Fell in love today at the boat show...

[labatt]

So we've been looking for a trailer daysailor for the family and I had been thinking a laser 2, and then at the boat show I fell in love. Over by the Sabre in water display, but on land, was the Melonseed Skiff. Originally designed as a hunting boat back in the 1800's, Crawford Boat Builders brought it back to life and she is a thing of beauty. I'm real close to getting one... thought I would share it... He builds about 12 a year and they are reasonably priced.

[uspirate]

Nice lookin boat, i like the lateen rig!

[teshannon]

Chris,
That's really nice. I can see it on davits on the back of Pelican.

[camaraderie]

......ssssswwwweeeetttt!

[sailaway21]

Small Craft Advisor had a nice write-up on her a few issues back.

[labatt]

Originally Posted by teshannon

Chris,
That's really nice. I can see it on davits on the back of Pelican.

The Admiral said that if I could figure out a way to put an outboard bracket on her so we could use it as our tender for our next boat, I could get it. I wonder...

[jhnblngr]

since you are special ordering it from the builder, he should be able to make that possible.

[Jeff_H]

I know the melonseeds quite well, although the one that I sailed was cold molded cedar. I really enjoy sailing historic sailing craft of all eras. They are fun for their challenges and nostalgic experiences.

The Melonseeds are beautiful little boats which sail well for their period (1870's) but which will not sail anywhere near as well or be nearly as seaworthy (safe to sail) as the Laser 2. The Melonseeds are pretty tender (about like a Laser 2) but they are not self-rescuing and the Laser 2 is self-rescuing after a capsize. Also the sprit rig (someone said it was Lateen. Just for the record its not a Lateen rig; it is a sprit rig, with both a sprit yard and sprit boom.) will not provide adequate sail area in lighter conditions. These boats thrive in winds over 8 knots and under 15. Neither boat is suitable for easy rowing and so IMHO would make poor tenders.

Respectfully,
Jeff

[7Psych]

Originally Posted by Jeff_H

The Melonseeds are beautiful little boats which sail well for their period (1870's) but which will not sail anywhere near as well or be nearly as seaworthy (safe to sail) as the Laser 2. The Melonseeds are pretty tender (about like a Laser 2) but they are not self-rescuing and the Laser 2 is self-rescuing after a capsize. Also the sprit rig (someone said it was Lateen. Just for the record its not a Lateen rig; it is a sprit rig, with both a sprit yard and sprit boom.) will not provide adequate sail area in lighter conditions. These boats thrive in winds over 8 knots and under 15. Neither boat is suitable for easy rowing and so IMHO would make poor tenders.

Respectfully,
Jeff

Definatly..^^^^^^

[USCGRET1990]

I don't go to boat shows...it's kinda like being real hungry, broke and going to a restaraunt and watching people eat...