intheboatshed.net

John Welsford’s interesting Fafnir design. Click on the images for larger drawings

John Welsford tells me that the level of interest in his new Fafnir pocket cruiser design is exceeding all expectations.

It’s certainly an interesting boat - a blue-water cruiser capable of being build in a typical garage, and there’s a good case for saying that it’s the best choice available for someone who wants to sail alone in a small, easily handled boat.

Its crucial dimensions are:
•Length on deck 13ft 1in (4.00m),
•Beam 6ft 2in (1.90m)
•Draft 2ft 7in (0.800m)
•Sail area 139sqft (14.9sqm)
•Dry weight estimated 1430lbs (650kg)
•Ballast 550lbs (250kg)
•Maximum sailing weight 2420lbs (1100kg)

John describes Fafnir as a tough little cruiser for one or two, and tells a story about how the design came about at his website.
It seems a customer wanted to build a 10ft boat in which to circumnavigate, so John worked out a route, the amount of current assist that was possible, the weather windows and the climatic and stores consumption issues - and decided the voyage wasn’t practical.

But he went on to draw the minimum boat he considered workable - and Fafnir is the result.

Go to John Welsford’s site to learn more!

Intheboatshed.net as it approaches its 200,000th hit

200,000 seems like a big number for a weblog devoted a such a niche subject. It’s great that we’re reaching lots of people!

If you’d like to receive a weekly digest, click on the link below - and if you’ve got a story to tell and pictures to share, please let us know at gmatkin@gmail.com. There’s no charge, and no obligation.

Lowestoft sailing trawler, drawn by Rowland Hilder

‘… the life of the average fisherman of Britain - it is a never-ending “game of snakes and ladders,” and so accustomed is the fisherman to playing this game from the time he first goes to sea, that I am inclined to doubt that he would be happy if he was certain of always finding himself on a ladder.’

New Nick Smith 12-footer at Salcombe

While I was whooping it up in Paris this weekend, another set of photos arrived from boatbuilder Nick Smith over the weekend. Here’s what he had to say:

‘I am back from NZ and have just completed a 12 foot six runabout, mahogany on oak, pictured here in Salcombe harbour - that’s my brother sitting on the pontoon.

The other pictures are of the sistership Bumble which you have seen before, on the Thames. In the first, she’s fully laden and under full power. The second comes from a Stuart Turner event.

‘I will be exhibiting again at Beale Park Thames Traditional Boat Show, from the 6th to 8th June this year.

‘The last picture is of the steam launch SL Puffin under steam on the Beaulieu River.

‘Regards, Nick”

Thanks Nick - I’m sure intheboatshed.net readers will admire your boats!

Nick’s a member of the Wooden Boatbuilder’s Trade Association, and you can read more about him here:
Nick Smith at the WBTA website

Take a look at our extensive coverage of last year’s Beale Park Boat Show.

Don’t miss out - please subscribe to our new improved alerts! Click the window or profile link below.

You may manage your subscription options from your profile.