Product Description
The idea for The MICRO came from Craig Titmus, of Australia, who wanted a simple and fun portable sailboat design..
It includes an ample beam and freeboard, small sail, gear storage, seating for one, and safety buoyancy. The unique hull shape was developed for ease of construction, with a priority of good sailing capability.
To have strength and yet be lightweight, the plans use some non-traditional methods of assembly, specifically the "Tape & Glue 2" construction process developed and incorporated by the designer. This provides a durable, yet truly portable, finished boat, and the building process is easily mastered by the home handyman and amateur boat builder. As a result, only hand tools, a jig-saw, a power drill and a carpenters square, scissors, and tape measure are all that will be required throughout the assembly process.
Be selective in your choice of materials. Use plywood that is only exterior rated, clear and not warped. Marine Plywood is very expensive, so the use of ACX Grade is recommended, but be choosy. It is important to note, the final choice of materials is the decision of the builder. We have made specific recommendations, but if the builder has previous experience with different methods and materials, that is their choice, and we respect that decision.
Certainly, minor changes in design are encouraged, to provide a 'custom' boat to satisfy a builders specific needs. We do not make changes to the drawings. This would be up to the individual builder, and their responsibility. Also, it is very important that none of the basic design parameters be drastically modified, as this may adversely affect overall boat safety or performance.
Seating choice is also up to the builder. I have folding seat plans available for free on the website. It should also be noted that the hull modules can be glued and screwed together, for those that do not have limitations of storage or transportation. The hull can be constructed using 1/4" plywood, for greater durability, or the exterior could also be fiberglassed, allowing yet thinner and lighter (4 mm) plywood hull building material. Builders choice.
Any questions or comments regarding the construction and/or design of this project will be responded to in a timely fashion.
FYI: These plans are hand drawn one line at a time, not CAD, and as such are prone to minor flaws.
Thank you for your interest, and for purchasing these plans, and good luck with your project. And don't forget to visit www.PortableBoatPlans.com for new designs and updates.
Happy Boating!
Ken Simpson,
Designer
PortableBoatPlans.com
Note:
This is an experimental design drawn up by an untrained amateur. The Designer accepts no liability for any loss, harm or damage sustained during construction or use. Builders may use these plans to construct a small quantity of boats for their own use only. Commercial manufacturers must ask the Designer for permission.
