Phil Bolger (1927-2009) designed the "Tortoise", a sandbox-looking sailboat with a lot of room for passengers and a fairly-decent sailing ability.
So far
Ben and I took the lines off an existing Tortoise this past week and transferred the hull side shapes to a piece of ¼" BC exterior plywood. Then we took a long, straight piece of pine and turned it into gunwales. Two more long, straight pieces of clear pine made chine logs and the remaining plywood became bow and stern transoms.*
So far, we've probably spent 90 minutes on the project, cutting and gluing. That doesn't take into account waiting for the glue to dry; that's what beer (root and GLBC) is for.
What's next
Next we'll need to bevel the framing on the bow and stern transoms—should be quick work with a circular saw. Then we'll need some 3'-long stringers to keep the hull square while we install the bottom. It would be nice to get some of that started today, perhaps after dinner.
Why not start now? Well, I've got scones and breakfast to make for six, then church, then sailing KrazyKat at LaDue, then cleanup and dinner. I'll be lucky if there's any energy for beveling framing at 7pm!
Oh, and the children are insisting on a bike ride. Since summer started four hours ago (1:45 am EDT), we'll have more sunlight, just perhaps not more energy.
*Update 20090622: Payson calls both the forward end of this boat a "transom" as well as the aft end. Wikipedia says only the stern is a transom. Hmmmm.
Comments (2)
Hi, I built a Tortoise in 2007. It was a fun project and good little boat but proved too small to be sailed by an adult. I ultimately sold it to a neighbor for his kids to row around. I still have the sail however if you are interested! See pictures of my boat at the link above! Best wishes for your project!
Posted by Shawn Payment | June 24, 2009 6:31 PM
Posted on June 24, 2009 18:31
Shawn- You built a beautiful Tortoise! Very nice. Love the sail, too.
We find that an adult is too big for the old Box that this boat is replacing. However, I have a whole foredeck full of young children itching to go sailing by themselves so the Tortoise design is just right. Working on an Optimist, too.
Again, you have a very beautiful boat.
Posted by Jeffrey
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June 25, 2009 10:00 PM
Posted on June 25, 2009 22:00