| June, 2001
From Gavin Atkin in Kent England
A Mouse on holiday
 Dave
Colpitts took Mouse #1 along to the Small Craft Association's
annual fest at the Mystic Seaport Museum, and a lot of
people tried out the little boat, including the two great
girls in the pictures: Alyssa (eleven years old) and
Georganne (just turned 6). It seems to have been quite a hit, so
much so that it left our Dave fairly buzzing for days
afterwards! I should explain that the Mouse is a dirt cheap
to build, easy-peasy one-and-a-bit sheet plywood and
stitch-and-glue boat. The design is free and a download
is available via the design section of the Duckworks e-zine.
Here's Dave's report:
'Pouring rain Saturday, and very few other than the truly
hardy at Small Craft Association annual bash at Mystic
Seaport. Lots of nice small boats, lapstrake Rob Roys,
beautiful row and sail boats, with a few lovely
skin-on-frame kayaks and baidarkas, lots of Mystic River Jellyfish
(a nice double ender like the Six Hour Canoe, but made of real
wood as a family project at Mystic Seaport. Oh, and did I
mention....Mouse #1?
 To
make it short, almost everyone looked, laughed at it, tried it,
and raved about it. Really smart regular boat types were
among the most praising. Very few sarcastic comments, even
from this hotbed of traditionalism, so I am "wicked
psyched" for the next batch.
About the boat itself, everyone who tried it seemed to grin
from ear to ear, and were surprised at its comfort, rock
steady stability, nimbleness, and general easy grace, which
bely its rather ungainly initial visuals.
Testers ranged from about six foot four and 220 plus pounds
to about 3'4" and about 40 pounds. Versatile! People
also remarked on the obvious ease of launching and landing,
as well as the cartop simplicity. Some people even said it
felt "quick" which I didn't really feel, but didn't argue.
It was certainly not out of place darting in and out of the way
of "real" boats. That in itself speaks volumes.
'I sailed it about a mile back to the beach, with an
umbrella, to myriad grins from the assemblage. It was a
hoot!
 Another
positive revelation was the ability to launch and land dryshod,
by quartering up to the beach with the snout of the Mouse, and
leaning one side of the bow/bottom til it beached, and
stepping in. This resulted in no discernible damage to the
snout, although I suspect that some rather aggressive
"heavy" landings on the "v" caused minor
splits on the outside v seam only, which was not ever even
taped, so it would look pretty. So much for that. Although
the insides are lightly taped and filleted (get this, with
a tacking of polyurethane and drywall tape, followed by
Phenoseal adhesive caulk) and showed no damage, I don't want weeping
wicking water wot in the cheap ply.
Hope you all enjoy the glimpse; it was a tremendous energy
boost for me to spring this new creation on a new niche
eager to try it.'
'Regards,
David'
|
Well
...here she is! Although not quite finished. I still have to attach the
splash coamings, make the boom tent, seal up some stuff, and put about 3
more coats of paint on everything. She sails very good, and is quick
as a cat on turns...super responsive...almost too much! Has a
strong weather helm that eases off when you ar back on course. On
a hard tack is when you really notice it! I used my 34 lb. thrust
Motor guide to get around the marina and motor from the landing
to the yacht club..about a mile or so. The little motor did
very well, but I want to move up to a 44 lb. thrust which I think
will be better. I got the 34 for the Featherwind anyway. It rained
to the point we were about to have the Perfect Storm!......but we stayed
on the boat anyway! It was great and let me know where I needed improvements
or forgot to seal up something! Sunday was great for about 5 hours
of fantastic sailing! So now I am getting things dried out...mostly clothes!
And will outfit her for cruising. Her christening name is "BUCKEYE
LADY"!...cause my sweet wife is from Barberton, Ohio close to Akron.
Yep ...she is a purebred yankee!....God forbid!......Had to call it a
day because of rain, but maybe I'll get somemore painting done and the
splash coaming on before the weekend. Fairwinds and smooth sailing!