Here it is, August 2017, I've just passed my 66th birthday and I still have yet to even finalize a choice of which boat to build, let alone get any building done. I know, "what a wuss, just pick one! Any one of them would be plenty good enough for what you will wind up using it for." And you're right, either of them would be just fine. However I find myself torn between the one that thrills my sight and the one which would probably have the best chance of being built (read that as finished and sailed, with reasonable regularity). So here's the short list of choices, one of John Welsfords designs either the Pathfinder or Navigator, or perhaps something a little more modest, like Jim Michalak's Ladybug.
Yeah, I get it. How can these boats really compete with each other? I don't really know myself. First off, the Pathfinder is like the dream come true boat. It has all the looks I desire as well as the capability and practicality I would want with the Navigator only next because it's just slightly smaller by about a foot and a half. But along with that beauty and brawn comes a higher price tag and complexity of construction which leads to increased build time and a possibility of not being able to finish before I am unable to use it (wow, did I really say that?) So in comes a Ladybug. Only a few inches shorter than the Navigator in length and beam, but a simpler and less complex build plan and still capable of what I would hope to do with it when finished, and anywhere from 1/2 to 2/3's less construction time which will result in a considerably smaller price tag.
So here I sit, facing most likely a self induced dilemma, after all it's only time and money and I'm still reasonably mobile and competent, so you say, "make a choice already, while you still draw breath!". So here it is, I guess I've just talked myself into building a Ladybug by Jim Michalak. Although I really do love the looks of JW's Pathfinder and Navigator. I'm a sucker for a classic old boat look with a Gaff rig and a mizzen. Like I said the dream boat.
Oh well, onward and ..... you get the idea. When the first of the month rolls around I intend to purchase the plans for Michalak's Ladybug and see about where and when I might be able to start in. I hope to keep track of not only the construction but also the time and the cost. However I am not always so good at that part of the business. I tend to be more about getting on with it and the rest seems to get forgotten. I will honestly try to keep up that side of it. Besides maybe one day I'll build that Pathfinder or Navigator after all.
Geoff
