Thanks, all, for your comments about the last two posts.
I like John Welsford’s in particular from last week:
“I tend to have my head pretty firmly set on the sort of semi-traditional sailing boats that I enjoy and for which I have a pretty good customer base, but in fact the biggest user group for small boats in North America, Aussie and New Zealand are people who are actually not boating enthusiasts at all. They are the people who use boats to achieve other aims, such as catching fish, getting out to hunt waterfowl, accessing remote lakeshores for hunting and so on.
“These people use outboard powered planing hulls, and you’ll see hundreds of them at boatramps on the weekends. Typically 14 or 15 ft long, open or half cabin, 50 to 70 hp motors, and the bulk of the newer ones are made of welded or riveted alloy. Horrid noisy, smelly cold things by the standards of us enthusiasts, but popular, you bet. [emphasis, mine]
“What could Carl’s hypothetical boatbuilder offer that these can’t or don’t?
“Quiet, a nicer feel, more variation in shape and possibly better efficiency, possibly lower fuel consumption, but higher maintenance and not as resistant to damage. [emphasis, mine]
“I’d say that the ability to produce a semi-custom boat tailored to the client is the biggest advantage a small boatbuilder can offer.”
Profound observations, I think. What wooden designs are out there that can compete?
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Subset Two.
This boat isn’t at all wooden, and my French not being stellar, I don’t quite understand her purpose. Nor the practical application for the rest of us. Probably nil, as our European friends say. But a fascinating approach, one way or the other.
MIRABAUD-LX
But worth a look, if only as a conversation-starter:
http://www2.jundt.ch/blog/?page_id=302.
Yes, I understand she’s designed to be a record-breaker. But why not (at least) have some skins to keep her from sinking? Some interesting concepts at work here. I will hand it to the Swiss — they are inventive. Designer Thomas Jundt is involved in some interesting work, and I don’t believe anything to do with the America’s Cup. www.jundt.ch
When I was a young and aspiring yacht designer, I was fascinated by everything that contributors offered us through the AYRS newsletter. Maybe my brain cortices have faded and I’ve lost my appreciation for all matters physics, but “going fastest-at-all-costs” appeals to me much less than they used to. Particularly when something as… whimsical.. as this comes along. Then again, I’ve been beaten up by the last year of experimentation with the International Canoe, so perhaps I’m newly jaundiced?
I suppose I’m much more comfortable, now, being in the “beauty is truth” camp. Can we have both?
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Subset Three.
Until I became fascinated by the ramifications of John Welford’s comments (above), I intended to devote this week’s flog to human-powered watercraft: paddle, row, oar.
In our wooden boat world, it seems to me there are so many intelligent approaches available to us now. Through designers blending old with new and selling plans, and very intelligent and creative kit-developers, beginning and advanced boatbuilders have so many options available to them now. I truly believe these are exciting times for us in this regard.
To help me in producing next week’s flog dedicated to human-powered watercraft, please post your comments below?
First and foremost, let’s please rise to John’s challenge at the top of our program? I think this is an excellent opportunity for our individual and collective growth. Please post your comments as well, and see if we can rally around a consensus?
I’m sorry for no images this week……… I’ll look around and see if I can insert some in the next day or so. I’m trying to compensate by giving you great breadth….
Yours, Carl
