Opinions on this little schooner?

[Jacob12103]

Since I'm a young guy just learning sailing (19), I'm looking for an cheap way to own a boat sometime in the next few years. Since I harbor an aesthetic preference for two-masted vessels, acknowledging that they may not always be the most practical rigs out there, I was looking in that direction and came across this:

Schooner Uncle Sam

a 29' schooner designed by George Buehler. Granted she's not the prom queen, but neither am I, and the more I look at her the more I love her shippy little lines. Moreover, George's design philosophy seems to mesh well with my situation, needs, and personal prejudices.

Just as some background, I've never built a boat before, but I'm pretty handy with lumber and a jigsaw and I designed and built a wooden hovercraft that was pretty fun to drive around the neighborhood (Florida). I was always afraid to take it over water though.

Do you think this would be a worthwhile project to plan on taking on, or should I continue to pursue other avenues to ownership?

Thanks,

Jacob

[sailingdog]

Building a boat can be a rewarding way to do it...but unless you've got a big space to work on the boat and such, you're probably better off buying a boat IMHO. The main thing that building a boat does is saves on the cost of buying it by investing your sweat equity into the boat.

[knothead]

Jacob,
It depends on whether you want to build or sail.

[tomwatt]

Just remember that if you build it in an indoor facility to leave enough room to get the finished boat out the doors! Failure to plan is planning to fail!

[MARC2012]

Very hard to find good wood today.To build that boat you will need a lot more tools(examples.band saw.large planer & probably steam box).Just buy a boat.marc

[deniseO30]

Jacob, building a sailboat (or any boat) is not for the poor. It would most likely cost you more to build it and then that much again to outfit and rig it then if you found a good boat ready to sail that only needs minor repairs. If you really feel building is what you want to do I suggest you visit some wooden boat builders or even some maritime museums that have ongoing programs for building and or restoration. Building a 29ft schooner could easily run close to $80,000 that's without labor costs. You would also need a shop, and indoor space to build such a boat.

[jerryrlitton]

Originally Posted by knothead

Jacob,
It depends on whether you want to build or sail.

I think Knothead is right. I wanted to build an airplane once. I used to hang out at the airport in Merrit Island, FL and see all the projects. One guy gave me some great advice. He said if I wanted to build an airplane just for the joy of building an airplane I will have a blast. However if I wanted to build an airplane to fly I will soon be frustrated and more then likely sell my project. That did it for me. However if that is something you really want to do, time is really (I mean really) not a factor I would say go for it, you will have a blast. Who am I to stand between shippy little lines?

Jerry

[WanderingStar]

You can build the boat, many people do. Beuhler designs are pretty basic, needing fewer tools and common wood. You can build outdoors, many do that too. But many projects are left unfinished. Try building a dinghy first, make it a sailing dink so you can use it while you build the bigger boat. That will tell you if you love building, and how much time you can commit to it. I've built a dinghy, and repaired larger boats. Two friends in nearby towns have built large, complex boats, but took many years doing so.

[deniseO30]

Jacob how did you miss this little beauty?



this is the link to her write up -- > Untitled Document

She would more friendly a build for on the Cheap, and you would still have 2 masts!

[olson34]

Settle on a quality hull or model and start poking around the web. Your boat is out there somewhere.

As an example, a couple years ago an elderly fellow sold off his Rawson 30 ketch. (Most of those were sloops, AFIK)..... and it was a bit dated in some respects but very solid and in above average condition. It had a good running diesel, too.

Price was negotiated downward quite a bit, in a market dominated by floating RV's intended for Gracious Dockside Living.

Buyer was a guy in his 20's with a plan to sail away. I do not know how far he may have ventured since, but the Rawson was and is a good blue water boat to fulfill those dreams.

There are other "good old boats" around. Take your time, but take lots of notes.

Cheers,
L