the best route to go, as I need
something easily trailerable and customized to my needs. Building
allows the use of plywood, where fiberglass is suitable but too heavy.
Ideally, a motorsailer would be nice, but I suspect I'll finish the
"motor" part and probably won't rig it for sail for quite a while. I
need enough cabin room with a writing area (even a convertible dinette
will work) that I can spend hours at when circumstances allow without
feeling too cramped. I don't really need standing headroom. I have
no problem with modifying the cabin design. My knowledge of boat
design is good enough to avoid totally screwing up the balance and
windage of the boat by modifying the cabin.
After browsing through BWAOM for about 10 years, I noticed a boat that
never really caught my attention before. The Seabird '86, originally
designed by T.F. Day, a man I'm almost embarrassed to say I never
heard of before. Phil Bolger redesigned the boat for modern building
techniques and I really like what I see. Phil claims this boat will
do very well under both power and sail.
Another boat I've admired for years is the Chebacco, including the
motorsailer, but I'm afraid the glass house may not do well after a
few beam waves take a swat at it. Again, I could go with a slightly
reduced cabin height and smaller windows but keep the higher freeboard
and forefoot of the motorsailer version. The Chebacco has the added
advantage of being a little smaller, thus lighter. Of course, I don't
see a major problem with shortening the Seabird about 10% so either
boat will work as far as size and weight go.
Like I mentioned, the boat will initially be operated as an ocean
power cruiser. Good seaworthiness and rough water capability is a
must. I want to keep length to no greater than the Seabird (23'). I
prefer a multi-chine boat rather than a sharpie or flat bottom boat.
I'm hoping you can share your views on a good candidate for my needs,
the Seabird, Chebacco, or perhaps you know of a boat that will be more
suitable. The Seabird is attractive at this point because of Phil's
comments regarding performance under both sail and power as being very
good.
By the way, after researching the designer of the original Seabird
(1901) I came across some free Google eBooks in downloadable pdf
format written or edited by Thomas Fleming Day. These are really
fantastic books, especially if you enjoy turn of the century designs.
There is also a power boat mentioned in one of the 1912 issues called
Sardine that I think looks great! It's around page 40 in the
advertising section. Unfortunately, I don't think plans are available
any longer. You can find these books at:
http://books.google.com/books?id=kcI6AAAAMAAJ
Thanks for any information you care to offer.
Regards,
Denis