Messages

1

Herreshoff Designs Not Built By HMCo / Re: Herreshoff Carpenter

« on: July 31, 2012, 03:32:05 PM »

Have the book, have the plans, talked to NW Boatbuilding School a few years ago, when they first put it up for sale.  Small Boats 2008 has  an article by Jenny Bennett, that will probably tell me more than most can.  Would still love to hear from someone who has actually sailed one.

2

Herreshoff Designs Not Built By HMCo / Herreshoff Carpenter

« on: July 30, 2012, 11:51:24 PM »

I am currently an owner of an 18 foot Scout, designed by Halsey H.  I am currently trying to sell it.  Meanwhile, I am looking for my next boat to build.  I have long been interested in the Carpenter found in L.F. Herreshoff's Sensible Cruising Designs.  I got lucky and found a copy of the original hardbound format at Half Price Books for 7.98.  I just love it when I find a deal like that.  The plates are so much nicer than in the newer soft bound edition.  Anyway, I digress.

I am curious about the original design of the Carpenter, I have not found much information on the sailing version of that design.  And I do not count the Sea Pearl as a Carpenter.  It is a plastic derivative at best.  I know there are one or more genuine articles out there.  But most of the time, if you search the web for a Carpenter, you come up with a plastic imposter.

Does anyone have any first hand knowledge of the sailing qualities of the Carpenter?  Or knowledge of someone who does?  It seems like quite a seaworthy boat, but it appears to be somewhat undercanvassed.  But maybe I am wrong about that.  With the substantial freeboard of the hull, and only 69 feet of sail, I wonder if one could get it to move very well on inland lakes.  I also wonder if it would be difficult to tack in strong winds due to the high freeboard, flat run, and conservative sail area.  Or is that just a matter of skill, that I could overcome with paractice?

These are some of the reasons I am interested in it.: 
1. It looks nice.
2. It might be well suited for cruising the Apostle Islands of Lake Superior.
3. I would like to be able to launch the boat in one bay, row under a bridge or two, then set up the rig and sail in bigger water.
4. I also want a light, open boat that I can sail off a trailer.

I am not one who cares much about speed, but I would like the boat to move enough on an inland lake to have the sense that I am actually sailing, and be able to get from point A to point B without having to time the leg with a calendar!

Anyone have any ideas?