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Adding Passive Reflectivity to your Sailboat

Being on the water at night in a sailboat is much like driving through a busy parking lot at night with your lights off and hoping not to get hit.  There seems to be no rules as to how to avoid a collision with other boats.  Being seen is crucial to your safety on the water.  The red and green running lights provide a little visibility but these lights tend to disappear into the background given how small and dim they are.

Passive reflectivity is the solution.  Reflective tapes can provide a clear outline of your boat when hit with a flashlight or spotlight from another boat.  SOLAS reflective tape by Oralite is the most popular way to make your boat light up at night. And this method is especially effective when your boat is at anchor or unattended.

Passive reflectivity.  SOLAS coast guard approved marine tape on a sailboat

Buy placing a bright reflective tape in multiple places on your boat you can reproduce the outline of the boat so that approaching watercraft will be able to immediately tell that what they are seeing is another boat.

Finding Free Boat Plans – Skiffs Dinghies Rowboats and Runabouts

This article is written to help you find free public domain rowboat, dinghy or skiff boat plans on the internet. We also show you what tools you will need to build your own small wooden boat.

Many people dream of one day owning their own boat.  There are two ways to make this dream come true.  You can buy a boat either new or used.  Buying a boat is quick and easy and in today’s society quick and easy is popular.  New boats are expensive and drop in value substantially the second you buy them.  Used boats are much more affordable but you sometimes end up buying someone else’s problems.

There is another way to obtain a boat.  Just build it yourself.  There are several reasons for choosing this method. 

Building a boat can save you quite a bit of money. A small dory may cost you a thousand dollars to purchase but only a hundred to build yourself.

Building a boat gets you exactly what you want.  Since you are the builder you choose the features, length, width, weight, color, etc.  No need to just take what you can get.

Boat building is a great hobby. Nothing is more satisfying than  taking plain wood and turning it into a vessel that can take you across a bay or in some cases around the world.  Until just a few decades ago if you wanted a boat you had no choice but to build it or have it built.  Craftsmen have been constructing vessels for thousands of years and you can continue that tradition.

Finally, boat building can become a profitable business.  You would want to stick with simple small boats that have a high profit margin.  Dinghies are great.  Just build them, advertise and sell.

Every boat project starts with a plan.  Boat plans should outline everything you will need to complete your project in a step by step method.  There are a number of free boat plans on the internet that can be printed out and used to build a boat. (see links below)  If you are new to boat building start by building simple boats.  Some can be put together in a day or two.  Use the boat, sell it and then start another.  Once you become proficient at building small boats you are ready to move on to bigger projects. 

Here are some examples of free small boat plans available in the public domain.  The great thing about boat plans is that they are timeless and as useful today as they were 75 years ago.

Free Plans for a Three Piece Portable Boat (very unique)

Free Plans for an 8′ Simple Fishing Skiff

Free Plans for a 13′ Simple Rowboat (or small motor)

Free Plans for a Very Simple 10′ Folding Boat

Free Plans for a Basic Rowing Dory

Free Plans for a Simple Plywood Dinghy

Free Plans for an Unsinkable Fiberglassed Dinghy

Free Plans for a 15′ Rowing Dory

Before you begin your boat building project you are going to need to have a place to build that is out of the weather and the proper tools to construct the boat.  Here are the basic tools you will need:

Saw Horses
Screwdrivers (preferably cordless)
Hammer
Wood Clamps
Drill (Cordless)
Skill Saw or Table Saw
Chisel
Measuring Tape and Pencils
Jig Saw
Miter Box
Sand Paper
Planing Tool

Once you have your tools and a place to build, all you need to do is add materials and you are ready to start building your boat.  Just make sure to follow instructions and take it step by step.  Study the plans carefully before starting so that you have an image in your mind of how the pieces are going to fit together and how the finished product is to look like.

 

Cape Dory 28 Sailboat Sloop Specs Specifications Draft Beam Headroom

This article covers the specifications for the Cape Dory 28 foot Sailing Sloop.  This boat was designed by Carl Alberg as were all the Cape Dories.  It is a full keel design and comes equipped with a diesel engine. (Volvo)  Other standard equipment include such items as bronze opening ports, lightning ground system, bronze seacocks on all thru-hull fittings and solid bronze hardware.  These boats also came with a sink, icebox, and a stove.  The boat has a main and forward cabin and can comfortably cruise with 4 adults.  Between the two cabins is a port head and a starboard hanging locker.  The hull speed is going to be around 8 knots.

LOA – 28′ – 1.75″
LWL  – 22′ – 2.5″
BEAM – 8′ – 10.5″
DRAFT – 4′
DISPLACEMENT – 9000 LBS
BALLAST – 3500
SAIL AREA – 404 SF
MAST HEIGHT – 40′ 1/2″
YEARS BUILT – 1974 – 1987
NUMBER BUILT – 389
HEADROOM – 6 foot

Cape Dory 28 Sailboat Sloop For Sale – Used Boats and Parts

The Cape Dory 28 was designed by Carl Alberg and produced by Cape Dory Yachts from 1974 – 1987.  389 boats were built.  It is a full keel design with attached rudder and moderately shallow draft.  This is going to be the smallest Cape Dory that we consider a Bluewater Cruiser.   The smaller models are great for inland cruising.

The Cape Dory 28 offers a variety of cruising features combined in one design.  More than other yachts of her size.  This is one of the only 28 foot cruisers that comes standard with a club footed self-tending jib for effortless windward sailing as well as a bowsprit that incorporates an anchor roller for easy anchoring.  The boat also features a large Volvo Diesel giving it dependable power at the touch of a button.  These features, when combined with the famous Alberg full keel and moderate, well-distributed sail plan result in a yacht that is easily handled by a minimum of crew. The Cape Dory 28 has a healthy displacement of 9,000 pounds making her very seaworthy.  The yachts long keel with attached rudder allow the Cape Dory 28 to hold her course well. These features mean comfort and security in even heavy weather. Other standard equipment included are bronze opening ports, lightning ground system, bronze seacocks on all thru-hull fittings and solid bronze hardware. These reflect a boat built with the highest of standards.

Cape Dory 28 Sailboats can be purchased used in good condition for between $15,000 and $25,000.  Fair condition boats can often be found for around $10,000.

We have compiled some sources for Cape Dory sailboats for sale as well as accessories. Here they are :

Cape Dory Owners Association Main Site – Main Site on the Internet for Cape Dory Owners – Helpful in finding boats for sale and accessories.

Boats Dot Com Website – Great Site for Cape Dory 28 and other sailboats. Type in Cape Dory or Cape Dory 28 as your keyword, put in your zip code and choose no limit for range.

Yacht World Dot Com Website – Great Site for the Cape Dory and other sailboats. I have had good luck with this site. There are normally at least 5 for sale.  Type in Cape Dory as your keyword at the top of the page.

Sailing Texas Website – Great Site for finding small sailboats and Cape Dory Yachts. They have boats from more places than just Texas so don’t let the name fool you.

Boat Trader Online – Good Site for Finding Used Cape Dory Sailboats as well as other Bluewater Cruisers.

Craigslist Search Engine – Search all of craigslist at one time from one site. Lets you search the entire country. Great place to find both sailboats and parts. Simple to use. Type in your zipcode and the keyword you want to search for.

 

 

Dana 24 by Pacific Seacraft Specifications Specs Draft Beam Headroom

The purpose of this article is to provide you with specifications and details on the Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 Sailboat. Key characteristics such as draft, beam, length overall, length over the deck, and other specs have been included.

LOA: 27’3”
LOD: 24’
LWL: 21’5”
Beam: 8’7”
Draft: 3’10”
Headroom – 6’1″
Displacement: 8,000 lbs.
Ballast: 3,200 lbs. internal lead.
Sail area: 358 sq. ft. (100% foretriangle)
Power: 18 hp Yanmar Diesel
Mast Clearance: 37’4″
Water Capacity: 40 gallons
Fuel Capacity: 18 gallons

Designed by Bill Crealock. Built from 1984-99. (Back in production now) Sloop or cutter rig with 3′ long bowsprit. 8’7” width and 6’1″ headroom on a 24 foot boat with open V-berth design make it nice and roomy inside. Equipped with eight bronze opening ports. Similar to the Flicka 20. Enclosed head and shower.

The boats that I have sites for are listed to the right. We will be adding more boats as we finish research on the model.

Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 Sailboat – Used Boats For Sale

The Dana 24 by Pacific Seacraft is the larger sister to the Flicka 20. Both boats are extremely capable bluewater cruisers.  The Dana 24 is often used as a live aboard boat because of its spacious accommodations and standing headroom. The attention to detail both inside and out and the accommodations are amazing for a boat that is only 24 feet long. With the Dana 24 you get a boat that is large enough to live aboard, yet small enough to handle single handed.  The boat can also be trailered just like the Flicka 20.

The Dana 24 was originally designed by Bill Crealock and was first built by Pacific Seacraft beginning in 1984. Several Dana 24 sailboats have completed circumnavigations attesting to the boats seaworthiness. The yachts full keel and attached rudder make it ideal for long, safe and comfortable voyages anywhere in the world.  It has a relatively shallow draft for a bluewater boat which opens up cruising areas closed to deeper draft boats.

Pacific Seacraft built the Dana 24 from 1984 to 1998 then again in 2002. The Dana 24 is now built by Seacraft Yachts in the North West. Used Dana 24’s run from the $40’s to over $100k.

We have additional specifications for the Dana 24 such as LOA, Beam, Displacement, Headroom, Draft, Sail Area, etc.. here.


I had my Flicka 20 Wood / Teak Bowsprit replaced with an aluminum one. I know it’s not original equipment but I like not having to worry about it again.  I am sure the same thing can be done for the Dana 24. Here is a link to some pictures of the new bowsprit.

Aluminum Flicka 20 Replacement Retrofit Bowsprit



We have compiled some sources for Pacific Seacraft Dana 24 sailboats for sale as well as accessories. Here they are :

Dana 24 Manufacturers Main Site – This is the Main Site on the Internet for New Dana 24 Yachts for Sale and Accessories

Boats Dot Com Website – Great Site for Dana 24’s and other sailboats. Usually a couple of pages of Dana 24’s here. Use Dana 24 or Pacific Seacraft as your keyword, put in your zip code and choose no limit for range.

Yacht World Dot Com Website – Great Site for the Dana 24 and other sailboats. I have had good luck with this site. Type in Dana 24 as your keyword at the top of the page.

Sailing Texas Website – Great Site for finding small sailboats. They have boats from more places than just Texas so don’t let the name fool you.

Boat Trader Online – Good Site for Finding Used Dana 24 Sailboats as well as other Pacific Seacrafts.

Craigslist Search Engine – Search all of craigslist at one time from one site. Great place to find both sailboats and parts. Simple to use. Type in your zipcode and the keyword you want to search for.

Bristol 24 Sloop – Sailboat for Sale Used

The Bristol 24 is one of the roomiest 24 foot bluewater cruisers on the market. The design provides extremely comfortable accommodations for a 24 foot cruising boat. The yacht features 6 foot headroom (great for a 24 foot boat) and a privacy door separating the two cabins.  There is plenty of storage space under the bunks and in the galley area.  Considered to be a quality constructed bluewater cruiser.

The yacht features a full keel with the rudder attached to the keel. (keel hung rudder)  This and her 3000 lbs of ballast are what make her a so seaworthy.

The hulls and decks are constructed of hand laid fiberglass reinforced polyester resin.  The cockpit is 5 feet long with storage space in a large lazaret.   The cockpit floor as well as the decks feature a built in non skid surface.  An outboard well was optional.

Cabin space and headroom (6-foot) would make you think you were on a much larger boat. Two models were available.  One with an attractive dinette with five berths and the other with a standard arrangement and four berths.

I have compiled some sources for used Bristol sailboats for sale as well as accessories for the boat. They are as follows :

Bristol Sailboat Listings – This is a great site with many Bristol Sailboats on it.  Has larger Bristol Yachts as well as the 24.

Boats Dot Com Website – This is a great site for Bristol and other sailboats. There are usually a couple of pages of Bristol here. Type in Bristol as your keyword, put in your zip code and choose no limit for range.

Yacht World Dot Com Website – Yacht World is a great place to find Bristols and other sailboats. I have had good luck using this site. Type in Bristol 24 as your keyword at the top of the page.

Sailing Texas Website – Great Site for finding small sailboats and Bristol 24 cruisers. They have boats from more places than just Texas so don’t let the name fool you.  There are normally several Flickas on this site.

Bristol Owners Group – Great place to discuss Bristol Sailboats and to find Bristol Yachts for Sale and Find Accessories.

Craigslist Search Engine – Search all of craigslist at one time from one site with search tempest. Great place to find Bristol 24 sailboats and parts. Simple to use. Type in your zipcode and the keyword you want to search for.

 

Cal 20 Jensen Marine – Specifications Specs Draft Beam Mast Height

The purpose of this website is to provide you with some basic specifications on the Cal 20 by Jensen Marine.  This was an extremely popular boat and a good cruiser due to its heavy keel.

The California or Cal 20 was designed by C. William Lapworth in 1960 and went into production in 1961. It quickly became the most popular of the Cal line of fiberglass sailboats and 1,945 of the boats were built.

The specs on the boat are as follows:

LOA: 20’0″
LWL: 18’0″
Beam: 7’0″
Draft: 3’4″
Cockpit Length – 8′
Displacement: 2,040 pounds
Ballast: 850 to 900 pounds
Sail Area: 196sq. ft.
Sitting Headroom
Inboard Motor Well (holds up to a 6 hp engine)
A small pump out toilet was standard on many of the boats.
Original Base Price – $3,200
Average price used now – $1,500 – $3,000

Click Here for a Cal 20 Owners Manual (California 20 Jensen Marine Manual)

Bristol Channel Cutter 28 Specifications Draft Mast Height Beam Headroom

The Bristol Channel Cutter 28 is the big sister to the Falmouth Cutter 22.  Both boats were designed by Lyle Hess.  This beautiful yacht features a long bowsprit, rugged lines and a wide beam.  The hull is hand laid and considered to be virtually bulletproof.   This boat is truly built for long distance cruising.

For a 28 foot boat it is very roomy and accommodating making it a popular live aboard.  A full keel and broad beam make for a stable boat and the boats tremendous sail area make her fast even in light winds.  The boats specs are listed below.



* LOA (w/sprit): 37’9″ (11.5 m.)
* LOD: 28’1″ (8.6 m.)
* LWL: 26’3″ (8.0 m.)
* Beam: 10’1″ (3.1 m.)
* Draft: 4’10″ (1.48 m.)
* Ballast: 4,600 lbs. (2,087 kgs.)
* Disp: 14,000 lbs. (6,351 kgs.)
* SA (100%): 556 sq.ft. (51.7 sq.m.)
* Mast above water: 41’6″ (12.7 m.)
* Ballast/Disp: .33
* Disp/Length: 345
* SA/Disp: 15.3
* Fuel tankage: 32 gal. (121 ltr.)
* Water tankage: 73 gal. (276 ltr.)
* Auxiliary: Yanmar 3GM30F 27-hp diesel
* Cabin headroom: 6’6″ (1.98 m.)
* Designer: Lyle C. Hess
* Base price: approx. $150,000 in 2001


Bristol Channel Cutter 28 – Boats For Sale Used

If you like the Falmouth Cutter 22 then you are going to love its big sister, the Bristol Channel Cutter 28.  This is truly an around the world boat.  A fact that has been proven repeatedly.   The yacht was designed by Lyle Hess and first built by the Sam L. Morse company in 1975.  It is now built by Cape George Cutter Marine Works in Washington State. Our research shows that about 127 boats have been built.

 The boat is very roomy for a 28 footer and is used by many as a live aboard cruiser.  Two would be the maximum recommended number of occupants.  The older Bristol Cutters sell in the $80,000 – $120,000 range while the newer models built in 2000 or above sell for around $200,000.  Resale value is excellent.

Bristol Channel Cutter 28 Main Site – This is the Main Site on for Bristol Channel Cutter owners.

Rogue Wave Yacht Sales – popular broker for Bluewater Boats including the Bristol Channel Cutter 28.

Boats Dot Com Website – Great Site for used Falmouth Cutter 22’s and other sailboats. Usually a few Falmouth Cutters here. Just type in Falmouth Cutter as your keyword, put in your zip code and choose your range.

Yacht World Dot Com Website – Good Site for Falmouth Cutters and other sailboats. I have had good luck with this site for other small boats. Type in Falmouth Cutter as your keyword at the top of the page.

Sailing Texas Website – Great Site for finding small cruising sailboats like the Bristol Channel Cutter. They have boats from more places than just Texas so don’t let the name fool you.

Sam Morse Website – Original builders site.  Has a section for owners that inlcuded equipment and used boats.

Craigslist Search Engine – With this site you can search all of craigslist at one time from one site. Great place to find Bristol Channel Cutter 22 sailboats and parts in the US. It is simple to use. Type in your zipcode and the keyword you want to search for.