WBB member 'Ronnie' is building a Devlin designed Egret. It's a 15'-2" x 4'-10" Sail/Rowing Skiff. "The Egret's versatility and style have made it one of our most popular boats. Presently we have Egrets in use in the San Juans, Puget Sound, Alaska, and on various lakes and rivers throughout the Northwest.
As a sailboat, the Egret is stable and quick. Up to four adults with gear can enjoy a day of sailing in comfort. The 75 sq. ft. spirit sail rig provides plenty of sail area to drive the hull. Though the Egret has double rowing stations, it is easily rowed by a single oarsman, adult or child, even with a load. For two oarsmen, the Egret is great fun and good transportation.
An offset outboard well is offered, and we have found it to have no vices in handling. Egret was my first design and she now has sisters a-plenty. For a variety of uses and conditions, Egret has a lot to offer." - Sam Devlin
| Specifications | |
| Length | 15' 2" |
| Beam | 4' 10" |
| Draft | 7" (board up) |
| 4' 2" (board down) | |
| Weight | 235 lbs |
| Sail area | 75 sq ft wind surf rig |
| Power | 2 HP or Oars |
| Max. Load | 690 lbs |
"Working on the inside of the hull.... Projects still outstanding are the bow and stern sealed air boxes... need to install the bow eye and pintel/gudgeons before I seal the lid. Have been fairing the inside of the hull prepping for paint. Plan to varnish the gunwhales and the top 8" above the stringer/seat riser. Then need to purchase white oak to make the seat arrangement... which will have flotation boxes under the seating. Install oar locks...then it should be ready to row. Then on to the sailing parts; mast, centerboard and rudder. The time is really spent on the details, sanding, fairing etc.. You never really know how much it takes until you do it... and realize how you could of made a certain task easier if you had done it a different way the first time. But that's how you learn I guess, with no one watching over your shoulder.
For instance from the picture you see the sealed air compartment bulk head brought all the way up to the shear line... but have since cut it down to the stringer line to make the boat look more open. I am afraid that I will, or may have already made it too nice "in my eyes" and be afraid to mess it up in the water... but I am definitely looking forward to making a first splash..." - Ronnie - Houston, TX
Ronnie's Recent Photos - Ronnie's Site
Ronnie's Beginning Photos - WBB Album
Ronnie is still very excited about this project and getting her finished up for a splash. Send some words of encouragement his way for the fine work he has completed thus far. I am looking forward to the launch day photos. Perhaps we can get him to post a video when that day comes as it's getting pretty near.
Devlin Designing Boat Builders
I've spent some time looking at that design, and couldn't get past the leeboard. Looks like you are going with a dagger board? Was that with the plans?
ReplyDeleteThe boat looks great, congratulations. Cant wait to see the splash.
The plans include the leeboard, but I have installed a centerboard box thanks to plans from another builder.
ReplyDeleteIt's cool that you've created a centerboard trunk in lieu of the leeboard. I've always thought lee boards would be a pain to deal with while sailing but have never sailed on a boat that had one.
ReplyDeletePardon my ignorance but would one have two leeboards or is relocating it an additional chore to tack?
It's kinda funny that none of the completed egrets on Devlin's website show the use of one.
For that answer you may check out Jim Michalak's designs or site.. I see a lot of his designs built with leeboards.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.duckworksbbs.com/plans/jim/michalak.htm
Jim Michalak seems to prefer a leeboard over centerboard simply because of accommodating additional interior room. Primarily one leeboard location in all of his designs that has one and that I reviewed. He also seems to favor a pivoting leeboard for sake of shallow obstructions.
ReplyDeleteCuriously I would have to believe a boat would handle differently on opposite tacks with one leeboard.
Michalak does speak of positioning the leeboard in relation to the center of sail in an article "Sail Area Math", In that proper positioning would stall the boat if one was to fall overboard: http://www.duckworksbbs.com/sails/custom/sail_area/index.htm
Howard Chapelle "Boatbuilding"-"Leeboards are rarely seen in this country, but are useful alternatives to a centerboard." Assuming he means the U.S. as he was from New Haven, Connecticut. He provides some great details as to it's construction and methods of attaching it to the hull, but nothing as to the benefits.
I could swear I remember a canoe rig that featured two leeboards one on either side. Perhaps it's my mind playing tricks on me and mirroring the image in my head. I also recall a large scow that had a very large leeboard that had to be winched into position.
Other than Michalak's reasoning for use of a leeboard to save space, and perhaps the use of one in constructing a boat that traditionally featured a leeboard; I still find myself curious as to the benefits and one as apposed to two.
I've seen a canoe rig with two leeboards, cant remember where either but its not your imagination. I've read the articles on leeboards and am putting one on my summer breeze build, but for me it comes down to aesthetics. That egret is going to look very nice from any angle.
ReplyDelete