…I love my MAC until such times as these…
Though the plans are in metric, the boat is listed at 11’11". As I recall, the design brief called for a boat not more than 12’, unstayed mast, water ballast, quick and easy to launch/retrieve, hard to capsize, easy to recover, beachable, seaworthy and suitable for camp cruising. Small Craft Advisor magazine commissioned noted Kiwi small boat designer John Welsford, and the design (SCAMP - Small Craft Advisor Magazine Project) has become quite popular with plans and precut kits for the homebuilder as well as a fiberglass version produced by Gig Harbor Boat Works. Hull #1 first splashed in November 2010 and is the perfect boat for ambitious expeditionary sailing as done by noted solo adventurer Howard Rice. I understand the magazine has sold over 600 plans and kits, so it is a design with a broad international profile.
I’ve been sitting on plan #151 and have been delayed in proceeding with the project in ways that sometimes make me wish I’d purchased a kit. As I already invested in over $800 in okume marine plywood (with more sheets to procure), and with a willingness to be “ground up” in my approach, I find reasons to be content to learn Sketchup and get the paper plans, as I describe, digitized and capable of being executed by the M2 CNC I am also attempting to create, understand and command.
As to “self-respecting Viking,” I do fancy the double ender Caledonia Yawl design which resembles a proper færing and have thought about ditching the SCAMP in favor of building that boat. But the SCAMP design offers some performance/safety advantages that will serve me better and, besides, I’ve already got the plans and much of the materials.
Thanks for all your help, Dave!
Rick