Harry Bryans sloop Katie

I've spent months looking at different boat designs and narrowed it down to this boat. I'm interested in how it sails. I'll be using the boat primarily as a day sailor with longer cruises (if possible) on Lake Michigan and other inland lakes. I like the traditional look of the boat, the simplicity of the rig etc, the shallow draft, small cabin and the fact that the keel/keel box doesn't take up a lot of room in the cabin.
I'd strip plank the boat, make a self bailing cockpit if possible and build in a mast tabernacle since southern Ohio is a long way from the water.
I've watched Harry's video, but I'm wondering if there's anyone out there with first hand experience with this boat.
Thanks!

 

Katie is a very pretty wee boat - here is a link :
Katie https://www.harrybryan.com/products/katie

Here is a link to Katie sailing - she is scooting along very happily.
18K views · 393 reactions | New Video ~ Harry Bryan's work is imbued with equal parts ingenuity and practicality, so it's no surprise that his personal boat sails beautifully and has many unique, pragmatic touches. Get an inside look in "A Tour Aboard KATIE - Harry Bryan's 20' Gaff Sloop" as Harry describes a boat that is sweet, simple, and perfect for their needs. Get this full video here --> https://bit.ly/katiegaffsloop | OffCenterHarbor.com https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2254174138211651

It might be difficult to make the cockpit self draining unless you build a VERY shallow footwell.

 

That is very similar to Crockers 20ft Sallee Rover.



Getting a self draining well in small boats is a compromise in comfort and or safety......i would take the self drainer everytime having lived with boats that drain into the bilge. The Crocker boat is self draining. Tabernacle is certainly a good idea.

 

For referance. Heres how its done on the Crocker.

 

Thanks for the input. The Crocker boat is very similar except quite a bit heavier. I just found an article in Wooden bt. #62 and one in Small boats monthly regarding the Crocker boat. I'll check them out. The centerboard on Katie takes up a lot less room in the cabin and with no motor (I planned on using an electric outboard off port as Mr Bryan has rigged.) it would seem possible to have cockpit dimensions similar to the Crocker. I may just have to order the plans to verify this.

 

I like these "salty" small boats. Katie, being lighter while having ballast, is a good thing; I also prefer the stem profile. Atkins "Trim" was another on my list.





Strip plank is definately the way to go for a wooden boat that may spend most of its time on a trailer.

 

Cat boats started out first on my list until I realized how much room the centerboard trunk took up in the cabin. I haven't found a round bilge ballast keel catboat that still has a fairly shallow draft. The draft on the Fenwick Williams is around 3' which is too much for where I'll be sailing. That's why I've moved to these "salty" sloops. I just ordered the plans for Harry Bryan's Katie so we'll see what I figure out.

 

Nice one! Im sure the cockpit and tabernacle can be adapted. Are you considering "proper" strip plank, or strip core glassed both sides?

 

Not sure what you mean by "proper". I'm using all hardwoods off of my property in southwestern Ohio. Yellow Poplar for the strip hull, glassed inside and out. White oak, Black Locust or Osage Orange for frames, knees, keel etc. Sycamore for the hollow mast and possibly some vacuum bagged 1/4" veneer panels of Walnut for any bulkheads or other areas where plywood could possibly be used. And if that isn't enough, a little Black Cherry for some accents.

 

I should have used the word "traditional" rather than "proper", ie without the sheathing on both sides or non at all.

It must be nice to have a pick of timbers, I planted an acre of Larch trees but moved before they were ready to harvest, that would have been for my pocket cruiser hull. Good luck with your project.