Build a Fleet of Skiffs for PiP?

[theM.A.dDogge]

British Dory - aka: Somerset Flatner

were ya plannin on makin em look like these??

currently researching if the flatner has a period counterpart (or was in fact in period... probably in lapstrake form) but yep, basically like a Flatner.

then i too would be interested in lending a hand..possibly also buyin a kit....i believe the crewe is in contact with ya??

[Capt. Sterling]

Ah no not yet, but since you are interested Maddogge go ahead and see what's what...

Edited March 23, 2009 by Capt. Sterling

[Island Cutter]

Ah no not yet, but since you are interested Maddogge go ahead and see what's what...

With a nod to sorting out what’s what so far with this project, I thought I would share some of my ideas…

My primary interest as a sailor is to share my enthusiasm and see that others have an opportunity to also share in the fun. Secondly, I really love the look of traditional wooden vessels and want to promote their rediscovery and reintroduction to recreational sailing. Furthermore, as a boatbuilder and consummate "do-it-yourself", I want to encourage others to give boatbuilding a try for themselves. The design that we settle upon should be capable being built be a first-timer; it should be simple enough to get a serviceable boat completed in a reasonable amount of time; and it should be relatively inexpensive to build from commonly available materials... and oh yeah, the design should be from our chosen time period or at least be a convincing interpretation.

With all that said, I want to make a workable set of free and downloadable plans available so that any determined person or group can get started on a boat or two of their own. A “knowledge cooperative” would be set up so that we can share what we have learned and help the next round of builders in completing their own boats. Additionally, full-scale paper templates and pre-cut wooden parts (and full kits) would be available for a reasonable fee, if a builder wanted to get right to the assembly phase and have a finished boat in less time. For those not inclined to build a boat, you are not out of luck. I still plan to bring one or two boats down to Cayo Hueso and make them available for anyone to enjoy.

I envision a time when a fleet of these little boats is darting around off the beach at Ft. Zach… all generally similar, but each very uniquely representing a crew and her proud builders. This project is still in its formative stages and I strongly encourage anyone interested to share their thoughts and ideas. Prior boating or building experience is not necessary, just interest and enthusiasm.

[Island Cutter]

British Dory - aka: Somerset Flatner

were ya plannin on makin em look like these??

Here is a copy of the lines as taken from John Leather's "Spritsails & Lugsails"

So far, the earliest known written reference to the "flatner" is from c. 1719

it was considered an "established" design by then, so there is a good possibility that the design was known during the GAoP.

Edited March 24, 2009 by Island Cutter

[William Brand]

British Dory - aka: Somerset Flatner

were ya plannin on makin em look like these??

Here is a copy of the lines as taken from John Leather's "Spritsails & Lugsails"

So far, the earliest known written reference to the "flatner" is from c. 1719

it was considered an "established" design by then, so there is a good possibility that the design was known during the GAoP.

With the Mercury Crew playing 1720, 1719 is early enough for our concerns at PIP. I would love to build one.

[Dutchman]

certainly not drawing away from island cutters design, but here is another option- a 13ft deadrise skiff. almost bloody impossible to sink- although you can flip with some help. this is a simple design that can be floating in as little as three days with simple tools. this is derived from the old log canoes the watermen used on the chesapeake bay. draws three inches empty and easy to row. no sail design though.

[Island Cutter]

certainly not drawing away from island cutters design, but here is another option- a 13ft deadrise skiff. almost bloody impossible to sink- although you can flip with some help. this is a simple design that can be floating in as little as three days with simple tools. this is derived from the old log canoes the watermen used on the chesapeake bay. draws three inches empty and easy to row. no sail design though.

A good and proven design, that one ...and one that certainly has more interior space than the Flatner. As you noted, it's best use is as a rowboat (even better with a "kicker" off the transom... [heaven forbid ].

Hey, the more and more different boats, the better... as long as we get out there!

[Dutchman]

i'd like to try my hand at a cape cod dory

[Island Cutter]

i'd like to try my hand at a cape cod dory

I highly recommend finding a copy of "the Dory Book" by John Gardner. It is THE definitive work on the subject, IMHO

[Commodore Swab]

Opening another can of worms . . .

I missed PiP in '08 (I was in Thailand with my wife) but had some thoughts last year when we did a pirate fest here in Key Largo. Why not assault a beach with some small boats armed with cannon?

The boats you are talking about are perfect size and it may be possible to get some small naval guns (22 inch) on carriages that could be mounted in the boats or possible swivels. I know right now I can lay my hands on 2 bronze cannons ready to go which would arm 2 boats. . .

[Joe Pyrat]

Beyond what we would want to tackle, but interesting nonetheless, the Frigate's Boat.

A British Marine reenactment groups Frigate's Boat construction project.

Sail Plan...

[William Brand]

Covet mode engaged.

[Commodore Swab]

Imangine that as an assault craft towed seward of one of the schooners and released when they make their pass at the fort . . .

[William Brand]

They've done land to ship and ship to land assaults with a small boat in the past. Someone posted pictures of it years ago.

[William Brand]

We need this...

One of the boats from the Shtandart project.

[theM.A.dDogge]

We need this...

One of the boats from the Shtandart project.

but if we had that at PiP....who would be left at the fort??

[Joe Pyrat]

Well, after all pirates are all about ships and boats. Forts are really just for plunderin'

[Commodore Swab]

Well, after all pirates are all about ships and boats. Forts are really just for plunderin'

Aye thar just be them thar tourists ready ta be plundered

[William Brand]

but if we had that at PiP....who would be left at the fort??

Fort by day. Drunken tourists along the Westin and Mallory Square Piers by night.

[Guest]

but if we had that at PiP....who would be left at the fort??

Hey... we gots ter have somplace ter put alla th' people wot we take when we commideer that stupid Disney ship......

(and knowing my luck, National Security is reading all post trying to track down modern Pirates.... and Oops... I just got added to their list.... rats.... (Hey Dudes... it was only a joke... ) )

[Commodore Swab]

We need this...

Actually looking at this I think we do not want it, too much modification required to fit an adequate number of cannon

[theM.A.dDogge]

We need this...

Actually looking at this I think we do not want it, too much modification required to fit an adequate number of cannon

yes...but plenty of room fer a "boat load" of muskets!?!?!

[Commodore Swab]

yes...but plenty of room fer a "boat load" of muskets!?!?!

Does that mean we have room for a couple boatloads of pistols?

[Mr.Tignor]

British Dory - aka: Somerset Flatner

were ya plannin on makin em look like these??

Here is a copy of the lines as taken from John Leather's "Spritsails & Lugsails"

So far, the earliest known written reference to the "flatner" is from c. 1719

it was considered an "established" design by then, so there is a good possibility that the design was known during the GAoP.

I do indeed indorse this idea! I had been looking around for a good simple building kit for a period boat.i do wonder how much it would cost? im sure the labor wouldnt be bad as long as we al help each other out.......i hope we do.....

[Commodore Swab]

What its built out of will determine the cost more than anything. Just another thought, there are usually always battles between the fort and ships, fort and land, inside the fort. If we had small boats there might be the possibility of soldiers doing a raid on the camp?