Junk Rigged Sharpie

[w00dy]

Seems like a sweet little boat for not-too-much money:
http://sailingtexas.com/201401/ssharpie25101.html

I like Tom Colvin designs, though this one is named "Pandora"...... :-[

[Travelnik]

I like the mast tabernacle. It looks like it doesn't extend into the cabin, so it wouldn't interfere with the interior space.

I wonder how well it would hold up in strong to heavy weather?

[w00dy]

I've never sailed a sharpie before. Here's what Colvin has to say about them: http://www.thomasecolvin.com/sharpies.htm


I suppose, like any boat, maintenance and proper execution of design will dictate seaworthiness as much as the hull form itself. There's a lot to be said for prudence, preparation and skill too.

[Oscar]

I'm strongly considering building a sharpie, more specifically the Norwalk Island Sharpie 31, to replace my current boat in a few years. It will have a soft wing sail based on the junk rig, inspired by David Tyler's R&D and experience. I'm currently honing the design and aim to start building soon, to fit it on my current boat next summer. I've posted some thoughts about possible customizations to the NIS 31 here. Official website for the NIS 31 is found here.

[CapnK]

Oscar, if you built the unstayed version, you could lose that lil borsprit, and implement one of Bolger's "walk-through bows", something I've always thought a really neat possibility on a shoal-draft hull like the Sharpies have. :)

[Oscar]

If you read the customization link I posted you'll see that I'm planning to use an unstayed soft wing sail rig based on the junk rig.

Not gonna have a bowsprit but I'm not interested in a hole in my bow! :D Why would you want a walk-through bow?

[CapnK]

Yes, that soft wing sail rig does look interesting!

Re: the bow - with that shallow draft (like the opening-bow Bolgers), so you can nose up onto the beach and step off onto dry ground, in high style. :) Like the Marines in WWII, but without the gunfire and shelling. ;D It would work great here in the coastal Carolinas; not saying I would take it across an ocean, though.

[Oscar]

Ah yes, that makes sense. But it's a small upside compared to all downsides, in my opinion. A gangway/gangplank would be as cool! :D

Btw I just published Part II of the soft wing sail article.