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 |
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
of the hull and ignore the mast swinging dangerously into the other lanes on curves.
I have chosen Cartaphylla partially because of a pioneer spirit in that by building from offsets and ideas still in development I can throw a little more of me into the project as opposed to a completely developed set of plans, building schedule, et al. But this thought leads me to a thought. How much of the 'brain work' do you want prearranged for you? What are you prepared for? How much building experience do you have? How brave (fat, dumb and happy) are you? Sometimes I peg the fat, dumb and happy meter....planning projects it would take pharaoh's minions to accomplish. This is no lightweight project on our minds here gang. Be a smart scout. Be Prepared! Do some real soul searching and research before you jump into the building frenzy. Remember always as well, whatever the plans say about build time, expense and ease.... multiply that estimation by some factor approaching the yield of atom bombs. Well, at least double the estimate... 
The issue of what to build is one that has been both a joy and a curse. There are so many designs to choose from and so many personal options to consider, that making a final decision is a labor of love and hate, and a perfect appeasement for the procrastinator lodged in all of us in some degree or another. It is my firm belief that one should consider wants and 'realities' very carefully before jumping into this marriage-like project. For some, ripping a boat together on the garage floor is as simple and joyous as the magazines and web sites would have one think. For others, myself included...I figure this will be my only build in this lifetime and so I want it exactly right. Whatever our criteria for a plan might be...the choosing is one of the most important and perhaps most enjoyable aspects of the entire project. I'd suggest doing a lot of reading, (so many building philosophies out there!) comparing, monitoring the reality meter, and perhaps purchasing of several to many study plans and the like prior to deciding on the eventual 'companion'. In the process of preparing, you will fall in and out lust for many designs and learn more than you ever expected through the process. Another plus in taking a goodly time to decide is the benefit of learning more than you might suspect about your dream boat and boats in general. Needs and wants will change many times. It is an awful thing to realize this enormous investment cluttering up the workshop just isn't what you really want half way through the project. 
I'm reminded of a wise sage's advice long ago. "If you're going to jump off a bridge, jump off a short one. You'd hate to change your mind half way down." Take some extra time. Weigh out your options. Weigh out your needs. Weigh out the availability of your chosen build materials. Weigh out the build-ability in your environs Weigh out the livability of your decision and communicate, communicate, communicate. Silent friends are only good as pallbearers. You will need help. But do follow YOUR dream. You will need the cooperation of your friends and neighbors. Throw their input into the brain glue-pot. You will need the loving tolerance of your life partner as well. Include them in your decision making process. After all, they will have to live with your joy and frustration as much and as often as you. Most of all, enjoy the flirtation with the possibilities. The choosing is a joyous process filled with the possibilities and realities of working toward the fulfillment of pretty big dreams. Just imagine the joy of sitting in the cockpit in the driveway or on the water, proud as a newborns parent, your decision beneath your stroking hand. "I chose this. I BUILT THIS!" 