Rhodes Reliant and Picnic 17

[slaskoe]

My first Thread. Hello to all.

I have been sailing for over 40 years and it always helps me get centered.

Recently I purchased a project boat; a Lofland Sailcraft, Picnic 17.
R ichard Harvey has an excellent site for reference information on this unusual boat. I cannot include the actual link or pictures until I have posted a few messages.

Inside the cabin were the original sails for this boat in pretty good condition and a bonus, an old, rope rimmed sail, also in pretty good shape. The sail is about 100 sq. ft. and is marked, "RR" and number "69". The sail was made by "Boston Sail Manufacturers". I believe this sail is from a Rhodes Reliant.


Any info. on either the Picnic 17 or the RR sail will be appreciated.

[nolatom]

The Rhodes Reliant (from Cheoy Lee) was 41 feet long, so it sure isn't a mainsail. It could be a mizzen sail though, since I believe they came as either sloops or yawls. If so, I wonder if the RR means Rhodes Reliant, since typically class numbers go on the main, not the mizzen.

On the other hand, I know nothing about the picnic -17.

There was also a Rhodes Ranger 28' by Seafarer, but I don't think she was avail as a yawl. Was trying to think of other "RR" names.


And oh yeah, I forgot, where are my manners? Welcome to the Board!

[dhays]

I haven't a clue, but welcome.

Dave

[CalebD]

Lofland Picnic 17 Sailboat
Interesting boat and web page.
Can't help you with the 'RR' conundrum unless it stands for Rolls Royce!
If the 'RR' sail does not fit the rig so well used sails can be had from places like Bacons: Bacon Sails & Marine Supplies
Welcome.

[NauticalDick]

I have a Picnic 17 sail number 130. I am working on restroring it. The boat sails well in light wind, not much ballast so it needs to be sailed like a unballasted day sailor, crew needs to be aware of where to sit at all times; if not the boat may tip over.

Modifications include adding 200 lbs of lead bricks to the keel and running the lines back to the cockpit. Sails for the Picnic 17 were purchased through Bacon sails.

The boat can be viewed on the 2011 havasu pocket cruisers convention; video under Chris.

[slaskoe]

Thanks for the feedback on the Picnic 17. I too am restoring the boat. First is repairing some impact damage below the waterline. I fared the area revealing the damage, cut out the damage back to sound fiberglass, back-filled with high density foam, layered in matte on the inside and I have now applied six layers of the finer material with a few more to go to get a smooth surface. Then comes prime and bottom paint and then in she goes and we'll see if she floats.

I have the original sails in good condition. I will need to fabricate a bottom plate for the mast to seat the mast on the stabilizing pin on the top of the cabin.

Interestingly, I also thought of adding lead to the small shoal keel.

I was not able to open the pictures you referenced. I would greatly appreciate your posting some pictures. I would like to see what the bottom of your mast looks like and any other pictures you have.

Any info. on an outboard; do we need a long shaft or will a short shaft work.

[NauticalDick]

Sorry about not getting back to you sooner. For the outboard I added an adjustable motor mount. The motor I use is a five HP Mercury.

This weekend I'll take a picture of my mast step and the lead ballast, and attach them to my next post.

Nautical Dick