WHICH BOAT TO BUILD
TRIAD/3 IN 1
PROS
1. Inexpensive - Due to the lack of ballast and the small size of
the boat.
2. These boat are
lighter which makes them easier to flip during construction as well
as making them easier for unbeaching after construction.
3. No
lead ballast to deal with.
4. Small size and ease of rowing means you can use in ponds and lakes where gas engines are not permitted.
CONS
1. No lead ballast. Not self-righting.
Self-recovering or self-bailing.
2. No Cabin. However some sort of tent can be made to cover the cockpit.
WEEKENDER
PROS
1. Inexpensive - Due to the lack of ballast and the small size of
the boat.
2. Many sites dedicated to the construction. As well
most of these site dealt with completed boats.
3. These boat are
lighter which makes them easier to flip during construction as well
as making them easier for unbeaching after construction.
4. No
lead ballast to deal with.
5. Does not require a centreboard or
dagger board.
6. According to accounts on various sites you can
tip over but is fairly easy to right.
CONS
1. No lead ballast. The weekender is not self-righting.
Self-recovering or self-bailing. This boat is definitely not for
hardcore offshore sailing.
2. Cabin is very small and low.
Consider it the equivalent to sleeping in a boy scout tent.
3.
Cockpit looks cramped and uncomfortable.
4. Many people have
complained about problems with the wheel.
VACATIONER
PROS
1. More room then a Weekender. Can easily sit up in the cabin. Has
built in fixtures such as a toilet.
2. Although there are not as
many builders’ sites as the Weekender there are at least a few
showing that the boat is buildable.
3. No lead ballast to deal
with.
4. Does not require a centreboard or dagger board.
CONS
1. According the Stevenson Projects a vacationer can cost twice as
much as a weekender.
2. It is much heavier then the Weekender
making it harder to flip during construction.
3. It takes much
more time to build then the weekender.
4. It has all the same
problems as the weekender with regard to lead ballast. It is not
self-righting, self-rescuing or self-bailing.
5. Many people have
complained about problems with the wheel.
POCKET CRUISER
PROS
1. Almost as much room as a vacationer in the cabin yet the boat
requires about the same amount of cost and labour as a weekender.
2.
Cockpit is larger then in the weekender.
3. Boat can be used as a
motor cruiser, traditional cat boat (No bowsprit or jib), or sailed
with bowsprit and jib.
4. With the removable bowsprit removed the
boat is only 14ft long. This may make it easier to find a trailer.
5.
No wheel. Uses a tiller.
6. No lead ballast to deal with.
7. I
can’t find anyone who has ever flipped a pocket cruiser, but
this same stability would go against you should it turn turtle. You
may not be able to right it.
CONS
1. A bit slower then the weekender. Difference in speed is less
with more wind.
2. Requires two dagger boards.
3. It has all
the same problems as the weekender with regard to lead ballast. It is
not self-righting, self-rescuing or self-bailing.
MICRO
PROS
1. Self-righting, self-bailing and self-rescuing the micro is the
sailboat for the hardcore sailor who wishes some more serious
sailing.
2. Has a fairly large cabin with lots of storage area for
such a small boat. You can easily sit up.
CONS
The Micro has a 450lb lead weight
ballast which the builder would have to have constructed or make
himself. He would also have to install this weight into the keel,
which could be difficult or dangerous.
2. For its size the micro
is a very heavy boat.
3. Ugly. Like only a Mother/Boat builder
could love.