Recommending Boat Plans

Gents, a friend contacted me and asked me to recommend plans for a capable cruiser for a young guy = 28 years old - healthy and strong - most probably max 2 souls on board

must be ply and epoxy - single keel - hard chines

i still feel the Hartley 28 is up to the job

http://www.hartley-boats.com/28.html

unfortunately my research and reading over the past 5 years has been focussed on cats 35 to 40 ft

so the question is what would you guys recommend in this range of say 24 to 29 ft for deep water cruising

i dont want to shoot the guy down - if you are young and fit you can do a couple of things that i cant - why not go for it i say.

please help with comments as to why if you could

 

There are hundreds of designs in this size range, which many feel is the lowest end of the real cruisers. Personally I think my designs are well suited, but frankly I don't know enough about what your friend wants, which is key to matching them with a suitable design.

You friend needs to precisely state what his desires are, both perfect world and the bare minimum. Budget restraints, builder preferences, experience, skills, tools available, shop location and climate, etc. are also important considerations. General cruising areas, expected performance envelop desired, designs that "inspire", etc. are helpful as well.

 

Look at the 60's THUNDERBIRD ply class boats.

Good sailing and cheap to build and keep.

But may not be burdensom enough for extended cruising.

FF

 

FF have you got a web address for thunderbird??

 

Hi Manie,
your friend may want to look at the Jay Benford Dory yacht series of designs. These are seaworthy yachts and the Badger design has been cruised estensively for many years by Mike and Annie Hill. Glen-L Marine also have several designs for cruising sailboats, but they are cold molded ply not hard chine, however they may be worth a look for your friend, particularly the Francis Drake and Lord Nelson designs.
All the best with the project.
David

 

http://www.thunderbirdsailing.org/boat_plans.htm

http://www.clarkcraft.com/cgi-local...=943134490&cart_id=20000119185704207235018007

http://www.thunderbirdsailing.org/duanes_new_boat.htm

 

http://www.glen-l.com/designs/sailboat2/francisdrake.html
JUST INFO FOR THOUGHT

 

Thanks guys

nice posts

the Thunderbird is a rather handsome little boat