Richard Lathrop
Well-known member
Richard Lathrop submitted a new resource:
Launching - Boat completed. launching
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Launching - Boat completed. launching
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Launching
- Thread starter Richard Lathrop
- Start date
Congratulations! For certain you are glad to have that project completed and ready to hunt. It turned out terrific. I'm interested to hear how she handles rough water under sail power now that you've tested her in calm conditions and also look forward to the spray skirt addition.
Steve Sanford
Well-known member
Good morning, Richard~
Congratulations on both the swift completion and the sea trials!
I've made a few half-hearted, never finished attempts to put a sailing rig on a gunning vessel - a scooter and a decked-over canoe. I made the spars for the former (a 1920s Benjamin Hallock Scooter with the original mast step) and put a step in the canoe. Here's the step ("partners?) through bthe foredeck. I do not know if the brass collar was original - or if mty dad added it (my guess). A friend turned the plug to keep rain and seas out.
As a long-time sailor of a gaff sloop, I could always imagine the magic of coming home after a hunt under canvas - with a following wind and the bay's natural sounds and rhythms enhancing that indescribable feeling of contentment after a morning on the bay.
(Speaking of sounds - I was just lured to the door - the better to hear the yips and barks and howls of a "flock" of coyotes - some of the great natural sounds here in dairy country. The voices were not far from my shop - to which I am headed momentarily...)
Any surprises during your waterborne initiation? I imagine she turns on a dime with that dagger board - and that you keep her on an even keel. It looks like you are facing forward. Do you row facing the bow as well?
I am also wondering about access to the tiller. I know that some 'boxes used a pair of lines instead of a tiller to manage the helm.
I hope you enjoy many fine adventures - during all the seasons - in your sweet little craft.
All the best,
SJS