September 2017

From The Editor

A Leeboard for a Motorboat

In the wind, our canal boat, BONZO, wanders like an off-leash dog. I thought a leeboard, something you don’t often see on powerboats, might help. A little more lateral resistance would both keep BONZO on course in the wind and provide a pivot point for turning. I got some confirmation of the notion of improving steering just a few days before I started the project when I saw a Boston Whaler equipped with two large leeboards.

Boat Profile

Milford 20

A New Zealand Sharpie

The Milford 20 design appeals as a very elegant, classic craft for home building, and gives a great sailing experience for both experienced and inexperienced sailors. It also would be a suitable craft for a couple or family of four; a delight to sail and appealing to those who want a safe boat for leisure and pleasure.

Boat Profile

Drake Raceboat

Easy speed under oars

The Raceboat is designed “for the greater speeds in race conditions,” but you don’t have to compete to appreciate the boat. It will give you an exhilarating workout and reward improvements in your stamina and technique.

Adventures

The Texas 200

A trial by water

A heavy lump had settled in my gut, and I wondered then if I might have misjudged myself and my boat. I tried to reassure myself that the forecast for the week was favorable, only fair and following winds at 10 to 15 knots. The lump wasn’t going anywhere, though, and I wondered if I should pull the boat out and drive home.

Technique

Back-Country Baking

Let them eat cake

Fresh baked goods are a treat no matter where you find them, but especially appreciated at camp. We take a look at three ways to bake breads, rolls, and cookies with campfires and camp stoves.

Technique

A Simple Tiller Tender

Hands-off sailing

It’s cheap, simple, and utterly reliable. It doesn’t need adjustment and there’s nothing to engage or disengage; you can steer the boat normally with the system in place, and whenever you need to let go of the tiller, it stays exactly where you positioned it.

Product Reviews

Pioneer Swag Tent

Back in the 1890 itinerant laborers in Australia carried their shelters and bedding in a roll called a swag. The Pioneer Swag Tent from Outback Swags is a modern version that combines a one-person canvas tent and a comfortable foam mattress.

Reader Built Boats

Caledonia Yawl

GYPSY SOUL

A Tennessee cruiser

Scotty Pugh of Sardis, Tennessee, grew up riding dirt bikes and later indulged his passion for motorcycles as he collected vintage Harley-Davidsons. But a ride gone wrong landed him a hospital trauma ward for a week and he was forced to consider something else to focus his interest upon. “Wooden boats,” he thought, “will keep me entertained.”