J.B.'s Boatyard

If I were to build another Windsprint...

I'd build the second boat first!

If you're thinking of building your own Windsprint, learn from my experience:

• Use good plywood. The extra expense is not that much and you will have a much better boat for your efforts. One year later, my boat is checking pretty badly. You will also spend a lot less time sanding and filling than you will with AC Fir. Alternatively, you can glass it with eopy and at least 4o.oz fiberglass.
• The bottom is too flimsy, build it out of 3/8" or 1/2" plywood. You'll have much less annoying oil-canning that way.
• Don't use "marine" paint. I used Interlux Brightsides one-part poly: it looks great, but at $20/quart I could have bought a lot of porch paint which would have looked just as good.
• Build big floatation tanks. I'd deck over from the mast partner foward and the rear thwart aft. You'll be glad you did when you inevitably capsize.
• Build the hollow mast as shown in the plans, the solid piece is too heavy with any wood you can afford. This is a future project for my boat.
• Bohndell Sails in Maine makes a great sail for a great price. Call Dynamite Payson or Bohndell directly to order yours.

John Bell
Kennesaw, GA

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